Circuit board fixing device and camera module having the same

Abstract

A circuit board fixing device for a camera module includes a base portion; and a first fixing portion that extends from the base portion in a first direction and supports one side of a plurality of boards, wherein the first fixing portion includes a plurality of support portions formed by protruding in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to support one surface of each of the plurality of boards, and the length of the second direction of the plurality of support portions becomes shorter as they move further away from the base portion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit board fixing device for a camera module and a camera module having the same. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, camera modules for driving records and parking convenience are being installed not only in small IT devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and game consoles, but also in vehicles.

[0004] Recently, camera modules installed in vehicles perform various additional functions in addition to displaying images. Accordingly, various components are being mounted along with image sensors, and as a result, the size of the circuit boards used in camera modules is also gradually increasing.

[0005] However, since the size of camera modules is limited, technology to stack multiple small circuit boards inside the camera module is being developed recently to satisfy both the limited camera module size and the required area of ​​the circuit board.

[0006] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2010-0048101, Automotive Camera Module, (published May 11, 2010) discloses a technology in which multiple circuit boards are stacked inside a camera module and each circuit board is coupled to a housing by means of fastening screws.

[0007] However, since the above-mentioned automotive camera module has circuit boards joined to the housing by fastening screws, problems may arise such as an increase in the number of assembly processes due to the fastening screws, an increase in production costs due to the fastening screws, a decrease in the component mounting area of ​​the circuit boards due to the fastening screws, the use of more circuit boards, and bending of the circuit boards due to the screw fastening. Prior art literature

[0009] Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2010-0048101, Camera Module for Automobiles, (Published May 11, 2010) The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention provides a circuit board fixing device for a camera module and a camera module having the same, which prevents an increase in the number of assembly processes, reduces production costs, prevents a reduction in the component mounting area of ​​the circuit board, and prevents bending of the circuit board by firmly fixing the circuit board inside the housing without using fastening screws when fixing the circuit board inside the housing. means of solving the problem

[0012] A circuit board fixing device for a camera module includes a base portion; and a first fixing portion that extends from the base portion in a first direction and supports one side of a plurality of boards, wherein the first fixing portion includes a plurality of support portions formed by protruding in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to support one surface of each of the plurality of boards, and the length of the second direction of the plurality of support portions becomes shorter as they move further away from the base portion. Effects of the invention

[0014] The circuit board fixing device for a camera module according to the present invention and the camera module having the same can prevent an increase in the number of assembly processes, reduce production costs, prevent a reduction in the component mounting area of ​​the circuit board, and prevent bending of the circuit board by firmly fixing the circuit board inside the housing without using fastening screws when fixing the circuit board inside the housing. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0016] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' of Figure 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the circuit board fixing device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a fixing unit of the circuit board fixing device illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a fixed unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a fixed cap coupled to a fixed unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a combined perspective view of Fig. 6. FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawings illustrating the sequence of assembling first to fourth circuit boards to first and second fixing parts of a fixing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0017] The present invention described below is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description.

[0018] However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. In describing the invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the essence of the invention.

[0019] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0020] Additionally, terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to distinguish and describe various components, but said components shall not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0021] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' of FIG. 1.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the camera module (700) may include a circuit board fixing device (100), an image sensor (200), a lens (300), a lens barrel (400), and a housing (500).

[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the circuit board fixing device shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, the circuit board fixing device (100) may include a fixing unit (180) that fixes a plurality of circuit boards (110).

[0025] A circuit board (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be firmly fixed by a fixing unit (180).

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, four circuit boards (110) may be fixed to a fixed unit (180), for example.

[0027] For convenience of explanation below, the circuit board (110) is divided into a first circuit board (112), a second circuit board (114), a third circuit board (116), and a fourth circuit board (118).

[0028] The first to fourth circuit boards (112, 114, 116, 118) may each include a rigid circuit board.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first circuit board (112), the second circuit board (114), the third circuit board (116), and the fourth circuit board (118) are connected in a row by flexible circuit boards (113, 115, 117).

[0030] The first and second circuit boards (112, 114), the second and third circuit boards (114, 116), and the third and fourth circuit boards (116, 118) can each be electrically connected to one another by a flexible circuit board (113, 115, 117).

[0031] Concave grooves may be formed in the first to fourth circuit boards (112, 114, 116, 118) to prevent bending of each flexible circuit board (113, 115, 117).

[0032] The first to fourth circuit boards (112, 114, 116, 118) can be stacked in a zigzag shape. For example, a second circuit board (114) can be placed on top of the first circuit board (112), a third circuit board (116) can be placed on top of the second circuit board (114), and a fourth circuit board (118) can be placed on top of the third circuit board (116).

[0033] The stacked first to fourth circuit boards (112, 114, 116, 118) may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the spacing between the first to fourth circuit boards (112, 114, 116, 118) may be equal to or different from each other.

[0034] Meanwhile, the planar area of ​​the third circuit board (116) may be larger than the planar area of ​​the second circuit board (114), and the planar area of ​​the fourth circuit board (118) may be larger than the planar area of ​​the third circuit board (116).

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, an image sensor (200) may be mounted on the first circuit board (112), and a connector, etc. may be mounted on the fourth circuit board (118).

[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a fixing unit of the circuit board fixing device illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fixing unit (180) serves to fix the circuit board (110), which includes the previously described first to fourth circuit boards (112, 114, 116, 118), without screw fastening.

[0038] The fixed unit (180) may include a base part (120), a first fixed part (130), and a second fixed part (140).

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the base portion (120), the first fixing portion (130), and the second fixing portion (140) of the fixing unit (180) may be formed integrally, for example.

[0040] Although in one embodiment of the present invention, the base part (120), the first fixing part (130), and the second fixing part (140) are shown and described as being formed integrally, the base part (120), the first fixing part (130), and the second fixing part (140) may be assembled or welded while separated from each other.

[0041] The base portion (120) is formed in the shape of a plate, for example, and the base portion (120) can be coupled to and fixed to a housing (500) to be described later.

[0042] The shape of the base portion (120) can be determined by the shape of the housing (500), and if the housing (500) is a cuboid shape, the base portion (120) can be formed, for example, into a square plate shape suitable for being housed in the housing (500).

[0043] An opening (122) may be formed in the central part of the base part (120) so that a connector, etc. can pass through.

[0044] At least one of the first fixed portions (130) may extend from the edge of the base portion (120) to one side of the base portion (120).

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first fixing part (130) may extend in a first direction in a pair of mutually facing directions from opposite edges of the base part (120). The first direction may be, for example, a height direction with respect to the base part (120).

[0046] The first fixing part (130) may be formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate. Although in one embodiment of the present invention, the first fixing part (130) is shown and described as being in the shape of a rectangular plate, the first fixing part (130) may be formed in various plate shapes.

[0047] The first fixed part (130) may include support parts (132, 133, 134) that protrude in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the height direction, with respect to the base part (120).

[0048] The support members (132, 133, 134) serve to prevent the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118) from coming off.

[0049] The number of support members (132, 133, 134) can be determined by the number of circuit boards (110). In one embodiment of the present invention, three support members (132, 133, 134) may be formed on the first fixing member (130), for example, to support the lower surfaces of the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118), excluding the first circuit board (112) disposed on the base member (120).

[0050] A support member (132) supporting the second circuit board (114) can be formed, for example, by bending portions protruding from both sides of the first fixing member (130) toward the lower surface of the second circuit board (114).

[0051] A support member (133) supporting the third circuit board (116) can be formed, for example, by bending portions protruding from both sides of the first fixing member (130) toward the lower surface of the third circuit board (116).

[0052] A support member (134) that supports the fourth circuit board (118) can be formed, for example, by cutting a part of the first fixing member (130) and protruding the cut part from the outside of the first fixing member (130) inward.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, in order to arrange the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118) in a zigzag shape, the protruding lengths of the support members (132, 133, 134) that support the lower surfaces of the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118) respectively may be intermittently shortened as they move further away from the base member (120).

[0054] Additionally, escape grooves may be formed in the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118) so that the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118) can be joined without interference with the support members (132, 133, 134). The area of ​​the escape groove may be formed such that the second circuit board (114) is the largest and the fourth circuit board (118) is the smallest.

[0055] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second fixing part (140) prevents the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118), which are respectively supported by the supporting parts (132, 133, 134) of the first fixing part (130), from moving upward.

[0056] The second fixed part (140) may be arranged in the first direction such that a pair of them face each other with respect to the base part (120), for example.

[0057] Accordingly, the second fixed part (140) is positioned parallel to the first fixed part (130) and can be positioned perpendicular to the first fixed part (130) when viewed in a plane.

[0058] When a pair of second fixing parts (140) are arranged on the base part (120) with respect to the first fixing part (130), the first and second fixing parts (130, 140) can stably fix four places of the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118) to prevent the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118) from detaching and moving up and down.

[0059] The second fixed part (140) can be formed in the first direction from the edge of the base part (120).

[0060] The second fixing part (140) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate when viewed from the side, for example. Although in one embodiment of the present invention, the second fixing part (140) is shown and described as being formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, the second fixing part (140) may have various plate shapes otherwise.

[0061] The width of the second fixed part (140) may be formed to be narrower than the width of the first fixed part (10), so as to prevent interference with the flexible circuit boards (113, 115, 117) connecting the first to fourth circuit boards (112, 114, 116, 118) in the part where the second fixed part (140) is formed.

[0062] In the second fixed part (140), protrusions (143, 143, 144) are formed along the height direction relative to the base part (120). The protrusions (142, 143, 144) are formed at positions corresponding to the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118), excluding the first circuit board (112) placed on the upper surface of the base part (120).

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, a protrusion (142) formed on the second fixing part (140) contacts or presses the upper surface of the second circuit board (114), and the second circuit board (114) is not moved up or down by the support part (132) of the first fixing part (130) and the protrusion (142) of the second fixing part (140).

[0064] The protrusion (142) that fixes the second circuit board (114) can be formed by cutting a part of the second fixing part (140) and then bending the cut part toward the upper surface of the second circuit board (114).

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion (143) formed on the second fixing part (140) contacts or presses the upper surface of the third circuit board (116), and the third circuit board (116) is not moved up or down by the support part (133) of the first fixing part (130) and the protrusion (143) of the second fixing part (140).

[0066] The protrusion (143) that fixes the third circuit board (116) can be formed by cutting a part of the second fixing part (140) and then bending the cut part toward the upper surface of the third circuit board (116).

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion (144) formed on the second fixing part (140) contacts or presses the upper surface of the fourth circuit board (118), and the fourth circuit board (118) is not moved up or down by the support part (134) of the first fixing part (130) and the protrusion (144) of the second fixing part (140).

[0068] The protrusion (144) that fixes the fourth circuit board (118) can be formed by cutting a part of the second fixing part (140) and then bending the cut part toward the upper surface of the fourth circuit board (118).

[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, since the planar area of ​​the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118) fixed by the protrusions (142, 143, 144) gradually increases as previously described, a step portion may be formed between each protrusion (142, 143, 144) of the second fixing part (140) by taking into account the planar area of ​​the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118).

[0070] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a fixed unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. The fixed unit illustrated in FIG. 5 has substantially the same configuration as the fixed unit illustrated in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, except for the shape of the support portion and the protrusion portion. Therefore, redundant descriptions of identical configurations are omitted, and identical configurations are given the same names and reference numerals.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, the fixed unit (180) may include a base part (120), a first fixed part (130), and a second fixed part (140).

[0072] The first fixed part (130) may include support parts (132a, 133a, 134a) formed along the height direction with respect to the base part (120).

[0073] Support members (132a, 133a, 134a) can each be formed by cutting a part of the first fixing member (130) and protruding the cut portion from the outer surface of the first fixing member (130) toward the inner surface facing the outer surface, and the support members (132a, 133a, 134a) support the lower surfaces of the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118).

[0074] The second fixed part (140) may include protrusions (142a, 143a, 144a) formed along the height direction with respect to the base part (120).

[0075] The protrusions (142a, 143a, 144a) can each be formed by cutting a part of the second fixing part (140) and protruding the cut portion from the outer surface of the second fixing part (140) toward the inner surface facing the outer surface, and the protrusions (142a, 143a, 144a) can be in contact with the upper surfaces of the second to fourth circuit boards (114, 116, 118).

[0076] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a fixed cap coupled to a fixed unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 6.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the first to fourth circuit boards (112, 114, 116, 118) are connected to the first and second fixing parts (130, 140) of the fixed unit (180) and the first and second fixing parts (130, 140) are opened, the first to fourth circuit boards (112, 114, 116, 118) may be detached from the first and second fixing parts (130, 140).

[0078] To prevent this, the fixing unit (180) may include a fixing cap (150). The fixing cap (150) is coupled to the first and second fixing parts (130, 140) of the fixing unit (180) to prevent the first and second fixing parts (130, 140) from spreading apart.

[0079] The fixed cap (150) can be made of various materials, such as a metal material with high rigidity and easy processing, or a synthetic resin material that is easy to process and can be molded into complex shapes.

[0080] The fixed cap (150) is formed in the shape of a lid, and the fixed cap (150) may include a side wall (155) and a top plate (159).

[0081] The top plate (159) can be formed in a shape corresponding to, for example, the base portion (120) of the fixed unit (180).

[0082] For example, if the base portion (120) is formed in the shape of a square plate, the top plate (159) is also formed in a shape corresponding to the base portion (120), and in one embodiment of the present invention, the top plate (159) can be formed in the shape of a square plate.

[0083] An opening (158) may be formed in the top plate (159) to expose a connector connected to a fourth circuit board (118) fixed to a fixed unit (180).

[0084] Meanwhile, around the opening (158) formed in the top plate (159), a detachment prevention part (157) may be formed by being bent inward toward the top plate (159) to contact or press the upper surface of the fourth circuit board (118) to once again prevent or suppress the detachment of the fourth circuit board (118).

[0085] Side walls (155) may be integrally formed on the edge of the top plate (159), and the side walls (155) are in contact with the outer surfaces of the first and second fixing parts (130, 140), respectively, to prevent the first and second fixing parts (130, 140) from spreading apart.

[0086] Meanwhile, on the side walls (155), a locking part (151) that is coupled with, for example, the first and second fixing parts (130, 140) may be formed.

[0087] The catch portion (151) is formed by cutting and bending a part of the side wall (155), and a through hole (137) may be formed in the first fixing portion (130) corresponding to the catch portion (151) to be coupled with the catch portion (151) in a hook manner.

[0088] At least one bending prevention rib (152) may be formed on the side wall (155) to prevent bending of the side wall (155).

[0089] FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawings illustrating the sequence of assembling first to fourth circuit boards to first and second fixed parts of a fixed unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 8, a first circuit board (112) can be fixed and coupled to the base portion (120) of the fixed unit (180).

[0091] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9, a second circuit board (114) is coupled to each of the first and second fixed parts (130, 140) facing the first circuit board (112), and as shown in FIG. 10, a third circuit board (116) is coupled to the first and second fixed parts (130, 140) facing the second circuit board (114).

[0092] Afterwards, as shown in FIG. 3, a fourth circuit board (118) is coupled to the first and second fixed parts (130, 140) so as to face the third circuit board (116).

[0093] Referring again to FIG. 2, a circuit board fixing device (100) including a fixing unit (180) described through FIG. 3 to 8 is coupled inside a housing (500), and a lens assembly (400) coupled with a lens (300) is coupled to the housing (500).

[0094] As described in detail above, the circuit board fixing device for a camera module according to the present invention and the camera module having the same can prevent an increase in the number of assembly processes, reduce production costs, prevent a reduction in the component mounting area of ​​the circuit board, and prevent bending of the circuit board by firmly fixing the circuit board inside the housing without using fastening screws when fixing the circuit board inside the housing.

[0095] Meanwhile, the embodiments disclosed in this drawing are merely specific examples provided to aid understanding and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that other variations based on the technical concept of the invention are possible in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

Claim 1 A circuit board fixing device for a camera module comprising: a base portion; and a first fixing portion extending in a first direction from the base portion to support one side of a plurality of substrates, wherein the first fixing portion includes a plurality of support portions formed by protruding in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to support one surface of each of the plurality of substrates, wherein the plurality of support portions include a first support portion, a second support portion positioned further in the first direction than the first support portion with respect to the base portion, and a third support portion positioned further in the first direction than the second support portion with respect to the base portion, wherein the height of the second support portion protruding in the second direction from the first fixing portion is lower than the height of the second support portion protruding in the second direction from the first fixing portion, and the height of the third support portion protruding in the second direction from the first fixing portion is lower than the height of the second support portion protruding in the second direction from the first fixing portion. Claim 2 A circuit board fixing device for a camera module according to claim 1, comprising a second fixing part that supports the other side of the plurality of substrates, wherein the second fixing part has a plurality of protrusions that extend from the base in the first direction and contact the other side of the plurality of substrates opposite to the first side. Claim 3 A circuit board fixing device for a camera module according to claim 1, wherein the first fixing part is arranged extending from the mutually facing corner portion of the base part, and the support parts are formed by bending a portion protruding from the side of the first fixing part. Claim 4 A circuit board fixing device for a camera module according to claim 1, wherein a pair of first fixing members are arranged facing each other on the base member, and the support members are formed to protrude into the internal space where the substrate is mounted. Claim 5 A circuit board fixing device for a camera module according to claim 1, wherein the second direction length of the support members is a length protruding toward the internal space where the substrate is mounted. Claim 6 A circuit board fixing device for a camera module according to paragraph 2, wherein the second fixing part is formed by extending in a first direction from each of the mutually parallel sides of the base part, and the protrusions are formed by protruding toward an internal space in which the substrate is mounted to support the other surface of the plurality of substrates. Claim 7 In claim 6, the circuit board fixing device for a camera module having a step formed between the protrusions in the second fixing part. Claim 8 A circuit board fixing device for a camera module according to paragraph 2, wherein the first fixing part is formed with a first width and the second fixing part is formed with a second width narrower than the first width. Claim 9 A circuit board fixing device for a camera module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of substrates include a plurality of rigid circuit boards arranged in an overlapping manner facing each other and a flexible circuit board that electrically connects the rigid circuit boards to each other. Claim 10 A circuit board fixing device for a camera module according to claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of substrates has a relief groove having a different size formed therein to prevent interference with the support members. Claim 11 A circuit board fixing device for a camera module according to claim 2, further comprising a fixing cap coupled to the upper end of the first fixing part and the second fixing part to prevent the first and second fixing parts from spreading apart. Claim 12 In claim 11, the above fixing cap is a circuit board fixing device for a camera module comprising a top plate including a side wall and an opening that contacts the outer surfaces of the first and second fixing parts, respectively. Claim 13 A circuit board fixing device for a camera module according to claim 12, wherein a through hole is formed in the first fixing part corresponding to the side wall, a locking part coupled to the through hole is formed in the side wall, and an anti-detachment part that presses the substrate placed at the top of the substrates is formed in the top plate. Claim 14 A fixing unit comprising a base portion and a first fixing portion supporting one side of a plurality of substrates; an image sensor mounted on a substrate positioned at the uppermost of the plurality of substrates; a lens positioned in the path of light flowing into the image sensor; and a lens barrel for fixing the lens. A camera module comprising a housing that accommodates the fixed unit, the image sensor, and the lens, wherein the first fixed unit extends in a first direction from the base unit and includes a plurality of support members formed by protruding in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to support one surface of each of the plurality of substrates, and the plurality of support members include a first support member, a second support member positioned further in the first direction than the first support member with respect to the base unit, and a third support member positioned further in the first direction than the second support member with respect to the base unit, wherein the height of the second support member protruding in the second direction from the first fixed unit is lower than the height of the first support member protruding in the second direction from the first fixed unit, and the height of the third support member protruding in the second direction from the first fixed unit is lower than the height of the second support member protruding in the second direction from the first fixed unit. Claim 15 delete

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