Heating member and camera module comprising same

Abstract

This heating member comprises: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed on the first substrate; and a heating layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein: the heating layer comprises conductive particles, a polymer covering the conductive particles, and a plurality of electrodes; and the first substrate and the second substrate have different thicknesses.

Description

Heating element and camera module including same

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a heating member and a camera module including the same.

[0002]

[0003] Recently, ultra-small camera modules have been developed and are widely used in small electronic products such as smartphones, laptops, and game consoles.

[0004] As automobiles become more widespread, miniature cameras are increasingly being used not only in small electronic devices but also in vehicles. Examples include black box cameras for vehicle protection or to collect objective data on traffic accidents, rearview cameras that allow drivers to monitor blind spots at the rear of the vehicle, ensuring safety when backing up, and perimeter cameras that monitor the vehicle's surroundings.

[0005] A camera includes a lens, a lens barrel that accommodates 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, which forms the exterior of the camera, is constructed with a sealed structure throughout to prevent contamination of internal components with foreign substances, including moisture.

[0006] Camera modules are placed on the exterior of the vehicle and are therefore highly exposed to the outside air. Therefore, frost, condensation, and freezing frequently occur on the lens during the winter. When frost, condensation, and freezing occur on the lens, the camera module's performance deteriorates significantly.

[0007]

[0008] The present embodiment provides a heating member capable of quickly removing frost or ice formed on a lens surface through a heating function and improving heat generation efficiency, and a camera module including the same.

[0009]

[0010] A heat generating member according to the present embodiment comprises: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed on the first substrate; a heat generating layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; the heat generating layer comprises: conductive particles; a polymer covering the conductive particles; and a plurality of electrodes, wherein the thicknesses of the first substrate and the second substrate are different from each other.

[0011] One surface of the first substrate is in direct contact with the plurality of electrodes, and an adhesive layer may be formed on the other surface of the first substrate.

[0012] The thickness of the above first substrate may be thinner than the thickness of the above second substrate.

[0013] The thermal conductivity of the above first substrate may be greater than the thermal conductivity of the above second substrate.

[0014] The thermal conductivity of the above adhesive layer may be greater than the thermal conductivity of the second substrate.

[0015] The thermal conductivity of the above adhesive layer may be greater than the thermal conductivity of the first substrate.

[0016] The thickness of the above adhesive layer may be thicker than the thickness of the first substrate and thinner than the thickness of the second substrate.

[0017] A camera module according to the present embodiment comprises: a first body; a lens module disposed within the first body, the lens module including a barrel and a lens disposed within the barrel; a substrate module disposed within the first body; and a heat generating member having one end connected to a surface of the lens and the other end connected to the substrate module to provide heat to the lens, wherein the heat generating member includes a first substrate and a second substrate having a heat generating layer disposed therebetween, and the thicknesses of the first substrate and the second substrate are different from each other.

[0018] The above first member may be positioned relatively closer to the surface of the lens than the above second member.

[0019] The thickness of the above first substrate may be thinner than the thickness of the above second substrate.

[0020]

[0021] This embodiment has the advantage of being able to quickly remove frost or ice that occurs on the lens surface through heat generated from the heat generating member.

[0022] In particular, by controlling the thickness of the first and second substrates, it is possible to easily transfer heat toward the lens, and also prevent heat from being lost to other areas, thereby improving the heat generation efficiency of the lens.

[0023] In addition, by forming a network through conductive fillers and conductive wires within the heating layer, the amount of conductive filler required within the heating layer can be reduced compared to the conventional method, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost and improving the electrical characteristics of the heating layer.

[0024]

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 is a plan view showing one area of ​​a heating member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 is a drawing illustrating A-A' of Figure 3.

[0029] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a heating member according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030]

[0031] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] However, the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to some of the embodiments described, but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, one or more of the components between the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted for use.

[0033] In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

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

[0035] In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase, and when it is described as “A and / or at least one (or more) of B, C”, it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, C.

[0036] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0037] And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' to another component, it may include not only cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' directly to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

[0038] Additionally, when described as being formed or arranged "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Furthermore, when expressed as "above" or "below," the meaning may include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

[0039] The term "optical axis direction" used below is defined as the optical axis direction of the lens. Meanwhile, "optical axis direction" may correspond to "up-down direction", "z-axis direction", etc.

[0040] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body (2), a door (3), glass (4), a headlamp (5), a taillamp (6), and a camera module (10).

[0043] The above body (2) may be an exterior member of the vehicle (1). The body (2) may have various forms, such as a frame type and a monocoque type. One or more doors (3) may be coupled to a side of the body (2). In addition, the glass (4) may be coupled to the front and rear (where the pillar is formed) of the upper portion of the body (2) and the door (3). The headlamp (5) may be mounted on the front of the lower portion of the body (2). The taillamp (6) may be mounted on the rear of the lower portion of the body (2).

[0044] A camera module (10) may be installed on the side of the body (2) or on a door positioned at the front of one or more of the doors (3). The camera module (10) may be installed in front of the glass (4) coupled to the door (3). That is, in the vehicle (1) of the present embodiment, the side mirror may be replaced with the camera module (10).

[0045] The above camera module (10) can capture images of both rear sides of the vehicle. Images captured by the camera module (10) can be electrically connected to a display unit (not shown) via an electronic control unit (ECU) or the like. Accordingly, images captured by the camera module (10) can be controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) and played back on the display unit.

[0046] An interior space for the driver can be formed inside the body (2). A display unit can be installed inside the body (2). The display unit can output an image captured by the camera module (10). The display unit can be installed on a dashboard (not shown) inside the body (2).

[0047] The installation form of the camera module (10) in the vehicle (1) described above is exemplary, and the camera module (10) can be used in one or more of the front camera, side camera, rear camera, and black box of the vehicle (1).

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

[0049] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing one area of ​​a heating member according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a drawing taken along line A-A' of FIG. 3.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a camera module (10) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a first body (100), a second body (200), a lens module (300), a lens holder (400), a substrate module (500), and a heating member (700).

[0051] The first body (100) may form the outer shape of the camera module (10). The first body (100) may be named any one of a front body, an upper housing, and a first housing. A space may be formed inside the first body (100) so that the lens module (300), the lens holder (400), and the substrate module (500) are arranged.

[0052] The above first body (100) may include a body portion (110) and a protrusion portion (120). The body portion (110) and the protrusion portion (120) may be formed integrally.

[0053] The body part (110) may be formed of a metal material. The body part (110) may be placed on the second body (200). The body part (110) may be coupled to the second body (200). The lower end of the body part (110) may be fixed on the second body (200). The body part (110) may be coupled to the second body (200) by welding. Alternatively, the body part (110) may be coupled to the second body (200) by adhesive or fusion.

[0054] The body part (110) may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open bottom. At this time, the corners of the body part (110) may be formed to be rounded. The body part (110) may include an upper plate (112) and a first side plate (114) extending downward from an edge of the upper plate (112). The upper plate (112) may be formed in a rectangular shape. The upper plate (112) may extend outward from the lower outer surface of the protrusion (120). The first side plate (114) may extend downward from the outer edge of the upper plate (112). The first side plates (114) may be provided in plurality. The first side plates (114) may include four side plates. The first side plates (114) may be formed in a square plate shape. For example, the first side plate (114) may include a first-first side plate, a first-second side plate, a first-third side plate positioned opposite the first-first side plate, and a first-fourth side plate positioned opposite the first-second side plate. The first side plate (114) may include first-first to first-fourth corners positioned between the first-first to first-fourth side plates, respectively. Each of the first-first to first-fourth corners may include a round shape at least in part.

[0055] A space portion that is separated from other areas may be formed on the inside of the above body portion (110). The space portion may have an open bottom and an upper portion that may be covered by the protrusion (120) and the lower surface of the lens module (300).

[0056] The first body (100) may include a protrusion (120). The protrusion (120) may be formed of a metal material. The protrusion (120) may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The protrusion (120) may be disposed on the body (110). The protrusion (120) may extend upward from the upper surface of the body (110). The protrusion (120) may be formed integrally with the body (110). As a variation, the protrusion (120) may be coupled to the body (110). In this case, the protrusion (120) may be fixed to the body (110) by an adhesive. The protrusion (120) may accommodate the lens module (300) therein. A space may be formed in the center of the protrusion (120) to which the lens module (300) is coupled. The lens module (300) can be placed in the space within the above protrusion (120).

[0057] The camera module (10) may include the second body (200). The second body (200) may be named as any one of a rear body, a lower housing, a second housing, and a rear cover. The second body (200) may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open upper portion. The second body (200) may be formed of a metal material. The second body (200) may be placed below the first body (100). The second body (200) may be coupled with the first body (100). The second body (200) may form an internal space through coupling with the first body (100). The second body (200) may include a space portion with an open upper surface.

[0058] The second body (200) may include the lower plate (220). The lower plate (220) may face the upper plate (114) of the first body (100) in the optical axis direction. The lower plate (220) may be spaced apart from the upper plate (114) of the first body (110) in the optical axis direction. The lower plate (220) may be parallel to the upper plate (114) of the first body (100). The lower plate (220) may be formed in a square shape. In this case, at least a portion of the corner of the lower plate (220) may include a round shape.

[0059] The second body (200) may include the second side plate (210). The second side plate (210) may extend from the lower plate (220). The second side plate (210) may extend upward from an outer edge of the lower plate (220). A shield member (not shown) may be disposed on the second side plate (210). The shield member may be in surface contact with an inner surface of the second side plate (210). An upper end of the second side plate (210) may be coupled to the first body (100). The inner surface of the second side plate (210) may be disposed to surround an outer surface of the first side plate (114). The inner surface of the second side plate (210) and the outer surface of the first side plate (114) may be mutually coupled by at least one method selected from the group consisting of welding, adhesive, and fusion.

[0060] The second body (200) may include a connector withdrawal portion (290). The connector withdrawal portion (290) may have a shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the lower plate (220). The connector (490), which will be described later, may be arranged inside the connector withdrawal portion (290). The connector withdrawal portion (290) may be formed of a metal material. The connector withdrawal portion (290) may have a hollow pipe shape inside.

[0061] The camera module (10) may include a lens module (300). The lens module (300) may be coupled to the first body (100). The lens module (300) may be coupled to a hole of the protrusion (120). At least a portion of the lens module (300) may be disposed on the inside of the protrusion (120), and the remaining portion may be disposed to protrude upward from the first body (100).

[0062] The lens module (300) may include a barrel (310) and one or more lenses (330) accommodated within the barrel (310). The lenses (330) may be arranged to face an image sensor within a substrate module (500) to be described later in the optical axis direction. The lenses (330) may be aligned with the image sensor along the optical axis. The lenses (330) may be provided in plurality and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the optical axis direction within the barrel (310). The outermost lens among the plurality of lenses (330) may be exposed upward of the camera module (10).

[0063] The above barrel (310) may include a space with upper and lower surfaces open on the inside. The lens (330) may be placed in the space of the barrel (310). The barrel (310) may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The barrel (310) may be made of a metal material.

[0064] The lens module (300) may include a retainer (380). The retainer (380) may be coupled to the outer surface of the barrel (310). The retainer (380) may be screw-coupled to the barrel (310). Alternatively, the retainer (380) and the barrel (310) may be coupled to each other through epoxy. The retainer (380) may be coupled to the upper end of the barrel (310). At least a portion of the retainer (380) may be disposed within the first body (100). An incident surface of the outermost lens among the lenses (330) may protrude upward from the upper surface of the retainer (380).

[0065] The above-described combined structure of the barrel (310) and retainer (380) is exemplary, and the camera module (10) can be implemented as an integrated structure in which the barrel (310) and retainer (380) are one body.

[0066] The retainer (380) may have a ring-shaped cross-section. The retainer (380) may be positioned so that at least a portion of the retainer covers the edge of the outermost lens. The retainer (380) may be positioned so as to surround the edge of the outermost lens. The retainer (380) may be positioned so as to cover the edge of the incident surface of the outermost lens. The retainer (380) may be in contact with a portion of the incident surface of the outermost lens.

[0067] The retainer (380) may include a first region (382) whose lower surface supports the incident surface of the outermost lens, and a second region (384) extending downward from the edge of the first region (382). The second region (384) may be arranged between the barrel (310) and the first body (100). The first region (382) and the second region (384) may be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0068] The camera module (10) may include a lens holder (400). The lens holder (400) may be disposed between the first body (100) and the barrel (310). The lens holder (400) may be disposed to surround the outer surface of the barrel (310). The lens holder (400) may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. A screw thread or a screw groove may be formed on the inner surface of the lens holder (400). A screw groove or a screw thread may be formed on the outer surface of the barrel (310) facing the inner surface of the lens holder (400). The barrel (310) may be screw-coupled within the lens holder (400).

[0069] A substrate joint portion may be formed on the lower surface of the lens holder (400) to which a first substrate (510) of a substrate module (500) to be described later is joined. The substrate joint portion may have a groove shape that is concave upwards compared to other areas.

[0070] The above lens holder (400) may be omitted. In this case, the substrate module (500) may be coupled to a space within the first body (100).

[0071] The above camera module (10) may include a substrate module (500). The substrate module (500) may be placed in a space within the camera module (10). The substrate module (500) may be placed between the first body (100) and the second body (200).

[0072] The above substrate module (500) may include a first substrate (510), a second substrate (520), and a connection substrate (not shown).

[0073] The first substrate (510) may be a printed circuit board (PCB). An image sensor may be arranged on the upper surface of the first substrate (510). The image sensor may be arranged on the first substrate (510) so as to face the lens (330) in the lens module (300) in the optical axis direction. The first substrate (510) may be arranged within the substrate joint portion of the lens holder (400).

[0074] The second substrate (520) may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The second substrate (520) may be positioned spaced apart from the first substrate (510) in the optical axis direction. The second substrate (520) may be positioned below the first substrate (510). A connector (not shown) may be coupled to the lower surface of the second substrate (520). The upper end of the connector may be soldered to the lower surface of the second substrate (520).

[0075] A terminal (525) may be arranged on the lower surface of the second substrate (520). The terminal (525) may be electrically and physically connected to the lower end of a heating member (700) to be described later.

[0076] The second substrate (520) may be electrically connected to the first substrate (510). The second substrate (520) and the first substrate (510) may be electrically connected through the connection substrate. The connection substrate may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The connection substrate may be connected at the upper and lower ends to the first substrate (510) and the second substrate (520), respectively, to electrically connect the first substrate (510) and the second substrate (520).

[0077] The above substrate module (500) may further include a shield can (not shown) placed between the first substrate (510) and the second substrate (520). Through the shield can, the first substrate (510) and the second substrate (520) may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction.

[0078] Below, the heating structure of the lens according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0079] The camera module (10) may include a heat generating member (700). The heat generating member (700) may provide heat to the surface of the lens (330). The heat generating member (700) may provide heat to the surface of the outermost lens among the plurality of lenses (330). Accordingly, frost formed on the surface of the lens (330) may be removed.

[0080] The above-mentioned heating element (700) may be a PTC heater (positive temperature coefficient heater). One end of the heating element (700) may be connected to the surface of the lens (330), and the other end may be connected to the substrate module (500).

[0081] In detail, the outermost lens (330) disposed on the barrel (310) may include an incident surface (331) onto which light is incident, an exit surface (333) opposite to the incident surface (331) from which the incident light is emitted toward the image sensor, and a connecting surface (335) connecting the incident surface (331) and the exit surface (333). The connecting surface (335) may form a lower surface of the lens (330). The connecting surface (335) may form a side surface of the lens (330). One end of the heating member (700) may be coupled to the connecting surface (335).

[0082] The above connecting surface (335) may include a plurality of surfaces that are arranged with a step from each other in the direction of the optical axis. The plurality of surfaces may include a first surface and a second surface arranged on the inner side of the first surface. The plurality of surfaces may include a first side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface. The plurality of surfaces may include a second side surface arranged on the outer side of the first surface. The first surface may be arranged above the second surface. One end of the heating member (700) may be coupled to the first surface. One end of the heating member (700) may be coupled to the second side.

[0083] The above-mentioned heat generating member (700) may be in the form of a film. The above-mentioned heat generating member (700) may be a substrate having a circuit pattern formed thereon. The above-mentioned heat generating member (700) may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0084] The above-described heating member (700) may include an upper portion (710), a lower portion (720), and a connecting portion (730). The upper portion (710) is disposed at the upper end of the heating member (700) and may be coupled to the surface of the lens (330). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper portion (710) has a ring-shaped cross-section and may be coupled to the connecting surface (335). The upper portion (710) may generate heat by providing power. The upper portion (710) may have a circular shape corresponding to the shape of the lens (330) or the barrel (310).

[0085] The lower part (720) is arranged at the lower end of the heat generating member (700) and can be coupled with the substrate module (500). The lower part (720) can be coupled to the lower surface of the second substrate (520) of the substrate module (500). The lower part (720) can be coupled to the terminal (525) arranged at the lower surface of the second substrate (520). Accordingly, power can be supplied to the heat generating member (700) from the substrate module (500), or a driving signal can be transmitted and received.

[0086] The above connecting portion (730) can connect the upper portion (710) and the lower portion (720). The connecting portion (730) can include a region that is bent at least once. At least a portion of the connecting portion (730) can be positioned between the outer surface of the barrel (310) and the inner surface of the first body (100). A hole (not shown) can be formed in the barrel (310) so that the connecting portion (730) can pass through it.

[0087] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the width (W3-2) of the electrode of the connecting portion (730) may be greater than the width (W3-1) of the electrode of the upper portion (710). Accordingly, the loss of power provided from the substrate module (500) can be minimized.

[0088] The upper portion (710) may include a plurality of electrodes spaced apart in the radial direction. Similarly, the connecting portion (730) may include a plurality of electrodes that are respectively connected to the plurality of electrodes. The spacing (W2-1) between the plurality of electrodes in the upper portion (710) may be greater than the spacing (W2-2) between the plurality of electrodes in the connecting portion (730). Accordingly, in the connecting portion (730), power loss can be minimized with electrodes of relatively large width, and in the upper portion (710), the spacing (W2-1) between the plurality of electrodes can be maximized to improve the thermal efficiency of the heating region.

[0089] Between the connecting portion (730) and the upper portion (710), there may be a region where the width of the electrode decreases. Since cracks may occur due to a sudden change in the amount of current when the width of the electrode (W3-2) at the connecting portion (730) decreases rapidly to the width of the electrode (W3-1) at the upper portion (710), in the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a region where the width gradually decreases between the connecting portion (730) and the upper portion (710) may be formed to prevent cracks.

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper portion (710) is connected to the connecting portion (730), and the other end of the upper portion (710) can be spaced apart from the connecting portion (730) by a first distance (d1). Accordingly, assembly reliability can be secured when the heat generating member (700) is attached to the lens (330). The other end of the upper portion (710) and the end of the electrode within the upper portion (710) can be spaced apart by a second distance (d2). Accordingly, the electrode within the upper portion (710) can be prevented from being exposed to the outside, thereby improving the heat transfer reliability of the heat generating member (700).

[0091] Here, in order to secure assembly reliability, the first separation distance (d1) may be smaller than the second separation distance (d2). In addition, the radial width (W1) between the electrodes arranged radially outer among the plurality of electrodes within the upper portion (710) and the outer circumferential surface of the upper portion (710) may be smaller than the second separation distance (d2). In addition, the radial spacing (W2-1) between the plurality of electrodes within the upper portion (710) may be larger than the first separation distance (d1). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the heating member (700) may include a first substrate (712), a second substrate (714), a heating layer (716), and an adhesive layer (719).

[0092] The first substrate (712) and the second substrate (714) are each formed in a film shape, and a space can be formed therebetween in which the heating layer (716) is formed. The first substrate (712) can be positioned relatively closer to the surface of the lens (330) than the second substrate (714). Accordingly, the first substrate (712) can be referred to as an upper substrate, and the second substrate (714) can be referred to as a lower substrate.

[0093] The first substrate (712) and the second substrate (714) may be made of different materials. For example, the material of the first substrate (712) may be polyimide. The material of the second substrate (714) may be PET.

[0094] Based on the optical axis direction, the thickness (t2) of the first substrate (712) may be smaller than the thickness (t1) of the second substrate (714). For example, the thickness (t2) of the first substrate (712) may be 1 / 4 or less of the thickness (t1) of the second substrate (714). The thickness (t1) of the first substrate (712) may be 20 um to 30 um. The thickness (t2) of the second substrate (714) may be 80 um to 120 um. According to the structure as described above, by forming the thickness of the first substrate (712) relatively close to the surface of the lens (330) thin, the heat generated from the heating layer (716) can be efficiently transferred to the surface of the lens (330). In addition, heat loss through the second substrate (714) can be prevented.

[0095] The thermal conductivity of the first substrate (712) may be greater than the thermal conductivity of the second substrate (714). Accordingly, heat may be concentrated on the lens (330) through the first substrate (712).

[0096] The above-mentioned heating layer (716) may be arranged between the first substrate (712) and the second substrate (714). The heating layer (716) may include a polymer, conductive particles (717) arranged within the polymer, and an electrode (718). The polymer may be arranged to surround the conductive particles (717).

[0097] The electrode (718) may be disposed on the surface of the polymer. The electrode (718) may include a plurality of electrodes having different polarities. The heating layer (716) may generate heat due to a change in resistance of the conductive particles (717) when power is supplied from the substrate module (500). One surface of the first substrate (712) may be in direct contact with the plurality of electrodes (718).

[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the radial distance (W1) between any one of the plurality of electrodes (718) and the inner or outer surface of the heating layer (716) may be smaller than the distance (W2) between the plurality of electrodes (718). Accordingly, heat transfer may be more easily achieved in the direction of the lens (330) than in the side surface of the heating member (700).

[0099] In addition, the optical axis direction thickness (t5) of the electrode (718) may be larger than the diameter of the conductive particle (717). Accordingly, heat transfer to the region between the plurality of electrodes (718) may be more easily achieved.

[0100] The thickness (t3) of the above heating layer (716) may be greater than the thickness (t2) of the first substrate (712) and less than or equal to the thickness (t1) of the second substrate (714).

[0101] The adhesive layer (719) may be disposed on the first substrate (712). The adhesive layer (719) may be formed on the other surface of the first substrate (712) opposite to the surface of the first substrate (712) that is in contact with the electrode (718). An adhesive may be disposed on the surface of the adhesive layer (719). The heating member (700) and the lens (330) may be coupled through the adhesive layer (719). The thickness (t4) of the adhesive layer (719) may be thicker than the thickness (t2) of the first substrate (712). The thickness (t4) of the adhesive layer (719) may be thinner than the thickness (t1) of the second substrate (714). The thickness of the adhesive layer (719) may be 40 um to 60 um. The material of the above adhesive layer (719) may be alumina or a carbon-based non-electrically conductive material.

[0102] The thermal conductivity of the adhesive layer (719) may be greater than the thermal conductivity of the second substrate (714). The thermal conductivity of the adhesive layer (719) may be greater than the thermal conductivity of the first substrate (712). Accordingly, heat may be concentrated on the lens (330) through the adhesive layer (719).

[0103] Meanwhile, a release film (not shown) may be placed on the adhesive layer (719), and the strength of the heating member (700) may be reinforced through the release film.

[0104] According to the above structure, the heat generating member (700) according to the present embodiment can easily transfer heat toward the lens (330) by adjusting the thickness of the first substrate (712) and the second substrate (714), according to the heat resistance formula inversely proportional to the length of the heat movement path, and has the advantage of improving the heat generation efficiency of the lens (330) by preventing heat from being lost to other areas.

[0105] Below, the heating structure of the lens according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0106] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a heating member according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 5, the heating member (1700) may include a first substrate (1712), a second substrate (1714), and a heating layer (1716).

[0108] The first substrate (1712) and the second substrate (1714) are each formed in a film shape, and a space can be formed therebetween in which the heating layer (1716) is formed. The first substrate (1712) can be positioned relatively closer to the surface of the lens (1330) than the second substrate (1714). Accordingly, the first substrate (1712) can be referred to as an upper substrate, and the second substrate (1714) can be referred to as a lower substrate.

[0109] An adhesive layer containing an adhesive is formed between the first substrate (1712) and the lens (1330), so that the heat generating member (1700) can be bonded to the surface of the lens (1330). A release film (not shown) can be placed on the adhesive layer, and the strength of the heat generating member (1700) can be reinforced through the release film.

[0110] The first substrate (1712) and the second substrate (1714) may be made of different materials. For example, the material of the first substrate (1712) may be polyimide. The material of the second substrate (1714) may be PET. However, this is merely exemplary, and the materials of the first substrate (1712) and the second substrate (1714) may be the same.

[0111] Based on the optical axis direction, the thickness (t1) of the first substrate (1712) may be smaller than the thickness (t2) of the second substrate (1714). Accordingly, by forming the thickness of the first substrate (1712) relatively close to the surface of the lens (1330) thin, heat generated from the heating layer (1716) can be efficiently transferred to the surface of the lens (1330). In addition, by forming the second substrate (1714) thick, heat loss to the outside can be minimized.

[0112] The thermal conductivity of the first substrate (1712) may be greater than the thermal conductivity of the second substrate (1714). Accordingly, heat may be concentrated on the lens (1330) through the first substrate (1712).

[0113] The above-mentioned heating layer (1716) may be disposed between the first substrate (1712) and the second substrate (1714). The heating layer (1716) may include a polymer, a conductive filler (1722) disposed within the polymer, a conductive wire (1724) disposed within the polymer, and electrodes (1717, 1718). The polymer may have a predetermined thickness in the vertical direction and may be disposed to surround the conductive filler (1722) and the conductive wire (1724). The vertical thickness of the polymer may be greater than the thickness of the first substrate (1712) or the thickness of the second substrate (1714).

[0114] The electrodes (1717, 1718) may be disposed on the surface of the polymer. The electrodes (1717, 1718) may be disposed between the first substrate (1712) and the polymer. The electrodes (1717, 1718) may be disposed on the surface of the polymer facing the first substrate (1712). The electrodes (1717, 1718) may be disposed on the surface of the first substrate (1712) facing the polymer. One surface of the first substrate (1712) may be in direct contact with the plurality of electrodes (1718).

[0115] The electrodes (1717, 1718) may include a plurality of electrodes having different polarities. The electrodes (1717, 1718) may include a first electrode (1717) and a second electrode (1718) having a polarity opposite to the polarity of the first electrode (1717). By providing power through the substrate module (1500) and the first electrode (1717, 1718), the heating layer (1716) may generate heat due to a change in resistance of the conductive filler (1722) and the conductive wire (1724).

[0116] Based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the spacing (L2) between the plurality of electrodes (1717, 1718) may be smaller than the width (L1) of the first substrate (1712) or the second substrate (1714). The first electrode (1717) and the second electrode (1718) may be arranged adjacent to each of the two sides of the first substrate (1712). Accordingly, heat transfer may be more easily achieved in the direction of the lens (1330) than in the direction of the side of the heat generating member (1700).

[0117] In addition, the thickness of the electrodes (1717, 1718) in the optical axis direction may be greater than the diameter of the conductive filler (1722). Accordingly, heat transfer to the region between the plurality of electrodes (1717, 1718) may be more easily achieved.

[0118] The conductive filler (1722) is disposed within the polymer and can generate heat by changing resistance by supplying power through the electrodes (1717, 1718). The conductive filler (1722) may have a spherical shape. The conductive filler (1722) may be formed with a circular or oval cross-section.

[0119] The conductive wire (1724) may be disposed within the polymer. The conductive wire (1724) may have a wire shape. The conductive wire (1724) may have a different aspect ratio (ratio of height to width) than the conductive filler (1722). The aspect ratio of the conductive wire (1724) may be greater than the aspect ratio of the conductive filler (1722).

[0120] The material of the above conductive wire (1724) may include at least one selected from the group consisting of carbon fiber, silver nanowire, and carbon nanotube (CNT).

[0121] The conductive wire (1724) may be arranged to connect a plurality of adjacent conductive fillers (1722). In this case, both ends of the conductive wire (1724) may be respectively connected to two conductive fillers (1722). The heating layer (1716) may form a conductive network through the conductive fillers (1722) and the conductive wires (1724). Accordingly, a change in electrical conductivity within the heating layer (1716) that may occur during thermal expansion of the polymer may be prevented, and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect may be maintained even at the phase transition temperature of the polymer. In addition, the conductive fillers (1722) are connected through the conductive wires (1724), so that the amount of conductive filler required per unit area of ​​the polymer can be reduced compared to the case where only conductive fillers are arranged within the conventional polymer, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost.

[0122] The conductive wire (1724) may be arranged to connect the conductive filler (1722) and the electrode (1717, 1718).

[0123] Between the plurality of electrodes (1717, 1718), only the conductive filler (1722) may be disposed, and the conductive wire (1724) may not be disposed. The conductive wire (1724) may be disposed so as not to overlap the plurality of electrodes (1717, 1718) in the horizontal direction. Accordingly, an electrical short between the plurality of electrodes (1717, 1718) through the conductive wire (1724) having a relatively large aspect ratio can be prevented.

[0124] The density of the conductive wire (1724) per unit area within the polymer may be lower than the density of the conductive filler (1722) per unit area within the polymer. Since the thermal efficiency of power supply within the heating layer (1716) is higher for the conductive filler (1722) than for the conductive wire (1724) having a low expansion rate, the heating characteristics of the heating layer (1716) can be maintained constant by disposing more of the conductive filler (1722) within the polymer than the conductive wire (1724).

[0125] According to the structure described above, by forming a network through conductive fillers and conductive wires in the heating layer, the amount of conductive filler required in the heating layer can be reduced compared to the conventional method, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost and improving the electrical characteristics of the heating layer.

[0126] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described above as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined and operated one or more times. In addition, terms such as "include," "comprise," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated to the contrary, mean that the corresponding component may be inherent, and therefore should be interpreted as including other components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted as being consistent with the contextual meaning of the related technology, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense, unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0127] The above description is merely an illustrative description of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate rather than limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. First article; A second substrate arranged on the first substrate; A heating layer disposed between the first and second substrates; The above heating layer is, conductive particles; a polymer encapsulating conductive particles; and Contains multiple electrodes, A heating member in which the thicknesses of the first and second materials are different from each other.

2. In paragraph 1, One side of the above first substrate is in direct contact with the plurality of electrodes, A heating member having an adhesive layer formed on the surface of the first substrate.

3. In paragraph 2, A heating member in which the thickness of the first substrate is thinner than the thickness of the second substrate.

4. In paragraph 3, A heat generating member in which the thermal conductivity of the first substrate is greater than the thermal conductivity of the second substrate.

5. In paragraph 2, A heat generating member having a thermal conductivity of the above adhesive layer greater than the thermal conductivity of the second substrate.

6. In paragraph 2, A heat generating member having a thermal conductivity of the above adhesive layer greater than the thermal conductivity of the first substrate.

7. In paragraph 2, A heating member in which the thickness of the adhesive layer is thicker than the thickness of the first substrate and thinner than the thickness of the second substrate.

8. First body; A lens module disposed within the first body and including a barrel and a lens disposed within the barrel; A substrate module disposed within the first body; and It includes a heating member having one end connected to the surface of the lens and the other end connected to the substrate module to provide heat to the lens. The above-mentioned heating member includes a first substrate and a second substrate having a heating layer disposed therebetween, A camera module in which the thicknesses of the first and second substrates are different from each other.

9. In paragraph 8, A camera module in which the first device is positioned relatively closer to the surface of the lens than the second device.

10. In paragraph 9, A camera module in which the thickness of the first substrate is thinner than the thickness of the second substrate.

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