JP2011119860A - Camera module, and portable apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera module which can be manufactured at low cost. <P>SOLUTION: The camera module 1A equipped in this portable apparatus includes a camera unit 12A; and an FPC 11A provided with a frame-like reinforcing plate 13; a connector 14 which is to be connected to a portable apparatus and terminals 15, wherein the reinforcing plate 13 is arranged on a surface on the side opposite to the camera unit 12A, and the terminals 15 are arranged inside the frame of the reinforcing plate 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera module provided in a portable device.

  In recent years, a technique of a camera module to be mounted on a housing of a mobile phone, a mobile terminal or the like has been disclosed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a camera module including a flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter also abbreviated as “FPC”) on which two camera units are mounted, and a mobile communication terminal using the camera module.

  Patent Document 2 describes a camera module in which an FPC connection terminal and a socket connection terminal are provided on an FPC in which an image sensor and a lens panel are stacked.

JP 2004-64575 A (published February 26, 2004) JP 2008-109201 A (published May 8, 2008)

  However, the conventional technology as described above has a problem that it cannot be manufactured at low cost.

  An example of a conventional camera module will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 13A to 13C are plan views each showing an example of the configuration of a conventional camera module.

  In the camera module 301 shown in FIG. 13A, a camera unit 322 mainly composed of a lens unit and a sensor is mounted on an FPC 311A. This camera module 301 is electrically connected to a mother board such as a portable terminal by a connector 314.

  In addition, the camera modules 302 and 303 shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C correspond to the shape of the casing of a mobile terminal or the like to be mounted, so that the FPC 311B has a shape different from that of the camera module 301 described above. 311C, and the position of the connector 314 is different from that of the camera module 301.

  Further, FIGS. 14A to 14C show camera modules to be mounted on different portable terminals. The camera modules shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C are provided with FPCs 311D, 311E, and 311F corresponding to the casings of mobile terminals to be mounted. A connector 314 is provided at a position corresponding to the mobile terminal to be mounted.

  As described above, since the shape of the FPC and the position of the connector in the camera module vary depending on the type of the mobile terminal to be mounted, as shown by the arrows in FIGS. The positional relationship between the connector and the connector often varies.

By the way, when an imaging test is performed on these camera modules before shipment, a connector 314 for connecting to a portable terminal is used. Here, with reference to FIG. 15, a method of performing an imaging test on the camera module will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a method of performing an imaging test of the camera module.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in general, in an imaging test, a connector 352 provided on an evaluation board 351 provided in a device such as a jig for the imaging test is attached to a connector 314 provided on an FPC 311G of a camera module. Connecting. Thereafter, the imaging test is performed by imaging with the camera unit 322 an image chart 353 to be imaged for the imaging test, the position of which is fixed with respect to the evaluation board 351. Therefore, the evaluation board 351 in the apparatus used for the imaging test needs to match the positional relationship between the camera unit 322 and the connector 314 in the camera module. Therefore, conventionally, it is necessary to redesign equipment, jigs, and the like for the imaging test in accordance with the positional relationship between the camera unit 322 and the connector 314.

  Therefore, conventionally, it is necessary to redesign the system used for the imaging test of the camera module for each model of the mobile terminal to be mounted, which entails huge equipment costs and investment costs. In addition, repair parts corresponding to the positional relationship must be prepared, and management is difficult. Furthermore, with the recent drop in the price of mobile terminals, there is a strong demand for a technology for manufacturing components to be mounted inside at low cost.

  However, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 do not describe a method for solving these problems.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a camera module that can be manufactured at low cost.

  In order to solve the above problems, a camera module according to the present invention is a camera module provided in a mobile device, and is a camera unit, a frame-shaped reinforcing plate, and a first for being connected to the mobile device. The external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal are provided, the reinforcing plate is provided on a surface opposite to the camera unit, and the second external connection terminal is provided with the reinforcement. It is provided inside the frame of a board, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  If it is said structure, a 2nd external connection terminal can be used for an imaging test at the time of manufacture of a camera module. Further, by providing the second external connection terminal separately from the first external connection terminal for connection to the mobile device, regardless of the type of the mobile device provided, that is, the shape of the substrate, and the first Regardless of the position of the external connection terminal, the positional relationship between the camera unit and the second external connection terminal can be unified.

  Therefore, when the positional relationship between the camera unit and the second external connection terminal is unified, the same is applied to two or more types of camera modules having different positional relationships between the camera unit and the first external connection terminal. Since the imaging test can be performed using the apparatus, the equipment cost and the investment cost for the preparation of the apparatus can be suppressed as compared with the related art. Therefore, it is possible to easily manufacture two or more types of camera modules, and it is possible to manufacture the camera modules at a low cost.

In addition, with the above configuration, the frame-shaped reinforcing plate can reinforce the substrate where the camera unit is provided, so that the camera unit can be stably provided on these substrates. Further, the second external connection terminal is provided inside the frame of the reinforcing plate, so that the second external connection terminal is provided at a fixed position with respect to the camera unit regardless of the shape of the substrate and the position of the first external connection terminal. be able to.

  In the camera module according to the present invention, the substrate is preferably a flexible printed circuit board or a rigid flexible circuit board.

  If it is said structure, since it is flexible and can be changed, it will become easy to prepare for a portable apparatus.

  In the camera module according to the present invention, a cross section of a surface parallel to the surface of the substrate on which the second external connection end is provided in the second external connection terminal is polygonal, round, or An elliptical shape is preferable.

  If the cross section of the second external connection terminal is polygonal, the area of the cross section can be increased and a highly effective terminal can be obtained. In addition, when the cross section of the second external connection terminal is round, for example, the second external connection terminal can be manufactured by opening a resist or the like, so that a terminal having a favorable shape can be obtained.

  In the camera module according to the present invention, it is preferable that a plurality of the second external connection terminals are provided.

  In the camera module according to the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of second external connection terminals are arranged in a matrix shape or a plover shape.

  If it is said structure, even when there are many 2nd external connection terminals, the said 2nd external connection terminal can be arrange | positioned efficiently. In particular, when arranged in a plover shape, it is possible to arrange more second external connection terminals.

  In the camera module according to the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of the plurality of second external connection terminals is connected to the ground.

  With the above configuration, when the camera module is provided in the portable device, the second external connection terminal connected to the ground can be connected to the ground in the portable device, thereby stabilizing the ground potential of the camera module. It can be made.

  In the camera module according to the present invention, it is preferable that the camera unit includes an autofocus means for performing autofocus.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to provide a camera module that can automatically focus on a subject.

  In the camera module according to the present invention, the camera unit preferably includes zoom means for performing zooming.

  With the above configuration, a camera module capable of zooming can be provided.

  A portable device according to the present invention includes any one of the camera modules described above.

  If it is said structure, the portable apparatus which can be manufactured cheaply can be provided.

  As described above, the camera module according to the present invention is a camera module provided in a mobile device, and includes a camera unit, a frame-shaped reinforcing plate, and a first external connection terminal for connection to the mobile device. And a substrate provided with a second external connection terminal, the reinforcing plate is provided on a surface opposite to the camera unit, and the second external connection terminal is provided on a frame of the reinforcing plate. Since it is provided inside, a camera module that can be manufactured at low cost can be provided.

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1A is a diagram of the camera module viewed from the side, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating the camera module from a surface opposite to the camera unit. FIG. It is a figure which shows the surface mounted in FPC in the base substrate shown to Fig.1 (a). FIGS. 3A and 3B are views showing a modification of the camera module shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIG. 3A is a view of the camera module viewed from the side, and FIG. It is the figure seen from the surface on the opposite side to a camera unit. It is a figure which shows the other modification of the camera module shown to Fig.1 (a)-(b). It is a figure which shows the other modification of the camera module shown to Fig.1 (a)-(b). It is a figure which shows the modification of the camera unit in the camera module shown to Fig.1 (a)-(b). It is a figure which shows the other modification of the camera unit in the camera module shown to Fig.1 (a)-(b). 8A is a diagram illustrating a state where the camera unit illustrated in FIG. 7 is in focus on the wide angle side, and FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating the camera unit illustrated in FIG. 7 on the telephoto side. It is a figure which shows the state which is in focus. It is a figure which shows the method of performing the imaging test of the camera module shown to Fig.3 (a)-(b). It is a figure which shows the method of performing the imaging test of a camera module with many terminals than the camera module shown to Fig.3 (a)-(b). It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the portable terminal by which the camera module in one Embodiment of this invention is mounted. (A) is a figure which shows the example in which the 2nd external connection terminal was arranged in the matrix form, (b) is a figure which shows the example in which the 2nd external connection terminal was arranged in the plover form. (A)-(c) is a top view which shows the example of a structure of the conventional camera module, respectively. (A)-(c) shows the camera module for mounting in a respectively different portable terminal. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of performing the imaging test of a camera module.

〔The camera module〕
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a camera module according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 (a) to 1 (b) and FIG. 1A and 1B are views showing a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1A is a view of the camera module viewed from the side, and FIG. 1B is a camera. It is the figure which looked at the module from the surface on the opposite side to a camera unit. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a surface mounted on the FPC in the base substrate shown in FIG.

  The camera module 1A in the present embodiment is for being mounted on a casing of a mobile terminal. The camera module according to the present invention is not limited to a portable terminal, and can be suitably used for various portable devices such as a cellular phone, a PDA device, and a portable game machine.

  The camera module 1A includes an FPC (substrate, flexible printed circuit board) 11A. In addition, it is preferable that the shape of FPC11A respond | corresponds to the housing | casing in which the camera module 1A is mounted.

  The FPC 11A is provided with a camera unit 12A, a reinforcing plate 13, a connector (first external connection terminal) 14, and a plurality of terminals (second external connection terminals) 15.

  The camera unit 12 </ b> A is a device having a camera function, and includes a lens holder 22, a sensor 23, and a base substrate 24. The camera unit 12A may further include an IR cut filter for cutting infrared rays incident on the sensor 23, a DSP (digital signal processor) that processes a signal from the sensor 23, and other peripheral components. The camera unit 12A is mounted on the FPC 11A via the base substrate 24 by, for example, solder bonding.

  The lens holder 22 is a housing of the camera unit 12 </ b> A that covers the periphery of a lens unit (not shown), the sensor 23, and other peripheral components, and is fixed on the base substrate 24. Thereby, it is possible to prevent dust, foreign matter, and the like from the outside from entering the camera unit 12A. The lens holder 22 and the other member may be fixed with an adhesive or the like, for example.

  The lens unit is provided inside the lens holder 22 and includes a lens (not shown) for forming an image on the sensor 23. In addition, the lens unit may be configured by a single lens or may be configured by a plurality of lenses.

  The sensor 23 is an image sensor for converting light that has entered from a lens into an electrical signal. As a result, an external scenery or the like can be converted into an electric signal. In the present embodiment, the sensor 23 is mounted on the base substrate 24. As the sensor 23, for example, a sensor chip such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) can be used.

  The base substrate 24 is a substrate for mounting the camera unit 12A on the FPC 11A, and the sensor 23 and other peripheral components are mounted thereon. The base substrate 24 is provided with a plurality of terminals 25 as shown in FIG. As the terminal 25, for example, a terminal provided with a gold pad may be used. Further, the terminal 25 may be soldered. In addition, when soldering, the terminal 25 is preferably disposed at the end of the base substrate 24 in order to increase the soldering strength.

  The reinforcing plate 13 is a frame-like plate provided on the FPC 11A on the opposite side of the surface on which the camera unit 12A is provided and on the back side of the camera unit 12A. As the reinforcing plate 13, for example, a material such as FR-4 (Flame Retardant Type 4) or stainless steel (SUS) can be used. The reinforcing plate 13 can reinforce the FPC 11A where the camera unit 12A is provided, and the camera unit 12A can be stably mounted on the FPC 11A. In addition, since the reinforcing plate 13 has a frame shape, the terminals 15 can be provided on the FPC 11 </ b> A that is inside the frame.

  The connector 14 is a terminal for being electrically connected to a portable terminal on which the camera module 1A is mounted. As a result, the camera module 1A is connected to the motherboard of the mobile terminal to be mounted. The position of the connector 14 in the FPC 11A is set based on the shape of the casing of the mobile terminal to be mounted, the position of the motherboard, and the like. The shape of the connector 14 is preferably selected based on a connection method with a portable terminal to be mounted, and examples thereof include a BtoB connector and a Zif connector.

  In addition, as a 1st external connection terminal in this invention, it is not specifically limited to the connector mentioned above, A various terminal can be used. A plurality of first external connection terminals may be provided.

  The terminal 15 is a terminal for connecting the camera module 1A to an imaging test apparatus for performing an imaging test when the camera module 1A is designed or manufactured. That is, the terminal 15 is a dedicated terminal for performing an imaging test. In the present embodiment, the terminal 15 is a terminal having a round cross section, and 16 terminals are provided. The 16 terminals 15 are provided in a matrix on the inside of the frame of the reinforcing plate 13 in the FPC 11A. The FPC 11A is a surface opposite to the surface on which the camera unit 12A is provided, and the camera unit 12A. It can be electrically connected to the outside at a position corresponding to the back side of.

  By providing the terminal 15 inside the frame of the reinforcing plate 13, the terminal 15 can be provided at a fixed position with respect to the camera unit 12 </ b> A regardless of the shape of the FPC 11 </ b> A and the position of the connector 14.

  The positional relationship between the camera unit 12A and the terminal 15 is preferably unified regardless of the type of mobile terminal installed. That is, it is preferable to standardize the positional relationship.

  Here, conventionally, since a dedicated terminal for performing an imaging test is not provided, it is necessary to perform an imaging test using a connector for connecting to a mobile device to be mounted. Further, as described above, the imaging test is performed by connecting an imaging test device to the connector and imaging an imaging target fixed to the device with the camera unit. It is necessary to prepare an imaging test apparatus corresponding to the positional relationship with the connector. Accordingly, for two or more types of camera modules having different positional relationships, corresponding imaging test apparatuses must be prepared.

  That is, conventionally, for example, when the positional relationship between the camera unit and the connector of the camera module corresponding to the housing varies depending on the model of the mobile terminal, it is necessary to prepare an imaging test device for the camera module for each model. is there. Therefore, enormous equipment costs and investment costs are required, and the number of types of repair parts for the apparatus increases, so that preparation and management are required. Therefore, it is difficult to manufacture a plurality of types of camera modules.

  However, as in this embodiment, by unifying the position where the terminal 15 different from the connector 14 for connecting to the mobile terminal is provided inside the frame-shaped reinforcing plate 13, the type of mobile terminal to be mounted Regardless, the positional relationship between the camera unit 12A and the terminal 15 can be unified.

Therefore, as described above, when the positional relationship between the camera unit 12A and the terminal 15 is unified regardless of the type of the mobile terminal mounted, the positional relationship between the camera unit 12A and the connector 14 is different. Even if there are more than one type of camera module, it is possible to perform an imaging test on these camera modules using the same device, so that the equipment cost and the investment cost for preparing the device used for the imaging test are kept lower than before. be able to. In addition, since the types of parts that must be held for the apparatus used for the imaging test are reduced, the maintenance of the apparatus is facilitated. Therefore, it is possible to easily manufacture two or more types of camera modules, and it is possible to manufacture the camera modules at a low cost. Furthermore, it is possible to facilitate the development of markets overseas.

  In addition, it is preferable to unify the design of the terminal 15 for a plurality of camera modules. For example, it is preferable not to change the number of terminals 15 even when the number of terminals necessary for the imaging test is reduced by changing the type of the camera unit 12A. Accordingly, since it is not necessary to change the socket for connection with the terminal 15 in the imaging test apparatus, the camera module can be manufactured at a lower cost.

  Further, a part of the plurality of terminals 15 may be a GND terminal connected to the ground (hereinafter also referred to as “GND”). As the terminal 15 to be the GND terminal, for example, a terminal 15 that is no longer used for the imaging test due to a decrease in the number of terminals necessary for the imaging test may be used. This GND terminal may be used for connection to the GND terminal of the casing of the mobile terminal on which the camera module 1A is mounted and / or a shield case provided around the camera unit 12A. When the camera module 1A is mounted on the mobile terminal, the GND potential of the camera module 1A can be stabilized by connecting the GND terminal to the GND of the mobile terminal. Moreover, EMI (Electro magnet Interference) can be prevented by connecting the GND terminal to a shield case or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the form in which the 16 terminals 15 are arranged in a matrix has been described. However, the number of second external connection terminals in the present invention may be any number necessary for the imaging test. One may be sufficient and two or more may be sufficient. In the case where a plurality of first external connection terminals are provided, the number of second external connection terminals is preferably the same as the number of first external connection terminals. This facilitates the imaging test for all the first external connection terminals. The plurality of second external connection terminals may be arranged in a plover shape.

  Here, an example of an arrangement of the terminals 15 as the second external connection terminals is shown in FIGS. FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an example in which the second external connection terminals are arranged in a matrix, and FIG. 12B illustrates an example in which the second external connection terminals are arranged in a plover shape. FIG. In FIGS. 12A to 12B, members other than the terminal 15 are omitted. 12 (a) and 12 (b) show a state in which the terminals 15 are arranged in the same area. In FIG. 12 (a), 16 terminals 15 are arranged in a matrix. In contrast, in FIG. 12B, 18 terminals 15 are arranged in a plover shape. Thus, when arranged in a plover shape, more terminals 15 can be arranged than when arranged in a matrix shape.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the area | region in which the several terminal 15 is provided demonstrated the form which is square shape, the area | region in which this invention is provided with the several 2nd external connection terminal is not restricted to this, A round shape It may be. If the region is rectangular, the area of the region can be increased. Further, if the area is round, vias can be easily arranged in the FPC, and wiring design can be facilitated.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the form in which the terminal 15 having a round cross section is described, but the second external connection terminal in the second external connection terminal according to the present invention is provided. The cross section of the surface parallel to the surface of the substrate may be, for example, a polygonal shape or an elliptical shape.

Next, a modification of the camera module 1A in the present embodiment will be described below. In the following modifications, for convenience of explanation, constituent elements having the same functions as constituent elements in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and mainly described above. Differences from the embodiment will be described.

(Modification 1)
In Modified Example 1, a modified example of the camera module in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 3A to 3B are views showing a modification of the camera module shown in FIGS. 1A to 1B, and FIG. 3A is a view of the camera module as viewed from the side. FIG. 3B is a view of the camera module as viewed from the side opposite to the camera unit.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the camera module 1B according to the present modification includes a rigid FPC (substrate, rigid flexible substrate) 11B instead of the FPC 11A, and includes a camera unit 12B having no base substrate instead of the camera unit 12A. The point is different from the above-described embodiment. That is, the lens holder 22, the sensor 23, and the like in the camera unit 12B are directly mounted on the rigid FPC 11B.

  The rigid FPC 11B is a printed circuit board that includes a rigid portion made of a hard material and a flexible portion. For example, a material such as FR-4 can be used for the rigid portion. Moreover, for example, a material such as polyimide can be used for the flexible portion. The rigid FPC 11B is configured in the same manner as the FPC 11A except that the rigid FPC 11B includes a rigid portion and a flexible portion.

  If it is said structure, stability about the camera unit 12B etc. which are mounted in rigid FPC11B can be improved.

(Modification 2)
In Modification 2, another modification of the camera module in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a view showing another modification of the camera module shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the camera module 1 </ b> C in this modification has a plurality of terminals 15 covered with an insulating sheet 16. As the insulating sheet 16, for example, paper made of a resin material can be used. By providing the insulating sheet 16, it is possible to prevent the camera module 1C from being short-circuited with the housing after the camera module 1C is mounted on the housing of the portable terminal.

  In the manufacturing process of the camera module 1C, the insulating sheet 16 is preferably provided after performing an imaging test.

(Modification 3)
In Modification 3, another modification of the camera module in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a view showing another modification of the camera module shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the camera module 1 </ b> D in this modification includes an L-shaped FPC 11 </ b> C instead of the FPC 11 </ b> A. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the camera unit 1 in the camera module 1 </ b> D is a surface opposite to the surface on which the reinforcing plate 13 is provided in the FPC 11 </ b> C, similarly to the camera unit 12 </ b> A in the above-described embodiment. However, it is provided at a position corresponding to the back side of the reinforcing plate 13.

  Therefore, in the camera module 1D, the positional relationship between the camera unit and the connector 14 is different from that of the camera module 1A, but the positional relationship between the camera unit and the terminal 15 for performing the imaging test is the same. . Therefore, an imaging test device of the camera module 1A can be used for the camera module 1D.

  The present invention uses the same apparatus or the like even if two or more types of camera modules have different positional relationships between the camera unit and the connector for connecting to the housing, as in the example of the camera modules 1A and 1D. Since an imaging test can be performed, these can be manufactured at low cost.

(Modification 4)
In Modification 4, a modification of the camera unit in the camera module according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a view showing a modification of the camera unit in the camera module shown in FIGS. FIG. 6 shows the lens unit 21A, the sensor 23, and the base substrate 24 in the camera unit 12C, and other configurations are omitted.

  The camera module in this modification includes a camera unit 12C that includes an autofocus mechanism. The lens unit 21A in the camera unit 12C includes three lenses 41a, 41b, and 41c, and an actuator (autofocus means) 42 as an autofocus mechanism. The lens unit 21A is fixed on the sensor 23 by a lens holder or the like not shown in FIG.

  The actuator 42 moves up and down the lenses 41a, 41b, and 41c to the object side and the image plane side in the optical axis direction by moving up and down based on an electrical signal received from a control unit (not shown), and then an object, that is, a subject. It stops at the position where the focus is on.

  With the configuration described above, the subject can be automatically focused. The autofocus means is not limited to that shown in the present modification, and a known one can be used.

(Modification 5)
In Modification 5, another modification of the camera unit in the camera module according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8A to 8B. FIG. 7 is a view showing another modification of the camera unit in the camera module shown in FIGS. 8A is a diagram illustrating a state where the wide-angle side is in focus with respect to the camera unit illustrated in FIG. 7, and FIG. 8B is a telephoto view illustrating the camera unit illustrated in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which has focused on the side. 7 and 8A to 8B show a part of the configuration of the lens unit 21B, the sensor 23, the base substrate 24, and the like in the camera unit 12D.

  The camera module in this modification includes a camera unit 12D having a zoom mechanism. The lens unit 21B in the camera unit 12D includes four lens groups: an I group lens 45a, an II group lens 45b, three III group lenses 45c, and an IV group lens 45d. The lens unit 21B also holds a II group lens 45b as a zooming unit and holds a holding unit (first holding unit) 46 that moves the II group lens 45b up and down within a certain range and a III group lens 45c. A holding portion (second holding portion) 47 that moves this up and down within a certain range is provided. The lens unit 21B is fixed on the sensor 23 by a lens holder or the like not shown in FIG.

  In this modification, the I group lens 45a and the IV group lens 45d are fixed, and the II group lens 45b and the III group lens 45c move up and down based on an electrical signal received from a control unit (not shown). At that time, the zoom magnification changes as the III group lens 45c moves up and down, and the focus is adjusted as the II group lens 45b moves up and down.

  Here, an example of the operation of each lens in this modification will be described. The initial position of each lens is the position shown in FIG. That is, the holding unit 46 holds the II group lens 45b at the highest position within the movable range, and the holding unit 47 holds the III group lens 45c at the lowest position within the movable range. It is in a state of being. When focusing on the widest angle side from the initial position, the holding unit 47 keeps the III group lens 45c at the lowest position, and the holding unit 46 moves the II group lens 45b up and down. It is held at a position where the focus is achieved, for example, the position shown in FIG. Further, when zooming to the telephoto side from the state where the focus is in the most wide-angle side, the holding unit 47 holds the III group lens 45c up and down at a position where a desired zoom magnification is obtained and then held. The unit 46 moves the II group lens 45b up and down and holds it at a position where the focus is achieved. The positions of the II group lens 45b and the III group lens 45c at this time are, for example, the positions shown in FIG.

  With the above-described configuration, the zoom magnification can be changed and the focus can be adjusted at the magnification. The zoom means in the present invention is not limited to that shown in the present modification, and any known means can be used.

[Camera module imaging test method]
Next, a method for performing an imaging test of the camera module 1B in the first modification described above and the camera module 1E having more terminals than the camera module 1B will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for performing an imaging test of the camera module illustrated in FIGS. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for performing an imaging test of a camera module having more terminals than the camera modules illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the reinforcing plate 13 is omitted for convenience of explanation.

  For the imaging test of the camera module 1B, as shown in FIG. 9, a test system in which a socket 52A is provided on a board 51 is used as an imaging test apparatus. The socket 52A is provided with 16 Pin terminals 53 which are the same as the number of terminals 15 of the camera module 1B.

  In the imaging test, after connecting the terminal 15 of the camera module 1B and the pin terminal 53 of the test system, the position is fixed with respect to the board 51 according to a program incorporated in the board 51, for example. Is performed by imaging with the camera unit 12B.

  The camera module according to the present invention has the following advantages when performing the above-described imaging test.

  For example, when the number of terminals required for the imaging test among the 16 terminals 15 is reduced by changing the camera module to be subjected to the imaging test, the Pin terminal 53 corresponding to the terminal 15 not used for the imaging test is handled. The program incorporated in the board 51 may be changed so that an electrical signal is not transmitted to and received from the terminal 15 to be transmitted. As a result, it is possible to cope with the test system without changing the number and position of the Pin terminals 53 and the position of the socket 52A. Therefore, an imaging test can be performed easily and inexpensively.

  Further, for example, when the camera module to be subjected to the imaging test is changed from the camera module 1B to the camera module 1E having more terminals 15, the camera module 1B is used as shown in FIG. This can be dealt with by changing the socket 52A in the test system to a socket 52B provided with the same number of Pin terminals 53 as the number of terminals 15 of the camera module 1E. Therefore, an imaging test can be performed easily and inexpensively.

  For example, when the camera module to be subjected to the imaging test is changed to one having a different size due to a difference in the shape of the FPC or the like, it can be handled by the same test system or a test system in which only the socket is changed. Therefore, an imaging test can be performed easily and inexpensively.

  Therefore, since the camera module according to the present invention can be manufactured through an imaging test without greatly changing the test system, it can be manufactured easily and inexpensively regardless of the type of camera module. Is possible.

[Mobile terminal]
Next, a mobile terminal (mobile device) 60 equipped with the camera module 1B according to Modification 1 described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal on which the camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. Here, a case where a part of the plurality of terminals 15 in the camera module 1B is a GND terminal will be described.

  The portable terminal 60 includes a camera module 1B, a mother board 61, a shield case 62, a GND terminal 63, and a connector 64. The camera module 1 </ b> B and the mother board 61 are electrically connected via a connection between the connector 14 and the connector 64.

  The mother board 61 is a board on which components having main functions in the mobile terminal are mounted. The shield case 62 is a case provided around the camera unit 12B and is provided to prevent EMI. The connector 64 is a connection terminal for connecting the camera module 1 </ b> B and the mother board 61, and may have any shape that can be connected to the connector 14. For example, when the connector 14 is a protruding terminal (male), the connector 64 may be a terminal (female) having a shape to receive it.

  The terminal 15 that is the GND terminal of the camera module 1B, the GND terminal 63 of the mother board 61, and the shield case 62 are electrically connected. As a result, the GND potential of the camera module 1B can be stabilized.

  In addition, as for the terminal 15 of the camera module 1B mounted in the portable terminal 60, it is preferable that the terminals 15 other than those connected to the GND terminal 63 of the mother board 61 are covered with a non-conductive member. Thereby, the short circuit with the housing | casing of the camera module 1B and the portable terminal 60 can be prevented.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Since the present invention can be manufactured at low cost, it can be suitably used for manufacturing various portable devices such as a mobile phone equipped with a camera and a mobile terminal.

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Camera module 11A, 11C FPC (substrate, flexible printed circuit board)
11B rigid FPC (substrate, rigid flexible substrate)
12A, 12B, 12C, 12D Camera unit 13 Reinforcement plate 14 Connector (first external connection terminal)
15 terminals (second external connection terminal)
42 Actuator (Auto-focus means)
46 Holding part (zoom means)
47 Holding part (zoom means)
60 Mobile devices (mobile devices)

Claims (9)

A camera module provided in a portable device,
A board provided with a camera unit, a frame-shaped reinforcing plate, a first external connection terminal to be connected to the portable device, and a second external connection terminal;
The reinforcing plate is provided on a surface opposite to the camera unit,
The camera module, wherein the second external connection terminal is provided inside a frame of the reinforcing plate.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is a flexible printed circuit board or a rigid flexible circuit board.   The cross section of a surface parallel to the surface of the substrate on which the second external connection terminal is provided in the second external connection terminal is a polygonal shape, a round shape, or an elliptical shape. Item 3. The camera module according to Item 1 or 2.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the second external connection terminals are provided.   The camera module according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of second external connection terminals are arranged in a matrix or a plover.   6. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the plurality of second external connection terminals is connected to the ground.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the camera unit includes autofocus means for performing autofocus.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the camera unit includes zoom means for performing zooming.   A portable device comprising the camera module according to claim 1.

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