Lens module and camera module

Abstract

This embodiment relates to a lens module including a first lens having a central portion including a curved surface and a peripheral portion extending from the central portion, an electrode disposed on the first lens, and a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion disposed on the electrode, wherein the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion each include a first surface and a second surface facing each other with the central portion therebetween, and the first surface and the second surface are convex toward the central portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

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

[0005] Due to the nature of automobiles being outdoors, the temperature inside and outside the automobile varies widely depending on the season. For example, the interior temperature may be higher than the exterior temperature in summer, and may drop below zero in winter. Therefore, sudden temperature changes can cause frost and condensation to form on the camera lens and glass, resulting in unsatisfactory photographs and product malfunctions.

[0006] In particular, vehicle cameras used in autonomous vehicles have the problem of distorting images due to fogging and icing that occurs on the lens surface exposed to the outside due to changes in temperature and humidity.To solve this problem, camera modules that defogging and deicing are used by heating the lens surface.

[0007] Conventional camera modules have a problem in that the curvature of the lens causes the current density to be concentrated in the periphery of the lens rather than in the center of the lens.

[0008] In addition, there is a problem that unnecessary current is consumed for de-fogging and de-icing in the center of the lens due to the bias of current density in the peripheral area. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] This embodiment provides a camera module that can remove fogging, icing, etc. from the lens surface in a short time.

[0010] In addition, it provides a camera module that can prevent distortion through defogging and de-icing.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera module that can prevent the occurrence of frost-containing dew condensation on the lens.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera module that can control the lens temperature by increasing the current density at a desired position.

[0013] In addition, the present invention provides a camera module that can minimize the current used for lens defogging and deicing, and the defogging and deicing time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The lens module of this embodiment includes a first lens including a central portion including a curved surface and a peripheral portion extending from the central portion, an electrode disposed on the first lens, and a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion disposed on the electrode, and the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion each include a first surface and a second surface facing each other with the central portion therebetween, and the first surface and the second surface may be convex toward the central portion.

[0015] Furthermore, the first lens may include a boundary portion where the central portion and the peripheral portion meet, and the curvature of the portion of the boundary portion facing the first surface of the first conductive portion may be different from the curvature of the first surface of the first conductive portion, and the curvature of the portion of the boundary portion facing the second surface of the second conductive portion may be different from the curvature of the second surface of the second conductive portion.

[0016] Furthermore, the first surface of the first conductive portion may have a first curvature different from the curvature of the second surface of the second conductive portion.

[0017] Furthermore, the first lens may include a boundary portion where the central portion and the peripheral portion meet, the first surface of the first conductive portion may include a 1-1 surface and a 1-2 surface, and the shortest distance between the 1-1 surface of the first conductive portion and the boundary portion of the first lens may be different from the shortest distance between the 1-2 surface of the first conductive portion and the boundary portion.

[0018] The first conductive portion may bend in a direction different from a direction in which a portion of the boundary portion adjacent to the first conductive portion is bent.

[0019] Furthermore, the first lens may include an outer edge of the peripheral portion, the first surface of the first conductive portion may include a 1-1 surface and a 1-2 surface, and the shortest distance between the 1-1 surface of the first conductive portion and the outer edge of the first lens may be different from the shortest distance between the 1-2 surface of the first conductive portion and the outer edge of the first lens.

[0020] In addition, the first lens may include a boundary portion where the central portion and the peripheral portion meet, and an outer edge of the peripheral portion, and the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion may be disposed closer to the boundary portion of the first lens than the outer edge of the peripheral portion of the first lens.

[0021] Furthermore, the first surface of the first conductive portion may include a 1-1 surface and a 1-2 surface, and the second surface of the second conductive portion may include a 2-1 surface that overlaps with the 1-1 surface of the first conductive portion in a first direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens, and a 2-2 surface that overlaps with the 1-2 surface of the first conductive portion in the first direction, and the shortest distance on the surface of the electrode connecting the 1-1 surface of the first conductive portion and the 2-1 surface of the second conductive portion may be the same as the shortest distance on the surface of the electrode connecting the 1-2 surface of the first conductive portion and the 2-2 surface of the second conductive portion.

[0022] The 1-1 surface of the first conductive portion and the 1-2 surface of the first conductive portion may be spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction.

[0023] The first lens may include a boundary portion where the central portion and the peripheral portion meet, and the curvature of each of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion may be different from the curvature of the boundary portion.

[0024] The first conductive part may be symmetrical to the second conductive part with respect to the optical axis of the first lens.

[0025] Also, the first lens may be the lens located at the top.

[0026] The electrodes may include transparent electrodes.

[0027] Also, the first conductive part and the second conductive part may be fixed to the electrode by a conductive adhesive.

[0028] The camera module of this embodiment may include a substrate, a holder disposed on the substrate, a lens module of paragraph 1 disposed in the holder, a lens disposed in the holder and below the first lens of the lens module, an image sensor disposed on the substrate and at a position corresponding to the lens, and a flexible printed circuit board having one end disposed on the substrate and the other end disposed on the holder.

[0029] The lens module of this embodiment includes a first lens including a central portion including a curved surface and a peripheral portion extending from the central portion, an electrode disposed on the first lens, and first and second conductive portions disposed on the electrode, at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the peripheral portion includes a flat portion, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are disposed on the flat portion, and the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are disposed to face each other with the central portion in between, the first lens includes a boundary portion where the central portion and the peripheral portion meet, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion have shapes that are symmetrical to each other with respect to the optical axis of the central portion, and the shortest straight-line distance between the central portion of the first conductive portion and the central portion of the second conductive portion may be smaller than the shortest straight-line distance between an end of the first conductive portion and an end of the second conductive portion.

[0030] Furthermore, the first lens may include a boundary portion where the central portion and the peripheral portion meet, the first conductive portion may include a first surface facing the second conductive portion, the first conductive portion may be disposed on the first surface of the first conductive portion and include a 1-1 surface and a 1-2 surface spaced apart from each other, and the shortest straight-line distance between the 1-1 surface of the first conductive portion and the boundary portion of the first lens may be different from the shortest straight-line distance between the 1-2 surface of the first conductive portion and the boundary portion of the first lens.

[0031] The first conductive portion may bend in a direction different from a direction in which a portion of the first lens adjacent to the first conductive portion in the boundary portion is bent.

[0032] The lens module of this embodiment includes a first lens including a central portion including a curved surface and a peripheral portion extending from the central portion, an electrode arranged on the first lens, and first and second conductive portions arranged on the electrode, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion being arranged to face each other with the central portion therebetween, the first lens including a boundary portion where the central portion and the peripheral portion meet, and the shortest current path between the end of the first conductive portion and the end of the second conductive portion may be the same as the shortest current path between the center of the first conductive portion and the center of the second conductive portion.

[0033] The shortest current path may be a distance extending along the surface of the electrode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] Through this embodiment, fogging, icing, etc. on the lens surface can be removed in a short time.

[0035] In addition, distortion can be prevented through defogging and deicing.

[0036] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of frost-containing dew condensation on the lens.

[0037] Furthermore, the temperature of the lens can be controlled by increasing the current density at a desired position.

[0038] In addition, the current used for de-fogging and de-icing the lens can be minimized, as well as the de-fogging and de-icing time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a partial configuration of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 taken along line B-B. [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view of a first conductive part and a second conductive part of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating current density of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a graph showing a de-icing interval according to the prior art; [Figure 11] 10 is a graph showing a de-icing period of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but 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.

[0042] 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 terms commonly used together with predefined terms shall be interpreted in light of the contextual meaning of the relevant art.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Furthermore, when describing components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. are used to distinguish a component from another component, and the term does not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding component.

[0046] Furthermore, when a component is described as being 'coupled', 'coupled', or 'connected' to another component, this includes not only when the component is directly 'coupled', 'coupled', or 'connected' to the other component, but also when the component is 'coupled', 'coupled', or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Hereinafter, the configuration of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lens module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1, FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a partial configuration of a lens module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along AA of FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along BB of FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first conductive part and a second conductive part of a lens module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the current density of a lens module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a graph showing the de-icing period according to the prior art, and FIG. 11 is a graph showing the de-icing period of a lens module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] A lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a lens 130. The lens 130 may be disposed in a holder 100. The lens 130 may be disposed in a first holder 110. The lens 130 may be disposed in a second holder 120. The lens 130 may be disposed between spacers 140. The lens 130 may include a plurality of lenses 130. The plurality of lenses 130 may be spaced apart by the spacers 140.

[0051] The lens 130 may include a first lens 200. The first lens 200 may be a lens disposed at the top of the plurality of lenses 130. The first lens 200 may be a lens exposed to the outside. The first lens 200 may be disposed closest to the object among the plurality of lenses 130. The first lens 200 may include a first surface facing the object side and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface. The first lens 200 may include a central portion 210 and a peripheral portion 220. The central portion 210 may include a curved surface. The central portion 210 may be disposed at the center of the first lens 200. The central portion 210 may have a curvature. The curvature of the central portion 210 may be greater than the curvature of the peripheral portion 220. The central portion 210 may be formed concave on the second surface of the first lens 200. The central portion 210 may be formed concave toward the optical axis on the second surface of the first lens 200. The central portion 210 may be formed concave toward the object on the second surface of the first lens 200. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the central portion 210 may be formed convex on the second surface of the first lens 200.

[0052] The peripheral portion 220 may be disposed outside the central portion 210. The peripheral portion 220 may extend from the central portion 210. The peripheral portion 220 may extend outward from the central portion 210. The peripheral portion 220 may be a flange portion. The peripheral portion 220 may include a plane. The peripheral portion 220 may be formed flat. In this case, the flat portion of the peripheral portion 220 may be referred to as a flat portion. The peripheral portion 220 may have a curvature. The curvature of the peripheral portion 220 may be smaller than the curvature of the central portion 210. The curvature of the peripheral portion 220 may be '0'. The peripheral portion 220 may be formed flat on the second surface of the first lens 200. The peripheral portion 220 may have a curvature on the second surface of the first lens 200. The curvature of the peripheral portion 220 on the second surface of the first lens 200 may be '0'.

[0053] The first lens 200 may include a boundary portion 230. The boundary portion 230 may be formed at a position where the central portion 210 and the peripheral portion 220 meet. The first lens 200 may include an outer edge 240 of the peripheral portion 220. The boundary portion 230 may have a curvature. The curvature of the boundary portion 230 may be different from the curvature of the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400. The curvature of the boundary portion 230 may be different from the curvature of the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500. The radius of curvature of the boundary portion 230 may be located in a region between the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400 and the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500. The radius of curvature of the boundary portion 230 may be different from the radius of curvature of the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400. The radius of curvature of the boundary portion 230 may be different from the radius of curvature of the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500. The region of the boundary portion 230 adjacent to the first conductive portion 400 and the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400 may have a biconcave shape. The region of the boundary portion 230 adjacent to the second conductive portion 400 and the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500 may have a biconcave shape. More specifically, the region of the boundary portion 230 adjacent to the first conductive portion 400 and the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400 may have a ')(' shape. The region of the boundary portion 230 adjacent to the second conductive portion 400 and the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500 may have a ')(' shape. The center of curvature of the radius of curvature of the boundary portion 230 may be separated from the center of curvature of the first conductive portion 400. The center of curvature of the radius of curvature of the boundary portion 230 may be separated from the center of curvature of the second conductive portion 500.

[0054] The lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode 300. The electrode 300 may be disposed on the first lens 200. The electrode 300 may be disposed on the first lens 200. The electrode 300 may be disposed on the central portion 210 of the first lens 200. The electrode 300 may be disposed on the peripheral portion 220 of the first lens 200. The thickness of the electrode 300 in the optical axis direction may be smaller than the thickness of the first lens 200 in the optical axis direction. The electrode 300 may be disposed on the second surface of the first lens 200. However, without being limited thereto, the electrode 300 may be disposed on the first surface of the first lens 200.

[0055] The electrode 300 may include a transparent electrode. The transparent electrode may include a transparent conductive oxide. The transparent conductive oxide may include ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). The transparent conductive oxide may include IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide). The transparent electrode may include a metal mesh. The metal mesh may include any of gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and titanium (Ti). The transparent electrode may include a nanowire.

[0056] The electrode 300 may be a conductive coating surface. The electrode 300 may be a conductive coating layer. The electrode 300 may be formed of a transparent material. The electrode 300 may be a transparent conductive film having electrical conductivity. The electrode 300 may be an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) coating surface. The electrode 300 may be an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) coating layer. When a current is supplied to the electrode 300, the electrode 300 may heat the surface of the first lens 200. When a current is supplied to the electrode 300, the electrode 300 may heat the second surface of the first lens 200. When a current is supplied to the electrode 300, the electrode 300 may heat the center 210 and the peripheral portion 220 of the first lens 200.

[0057] The lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first conductive part 400. The first conductive part 400 may be disposed on the electrode 300. The first conductive part 400 may be disposed on the electrode 300. The first conductive part 400 may be disposed on the first lens 200. The first conductive part 400 may be disposed on a second surface of the first lens 200. The first conductive part 400 may be disposed to face the second conductive part 500 with the center part 210 interposed therebetween. The first conductive part 400 may include a first surface 410 facing the second conductive part 500.

[0058] The first conductive part 400 may include a first region 420. The first region 420 may overlap with the third region 520 of the second conductive part 500 in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 130. The first region 420 may be spaced apart from the second region 430 in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction. The first region 420 may be disposed on a first surface 410 of the first conductive part 400. The first conductive part 400 may include a second region 430. The second region 430 may overlap with the fourth region 530 of the second conductive part 500 in the first direction. The second region 430 may be spaced apart from the first region 420 in the second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction. The second region 430 may be disposed on the first surface 410 of the first conductive part 400.

[0059] The shortest distance (d1) between the first region 420 of the first conductive unit 400 and the boundary 230 of the first lens 200 may be different from the shortest distance (d2) between the second region 430 of the first conductive unit 400 and the boundary 230 of the first lens 200. The shortest distance (d1) between the first region 420 of the first conductive unit 400 and the boundary 230 of the first lens 200 may be greater than the shortest distance (d2) between the second region 430 of the first conductive unit 400 and the boundary 230 of the first lens 200.

[0060] The shortest distance (d3) between the first region 420 of the first conductive part 400 and the outer edge 240 of the first lens 200 may be different from the shortest distance (d4) between the second region 430 of the first conductive part 400 and the outer edge 240 of the first lens 200. The shortest distance (d3) between the first region 420 of the first conductive part 400 and the outer edge 240 of the first lens 200 may be smaller than the shortest distance (d4) between the second region 430 of the first conductive part 400 and the outer edge 240 of the first lens 200.

[0061] The first conductive portion 400 may include a first surface 440. The first surface 440 may face the boundary portion 230. The first surface 440 may be convex toward the boundary portion 230.

[0062] The first surface 42210 may include a 1-1 surface 421. The 1-1 surface 421 may be disposed in the first region 420 of the first conductive part 400. The 1-1 surface 421 may overlap with a 2-1 surface 521 of the second conductive part 500 in the first direction. The first surface 440 may include a 1-2 surface 422. The 1-2 surface 422 may be disposed in the second region 430 of the first conductive part 400. The 1-2 surface 422 may overlap with a 2-2 surface 522 of the second conductive part 500 in the first direction. The 1-1 surface 421 and the 1-2 surface 422 may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction. The 1-2 surface 422 may be disposed closer to the boundary part 230 than the 1-1 surface 421.

[0063] The shortest distance (d1) between the 1-1 surface 421 and the boundary portion 230 of the first lens 200 may be different from the shortest distance (d2) between the 1-2 surface 422 of the first conductive portion 400 and the boundary portion 230. The shortest distance (d1) between the 1-1 surface 421 and the boundary portion 230 of the first lens 200 may be greater than the shortest distance (d2) between the 1-2 surface 422 of the first conductive portion 400 and the boundary portion 230.

[0064] The shortest distance (d3) between the 1-1 surface 421 and the outer end 240 may be different from the shortest distance (d4) between the 1-1 surface 422 and the outer end 240. The shortest distance (d3) between the 1-1 surface 421 and the outer end 240 may be smaller than the shortest distance (d4) between the 1-1 surface 422 and the outer end 240.

[0065] The first conductive portion 400 may bend in a direction different from the bending direction of the portion of the boundary portion 230 adjacent to the first conductive portion 400. The first conductive portion 400 may bend in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the portion of the boundary portion 230 adjacent to the first conductive portion 400. The curvature of the first conductive portion 400 may be different from the curvature of the boundary portion 230.

[0066] The curvature of the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400 may be different from the curvature of the boundary portion 230. The curvature of the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400 may be different from the curvature of the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500. The sign of the curvature of the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400 may have an opposite sign to the sign of the curvature of the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500. The bending direction of the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400 may be different from the bending direction of the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500. The bending direction of the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400 may be opposite to the bending direction of the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500. The radius of curvature of the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400 may be disposed opposite to the direction toward the boundary portion 230. The center of curvature of the radius of curvature of the first surface 410 of the first conductive part 400 may be disposed on the opposite side of the direction toward the boundary part 230. The center of curvature of the radius of curvature of the first surface 410 of the first conductive part 400 may be spaced apart from the center of curvature of the radius of curvature of the second surface 510 of the second conductive part 500.

[0067] The first conductive part 400 may be symmetrical to the second conductive part 500 with respect to the optical axis of the first lens 200. The first conductive part 400 may be disposed closer to the boundary part 230 of the first lens 200 than to the outer edge 240 of the peripheral part 220 of the first lens 200.

[0068] The lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second conductive part 500. The second conductive part 500 may be disposed on the electrode 300. The second conductive part 500 may be disposed on the electrode 300. The second conductive part 500 may be disposed on the first lens 200. The second conductive part 500 may be disposed on a second surface of the first lens 200. The second conductive part 500 may be disposed to face the first conductive part 400 with the center part 210 interposed therebetween. The second conductive part 500 may include a second surface 510 facing the first conductive part 400.

[0069] The second conductive unit 500 may include a third region 520. The third region 520 may overlap the first region 420 of the first conductive unit 400 in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 130. The third region 520 may be spaced apart from the fourth region 530 in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction. The third region 520 may be disposed on a second surface 510 of the second conductive unit 500. The second conductive unit 500 may include a fourth region 530. The fourth region 530 may overlap the second region 430 of the first conductive unit 400 in the first direction. The fourth region 530 may be spaced apart from the third region 520 in the second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction. The third region 520 and the fourth region 530 may be disposed on the second surface 510 of the second conductive unit 500.

[0070] The shortest distance between the third region 520 of the second conductive part 500 and the boundary 230 of the first lens 200 may be different from the shortest distance between the fourth region 430 of the second conductive part 500 and the boundary 230 of the first lens 200. The shortest distance between the third region 520 of the second conductive part 500 and the boundary 230 of the first lens 200 may be greater than the shortest distance between the fourth region 530 of the second conductive part 500 and the boundary 230 of the first lens 200. In this case, the shortest distance may refer to the distance in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens 200.

[0071] The shortest distance between the third region 520 of the second conductive part 500 and the outer edge 240 of the first lens 200 may be different from the shortest distance between the fourth region 530 of the second conductive part 500 and the outer edge 240 of the first lens 200. The shortest distance between the third region 520 of the second conductive part 500 and the outer edge 240 of the first lens 200 may be smaller than the shortest distance between the fourth region 530 of the second conductive part 500 and the outer edge 240 of the first lens 200. In this case, the shortest distance may refer to the distance in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens 200.

[0072] The second conductive portion 500 may include a second surface 540. The second surface 540 may be disposed on the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500. The second surface 540 may face the boundary portion 230. The second surface 540 may be convex toward the boundary portion 230.

[0073] The second surface 540 may include a 2-1 surface 521. The 2-1 surface 521 may be disposed in a third region 520 of the second conductive part 500. The 2-1 surface 521 may overlap the 1-1 surface 421 of the first conductive part 400 in the first direction. The second surface 540 may include a 2-2 surface 522. The 2-2 surface 522 may be disposed in a fourth region 530 of the second conductive part 500. The 2-2 surface 522 may overlap the 1-2 surface 422 of the first conductive part 400 in the first direction. The 2-1 surface 521 and the 2-2 surface 522 may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction. The 2-2 surface 522 may be disposed closer to the boundary part 230 than the 2-1 surface 521.

[0074] The shortest distance between the 2-1 surface 521 and the boundary portion 230 of the first lens 200 may be different from the shortest distance between the 2-2 surface 522 of the second conductive portion 500 and the boundary portion 230. The shortest distance between the 2-1 surface 521 and the boundary portion 230 of the first lens 200 may be greater than the shortest distance between the 2-2 surface 522 of the second conductive portion 500 and the boundary portion 230. In this case, the shortest distance may refer to the distance in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens 200.

[0075] The shortest distance between the 2-1 surface 521 and the outer end 240 may be different from the shortest distance between the 2-1 surface 522 and the outer end 240. The shortest distance between the 2-1 surface 521 and the outer end 240 may be smaller than the shortest distance between the 2-1 surface 422 and the outer end 240. In this case, the shortest distance may refer to the distance in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens 200.

[0076] The second conductive portion 500 may bend in a direction different from the bending direction of the portion of the boundary portion 230 adjacent to the second conductive portion 500. The second conductive portion 500 may bend in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the portion of the boundary portion 230 adjacent to the second conductive portion 500. The curvature of the second conductive portion 500 may be different from the curvature of the boundary portion 230. The curvature of the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500 may be different from the curvature of the boundary portion 230.

[0077] The curvature of the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500 may be different from the curvature of the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400. The sign of the curvature of the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500 may be opposite to the sign of the curvature of the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400. The bending direction of the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500 may be different from the bending direction of the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400. The bending direction of the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500 may be opposite to the bending direction of the first surface 410 of the first conductive portion 400. The radius of curvature of the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500 may be disposed on the opposite side of the direction toward the boundary portion 230. The center of curvature of the radius of curvature of the second surface 510 of the second conductive portion 500 may be disposed on the opposite side of the direction toward the boundary portion 230. The center of curvature of the radius of curvature of the second surface 510 of the second conductive part 500 may be spaced apart from the center of curvature of the radius of curvature of the first surface 410 of the first conductive part 400. The second surface 510 of the second conductive part 500 and the first surface 410 of the first conductive part 400 may have a biconcave shape. The second surface 510 of the second conductive part 500 and the first surface 410 of the first conductive part 400 may be formed in a ')(' shape.

[0078] The second conductive part 500 may be symmetrical with respect to the optical axis of the first conductive part 400 and the first lens 200. The second conductive part 500 may be symmetrical with respect to the optical axis of the first conductive part 400 and the first lens 200 and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second conductive part 500 may be disposed closer to the boundary part 230 of the first lens 200 than to the outer edge 240 of the peripheral part 220 of the first lens 200.

[0079] 6 and 7, the shortest distance extending along the surface of the electrode 300 between the first conductive part 400 and the second conductive part 500 may be the same in all regions. The shortest current-carrying path (d5) between the end of the first conductive part 400 and the end of the second conductive part 500 may be the same as the shortest current-carrying path (d6) between the center of the first conductive part 400 and the center of the second conductive part 500. In this case, the shortest current-carrying path may refer to the shortest path passing through at least a portion of the peripheral part 220 of the first lens 200 and the center 210 region of the first lens 200. The shortest distance (d5) on the surface of the electrode 300 connecting the first region 420 of the first conductive part 400 and the third region 520 of the second conductive part 500 may be the same as the shortest distance (d6) on the surface of the electrode 300 connecting the second region 430 of the first conductive part 400 and the fourth region 530 of the second conductive part 500. The shortest distance (d5) extending along the surface of the electrode 300 connecting the first region 420 of the first conductive part 400 and the third region 520 of the second conductive part 500 may be the same as the shortest distance (d6) extending along the surface of the electrode 300 connecting the second region 430 of the first conductive part 400 and the fourth region 530 of the second conductive part 500. In this case, the shortest distances (d5, d6) may be the sum of the shortest distances between the region of the electrode 300 disposed on the peripheral part 220 of the lens 200 and the region of the electrode 300 disposed on the center part 210 of the lens 200. In this case, the shortest distance may refer to the distance in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens 200.

[0080] The shortest linear distance (d8) between the center of the first conductive part 400 and the center of the second conductive part 500 may be smaller than the shortest linear distance (d7) between the end of the first conductive part 400 and the end of the second conductive part 500. In this case, the shortest linear distances (d7, d8) do not have to be lengths extending along the surface of the electrode 300. That is, they may refer to the shortest distance in an imaginary line connecting the center of the first conductive part 400 and the center of the second conductive part 500. They may also refer to the shortest distance in an imaginary line connecting the end of the first conductive part 400 and the end of the second conductive part 500. The shortest linear distance (d7) connecting the first region 420 of the first conductive part 400 and the third region 520 of the second conductive part 500 may be larger than the shortest linear distance (d8) connecting the second region 430 of the first conductive part 400 and the fourth region 530 of the second conductive part 500.

[0081] The shortest distance (d5) on the surface of the electrode 300 connecting the 1-1 surface 421 of the first conductive part 400 and the 2-1 surface 521 of the second conductive part 500 may be the same as the shortest distance (d6) on the surface of the electrode 300 connecting the 1-2 surface 421 of the first conductive part 400 and the 2-2 surface 522 of the second conductive part 500. In this case, the shortest distances (d5, d6) may be the sum of the shortest distances between the region of the electrode 300 disposed on the peripheral part 220 of the lens 200 and the region of the electrode 300 disposed on the center part 210 of the lens 200. In this case, the shortest distance may refer to the distance in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens 200.

[0082] The shortest distance on the surface of the electrode 300 between the first conductive part 400 and the second conductive part 500 may be the area with the lowest resistance. In this case, current may flow preferentially through the shortest distance on the surface of the electrode 300 between the first conductive part 400 and the second conductive part 500, where the resistance is lowest. Referring to FIG. 9, it can be seen that current is concentrated in the center 210 of the first lens 200. In this case, the temperature of the center 210 of the first lens 200 may rise in a shorter time than the temperature of the peripheral part 220 of the first lens 200. As a result, the time required to remove fogging and icing that occurs in the center 210 may be shortened.

[0083] 10 and 11, the x-axis represents time (s), the y-axis represents temperature (°C), (a) is a curve showing the temperature per unit time of the first lens, (b) is a curve showing the temperature per unit time of the second surface at the center of the first lens, (c) is a curve showing the temperature per unit time of the first surface at the center of the first lens, (d) is a curve showing the temperature per unit time of the peripheral portion of the first lens, (e) is a curve showing the de-icing possible period, and (f) is a curve showing the de-icing impossible period. Referring to FIG. 10, the conventional lens module has a de-icing period of up to 20 seconds, while referring to FIG. 11, the lens module of the present invention has a de-icing period of up to 15 seconds, confirming that de-fogging and de-icing are possible in a shorter time than the conventional lens module.

[0084] The first conductive part 400 and the second conductive part 500 may be fixed to the electrode 300. The first conductive part 400 and the second conductive part 500 may be fixed to the electrode 300 using an adhesive. The first conductive part 400 and the second conductive part 500 may be fixed to the electrode 300 using a conductive adhesive. The first conductive part 400 and the second conductive part 500 may be fixed to the electrode 300 using anisotropic conductive film (ACF) bonding. In this case, a separate adhesive may not be required. In this case, a current supplied to the first conductive part 400 may flow only in one direction by ACF bonding. A current supplied to the first conductive part 400 may be transmitted only in the forward direction from the first conductive part 400 to the electrode 300 by ACF bonding. ACF bonding may prevent a current from being transmitted in the reverse direction from the electrode 300 to the first conductive part 400. The current supplied to the first conductive part 400 may be supplied to the electrode 300 by ACF bonding, and the current supplied to the electrode 300 may be transferred to the second conductive part 500. The current may not be transferred in the reverse direction from the second conductive part 400 to the electrode 300 by ACF bonding.

[0085] The first conductive part 400 and the second conductive part 500 may include a bottom surface facing the electrode 300 and a top surface disposed on the opposite side of the bottom surface. The first conductive part 400 may not include a portion protruding beyond the top surface of the first conductive part 400. The second conductive part 400 may not include a portion protruding beyond the top surface of the second conductive part 400. The first conductive part 400 and the second conductive part 500 may each be connected to a flexible printed circuit board. In this case, the flexible printed circuit board may protrude beyond the top surfaces of the first conductive part 400 and the second conductive part 500.

[0086] Hereinafter, the configuration of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] The lens module according to the other embodiment of the present invention may be understood to have the same detailed configuration as the lens module according to the embodiment of the present invention, except for the shape of the first lens 200 of the lens module according to the embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the first lens 130 of the lens module according to the embodiment of the present invention has a first surface that is convex with respect to the optical axis and a second surface that is concave with respect to the optical axis, while the first lens 200 of the lens module according to the other embodiment may have a first surface that is convex with respect to the optical axis and a second surface that is concave with respect to the optical axis.

[0089] A lens module according to another embodiment may include a first lens 200. The first lens 200 may be an uppermost lens among the plurality of lenses 130. The first lens 200 may be a lens exposed to the outside. The first lens 200 may be the lens among the plurality of lenses 130 that is closest to the object. The first lens 200 may include a first surface facing the object and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface. In this case, the first surface of the first lens 200 that is exposed to the outside may be at least partially convex, and the second surface of the first lens 200 that is not exposed to the outside may be at least partially concave.

[0090] The first lens 200 may include a central portion 210 and a peripheral portion 220. The central portion 210 may include a curved surface. The central portion 210 may be disposed at the center of the first lens 200. The central portion 210 may have a curvature. The curvature of the central portion 210 may be greater than the curvature of the peripheral portion 220. The central portion 210 may be formed concave on the second surface of the first lens 200. The central portion 210 may be formed concave toward the optical axis on the second surface of the first lens 200. The central portion 210 may be formed concave toward the subject on the second surface of the first lens 200.

[0091] The peripheral portion 220 may be disposed outside the central portion 210. The peripheral portion 220 may extend from the central portion 210. The peripheral portion 220 may extend outward from the central portion 210. The peripheral portion 220 may be a flange portion. The peripheral portion 220 may include a plane. The peripheral portion 220 may be formed flat. In this case, the flat portion of the peripheral portion 220 may be referred to as a flat portion.

[0092] The peripheral part 220 of the lens module according to another embodiment may include an upper surface formed on the first surface of the first lens 200 and a lower surface formed on the second surface of the first lens 200. At least one of the upper surface or the lower surface of the peripheral part 220 may include a flat portion formed flat. In this case, the first conductive part 400 and the second conductive part 500 may be disposed on the flat portion of the peripheral part 220.

[0093] A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a vehicle camera module mounted on a vehicle. The camera module may include a vehicle front camera module mounted on a front side of the vehicle. The camera module may include a vehicle rear camera module mounted on a rear side of the vehicle. The camera module may include a vehicle camera module mounted on a side of the vehicle.

[0094] The camera module according to this embodiment may include a holder 100. A lens 130 may be disposed inside the holder 100. A plurality of lenses 130 may be disposed inside the holder 100. A spacer 140 may be disposed inside the holder 100. A plurality of spacers 140 may be disposed inside the holder 100.

[0095] The holder may include a hole. The hole may be formed through the top and bottom of the holder 100. A lens 130 may be disposed in the hole. A plurality of lenses 130 may be disposed in the hole. A spacer 140 may be disposed in the hole. A plurality of spacers 140 may be disposed in the hole.

[0096] The holder 100 may include a first holder 110. The first holder 110 may be disposed below a second holder 120, which will be described later. At least a portion of the first holder 110 may be disposed within the second holder 120. The first holder 110 may be coupled to the second holder 120. At least a portion of the first holder 110 may overlap the first holder 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The first holder 110 may include a hole. The hole of the first holder 110 may be formed through the upper and lower surfaces of the first holder 110. A lens 130 may be disposed within the hole of the first holder 110. A plurality of lenses 130 may be disposed within the hole of the first holder 110. A spacer 140 may be disposed within the hole of the first holder 110. A plurality of spacers 140 may be disposed within the hole of the first holder 110. The spacer 140 may be disposed between the plurality of lenses 130. The spacer 140 can space the multiple lenses 130 apart. The hole of the first holder 110 can include regions with different diameters. The diameter of the hole of the first holder 110 can vary depending on the diameter of the lenses 130. The diameter of the portion of the hole of the first holder 110 where the first lens 200, which is located at the top of the multiple lenses 130, is located can be larger than the diameter of the other portions of the first holder 110.

[0097] The holder 100 may include a second holder 120. The second holder 120 may be disposed on top of the first holder 110. The second holder 120 may be coupled to the first holder 110. The first holder 110 may be disposed inside the second holder 120. The second holder 120 may include an upper plate and a side plate extending from the upper plate. The lower surface of the upper plate of the second holder 120 may contact the first lens 200. At least a portion of the upper plate of the second holder 120 may contact the first lens 200. The upper plate of the second holder 120 may include a hole. The diameter of the hole in the upper plate of the second holder 120 may be smaller than the diameter of the first lens 200. At least a portion of the upper plate of the second holder 120 may protrude inward from a portion of the first holder 110 where the first lens 200 is disposed. The side plate of the second holder 120 may overlap with the first holder 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0098] A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a substrate (not shown). The substrate may include a printed circuit board (PCB). The substrate may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The camera module may include an additional substrate prepared separately from the substrate. The additional substrate may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). One end of the additional substrate may be disposed on the substrate, and the other end may be disposed on the holder 100. The additional substrate may connect the holder 100 and the substrate. The additional substrate may electrically connect the lens module and the substrate. Thus, power generated from the substrate may be applied to the lens module.

[0099] The camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an image sensor (not shown). The image sensor may be disposed on the upper surface of the substrate. The image sensor may be mounted on the substrate. For example, the image sensor may be bonded to the substrate using surface mounting technology (SMT). In another example, the image sensor may be bonded to the substrate using flip chip technology. The image sensor may overlap the lens 130 in the optical axis direction.

[0100] The lens module according to the present invention can quickly remove fogging, icing, etc. that occurs on the surface of the first lens 200. In addition, the temperature of the first lens 200 can be controlled by increasing the current density at a desired location. In addition, the current used for de-fogging and de-icing the surface of the first lens 200 and the de-fogging and de-icing time can be minimized.

[0101] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting.

Claims

1. a first lens including a central portion including a curved surface and a peripheral portion extending from the central portion; an electrode disposed on the first lens; a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion disposed to protrude from the electrode; the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion each include a first surface and a second surface facing each other with the center portion therebetween; The lens module, wherein the first surface and the second surface are convex toward the center.

2. the first lens includes a boundary where the central portion and the peripheral portion meet; a curvature of a portion of the boundary portion facing the first surface of the first conductive portion is different from a curvature of the first surface of the first conductive portion, The lens module according to claim 1 , wherein a curvature of a portion of the boundary portion facing the second surface of the second conductive portion is different from a curvature of the second surface of the second conductive portion.

3. The lens module according to claim 1 , wherein a curvature of the first surface of the first conductive portion is different from a curvature of the second surface of the second conductive portion.

4. the first lens includes a boundary where the central portion and the peripheral portion meet; the first surface of the first conductive portion includes a 1-1 surface and a 1-2 surface, A lens module described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shortest distance between the 1-1 surface of the first conductive portion and the boundary portion of the first lens is different from the shortest distance between the 1-2 surface of the first conductive portion and the boundary portion.

5. The lens module according to claim 4 , wherein the first conductive portion is curved in a direction different from a direction in which a portion of the boundary portion adjacent to the first conductive portion is curved.

6. the first lens includes an outer edge of the peripheral portion; the first surface of the first conductive portion includes a 1-1 surface and a 1-2 surface, A lens module described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the shortest distance between the 1-1 surface of the first conductive portion and the outer end of the first lens is different from the shortest distance between the 1-2 surface of the first conductive portion and the outer end of the first lens.

7. the first lens includes a boundary where the central portion and the peripheral portion meet, and an outer edge of the peripheral portion; The lens module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are arranged closer to the boundary portion of the first lens than the outer edge of the peripheral portion of the first lens.

8. the first surface of the first conductive portion includes a 1-1 surface and a 1-2 surface, The lens module of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second surface of the second conductive portion includes a 2-1 surface that overlaps with the 1-1 surface of the first conductive portion in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens, and a 2-2 surface that overlaps with the 1-2 surface of the first conductive portion in the first direction, and the shortest distance on the surface of the electrode connecting the 1-1 surface of the first conductive portion and the 2-1 surface of the second conductive portion is the same as the shortest distance on the surface of the electrode connecting the 1-2 surface of the first conductive portion and the 2-2 surface of the second conductive portion.

9. a first lens including a central portion including a curved surface and a peripheral portion extending from the central portion; an electrode disposed on the first lens; a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion disposed to protrude from the electrode; At least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the peripheral portion includes a flat portion; the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are disposed on the flat portion, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are arranged to face each other with the center portion therebetween, the first lens includes a boundary where the central portion and the peripheral portion meet; the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion have shapes symmetrical to each other with respect to the optical axis of the center portion, the shortest linear distance between a center of the first conductive portion and a center of the second conductive portion is smaller than the shortest linear distance between an end of the first conductive portion and an end of the second conductive portion; The shortest straight-line distance is the shortest distance among the imaginary straight lines connecting two lens modules.

10. a first lens including a central portion including a curved surface and a peripheral portion extending from the central portion; an electrode disposed on the first lens; a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion disposed to protrude from the electrode; the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are arranged to face each other with the center portion therebetween, the first lens includes a boundary where the central portion and the peripheral portion meet; A lens module, wherein the shortest current path between the end of the first conductive portion and the end of the second conductive portion is the same as the shortest current path between the center of the first conductive portion and the center of the second conductive portion, and the shortest current path connects the two and is the shortest distance among the paths extending along the surface of the electrode.

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