Camera module

Abstract

This camera module comprises: a first body including an upper plate and a first side plate extending downward from an edge of the upper plate; a lens module coupled onto the first body; a second body including a lower plate facing the upper plate and a second side plate extending upward from an edge of the lower plate; and a substrate module disposed in a space formed by coupling of the first body and the second body, wherein the substrate module includes: a first substrate having one surface facing the upper plate and the other surface facing the lower plate, and having an image sensor disposed on an upper surface thereof; and a second substrate connected to one side of the first substrate and disposed perpendicular to the first substrate, and a first coupling groove to which the second substrate is coupled is disposed in a space in the second 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] The printed circuit board within the camera module contains at least one electronic component that operates the camera module. These electronic components generate heat as they operate, and the heat generated within the camera module can cause malfunctions in the setup functions or degrade image quality.

[0007]

[0008] The present invention provides a camera module that can improve heat dissipation efficiency by improving the structure and can improve production efficiency by reducing the number of parts and assembly man-hours.

[0009]

[0010] A camera module according to the present embodiment comprises: a first body including an upper plate and a first side plate extending downward from an edge of the upper plate; a lens module coupled to the first body; a second body including a lower plate facing the upper plate and a second side plate extending upward from an edge of the lower plate; and a substrate module disposed in a space formed by the coupling of the first body and the second body, wherein the substrate module comprises: a first substrate having one side facing the upper plate, the other side facing the lower plate, and having an image sensor disposed on an upper surface; and a second substrate connected to one side of the first substrate and disposed perpendicularly to the first substrate, wherein a first coupling groove to which the second substrate is coupled is disposed in the space within the second body.

[0011] The second body has a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the lower plate, and may include a third guide that supports the lower surface of the first substrate.

[0012] The third guide is provided in plurality and is arranged in a corner area within the space of the second body, and the first coupling groove can be arranged between the plurality of third guides.

[0013] On each side of the plurality of facing third guides, grooves may be arranged to form both ends of the first joining groove and to which both sides of the second substrate are joined.

[0014] The second substrate includes one side facing the second side plate and another side opposite the one side, and a support member for supporting the other side of the second substrate may be arranged on the inside of the groove.

[0015] It may include a heat dissipation pad disposed between one surface of the second substrate and the second side plate.

[0016] It includes an electronic component coupled to the second substrate, and the electronic component can be placed on the other surface of the second substrate.

[0017] The width of the first bonding groove may correspond to the thickness of the second substrate.

[0018] The above substrate module includes a third substrate that is connected to one side of the first substrate and a side perpendicular to the first substrate and is arranged perpendicular to the second substrate, and a second joining groove to which the third substrate is joined may be arranged in a space within the second body.

[0019] It may include a first connecting substrate connecting the first substrate and the second substrate, and a second connecting substrate connecting the first substrate and the third substrate.

[0020]

[0021] Through this embodiment, since multiple substrates can be compactly arranged without requiring a large space in the arrangement structure of multiple substrates, there is an advantage in that the camera module can be miniaturized.

[0022] In addition, since multiple substrates are firmly joined within the space of the body without parts such as shield cans and support members, there is an advantage in that production efficiency can be improved by reducing the number of parts and assembly man-hours.

[0023] In addition, by arranging the surfaces of the second and third substrates among the multiple substrates so that they face the second side plate and providing a heat dissipation pad therebetween, there is an advantage in that heat dissipation efficiency can be improved according to the operation of the camera module.

[0024]

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the substrate module in Figure 2 in an additionally disassembled form.

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the lower surface of a first body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the upper surface of a second body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 is a plan view showing the upper surface of a second body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a bonding structure of a second substrate and a third substrate within a second body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of a substrate module within a second body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035]

[0036] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0046] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 10, 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).

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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).

[0050] The above camera module (10) can capture images of both rear sides of the vehicle. Images captured by the camera module (10) can be electrically connected to a display unit (not shown) via an electronic control unit (ECU) or the like. Accordingly, images captured by the camera module (10) can be controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) and played back on the display unit.

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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).

[0053] Below, a camera module according to the present embodiment is described with reference to the drawings.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an 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 view illustrating a substrate module additionally exploded in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a lower surface of a first body according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an upper surface of a second body according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating an upper surface of a second body according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a coupling structure of a second substrate and a third substrate within a second body according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a coupling structure of a substrate module within a second body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first body (100), a second body (200), a lens module (300), a substrate module (400), and a heat dissipation pad.

[0056] The camera module (10) may include a first body (100). The first body (100) may be named any one of a front body, a front housing, an upper housing, a first housing, and a front cover.

[0057] The first body (100) may include a body portion (110) and a barrel portion (130). The body portion (110) and the barrel portion (130) may be formed integrally.

[0058] The body part (110) may be formed of a metal material. The body part (110) may be placed on a second body (200) described later. The body part (110) may be coupled to the second body (200). The lower end of the body part (110) may be fixed to the second body (200). The body part (110) may be coupled to the second body (200) by welding. The body part (110) may be coupled to a first substrate (410) of a substrate module (400) described later.

[0059] 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 a top plate (114) and a first side plate (112) extending downward from an edge of the top plate (114). The top plate (114) may be formed in a rectangular shape. The top plate (114) may extend outward from the lower outer surface of the barrel part (130). The first side plate (112) may extend downward from the outer edge of the top plate (114). A plurality of first side plates (112) may be provided. 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.

[0060] A space portion that is separated from other areas may be formed on the inside of the body portion (110). The space portion may have an open bottom and an upper portion that may be covered by the barrel portion (130) and the lower surface of the lens module (300).

[0061] The first body (100) may include a barrel portion (130). The barrel portion (130) may be formed of a metal material. The barrel portion (130) may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The barrel portion (130) may be disposed on the body portion (110). The barrel portion (130) may extend upward from the upper surface of the body portion (110). The barrel portion (130) may be formed integrally with the body portion (110). As a variation, the barrel portion (130) may be coupled to the body portion (110). In this case, the barrel portion (130) may be fixed to the body portion (110) by an adhesive. The barrel portion (130) may accommodate a lens module (300) therein. The center of the barrel portion (130) may include a hole (132) into which the lens module (300) is coupled. The hole (132) of the barrel portion (130) may be opened upward. At least a portion of the lens module (300) may be coupled to the hole (132) of the barrel portion (130). The inner peripheral surface of the hole (132) of the barrel portion (130) may be formed in a shape and size corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the lens module (300).

[0062] Since it protrudes upward from the upper surface of the body portion (110), the barrel portion (130) can be called a protrusion.

[0063] A reinforcing member (135) having a shape that protrudes outward more than other areas may be arranged on the side of the barrel portion (130). The reinforcing member (135) may have a longitudinal direction in the optical axis direction. A plurality of reinforcing members (135) may be provided and arranged along the circumferential direction of the barrel portion (130). As the outer surface cross-sectional area of ​​the barrel portion (130) increases through the reinforcing member (135), heat dissipation efficiency may be improved. The upper end of the reinforcing member (135) may be arranged lower than the upper surface of the barrel portion (130). The lower end of the reinforcing member (135) may be connected to the upper plate (114) of the body portion (110).

[0064] The first body (100) may include a first guide (150). The first guide (150) may have a shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper plate (114). The first guide (150) may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The lower surface of the first guide (150) may be arranged to face the upper surface of the first substrate (410) to be described later. The lower surface of the first guide (150) may be in contact with the upper surface of the first substrate (410). The lower surface of the first guide (150) may form the same height as the first side plate (112).

[0065] The first body (100) may include a second guide (160). The second guide (160) may have a shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper plate (114). The second guide (160) may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The second guide (160) may be arranged between the first side plate (112) and the first guide (150). The lower surface of the second guide (160) may be arranged to face the first coupling groove (252) or the second coupling groove (262) to be described later. The first substrate (410) to be described later may be arranged to overlap the second guide (160) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The cross-sectional area of ​​the space formed on the inner side of the second guide (160) may be greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first substrate (410) to be described later. The lower surface of the second guide (160) may be positioned lower than the lower surface of the first side plate (112) or the lower surface of the first guide (150).

[0066] A first protrusion (162) and a second protrusion (164) that protrude downwards more than other areas may be arranged on the lower surface of the second guide (160). The lower surface of the first protrusion (162) and the lower surface of the second protrusion (164) may be arranged lower than the lower surface of the first side plate (112) or the lower surface of the first guide (150), respectively. The first protrusion (162) and the second protrusion (164) may be coupled to the first coupling groove (252) and the second coupling groove (262), respectively. The lower surfaces of the first protrusion (162) and the second protrusion (164) may be in contact with the side surface of the second substrate (420) or the side surface of the third substrate (430), respectively. This will be described later.

[0067] The first protrusion (162) and the second protrusion (164) are each provided in multiple numbers and can be arranged on one side of the second guide (160) and the other side adjacent to the one side. Here, the one side of the second guide (160) on which the first protrusion (162) is arranged and the other side of the second guide (160) on which the second protrusion (164) is arranged are adjacent to each other and can be perpendicular sides.

[0068] The camera module (10) may include a 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 (202) with an open upper surface.

[0069] The lower surface of the second body (200) may include a plurality of surfaces that are stepped in the direction of the optical axis. The second body (200) may include a lower plate. The lower plate of the second body (200) may include a first lower plate (215, see FIG. 4) and a second lower plate (282) that is arranged to be stepped upward in the direction of the optical axis compared to the first lower plate (215). Accordingly, a groove (280) having a concave shape that is arranged upward more than other regions may be formed in the formation area of ​​the second lower plate (282) among the lower surfaces of the second body (200). In this case, the bottom surface of the groove (280) may be defined as the bottom surface of the second lower plate (282).

[0070] In other words, a first protruding region (250) and a second protruding region (260) that protrude downwards more than other regions may be respectively arranged on the lower surface of the second body (200). The first protruding region (250) may be arranged to form one side of the lower surface of the second body (200). The second protruding region (260) may be arranged to form the other side of the lower surface of the second body (200). The first protruding region (250) and the second protruding region (260) may form a first side of a groove (280) and a second side perpendicular to the first side. The first protruding region (250) and the second protruding region (260) may be arranged to be perpendicular to each other. A first joining groove (252) to which a second substrate (420), which will be described later, is joined, may be arranged on the inner side of the first protruding region (250). A second joining groove (262) to which a third substrate (430) to be described later is joined may be arranged on the inner side of the second protruding area (260). The first lower plate (215) may form the lower surface of the first protruding area (250) and the lower surface of the second protruding area (260).

[0071] The second body (200) may include a first lower plate (215). The first lower plate (215) may face the upper plate (114) of the body portion (110) of the first body (100). The first lower plate (215) may be spaced apart from the upper plate (114) of the body portion (110) of the first body (110) in the optical axis direction. The first lower plate (215) may be parallel to the upper plate (114) of the body portion (110) of the first body (100). The first lower plate (215) may be formed in a cross-sectional shape of an “ㄱ” shape. At this time, at least a portion of the corner of the first lower plate (215) may include a round shape.

[0072] The second body (200) may include a second lower plate (282). The second lower plate (282) may face the upper plate (114) of the body portion (110) of the first body (100). The second lower plate (282) may be spaced apart from the upper plate (114) of the body portion (110) of the first body (110) in the optical axis direction. The second lower plate (282) may be parallel to the upper plate (114) of the body portion (110) of the first body (100). The second lower plate (282) may be formed in a rectangular cross-section shape. At this time, at least some corners of the second lower plate (282) may include a round shape.

[0073] The floor surface of the space of the second body (200) may include a first floor surface defined by the upper surface of the first lower plate (215) and a second floor surface defined by the upper surface of the second lower plate (282). The first floor surface and the second floor surface may be arranged in a stepwise manner in the vertical direction.

[0074] A connector lead-out portion (290) having a shape that protrudes downwardly compared to other areas may be arranged on the lower surface of the second lower plate (282). A hole (292) in which a connector (490, see FIG. 3) to be described later is arranged may be formed on the inner side of the connector lead-out portion (290). The lower surface of the connector lead-out portion (290) may protrude downwardly compared to the lower surface of the first lower plate (282). The upper end of the connector lead-out portion (290) is connected to the upper surface of the second lower plate (282), and the hole (292) of the connector lead-out portion (290) may be formed on the upper surface of the second lower plate (282).

[0075] The second body (200) may include a second side plate (210). The second side plate (210) may extend upward from the first lower plate (215) and the second lower plate (282). The second side plate (210) may extend upward from the outer edges of the first lower plate (215) and the second lower plate (282). Due to the optical axis direction step arrangement structure of the first lower plate (215) and the second lower plate (282), the second side plate (210) may include a plurality of regions having different optical axis direction lengths.

[0076] The upper end of the second side plate (210) can be coupled with the first body (100). The upper surface of the second side plate (210) can be arranged to face the lower surface of the first side plate (112) in the optical axis direction. The upper surface of the second side plate (210) can be in contact with the lower surface of the first side plate (112). The first side plate (112) and the second side plate (210) can be coupled to each other by welding. 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 first body (100). A welding part (not shown) for coupling the first body (100) and the second body (200) can be arranged between the lower surface of the first side plate (112) and the upper surface of the second side plate (210). The first body (100) and the second body (200) can be laser welded.

[0077] A third guide (220) having a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the first lower plate (215) or the upper surface of the second lower plate (282) may be placed in the space (202) of the second body (200). A plurality of third guides (220) may be provided, and may be placed at each of the four corners of the space (202) of the second body (200). For example, the third guide (220) may be provided in four pieces, and may include, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a third-first guide (221) disposed at a first corner of a space (202) of a second body (200), a third-second guide (222) disposed at a second corner adjacent to the first corner, a third-third guide (223) disposed opposite the first corner and adjacent to the second corner, and a third-fourth guide (224) disposed opposite the second corner and adjacent to the first and third corners. Among these, the third-first to third-third guides (221, 222, 223) may have a shape protruding upward from the first lower plate (215), and the third-fourth guide (224) may have a shape protruding upward from the second lower plate (282).

[0078] The upper surface of the third guide (220) can support the lower surface of the first substrate (410) to be described later. The upper surface of the third guide (220) can be in contact with the lower surface of the first substrate (410).

[0079] A first coupling groove (252) and a second coupling groove (262) may be arranged in the space (202) of the second body (200). The first coupling groove (252) and the second coupling groove (262) may each have a concave shape that extends downward from the upper surface of the second body (200). The first coupling groove (252) may be arranged on one side of the space (202) of the second body (200). The second coupling groove (262) may be arranged on the other side of the space (202) of the second body (200). Here, one side of the space (202) where the first coupling groove (252) is arranged and the other side of the space (202) where the second coupling groove (262) is arranged may be adjacent to each other. One side of the space (202) where the first coupling groove (252) is arranged and the other side of the space (202) where the second coupling groove (262) is arranged may be perpendicular to each other. A second substrate (420), which will be described later, may be coupled to the first coupling groove (252). A third substrate (430), which will be described later, may be coupled to the second coupling groove (262).

[0080] The first coupling groove (252) and the second coupling groove (262) may be arranged between a plurality of third guides (220). For example, the first coupling groove (252) may be arranged between the third-first guide (221) and the third-second guide (222). The second coupling groove (262) may be arranged between the third-second guide (222) and the third-third guide (223).

[0081] On the side surfaces of the 3-1 guide (221) and the 3-2 guide (222) that face each other, grooves (226) that are more concave than the other areas may be arranged to form both ends of the first coupling groove (252). On the side surfaces of the 3-2 guide (222) and the 3-3 guide (223) that face each other, grooves (226) that are more concave than the other areas may be arranged to form both ends of the second coupling groove (262). On the inner side of the grooves (262) that face the center of the space within the second body (200), a support member (255, 265, see FIG. 8) may be arranged to support one surface of the second substrate (420) and one surface of the third substrate (430) when the second substrate (420) and the third substrate (430) are coupled.

[0082] 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 the hole (132) of the barrel portion (130). At least a portion of the lens module (300) may be disposed inside the barrel portion (130), and the remaining portion may be disposed to protrude upward from the first body (100).

[0083] 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 (412) within a substrate module (400) described below in the optical axis direction. The lenses (330) may be aligned with the image sensor (412) along the optical axis. A plurality of lenses (330) may be provided and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the optical axis direction within the barrel (310). The outermost lens among the plurality of lenses (330) may be exposed upward of the camera module (10).

[0084] The barrel (310) may include a space with upper and lower surfaces open on the inside. A lens (330) may be placed in the space of the barrel (310). The barrel (310) may include a plurality of regions with different cross-sectional areas. The barrel (310) may have a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0085] The above barrel (310) may be made of metal.

[0086] The barrel (310) may include a flange (315). The flange (315) may be disposed on the outer surface of the barrel (310). The flange (315) may have a shape that protrudes outwardly from other areas of the outer surface of the barrel (310). The flange (315) may have a circular cross-sectional shape. When the lens module (300) is coupled with the first body (100), the flange (315) may be disposed on the upper portion of the barrel portion (130) of the first body (100). The lower surface of the flange (315) may be disposed to face the lower surface of the barrel portion (130) in the optical axis direction. The side surface of the flange (315) may be disposed inside the side surface of the barrel portion (130). Alternatively, the outer peripheral surface of the flange (315) may be disposed to form the same plane as the outer peripheral surface of the barrel portion (130).

[0087] The lens module (300) and the first body (100) may be joined by welding. In this case, the welding area may be positioned between the lower surface of the flange (315) and the upper surface of the barrel portion (130). The outer surface of the welding area may be an inclined surface connecting the side surface of the flange (315) and the upper surface of the barrel portion (130). Accordingly, the lens module (300) may be firmly joined to the first body (100) through the welding area. In addition, the alignment state between the lens (330) and the image sensor (412) within the lens module (300) may be firmly fixed.

[0088] The lens module (300) may include a retainer (320) for guiding the outermost lens on the barrel (310).

[0089] 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 first body (100) and the second body (200).

[0090] The substrate module (400) may include a first substrate (410), a second substrate (420), a third substrate (430), a first connection substrate (450), and a second connection substrate (460).

[0091] The first substrate (410) may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The upper surface of the first substrate (410) may be arranged to face the upper plate (114) of the first body (100). The lower surface of the first substrate (410) may be arranged to face the lower plate (215, 282) of the second body (200). An image sensor (412) may be arranged on the upper surface of the first substrate (410). The image sensor (412) may be arranged on the first substrate (410) to face the lens module (300) in the optical axis direction. The image sensor (412) may be aligned with the optical axis of the lens (330).

[0092] A connector (490) may be arranged on the lower surface of the first substrate (410). The connector (490) may be soldered to the lower surface of the first substrate (410). The upper end of the connector (490) may be coupled to the lower surface of the first substrate (410), and the other end may extend downward so that at least a portion of the connector may be arranged in a hole (292) within the connector lead-out portion (290). An external terminal (not shown) is physically and electrically coupled to the connector (490), and accordingly, an electrical signal for driving the camera module (10) may be transmitted and received, or power may be supplied to the camera module (10).

[0093] A part of the first substrate (410) may face the first lower substrate (215) in the optical axis direction, and another part may face the second lower substrate (282) in the optical axis direction. The first substrate (410) may be supported on its upper and lower surfaces by the first guide (150) and the third guide (220). The upper surface of the first substrate (410) facing the first body (100) may be in contact with the lower surface of the first guide (150). The lower surface of the first substrate (410) facing the second body (200) may be in contact with the upper surface of the third guide (220). Accordingly, due to the structure in which the upper and lower surfaces of the first substrate (410) are supported by the first guide (150) and the third guide (220), respectively, the bonding of the first substrate (410) in the space within the camera module (10) may be firmly maintained. A grounding area of ​​the ground power supply can be formed on the surface of the first substrate (410) that is in contact with the first guide (150) and the third guide (220).

[0094] The second substrate (420) may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The second substrate (420) may be connected to the first side of the first substrate (410). The second substrate (420) may be disposed on the inner side of the second side plate (210). The second substrate (420) may be disposed perpendicular to the first substrate (410). The second substrate (420) may be coupled to the first coupling groove (252) within the space of the second body (200). Both ends of the second substrate (420) may be coupled to grooves (226) formed on the side surfaces of the third guides (220). Both ends of the second substrate (420) may be coupled to grooves (226) formed on the side surfaces of the third-first guides (221) and the third-second guides (222), respectively.

[0095] Electronic components may be arranged on the surface of the second substrate (420). The second substrate (420) may include a first surface facing the second side plate (210) and a second surface opposite the first surface. The electronic components may be coupled to the second surface of the second substrate (420). Accordingly, the electronic components may be arranged to protrude inwardly through the separation spaces of the plurality of third guides (220).

[0096] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the width (t) of the first coupling groove (252) in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis may correspond to the thickness of the second substrate (420). Accordingly, the coupling state between the second substrate (420) and the first coupling groove (252) may be firmly maintained.

[0097] The third substrate (430) may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The third substrate (430) may be connected to the second side of the first substrate (410). Here, the second side of the first substrate (410) may be a side perpendicular to the first side of the first substrate (410) that is connected to the second substrate (420). The third substrate (430) may be arranged on the inner side of the second side plate (210). The third substrate (430) may be arranged perpendicular to the first substrate (410). The third substrate (430) may be coupled to the second coupling groove (262) within the space of the second body (200). Both ends of the third substrate (430) may be coupled to grooves (226) formed on the side surfaces of the third guides (220). Both ends of the third substrate (430) can be respectively joined to the grooves (226) formed on the side of the third-2 guide (222) and the side of the third-3 guide (223).

[0098] Electronic components may be arranged on the surface of the third substrate (430). The third substrate (430) may include a first surface facing the second side plate (210) and a second surface opposite the first surface. The electronic components may be coupled to the second surface of the third substrate (430). Accordingly, the electronic components may be arranged to protrude inwardly through the separation spaces of the plurality of third guides (220).

[0099] The electronic component coupled to the second substrate (420) can be named as the first electronic component, and the electronic component coupled to the third substrate (430) can be named as the second electronic component.

[0100] Based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the width (t) of the second coupling groove (262) may correspond to the thickness of the third substrate (430). Accordingly, the coupling state between the third substrate (430) and the second coupling groove (262) can be firmly maintained.

[0101] The substrate module (600) may include a first substrate (410) and a second substrate (420), and a connection substrate (450, 460) that electrically connects the first substrate (410) and the third substrate (430). The connection substrate (450, 460) may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The connection substrate (450, 460) may include a region that is bent at least once. A connection substrate joining portion (418, 419, see FIG. 3) having a concave groove shape may be arranged on the first side and the second side of the first substrate (410) to which the connection substrate (450, 460) is joined, respectively, to form a placement region of the connection substrate (450, 460).

[0102] The camera module (10) may include a heat dissipation pad. The heat dissipation pad may have a plate shape. The heat dissipation pad may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The heat dissipation pad may include a first heat dissipation pad (610) disposed between the second side plate (210) and the second substrate (420), and a second heat dissipation pad (620) disposed between the second side plate (210) and the third substrate (430). The first heat dissipation pad (610) may be coupled to the first coupling groove (252). The second heat dissipation pad (620) may be coupled to the second coupling groove (262). Since heat generated from the second substrate (420) and the third substrate (430) is easily transferred to the second body (200) through the heat dissipation pad, the camera module (10) may improve heat dissipation efficiency.

[0103] According to the structure as described above, in the arrangement structure of multiple substrates, multiple substrates can be arranged compactly without requiring a large space, so there is an advantage in that the camera module can be miniaturized.

[0104] In addition, since multiple substrates are firmly joined within the space of the body without parts such as shield cans and support members, there is an advantage in that production efficiency can be improved by reducing the number of parts and assembly man-hours.

[0105] In addition, by arranging the surfaces of the second and third substrates among the multiple substrates so that they face the second side plate and providing a heat dissipation pad therebetween, there is an advantage in that heat dissipation efficiency can be improved according to the operation of the camera module.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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. A first body including a top plate and a first side plate extending downward from an edge of the top plate; A lens module coupled to the first body; A second body including a lower plate facing the upper plate and a second side plate extending upward from an edge of the lower plate; and It includes a substrate module arranged in a space formed by the combination of the first body and the second body, The above substrate module, A first substrate having one side facing the upper plate, the other side facing the lower plate, and an image sensor disposed on the upper surface; and A second substrate is connected to one side of the first substrate and is arranged perpendicular to the first substrate, A camera module in which a first joining groove to which the second substrate is joined is arranged in the space within the second body.

2. In paragraph 1, The second body has a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the lower plate, and is a camera module including a third guide that supports the lower surface of the first substrate.

3. In paragraph 2, The third guide is provided in multiples and is placed in a corner area within the space of the second body. The above first coupling home is a camera module arranged between a plurality of third guides.

4. In paragraph 3, A camera module in which grooves are arranged on each side of a plurality of facing third guides, each of which forms both ends of the first coupling groove, and each of the two sides of the second substrate is coupled.

5. In paragraph 4, The second substrate includes one side facing the second side plate and the other side opposite the one side, A camera module in which a support member for supporting the other surface of the second substrate is arranged on the inside of the above home.

6. In paragraph 5, A camera module including a heat dissipation pad disposed between one surface of the second substrate and the second side plate.

7. In paragraph 5, Including an electronic component coupled to the second substrate, The above electronic component is a camera module placed on the other surface of the second substrate.

8. In paragraph 1, A camera module in which the width of the first coupling groove corresponds to the thickness of the second substrate.

9. In paragraph 1, The substrate module includes a third substrate connected to one side of the first substrate and a side perpendicular to the first substrate and arranged perpendicular to the second substrate, A camera module in which a second joining groove to which the third substrate is joined is arranged in the space within the second body.

10. In paragraph 9, A camera module including a first connecting substrate connecting the first substrate and the second substrate, and a second connecting substrate connecting the first substrate and the third substrate.

Images