Camera module

Abstract

This camera module comprises: a first body; a lens module which is arranged in the first body, and which includes a barrel and a lens arranged in the barrel; a substrate module arranged in the first body; and a heating member having one end connected to the surface of the lens and the other end connected to the substrate module so as to provide heat to the lens, wherein: the lens includes an incident surface on which light is incident, an emitting surface facing the incident surface and emitting the light, and a connection surface connecting the incident surface and the emitting surface; a recessed groove is arranged upward on the connection surface; and one end of the heating member is arranged in the groove.

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 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 camera module that can quickly remove frost or ice that occurs on a lens surface through a heating function and improve heat generation efficiency.

[0009] Additionally, it provides a camera module that can focus heat onto the lens, preventing heat from being lost to the outside.

[0010]

[0011] 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 lens includes an incident surface through which light is incident, an exit surface facing the incident surface through which the light is emitted, and a connecting surface connecting the incident surface and the exit surface, and a groove having a concave shape upwardly disposed in the connecting surface, and one end of the heat generating member is disposed in the groove.

[0012] The above-mentioned heating member includes an upper portion having a heating layer, the upper portion is coupled to the groove, and the optical axis direction length of the groove may be longer than the optical axis direction length of the upper portion.

[0013] The above connecting surface includes a first surface arranged on the inside with respect to the groove and a second surface arranged on the outside, and the length of the first surface may be shorter than the length of the second surface with respect to the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0014] Based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the length of the groove may be longer than the sum of the lengths of the first surface and the second surface.

[0015] It includes a retainer coupled to the outside of the barrel, the incident surface has a concave shape compared to other areas, and includes a coupling groove into which the retainer is coupled, and the coupling groove can be arranged to overlap with the groove in the direction of the optical axis.

[0016] It may include a molding member that fills the above home.

[0017] The bottom surface of the above groove may be a curved surface with a central region concave upward, and the upper surface of the heating member in contact with the bottom surface of the above groove may be a curved surface.

[0018] The bottom surface of the above groove is an inclined surface, and the bottom surface of the above groove may have an acute angle with respect to an imaginary line perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0019] The upper surface of the heating member facing the bottom surface of the above home may be an inclined surface.

[0020] The above connecting surface may be placed outside an area forming the angle of view of the lens.

[0021]

[0022] Through this embodiment, the bonding strength between the heat generating member and the lens can be improved by the bonding structure of the heat generating member and the lens through the home, and since the heat generated from the heat generating member can be easily transferred to the entire area of ​​the lens, there is an advantage in that the lens can be heated more uniformly.

[0023]

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a plan view showing one area of ​​a heating member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 is a drawing illustrating A-A' of Figure 3.

[0028] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the combined structure of a lens and a heating member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a first modified example of a lens and heat-generating member combination structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a second modified example of a lens and heat-generating member combination structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031]

[0032] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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).

[0046] The 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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).

[0049] Below, a camera module according to the present embodiment is described with reference to the drawings.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an area of ​​a heat generating member according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a drawing taken along line A-A' of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a combined structure of a lens and a heat generating member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, a camera module (10) according to an 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] The second body (200) may include the lower plate (220). The lower plate (220) may face the upper plate (112) of the first body (100) in the optical axis direction. The lower plate (220) may be spaced apart from the upper plate (112) of the first body (110) in the optical axis direction. The lower plate (220) may be parallel to the upper plate (112) 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The second body (200) may include a connector lead-out portion (290). The connector lead-out portion (290) may have a shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the lower plate (220). The connector lead-out portion (290) may have a connector (not shown) to be described later arranged inside. The connector may extend downward with its upper end coupled to the lower surface of the substrate module (500). The connector lead-out portion (290) may be formed of a metal material. The connector lead-out portion (290) may have a hollow pipe shape inside so that at least a portion of the connector is arranged therein.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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 lenses (330) may include an outermost lens (340) and a rear lens (390) arranged behind the outermost lens (340). In FIG. 2, the rear lens (390) is illustrated as a single lens as an example, but this is not limited thereto, and the rear lenses (390) may also be provided in plurality and arranged along the optical axis direction within the barrel (310). At least a portion of the outermost lens (340) may protrude upward from the camera module (10).

[0064] The 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.

[0065] The above barrel (310) may include a first body (312) and a second body (316). The first body (312) and the second body (316) may be formed as one body. The outer surface of the first body (312) and the outer surface of the second body (316) may form the same plane in the optical axis direction. The second body (316) may have a shape in which a portion of the upper surface of the first body (312) protrudes upward. Based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, the thickness of the first body (312) may be thicker than the thickness of the second body (316). Accordingly, the cross-sectional area of ​​the arrangement region of the lens (330) formed in the first body (312) may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the arrangement region of the lens (330) formed in the second body (316). A step that protrudes inwardly compared to other regions may be arranged in the space within the barrel (310) forming the inner surface of the first body (312). The rear lens (390) may be arranged in the space within the first body (316), and the outermost lens (340) may be arranged in the space within the second body (316). At least a portion of the rear lens (390) may protrude upward from the barrel (310), and the other portion may be arranged in the space within the second body (316).

[0066] In the second body (316), a through hole or through groove may be formed so as to penetrate from the inner surface to the outer surface of the second body (316) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and through which a connecting portion (730) of a heating member (700) to be described later passes.

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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.

[0069] The retainer (380) may have a ring-shaped cross-section. The retainer (380) may be arranged so that at least a portion of the retainer (380) covers the edge of the outermost lens (340). The retainer (380) may be arranged so as to surround the edge of the outermost lens (340). The retainer (380) may be arranged so as to cover the edge of the incident surface of the outermost lens (340). The retainer (380) may be in contact with a portion of the incident surface of the outermost lens (340). A coupling groove (360) for coupling with the retainer (380) may be formed on the incident surface of the outermost lens (340). This will be described later.

[0070] The retainer (380) may include a first region (382) whose lower surface supports the incident surface of the outermost lens (340), 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.

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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).

[0075] The above substrate module (500) may include a first substrate (510), a second substrate (520), and a connection substrate (not shown).

[0076] 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).

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] Below, the heating structure of the lens according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0082] 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 (340) among the plurality of lenses (330). Accordingly, frost formed on the surface of the outermost lens (340) may be removed.

[0083] 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 outermost lens (340), and the other end may be connected to the substrate module (500).

[0084] The outermost lens (340) disposed on the barrel (310) may include an incident surface (342) onto which light is incident, an exit surface (344) opposite to the incident surface (342) from which the incident light is emitted toward the image sensor, and a connecting surface (346) connecting the incident surface (342) and the exit surface (344). The connecting surface (346) may form a lower surface of the lens (330). The connecting surface (346) may form a side surface of the lens (330). One end of the heating member (700) may be coupled to the connecting surface (346). The connecting surface (346) may be disposed outside an area forming an angle of view of the outermost lens (340).

[0085] 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).

[0086] The above-described heat generating 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 heat generating member (700) and may be coupled to the lens (330). The upper portion (710) has a ring-shaped cross-section and may be coupled to the connecting surface (346). 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). The coupling structure of the upper portion (710) and the lens (330) will be described later.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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).

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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).

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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).

[0099] In addition, the first substrate (712) can be removed. That is, when the heat generated from the heating layer (716) is transferred to the surface of the lens (330), the heat loss caused by the first substrate (712) can be eliminated and the heat can be transferred efficiently.

[0100] 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).

[0101] In addition, when the first substrate (712) is removed, the heating layer (716) can be placed between the adhesive layer (719) and the second substrate (714).

[0102] 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).

[0103] In addition, when the first substrate (712) is removed, the plurality of electrodes (718) can come into direct contact with the second substrate (714).

[0104] 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).

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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).

[0107] 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 that comes into contact with the electrode (718). In addition, an adhesive may be additionally disposed on the surface of the adhesive layer (719).

[0108] In addition, when the first substrate (712) is removed, the adhesive layer (719) can be placed in contact with the heating layer (716).

[0109] In addition, the heating layer can be formed to include an adhesive material without forming a separate adhesive layer, so that the heating layer of the heating member (700) can directly contact the lens (330).

[0110] The heat generating member (700) and the lens (330) can be combined through the adhesive layer (719). The thickness (t4) of the adhesive layer (719) can be thicker than the thickness (t2) of the first substrate (712). The thickness (t4) of the adhesive layer (719) can be thinner than the thickness (t1) of the second substrate (714). The thickness of the adhesive layer (719) can be 40 um to 60 um. The material of the adhesive layer (719) can be a non-electrically conductive material such as alumina or carbon.

[0111] 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).

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] Below, the combined structure of the above-mentioned heating member (700) and the above-mentioned outermost lens (340) will be described.

[0115] Referring to Fig. 5, a groove (350) may be formed on the lower surface of the outermost lens (340). The groove (350) may be formed on the connecting surface (346) of the outermost lens (340). The groove (350) may have a concave shape that is concave upward more than other areas from the connecting surface (346) of the outermost lens (340). With respect to the groove (350), the connecting surface (346) may include a first surface (346a) disposed on the inner side of the groove (350) and a second surface (346b) disposed on the outer side of the groove (350). The first surface (346a) and the second surface (346b) may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The first surface (346a) and the second surface (346b) can form the same plane.

[0116] Based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the length (L3) of the groove (350) may be greater than the sum of the length (L1) of the first surface (346a) and the length (L2) of the second surface (346b).

[0117] The cross-sectional shape of the above home (350) can be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the upper portion (710).

[0118] The upper portion (710) may be coupled to the groove (350). The upper portion (710) may be accommodated within the groove (350). The upper portion (710) may be embedded within the groove (350). The upper surface of the upper portion (710) may contact the bottom surface of the groove (350), and the side surface of the upper portion (710) may contact the inner surface of the groove (350). Accordingly, heat generated from the upper portion (710) may be more easily conducted to the center of the outermost lens (340), thereby improving heat generation efficiency.

[0119] The optical axis direction length (H1) of the groove (350) may be longer than the optical axis direction length (H2) of the upper portion (710). The connecting surface (346) may be arranged with a step in the optical axis direction from the lower surface of the upper portion (710). The connecting surface (346) may be arranged lower than the lower surface of the upper portion (710). Accordingly, the upper portion (710) is embedded in the outermost lens (340) through the groove (350), and heat can be easily provided toward the center of the outermost lens (340).

[0120] Based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the length (L1) of the first surface (346a) may be shorter than the length (L2) of the second surface (346b). Accordingly, heat generated at the upper portion (710) may be more easily transferred toward the center rather than the outside of the lens (340).

[0121] A coupling groove (360) for coupling with the retainer (380) may be formed on the incident surface (342) of the lens (340). The coupling groove (360) may have a shape in which a portion of the incident surface (342) of the lens (340) is more concave than the other regions. The coupling groove (360) may be coupled with the first region (382) of the retainer (380). The coupling groove (360) includes a first coupling groove (361) and a second coupling groove (363) arranged on the inner side of the first coupling groove (361), and a protruding region (365) may be arranged between the first coupling groove (361) and the second coupling groove (363).

[0122] The above-mentioned joining groove (360) may be arranged to overlap with the groove (350) and the upper portion (710) in the direction of the optical axis. Since the thickness of the outermost lens (340) is reduced by the area where the joining groove (360) is formed, heat loss occurring in the process of heat generated from the upper portion (710) being transferred to the center of the outermost lens (340) can be minimized.

[0123] According to the structure as described above, the bonding strength between the heat generating member (700) and the lens (300) can be improved by the bonding structure of the heat generating member (700) and the lens (300) through the groove (350), and since the heat generated from the heat generating member (700) is easily transferred to the entire area of ​​the lens (300), there is an advantage in that the lens (300) can be heated more uniformly.

[0124] Meanwhile, after the upper part (710) is joined within the groove (350), the groove (350) may be filled with a molding material (not shown) such as resin, and accordingly, the joined state of the upper part (710) may be maintained more firmly, and the heat generation efficiency of the outermost lens (340) may also be increased.

[0125] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a first modified example of a lens and heat-generating member combination structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] In this modified example, there is a difference in the joint structure between the groove and the heat-generating member due to the change in the shape of the groove. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this modified example will be described below, and the description of the previously described embodiment will be used for the remaining parts.

[0127] Referring to Fig. 6, a groove (1350) for coupling a heating member (700) may be formed on the connecting surface (1346) of the outermost lens (1340). The groove (1350) may have a shape that is concave upwards more than other areas from the connecting surface (1346).

[0128] The bottom surface (1351) of the groove (1350) may be arranged to be inclined with respect to an optical axis or an imaginary line (l) perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The bottom surface (1351) of the groove (1340) may be formed to have an acute angle (a) with respect to the imaginary line (l). Accordingly, the length (H4) of the inner surface of the groove (1340) facing the inner surface of the upper portion (710) in the optical axis direction may be shorter than the length (H3) of the inner surface of the groove (1340) facing the outer surface of the upper portion (710) in the optical axis direction.

[0129] The upper part (710) of the above-mentioned heating member (700) can be coupled to the groove (1350). The upper part (710) includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface of the upper part (710) can be in contact with the bottom surface of the groove (1350), and the side surface of the upper part (710) can be in contact with the inner surface of the groove (1350). The lower surface of the upper part (710) can be arranged to be stepped upward from the connecting surface (1346).

[0130] The upper and lower surfaces of the upper portion (710) may be arranged to be inclined with respect to an optical axis or an imaginary line (l) perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The upper and lower surfaces of the upper portion (710) may be arranged parallel to the bottom surface (1351) of the groove (1340). The upper and lower surfaces of the upper portion (710) may be arranged to have an acute angle (a) with respect to the imaginary line (l).

[0131] According to the structure as described above, the surface of the upper part (710) is structured to face the center of the outermost lens (1340), so there is an advantage in that the heat generated in the upper part (710) can be concentrated and transmitted more centrally.

[0132] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a second modified example of a lens and heat-generating member combination structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] In this modified example, there is a difference in the joint structure between the groove and the heat-generating member due to the change in the shape of the groove. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this modified example will be described below, and the description of the previously described embodiment will be used for the remaining parts.

[0134] Referring to Fig. 7, a groove (2350) for coupling a heating member (700) may be formed on the connecting surface (2346) of the outermost lens (2340). The groove (2350) may have a concave shape upwards more than other areas from the connecting surface (2350).

[0135] The bottom surface (2352) of the above groove (2350) may be a curved surface. The bottom surface (2352) of the above groove (2350) may be a curved surface with a central region that is concave upward.

[0136] The upper portion (710) of the above heating member (700) can be coupled to the groove (2350). The upper surface of the upper portion (710) can be in contact with the bottom surface (2352) of the groove (2350), and the side surface of the upper portion (710) can be in contact with the inner surface of the groove (2350).

[0137] The upper surface of the upper portion (710) in contact with the bottom surface (2352) of the above-mentioned home (2350) may be curved to correspond to the curved shape of the bottom surface (2352). The upper surface of the upper portion (710) may be a convex surface with a central portion protruding upward.

[0138] According to the above structure, the thermal conductivity can be improved by increasing the contact area between the groove (2350) and the upper portion (710). In addition, due to the corresponding curved shapes of the groove (2350) and the upper portion (710), the heat of the upper portion (710) can be more easily transferred to the central region of the outermost lens (2340).

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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 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 lens includes an incident surface through which light is incident, an exit surface opposite to the incident surface through which the light is emitted, and a connecting surface connecting the incident surface and the exit surface. A groove with a concave shape is arranged upward on the above connecting surface, One end of the above heat generating member is a camera module placed in the above groove.

2. In paragraph 1, The above heating member includes an upper portion having a heating layer, The upper part is joined to the groove, A camera module in which the optical axis length of the above home is longer than the optical axis length of the upper portion.

3. In paragraph 1, The above connecting surface includes a first surface disposed on the inside based on the groove and a second surface disposed on the outside, A camera module in which the length of the first side is shorter than the length of the second side in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

4. In paragraph 3, A camera module in which the length of the groove is longer than the sum of the lengths of the first side and the second side, based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

5. In paragraph 1, including a retainer coupled to the outside of the barrel; The above-mentioned entrance surface has a concave shape compared to other areas and includes a joining groove into which the retainer is joined, A camera module in which the above-mentioned joining groove is arranged to overlap with the above-mentioned groove in the direction of the optical axis.

6. In paragraph 1, A camera module including a molding member filled in the above home.

7. In paragraph 1, The bottom surface of the above home is a curved surface with a central area concave upward, A camera module in which the upper surface of the heating member in contact with the bottom surface of the above-mentioned home is curved.

8. In paragraph 1, The bottom surface of the above home is a slope, A camera module in which the bottom surface of the above home has an acute angle with respect to an imaginary line perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

9. In paragraph 8, A camera module in which the upper surface of the heating member facing the bottom surface of the above-mentioned home is an inclined surface.

10. In paragraph 1, A camera module in which the above connecting surface is positioned outside an area forming the angle of view of the lens.

Images