JP5595786B2 - Camera module and electronic device including the same - Google Patents

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera module and an electronic apparatus including the same, and more particularly to a camera module that can achieve both a reduction in thickness and an improvement in alignment accuracy of an imaging lens, and an electronic device such as a mobile phone including the camera module. It relates to equipment.

  In recent years, most mobile phones are built with a camera module. Many of these camera modules employ an autofocus function by a lens driving device. There are various types of lens drive devices, such as a type using a stepping motor, a type using a piezoelectric element, a type using a VCM (Voice Coil Motor), and has already been distributed to the market. .

  Such a camera module having an autofocus function usually has a structure in which a lens driving device for driving a lens, a sensor cover for housing an image pickup element, a circuit board to which the image pickup element is fixed, and the like are laminated. Have. Furthermore, since the demand for thickness reduction and price reduction is very high for the mobile phone, the camera module mounted on the mobile phone needs to satisfy this demand.

  Therefore, Patent Document 1 describes a camera module that can meet the demands for thickness reduction and price reduction. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module 100 of Patent Document 1. The camera module 100 includes a base member 104 in which a base of a lens driving device 102 that drives the imaging lens 101 and a sensor cover (sensor base) that houses the imaging element 103 are integrated. Thus, the camera module 100 can be made thinner than when the base of the lens driving device 102 and the sensor cover are configured separately. Furthermore, a reduction in manufacturing cost can be realized by reducing the number of parts.

  In addition, the camera module 100 normally includes an IR cut filter 105 in order to cut infrared rays that are unnecessary for imaging. As shown in FIG. 5, in the camera module 100, the IR cut filter 105 is provided on the integrated base member 104. With such a configuration, the IR cut filter 105 is attached later to the lens driving device 102 that has been manufactured (assembled), or the IR cut filter 105 is attached to the integrated base member 104 in advance. Thus, the lens driving device 102 can be manufactured.

  On the other hand, in the camera module, the position of the imaging lens with respect to the imaging device (distance from the imaging device to the imaging lens) and the inclination of the imaging lens with respect to the imaging device have a large effect on imaging. Specifically, if the position and inclination of the imaging lens are not managed with high accuracy, a defocused image is generated due to defocusing.

  Therefore, Patent Document 2 describes a camera module that can keep the distance between the imaging element and the imaging lens constant. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module 200 of Patent Document 2. In the camera module 200, a convex portion 204 that abuts on the image sensor 203 is formed on the bottom of a lens holder 202 that holds the imaging lens 201. The convex portion 204 is a portion that abuts on the upper surface of the image sensor 203 without using an adhesive. Thereby, the distance between the imaging lens 201 and the imaging element 203 can be made constant only by setting the dimension between the imaging lens 201 and the convex portion 204.

  As described above, in the camera module 200 of Patent Document 2, the lens holder 202 is aligned with respect to the upper surface of the image sensor 203. As a result, the height position and inclination of the imaging lens 201 with respect to the imaging element 203 can be set with high accuracy. For this reason, the operation | work which forms a thread part in the lens holder 201, or adjusts the position of the imaging lens 201 becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the camera module 200 can be manufactured at a low cost while increasing the productivity of the camera module 200.

JP 2009-271405 A (released on November 19, 2009) JP 2007-259064 A (released on October 4, 2007)

  However, the conventional camera module has a problem that when the base member integrated with the sensor cover is brought into contact with the image sensor, the size of the image sensor is restricted.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, in the camera module 100, an opening for securing an optical path is formed in the base member 104. The size of the opening needs to be larger than a predetermined size according to optical specifications so that incident light is not lost. Thereby, the light incident from the imaging lens 101 reaches the imaging element 103. Further, the IR cut filter 105 is provided so as to close the opening in order to ensure sufficient adhesive strength to the base member 104.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, in the camera module 200, an IR cut filter 205 is provided in the lens holder 202 while the lens holder 202 is in contact with the image sensor 203. For this reason, normally, the convex portion 204 of the lens holder 202 that comes into contact with the image sensor 203 needs to be disposed outside the IR cut filter 205. Otherwise, the IR cut filter 205 cannot be bonded to the lens holder 202. Therefore, the size of the image sensor 203 must be sufficiently larger than the size of the IR cut filter 205. For this reason, when the image sensor 203 and the IR cut filter 205 have the same size, the convex portion 204 cannot be brought into contact with the upper surface of the image sensor 203. That is, a sufficient contact area between the convex portion 204 and the image sensor 203 cannot be ensured.

  Therefore, even if it is going to apply the camera module 200 of patent document 2 which has the convex part 204 which contact | abuts to the image pick-up element 203 with respect to the camera module 100 of patent document 1 provided with the base member 104 integrated with the sensor cover, Depending on the size of the image sensor 103, the image sensor 103 and the IR cut filter 105 may not be applicable. As described above, when the camera module 200 of Patent Document 2 is applied to the camera module 100 of Patent Document 1, the size of the image sensor 103 is restricted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and the purpose thereof is a camera module in which a base member of a lens driving unit and a sensor cover are integrated, regardless of the size of the image sensor. It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera module capable of bringing a base member into contact with an image sensor and an electronic device including the same.

In order to solve the above problems, a camera module according to the present invention includes an optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens, a lens driving unit that drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction, and A camera module including an imaging unit having an imaging element that converts light incident through the imaging lens into an electrical signal, and a translucent member provided between the imaging lens and the imaging element; The lens driving unit includes a base member that constitutes a bottom portion of the lens driving unit and accommodates the imaging element therein, and the base member is disposed on a surface facing the imaging lens. a holding unit for holding, have a contact portion that abuts on the imaging surface of the imaging device, and a side surface of the holding portion, between the side surface of the light transmitting member, the optical portion is opened Gap It is characterized by There are formed.

According to said structure, the base member provided in the lens drive part hold | maintains a translucent member in a holding | maintenance part, and accommodates an image pick-up element inside. That is, the base member is integrated with the sensor cover that houses the image sensor. Therefore, the camera module can be made thinner than when the base member and the sensor cover are separately configured. Furthermore, a reduction in manufacturing cost can be realized by reducing the number of parts.
Furthermore, according to said structure, a clearance gap is formed between a translucent member and a holding | maintenance part in the state with which the translucent member was hold | maintained at the holding | maintenance part. That is, the outer shape of the holding portion is larger than the outer shape of the translucent member. Thereby, a foreign material can be retained in this gap. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter in the lens driving unit from falling on the image sensor.

  Furthermore, according to said structure, the contact part of a base member is contact | abutted to the imaging surface (light-receiving surface) of an image pick-up element, while the holding part of a base member hold | maintains a translucent member. Moreover, the holding unit holds the translucent member on the surface facing the imaging lens. For this reason, even if the size (outer shape) of the imaging element is the same size as the size (outer shape) of the translucent member (even if it is not larger than the size of the translucent member), the contact portion is It contacts the upper surface of the image sensor. Therefore, the base member can be brought into contact with the image sensor regardless of the size of the image sensor.

  Thus, according to the above configuration, a camera module that achieves both the integration of the base member and the sensor cover and the structure in which the base member is brought into contact with the image sensor without being restricted by the size of the image sensor. Can be provided.

  In the camera module of the present invention, the base member has an opening for securing an optical path, and the inner surface of the base member in the holding portion is outside the inner surface of the base member in the contact portion. Is preferably provided.

  According to said structure, the inner surface of the base member in a holding | maintenance part is provided in the outer side (separate from the optical axis) rather than the inner surface of the base member in a contact part. In other words, the opening diameter in the holding part is larger than the opening diameter in the contact part. Thereby, even if the size of an image sensor is small, the translucent member of a size larger than an image sensor can be provided in a holding part. Therefore, even when the size of the image sensor is small, the base member can be brought into contact with the image sensor while holding the translucent member on the base member.

  In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that a height of the holding portion is larger than a thickness of the translucent member.

  According to said structure, the height (depth of the optical axis direction of a holding | maintenance part) of the holding | maintenance part is larger than the thickness of a translucent member. Thereby, a translucent member does not protrude from a holding part. Therefore, damage to the translucent member can be prevented.

  In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that the contact portion is in contact with the entire outer peripheral portion of the imaging surface of the imaging element.

  According to said structure, since the contact part is contact | abutting to the outer peripheral part whole region of the imaging surface of an image pick-up element, a contact area with an image pick-up element becomes large. Thereby, the contact portion stably contacts the image sensor. Therefore, the pressure applied to the image sensor due to the contact of the contact portion is dispersed, and the risk of damage to the image sensor can be reduced. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the image sensor.

  In the camera module of the present invention, the contact portion may also contact a side surface of the image sensor.

  According to said structure, the contact part is contact | abutted on the upper surface and side surface of an image pick-up element. Thereby, the alignment accuracy of the lens driving unit with respect to the image sensor is improved. Therefore, the alignment accuracy of the imaging lens with respect to the imaging element can also be improved.

  In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that an opening for securing an optical path is formed in the base member, and the translucent member is provided so as to close the opening.

According to said structure, the translucent member has block | closed the opening formed in the base member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter in the lens driving unit from falling on the image sensor .

  In order to solve the above problems, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes any one of the camera modules. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electronic device that is compatible with the integration of the base member and the sensor cover and the structure in which the base member is brought into contact with the imaging element without being restricted by the size of the imaging element.

As described above, in the camera module and the electronic apparatus according to the present invention, the lens driving unit includes the base member that configures the bottom of the lens driving unit and accommodates the imaging element therein. member includes a holding portion for holding the light-transmitting member on a surface facing the imaging lens, and a contact portion in contact with the imaging surface of the imaging element possess a side face of the holding portion, the light-transmitting A gap in which the optical part side is opened is formed between the side surfaces of the conductive member . Therefore, there is provided a camera module and an electronic device including the same, which are both integrated with the base member and the sensor cover and configured to abut the base member on the image sensor without being restricted by the size of the image sensor. There is an effect that can be done.

It is a perspective view of a camera module concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is AA arrow sectional drawing of the camera module of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the camera module which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the conventional camera module provided with the base member integrated with the sensor cover, and the translucent member was hold | maintained in the opposing surface with the image pick-up element in a base member. It is sectional drawing of the camera module of patent document 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the camera module of patent document 2. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. For comparison, FIG. 4 showing that a problem occurs in the conventional camera module is also used.
(Overall structure of camera module 10)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the camera module 10 of the present embodiment. The camera module 10 includes an optical unit 1 that is an imaging optical system, a lens driving unit (lens driving device) 2 that drives the optical unit 1, and an imaging unit 3 that performs photoelectric conversion of light via the optical unit 1. ing. The camera module 10 has a configuration in which a lens driving unit 2 that holds the optical unit 1 inside is stacked on the imaging unit 3. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the optical unit 1 side is referred to as the upper side, and the imaging unit 3 side is referred to as the lower side.

(Optical part 1)
Next, the configuration of each part of the camera module 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the camera module 10 of FIG. 1, and is a cross-sectional view of the center portion of the camera module 10 cut in the optical axis direction.

  The optical unit 1 is an imaging optical system that forms a subject image, and guides external light to the light receiving unit of the imaging unit 3. The optical unit 1 includes a plurality (four in FIG. 2) of imaging lenses 11 and a lens barrel 12 that holds the imaging lenses 11. The lens barrel 12 is fixed to the lens driving unit 2. The optical axis of the imaging lens 11 coincides with the axis of the lens barrel 12.

(Lens drive unit 2)
The lens driving unit 2 drives the optical unit 1 in the optical axis direction by electromagnetic force. That is, the lens driving unit 2 moves the imaging lens 11 up and down (drives in the optical axis direction) between the infinity end and the macro end. In the camera module 10, a VCM type lens driving unit 2 is mounted. Thereby, the camera module 10 exhibits an autofocus function.

  Note that the infinity end of the imaging lens 11 means a position that focuses on a subject at infinity, and the macro end of the imaging lens 11 refers to a subject at a desired macro distance (for example, 10 cm). Means the position to focus on.

  The lens driving unit 2 is a movable unit that moves in the optical axis direction when the imaging lens 11 is driven and moves the optical unit 1 (imaging lens 11) in the optical axis direction, and a fixed position that does not vary when the imaging lens 11 is driven. Department. The movable part is accommodated inside the fixed part. The movable part is composed of a lens holder 21 and a coil 22, and the fixed part is composed of a yoke 23, a permanent magnet (magnet) 24, a cover 25 and a base member 26.

  Specifically, the lens driving unit 2 has a configuration in which a lens holder 21 that holds the lens barrel 12 therein is accommodated in a space formed by a base member 26, a yoke 23, and a cover 25. .

  The lens holder 21 holds the lens barrel 12 holding the imaging lens 11 inside. The lens barrel 12 and the lens holder 21 are both hollow (cylindrical) members. In the present embodiment, the outer surface of the lens barrel 12 and the inner surface of the lens holder 21 are not threaded and are flat. However, it is not limited to being flat, and the outer surface of the lens barrel 12 and the inner surface of the lens holder 21 may be threaded. Further, in order to increase the adhesive strength between the lens barrel 12 and the lens holder 21, a recess may be formed on one or both of the outer surface of the lens barrel 12 and the inner surface of the lens holder 21. When the thread is cut, the focus can be adjusted by turning the screw. When the thread is not cut, the focus adjustment may be performed by sliding the cylindrical surface, or the assembly may be performed without the focus adjustment by improving the accuracy of the parts. In the present embodiment, assuming that focus adjustment is not performed, the lens barrel 12 is similarly mounted on the base member 26 in a state where the protrusion 21 a formed on the bottom surface of the lens holder 21 is in contact with the base member 26. It is being fixed so that it may contact.

  The inner diameter of the lens holder 21 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lens barrel 12, and the lens barrel 12 is attached to the center of the lens holder 21. The axis of the lens holder 21 coincides with the optical axis of the imaging lens 11 and the axis of the lens barrel 12. An adhesive (not shown) is used to fix the lens holder 21 and the lens barrel 12. The lens barrel 12 is attached to the lens holder 21 and then bonded. As the adhesive, for example, a thermosetting UV adhesive or an anaerobic UV adhesive is preferably used.

  The coil 22 is fixed to the outer peripheral end of the lens holder 21 and is provided above the bottom of the lens holder 21.

  The yoke 23 is a rectangular tube-shaped member and is fixed on the base member 26. The yoke 23 accommodates a movable part (the lens holder 21 and the coil 22) inside. The yoke 23 constitutes a side surface portion of the lens driving unit 2, and a part thereof is arranged as an opposing yoke 23 a so as to extend to the gap between the lens holder 21 and the coil 22. The counter yoke 23a plays a role of increasing magnetic efficiency.

  The permanent magnet 24 is fixed to the inner surface of the yoke 23 so as to face the coil 22. In the camera module 10, a magnetic circuit is formed by the yoke 23 and the permanent magnet 24.

  A resin cover 25 is provided on the top surface (upper part) of the yoke 23. The cover 25 constitutes the upper part (top surface) of the lens driving unit 2. An opening 25a is formed at the center of the cover 25 to secure an optical path. Note that the cover 25 may be omitted because the yoke 23 itself serves as a cover.

  The base member 26 constitutes the bottom of the lens driving unit 2. In the central portion of the base member 26, an opening 26a is formed in the optical axis direction in order to secure an optical path. A groove 26 b is formed in a part of the upper surface of the base member 26. In the camera module 10, the groove 26 d is formed at a position facing the gap between the coil 22 and the permanent magnet 24 (directly below the coil 22 and the permanent magnet 24). Further, a dust trap material 27 is provided in the groove 26b. In the camera module 10, since the opening 25 a is formed in the cover 25, there is a possibility that foreign matter that has entered from the outside falls onto the base member 26. However, since the groove 26 is formed, the fallen foreign matter can be received by the groove 26d. Thereby, it can prevent that a foreign material moves into an optical path. Further, since the groove 26d is filled with the dust trap material 27 having adhesiveness, the foreign matter that has fallen into the groove 26d is further prevented from coming out of the groove 26. The formation part of the groove 26 b is not particularly limited as long as it is the upper surface of the base member 26. A characteristic configuration of the base member 26 will be described later.

  Further, in the lens driving unit 2 of the present embodiment, leaf springs 28a and 28b are provided on the upper and lower surfaces (top surface and bottom surface) of the lens holder 21, and the movable portion is supported so as to be movable in the optical axis direction. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the assembled state of the camera module 100, the projection 21 a formed on the bottom surface of the lens holder 21 is in contact with the base member 26 and the elastic force of the leaf springs 28 a and 28 b causes the lens holder 21 is pressurized in the downward direction.

Such a lens driving unit 2 drives the imaging lens 11 in the optical axis direction by an electromagnetic force generated by the coil 22 and the permanent magnet 24. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the permanent magnet 2
The imaging lens 11 (lens holder 21) can be driven in the optical axis direction by a force (electromagnetic force) generated by passing a current through the coil 22 in the magnetic field formed by the magnetic field 4.

  In the present embodiment, the lens driving unit 2 is a voice coil motor (VCM) type. However, the lens driving unit 2 is not limited to the VCM type. For example, various types of lens driving units such as a type using a stepping motor and a type using a piezoelectric element can also be applied.

  The dust trap material 27 is not particularly limited as long as it has adhesiveness. For example, semi-solid (or a state close to solid) oil or resin can be applied. For example, grease is suitable. Grease is a kind of fat and oil that is semi-solid or nearly liquid, and can be composed of, for example, a semi-solid (or nearly solid) or paste-like lubricant. As the grease, for example, a molybdenum disulfide lubricant, a white lubricant, a silicone lubricant, a perfluoropolyether lubricant, or the like can be used. The greases are mineral oil-based greases mainly composed of mineral oil, poly-α-olefin-based greases composed mainly of poly-α-olefin oil, silicone-based greases composed mainly of silicone oil, fluorosilicone-based greases, perfluoro A perfluoropolyether-based grease containing a polyether as a main component can be used. These greases can be used alone or in admixture of two or more. Further, the grease may include an additive for grease such as lithium soap, calcium soap, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the like.

  The lens driving unit 2 may be provided with a shield case (magnetic shielding plate) (not shown). Thereby, since the camera module 10 comes to have a shield structure, it is possible to prevent or reduce the emission of electromagnetic noise from the camera module 10.

(Imaging unit 3)
The imaging unit 3 converts the subject image formed by the optical unit 1 into an electrical signal. That is, the imaging unit 3 is a sensor device that photoelectrically converts light that has passed through the optical unit 1. The imaging unit 3 includes an imaging element 31, a substrate 32, and a translucent member 33. The image sensor 31 is mounted on the substrate 32. In addition, the translucent member 33 is disposed to face the imaging element 31 and is held by the base member 26.

  The imaging element 31 is an element that converts the subject image formed by the lens driving unit 2 into an electrical signal. That is, the sensor device converts an optical signal received through the imaging lens 11 of the lens driving unit 2 into an electrical signal. The imaging device 31 is, for example, a CCD (charge coupled device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensor IC. On the surface (upper surface) of the image sensor 31, a light receiving portion (not shown) in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix is formed. This light receiving portion is a region that forms an image of light incident from the lens driving portion 2, and is also referred to as a pixel area.

  The substrate 32 has a patterned wiring (not shown). By this wiring, the substrate 32 and the image sensor 31 are electrically connected to each other. The board 32 is, for example, a printed board or a ceramic board. Circuit components around the image sensor 31 (not shown) are also mounted on the substrate 32. The circuit component may be mounted on the surface of the substrate 32 or may be built in the substrate 32.

The translucent member 33 is disposed between the imaging lens 11 and the imaging element 31. The translucent member 33 is disposed to face the image sensor 31 and covers the light receiving portion of the image sensor 31. The translucent member 33 may be formed of any material as long as it has a property of transmitting light to be received by the image sensor 31. For example, the translucent member 33 can be made of glass (glass substrate) or the like. In the present embodiment, an infrared blocking film (IR cut film) is formed on the surface of the translucent member 33 in order to block infrared rays that are not necessary for imaging. That is, in this embodiment, the translucent member 33 is an IR cut filter having a function of blocking infrared rays. Since the translucent member 33 is provided apart from the image sensor 31, a foreign matter generated in the lens driving unit 2 or a foreign matter existing in the lens driving unit 2 falls on the imaging surface of the imaging device 31. Can be prevented. Moreover, even if a foreign substance adheres on the translucent member 33, the influence of the foreign substance (reflection on the image sensor 31) is small.

  The imaging unit 3 converts a subject image formed by imaging light incident on a light receiving unit (pixel area) of the imaging element 31 into an electrical signal and outputs the signal as an analog image signal. That is, photoelectric conversion is performed in this light receiving unit. The operation of the image sensor 31 is controlled by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) (not shown) provided on the substrate 32, and the image signal generated by the image sensor 31 is processed by the DSP. As described above, in the imaging unit 3, the optical signal incident on the imaging device 31 is photoelectrically converted, and the converted electrical signal passes through the substrate 32 and is input to a control circuit or the like of a camera module (not shown) and extracted as an image signal. It is.

(Features and effects of camera module 10)
Since electronic devices such as mobile phones on which the camera module 10 is mounted are required to be thin and low in price, the camera module 10 is naturally required to be thin and low in price. Furthermore, the camera module 10 exhibits an autofocus function by the lens driving unit 2. For this reason, it is also required to define the position of the imaging lens 11 with respect to the imaging element 31 (the distance (focal length) from the imaging lens 11 to the imaging element 31) with high accuracy.

  Therefore, the camera module 10 includes a characteristic base member 26 in order to satisfy these requirements. Specifically, the camera module 10 has a configuration in which the base member 26 of the lens driving unit 2 is provided on the imaging element 31 mounted on the substrate 32. The base member 26 constitutes the bottom of the lens driving unit 2 and accommodates the image sensor 31 therein. In addition, the base member 26 includes a holding portion 261 that holds the translucent member 33 and a contact portion 262 that contacts the imaging surface of the imaging element 31.

  The holding unit 261 has a surface facing the imaging lens 11, and the translucent member 33 is held (placed) on the facing surface. The holding portion 261 is formed on the inner side of the base member 26. It can be said that the holding portion 261 is a step portion formed in a part of the upper surface of the base member 26 in the optical axis direction. Thus, the point which the translucent member 33 is provided in the opposing surface (upper surface of the base member 26) with the imaging lens 11 differs greatly from the conventional camera module.

  On the other hand, the contact portion 262 is a convex portion formed on the lower surface of the base member 26, and directly contacts the imaging surface (light receiving surface) of the image sensor 31. The contact portion 262 is in contact with the image sensor 31 while avoiding the light receiving portion of the image sensor 31. As a result, the lens driving unit 2 (optical unit 1) is positioned with reference to the image sensor 31. That is, the lens drive unit 2 (optical unit 1) is positioned with the contact portion 262 serving as a reference surface that contacts the upper surface of the image sensor 31.

As described above, in the camera module 10, the base member 26 provided in the lens driving unit 2 holds the translucent member 33 in the holding unit 261 and accommodates the imaging element 31 therein. That is, the base member 26 is integrated with the sensor cover that houses the image sensor 31. For this reason, the base member 26 also functions as a sensor cover. Therefore, the camera module 10 can be made thinner than when the base member 26 and the sensor cover are configured separately. Furthermore, a reduction in manufacturing cost can be realized by reducing the number of parts.

  Further, the holding portion 261 of the base member 26 holds the translucent member 33, and the abutting portion 262 of the base member 26 is in contact with the imaging surface (light receiving surface) of the imaging element 31. In addition, the holding unit 261 holds the translucent member on the surface facing the imaging lens 11. For this reason, even if the size (outer shape) of the image pickup device 31 is the same size as the size (outer shape) of the translucent member 33 as shown in FIG. The contact portion 262 contacts the upper surface of the image sensor. Therefore, the base member 26 can be brought into contact with the image sensor 31 regardless of the size of the image sensor 31. That is, the contact portion 262 can be used as a reference surface (mounting surface) when the lens driving unit 2 is mounted on the image sensor 31. In this case, the mounting height of the lens driving unit 2 is determined by the contact portion 262 in contact with the imaging element 31. Therefore, a slight gap is provided between the bottom surface of the base member 26 and the substrate 32, and the adhesive 41 is filled in this gap.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional camera module 300 including a base member 326 integrated with a sensor cover, and a translucent member 333 held on the surface of the base member 326 facing the image sensor 331. . That is, it can be said that the camera module 300 is configured by applying the camera module 200 of Patent Document 2 to the camera module 100 of Patent Document 1. 4 is also a central cross-sectional view of the camera module 300 as in FIG. 2, and the imaging element 331 and the translucent member 333 have the same size.

  In the camera module 300, the translucent member 333 is held (adhered) on the surface of the base member 326 that faces the image sensor 331. For this reason, when the image sensor 331 and the translucent member 333 have the same size, the convex portion 327 corresponding to the above-described contact portion 262 becomes a mounting reference surface on the image sensor 331 on the lower surface side of the base member 326. Is provided at a position outside the translucent member 333 while ensuring a predetermined gap. Similar to the camera module 10, the gap is for injecting an adhesive when the translucent member 333 is bonded to the base member 326. In the case of such a camera module 300, the position of the convex portion 327 is inevitably outside the image sensor 31, and thus the convex portion 327 cannot be disposed on the image sensor 331. Therefore, when the size of the image sensor 331 is equal to or smaller than that of the translucent member 333, the base member 326 cannot be brought into contact with the image sensor 331. That is, the convex portion 327 cannot be used as a reference surface (mounting surface) when the lens driving unit 302 is mounted on the image sensor 331.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the camera module 10 in which the base member 26 of the lens driving unit 2 and the sensor cover are integrated, the base member 26 becomes the image sensor 31 regardless of the size of the image sensor 31. It can be made to contact.

  In the camera module 10, since the imaging element 31 and the translucent member 33 are of the same size, the inner surface of the base member 26 in the holding portion 261 is outside the inner surface of the base member 26 in the contact portion 262. Is provided. In other words, the opening diameter in the holding part 261 is larger than the opening diameter in the contact part 262. Thereby, even if the size of the image sensor 31 is small, the translucent member 33 having a size larger than that of the image sensor 31 can be provided in the holding portion 261. Therefore, even if the size of the image sensor 31 is small, the base member 26 can be brought into contact with the image sensor 31 while the translucent member 33 is held on the base member 26.

In addition, the translucent member 33 should just cover the light-receiving part of the image pick-up element 31 at least. For this reason, the inner surface of the base member 26 in the holding portion 261 may be provided inside the inner surface of the base member 26 in the contact portion 262. In this case as well, the base member 26 can be brought into contact with the imaging element 31 while the translucent member 33 is held on the base member 26.

  In the camera module 10, the height (depth) of the holding portion 261 is not particularly limited, but the height of the holding portion 261 is preferably larger than the thickness of the translucent member 33. As described above, the translucent member 33 is made of a material such as glass. For this reason, when the lens barrel 12 or the lens holder 21 collides with the translucent member 33, the lens barrel 12 or the lens holder 21 may be damaged. Therefore, if the height of the holding portion 261 (the depth of the holding portion 261 in the optical axis direction) is larger than the thickness of the translucent member 33, the translucent member 33 protrudes from the holding portion 261. There is nothing. Therefore, damage to the translucent member 33 can be prevented.

  Further, in the camera module 10, the contact portion 262 may be in contact with at least a part of the imaging surface of the image sensor 31, but preferably is in contact with the entire outer edge portion of the image sensor 31. In other words, the contact area between the contact portion 262 and the image sensor 31 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the contact area is wide. When the contact part 262 is in contact with the image sensor 31 in a state close to point contact, that is, when the contact area between the contact part 262 and the image sensor 31 is narrow, due to an impact such as when the camera module 10 is dropped, There is a possibility that the abutting portion 262 may be crushed or the impact may apply pressure to a specific portion of the image sensor 31 and the image sensor 31 may be damaged. On the other hand, when the contact portion 262 is in contact with the entire outer edge portion of the image sensor 31, the contact area between the contact portion 262 and the image sensor 31 is the largest. That is, the contact portion 262 and the image sensor 31 are in surface contact, and the contact area becomes the largest. Thereby, the contact portion 262 stably contacts the image sensor 31. Therefore, the pressure applied to the image sensor 31 due to the contact of the contact portion 262 is dispersed, and the risk of damage to the image sensor 31 can be reduced. Furthermore, when the contact portion 262 is in contact with the entire area of the outer edge portion of the image sensor 31, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the image sensor 31. On the other hand, when the contact portion 262 contacts a part of the imaging surface of the image sensor 31, the contact area with the image sensor 31 is more limited than when the contact portion 262 contacts the entire outer edge portion of the image sensor 31. Is done. For example, when the contact portion 262 is formed of island-shaped protrusions that come into contact with the image sensor 31 at three points, the contact area between the contact portion 262 and the image sensor is limited. In this case, the risk of damage to the image sensor 31 cannot be reduced as much as the contact portion 262 contacts the entire outer edge portion of the image sensor 31. However, the alignment accuracy of the lens driving unit 2 with respect to the image sensor 31 can be improved. Therefore, the alignment accuracy of the imaging lens 11 with respect to the imaging element 31 can also be improved.

  In the camera module 10, it is preferable that a gap 29 is formed between the translucent member 33 and the holding portion 261. In other words, it is preferable that a slight gap 29 is formed between the side surface of the translucent member 33 and the inner side surface (inner wall surface) of the base member 26 in the holding portion 261. Thereby, the inner diameter of the base member 26 in the holding portion 261 is larger than the outer diameter of the translucent member 33. Therefore, a gap 29 is formed between the translucent member 33 and the holding portion 261 in a state where the translucent member 33 is held by the holding portion 261. That is, the outer shape of the holding portion 261 is larger than the outer shape of the translucent member 33. Thereby, foreign matter can be retained in the gap 29. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent foreign matters in the lens driving unit 2 from falling on the image sensor 31. The gap 29 also serves as a space for inserting a nozzle for filling the adhesive 42 when the translucent member 33 is bonded to the holding portion 261. Thereby, the adhesive agent 42 can be easily filled in the gap 29, and the adhesive strength of the translucent member 33 can be increased.

In the camera module 10, the translucent member 33 is larger than the opening 26 a formed in the base member 26. That is, the translucent member 33 has a size capable of completely closing (covering) the opening 26a. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent foreign matters in the lens driving unit 2 from falling on the image sensor 31. Further, it is possible to prevent a risk that the adhesive 42 for fixing the translucent member 33 to the holding portion 261 of the base member 26 flows down from the opening 26a, and to secure a large adhesion area of the translucent member 33 to the holding portion 261. can do.

  On the other hand, FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a camera module 10a according to another embodiment of the present invention. The camera module 10a has the same configuration as the camera module 10 except that the base member 26 is different from the camera module 10 of FIG. Specifically, in the camera module 10 of FIG. 2, the contact portion 262 of the base member 26 is in contact only with the imaging surface (upper surface) of the imaging device 31. On the other hand, in the camera module 10 a of FIG. 3, the contact portion 262 of the base member 26 is in contact with the side surface of the image sensor 31 in addition to the image pickup surface of the image sensor 31. Thereby, the alignment precision of the lens drive part 2 with respect to the image pick-up element 31 improves. Therefore, the alignment accuracy of the imaging lens 11 with respect to the imaging element 31 can also be improved. In the camera module 10 a, the contact portion 262 may be in contact with the imaging surface of the image sensor 31 and (partially) in contact with at least a part of the side surface of the image sensor 31. It is preferable that it is in contact with the entire area of the side surface. Thereby, the alignment accuracy of the imaging lens 11 with respect to the imaging element 31 can be further improved.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the integration of the base member 26 and the sensor cover and the structure in which the base member 26 is brought into contact with the image sensor 31 are compatible without being restricted by the size of the image sensor 31. The camera module 10 can be provided.

The present invention can also be expressed as follows.
[1] The camera module of the present invention is incident through the imaging lens, an optical unit having an imaging lens, a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens, a lens driving unit that moves the imaging lens in the optical axis direction, and the imaging lens. A camera module comprising an imaging device that converts light into an electrical signal and a sensor cover that covers at least an end of the imaging device, wherein the base member of the lens driving unit and the sensor cover include It may be configured integrally and the IR cut filter may be provided on the surface of the integrated base member and the sensor cover on the imaging lens side. According to said structure, the position of the reference surface (convex part) provided in the image sensor side surface of the said sensor cover is set based on the size of an opening part, etc., without being influenced by the size of IR cut filter. Therefore, it is possible to provide a camera module that has both an integrated structure of the base member and the sensor cover and a chip contact structure. In other words, even when the chip contact structure is applied to a structure in which the base member of the lens driving unit and the sensor cover are integrated, the restriction on the size of the image sensor is relaxed. It is possible to achieve both an integrated structure with the sensor cover and a chip contact structure. Further, even when the chip abutting structure is employed, it is possible to directly place the convex portion serving as the lower reference surface of the base member on the image sensor.

  [2] The camera module may have a structure in which a convex portion is provided on the surface of the sensor cover on the image sensor side, and the convex portion is in contact with the image sensor surface. According to the above configuration, it is possible to obtain both the effect of reducing the number of parts by the integrated structure and the effect of increasing the precision by the chip contact structure, and the camera that relaxes the restriction on the image sensor to achieve both Modules can be provided.

  [3] In the camera module, an opening may be provided in a part of the integrated base member and the sensor cover, and the IR cut filter may be installed so as to completely close the opening. According to said structure, it becomes possible to comprise a camera module, without inhibiting the dust prevention effect of IR cut filter.

[4] In the camera module, the convex portion may be provided so as to have a predetermined gap with respect to the outer size of the IR cut filter. According to said structure, since a clearance gap can be ensured around IR cut filter, the adhesion | attachment operation | work of IR cut filter becomes easy.

  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.

  The present invention can be suitably used particularly for camera modules mounted on various electronic devices including communication devices such as portable terminals.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical part 2 Lens drive part 3 Imaging part 10 Camera module 11 Imaging lens 12 Lens barrel 26 Base member 26a Opening 29 Crevice 31 Image pick-up element 33 Translucent member 261 Holding part 262 Contact part

Claims (7)

An optical unit having an imaging lens and a lens barrel for holding the imaging lens;
A lens driving unit that drives the imaging lens in the optical axis direction; and
A camera module including an imaging unit having an imaging element that converts light incident through the imaging lens into an electrical signal, and a translucent member provided between the imaging lens and the imaging element,
The lens driving unit includes a base member that constitutes a bottom of the lens driving unit and accommodates the imaging element therein.
The base member has a holding portion that holds the translucent member on a surface facing the imaging lens, and an abutting portion that abuts on the imaging surface of the imaging element,
A camera module, wherein a gap is formed between the side surface of the holding unit and the side surface of the translucent member so that the optical unit side is open. The base member has an opening for securing an optical path,
The camera module according to claim 1, wherein an inner side surface of the base member in the holding portion is provided outside an inner side surface of the base member in the contact portion.   3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein a height of the holding portion is larger than a thickness of the translucent member.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion is in contact with the entire outer peripheral portion of the imaging surface of the imaging element.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion is also in contact with a side surface of the imaging element. The base member has an opening for securing an optical path,
The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the translucent member is provided so as to close the opening. The electronic device provided with the camera module of any one of Claims 1-6 .

Images