Camera module

Abstract

This camera module comprises: a front housing; a lens module coupled to the front housing; a substrate arranged under the lens module; and a bonding part for coupling the front housing and the lens module, wherein: the lens module includes a barrel body of which a portion is arranged in the front housing, a lens arranged in the barrel body, and a flange protruding outward from the barrel body; the front housing includes a first body and a protruding part that protrudes from the upper surface of the first body; the flange includes a first area perpendicular to an optical axis direction and a second area that extends from the first area in the optical axis direction; and the bonding part is arranged between the second area and the first body.

Description

camera module

[0001] This embodiment relates to a camera module.

[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 may be equipped with a lens, a lens holder 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 that forms the exterior of the camera is configured with a sealed structure throughout to prevent internal components from being contaminated by foreign substances containing moisture.

[0006]

[0007] The present invention provides a camera module capable of lowering the manufacturing cost by reducing the number of parts and firmly fixing the lens module to the housing.

[0008]

[0009] A camera module according to the present embodiment comprises: a front housing; a lens module coupled to the front housing; a substrate disposed below the lens module; and a joint portion coupling the front housing and the lens module, wherein the lens module comprises a barrel body partially disposed within the front housing, a lens disposed within the barrel body, and a flange protruding outward from the barrel body, wherein the front housing comprises a first body and a protrusion protruding from an upper surface of the first body, the flange comprises a first region perpendicular to an optical axis direction and a second region extending from the first region in the optical axis direction, and the joint portion is disposed between the second region and the first body.

[0010] The above protrusions may be arranged spaced apart from the first region and the second region in the direction of the optical axis.

[0011] The above front housing includes a surface-treated area through anodizing and a surface-untreated area, and the upper surface of the first body facing the first area may be a surface-untreated area.

[0012] The above barrel body includes a surface-treated area through anodizing and a surface-untreated area, and the lower surface of the second area may be a surface-untreated area.

[0013] The lower surface of the second region and the upper surface of the first body may be spaced apart at least partially in the direction of the optical axis.

[0014] A first gap is formed between the lower surface of the second region and the upper surface of the first body, and the length of the first gap may be 15% or less of the thickness of the first body based on the optical axis direction.

[0015] A first chamfered surface may be formed on the upper outer surface of the first body where the joint is formed, and a second chamfered surface may be formed on the lower outer surface of the second region where the joint is formed.

[0016] A second gap spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis may be arranged between the second region and the protrusion.

[0017] A third gap spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis may be arranged between the protrusion and the first region.

[0018]

[0019] In this embodiment, since the method of joining the front housing and the lens module by welding eliminates the need for adhesives or sealing materials for joining, the manufacturing cost can be lowered due to a reduction in the number of parts, and the assembly process can be simplified.

[0020] In addition, since the optical axis distance between the lens module and the substrate module can be precisely adjusted before welding, there is an advantage in that the optimal resolution value within the camera module can be secured.

[0021]

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of A in Figure 3.

[0026] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to the prior art.

[0027] Figure 6 is a graph comparing the temperature within a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention and the temperature within a camera module according to the prior art.

[0028]

[0029] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing A of FIG. 3.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a camera module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a vehicle camera module. The camera module (10) may be coupled to a vehicle. The camera module (10) may be used in at least one of a front camera, a side camera, a rear camera, and a black box of the vehicle. The camera module (10) may be placed at the front of the vehicle. The camera module (10) may be placed at the rear of the vehicle. The camera module (10) may be coupled to the windshield of the vehicle. The camera module (10) may be coupled to the windshield of the front or rear of the vehicle. The camera module (10) may be placed on the side of the vehicle. The camera module (10) may photograph a subject and output the image as an image on a display (not shown).

[0041] The camera module (10) may include a front housing (100). The front housing (100) may be named any one of a front body, an upper housing, a first housing, and a front cover. The front housing (100) may include a second body (110). The front housing (100) may include a first body (130). The second body (110) and the first body (130) may be formed integrally.

[0042] The second body (110) may be formed of a metal material. The second body (110) may be placed on a rear housing (200) described below. The second body (110) may be coupled to the rear housing (200). The lower end of the second body (110) may be fixed to the rear housing (200). The second body (110) may be coupled to the rear housing (200) by welding. Alternatively, the second body (110) may be coupled to the rear housing (200) by adhesive or fusion. The second body (110) may be coupled to a substrate module (400) described below.

[0043] The second body (110) may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open bottom. At this time, the corners of the second body (110) may be formed to be rounded. The second body (110) may include an upper plate (114) and a first side plate (112) extending downward from an edge of the upper plate (114). The upper plate (114) may be formed in a rectangular shape. The upper plate (114) may extend outward from the lower outer surface of the first body (130). The first side plate (112) may extend downward from the outer edge of the upper plate (114). The first side plate (112) may be provided in multiple numbers. The first side plate (112) may include four side plates. The first side plate (112) may be formed in a square plate shape. The first side plate (112) 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 (112) 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.

[0044] A space portion that is separated from other areas may be formed on the inside of the second body (110). The space portion may have an open bottom and an upper portion that may be covered by the lower surface of the first body (130) and the lens module (300).

[0045] The second body (110) may include a first guide (170, see FIG. 3). The first guide (170) may have a shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper plate (114). The first guide (170) may be brought into contact with the upper surface of the substrate module (400). The lower surface of the first guide (170) may be brought into contact with the upper surface of the first substrate (410) within the substrate module (400), which will be described later. The joining area of ​​the substrate module (400) may be guided within the space within the camera module (10) through the first guide (170).

[0046] The front housing (100) may include a first body (130). The first body (130) may be formed of a metal material. The first body (130) may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The first body (130) may be placed on the second body (110). The first body (130) may extend upward from the upper surface of the second body (110). The first body (130) may be formed integrally with the second body (110). Alternatively, the first body (130) may be coupled to the second body (110). In this case, the first body (130) may be fixed to the second body (110) by an adhesive. The first body (130) may accommodate a lens module (300) therein. A hole (102) into which a lens module (300) is coupled may be formed in the center of the first body (130). The lens module (300) may be coupled to the hole (102) of the first body (130).

[0047] The front housing (100) may include a protrusion (136). The protrusion (136) may be referred to as a second region (136). In this case, the first body (130) may include a first region (132) and a second region (136). The first region (132) may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the second body (110), and the second region (136) may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the first region (132). The upper surface of the first region (132) and the upper surface of the second region (136) may be arranged with a step in the optical axis direction. The upper surface of the second region (136) may be arranged higher than the upper surface of the first region (132). The second region (136) may have a shape in which a portion of the upper surface of the first region (132) protrudes upward. The second region (136) may be placed inside the first region (132). The first region (132) and the second region (136) may each have a ring-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0048] As illustrated in Fig. 4, a first chamfered surface (137) may be formed on the upper outer surface of the first body (130). The first chamfered surface (137) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the side surface and the upper surface of the first body (130) so as to connect the side surface and the upper surface of the first body (130). The first chamfered surface (137) may form an obtuse angle with each of the side surface and the upper surface of the first body (130).

[0049] At least a portion of the outer surface of the front housing (100) may be surface-treated. At least a portion of the outer surface of the front housing (100) may be anodized. The outer surface of the front housing (100) may include a surface-treated area that is surface-treated through anodizing, and a surface-untreated area that is not surface-treated. The surface-untreated area may be an area where the material of the front housing (100) is exposed to the outside through the outer surface.

[0050] The front housing (100) may include a surface-treated area and a surface-untreated area. The upper surface of the first body (130) facing the flange (330) of the lens module (300) described later in the optical axis direction may be a surface-untreated area. Accordingly, the upper surface of the protrusion (136) may be a surface-untreated area. At least a portion of the outer surface of the first body (130) connected to the upper surface of the first body (130) may be a surface-untreated area. The remaining area of ​​the surface of the front housing (100) other than the surface-untreated area described above may be a surface-treated area.

[0051] The camera module (10) may include a rear housing (200). The rear housing (200) may be named as any one of a rear body, a lower housing, a second housing, and a rear cover. The rear housing (200) may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open upper portion. The rear housing (200) may be formed of a metal material. The rear housing (200) may be positioned below the front housing (100). The rear housing (200) may be coupled with the front housing (100). The rear housing (200) may form an internal space through coupling with the front housing (100). The rear housing (200) may include a space portion (202) with an open upper surface.

[0052] The rear housing (200) may include a lower plate (220). The lower plate (220) may face the upper plate (114) of the second body (110) of the front housing (100) in the optical axis direction. The lower plate (220) may be spaced apart from the upper plate (114) of the second body (110) of the first body (110) in the optical axis direction. The lower plate (220) may be parallel to the upper plate (114) of the second body (110) of the front housing (100). The lower plate (220) may be formed in a square shape. At this time, at least some corners of the lower plate (220) may include a round shape.

[0053] The rear housing (200) may include a 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 front housing (100). An upper surface of the second side plate (210) may be disposed to face a lower surface of the first side plate (112) in the optical axis direction. An upper surface of the second side plate (210) may be in contact with a lower surface of the first side plate (112). The first side plate (112) and the second side plate (210) can be joined to each other by at least one of welding, adhesive, and fusion methods. The outer surface of the second side plate (210) can be arranged on the same plane as the outer surface of the first side plate (112) of the front housing (100).

[0054] The rear housing (200) may include a connector outlet (290). The connector outlet (290) may have a shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the lower plate (220). A connector (490), which will be described later, may be arranged inside the connector outlet (290). The connector outlet (290) may be formed of a metal material. The connector outlet (290) may have a hollow pipe shape inside.

[0055] A sealing member (480) is placed between the inner surface of the connector withdrawal portion (290) and the outer surface of the connector (490), thereby preventing external foreign substances from entering the space within the camera module (10).

[0056] The rear housing (200) may include a second guide (230, see FIG. 3). The second guide (230) may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the second side plate (210). Due to the second guide (230), the space within the rear housing (200) may include a plurality of regions with different cross-sectional areas. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​an upper region of the space within the rear housing (200) where the second guide (230) is not formed may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​a lower region of the space within the rear housing (200) where the second guide (230) is formed. The upper surface of the second guide (230) may support the lower surface of the first substrate (410) of the substrate module (400) to be described later. The upper surface of the second guide (230) may be in contact with the lower surface of the first substrate (410).

[0057] As with the front housing (100), at least a portion of the outer surface of the rear housing (200) may be surface treated. At least a portion of the outer surface of the rear housing (200) may be anodized.

[0058] The camera module (10) may include a lens module (300). The lens module (300) may be coupled to the front housing (100). The lens module (300) may be coupled to the hole (102) of the first body (130). At least a portion of the lens module (300) may be disposed on the inside of the first body (130), and the remaining portion may be disposed to protrude upward from the front housing (100).

[0059] The lens module (300) may include a barrel body (310) and one or more lenses (350) accommodated within the barrel body (310). The lenses (350) may be arranged to face an image sensor (412) within a substrate module (400) to be described later in the optical axis direction. The lenses (350) may be aligned with the image sensor (412) along the optical axis. A plurality of lenses (350) may be provided and arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the optical axis direction within the barrel body (310). The outermost lens among the plurality of lenses (350) may be exposed upward of the camera module (10).

[0060] The barrel body (310) may include a space with upper and lower surfaces open on the inside. The lens (350) may be placed in the space of the barrel body (310). The barrel body (310) may include a plurality of regions with different cross-sectional areas. For example, the region of the barrel body (310) placed within the front housing (100) may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the region of the barrel body (310) protruding upward from the front housing (100). The barrel body (310) may have a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0061] The above barrel body (310) may be made of metal.

[0062] The barrel body (310) may include a flange (330). The flange (330) may be disposed on the outer surface of the barrel body (310). The flange (330) may have a shape that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the barrel body (310) more than other areas. The flange (330) may have a circular cross-sectional shape. When the lens module (300) is coupled to the front housing (100), the flange (330) may be disposed on the first body (130) of the front housing (100). The lower surface of the flange (330) may be disposed to face the upper surface of the first body (130) in the optical axis direction. The outer circumferential surface of the flange (330) may be disposed to form the same plane as the outer circumferential surface of the first body (130). The cross-sectional area of ​​the flange (330) may correspond to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first body (130).

[0063] The flange (330) may include a first region (332) that protrudes from the outer surface of the barrel body (310) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a second region (336) that is bent from an end of the first region (332) and extends downward in the direction of the optical axis. The flange (330) may have a cross-section that is approximately “ㄱ” shaped due to the first region (332) and the second region (336). The first region (332) and the second region (336) may be arranged vertically. The second region (336) may be arranged so that at least a portion thereof overlaps the protrusion (136) of the front housing (100) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The second region (336) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the protrusion (136). The lower surface of the second region (336) may be arranged to face the upper surface of the first body (130) in the direction of the optical axis. The outer surface of the second region (336) can be arranged to form the same plane as the outer surface of the first body (130).

[0064] An inclined surface (339, see Fig. 4) may be formed in the area connecting the upper surface of the first area (332) and the side surface of the second area (336).

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a second chamfered surface (337) may be formed on the lower outer surface of the second region (336). The second chamfered surface (337) may be arranged to face the first chamfered surface (137) of the first body (130) in the optical axis direction. The second chamfered surface (337) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the side surface and the lower surface of the second region (336) so as to connect the side surface and the lower surface of the second region (336). The second chamfered surface (337) may form an obtuse angle with the side surface and the lower surface of the second region (336), respectively. A joint portion (500, see FIG. 3), which will be described later, may be formed between the second chamfered surface (337) of the flange (330) and the first chamfered surface (137) of the first body (130). The welding process for forming a joint (500) can be performed more easily by the first chamfered surface (137) and the second chamfered surface (327), and the joint (500) can be minimized from protruding from the outer surface of the camera module (100).

[0066] At least a portion of the outer surface of the barrel body (310) may be surface-treated. At least a portion of the outer surface of the barrel body (310) may be anodized. The outer surface of the barrel body (310) may include a surface-treated area that is surface-treated through anodizing, and a surface-untreated area that is not surface-treated. The surface-untreated area may be an area where the material of the barrel body (310) is exposed to the outside through the outer surface.

[0067] The barrel body (310) may include a surface-treated area and a surface-untreated area. At least a portion of the lower surface of the flange (330) facing the first body (130) of the front housing (100) in the optical axis direction may be a surface-untreated area. More specifically, the lower surface of the second area (336) and the side surface of the flange (330) connected to the lower surface of the second area (336) may be a surface-untreated area. The remaining area of ​​the surface of the barrel body (310) other than the aforementioned surface-untreated area may be a surface-treated area.

[0068] The camera module (10) may include a substrate module (400). The substrate module (400) may be placed in a space within the camera module (10). The substrate module (400) may be placed between the front housing (100) and the rear housing (200).

[0069] The substrate module (400) may include a first substrate (410), a second substrate (420), a connection substrate (430), and a shield can (440).

[0070] The first substrate (410) may be a printed circuit board (PCB). An image sensor (412) may be disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate (410). The image sensor (412) may be disposed on the first substrate (410) so as to face the lens module (300) in the optical axis direction. The upper surface of the first substrate (410) may be supported by the lower surface of the first guide (170) of the front housing (100), and the lower surface of the first substrate (410) may be supported by the upper surface of the second guide (230) of the rear housing (200). The cross-sectional area of ​​the first substrate (410) may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second substrate (420).

[0071] The second substrate (420) may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The second substrate (420) may be positioned spaced apart from the first substrate (410) in the optical axis direction. The second substrate (420) may be positioned below the first substrate (410). A connector (490) may be coupled to the lower surface of the second substrate (420). The upper end of the connector (490) may be soldered to the lower surface of the second substrate (420).

[0072] The second substrate (420) may be electrically connected to the first substrate (410). The second substrate (420) and the first substrate (410) may be electrically connected via a connection substrate (430, see FIG. 3). The connection substrate (430) may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The connection substrate (430) may be electrically connected to the first substrate (410) and the second substrate (420) at the upper and lower ends, respectively.

[0073] The shield can (440) is placed between the first substrate (410) and the second substrate (420), and can space the first substrate (410) and the second substrate (420) apart in the optical axis direction. The shield can (440) may be called a spacer. The shield can (440) may include a fence portion (not shown) placed between the first substrate (410) and the second substrate (420), and a coupling portion (not shown) extending from the fence portion and coupled to the second substrate (420). The coupling portion may include a hole. A protrusion for coupling with the hole may be arranged on a side surface of the second substrate (420).

[0074] Below, the combined structure of the front housing (100) and the lens module (300) will be described.

[0075] The front housing (100) and the lens module (300) can be joined together by welding. The front housing (100) and the lens module (300) can be laser welded.

[0076] The camera module (10) may include a joint (500, see FIG. 3) for coupling the front housing (100) and the lens module (300). The joint (500) may be referred to as a welded joint. The joint (500) may be positioned between the lower surface of the flange (330) and the upper surface of the first body (130). The joint (500) may be positioned between the lower surface of the second region (336) and the upper surface of the first body (130). The joint (500) may be positioned between the first chamfered surface (137) and the second chamfered surface (337). The lower surface of the second region (336) and the upper surface of the first body (130) may be coupled to each other by the joint (500). The outer surface of the joint (500) may protrude outward from the outer surface of the first body (130). The outer surface cross-sectional area of ​​the joint (500) may be larger than the outer surface cross-sectional area of ​​the first body (130). The outer surface of the first region (136) of the first body (130) may protrude outward from the outer surface of the joint (500). The outer surface cross-sectional area of ​​the first region (136) may be larger than the outer surface cross-sectional area of ​​the joint (500).

[0077] Since the upper surface and some of the side surfaces of the first body (130) are areas that have not been surface-treated through anodizing, there is an advantage in that the welding process with the flange (330) can be performed more easily. Similarly, since the lower surface and some of the side surfaces of the flange (330) are also areas that have not been surface-treated through anodizing, the welding process can be performed more easily.

[0078] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the thickness (t1) of the protrusion (136) in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis may be greater than the thickness (t2) of the second region (336). Accordingly, the heat generated during the welding process can be minimized from being transferred to the lens (350).

[0079] The lower surface of the second region (336) and the upper surface of the first body (130) facing the lower surface of the second region (336) in the optical axis direction may be spaced apart at least partially in the optical axis direction. Accordingly, a joint (500) may be arranged on a portion of the lower surface of the second region (336) and a portion of the upper surface of the first body (130), and a remaining portion of the lower surface of the second region (336) and a remaining portion of the upper surface of the first body (130) may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction. A first gap (g1) may be formed between the lower surface of the second region (336) and the upper surface of the first body (130). The first gap (g1) may be 15% or less of the thickness (t3) of the first body (130) in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. Accordingly, the welding process for forming the joint (500) may be performed more easily.

[0080] Based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the inner surface of the second region (336) and the outer surface of the protrusion (136) may be spaced apart from each other. A second gap (g2) may be formed between the inner surface of the second region (336) and the outer surface of the protrusion (136).

[0081] Based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the inner surface of the protrusion (136) and the outer surface of the barrel body (310) may be spaced apart from each other. A fourth gap (g4) may be formed between the inner surface of the protrusion (136) and the outer surface of the barrel body (310).

[0082] The heat generated during the welding process can be minimized from being transferred to the lens (350) in the barrel body (310) through the second gap (g2) and the fourth gap (g4).

[0083] Meanwhile, the upper surface of the protrusion (136) and the lower surface of the flange (330), i.e., the lower surface of the first region (332), may be spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis. A third gap (g3) may be formed between the upper surface of the protrusion (136) and the lower surface of the first region (332). The third gap (g3) may be larger than the first gap (g1).

[0084] According to the above structure, since the adhesive or sealing member for bonding is omitted through the welding method between the front housing and the lens module, there is an advantage in that the manufacturing cost can be lowered due to a reduction in the number of parts, and the assembly process can be simplified. In addition, by forming a gap between the first body (130) and the flange (330), the heat transferred to the lens (350) due to the heat from welding can be minimized, thereby preventing deformation of the lens (350) and ensuring reliability of alignment with the image sensor (412).

[0085] In addition, since the optical axis distance between the lens module and the substrate module can be precisely adjusted before welding, there is an advantage in that the optimal resolution value within the camera module can be secured.

[0086] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to the prior art, and Fig. 6 is a graph comparing the temperature within a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention and the temperature within a camera module according to the prior art.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, an example is shown in which the flange (1000) of the lens module in the camera module according to the prior art is in the shape of a straight line parallel to the optical axis.

[0088] Case 1 of Fig. 6 measures the temperature of the lens according to the process of combining the front housing and the lens module in the structure of the camera module illustrated in Fig. 5. Case 2 of Fig. 6 measures the temperature of the lens when the thickness of the second region (336) within the flange (330) is formed to be equal to or greater than the thickness of the protrusion (136). Case 3 of Fig. 6 measures the temperature of the lens when the thickness of the second region (336) within the flange (330) is formed to be smaller than the thickness of the protrusion (136) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Comparing Case 1 and Case 2 as shown in Fig. 6, it can be confirmed that when the flange is formed in an “ㄱ” shape to include a first region and a second region that are perpendicular to each other, the temperature transfer to the lens during the bonding process of the front housing and the lens module is lower than when the flange is formed in a straight shape.

[0090] Comparing Case 2 and Case 3 as in Fig. 6, it can be confirmed that the temperature transfer to the lens is lowered by forming the thickness of the protrusion (136) larger than the thickness of the second region (336).

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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. Front housing; A lens module coupled with the above front housing; a substrate disposed on the lower side of the lens module; and including a joint that connects the front housing and the lens module; The lens module includes a barrel body partially disposed within the front housing, a lens disposed within the barrel body, and a flange protruding outward from the barrel body. The above front housing includes a first body and a protrusion protruding from the upper surface of the first body, The flange includes a first region perpendicular to the optical axis direction and a second region extending from the first region in the optical axis direction, The above joint is a camera module disposed between the second region and the first body.

2. Front housing; A lens module coupled with the above front housing; a substrate disposed on the lower side of the lens module; and including a joint that connects the front housing and the lens module; The lens module includes a barrel body partially disposed within the front housing, a lens disposed within the barrel body, and a flange protruding outward from the barrel body. The above front housing includes a first body and a protrusion protruding from the upper surface of the first body, The flange includes a first region perpendicular to the optical axis direction and a second region extending from the first region in the optical axis direction, A camera module wherein the thickness of the second region is smaller than the thickness of the protrusion.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, A camera module in which the protrusion is arranged spaced apart from the first region and the second region in the direction of the optical axis.

4. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above front housing includes a surface treated area through anodizing and a surface untreated area, A camera module in which the upper surface of the first body facing the first region is an unprocessed surface area.

5. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above barrel body includes a surface-treated area through anodizing and a surface-untreated area, The lower surface of the above second region is a camera module that is an unprocessed surface region.

6. In paragraph 1 or 2, A camera module in which the lower surface of the second region and the upper surface of the first body are at least partially spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis.

7. In paragraph 4, A first gap is formed between the lower surface of the second region and the upper surface of the first body, A camera module in which the length of the first gap is 15% or less of the thickness of the first body, based on the optical axis direction.

8. In paragraph 1 or 2, A first chamfered surface is formed on the upper outer surface of the first body where the above joint is formed, A camera module in which a second chamfered surface is formed on the lower outer surface of the second region where the above joint is formed.

9. In paragraph 1 or 2, A camera module in which a second gap is arranged between the second region and the protrusion and is spaced in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

10. In paragraph 1 or 2, A camera module in which a third gap spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis is arranged between the protrusion and the first region.

Images