Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes a lens module; a front body coupled to the lens module and including an upper plate and a first side plate extending downward from the end of the upper plate; a rear body coupled to the front body and including a lower plate facing the upper plate in the optical axis direction and a second side plate extending upward from the end of the lower plate; a substrate disposed in the space formed by the coupling of the front body and the rear body; and a coupling portion disposed between the outer surface of the rear body and the inner surface of the front body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This embodiment relates to a camera module.

Background Art

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

[0003] As automobiles become more popular, ultra-small cameras are used not only in small electronic products but also in vehicles. For example, a black box camera for vehicle protection or objective materials for traffic accidents, a rear monitoring camera that allows a driver to monitor a blind spot area at the rear of the vehicle through a screen to ensure safety when the vehicle is reversing, a peripheral sensing camera that can monitor the periphery of the vehicle, etc.

[0004] A camera can include a lens, a lens module that houses the lens, an image sensor that converts an image of a subject collected by the lens into an electrical signal, and a printed circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted. The housing that forms the outer shape of the camera has a structure in which the entire area is sealed to prevent internal components from being contaminated by foreign substances containing moisture.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] This embodiment aims to provide a camera module in which the connection between a plurality of housings can be easily made and heat transfer to the space inside the housing can be prevented during the assembly process.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The camera module according to this embodiment includes: a lens module; a front body coupled to the lens module and including an upper plate and a first side plate extending downward from the end of the upper plate; a rear body coupled to the front body and including a lower plate facing the upper plate in the optical axis direction and a second side plate extending upward from the end of the lower plate; a substrate disposed in the space formed by the coupling of the front body and the rear body; and a coupling portion disposed between the outer surface of the rear body and the inner surface of the front body.

[0007] The inner surface of the first side plate is arranged to enclose the outer surface of the second side plate, and the connecting portion can be positioned between the inner surface of the first side plate and the outer surface of the second side plate.

[0008] The lower surface of the first side plate and the lower surface of the bottom plate can form the same plane.

[0009] A first gap can be formed between the inner surface of the first side plate and the outer surface of the second side plate, the first gap being a region that is separated in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, at least a portion of which is a region.

[0010] A first chamfered surface is formed in the corner region connecting the lower surface of the first side plate and the inner surface of the first side plate, and a second chamfered surface is formed in the corner region connecting the lower surface of the rear body and the side surface of the rear body, and the connecting portion can be positioned between the first chamfered surface and the second chamfered surface.

[0011] A first groove is formed on the outer surface of the first side plate, having a shape that is recessed from other areas, and at least a portion of the first groove can overlap with the substrate or the second side plate in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0012] A second groove is formed on the outer surface of the second side plate, having a shape that is recessed from other areas, and the second groove can be positioned above the joint.

[0013] The side surface of the substrate and the inner surface of the first side plate can be separated in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0014] The front body may include a first guide that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper plate, with its lower surface supporting the upper surface of the substrate.

[0015] The lower surface of the substrate can come into contact with the upper surface of the second side plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] Through this embodiment, the front body and rear body are joined by welding, eliminating the need for screws for fastening between the front and rear bodies and sealing members for waterproofing. This offers the advantage of reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the process by eliminating the screw joining step.

[0017] Furthermore, it has the advantage of preventing heat generated during the bonding process from being transferred to the circuit board via the grooves between the front and rear bodies. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] A perspective view illustrating the external appearance of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing the lower surface of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] An exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is shown from a different angle. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] A magnified view of A in Figure 5. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the surface of a joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A plan view illustrating the joint structure of the front body and the rear body through the joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]Drawing showing a modification of the camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Table measuring the temperature of the substrate in the welding process according to the presence or absence of the first groove and the second groove according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to the partial embodiments described, and can be embodied in various different forms. Within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, one or more of the constituent elements between the embodiments can be selectively combined or replaced and used.

[0021] In addition, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention are interpreted as meanings generally understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless clearly defined and described specifically, and terms generally used like those defined in a dictionary can be interpreted considering their meanings in the context of the related technology.

[0022] In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for explaining the embodiments and do not limit the present invention.

[0023] In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless otherwise specifically mentioned in the text, and when described as "at least one (or one or more) of A and (and) B, C", it can include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C.

[0024] Furthermore, when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as 1st, 2nd, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. Such terms are used to distinguish a component from other components, and the term does not limit the component in question in terms of its nature, order, or sequence.

[0025] Furthermore, when it is stated that one component is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, this includes not only cases where that component is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” directly to that other component, but also cases where it is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” by yet another component between that component and that other component.

[0026] Furthermore, when it is stated that a component is formed or positioned "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or positioned between the two components. Also, when expressed as "above" or "below," it can include not only an upward direction but also a downward direction relative to one component.

[0027] In the following, "optical axis direction" is defined as the optical axis direction of the lens. On the other hand, "optical axis direction" can also correspond to "vertical direction," "x-axis direction," etc.

[0028] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Referring to Figure 11, a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body 2, doors 3, glass 4, headlights 5, taillights 6, and a camera module 10.

[0031] The body 2 can be an exterior component of the vehicle 1. The body 2 can have various forms, such as a frame type or a monocoque type. One or more doors 3 can be attached to the sides of the body 2. Glass 4 can be attached to the front and rear (filler-formed) upper parts of the body 2 and to the doors 3. The headlamp 5 can be mounted on the front lower part of the body 2. The taillamp 6 can be mounted on the rear lower part of the body 2.

[0032] A camera module 10 can be installed on the side of the body 2 or on one or more of the doors 3 located towards the front. The camera module 10 can be installed in front of the glass 4 that is coupled to the door 3. In other words, the side mirrors in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment can be replaced by the camera module 10.

[0033] The camera module 10 can capture images of the rear on both sides of the vehicle. The images captured by the camera module 10 can be electrically connected to a display unit (not shown) via an electronic control unit (ECU) or the like. Therefore, the images captured by the camera module 10 can be controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) and played back on the display unit.

[0034] An interior space for the driver can be formed inside the body 2. A display unit can be installed inside the body 2. The display unit can output video captured by the camera module 10. The display unit can be installed on the dashboard (not shown) inside the body 2.

[0035] The aforementioned installation configuration of the camera module 10 within the vehicle 1 is illustrative, and the camera module 10 can be used as one or more of the vehicle 1's front camera, side camera, rear camera, and black box.

[0036] The camera module according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the lower surface of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a drawing showing Figure 3 from a different angle; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is an enlarged view of A in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a drawing illustrating the surface of a joint according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 8 is a plan view illustrating the joint structure of the front body and rear body through the joint according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 8, the camera module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a front body 100, a rear body 200, a lens module 300, a substrate 400, and a coupling portion 500.

[0039] The front body 100 can form the outer shape of the camera module 10 by being coupled with the rear body 200. The front body 100 may be named the first body. The front body 100 may be named the front housing. With respect to the direction of incident light, the front body 100 can be positioned in front of the rear body 200. The front body 100 may include a first main body 101 (see Figure 1).

[0040] The first body 101 may include an upper plate 110 that forms the upper surface of the front body 100, and a first side plate 120 that extends downward from the end of the upper plate 110 and forms the side surface of the front body 100. The first body 101 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Within the first body 101, an internal space 105 (see Figure 4) may be formed, separated from other areas by the lower surface of the upper plate 110 and the inner surface of the first side plate 120.

[0041] When the front body 100 and the rear body 200 are joined together, the lower surface of the first side plate 120 can be positioned to form a flat plane with the lower surface of the lower plate 210 of the rear body 200, which will be described later.

[0042] A barrel portion 140 can be formed on the first body 101, protruding upward from other areas, and to which the lens module 300 is coupled. The barrel portion 140 may have a circular cross-section. A hollow 142 can be formed inside the barrel portion 140 so as to which at least a part of the lens module 300 is coupled. The hollow 142 can communicate with the internal space 105 of the first body 101.

[0043] In the corner region of the side surface of the front body 100, a groove 107 (see Figure 3) can be formed that is recessed inward compared to other regions. Multiple grooves 107 can be provided and positioned at one corner of the front body 100 and at the other corners opposite to that corner.

[0044] The front body 100 may include a first guide 118. The first guide 118 may be formed in a shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper plate 110. The first guide 118 may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the first side plate 120. The first guide 118 can support the upper surface of the substrate 400. The lower surface of the first guide 118 can contact the upper surface of the substrate 400. This prevents external foreign matter from flowing in through the lower surface of the first guide 118 and the upper surface of the substrate 400. The first guide 118 may be arranged around the internal space 105 of the front body 100.

[0045] The front body 100 can be made of a metal material. For example, the material of the front body 100 may be aluminum (Al). The front body 100 can be formed by a forging process.

[0046] A first groove 125 can be formed on the side surface of the front body 100. The first groove 125 can be located on the outer surface of the first side plate 120. The first groove 125 can be formed recessed inward from other areas on the outer surface of the first side plate 120. The first groove 125 can be formed to have a closed loop shape along the periphery of the front body 100. With respect to the direction (Y) perpendicular to the optical axis direction (X) of the lens module 300, the first groove 125 can be positioned to overlap with the second side plate 220 of the rear body 200, which will be described later. The first groove 125 can be positioned to overlap with the substrate 400 in the direction (Y) perpendicular to the optical axis direction (X). In the first side plate 120, the thickness of the region in which the first groove 125 is formed may be smaller than the thickness of other areas.

[0047] The rear body 200 can form the outer shape of the camera module 10 by being coupled with the front body 100. The rear body 200 may be named the second body. The rear body 200 may be named the rear housing. With respect to the direction of incident light, the rear body 200 can be positioned behind the front body 100. The rear body 200 may include a second main body 201 (see Figure 3).

[0048] The second body 201 may include a lower plate 210 that forms the lower surface of the rear body 200, and a second side plate 220 that extends upward from the end of the lower plate 210 and forms the side surface of the rear body 200. The second body 201 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the first body 101. An internal space 202 may be formed within the second body 201, separated from other areas by the upper surface of the lower plate 210 and the inner surface of the second side plate 220. The internal space 202 of the rear body 200 may, together with the internal space 105 of the front body 100, form a space within the camera module 10.

[0049] When the front body 100 and the rear body 200 are joined, the second side plate 220 can be positioned inside the first side plate 110. The first side plate 110 can be positioned to enclose the outer surface of the second side plate 220. In this case, the outer surface of the second side plate 220 and the inner surface of the first side plate 110 are partially connected through a joint 500 described later, and the remaining parts can be separated from each other with respect to a direction (Y) perpendicular to the optical axis direction (X). A gap (G, see Figure 8) can be formed between at least a portion of the outer surface of the second side plate 220 and at least a portion of the inner surface of the first side plate 120. The gap (G) can be positioned above the joint 500.

[0050] When the front body 100 and the rear body 200 are joined together, the lower surface of the lower plate 210 and the lower surface of the first side plate 120 can form the same plane.

[0051] To facilitate the connection between the front body 100 and the rear body 200, an inclined surface 217 can be formed on the upper outer surface of the second side plate 220, as shown in Figure 6. The inclined surface 217 can be formed in a shape in which the thickness of the second side plate 220 decreases as it goes downwards.

[0052] A groove 207 (see Figure 3) can be formed in the corner region of the side surface of the rear body 200, having a shape that is recessed inward compared to other regions. Multiple grooves 207 can be provided and arranged at one corner of the rear body 200 and at the other corner opposite to that corner. The grooves 207 of the rear body 200 can be arranged to face the grooves 107 of the front body 100 in the direction of the optical axis.

[0053] A connector lead-out portion 250 can be positioned at the lower part of the rear body 200, having a shape that protrudes downward from other areas. The connector lead-out portion 250 can have a shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the lower plate 210. A space can be formed inside the connector lead-out portion 250 for a connector 490, which will be described later. An external terminal is connected to the connector lead-out portion 250, and by connecting the external terminal and the connector 490, power can be supplied to the camera module 10, or electrical signals related to driving can be transmitted and received.

[0054] The upper surface of the lower plate 210 may be provided with a protruding portion 213 that protrudes upward from other areas. The protruding portion 213 may be positioned to face the image sensor 410 of the substrate 400, which will be described later, in the optical axis direction. The protruding portion 213 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The upper surface of the protruding portion 213 may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the substrate 400 in the optical axis direction. Alternatively, the upper surface of the protruding portion 213 may be in contact with the lower surface of the substrate 400. The substrate 400 can be supported through the protruding portion 213, and heat generated from the substrate 400 can be easily released to the outside.

[0055] A projection 270 may be formed on the upper surface of the rear body 200. The projection 270 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the second side plate 220 compared to other areas. Multiple projections 270 may be provided and arranged spaced apart from each other along the perimeter of the rear body 200. The projection 270 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The projection 270 can be coupled to a coupling hole 430 of the substrate 400, which will be described later.

[0056] The rear body 200 can be made of a metal material. For example, the material of the rear body 200 may be aluminum (Al). The rear body 200 can be formed by a forging process.

[0057] The lens module 300 can be coupled to the front body 100. The lens module 300 can be arranged such that at least a portion is coupled to the barrel portion 140 of the front body 100, and the other portion protrudes above the barrel portion 140. The lens module 300 may include a barrel and one or more lenses 310 housed within the barrel. The lenses 310 can be arranged to face the image sensor 410 of the substrate 400 in the optical axis direction. The lenses 310 can be optically aligned with the image sensor 410. Multiple lenses 310 can be provided and arranged spaced apart from each other along the optical axis.

[0058] A flange 330 can be formed on the outer surface of the lens module 300, having a shape that protrudes outward from other areas. The area where the flange 330 is formed can have a larger cross-sectional area than other areas. When the lens module 300 and the front body 100 are connected, the flange 330 can be positioned on the barrel portion 140. A sealing member (not shown) is placed between the flange 330 and the barrel portion 140 to prevent foreign matter from flowing into the space inside the camera module 10.

[0059] The substrate 400 can be placed in the space within the camera module 10. The substrate 400 can be placed between the front body 100 and the rear body 200. As shown in Figure 6, the upper surface of the substrate 400 can be supported by the lower surface of the first guide 118 of the front body 100. The lower surface of the substrate 400 can be supported by the upper surface of the second side plate 220. The lower surface of the substrate 400 can be in contact with the upper surface of the second side plate 220. This allows the substrate 400 to be firmly bonded between the front body 100 and the rear body 200.

[0060] The substrate 400 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The substrate 400 can be formed in the shape of a plate having a predetermined thickness with respect to the optical axis direction (X).

[0061] One or more electronic components for driving the camera module 10 can be arranged on the surface of the substrate 400. For example, an image sensor 410 can be arranged on the upper surface of the substrate 400, and the image sensor 410 can be positioned to face the lens 310 in the optical axis direction. A connector 490 can be mounted on the lower surface of the substrate 400 and can be electrically connected to external terminals through the connector 490.

[0062] A coupling hole 430 can be formed in the region of the substrate 400 that faces the projection 270 of the rear body 200 in the direction of the optical axis, with a shape that penetrates from the top surface to the bottom surface. When the substrate 400 and the rear body 200 are coupled, the projection 270 can be coupled to the coupling hole 430. This allows the coupling state of the substrate 400 to be firmly maintained.

[0063] On the other hand, two of the projections 270 and coupling holes 430 are positioned on one side of the rear body 200 and the substrate 400, and one is positioned on the other side of the rear body 200 and the substrate 400 opposite to that side, allowing the coupling direction to be guided during the assembly process.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, a gap (G) can also be formed between the side surface of the substrate 400 and the inner surface of the first side plate 120. Through this gap (G), the side surface of the substrate 400 and the inner surface of the first side plate 120 can be separated in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. In this case, the length of the gap (G) between the side surface of the substrate 400 and the inner surface of the first side plate 120 can be greater than the size of the gap (G) between the outer surface of the second side plate 220 and the inner surface of the first side plate 120. For distinction, the gap (G) between the outer surface of the second side plate 220 and the inner surface of the first side plate 120 can be named the first gap, and the gap (G) between the side surface of the substrate 400 and the inner surface of the first side plate 120 can be named the second gap. In this case, the second gap can be located above the first gap.

[0065] The first gap may be 15% or less of the thickness of the first side plate 120 or the thickness of the second side plate 220.

[0066] The following describes the coupling structure between the front body 100 and the rear body 200.

[0067] In this embodiment, the camera module 10 can be joined by welding the front body 100 and the rear body 200. For example, the front body 100 and the rear body 200 can be joined by laser welding. As shown in Figures 2, 6, and 8, the front body 100 and the rear body 200 can be joined by welding the lower surface of the first side plate 120 and the lower surface of the lower plate 210, which are arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. This has the advantage of reducing manufacturing costs and improving production efficiency because parts such as screws for fastening the front body 100 and the rear body 200 and sealing members for waterproofing can be omitted.

[0068] More specifically, a joint 500 can be formed between the front body 100 and the rear body 200. The joint 500 may be a region formed by welding between the front body 100 and the rear body 200. The joint 500 can be formed between the inner surface of the first side plate 120 and the side surface of the rear body 200. The joint 500 can be formed between the inner surface of the first side plate 120 and the outer surface of the second side plate 220. The joint 500 can be formed between the lower surface of the first side plate 120 and the lower surface of the lower plate 210. The joint 500 may have a closed-loop cross-section.

[0069] The lower surface of the joint 500 can form a flat plane with the lower surface of the first side plate 120 and the lower surface of the lower plate 210.

[0070] The surface of the joint portion 500 may have a wobble shape. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the surface of the joint portion 500 may have multiple peaks 510 that protrude from other areas and multiple valleys 520 that are recessed from the surface of the peaks 510, arranged to alternate with each other.

[0071] On the other hand, for the convenience of the assembly process, as shown in Figure 8, chamfered surfaces 128 and 218 can be formed on the side surface of the rear body 200 and the inner surface of the first side plate 120, respectively, corresponding to the formation area of ​​the joint portion 500. The chamfered surfaces 128 and 218 may include a first chamfered surface 128 formed in a corner region connecting the lower surface of the first side plate 120 and the inner surface of the first side plate 120, and a second chamfered surface 218 formed in a corner region connecting the lower surface of the rear body 200 and the side surface of the rear body 200. The joint portion 500 can be formed between the first chamfered surface 128 and the second chamfered surface 218. The region formed between the first chamfered surface 128 and the second chamfered surface 218 may have a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases as it goes upwards.

[0072] For convenience during welding, the corresponding surfaces of the front body 100 and the rear body 200 in the area where the joint 500 is formed can be surface-treated, such as by etching.

[0073] On the other hand, as mentioned above, the first groove 125 can be formed on the side surface of the front body 100. Through the first groove 125, the transfer of heat generated during the welding process between the front body 100 and the rear body 200 to the substrate 400 can be reduced. This is because the transfer path of heat generated from the welding area is reduced by decreasing the thickness of a portion of the first side plate 120 corresponding to the area in which the first groove 125 is formed.

[0074] Figure 9 shows a modified example of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to Figure 9, a first groove 125 can be formed on the outer surface of the first side plate 120. In this case, the first groove 125 can be positioned relatively higher than in the previously described embodiment. Specifically, the first groove 125 can be positioned so as to overlap the substrate 400 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0076] This modified version is characterized in that a second groove 229 is formed on the outer surface of the second side plate 220. The second groove 229 may have a shape that is recessed inward from other areas on the outer surface of the second side plate 220. The second groove 229 may be arranged to overlap the first side plate 120 in a direction (Y) perpendicular to the optical axis direction (X). The length of the second groove 229 in the optical axis direction (X) may be smaller than the length of the first groove 125 in the optical axis direction (X).

[0077] The region in the second side plate 220 where the second groove 229 is formed can have a smaller thickness than other regions. This reduces the heat transfer path generated from the welded region, as is the case with the first groove 125.

[0078] Figure 10 is a table showing the temperature of the substrate measured during the welding process depending on the presence or absence of the first groove and the second groove according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to Figure 10, Case 1 is the case in which neither the first groove 125 nor the second groove 229 is formed in the first side plate 120 and the second side plate 220, respectively; Case 2 is the case in which only the first groove 125 is formed in the first side plate 120; and Case 3 is the case in which the first groove 125 is formed in the first side plate 120 and the second groove 229 is formed in the second side plate 220.

[0080] As a result, as shown in the table in Figure 10, it can be confirmed that in Case 2, the temperature of the substrate 400 is formed relatively lower during the welding process compared to Case 1. Furthermore, in Case 3, it can be confirmed that the temperature of the substrate 400 is formed even lower during the welding process compared to Case 2.

[0081] This embodiment has the advantage of reducing the transfer of heat generated during the joining process between the front body and the rear body to the substrate via the groove.

[0082] The fact that all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described as being combined into one or operating in combination does not mean that the present invention is necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the object of the present invention, all components can also be selectively combined into one or more units and operate together. Furthermore, terms such as "includes," "constitutes," and "has," as described above, should be interpreted as meaning that the component in question may be inherent, rather than excluding other components, and therefore may further include other components, unless otherwise stated. All terms, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted as corresponding to their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as ideal or overly formal unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0083] The above description merely illustrates the technical concept of the present invention, and any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs will be able to make various modifications and comparisons, provided that they do not deviate from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, not to limit the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments.

[0084] The scope of protection of this invention should be interpreted in accordance with the claims below, and all technical ideas within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of this invention.

Claims

1. Lens module; A front body coupled to the lens module, including an upper plate and a first side plate extending downward from the end of the upper plate; A rear body connected to the front body, including a lower plate facing the upper plate in the optical axis direction and a second side plate extending upward from the end of the lower plate; A substrate disposed in the space formed by the joining of the front body and the rear body; and A camera module including a coupling portion positioned between the outer surface of the rear body and the inner surface of the front body.

2. The inner surface of the first side plate is arranged to enclose the outer surface of the second side plate. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is disposed between the inner surface of the first side plate and the outer surface of the second side plate.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the first side plate and the lower surface of the bottom plate form the same plane.

4. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein a first gap is formed between the inner surface of the first side plate and the outer surface of the second side plate, the first gap being a region in which at least a portion is separated in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

5. A first chamfered surface is formed in the corner region connecting the lower surface of the first side plate and the inner surface of the first side plate. A second chamfered surface is formed in the corner region connecting the lower surface of the rear body and the side surface of the rear body. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein the connecting portion is disposed between the first chamfered surface and the second chamfered surface.

6. A first groove is formed on the outer surface of the first side plate, which is recessed compared to other areas. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first groove overlaps with the substrate or the second side plate in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

7. A second groove, which is recessed in shape compared to other areas, is formed on the outer surface of the second side plate. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the second groove is positioned above the coupling portion.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the side surface of the substrate and the inner surface of the first side plate are separated in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the front body protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper plate and includes a first guide whose lower surface supports the upper surface of the substrate.

10. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the substrate is in contact with the upper surface of the second side plate.

Images