Camera module

Abstract

This camera module comprises: a first body; a lens module that is coupled to the first body and includes a barrel and a lens coupled to the barrel; a substrate that includes an image sensor facing the lens module in an optical axis direction; and a heating unit that is coupled to the lens and generates heat. The heating unit has one surface coupled to the lens and the other surface opposite to the one surface, and includes an air gap (g) facing the other surface of the heating unit in the optical axis direction.

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] The camera module includes a lens module comprising a lens and a lens barrel, an image sensor that converts the image of a body collected by the lens into an electrical signal, a printed circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted, and a housing to which the printed circuit board and the lens module are combined. The housing, which forms the exterior of the camera, is constructed with a structure that is sealed in its entire area to prevent internal components from being contaminated by foreign substances containing moisture.

[0006] In the case of camera modules, they are placed on the exterior of the vehicle and are heavily affected by the outside air, so frost, condensation, and ice frequently occur on the lenses. When frost, condensation, and ice occur on the lenses, there is a problem in that the performance of the camera module is significantly degraded.

[0007]

[0008] The present invention provides a camera module that can quickly remove frost or ice formed on the lens surface through a heating function and concentrate heat on the lens.

[0009]

[0010] A camera module according to the present embodiment comprises: a first body; a lens module coupled to the first body and including a barrel and a lens coupled to the barrel; a substrate including an image sensor facing the lens module in the direction of the optical axis; and a heating element coupled to the lens and generating heat, wherein the heating element includes one surface coupled to the lens and another surface opposite to the one surface, and an air gap (g) facing the other surface of the heating element in the direction of the optical axis.

[0011] The above lens includes a first lens coupled to the barrel, the first lens includes an incident surface where light is incident, an exit surface where the incident light is emitted, and a connecting surface connecting the incident surface and the exit surface, the connecting surface faces the upper surface of the barrel in the direction of the optical axis, and the air gap may be disposed between the connecting surface and the upper surface of the barrel.

[0012] It includes a sealing member disposed between the barrel and the connecting surface, and the heating element may be disposed inside the sealing member.

[0013] The length of the air gap in the optical axis direction can be controlled by the thickness of the sealing member in the optical axis direction.

[0014] The barrel comprises a first protrusion protruding upward in the direction of the optical axis from the upper surface, and a second protrusion disposed inside the first protrusion and protruding upward in the direction of the optical axis from the upper surface, the sealing member is disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and the heating member may be disposed inside the second protrusion.

[0015] The first protrusion may overlap with at least a portion of the first lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0016] The above lens includes a first lens coupled with the heating element and a second lens disposed below the first lens, and includes a spacer disposed between the first lens and the second lens, and the air gap may be disposed between the lower surface of the first lens coupled with the heating element and the spacer.

[0017] The above spacer includes a body portion, an upper portion protruding upward from the upper surface of the body portion and in contact with the lower surface of the first lens, and a lower portion protruding downward from the lower surface of the body portion and in contact with the upper surface of the second lens, wherein the body portion is arranged to overlap the heating portion and the optical axis direction, and the air gap may be arranged between the upper surface of the body portion and the lower surface of the first lens.

[0018] The upper part and the lower part may not overlap in the direction of the optical axis.

[0019] The material of the above spacer may be plastic.

[0020]

[0021] Through this embodiment, the heat concentration structure into the lens through the air gap has the advantage of increasing the heat generation efficiency of the lens.

[0022]

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a drawing of FIG. 2 shown from a different angle.

[0026] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a lens module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a lens module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a drawing of FIG. 7 shown from a different angle.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the heat generation efficiency of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033]

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The 'optical axis direction' used below is defined as the optical axis direction of the lens. Meanwhile, the 'optical axis direction' may correspond to the 'up-down direction', 'z-axis direction (see FIG. 6)', etc.

[0043] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing FIG. 2 from a different angle, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a lens module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] 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).

[0046] The camera module (10) may include a first body (100), a second body (200), a lens module (300), a substrate (400), a heating element (500), and an adhesive element (600).

[0047] 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 (130). The barrel portion (130) 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 (130) may be formed integrally or as separate components.

[0048] The body portion (110) can be placed on the second body (200). The body portion (110) can be coupled to the second body (200). The lower end of the body portion (110) can be fixed to the second body (200). The body portion (110) can be coupled to the second body (200) through welding or adhesive.

[0049] The body part (110) can be combined with the substrate (400).

[0050] 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 (130). 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).

[0051] 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 (130) and the lens module (300).

[0052] The body portion (110) may include a first guide (150). The first guide (150) may have a shape that protrudes downward along the optical axis direction (Z) from the lower surface of the top plate (112). The first guide (150) may come into contact with the substrate (400). The lower surface of the first guide (150) may come into contact with the upper surface of the substrate (400). The substrate (400) within the first body (100) may be firmly fixed through the first guide (150).

[0053] The body portion (110) may include a coupling portion (160). The coupling portion (160) may have a shape that protrudes downward along the optical axis direction (Z) from the lower surface of the top plate (112). The coupling portion (160) may be disposed inside the first guide (150). The coupling portion (160) may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the first guide (150). The lower surface of the coupling portion (160) may be in contact with the upper surface of the substrate (400). The lower surface of the coupling portion (160) may form a plane identical to the lower surface of the first guide (150). A first screw hole (162) may be formed on the lower surface of the coupling portion (160). The substrate (400) may be screw-coupled to the lower surface of the coupling portion (160). The coupling portion (160) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0054] The body portion (110) may include a guide projection (170). The guide projection (170) may have a shape that protrudes downward along the optical axis direction (Z) from the lower surface of the top plate (112). A plurality of guide projections (170) may be provided and arranged adjacent to the corner area of ​​the body portion (110). The lower surface of the guide projection (170) may be arranged in a stepped manner downward so as to be closer to the second body (200) than the lower surface of the first guide (150). The guide projection (170) may be coupled to the first guide hole (412) of the substrate (400) to be described later. Accordingly, the coupling direction of the substrate (400) within the camera module (10) may be guided.

[0055] The first body (100) may include a barrel portion (130). The barrel portion (130) may have a circular cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction (Z). The barrel portion (130) may be disposed on the body portion (110). The barrel portion (130) may extend upward along the optical axis direction (Z) from the upper surface of the body portion (110). The barrel portion (130) may be formed integrally with the body portion (110) or formed as a separate component. 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) inside. A hole (135) to which the lens module (300) is coupled may be disposed on the barrel portion (130). A lens module (300) can be attached to the hole (135) of the barrel portion (130).

[0056] A coupling groove (132) may be disposed on the upper surface of the barrel portion (130). The coupling groove (132) may have a concave groove shape extending downward from the upper surface of the barrel portion (130). An adhesive member (600) may be coupled to the coupling groove (132). This will be described later.

[0057] The first body (100) may include a heating element guide (140). The heating element guide (140) may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the first body (100). For example, the heating element guide (140) may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the barrel portion (130) and the inner surface of the body portion (110). The heating element guide (140) may include a first through hole (142) that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface. At least a portion of the heating element (500), which will be described later, may be disposed in the first through hole (142). Through the heating element guide (140), the placement area of ​​the heating element (500) within the camera module (10) may be guided.

[0058] The first body (100) may be made of metal or plastic.

[0059] 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 or plastic 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 with an open top surface.

[0060] The second body (200) may include a bottom plate (220). The bottom plate (220) may face the top plate (112) of the first body (100) in the direction of the optical axis. The bottom plate (220) may be spaced apart from the top plate (112) of the first body (110) in the direction of the optical axis. The bottom plate (220) may be parallel to the top plate (112) of the first body (100) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The bottom plate (220) may be formed in a square shape. At this time, the corners of the bottom plate (220) 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 (220) may have corresponding shapes.

[0061] The second body (200) may include a second side plate (210). The second side plate (210) may extend upward in the optical axis direction (Z) from the bottom plate (220). The second side plate (210) may extend upward in the optical axis direction from the outer edge of the bottom plate (220). A shield member (not shown) may be disposed on the inner side of the second side plate (210). The shield member may be in surface contact with the inner surface of the second side plate (210). Accordingly, external electrical noise may be prevented from being transmitted into the space within the camera module (10).

[0062] The upper surface of the second side plate (210) can be combined with the first body (100). The upper surface of the second side plate (210) can be positioned to face the lower surface of the first side plate (114) in the optical axis direction (Z). The upper surface of the second side plate (210) can be combined with the lower surface of the first side plate (114). The lower surface of the first side plate (114) and the upper surface of the second side plate (210) can be joined together by an adhesive or welding method.

[0063] The second body (200) may include a second guide (230). The second guide (230) may have a shape protruding upward from the upper surface of the bottom plate (220). The second guide (230) may have a shape protruding inward from the inner surface of the second side plate (210). The upper surface of the second guide (230) may be positioned opposite the lower surface of the substrate (400) in the direction of the optical axis. The upper surface of the second guide (230) may be in contact with the lower surface of the substrate (400). Accordingly, in the space within the camera module (10), the upper surface of the substrate (400) may be supported by the lower surface of the first guide (150), and the lower surface of the substrate (400) may be supported by the upper surface of the second guide (230).

[0064] The second body (200) may include a third guide (240). The third guide (240) may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the second guide (230). The third guide (240) may be provided in multiple numbers and each may be placed in a corner area within the space of the second body (200). The third guide (240) is positioned to penetrate the second guide hole (420) of the substrate (400) to be described later, so that the coupling direction of the substrate (400) can be guided within the space of the camera module (10).

[0065] 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 (220). The connector extraction portion (290) may be in the shape of a pipe having a hollow so that a connector (490) is disposed inside. A sealing member (not shown) is disposed between the inner surface of the connector extraction portion (290) and the outer surface of the connector (490) to prevent external foreign matter from entering the space inside the camera module (10).

[0066] 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 (135) of the barrel portion (130). The lens module (300) may be positioned such that at least a portion is placed inside the barrel portion (130), and the remaining portion protrudes upward from the first body (100).

[0067] The lens module (300) may include a barrel (310) and at least one lens (320) accommodated within the barrel (310). The lens (320) may be positioned facing the image sensor (440) of the substrate (400), which will be described later, in the direction of the optical axis. The lens (320) may be aligned with the image sensor (440) in the direction of the optical axis. The lens (320) may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged spaced apart from each other along the direction of the optical axis within the barrel (310). Among the multiple lenses (320), the first lens (321), which is the outermost lens, may be exposed upward from the camera module (10).

[0068] The barrel (310) may include a space with upper and lower openings on the inside. The lens (320) may be placed in the space within the barrel (310). 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 plastic. Accordingly, since the thermal conductivity is formed to be lower compared to metal materials, heat generated from the heating element (500) described later may be concentrated on the first lens (321) rather than the barrel (310).

[0069] A retainer (350) may be disposed on the barrel (310). The retainer (350) may be coupled to the barrel (310). The retainer (350) may support a first lens (321) disposed on the barrel (310). A hole (351, see FIG. 4) for exposing the first lens (321) may be disposed on the upper surface of the retainer (350). As shown in FIG. 4, the retainer (350) may include an upper surface (352) and a side portion (354) extending downward in the direction of the optical axis from the edge of the upper surface (352). The upper surface (352) of the retainer (350) may be in contact with the incident surface of the first lens (321). Accordingly, the first lens (321) on the barrel (310) may be supported through the retainer (350).

[0070] The retainer (350) may be formed with a body different from the barrel (310), but is not limited thereto, and the lens module (300) may have a structure in which the retainer (350) and the barrel (310) are formed as one body.

[0071] The lens module (300) may include a flange portion (330). The flange portion (330) may have a shape that protrudes outward from the side of the barrel (310) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction (Z). The flange portion (330) may be arranged to overlap the barrel portion (130) of the first body (100) in the optical axis direction (Z). The flange portion (330) may be placed on the barrel portion (130). The lower surface of the flange portion (330) and the upper surface of the barrel portion (130) may be joined through an adhesive member (600). At least a portion of the adhesive member (600) has an adhesive member joining groove (132) and can prevent external foreign matter from entering the space inside the camera module (10) between the upper surface of the barrel portion (130) and the lower surface of the flange portion (330).

[0072] The specific structure of the lens module (300) will be described later.

[0073] The camera module (10) may include a substrate (400). The substrate (400) may be disposed in a space within the camera module (10) formed by the combination of the first body (100) and the second body (200). The substrate (400) may be disposed between the first body (100) and the second body (200).

[0074] The substrate (400) may be a printed circuit board. Electronic components for driving the camera module (10) may be disposed on the surface of the substrate (400). For example, an image sensor (440) may be disposed on the upper surface of the substrate (400). The image sensor (440) may be disposed on the substrate (400) and positioned to face the lens (320) in the optical axis direction (Z). The image sensor (440) may be aligned with the lens (320) in the optical axis. Additionally, one end of a connector (490) may be coupled to the lower surface of the substrate (400). One end of the connector (490) may be coupled to the lower surface of the substrate (400) and extend downward. At least a portion of the connector (490) may be disposed in the space within the connector exit portion (290) of the second body (200). Power for driving the camera module (10) can be provided through the electrical and physical connection between the connector (490) and the external terminal, or electrical signals related to the driving of the camera module (10) can be transmitted and received.

[0075] The substrate (400) may include a second screw hole (414). The second screw hole (414) may have a shape that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the substrate (400). The second screw hole (414) may be positioned facing the first screw hole (162) of the first body (100) in the direction of the optical axis. A screw (not shown) may penetrate the second screw hole (414) and be screw-coupled into the first screw hole (162). Accordingly, the substrate (400) may be screw-coupled to the lower surface of the first body (100).

[0076] The substrate (400) may include a first guide hole (412). The first guide hole (412) may have a shape that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the substrate (400). A guide projection (170) of the first body (100) may be coupled to the first guide hole (412). Accordingly, the coupling direction of the substrate (400) may be guided to the lower surface of the first body (100).

[0077] The substrate (400) may include a second guide hole (420). The second guide hole (420) may have a shape that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the substrate (400). The second guide hole (420) may be spaced apart along the horizontal direction of the first guide hole (412) and the substrate (400). A third guide (240) of the second body (200) may be coupled to the second guide hole (420). The third guide (240) may be positioned to penetrate the second guide hole (420). Accordingly, the coupling direction of the substrate (400) on the second body (200) may be guided.

[0078] The camera module (10) may include a heating element (500). The heating element (700) may provide heat to the surface of the lens (320). The heating element (500) may provide heat to the surface of the first lens (321) among the plurality of lenses (320). Accordingly, frost formed on the surface of the lens (320) may be removed.

[0079] The heating element (500) may be a positive temperature coefficient heater (PTC heater). One end of the heating element (500) may be coupled to the surface of the lens (320), and the other end may be coupled to the substrate (400). The heating element (500) may be in the shape of a film. The heating element (500) may be a substrate on which a circuit pattern is formed. The heating element (500) may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0080] The heating element (500) may include a heating part (510), a terminal part (530), and a connection part (520).

[0081] A heating element (510) may be disposed at one end of a heating element (500). The heating element (510) may have a ring-shaped cross-section. A hole (512, see FIG. 4) may be formed in the center of the heating element (510). The heating element (510) may be coupled to the surface of a lens (320). For example, the first lens (321) may include an incident surface into which light is incident, an exit surface into which the incident light is emitted toward an image sensor (440), and a connecting surface connecting the incident surface and the exit surface. The connecting surface may form a part of the lower surface of the first lens (321). The connecting surface may be disposed facing the upper surface of the barrel portion (310) in the direction of the optical axis.

[0082] In this case, the heating element (510) can be attached to the connecting surface of the first lens (321). The heating element (510) can be attached to the connecting surface of the first lens (321) through an adhesive or adhesive tape. Accordingly, frost can be removed as the surface of the first lens (321) is heated by the heat source provided through the heating element (510).

[0083] The terminal portion (530) may be disposed at the other end of the heating element (500). The terminal portion (530) may be coupled to the substrate (400). A terminal to which the terminal portion (530) is physically and electrically coupled may be disposed on the lower surface of the substrate (400). Accordingly, the operation of the heating element (500) can be controlled through the substrate (400).

[0084] The connecting portion (520) can connect the heating portion (510) and the terminal portion (530). Power and driving signals input through the terminal portion (530) can be transmitted to the heating portion (510) through the connecting portion (520). The connecting portion (520) can be placed in a space within the camera module (10). The connecting portion (520) may have a region that is bent at least once. At least a portion of the connecting portion (520) may be placed within the first through hole (142) of the heating member guide (140). The connecting portion (520) may be placed to penetrate the heating member guide (140).

[0085] Meanwhile, the substrate (400) may include an avoidance portion (450). The avoidance portion (450) may have a shape that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the substrate (400). With respect to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the avoidance portion (450) may have a concave shape facing inward from the side of the substrate (400). A connecting portion (520) is positioned to penetrate the avoidance portion (450), and accordingly, a terminal portion (530) may be connected to a terminal positioned on the lower surface of the substrate (400).

[0086] In order to improve heat generation efficiency, the heat generated from the heat source (510) needs to be concentrated into the lens (320). Below, a heat concentration structure for the lens (320) according to the structure of the lens module (300) will be described.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, as described above, the lens module (300) may include a barrel (310), a lens (320), and a retainer (350).

[0088] The barrel (310) may be formed in a cylindrical shape to include a space in which a lens (320) is placed on the inside. Based on a cross-section perpendicular to the optical axis, the barrel (310) may include two or more regions with different cross-sectional areas. For example, the barrel (310) may include an upper region (310A) and a lower region (310B) positioned below the upper region (310A). The upper region (310A) and the lower region (310B) may be partitioned in the optical axis direction based on the flange portion (330). The cross-sectional area of ​​the upper region (310A) in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower region (310B).

[0089] A lens (320) may be disposed on the upper surface of the barrel (310) and in the space within the barrel (310). For example, the lens (320) may include a first lens (321) which is the outermost lens and a second lens (322) disposed below the first lens (321). The cross-sectional areas of the first lens (321) and the second lens (322) may differ from each other in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first lens (321) may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second lens (322).

[0090] The shapes of the first lens (321) and the second lens (322) may differ from each other. For example, the first lens (321) may have an incident surface and an exit surface that are convex faces toward the subject. The second lens (322) may have an incident surface and an exit surface that are convex faces toward the image sensor (420). Accordingly, the distance between the first lens (321) and the second lens (322) in the direction of the optical axis may be increased, thereby minimizing the transfer of heat from the first lens (321) through the heating element (510) to the second lens (322).

[0091] A first protrusion (312), a second protrusion (314), and a third protrusion (319) may be disposed on the upper surface of the barrel (310) to which the first lens (321) is attached. The upper surface of the barrel (310) may be disposed facing the connecting surface of the first lens (321) to which the heating element (500) is attached in the direction of the optical axis.

[0092] The first protrusion (312) may form the upper surface edge of the barrel (310). The first protrusion (312) may have a shape that protrudes upward in the direction of the optical axis from the upper surface of the barrel (310). The first protrusion (312) may be arranged to overlap at least a portion of the first lens (312) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis. The first protrusion (312) may have a circular cross-sectional shape and may form a space on the inside to which the first lens (312) is coupled.

[0093] The second protrusion (314) may be positioned on the inner side of the first protrusion (312). The second protrusion (314) may have a shape that protrudes upward in the optical axis direction from the upper surface of the barrel (310). The optical axis length of the second protrusion (314) may be shorter than the optical axis length of the first protrusion (312). The upper surface of the second protrusion (314) may be positioned so as to be stepped lower than the upper surface of the first protrusion (312). The second protrusion (314) may be positioned to overlap with the first lens (321) in the optical axis direction.

[0094] A sealing member coupling groove (316) may be disposed between the first protrusion (312) and the second protrusion (314). The bottom surface of the sealing member coupling groove (316) may be defined as the upper surface of the barrel (310). A sealing member (390) may be coupled to the sealing member coupling groove (316). The sealing member (390) may have a ring-shaped cross-section with respect to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The sealing member (390) may be interposed between the first protrusion (312) and the second protrusion (314). The sealing member (390) may be made of an elastically deformable material. For example, the material of the sealing member (390) may be rubber. The sealing member (390) may be coupled to the connecting surface of the first lens (321). Accordingly, external foreign matter can be prevented from entering the space inside the camera module (10) between the upper surface of the barrel (310) and the connecting surface of the first lens (321).

[0095] The third protrusion (319) may be disposed inside the second protrusion (314). The third protrusion (319) may have a shape that protrudes upward in the direction of the optical axis from the upper surface of the barrel (310). The length of the third protrusion (319) in the direction of the optical axis may be less than or equal to the length of the second protrusion (314) in the direction of the optical axis. A second lens coupling part (317) having a groove shape may be disposed inside the third protrusion (319) so that the second lens (322) is disposed therein. The inner surface of the third protrusion (319) may be in contact with the side surface of the second lens (317).

[0096] A separation surface (318) may be disposed between the second protrusion (314) and the third protrusion (319). The separation surface (318) may form a part of the upper surface of the barrel (310). The separation surface (318) may be disposed to overlap the connecting surface of the first lens (321) in the direction of the optical axis. The separation surface (318) may be disposed to overlap the heating element (510) in the direction of the optical axis. The separation surface (318) may be separated from the heating element (510) in the direction of the optical axis. An air gap (g) may be formed between the separation surface (318) and the heating element (510) to separate the separation surface (318) and the heating element (510) based on the direction of the optical axis. The air gap (g) may be formed on the lower side of the heating element (510) in the direction of the optical axis. That is, based on the heating element (510), the heating element (510) includes one surface coupled to the first lens (321) and another surface opposite to said one surface, and the air gap (g) can be positioned to face the other surface of the heating element (510) in the direction of the optical axis.

[0097] When the heating element (510) and the barrel (310) come into contact, some of the heat generated from the heating element (510) is conducted to the barrel (310), which may reduce the heating efficiency of the lens. According to the embodiment, the lower surface of the heating element (510) is separated from the upper surface of the barrel (310) in the optical axis direction by a structure such that the heat from the heating element (510) can be concentrated on the first lens (321), thereby improving the heating efficiency of the first lens (321). The air gap (g) can be controlled by the thickness of the sealing member (390) in the optical axis direction. That is, the distance in the optical axis direction between the heating element (510) and the upper surface of the barrel (310) is secured through the air gap (g) to be less than or equal to the thickness of the sealing member (390) in the optical axis direction, so that the transfer of heat from the heating element (510) to the barrel (310) can be minimized.

[0098] In order to increase the separation area with respect to the heat source (510) through the separation surface (318), the separation distance between the second protrusion (314) and the third protrusion (319) based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may be longer than the separation distance between the first protrusion (312) and the second protrusion (314). Additionally, the thickness in the optical axis direction of the aforementioned sealing member (390) may be longer than the length in the optical axis direction of the second protrusion (314) or the third protrusion (319).

[0099] Meanwhile, the connecting portion (520) of the heating element (500) may be positioned to penetrate the barrel (310). The barrel (310) includes a through hole (340) through which the connecting portion (520) penetrates, and one end of the through hole (340) is positioned on the spaced surface (318), which is the upper surface of the barrel (310), and the other end of the through hole (340) may be positioned on the lower surface of the upper region (310A) that does not overlap with the lower region (310B) in the direction of the optical axis.

[0100] Additionally, to prevent interference between the barrel (310) and the first lens (321), the upper surfaces of the second protrusion (314) and the third protrusion (319) may be spaced apart from the connecting surface of the first lens (321) in the direction of the optical axis.

[0101] Hereinafter, a camera module according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, other parts are identical to the first embodiment, except for differences in the structure of the lens module. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below, and for the remaining parts, the description according to the first embodiment will be used.

[0102] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a lens module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing FIG. 7 from a different angle, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the heat generation efficiency of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the lens module according to the present embodiment may include a barrel (1310), a lens (1320), a retainer (1350), and a spacer (1380).

[0104] The barrel (1310) may be formed in a cylindrical shape to include a space in which a lens (1320) is placed on the inside. Based on a cross-section perpendicular to the optical axis, the barrel (1310) may include two or more regions with different cross-sectional areas in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. For example, the barrel (1310) may include an upper region (1310A) and a lower region (1310B) positioned below the upper region (1310A). The upper region (1310A) and the lower region (1310B) may be partitioned in the direction of the optical axis based on the flange portion (1330). The cross-sectional area of ​​the upper region (1310A) in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower region (1310B).

[0105] A lens (1320) may be placed in the space within the barrel (1310). Multiple regions with different cross-sectional areas in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis may be formed in the space within the barrel (1310). For example, the space within the barrel (1310) may include a first region (1317) and a second region (1318) placed below the first region (1317). The cross-sectional area of ​​the first region (1317) may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second region (1318). The second region (1318) may be implemented by a step (1315) protruding inward from the inner surface of the barrel (1310).

[0106] The lens (1320) may include a first lens (1321) which is the outermost lens, and a second lens (1322) positioned below the first lens (1321). The cross-sectional areas of the first lens (1321) and the second lens (1322) may differ from each other. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first lens (1321) in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second lens (1322). Here, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first lens (1321) refers to the cross-sectional area in the region having the maximum cross-sectional area in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second lens (1322) refers to the cross-sectional area in the region having the maximum cross-sectional area in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The first lens (1321) may be positioned in the first region (1317). The second lens (1322) may be positioned in the second region (1318).

[0107] The shapes of the first lens (1321) and the second lens (1322) may differ from each other. For example, the first lens (1321) may have an incident surface and an exit surface that are each convex faces toward the subject. The second lens (1322) may have an incident surface and an exit surface that are each convex faces toward an image sensor (not shown).

[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first lens (1321) may include a plurality of regions with different cross-sectional areas. The first lens (1321) may include a first upper region (1323) and a first lower region (1324) positioned below the first upper region (1323). The cross-sectional area of ​​the region formed by the side of the first upper region (1323) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the region formed by the side of the first lower region (1324). Accordingly, the side of the first upper region (1323) may have a concave groove shape extending inward from the side of the first lens (1321).

[0109] The second lens (1322) may include a plurality of regions with different cross-sectional areas. The second lens (1322) may include a second upper region (1325) and a second lower region (1326) positioned below the second upper region (1325). The cross-sectional area of ​​the second upper region (1325) may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second lower region (1326). Accordingly, the side of the second upper region (1325) may have a concave groove shape extending inward from the side of the second lens (1322).

[0110] The retainer (1350) may include an upper surface (1352) and a side surface (1354) extending downward from the edge of the upper surface (1352). A screw thread or a screw groove may be formed on the inner surface of the side surface (1354). A screw groove or a screw thread may be formed on the side of the barrel portion (1310) facing the inner surface of the side surface (1354) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Accordingly, the retainer (1350) may be screw-coupled onto the barrel portion (1310).

[0111] The upper surface portion (1352) can be combined with the first lens (1321). A projection (1356) protruding inwardly from other regions may be disposed on the inner surface of the upper surface portion (1352) in which a hole is formed. The projection (1356) may be combined with the side of the first upper region (1323) of the first lens (1321). The projection (1356) may be combined on the first lower region (1324). Accordingly, the first lens (1321) may be fixed on the barrel (1310).

[0112] A sealing member (1390) may be disposed between the inner surface of the barrel (1310) and the side of the first lens (1321). The sealing member (1390) may be made of an elastically deformed material. The material of the sealing member (1390) may be rubber. A sealing member guide (1312) with an upwardly protruding shape is disposed on the upper surface of the barrel portion (1310), and the sealing member (1390) may be disposed between the side of the first lower region (1324) of the first lens (1321) and the inner surface of the sealing member guide (1312). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent external foreign matter from entering through the area between the barrel portion (1310) and the first lens (1321).

[0113] The camera module may include a spacer (1380). The spacer (1380) may be positioned between the first lens (1321) and the second lens (1322). Through the spacer (1380), the first lens (1321) and the second lens (1322) may be spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis. The upper surface of the spacer (1380) may support the lower surface of the first lens (1321). The upper surface of the spacer (1380) may be in contact with the lower surface of the first lens (1321). The lower surface of the spacer (1380) may support the upper surface of the second lens (1322). The lower surface of the spacer (1380) may be in contact with the upper surface of the second lens (1322).

[0114] The spacer (1380) may include a body portion (1384), an upper portion (1382) having a shape protruding upward on the body portion (1384), and a lower portion (1386) having a shape protruding downward from the lower surface of the body portion (1384).

[0115] A hole (1385) is formed in the center of the body portion (1384), and the hole (1385) may be positioned to overlap with the lens (1320) in the direction of the optical axis. The body portion (1384) may have a D-cut cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis. A portion of the side of the body portion (1384) may be cut along the direction of the optical axis to form a planar shape, and an avoidance portion (1387) may be positioned therein. A connecting portion (520) of the heating element (500) may be extended in the direction of the optical axis through the avoidance portion (1387). The connecting portion (520) may be guided through the side of the avoidance portion (1387).

[0116] The upper portion (1382) may have a shape that protrudes upward in the direction of the optical axis from the outer edge of the body portion (1384). The upper surface of the upper portion (1382) may support the lower surface of the first lens (1321). The upper surface of the upper portion (1382) may come into contact with the lower surface of the first lens (1321).

[0117] The lower portion (1386) may have a shape that protrudes downward in the direction of the optical axis from the inner edge of the body portion (1384) adjacent to the formation area of ​​the hole (1385). Accordingly, the upper portion (1382) and the lower portion (1386) may be arranged so as not to overlap in the direction of the optical axis. The lower surface of the lower portion (1386) may come into contact with the upper surface of the second lower region (1326). The inner surface of the lower portion (1386) may come into contact with the side of the second upper region (1325), but may otherwise be spaced apart.

[0118] The heating element (510) may be coupled to the lower surface of the first lens (1321) facing the spacer (1380) in the direction of the optical axis. The heating element (510) may be coupled to the connecting surface of the first lens (1321) described in the first embodiment. The heating element (510) may be positioned to face the upper surface of the body part (1384) in the direction of the optical axis. As described above, a portion of the lower surface of the first lens (1321) may be supported by the upper surface of the upper part (1382) of the spacer (1380). In this case, the heating element (510) may be spaced from the lower surface of the first lens (1321) in a direction perpendicular to the upper part (1382) and the direction of the optical axis.

[0119] The upper surface of the body part (1384) facing the heating part (510) in the direction of the optical axis may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the heating part (510) in the direction of the optical axis. Accordingly, a part of the upper surface of the body part (1384) may also be referred to as a spaced-out surface. Between the upper surface of the body part (1384) and the lower surface of the heating part (510), an air gap (g) may be formed to space the upper surface of the body part (1384) and the lower surface of the heating part (510) in the direction of the optical axis. The air gap (g) may be formed on the lower side of the heating part (510) in the direction of the optical axis. That is, with respect to the heating part (510), the heating part (510) includes one surface to which the first lens (1321) is coupled and another surface opposite to said one surface, and the air gap (g) may be arranged to face the other surface of the heating part (510) in the direction of the optical axis.

[0120] When the heating element (510) and the spacer (1380) come into contact, some of the heat generated from the heating element (510) is conducted to the spacer (1380), which may reduce the heating efficiency of the lens. According to the embodiment, the lower surface of the heating element (510) is separated from the upper surface of the spacer (1380) in the optical axis direction by a structure such that the heat from the heating element (510) can be concentrated on the first lens (1321), thereby improving the heating efficiency of the first lens (1321). That is, since the optical axis separation distance between the heating element (510) and the upper surface of the body part (1384) is secured through an air gap (g) to be less than the optical axis thickness of the upper part (1382) of the spacer (1380), the transfer of heat from the heating element (510) to the spacer (1380) can be minimized.

[0121] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, considering that some of the heat from the heating element (510) can be partially transferred to the spacer (1380) by the structure in which the spacer (1380) contacts the first lens (1321) through the upper part (1382), the material of the spacer (1380) may be a plastic material with low thermal conductivity.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 (a) is a simulation result of measuring the temperature of a lens according to a first comparative example in which the upper surface of the spacer body part and the lower surface of the first lens are in contact in a plastic spacer, FIG. 10 (b) is a simulation result of measuring the temperature of a lens according to a second comparative example in which the upper surface of the spacer body part and the lower surface of the first lens are in contact in a metal spacer, and FIG. 11 (c) is a simulation result of measuring the temperature of a lens in a lens module according to the present embodiment.

[0123] Comparing (a) and (b) of Fig. 10, it can be seen that when the spacer material is a plastic material with low thermal conductivity, the temperature of the lens is formed higher compared to when the spacer material is a metal.

[0124] However, when comparing (a) and (c) of FIG. 10, it can be seen that even if the material of the spacer is plastic, heat is concentrated on the first lens (1321) in the optical axis direction separation structure between the first lens (1321) and the spacer (1380) through the air gap (g), and thus a higher temperature is formed on the first lens (1321) through the heating element (510). This means that the heating efficiency of the first lens (1321) through the heating element (510) is improved.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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. First body; A lens module coupled to the first body and comprising a barrel and a lens coupled to the barrel; A substrate including an image sensor facing the lens module in the optical axis direction; and It is coupled to the above lens and includes a heating element that generates heat, and The heating element includes one surface coupled to the lens and another surface opposite to the one surface, A camera module comprising an air gap (g) facing the other surface of the heating element in the direction of the optical axis.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above lens includes a first lens coupled to the barrel, and The first lens above includes an incident surface where light is incident, an exit surface where the incident light is emitted, and a connecting surface connecting the incident surface and the exit surface. The above connecting surface faces the upper surface of the barrel in the direction of the optical axis, and The above air gap is a camera module disposed between the connecting surface and the upper surface of the barrel.

3. In Paragraph 2, It includes a sealing member disposed between the barrel and the connecting surface, and The above heating element is a camera module disposed on the inner side of a sealing member.

4. In Paragraph 3, A camera module in which the optical axis length of the air gap is controlled by the optical axis thickness of the sealing member.

5. In Paragraph 3, The barrel comprises a first protrusion protruding upward in the direction of the optical axis from the upper surface, and a second protrusion disposed inside the first protrusion and protruding upward in the direction of the optical axis from the upper surface. The sealing member is disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and The above heating element is a camera module disposed inside the second protrusion.

6. In Paragraph 5, A camera module in which the first protrusion overlaps with at least a portion of the first lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above lens includes a first lens to which the heating element is coupled, and a second lens disposed below the first lens. It includes a spacer disposed between the first lens and the second lens, The above air gap is a camera module disposed between the lower surface of the first lens to which the heating element is attached and the spacer.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above spacer comprises a body portion, an upper portion protruding upward from the upper surface of the body portion and in contact with the lower surface of the first lens, and a lower portion protruding downward from the lower surface of the body portion and in contact with the upper surface of the second lens. The above body portion is arranged to overlap the above heating portion in the direction of the optical axis, and The above air gap is a camera module disposed between the upper surface of the body part and the lower surface of the first lens.

9. In Paragraph 8, A camera module in which the upper portion and the lower portion do not overlap in the optical axis direction.

10. In Paragraph 7, A camera module in which the material of the above spacer is plastic.

Images