Camera module

Abstract

Disclosed is a camera module having a structure in which a stopper component for limiting the movement of a lens in a forward and backward direction is replaced with a portion of another component. According to an aspect of the present invention, the camera module may comprise: a chassis frame which has a lens inserted through the center thereof, and in which internal components for driving and supporting the lens are stacked, installed, and supported; and a reinforcing support member which is insert-injection-molded and coupled to the chassis frame to increase rigidity of the chassis frame, and in which a plurality of bent portions partially extending from a body is bent to fix the internal components.

Description

Camera module

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera module, and more specifically, to a camera module having a structure in which a stopper component that restricts the movement of the lens in the forward and backward direction is replaced with a part of another component.

[0002] As hardware technology for image processing advances and user demand for video recording increases, various functions such as autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) are being implemented not only in standalone camera devices but also in camera modules mounted on mobile terminals such as mobile phones and smartphones.

[0003] The autofocus function refers to a feature that enables a sharp image to be generated on an image sensor (CMOS, CCD, etc.) located behind the lens by linearly moving a carrier equipped with a lens or similar device along the optical axis to adjust the focal distance to the subject.

[0004] In addition, image stabilization refers to a function that improves image clarity by adaptively moving the lens-mounted carrier in a direction that compensates for lens shake caused by hand tremor.

[0005] To implement the aforementioned functions, multiple separated carriers and various drive units are mounted within a single base (frame), and in this case, a type of stopper is employed in a form that is coupled to the base to prevent the components mounted on the base from detaching to the outside and losing their function.

[0006] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional general camera module (1) is illustrated. The camera module (1) is equipped with a case (20) that protects the components from the outside, and has a form in which a lens (10) and other components are mounted inside.

[0007] In a conventional camera module, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an autofocus carrier (30), a middle guide (50), a hand shake correction carrier (40), a ball (80), and a stopper (70) are stacked and assembled from the bottom according to the drawing.

[0008] Here, when looking at the assembled state of the parts, the stopper (70) is provided with locking members (71) at each of the four corners facing each other, and the locking members (71) are each bent and joined to cover the side of the autofocus carrier (30) so as not to come out of the middle guide (50) and the hand image correction carrier (40) which are joined internally in the Z-axis direction, which is the up-down direction in the drawing.

[0009] At this time, a locking hole (71a) is formed in each locking member (71) of the bent stopper (70), and the locking hole (71a) is hooked onto a hook (31) protruding from the side of the autofocus carrier after bending to prevent movement in the Z-axis direction and to firmly connect the parts.

[0010] However, since the stopper (70) is inevitably added to the structure, separate additional manufacturing and assembly are required, and the hook (31) frequently detaches when the product is dropped, which reduces the reliability of the drop, and there is a problem that the process becomes complicated because side adhesive application is required according to the fastening structure.

[0011] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a camera module in which a yoke inserted inside an autofocus carrier is modified and extended and bent to be used as a structure to prevent internal parts from detaching, thereby allowing the stopper to be eliminated from the assembly.

[0012] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a camera module is provided comprising: a chassis frame having a lens through it in the center and internal components for driving and supporting the lens stacked and installed thereon to support it; and a reinforcing support member that is insert-molded and coupled to the chassis frame to increase the rigidity of the chassis frame, and has a plurality of bent portions extending from a body that are bent to fix the internal components.

[0014] At this time, the reinforcing support member may be made of a metal material having plasticity so that it can maintain its state after being bent.

[0015] At this time, the reinforcing support member comprises a plate-shaped crossbar; and a vertical bar extending perpendicularly from the end of the crossbar; a plurality of bent portions are formed by bending from one side of the crossbar or the vertical bar, and some of the bent portions among the plurality of bent portions may be provided with an extension portion that covers and fixes a part of the internal parts.

[0016] At this time, the plurality of bent portions or extension portions may be formed in the corner portions formed by the crossbar and the vertical bar.

[0017] At this time, the extension may be in close contact with one or more surfaces of the internal parts.

[0018] At this time, the extension part may be bent two or more times, first bent to be in close contact with the internal parts, and second bent to be in close contact with the chassis frame.

[0019] At this time, a hook is formed at a position where the extension part is in close contact with the chassis frame so that the internal parts do not detach from the chassis frame, and a hook hole for the hook to be caught may be formed in the extension part.

[0020] At this time, an adhesive may be applied to the portion where the plurality of folded parts are folded and closely attached to the uppermost internal part among the above internal parts.

[0021] According to the above configuration, in one aspect of the present invention, the stopper component is eliminated, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing costs.

[0022] A camera module according to another aspect of the present invention prevents detachment in cases such as falling, thereby improving reliability failures caused by detachment.

[0023] In another aspect of the present invention, the direction of adhesive application in a camera module is improved from the side to the top, thereby simplifying the adhesive application process.

[0024] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description or claims of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a typical camera module.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a camera module according to the prior art with the case and lens, which are some components of the prior art, removed.

[0027] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the parts shown in Figure 2.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention with the case and lens, which are some components of the camera module, removed.

[0029] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the parts shown in Figure 4.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a reinforcing support member, which is a component of a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bent portion of the reinforcing support member of FIG. 6 in a bent state.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a chassis frame in which a reinforcing support member, which is a component of a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention, is insert-molded.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. To clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the description in the drawings have been omitted, and the same reference numerals have been used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0034] The words and terms used in this specification and claims are not limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention in accordance with the principles by which the inventor defines terms and concepts to best describe his invention.

[0035] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings correspond to preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; thus, various equivalents and modifications that may replace such configurations may exist at the time of filing the present invention.

[0036] In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to describe the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0037] The statement that a component is "in front," "rear," "upper," or "lower" of another component includes, unless there are special circumstances, not only being positioned "in front," "rear," "upper," or "lower" in direct contact with the other component, but also cases where another component is positioned in between. Furthermore, the statement that a component is "connected" to another component includes, unless there are special circumstances, not only being directly connected to each other, but also being indirectly connected to each other.

[0038] Hereinafter, a camera module (102) according to an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] The camera module (102) according to the present invention is an embodiment in which auto focus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) are implemented together through the driving of the lens (10), similar to a conventional camera, but the camera module (102) of the present invention may be implemented as a camera module (102) for AF or OIS only, depending on the embodiment.

[0040] In the drawing, the Z-axis direction, which is the vertical direction, is the optical axis direction in which light enters the lens (10), and corresponds to the direction in which the chassis frame (130), called the autofocus carrier described later, moves back and forth. Also, the optical axis refers to the central axis of the image sensor.

[0041] And, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, which are two directions perpendicular to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), represent the directions in which the lens (10) moves by OIS driving to compensate for shaking caused by hand tremor.

[0042] A camera module (102) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a chassis frame (130) and a reinforcing support member (170), with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0043] At this time, in the camera module (102), the chassis frame (130) can be applied to a so-called autofocus carrier, and the reinforcing support member (170) can be applied to an insert yoke.

[0044] The above chassis frame (130) may be supported by having a lens through the center and internal parts for driving and supporting the lens stacked and installed.

[0045] Examples of internal components include, with reference to FIG. 5, an OIS carrier (140), an OIS ball (180), and a middle guide (150).

[0046] At this time, the sash frame (130) is formed in the shape of a square frame to accommodate the center lens, and has a structure in which the frame members connect the four corners to each other.

[0047] At this time, the chassis frame (130) is formed in the shape of a bulkhead with some sides extended in the Z-axis direction so as to accommodate internal parts inside and then secure them.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 8, the above-mentioned reinforcing support member (170) is inserted and injection-molded into the sash frame (130) to increase the rigidity of the sash frame (130), and a plurality of bent portions extending from the body can be bent to fix the internal parts.

[0049] At this time, the reinforcing support member (170) may be made of a metal material having plasticity so that it can maintain its state after being bent. That is, the reinforcing support member (170) is made of a metal material and, when bent, can maintain its bent state beyond the elastic limit.

[0050] At this time, the reinforcing support member (170) may include a plate-shaped crossbar (171) and a vertical bar (172, 173) extending perpendicularly from the end of the crossbar (171).

[0051] At this time, a plurality of bent portions are formed by bending from one side of the crossbar (171) or the vertical bar (172, 173), and some of the bent portions may be provided with an extension portion that covers and fixes a portion of the internal parts.

[0052] At this time, the plurality of bent portions or extension portions may be formed near the corner formed by the crossbar (171) and the vertical bar (172, 173).

[0053] At this time, the extension may be in close contact with one or more surfaces of the internal parts. Here, the extension may be bent two or more times, first bent to be in close contact with the internal parts, and second bent to be in close contact with the chassis frame (130).

[0054] At this time, a hook (130a) is formed at a position where the extension part is in close contact with the sash frame (130) so that the internal parts are not detached from the sash frame (130), and a hook hole (175b) for the hook (130a) to be caught in the extension part may be formed.

[0055] In the internal part stacked and installed on the uppermost part among the above internal parts, an adhesive may be applied to the adhesive portion (140a) where the plurality of folded portions are folded and adhered.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view is shown with the upper and lower cases and the lens, which are some components of the camera module (102) according to one embodiment of the present invention, removed.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the camera module (102) may be formed by further assembling the upper and lower cases and the lens from the parts illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0058] At this time, the chassis frame (130) accommodates an OIS carrier (140), a middle guide (150), and a plurality of OIS balls (180).

[0059] At this time, the reinforcing support member (170), which is fixedly attached to the chassis frame (130) by insert injection, covers the upper surface of the OIS carrier (140). That is, the first extension (175) of the third bending portion (174) covers and adheres to the adhesive portion (140a) of the OIS carrier (140) and can be bonded by an adhesive.

[0060] Additionally, the third extension (176a) of the fourth bend (176) can cover the adhesive portion (140a) of the OIS carrier (140) and can also be bonded by an adhesive.

[0061] At this time, the second extension part (175a), which is extended again from the first extension part (175), is bent and attached to the outer side of the sash frame (130). Here, the hook (130a) is hooked and fixed in the hook hole (175b) of the second extension part (175a).

[0062] In this state where internal parts are accommodated in the chassis frame (130), the first extension (175), the second extension (175a), and the second extension (175a) of the reinforcing support member (170) fixed to the chassis frame (130) are closely fixed to the OIS carrier (140) and the chassis frame (130), so the possibility of the internal parts falling off can be eliminated.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 5, an exploded perspective view of the parts shown in FIG. 4 is shown.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the driving unit provides an external force to the OIS carrier (140) so that the OIS carrier (140) can move in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. However, it is not limited thereto, and if necessary, an external force may also be provided to move the OIS carrier (140) in the optical axis direction.

[0065] Accordingly, when the OIS carrier (140) moves in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction by the driving unit, the OIS carrier (140) becomes an OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) carrier for hand tremor correction.

[0066] At this time, the OIS carrier (140) can move in at least one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction on the upper side of the chassis frame (130), and the chassis frame (130) can move in the optical axis direction inside the lower case.

[0067] At this time, since the OIS carrier (140) is accommodated in the chassis frame (130), it can be moved together with the chassis frame (130) when the chassis frame (130) moves.

[0068] At this time, the lens (10) is mounted on the OIS carrier (140) and accommodated in the lower case. Here, the lower case provides a space for the lens (10) to move. Accordingly, the lens (10) can move together with the OIS carrier (140) and the chassis frame (130) when they move.

[0069] At this time, the OIS carrier (140) may be formed to correspond to the space formed between the chassis frame (130) and the upper case. A middle guide (150) may be provided at the bottom of the OIS carrier (140) between it and the chassis frame (130).

[0070] At this time, the OIS carrier (140) has an opening formed in the center to expose the image sensor in the direction of the optical axis. Accordingly, the image sensor is able to detect light coming from the lens (10).

[0071]

[0072] At this time, when the OIS carrier (140) moves in at least one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the lens (10) also moves along with the OIS carrier (140), thereby correcting the shaking caused by hand tremor in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, so that the OIS function is implemented.

[0073] At this time, when the chassis frame (130) moves back and forth in the direction of the optical axis, the lens (10) mounted on the OIS carrier (140) also moves back and forth in the direction of the optical axis, thereby adjusting the focal distance between the image sensor and the lens (10) so that an autofocus function is implemented.

[0074] At this time, the four corners of the OIS carrier (140) are provided with adhesive portions (140a) on which adhesive can be applied. The first extension portion (175) and the third extension portion (176a) can be bent and bonded to these adhesive portions (140a).

[0075] At this time, the first extension (175), the second extension (175a), and the third extension (176a) are extended and protrude from the top of the sash frame (130).

[0076] In this state, the middle guide (150), OIS ball (180), and OIS carrier (140) are received and assembled in the chassis frame (130), and then the first extension (175), the second extension (175a), and the third extension (176a) are each bent to complete the assembly. The completed assembly is shown in FIG. 4.

[0077] At this time, the first extension part (175) and the third extension part (176a) can be attached to and bonded to the adhesive part (140a) on the upper surface of the OIS carrier (140), and the second extension part (175a) is bent again from the first extension part (175) and attached to the side of the sash frame (130), so that the hook (130a) is caught in the hook hole (175b) and thus prevents it from coming out in the Z-axis direction.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of a reinforcing support member (170), which is a component of a camera module (102) according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown; referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of the reinforcing support member (170) of FIG. 6 in a bent state is shown; and referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of a chassis frame (130) in which the reinforcing support member (170), which is a component of a camera module (102) according to one embodiment of the present invention, is insert-molded is shown.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, vertical bars (172, 173) are symmetrically formed at each end of a single horizontal bar (171).

[0080] At this time, a first bending portion (171a) is formed on one side of the end of the crossbar (171), and after being bent vertically, it can be concealed in the sash frame (130) after insert injection.

[0081] At this time, a second bend (172a, 173a) is formed at the end of a pair of vertical members (172, 173). The second bend (172a, 173a) can be folded vertically and then concealed in the sash frame (130) after insert injection.

[0082] At this time, a third bend (174) is formed on the other end of the crossbar (171), and after being bent vertically and then inserted, it can be exposed to the outside of the sash frame (130).

[0083] At this time, a fourth bend (176) is formed on one side of the end of the vertical member (172, 173), and the fourth bend (176) can be bent vertically and then exposed to the outside of the sash frame (130) after insert injection.

[0084] At this time, a first extension part (175) is formed by extending from the third bending part (174), and a second extension part (175a) is formed by extending from the first extension part (175). Here, the first extension part (175) can be bent and adhered to the upper surface adhesive part (140a) of the OIS carrier (140).

[0085] At this time, the second extension part (175a) can be folded from the first extension part (175) and attached to the side of the sash frame (130), and at the same time, the hook (130a) formed on the side of the sash frame (130) can be inserted into the hook hole (175b) formed in the second extension part (175a) to be assembled.

[0086] At this time, a third extension part (176a) is formed by extending from the fourth bending part (176), and the third extension part (176a) can be bent and adhered to the adhesive part (140a) of the OIS carrier (140).

[0087] Ultimately, two of the corner portions of the chassis frame (130) and the OIS carrier (140) are bonded and assembled so as not to fall out by the first extension (175) and the second extension (175a), and the remaining two corners can be bonded and assembled by the third extension (176a).

[0088] Accordingly, even in the event of a fall, internal parts including the OIS carrier (140) can be completely prevented from detaching from the chassis frame (130).

[0089] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the spirit of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments presented in this specification. Those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention may easily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components, and such are also to be considered to fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0090] The present invention is applicable to independent camera devices, and additionally, can also be applied to camera modules mounted on mobile terminals such as mobile phones, smartphones, etc.

Claims

1. A chassis frame supported by internal components stacked and installed to drive and support the lens, with a lens penetrating through the center; and A reinforcing support member comprising: insert injection molded and coupled to the sash frame to increase the rigidity of the sash frame, and a plurality of bent portions extending from the body being bent to fix the internal parts; Camera module, 2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned reinforcing support member is made of a metal material having plasticity so that it can maintain its state after being bent, Camera module.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned reinforcing support member is, A crossbar formed in a plate shape; and A vertical bar extending perpendicularly from the end of the horizontal bar; including A plurality of bent portions are formed by bending from one side of the above-mentioned crossbar or vertical bar, and some of the plurality of bent portions are provided with extension portions that cover and fix parts of the internal components. Camera module.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above plurality of bent portions or extensions are formed in the corner portions formed by the crossbar and the vertical bar, Camera module.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above extension is in close contact with one or more surfaces of the above internal parts, Camera module.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above extension is bent two or more times, is first bent to be in close contact with the internal parts, and is second bent to be in close contact with the chassis frame. Camera module 7. In Paragraph 6, A hook is formed at a position where the extension is in close contact with the chassis frame so that the internal parts are not detached from the chassis frame, and a hook hole is formed in the extension for the hook to be caught. Camera module.

8. In Paragraph 1, Among the above internal parts, the internal part stacked and installed on the uppermost part has an adhesive applied to the portion where the plurality of folded parts are folded and in close contact. Camera module.

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