Camera module

Abstract

This embodiment relates to a camera module including a first body, a lens holder connected to the first body, and a second body connected to the first body, wherein the lens holder includes a first coupling part including a first portion protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the lens holder and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the first body, the first body includes a second coupling part connected to the first coupling part, the second portion of the first coupling part including a screw thread formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second portion, and the second coupling part including a screw thread formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second coupling part.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

[0004] In the conventional camera module, thread structures are formed on the outer periphery of the lens holder and the inner periphery of the front body, respectively, which can cause scraping and generation of foreign matter during assembly or due to vibrations of the vehicle.

[0005] Furthermore, there is a problem that foreign matter falls onto the surface of the image sensor, causing a black pixel phenomenon.

[0006] Furthermore, foreign matter may enter a waterproof O-ring disposed between the lens holder and the front body, resulting in assembly defects and waterproofing problems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The camera module according to this embodiment aims to provide a camera module that prevents foreign matter from falling onto the surface of the image sensor by changing the position of the thread coupling structure between the lens holder and the front body.

[0008] Also, the present invention aims to provide a camera module that eliminates the need for an O-ring application structure, thereby minimizing assembly steps and minimizing assembly defects.

[0009] Also, the present invention aims to provide a camera module that can firmly fix the lens holder and provide a waterproof function by applying epoxy between the lens holder and the front body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The camera module of this embodiment includes a first body, a lens holder connected to the first body, and a second body connected to the first body, wherein the lens holder includes a first coupling part including a first portion protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the lens holder and a second portion extending in a direction from the first portion toward the first body, the first body includes a second coupling part connected to the first coupling part, the second portion of the first coupling part includes a screw thread formed on an inner peripheral surface of the second portion, and the second coupling part includes a screw thread formed on an outer peripheral surface of the second coupling part.

[0011] The second coupling portion may protrude from an upper surface of the first body, and the first coupling portion may include a groove recessed from a lower end of the second portion of the first coupling portion, and at least a portion of the second coupling portion of the first body may be inserted into the groove of the first coupling portion.

[0012] The second body may include a substrate assembly disposed within the second body, the substrate assembly including a substrate and an image sensor disposed on the substrate, and the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion may not overlap with the image sensor in an optical axis direction.

[0013] The second body may include a substrate assembly disposed within the second body, the substrate assembly including a substrate and an image sensor disposed on the substrate, and the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion may be disposed outside the image sensor.

[0014] An outer circumferential surface of the lens holder may be in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the first body, and the outer circumferential surface of the lens holder and the inner circumferential surface of the first body may be threadless.

[0015] The threads of the first coupling portion and the threads of the second coupling portion can be threadedly coupled together.

[0016] The first body may include a protrusion protruding from an upper surface of the first body and positioned outward from the second coupling portion, and a groove formed between the second coupling portion and the protrusion, and a fixing member may be disposed in the groove of the first body.

[0017] The fixing member may include a main body disposed in the groove of the first body and an extension extending from at least a portion of the main body, and the extension of the fixing member may be disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the first coupling portion and the outer circumferential surface of the second coupling portion.

[0018] The protrusion of the first body may not overlap with the first coupling portion of the lens holder in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the second portion of the first coupling portion may overlap with the groove of the first body in the optical axis direction.

[0019] The extension of the fixing member may fix the lens holder to the first body.

[0020] The second portion of the first coupling part may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the lens holder in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0021] The camera module of this embodiment includes a first body, a lens holder connected to the first body, a second body connected to the first body, and a board assembly disposed within the second body, wherein the lens holder includes a first coupling portion protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the lens holder, the first coupling portion including a groove recessed from a lower end of the first coupling portion, and the first body includes a second coupling portion protruding from an upper surface of the first body, at least a portion of which is disposed in the groove of the first coupling portion, and the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion may be screwed together.

[0022] The substrate assembly may include a substrate and an image sensor disposed on the substrate, and the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion may not overlap with the image sensor in an optical axis direction.

[0023] The substrate assembly may include a substrate and an image sensor disposed on the substrate, and the first and second coupling portions may be disposed outside the image sensor.

[0024] A screw thread is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the second coupling part, and a surface of the groove of the first coupling part facing the outer peripheral surface of the second coupling part has a screw thread corresponding to the screw thread on the outer peripheral surface of the second coupling part, and the outer peripheral surface of the lens holder contacts an inner peripheral surface of the first body, and the outer peripheral surface of the lens holder and the inner peripheral surface of the first body may be threadless. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The camera module according to this embodiment can prevent foreign matter from falling onto the surface of the image sensor by changing the position of the thread coupling structure between the lens holder and the front body.

[0026] In addition, by eliminating the O-ring application structure, assembly man-hours and assembly defects can be minimized.

[0027] In addition, epoxy can be applied between the lens holder and the front body to firmly fix the lens holder and also provide a waterproof function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to the present embodiment, as viewed from above. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to the present embodiment, as viewed from below. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the camera module according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view of the camera module according to the embodiment, seen from a different angle. [Figure 7] 6 is a cross-sectional view of BB. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lens holder of the camera module according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 2 is a perspective view of a first body of the camera module according to the present embodiment, seen from above. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view of a first body of the camera module according to the present embodiment as viewed from below. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fixing member of the camera module according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a lens holder of the camera module according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a lens holder, a first body, and a fixing member of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a foreign object movement path of the camera module according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and can be embodied in various different forms, and one or more of the components of the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0031] Furthermore, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention shall be interpreted as meanings that are commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, and commonly used terms such as predefined terms should be interpreted in light of the contextual meaning of the relevant art.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Furthermore, when describing components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. are used only to distinguish the component from other components, and the terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0035] 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' via another component between the component and the other component.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Hereinafter, a camera module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to this embodiment, as seen from above. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to this embodiment, as seen from below. FIG. 4 is a side view of the camera module according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a side view of the camera module according to this embodiment, as seen from another angle. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lens holder of the camera module according to this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first body of the camera module according to this embodiment, as seen from above. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first body of the camera module according to this embodiment, as seen from below. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fixing member of the camera module according to this embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the lens holder of the camera module according to this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the lens holder, first body, and fixing member of the camera module according to this embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13.

[0039] The camera module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a camera module for a vehicle. The camera module 10 may be coupled to a vehicle. The camera module 10 may be used as one or more of a front camera, a side camera, a rear camera, and a black box of the vehicle. The camera module 10 may be disposed at the front of the vehicle. The camera module 10 may be disposed at the rear of the vehicle. The camera module 10 may be coupled to a windshield of the vehicle. The camera module 10 may be coupled to a front or rear windshield of the vehicle. The camera module 10 may be disposed on the side of the vehicle. The camera module 10 may capture an image of an object and output the image to a display (not shown).

[0040] The camera module 10 may include a lens holder 100. The lens holder 100 may be made of a metal material. The lens holder 100 may be made of an aluminum material. The lens holder 100 may be disposed in a first body 200. The lens holder 100 may be coupled to the first body 200. At least a portion of the lens holder 100 may be disposed within the first body 200. The lens holder 100 may include a lens. The lens may include a plurality of lenses. The lens may be coupled to the lens holder 100. The lens may be disposed within the lens holder 100. The lens may be aligned with an image sensor 511. The optical axis of the lens may be aligned with the image sensor 511. The optical axis of the lens may coincide with the central axis of the image sensor 511. The first body 200 may include an infrared filter (IR filter) disposed between the lens module 140 and the image sensor 317. The lens holder 100 may include a first outer peripheral surface and a second outer peripheral surface disposed outward from the first outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the lens holder 110 may be threadless. The outer peripheral surface of the lens holder 110 may not include threads. The first outer peripheral surface and the second outer peripheral surface of the lens holder 110 may be threadless.

[0041] The lens holder 100 may include a first coupling portion 110. The first coupling portion 110 may protrude outward from an outer circumferential surface of the lens holder 100. The first coupling portion 110 may protrude outward from at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens holder 100. The first coupling portion 110 may be coupled to the first body 200. The first coupling portion 110 may be coupled to the second coupling portion 210 of the first body 200. The first coupling portion 110 may be threadably coupled to the second coupling portion 210 of the first body 200. The first coupling portion 110 may accommodate at least a portion of the first body 200 therein. The first coupling portion 110 may not overlap with the image sensor 511 in the optical axis direction. The first coupling portion 110 may be disposed outer than the image sensor 511. Therefore, when the first coupling part 110 and the second coupling part 210 are thread-coupled, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from falling onto the surface of the image sensor 511 due to friction.

[0042] The first coupling part 110 may include a first part 111 extending outward from the outer circumferential surface of the lens holder 100 and a second part 112 extending downward from the first part 111. The first part 111 may overlap with the second coupling part 210 of the first body 200 in the optical axis direction. The first part 111 may not overlap with the image sensor 511 in the optical axis direction. The first part 111 may be disposed outer than the image sensor 511.

[0043] The second portion 112 may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the lens holder 100. The second portion 112 may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the lens holder 100 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The second portion 112 may be spaced apart from the first outer circumferential surface of the lens holder 100 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The second portion 112 may face the first outer circumferential surface of the lens holder 100. The length of the second portion 112 in the optical axis direction may be shorter than the length of the second coupling portion 210 of the first body 200 in the optical axis direction. The second portion 112 may be spaced apart from the groove 230 of the first body 200 in the optical axis direction. The second portion 112 may be disposed on the main body 410 of the fixing member 400. The main body 410 of the fixing member 400 may be disposed between the second portion 112 and the groove 230 of the first body 200. The second portion 112 may be coupled to the second coupling portion 210 of the first body 200. The second portion 112 may be threadably coupled to the second coupling portion 210 of the first body 200. The second portion 112 may not overlap the image sensor 511 in the optical axis direction. The second portion 112 may be disposed outside the image sensor 511.

[0044] An inner circumferential surface of the second portion 112 may face an outer circumferential surface of the lens holder 100. A screw thread 114 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second portion 112. At least a portion of the fixing member 400 may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the second portion 112. An extension portion 420 of the fixing member 400 may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the second portion 112.

[0045] The first coupling part 110 may include a groove 113. The groove 113 may be recessed from a lower end of the first coupling part 110. The groove 113 may be recessed from a lower end of the second part 112 of the first coupling part 110. The groove 113 may be formed between the second part 112 of the first coupling part 110 and a first outer peripheral surface of the lens holder 100. The groove 113 may be formed between an inner peripheral surface of the second part 112 of the first coupling part 110 and the first outer peripheral surface of the lens holder 100. At least a portion of the first body 200 may be disposed in the groove 113. The second coupling part 210 of the first body 200 may be inserted into the groove 113. A depth of the groove 113 in the optical axis direction may be smaller than a depth of the second coupling part 210 of the first body 200 in a corresponding direction. The width of the groove 113 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may correspond to the width of the second coupling part 210 of the first body 200 in the corresponding direction. The groove 113 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the second coupling part 210 of the first body 200.

[0046] The first coupling part 110 may include a screw thread 114. The screw thread 114 may be formed on the first coupling part 110. The screw thread 114 may be formed in the groove 113 of the first coupling part 110. The screw thread 114 may be formed on an inner peripheral surface of the second part 112 of the first coupling part 110. The screw thread 114 may face an outer peripheral surface of the lens holder 100. The screw thread 114 may face a first outer peripheral surface of the lens holder 100. The screw thread 114 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the screw thread of the second coupling part 210 of the first body 200. The screw thread 114 may be screw-coupled to the screw thread of the second coupling part 210 of the first body 200.

[0047] The camera module 10 may include a first body 200. The first body 100 may be referred to as a first housing or a front body. The first body 200 may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open bottom. The first body 200 may be formed of a metal material. The first body 200 may be formed of an aluminum material. The first body 200 may be a metal body. The first body 200 and the second body 300 may form the exterior of the camera module 10. The first body 200 may be combined with the second body 300 to form an internal space. The first body 200 may be combined with the second body 300. The first body 200 may be combined with the second body 300 by screws.

[0048] The first body 200 may include a second coupling portion 210. The second coupling portion 210 may protrude upward from an upper surface of the first body 200. The second coupling portion 210 may be coupled to the lens holder 100. The second coupling portion 210 may be coupled to the first coupling portion 110 of the lens holder 100. The second coupling portion 210 may be inserted into the groove 113 of the first coupling portion 110 of the lens holder 100. The second coupling portion 210 may be disposed in the groove 113 of the first coupling portion 110 of the lens holder 100. The length of the second coupling portion 210 in the optical axis direction may be longer than the length of the second portion 112 of the first coupling portion 110 of the lens holder 100 in the corresponding direction. The inner circumferential surface of the second coupling portion 210 may be in contact with the first outer circumferential surface of the lens holder 100. The inner circumferential surface of the second coupling portion 210 may be threadless. The inner circumferential surface of the second coupling portion 210 may include threadless threads.

[0049] The second coupling part 210 may include a thread 211. The thread 211 may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the second coupling part 210. The thread 211 may face the thread 114 of the first coupling part 110 of the lens holder 100. The thread 211 may be threadably coupled to the thread 114 of the first coupling part 110 of the lens holder 100. The thread 211 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the thread 114 of the first coupling part 110 of the lens holder 100. The thread 211 may be threadably coupled to the thread 114 of the first coupling part 110 of the lens holder 100.

[0050] The first body 200 may include an extension 220. The extension 220 may protrude upward from an upper surface of the first body 200. The extension 220 may be disposed outward of the second coupling part 210. A height of the extension 220 in the optical axis direction may be lower than a height of the second coupling part 210 in the corresponding direction. The extension 220 may not overlap with the first coupling part 110 of the lens holder 100 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The extension 220 may not overlap with the second part 112 of the first coupling part 110 of the lens holder 100 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The extension 220 may not overlap with the image sensor 511 in the optical axis direction. The extension 220 may be disposed outward of the image sensor 511. This prevents foreign matter from falling onto the surface of the image sensor 511 due to friction when the first coupling part 110 and the second coupling part 210 are thread-coupled.

[0051] The first body 200 may include a groove 230. The groove 230 may be formed between the second coupling portion 210 and the extension portion 220. The groove 230 may be formed by the upper surface of the first body 200, the second coupling portion 210, and the extension portion 220. A bottom surface of the groove 230 may be disposed on the same plane as the upper surface of the first body 200. The groove 230 may overlap with at least a portion of the first coupling portion 110 of the lens holder 100 in the optical axis direction. The groove 230 may overlap with the second portion 112 of the first coupling portion 110 in the optical axis direction. The bottom surface of the groove 230 may be spaced apart from the second portion 112 of the first coupling portion 110 in the optical axis direction. The groove 230 may not overlap with the image sensor 511 in the optical axis direction. The groove 230 may be disposed outside the image sensor 511. This prevents foreign matter from falling onto the surface of the image sensor 511 due to friction when the first coupling part 110 and the second coupling part 210 are coupled to each other by the screw threads. The fixing member 400 may be disposed in the groove 230. At least a portion of the fixing member 400 may be disposed in the groove 230.

[0052] The first body 200 may include pillars 240 protruding from a lower surface of the first body 200. The pillars 240 may include four pillars 240. The pillars 240 may be formed at positions corresponding to the four corners of the second body 300. The pillars 240 may be disposed in grooves 340 of the second body 300. The pillars 240 may include grooves 241. The grooves 241 may be recessed from a lower end of the pillars 240. The coupling member 800 may be disposed in the grooves 241. At least a portion of the coupling member 800 may be disposed in the grooves 241. The inner circumferential surface of the grooves 241 may have a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the coupling member 800. The inner circumferential surface of the grooves 241 may include a thread shape. The grooves 241 may be threadably coupled to the coupling member 800. In this way, the first body 200 and the second body 300 may be coupled together.

[0053] The first body 200 may include a groove 250 formed on the underside of the first body 200. A first sealing member 710 may be disposed in the groove 250. At least a portion of the first sealing member 710 may be disposed in the groove 250. A protrusion 711 of the first sealing member 710 may be disposed in the groove 250. The groove 250 may serve to secure the first sealing member 710 disposed in the first body 200 when the first body 200 and the second body 300 are assembled. The groove 250 may be formed with a rounded shape at a portion corresponding to the pillar 240. The groove 250 may be bent to be recessed at a portion corresponding to the pillar 240. A portion of the groove 250 facing the pillar 240 may have a rounded shape. A portion of the groove 250 facing the pillar 240 may be bent to a shape corresponding to the pillar 240. The rounded shape of the groove 250 may be intended to avoid the pillar 240.

[0054] The first body 200 may include a protrusion 260. The protrusion 260 may protrude downward from the first body 200. The protrusion 260 may be disposed more inward than the pillar 240. The first substrate 510 may be disposed on the protrusion 260. The protrusion 260 may be coupled to the first substrate 510. The protrusion 260 may be coupled to an outer edge of the first substrate 510. The protrusion 260 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer edge of the first substrate 510.

[0055] The camera module 10 may include a second body 300. The second body 300 may be referred to as any one of a rear body, a lower housing, and a second housing. The second body 300 may be made of a metal material. The second body 300 may be a metal body. The second body 300 may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open top. The second body 300 may be disposed below the first body 200. The second body 300 may be coupled to the first body 200. The second body 300 may be coupled to the first body 200 with screws. The second body 300 may form an internal space when coupled to the first body 200. A first seal member 710 may be disposed on the top of the second body 300.

[0056] The second body 300 may include a bottom plate 310 and side plates 320 extending from the bottom plate 310. The side plates 320 may extend upward from edges of the bottom plate 310. The second body 300 may include a plurality of side plates 320 and corners formed between the plurality of side plates 320. The second body 300 may include four side plates 320 and four corners disposed between the four side plates 320.

[0057] The second body 300 may include a groove 340 formed on an upper surface thereof to be coupled to the first body 200. The groove 340 may be formed at positions corresponding to four corners of the second body 300. The groove 340 may overlap with the pillar 240 of the first body 200 in the optical axis direction. The pillar 240 of the first body 200 may be disposed in the groove 340. A hole 341 may be formed in the groove 340. The hole 341 may overlap with the groove 241 of the pillar 240 of the first body 200 in the optical axis direction. The coupling member 800 may penetrate through the hole 341. The inner circumferential surface of the hole 341 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the coupling member 800. The inner circumferential surface of the hole 341 may include a thread shape. The coupling member 800 passing through the hole 341 may be disposed in the groove 241 of the pillar 240 of the first body 200.

[0058] The second body 300 may include a connector lead 330. The connector lead 330 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The connector lead 330 may be coupled to the second body 300. The connector lead 330 may penetrate the bottom plate 310 of the second body 300. At least a portion of the connector lead 330 may be disposed within the second body 300, and the remainder of the connector lead 330 may be exposed to the outside of the second body 300.

[0059] The connector outlet 330 may be coupled to the bottom plate 310 of the second body 300. The connector 540 may be disposed inside the connector outlet 330. The second connector 542 may be disposed inside the connector outlet 330. The connector outlet 330 may include a hole. The connector 540 may be disposed in the hole. The hole of the connector outlet 330 may accommodate at least a portion of the connector 540. In this way, the connector outlet 330 may fix the connector 540.

[0060] The camera module 10 may include a fixing member 400. The fixing member 400 may be epoxy. The first coupling part 110 of the lens holder 100 and the second coupling part 210 of the first body 200 may be screwed together with the fixing member 400 injected into the groove 230 of the first body 200.

[0061] The fixing member 400 may include a main body 410. The main body 410 may be disposed in the first body 200. The main body 410 may be disposed in the groove 230 of the first body 200. The main body 410 may be received in the groove 230 of the first body 200. At this time, the main body 410 may be poured into the groove 230 of the first body 200 so that it slightly overflows. As a result, the fixing member 400, which is made of epoxy, hardens, increasing the fixing strength. In addition, due to the screw connection between the lens holder 100 and the first body 200, at least a portion of the main body 410 of the fixing member 400 may extend between the thread 114 of the first coupling part 110 and the thread 211 of the second coupling part 210.

[0062] The fixing member 400 may include an extension 420. The extension 420 may extend upward from the main body 410. The extension 420 may extend upward from at least a portion of the main body 410. The extension 420 may extend from the main body 410 between the thread 114 of the first coupling part 110 and the thread 211 of the second coupling part 210. The extension 420 may be a portion formed by extending upward due to the screw coupling between the lens holder 100 and the first body 200. The extension 420 may be a portion formed by extending upward due to the screw coupling between the first coupling part 110 of the lens holder 100 and the second coupling part 210 of the first body 200.

[0063] The extension 420 may be disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the first coupling part 110. The extension 420 may be disposed on at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the first coupling part 110. The extension 420 may be disposed on the threads 114 of the first coupling part 110. The extension 420 may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the second coupling part 210. The extension 420 may be disposed on at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the second coupling part 210. The extension 420 may be disposed on the threads 211 of the second coupling part 210. The length of the extension 420 in the optical axis direction may be smaller than the length of the first coupling part 110 in the optical axis direction. The length of the extension 420 in the optical axis direction may be smaller than the length of the second coupling part 210 in the optical axis direction. However, without being limited thereto, the length of the extension 420 in the optical axis direction may be changed depending on the amount of fixing member 400 applied to the groove 230 of the first body 200.

[0064] The extension 420 is disposed in the gap between the threads 114 of the first coupling part 110 and the threads 211 of the second coupling part 210 to firmly secure the lens holder 100. This prevents the lens holder 100 from coming off the first body 200 due to impacts such as vehicle vibration or shaking. That is, the fixing member 400 may be epoxy for fixing a lens. Also, the extension 420 is disposed in the gap between the threads 114 of the first coupling part 110 and the threads 211 of the second coupling part 210 to prevent moisture from penetrating into the coupling surfaces between the lens holder 100 and the first body 200. That is, the fixing member 400 can function as a waterproofing member.

[0065] The camera module 10 may include a substrate assembly 500 .

[0066] The camera module 10 may include a board assembly 500. The board assembly 400 may be disposed within the second body 300. The board assembly 500 may be disposed in an internal space formed by combining the first body 200 and the second body 300.

[0067] The substrate assembly 500 may include a first substrate 510. The first substrate 510 may include a printed circuit board. The first substrate 510 may include a rigid printed circuit board. An image sensor 511 may be disposed on the first substrate 510. In this case, the first substrate 510 may be referred to as a sensor substrate. The first substrate 510 may include a first surface facing the first body 200 and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface. The image sensor 511 may be coupled to the first body 200 at an outer edge region of the first surface of the first substrate 510.

[0068] The substrate assembly 500 may include a second substrate 520. The second substrate 520 may include a printed circuit board. The second substrate 520 may include a rigid printed circuit board. The second substrate 520 may be disposed below the first substrate 510. The second substrate 520 may be spaced apart from the first substrate 510. The second substrate 520 may be spaced apart from the first substrate 510 in the optical axis direction. The second substrate 520 may supply power to the first substrate 510. The second substrate 520 may be disposed parallel to the first substrate 510. The second substrate 520 may be electrically connected to a connector 540. The second substrate 520 may include a first surface facing the first substrate 510 and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface. The connector 540 may be disposed on the second surface of the second substrate 520. A first connector 541 may be disposed on a second surface of the second substrate 520. The second substrate 520 may be electrically connected to the first connector 541.

[0069] The substrate assembly 500 may include a third substrate 530. The third substrate 530 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The third substrate 530 may electrically connect the first substrate 510 and the second substrate 520. One end of the third substrate 530 may be connected to the first substrate 510, and the other end of the third substrate 530 may be connected to the second substrate 520. The third substrate 530 may have elasticity.

[0070] The board assembly 300 may include a connector 540. The connector 540 may electrically connect a cable (not shown) to the second board 420. The connector 540 may include a first connector 541 electrically connected to the second board 320 and a second connector 542 extending from the first connector 541 to electrically connect the first connector 541 to the cable. The first connector 541 may be disposed on a second surface of the second board 320. The first connector 541 may be fixed to the second surface of the second board 320. The first connector 541 may be electrically connected to the second board 420. The second connector 542 may be electrically connected to the first connector 541. The second connector 542 may be electrically connected to the cable. The second connector 542 may be disposed in the connector drawer 220 of the second body 200. At least a portion of the second connector 542 may be disposed within the connector outlet 220 of the second body 200 , and the remainder of the connector 362 may be disposed within the second body 200 .

[0071] The board assembly 300 may include a grounding member 543. The grounding member 543 may include a washer. The grounding member 543 may be formed integrally with the connector 540. The grounding member 543 may be coupled to the first connector 541. The grounding member 543 may have the second connector 542 disposed therein. One end of the grounding member 543 may be coupled to the first connector 541, and the other end of the grounding member 543 may not be in contact with the first or second connector 542.

[0072] The camera module 10 may include a shielding member 600. The shielding member 600 may be referred to as a spacer, a shield can, or a support member. The shielding member 600 may be an electromagnetic wave shielding member. The shielding member 600 can block electromagnetic interference (EMI) or electromagnetic waves.

[0073] The shield member 600 may be disposed below the first substrate 310. The shield member 600 may be disposed above the second substrate 320. The shield member 600 may be disposed between the first substrate 310 and the second substrate 320. The shield member 600 may space the first substrate 310 and the second substrate 320 apart in the optical axis direction.

[0074] The camera module 10 may include a first sealing member 710. The first sealing member 710 may be referred to as either a gasket or a waterproof member. The first sealing member 710 may be formed of an elastic material. The first sealing member 710 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer edge of the first substrate 510. The first sealing member 710 may be formed larger than the outer edge of the first substrate 510. The first sealing member 710 may be disposed outside the outer edge of the first substrate 510. The first sealing member 710 may be disposed in the first body 200. The first sealing member 710 may be disposed between the first body 200 and the third body 200. The first sealing member 710 may be disposed in the space between the first body 200 and the second body 300. The height of the first sealing member 710 in the optical axis direction may be smaller after assembly than before assembly. That is, the first sealing member 710 is disposed between the first body 200 and the second body 300 in a compressed state in the optical axis direction, thereby providing a waterproof function, thereby preventing moisture from penetrating through the space between the first body 200 and the second body 300.

[0075] The first sealing member 710 may include a protrusion 711. The protrusion 711 may protrude from at least a portion of the surface of the first sealing member 710 facing the first body 200. The protrusion 711 may be inserted into the groove 115 of the first body part 110. The protrusion 711 and the groove 115 of the first body part 110 may prevent the first sealing member 710 from moving when the first body 200 and the second body 200 are assembled. That is, when the first body 200 and the second body 200 are assembled, the first sealing member 710 is raised onto the first body 200 and the second body 100 is coupled to the first body 200. At this time, the first sealing member 710 may serve to guide the position so that it does not move out of place.

[0076] The camera module 10 may include a second sealing member 720. The second sealing member 720 may be a waterproof member. The second sealing member 720 may be formed of an elastic material. This may prevent moisture from penetrating between the second body 300 and the connector 540. The second sealing member 720 may be spaced apart from the ground member 543 in the optical axis direction. The second sealing member 720 may be disposed at a lower position than the second board 520. The second sealing member 720 may be disposed in the second connector 542. The second sealing member 720 may be disposed within the second body 300. The second sealing member 720 may be disposed within the connector outlet portion 330 of the second body 300. This may prevent moisture from penetrating between the second body 300 and the connector 540.

[0077] The camera module 10 may include a coupling member 800. The coupling member 800 may couple the first body 200 and the second body 300. The coupling member 800 may screw the first body 200 and the second body 300 together. The coupling member 800 may include a screw. The outer circumferential surface of the coupling member 800 may be threaded. The coupling member 800 may be coupled to a hole 341 of the second body 300. The coupling member 800 may pass through the hole 341 of the second body 300. The coupling member 800 passing through the hole 341 of the second body 300 may be disposed in the groove 241 of the post 240 of the first body 200. In this way, the coupling member 800 may couple the first body 200 and the second body 300 together.

[0078] The path of movement of foreign matter in the camera module 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0079] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a foreign object movement path in the camera module according to this embodiment.

[0080] Conventional camera modules have a threaded connection structure between the outer periphery of the lens holder and the inner periphery of the first body. In this case, when assembling the lens holder and the first body, foreign particles are generated by the threads, and the generated foreign particles fall onto the image sensor through the gap between the outer periphery of the lens holder and the inner periphery of the first body, causing problems such as black pixels and / or interference in the output image.

[0081] 15, in the camera module 10 according to this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the lens holder 100 and the inner peripheral surface of the first body 200 do not include a thread shape. In this case, when the lens holder 100 and the first body 200 are assembled, no rubbing foreign matter is generated between the outer peripheral surface of the lens holder 100 and the inner peripheral surface of the first body 200, thereby preventing the black pixel phenomenon of the image sensor. In addition, the camera module 10 according to this embodiment has a thread type coupling structure formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens holder 100 and the outer peripheral surface of the first body 200. In this case, since the outer peripheral surface of the lens holder 100 and the outer peripheral surface of the first body 200 are threadedly coupled, rubbing foreign matter settles in the groove 230 of the first body 100 rather than on the image sensor 551. This essentially blocks the path of foreign particles that may fall onto image sensor 551 due to threaded connections, preventing black pixels on image sensor 551 and preventing interference with images output from image sensor 551. Furthermore, conventional camera modules use an O-ring between the lens holder and the first body for waterproofing, but foreign particles that may fall into the O-ring due to threaded connections can cause assembly and waterproofing problems. On the other hand, the camera module according to this embodiment employs an O-ring-free structure, fundamentally preventing foreign particles from falling into the O-ring and causing assembly and waterproofing problems, and ensures waterproofing through lens holder fixing member 400 made of an epoxy material.

[0082] The camera module 10 according to this embodiment changes the position of the screw thread coupling structure between the lens holder 100 and the front body 200 to prevent foreign objects from falling onto the surface of the image sensor. Also, the O-ring application structure is eliminated to minimize assembly steps and assembly defects. Also, epoxy is applied between the lens holder 100 and the front body 200 to firmly secure the lens holder and provide waterproofing.

[0083] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention 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. The first body, a lens holder coupled to the first body; a second body coupled to the first body, the lens holder includes a first coupling part including a first portion protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the lens holder and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the first body; the first body includes a second coupling portion coupled to the first coupling portion, the second portion of the first coupling portion includes a screw thread formed on an inner circumferential surface of the second portion, the second coupling portion includes a screw thread formed on an outer circumferential surface of the second coupling portion, the first body includes a protrusion protruding from an upper surface of the first body and disposed outside the second coupling portion, and a groove formed between the second coupling portion and the protrusion; a fixing member is disposed in the groove of the first body; a length of the protrusion in the optical axis direction is shorter than a length of the second coupling portion in the optical axis direction; The protrusion is arranged to enclose the outer surface of the fixing member.

2. The second coupling portion protrudes from an upper surface of the first body, the first coupling portion includes a groove recessed from a lower end of the second portion of the first coupling portion, The camera module of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the second coupling portion of the first body is inserted into the groove of the first coupling portion.

3. a substrate assembly disposed within the second body; The substrate assembly includes a substrate and an image sensor disposed on the substrate; The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion do not overlap with the image sensor in an optical axis direction.

4. a substrate assembly disposed within the second body; The substrate assembly includes a substrate and an image sensor disposed on the substrate; The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are disposed outside the image sensor.

5. The outer peripheral surface of the lens holder contacts the inner peripheral surface of the first body, The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the outer peripheral surface of the lens holder and the inner peripheral surface of the first body are threadless.

6. The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the first coupling portion is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the lens holder in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

7. the fixing member includes a main body disposed in the groove of the first body and an extension extending from at least a portion of the main body; The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the extension of the fixing member is disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the first coupling portion and the outer circumferential surface of the second coupling portion.

8. The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the first coupling portion overlaps with the groove of the first body in the optical axis direction.

9. The first body, a lens holder coupled to the first body; a second body coupled to the first body; a substrate assembly disposed within the second body; the lens holder includes a first coupling portion protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the lens holder, the first coupling portion includes a groove recessed from a lower end of the first coupling portion, the first body includes a second coupling portion protruding from an upper surface of the first body and at least a portion of which is disposed in the groove of the first coupling portion; the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are screw-coupled together; the first body includes a protrusion protruding from an upper surface of the first body and disposed outside the second coupling portion, and a groove formed between the second coupling portion and the protrusion; a fixing member is disposed in the groove of the first body; a length of the protrusion in the optical axis direction is shorter than a length of the second coupling portion in the optical axis direction; The protrusion is arranged to enclose the outer surface of the fixing member.

10. The second coupling portion has an outer circumferential surface formed with a screw thread, a surface of the groove of the first coupling portion facing the outer circumferential surface of the second coupling portion is formed with a thread corresponding to the thread on the outer circumferential surface of the second coupling portion; The outer peripheral surface of the lens holder contacts the inner peripheral surface of the first body, The camera module according to claim 9 , wherein the outer peripheral surface of the lens holder and the inner peripheral surface of the first body are threadless.

Images