Camera module

Abstract

This camera module comprises: a first body having a hole located in the upper surface; a lens module that is at least partially coupled to the hole and includes a barrel, a lens disposed inside the barrel, and a flange protruding from the outer surface of the barrel; and a substrate coupled to the first body, wherein an image sensor facing the lens is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate. A partition wall protruding upward is disposed on the upper surface of the first body, and the flange includes a first region protruding from the outer surface of the barrel and a second region extending in an optical axis direction from the first region and disposed on the outside of the partition wall, and includes a welded portion disposed between the partition wall and the second region.

Description

Camera module

[0001] This embodiment relates to a camera module.

[0002]

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

[0004] With the popularization of automobiles, micro cameras are widely used not only in small electronic devices but also in vehicles. For example, they are equipped with dashcam cameras for vehicle protection or objective data regarding traffic accidents, rear-view cameras that allow the driver to monitor blind spots behind the vehicle via a screen to ensure safety when reversing, and surrounding detection cameras that monitor the vehicle's vicinity.

[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 gathered by the lens into an electrical signal, and a printed circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted. The housing forming the exterior of the camera is constructed with a structure in which the entire area is sealed to prevent internal components from being contaminated by foreign substances containing moisture.

[0006] Since automotive camera modules installed in vehicles may be subjected to impact due to various driving environmental factors, it is necessary to ensure sufficient bonding strength between multiple components. In particular, if the bonding strength between the multiple bodies forming the exterior of the housing and between the bodies and the lens is insufficient, there is a problem where the quality of the captured image deteriorates due to changes in the distance between the lens and the image sensor.

[0007]

[0008] The present invention provides a camera module capable of firmly combining a lens module and a body, and improving production efficiency by reducing assembly steps.

[0009]

[0010] A camera module according to the present embodiment comprises: a first body having a hole disposed on its upper surface; a lens module including a barrel, a lens disposed within the barrel, and a flange protruding from the outer surface of the barrel, at least a portion of which is coupled to the hole; and a substrate coupled to the first body, having an image sensor disposed on its upper surface facing the lens, wherein a partition wall protruding upwardly is disposed on the upper surface of the first body, and the flange includes a first region protruding from the outer surface of the barrel and a second region extending from the first region in the direction of the optical axis and disposed on the outside of the partition wall, and a weld portion disposed between the partition wall and the second region.

[0011] The above welded portion, the above bulkhead, and the above second region may be arranged to overlap in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0012] The first region and the second region may be perpendicular to each other.

[0013] The first body includes a first surface facing the lower surface of the second region and a second surface forming the upper surface of the partition wall, and the first surface and the second surface may be stepped in the direction of the optical axis.

[0014] The first surface above may be in contact with the lower surface of the second area above.

[0015] At least a portion of the lower surface of the first surface and the second region may be spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis.

[0016] A concave groove may be arranged on the outer surface of the second region.

[0017] In the area of ​​the outer surface of the barrel that overlaps with the welded portion and the optical axis direction perpendicular to it, a reinforcing portion with a thickness greater than that of other areas may be disposed.

[0018] The outer surface of the above partition and the inner surface of the above second region may be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, at least in part.

[0019] It may include a second weld portion disposed between the lower surface of the second region and the upper surface of the first body.

[0020]

[0021] Through this embodiment, the transfer of heat generated during the welding process to the lens within the lens module can be minimized by the bulkhead.

[0022] In addition, since the joint area between multiple components through the weld is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis rather than in the optical axis direction, it is possible to prevent in advance the change in the optical axis distance between the lens and the image sensor due to shrinkage in the Z-axis direction during the hardening process of the weld.

[0023]

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the exterior of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a drawing of FIG. 2 shown from a different angle.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an enlarged view of one area of ​​FIG. 4.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a drawing of the outer surface of a flange portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030]

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

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

[0033] In addition, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) may be interpreted in a sense that is generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. Terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in advance, may be interpreted in consideration of their meaning in the context of the relevant technology.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0035] In this specification, the singular form may include the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text, and when described as "at least one of A and B and C (or more than one)," it may include one or more of all combinations that can be formed from A, B, and C.

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

[0037] And, where it is stated that a component is 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' to another component, this may include not only cases where the component is directly 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' to the other component, but also cases where it is 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' due to another component located between the component and the other component.

[0038] Furthermore, when described as being formed or placed "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or placed between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as "above" or "below," it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to a single component.

[0039] The 'optical axis direction (Z)' used below is defined as the optical axis direction of the lens. Based on FIG. 2, the optical axis direction (Z) may be the direction in which multiple components are combined. Meanwhile, the 'optical axis direction' may correspond to the 'up-down direction', 'z-axis direction', etc.

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

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior 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 drawing showing FIG. 2 from a different angle, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an enlarged view of one area of ​​FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the outer surface of a flange portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, a camera module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a vehicle camera module. The camera module (10) may be coupled to a vehicle. The camera module (10) may be used in one or more of a front camera, a side camera, a rear camera, an interior camera, and a black box of a vehicle. The camera module (10) may be positioned at the front of the vehicle. The camera module (10) may be positioned at the rear of the vehicle. The camera module (10) may be coupled to the windshield of the vehicle. The camera module (10) may be coupled to the windshield at the front or rear of the vehicle. The camera module (10) may be positioned on the side of the vehicle. The camera module (10) may be positioned inside the vehicle. The camera module (10) may capture a subject and output it as an image to a display (not shown).

[0043] The camera module (10) may include a first body (100). The first body (100) may be named any one of a front body, an upper housing, a first housing, or a front cover. The first body (100) may include a body portion (110). The first body (100) may include a barrel portion (120). The barrel portion (120) may also be named a protrusion portion in that it protrudes upward from the body portion (110). The body portion (110) and the barrel portion (120) may be formed integrally or as separate components.

[0044] The body portion (110) may be formed of a metal material. The body portion (110) may be placed on the second body (200) described later. The body portion (110) may be coupled to the second body (200). The lower end of the body portion (110) may be fixed to the second body (200). The body portion (110) may be coupled to the second body (200) by welding. Alternatively, the body portion (110) may be coupled to the second body (200) by an adhesive. The body portion (110) may be coupled to the substrate (400) described later.

[0045] The body portion (110) may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open bottom. At this time, the corners of the body portion (110) may be formed rounded. The body portion (110) may include a top plate (112) and a first side plate (114) extending downward from the edge of the top plate (112). The top plate (112) may be formed in a rectangular shape. The top plate (112) may extend outward from the lower outer surface of the barrel portion (120). The first side plate (114) may extend downward from the outer edge of the top plate (112). The first side plate (114) may be provided in multiple numbers. The first side plate (114) may include four side plates. The first side plate (114) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The first side plate (114) may include a first-1 side plate and a first-2 side plate, a first-3 side plate positioned opposite the first-1 side plate, and a first-4 side plate positioned opposite the first-2 side plate. The first side plate (114) may include first-1 to first-4 corners positioned between the first-1 to first-4 side plates, respectively. Each of the first-1 to first-4 corners may include a round shape in at least a portion to connect a plurality of first side plates (114).

[0046] A space portion separated from other areas may be formed on the inner side of the body portion (110). The space portion has an open bottom and its upper portion may be covered through the lower surface of the barrel portion (120) and the lens module (300).

[0047] The body portion (110) may include a first guide (150, see FIG. 3). The first guide (150) may have a shape that protrudes downward along the optical axis direction from the lower surface of the top plate (112). The first guide (150) may come into contact with the upper surface of the substrate (400). The lower surface of the first guide (150) may come into contact with the upper surface of the substrate (400). Through the first guide (150), the coupling area of ​​the substrate (400) can be guided within the space of the camera module (10). The lower surface of the first guide (150) may be positioned lower than the lower surface of the first side plate (114). Based on the optical axis direction, the lower surface of the first guide (150) may be positioned closer to the substrate (400) than the lower surface of the first side plate (114).

[0048] A protrusion (152) may be disposed on the lower surface of the first guide (150). The protrusion (152) may have a shape that protrudes downward along the optical axis direction from the lower surface of the first guide (150). A plurality of protrusions (152) may be provided and disposed in a corner area on the lower surface of the first body (100) and another corner area opposite to the corner area. The protrusion (152) may have a circular cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The protrusion (152) may be coupled to a coupling hole (420) of a substrate (400) to be described later.

[0049] The first body (100) may include a barrel portion (120). The barrel portion (120) may be formed of a metal material. The barrel portion (120) may have a circular cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The barrel portion (120) may be placed on the body portion (110). The barrel portion (120) may extend upward along the optical axis direction from the upper surface of the body portion (110). The barrel portion (120) may be formed integrally with the body portion (110) or formed as a separate component. As a variation, the barrel portion (120) may be coupled to the body portion (110). In this case, the barrel portion (120) may be fixed to the body portion (110) by an adhesive. The barrel portion (120) may accommodate a lens module (300) inside. The center of the barrel portion (120) may include a hole (122, see FIG. 2) to which a lens module (300) is coupled. A lens module (300) may be coupled to the hole (122) of the barrel portion (120). The inner surface of the hole (122) of the barrel portion (120) may be formed with a shape and size corresponding to the outer surface shape of the lens module (300).

[0050] The first body (120) may include a partition wall (130). The partition wall (130) may have a shape that protrudes upward along the optical axis direction from the upper surface of the barrel portion (120). The partition wall (130) may have a circular cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The upper surface of the first body (100) may include a first surface defined as the upper surface of the barrel portion (120) and a second surface defined as the upper surface of the partition wall (130). With respect to the optical axis direction, the first surface and the second surface may be arranged with a step difference. With respect to the optical axis direction, the second surface may be positioned higher than the first surface. With respect to the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, the second surface may be positioned inward than the first surface. By means of the partition wall (130), the heat generated during the welding process for joining the first body (100) and the lens module (300) can be minimized from being transferred to the lens (320). This will be described later.

[0051] Based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the thickness of the partition wall (130) may be 0.8 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. This is in consideration of the fact that if the thickness of the partition wall (130) is less than 0.8 mm, the lens module (300) may be damaged by penetrating the partition wall (130) due to heat damage, or the welding process may be difficult due to damage to the partition wall (130), and if the thickness of the partition wall (130) exceeds 1.5 mm, the manufacturing cost may increase or the thickness of the camera module (10) may increase excessively.

[0052] The camera module (10) may include a second body (200). The second body (200) may be named a rear body, a lower housing, a second housing, or a rear cover. The second body (200) may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open top. At this time, the corners of the second body (200) may be formed rounded. 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 combined with the first body (100). The second body (200) may form an internal space through combination with the first body (100). The second body (200) may include a space portion with an open top surface.

[0053] The second body (200) may include a bottom plate (210). The bottom plate (210) may face the top plate (112) of the first body (100) in the direction of the optical axis. The bottom plate (210) may be spaced apart from the top plate (112) of the first body (110) in the direction of the optical axis. The bottom plate (210) may be parallel to the top plate (112) of the first body (100) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The bottom plate (210) may be formed in a square shape. At this time, the corners of the bottom plate (210) may include a round shape in at least a part. In this case, the round shape of the corners of the second body (200) and the round shape of the corners of the bottom plate (210) may have corresponding shapes.

[0054] The second body (200) may include a second side plate (220). The second side plate (220) may extend upward in the optical axis direction from the bottom plate (210). The second side plate (220) may extend upward in the optical axis direction from the outer edge of the bottom plate (210). A shield member (not shown) may be disposed on the second side plate (220). The shield member may be in surface contact with the inner surface of the second side plate (220). The upper end of the second side plate (220) may be coupled with the first body (100). The upper surface of the second side plate (220) may be positioned to face the lower surface of the first side plate (114) in the optical axis direction. The upper surface of the second side plate (220) may be in contact with the lower surface of the first side plate (114). The first side plate (114) and the second side plate (220) can be joined together by at least one of welding, adhesive, or fusion. When the first side plate (114) and the second side plate (220) are joined together, the outer surface of the second side plate (220) can be placed on the same plane as the outer surface of the first side plate (114) of the first body (100).

[0055] The second body (200) may include a connector extraction portion (290). The connector extraction portion (290) may have a shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the bottom plate (210). A connector (not shown) may be disposed inside the connector extraction portion (290). The connector extraction portion (290) may be formed of a metal material. The connector extraction portion (290) may have a pipe shape with a hollow interior. A sealing member may be disposed between the inner surface of the connector extraction portion (290) and the outer surface of the connector to prevent external foreign matter from entering the space inside the camera module (10).

[0056] The second body (200) may include a second guide (230, see FIG. 2). The second guide (230) may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the second side plate (220). The second guide (230) may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the bottom plate (210). Due to the second guide (230), the space within the second body (200) may include a plurality of regions with different cross-sectional areas. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper region of the space within the second body (200) where the second guide (230) is not formed may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower region of the space within the second body (200) where the second guide (230) is formed. The upper surface of the second guide (230) may support the lower surface of the substrate (400). The upper surface of the second guide (230) may come into contact with the lower surface of the substrate (400). The side of the substrate (400) may be in contact with the inner surface of the second body (200) where the second guide (230) is not formed, or may be spaced apart at a certain distance in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0057] 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 (122) of the barrel portion (120). The lens module (300) may be positioned such that at least a portion is placed inside the barrel portion (120), and the remaining portion protrudes upward from the first body (100).

[0058] The lens module (300) may include a barrel (310) and one or more lenses (320) accommodated within the barrel (310). The lenses (320) may be positioned facing the image sensor in the optical axis direction within the substrate (400) to be described later. The lenses (320) may be aligned with the image sensor in the optical axis. The lenses (320) may be provided in plurality and arranged spaced apart from each other along the optical axis direction within the barrel (310). Among the plurality of lenses (320), the outermost lens may be exposed upward from the camera module (10).

[0059] The barrel (310) may include a space on the inside with upper and lower openings. A lens (320) may be placed in the space of the barrel (310). The barrel (310) may include multiple regions with different cross-sectional areas. The barrel (310) may have a circular cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The barrel (310) may be made of metal.

[0060] A retainer (390) may be disposed on the barrel (310). The retainer (390) may be screw-coupled onto the barrel (310). The retainer (390) may support the outermost lens disposed on the barrel (310). The retainer (390) may include an opening (391) for exposing the outermost lens. The retainer (390) may include an upper surface (392) and a side surface (394) extending downward from the edge of the upper surface (392). The inner surface of the side surface (394) may be screw-coupled to the outer circumference of the barrel (310).

[0061] The lens module (300) may include a flange (350). The flange (350) may be positioned on the outer surface of the barrel (310). The flange (350) may have a shape that protrudes outward from other areas of the outer surface of the barrel (310). The flange (350) may have a circular cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. When the lens module (300) is combined with the first body (100), the flange (350) may be positioned on the upper part of the barrel portion (120) of the first body (100). The lower surface of the flange (350) may be positioned to face the lower surface of the barrel portion (120) in the direction of the optical axis. The outer surface of the flange (350) and the outer surface of the barrel portion (120) may be positioned such that at least a portion of them form a coplanar plane.

[0062] The flange (350) may include a first region (352) protruding in a first direction from the barrel portion (310), and a second region (354) protruding in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from an extended end of the first region (352). Here, the first direction may be a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The second direction may be the optical axis direction. The first region (352) and the second region (354) may be arranged perpendicular to each other. The lower surface of the second region (354) may be arranged to face the barrel portion (120) in the optical axis direction. The lower surface of the second region (354) may be arranged to face the first surface, which is the upper surface of the barrel portion (120), in the optical axis direction. The lower surface of the second region (354) may be in contact with the first surface. In this case, the lower surface of the second region (354) may be joined to the first surface by welding.

[0063] In contrast, the lower surface of the second region (354) and the first surface may be spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis for at least a portion, and accordingly, an air gap may be implemented between the lower surface of the second region (354) and the first surface so that heat generated by welding can be easily discharged to the outside.

[0064] The second region (354) may be positioned on the outside of the bulkhead (130) of the barrel section (120). The second region (354) and the bulkhead (130) may be positioned such that at least a portion of them overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0065] Based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the thickness of the second region (354) may be 0.8 mm or more and 1.2 mm or less. If the thickness of the second region (354) is less than 0.8 mm, the thickness of the second region (354) becomes too thin, making it difficult to form the weld (500) described later due to heat damage, and if it exceeds 1.2 mm, the space between the second region (354) and the partition wall (130) widens, making it difficult to form the weld (500) described later.

[0066] Specifically, if the thickness of the second region (354) exceeds 1.2 mm, it may be difficult for heat or a laser to penetrate the second region (354) for forming the weld (500), or it may take a long time to penetrate, so the efficiency of the welding process may decrease.

[0067] The camera module (10) may include a substrate (400). The substrate (400) may be placed in a space within the camera module (10). The substrate (400) may be placed between the first body (100) and the second body (200).

[0068] The substrate (400) may be a printed circuit board (PCB). An image sensor (not shown) may be placed on the upper surface of the substrate (400). The image sensor may be placed on the substrate (400) and positioned to face the lens (320) of the lens module (300) in the direction of the optical axis. The upper surface of the substrate (400) may be supported by the lower surface of the first guide (150) of the first body (100), and the lower surface of the substrate (400) may be supported by the upper surface of the second guide (230) of the second body (200). Accordingly, the substrate (400) can be firmly supported within the space of the camera module (10), thereby minimizing misalignment between the image sensor and the lens (320).

[0069] The substrate (400) may include a coupling hole (420). The coupling hole (420) may have a shape that penetrates from one side of the substrate (400) to the other side. A protrusion (152) of the first body (100) may be coupled to the coupling hole (420). The cross-sectional shape of the coupling hole (420) may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion (152). The coupling holes (420) may be provided in multiple numbers corresponding to the number of protrusions (152), and each may be placed in an area facing the protrusion (152) in the optical axis direction. By coupling the protrusion (152) and the coupling hole (420), the coupling of the substrate (400) and the first body (100) may be primarily aligned. In some cases, the protrusion (152) may be soldered within the coupling hole (420), in which case the substrate (400) and the first body (100) may be more firmly coupled. The area of ​​the coupling hole (420) to which the protrusion (152) is coupled may be a ground area of ​​the ground power supply.

[0070] A connector (not shown) is attached to the lower surface of the substrate (400) and can be electrically and physically connected to an external terminal through the connector extraction portion (290). Through the connection between the connector and the external terminal, a driving signal of the camera module (10) can be transmitted or received, or power for driving the camera module (10) can be provided.

[0071] Below, the combined structure of the first body (100) and the lens module (300) will be described.

[0072] The first body (100) and the lens module (300) can be joined together by welding. For example, the first body (100) and the lens module (300) can be joined together by laser welding.

[0073] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the camera module (10) may include a weld (500) that joins the first body (100) and the lens module (300). The weld (500) may be positioned between the flange (350) and the partition (130). The weld (500) may be positioned between the second area (354) of the flange (350) and the partition (130). With respect to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the weld (500), the second area (354), and the partition (130) may be positioned to overlap each other. The inner surface of the second area (354) and the outer surface of the partition (130) may be joined together by the weld (500).

[0074] Meanwhile, a reinforcing portion (315, see FIG. 5) having a shape that protrudes outwardly more than other regions may be disposed on the outer surface of the barrel (310) that overlaps with the welded portion (500) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. In this case, the welded portion (500), the second region (354), the bulkhead (130), and the reinforcing portion (315) may be arranged to overlap each other based on a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the thickness of the area formed by the reinforcing portion (315) of the barrel (310) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis may be relatively thicker than that of other regions of the barrel (310). Accordingly, the transfer of heat into the space inside the barrel (310) can be minimized.

[0075] Based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the distance between the inner surface of the second region (354) and the outer surface of the partition wall (130) may be 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. If the distance between the inner surface of the second region (354) and the outer surface of the partition wall (130) is less than 0.1 mm, there may be insufficient space for joining the components, and if it exceeds 0.4 mm, welding may be impossible. Accordingly, sufficient space can be secured for forming a welded portion (500) between the inner surface of the second region (354) and the outer surface of the partition wall (130).

[0076] The welded portion (500) may be an area formed by spot welding between the first body (100) and the lens module (300). Here, the spot welding is a welding performed before the main welding for joining the first body (100) and the lens module (300), and may be a welding performed after optical axis alignment between the lens (320) and the image sensor. The welded portion (500) may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged spaced apart from each other along the perimeter between the first body (100) and the lens module (300).

[0077] A weld (500) can be formed by a laser irradiated from the outer surface of the second region (354) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, a groove (356) with a shape that is concave inwardly compared to other regions can be formed on the outer surface of the flange (350). The groove (356) can be arranged to overlap the formation area of ​​the weld (500) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. That is, the laser penetrates from the outer surface of the second region (354) to the inner surface, thereby forming a weld (500) in the area between the inner surface of the second region (354) and the outer surface of the partition wall (130). A protrusion with a shape that protrudes inwardly compared to other regions can be arranged on the inner surface of the flange (350) corresponding to the formation area of ​​the groove (356).

[0078] Conventionally, a gap in the optical axis direction between a lens module and a first body was formed, and a welding process was performed by a shape in which a welding bead filled the gap. However, as heat containing the laser was transferred to the lens within the lens module by laser irradiation, damage to the lens occurred, and there was a problem of welding defects occurring in the gap in the optical axis direction.

[0079] However, according to the present embodiment, the heat generated during the welding process can be minimized from being transferred to the lens (320) within the lens module (300) by means of the partition wall (130). Additionally, since the joint area between multiple components through the weld (500) is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis rather than in the direction of the optical axis, it is possible to prevent the distance in the direction of the optical axis between the lens (320) and the image sensor from changing due to shrinkage in the Z-axis direction during the curing process of the weld (500).

[0080] Meanwhile, the area between the inner surface of the second region (354) and the outer surface of the partition wall (130) may include a bonding area, which is a region mutually bonded to the weld (500), and a separation area. Here, the separation area may be a region that separates the inner surface of the second region (354) and the outer surface of the partition wall (130) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The separation area may be a region other than the formation area of ​​the weld (500) between the inner surface of the second region (354) and the outer surface of the partition wall (130). The length of the bonding area in the optical axis direction may be longer than the length of the separation area in the optical axis direction. Accordingly, the bonding force between the lens module (300) and the first body (100) is formed to a certain level or higher through the weld (500), while simultaneously minimizing the transfer of heat generated during the formation process of the weld (500) to the lens module (300) through the separation area.

[0081] A second weld (not shown) may be disposed between the lower surface of the second region (354) and the upper surface of the barrel section (120). The second weld may be a region that joins the lower surface of the second region (354) and the upper surface of the barrel section (120) by welding. The second weld may be a region formed by main welding after spot welding. In this case, the weld (500) disposed between the inner surface of the second region (354), which is the spot welding region, and the outer surface of the bulkhead (130) may be named the first weld. The first weld and the second weld may be spaced apart from each other, but this is not limited thereto, and the first weld and the second weld may be connected to each other.

[0082] At least a portion of the space between the lower surface of the second region (354) and the upper surface of the barrel portion (120) may be spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis. That is, between the lower surface of the second region (354) and the upper surface of the barrel portion (120), a joining area joined by the second welded portion and a spaced-away area spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis may be arranged.

[0083] In the foregoing, although all components constituting an embodiment of the present invention have been described as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined in one or more ways to operate. Furthermore, terms such as "include," "constitute," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated otherwise, mean that the relevant component may be inherent; thus, they should be interpreted as allowing for the inclusion of additional components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Terms commonly used, such as those defined in advance, should be interpreted in accordance with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0084] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A first body having a hole disposed on its upper surface; A lens module comprising at least a portion coupled to the above hole, a barrel, a lens disposed within the barrel, and a flange protruding from the outer surface of the barrel; and It includes a substrate coupled to the first body and having an image sensor facing the lens disposed on its upper surface, and A partition protruding upward is disposed on the upper surface of the first body, and The above flange includes a first region protruding from the outer surface of the barrel in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and a second region extending from the first region in the optical axis direction and disposed on the outer side of the bulkhead, A camera module including a welded portion disposed between the above bulkhead and the above second region.

2. In Paragraph 1, A camera module in which the above-mentioned weld, the above-mentioned bulkhead, and the above-mentioned second region are arranged to overlap in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

3. In Paragraph 1, The first region and the second region are mutually perpendicular camera modules.

4. In Paragraph 1, The first body includes a first surface facing the lower surface of the second region and a second surface forming the upper surface of the partition wall. The first surface and the second surface are a camera module that is stepped in the direction of the optical axis.

5. In Paragraph 4, The first surface is a camera module in contact with the lower surface of the second area.

6. In Paragraph 4, A camera module in which at least a portion of the lower surface of the first surface and the second region is spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis.

7. In Paragraph 1, A camera module having a concave groove arranged on the outer surface of the second region.

8. In Paragraph 1, A camera module in which a reinforcing member, thicker than other areas, is disposed in an area on the outer surface of the barrel that overlaps with the welded portion and the optical axis direction.

9. In Paragraph 1, A camera module in which the outer surface of the above partition and the inner surface of the above second region are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, at least a portion thereof.

10. In Paragraph 1, A camera module comprising a second weld portion disposed between the lower surface of the second region and the upper surface of the first body.

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