KR101122313B1 - Camera Module - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a camera module, and prevents water from entering into the case from the outside through a first sealing means for sealing the coupling portion of the case and the lens portion and a second sealing means for sealing the coupling portion of the case and the electric wire cable. Thus, even when installed in a poor external environment, normal operation is possible, and durability is improved, and heat dissipation due to long time use is provided by separately dissipating means inside and outside the case to effectively discharge heat generated inside the case. And it provides a camera module that can prevent the malfunction.

Description

Camera module {Camera Module}

The present invention relates to a camera module. More specifically, by preventing the inflow of moisture from the outside into the case through the first sealing means for sealing the coupling portion of the case and the lens portion and the second sealing means for sealing the coupling portion of the case and the electric wire cable, the external poor Even if installed in the environment, normal operation is possible, durability is improved, and separate heat dissipation means are provided inside and outside of the case to effectively radiate heat generated inside the case to prevent heat damage and malfunction caused by long time use. It relates to a camera module that can.

In general, when driving a vehicle, the front situation as well as the rear situation are very important factors.In particular, in the case of a lane change or reversing, it is necessary to clearly recognize the situation of the rear and rear left and right sides. Only by changing or reversing can the risk of an accident be prevented.

In the case of changing lanes or reversing during driving of such lanes, the driver of the rear and rear sides of the rear vehicle may be properly positioned after the driver judges the situation of the rear or rear sides through both side mirrors protruding on both sides of the vehicle body or the room mirrors mounted in the room. When the vehicle is in a safe state or when it is determined that there are no obstacles in the rear, a lane change or reverse is performed.

However, when the driver is a beginner, it is very difficult to determine the situation of the rear by looking at the side mirror and the room mirror while driving, and not only cause an accident such as a collision, but also it is difficult to reliably recognize the obstacle behind the vehicle.

To this end, recently, a camera module is installed at the front or the rear of the vehicle to capture front and rear traffic information and a subject, and output them through a display device provided in the interior of the vehicle to detect the blind spots in the front and rear, especially the rear. They are monitored to help you drive safely.

The general camera module includes an external case, a lens unit mounted to be exposed to the front surface of the case, an image pickup device that forms an optical image incident through the lens unit, and converts the optical image into an electrical signal; It consists of a printed circuit board that is converted to the printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board is connected to an external device through a separate wire cable. The camera module configured as described above is mounted on the rear or side mirror of the vehicle, and at this time, the camera lens unit is mounted to be exposed to the outside so as to photograph an external space.

As the camera module mounted on the vehicle is always exposed to the outside of the lens unit, moisture and foreign substances flow into the case, and various parts such as a printed circuit board or an imaging device disposed inside the case may be damaged. There was a problem such that the operation became impossible. In addition, since the camera module is manufactured in a small size in consideration of a design element of a vehicle, a considerable amount of heat is generated inside the case by various chips such as an imaging device during operation of the camera module. There was a problem such as a malfunction or damage of the camera module. In addition, such a camera module is widely used in everyday life, such as not only for automobiles, but also for security surveillance, and like the automobile, since the lens part is installed to be exposed to the outside and manufactured in a small size, the above-described problems are generated in the same way.

The present invention has been invented to solve the problems of the prior art, the object of the present invention through the first sealing means for sealing the coupling portion of the case and the lens portion and the second sealing means for sealing the coupling portion of the case and the electric wire cable By preventing the inflow of moisture from the outside into the case, it is possible to provide a camera module that can operate normally and improve durability even when installed in a poor external environment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera module that is provided with a separate heat dissipation means inside and outside the case to effectively radiate heat generated inside the case to prevent thermal damage and malfunction caused by long time use.

The present invention, the case; A lens unit inserted into the case to be externally exposed to the front surface of the case; A fastener mounted inside the case to fix the lens unit; An imaging device which forms an optical image incident through the lens unit and converts the optical image into an electrical signal; A printed circuit board disposed inside the case to mount the imaging device; And a first sealing means for sealing a coupling portion of the fastener and the lens unit to prevent water from being introduced into the case from the outside along the lens unit.

In this case, a fastening hole having a female thread formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof is formed in the fixture, and a male thread is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the lens unit to be screwed to the fastening hole, and the first sealing means has an outer circumferential surface of the lens unit inserted into the fastening hole. Coupling groove formed in a recessed shape along the circumferential direction in some section; And it may be configured to include an adhesive tape attached to the coupling groove.

In addition, the front surface of the lens portion exposed to the front surface of the case to rotate the lens to adjust the focal length with respect to the image pickup device of the lens unit is formed with a rotation adjustment groove that can be inserted a separate tool Can be.

In addition, an annular anti-vibration ring is mounted between the lens unit and the imaging device such that a gap between the lens unit and the imaging device is blocked from the outside, and the anti-vibration ring is formed of an elastic material and elastic by the lens unit. Both sides may be pressed to be in close contact with the circumference of the lens unit and the image pickup device.

In addition, the case is separated into a front case coupled to the lens portion to expose the lens portion on the front surface, and a rear case coupled to the rear of the front case and the wire cable is inserted and coupled to be connected to the printed circuit board, And a second sealing means for sealing a coupling portion of the rear case and the wire cable to prevent water from flowing into the case from the outside through a coupling portion of the rear case and the wire cable. Can be.

In this case, the case may be formed by bonding the front case and the rear case through an ultrasonic welding process.

In addition, the case may be formed by bolting the front case and the rear case.

On the other hand, the wire cable is disposed so as to be wrapped by a separate protective tube, the second sealing means is a through hole formed in the rear case in the form of the inner diameter is extended toward both sides from the center portion in the longitudinal direction; And filling the inner space of the end portion of the protective tube while the end portion of the protective tube and the wire cable are inserted into the through hole and covering the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the protective tube and closing the through hole. Including a molding layer, the molding layer may be formed by injecting a material having fluidity into the inner space of the case and curing.

In this case, the wire cable may be engaged with one surface of the molding layer so that a knot may be formed in a part of the case located in the inner space of the case so as to prevent external detachment.

On the other hand, the wire cable is disposed so as to be wrapped by a separate protective tube, the second sealing means is a through hole formed in the rear case in the form of the inner diameter is extended toward both sides from the center portion in the longitudinal direction; A support block made of an elastic material disposed inside the case such that a central hole formed at the center thereof is connected to the through hole; And a molding layer formed by injecting and curing a material having fluidity so as to fill the inner space of the end of the protection tube while the end of the protection tube and the wire cable are inserted into the through hole and the center hole. And the inner diameter of the through hole and the inner diameter of the center hole may be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the protective tube such that the inner circumferential surfaces of the through hole and the center hole are in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the protective tube.

In addition, the wire cable is disposed to be wrapped by a separate protective tube, the second sealing means comprises a through hole formed in the rear case so that the wire cable passes; A cable holder coupled to an outer surface of the rear case to surround an end of the through hole and having a holder hole formed at a central portion thereof to communicate with the through hole; And a rubber block of an elastic material interposed between the rear case and the cable holder to be pressed tightly and having a central portion inserted in close contact with the holder hole, wherein the wire cable is closely inserted and penetrated through the central portion of the rubber block. Holes may be formed.

In this case, the cable holder may be coupled to the outer surface of the rear case through a separate coupling bolt.

In addition, one surface of the rear case protrudes in a cylindrical shape such that the holder fastening portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface is located outside the through hole, the cable holder is formed with a male thread corresponding to the female thread of the holder fastening portion on the outer peripheral surface It can be screwed to the holder fastening portion.

On the other hand, the pressure plate may be arranged to surround the entire area of one surface of the rubber block between the rubber block and the rear case so that the rubber block can be pressed evenly more uniformly.

The second sealing means may further include a hollow cylindrical extension part formed in the cable holder such that the holder hole extends further in the longitudinal direction and the end portion of the protective tube is inserted into an inner space; And a molding layer filling the inner space of the end of the protective tube positioned in the inner space of the extension and surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the end of the protective tube and closing the inner space of the extension, wherein the molding layer May be formed by injecting and curing a material having fluidity into the internal space of the extension.

In addition, the second sealing means is a male connector coupled to the wire cable sealingly and the connector groove is formed on one side; A female connector formed at the rear case to insert and fasten the male connector and having a connector pin protruding therein to be inserted into the connector groove; And a rubber packing disposed in a form surrounding the inner circumferential surface of the female connector to seal a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the female connector and the outer circumferential surface of the male connector.

The printed circuit board may include an imaging device control chip for controlling the imaging device, and a heat dissipation plate may be disposed on one end of the imaging device control chip so as to release heat from the imaging device control chip. .

In addition, an electromagnetic shielding plate for blocking electromagnetic waves is mounted inside the case, and the heat dissipation plate may be disposed such that one side thereof contacts the electromagnetic shielding plate.

On the other hand, the hydrophilic coating film is formed on the exposed surface of the lens portion exposed to the front surface of the case, the super water-repellent coating film may be formed on the front surface of the case.

In addition, a superhydrophilic coating film may be formed on the front surface of the case and the exposed surface of the lens portion exposed to the front surface of the case.

According to the present invention, the camera module is prevented from entering water from the outside into the case through the first sealing means for sealing the coupling portion of the case and the lens portion and the second sealing means for sealing the coupling portion of the case and the electric wire cable. Even if it is installed in a harsh external environment, there is an effect of enabling normal operation and improving durability.

In addition, by installing a separate heat dissipation plate inside the case to release the heat inside the case to the outside, by forming a super hydrophilic coating film on the front surface of the case to absorb the heat inside the case by evaporation of water droplets formed on the coating film, It is effective to suppress the heat generation inside, thereby preventing heat damage and malfunction due to long time use.

In addition, by forming a rotation adjustment groove into which the tool can be inserted into the front exposure surface of the lens portion, it is possible to easily perform the focal length adjustment of the lens portion without disassembling the case, thereby having an effect that can be used more conveniently.

In addition, by attaching the annular anti-vibration ring between the lens portion and the image pickup device, there is an effect of preventing dust and light infiltration into the image pickup surface of the lens portion and the image pickup device to enable more accurate imaging.

1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating a case disassembled state of the camera module of FIG. 1;
3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure and the first sealing means for the camera module of FIG.
4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention;
5 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating a case disassembled state of the camera module of FIG. 4;
6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure and the first sealing means for the camera module of FIG.
7 to 13 schematically illustrate an internal structure and a second sealing means of a camera module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
14 is a view schematically showing an internal structure and a heat dissipation means of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention;
15 and 16 are side views schematically showing the shape of the coating layer formed on the front surface of the camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention,
17 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an embodiment of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First of all, in adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are used as much as possible even if displayed on different drawings. In addition, in describing the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related well-known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a case disassembled state for the camera module of Figure 1, Figure 3 is Figure 1 Is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure and the first sealing means for the camera module of FIG.

Camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is a case 100 forming an appearance, the lens unit 200 is disposed so as to be exposed to the front surface of the case 100, a fastener for fixing the lens unit 200 ( 400, an imaging device 500 that forms an optical image incident through the lens unit 200, and converts the optical image into an electrical signal, a printed circuit board 600 on which the imaging device 500 is mounted, and a lens unit ( The first sealing means 300 is configured to prevent moisture from flowing into the case 100 along the case 200.

The case 100 forms an outer shape of the camera module. An accommodation space is formed therein, and the above components are disposed therein. At this time, the case 100 may be formed by separating the front case 110 and the rear case 120 and the front case 110 and the rear case 120 are coupled to each other through an ultrasonic welding process. Therefore, the welding protrusion 121 and the welding groove 111 are formed on the mutual coupling surfaces of the front case 110 and the rear case 120 to correspond to each other, through which the front case 110 And the rear case 120 may be ultrasonically welded to form one integrated case.

The lens unit 200 performs a function of receiving an optical image of a subject and collects or diverges light to form an optical image. The lens unit 200 is inserted into the case 100 to be externally exposed to the front surface of the case 100. 1, a lens 210 and a lens barrel 220 to which the lens 210 is mounted may be included. At this time, a separate O-ring (R) is mounted to seal the lens unit 200 and the case 100.

The fixture 400 is mounted inside the case 100 to fix the lens part 200 inserted into the case 100, and a fastening hole 410 is formed in the center thereof, and the lens part ( 200 is configured to be inserted and fastened. In addition, a separate fastening bolt P is coupled to the fixture 400 in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the fastening hole 410 and presses the lens part 200 inserted into the fastening hole 410 and once again the lens. It may be configured to fix the unit 200. The configuration of the fastening bolt P may or may not be applied depending on the structure of the case 100 and the fixture 400 (see FIGS. 4 and 6). At this time, the male thread (S1) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel 220 of the lens unit 200, the female thread (S2) is formed in the fastening hole 410 of the fixture 400, accordingly the lens unit ( 200 is inserted into the fastening hole 410 of the fastener 400 is configured to be screwed.

In addition, when the lens unit 200 is rotated according to the screw coupling structure, the lens unit 200 moves in the front-rear direction along the thread of the fastening hole 410 to focus on the image pickup device 500 disposed below. The distance is adjusted. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when assembly of the case 100 is completed while the lens unit 200 is inserted into the case 100, only the front exposed surface of the lens unit 200 is included in the case 100. Since the interior is blocked in a state exposed to the front surface of the, the front exposure surface of the lens unit 200 is formed with a rotation control groove 230 that can be inserted a separate tool to rotate the lens unit 200 It is preferable to be.

The printed circuit board 600 is provided with a predetermined electrical pattern and a plurality of electrodes (not shown), and performs a function of digitally processing an image signal output from the imaging device 500. It is placed in the inner space. The printed circuit board 600 is connected to the wire cable (W) through a separate connector (C) to be electrically connected to an external device, the lower electromagnetic shielding plate 610 is arranged to block the electromagnetic waves Can be.

The imaging device 500 performs a function of converting an optical image incident through the lens unit 200 into an electrical signal, and includes a charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), or an infrared microbolometer (infrared). microbolometer) and the like can be used. In general, a pixel region (not shown) composed of a plurality of pixels and a plurality of electrodes (not shown), which are input / output terminals of the pixel region, are formed on a printed circuit board using wire bonding equipment, respectively. It is mounted on the upper surface of the printed circuit board 600 to be electrically connected to the electrode of the (600).

In this case, the lens unit 200 and the image pickup device 500 are disposed to maintain a predetermined interval for the focal length of the lens unit 200, and according to the arrangement structure, the lens unit 200 and the image pickup device 500 are external to the image pickup device 500 and the lens unit 200. Foreign matter, such as dust, may infiltrate or infiltrate from the light, and the precise imaging performance may deteriorate. Accordingly, the camera module according to the embodiment of the present invention has an annular anti-vibration ring between the lens unit 200 and the imaging device 500 so that the gap between the lens unit 200 and the imaging device 500 can be blocked from the outside. 700 is mounted. The anti-vibration ring 700 is formed of an elastic material and is elastically pressed between the lens unit 200 and the imaging device 500 to be in close contact with the circumference of the edge of the lens unit 200 and the imaging device 500. That is, the anti-vibration ring 700 is in an annular structure to be in close contact with the edges of the lens unit 200 and the imaging device 500 so that dust is accumulated on the lens 210 of the lens unit 200 and the imaging surface of the imaging device 500. It prevents the inflow and enables more precise shooting.

The first sealing means 300 is to prevent water from flowing into the case 100 from the outside along the lens part 200 exposed on the front surface of the case 100, and the fixture 400 and the lens part. It is configured to be able to seal the bonding portion of 200. That is, as described above, when the lens unit 200 is configured to be screwed to the fastening hole 410 of the fastener 400, sealingly couples between the outer circumferential surface of the lens unit 200 and the inner circumferential surface of the fastener fastening hole 410. It may be configured in the form.

For example, the first sealing means 300 is formed in a form recessed along the circumferential direction in a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens unit 200 inserted into the fastening hole 410 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The coupling groove 320 may be attached to the coupling groove 320, and may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 310 that is press-contacted between the outer circumferential surface of the lens unit 200 and the inner circumferential surface of the fastening hole 410. At this time, the adhesive tape 310 is made of a waterproof adhesive, for example, Teflon tape may be used. As shown in FIG. 3, the adhesive tape 310 may be pressurized through the fastening bolt P of the fastener 400, and the gap between the lens unit 200 and the fastener 400 may be further sealed. According to such a structure, the camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with moisture or foreign matter from the outside of the case 100 to the inside of the case 100 along the lens unit 200 exposed on the front surface of the case 100. Is prevented.

Looking in more detail, since the lens unit 200 is coupled to be exposed to the front surface of the case 100, moisture may be introduced into the interior through the coupling interval between the lens unit 200 and the case 100, which is The O-ring (R) may be primarily blocked by the O-ring (R) mounted between the lens unit 200 and the case 100, but the O-ring (R) has a low sealing function and is deteriorated according to use. It may not be able to perform its normal functions, for example, because of damage. Therefore, the camera module according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a separate first sealing means 300 in addition to the O-ring R, in particular, in the process of introducing water into the case 100. Since it flows along the outer circumferential surface of the lens unit 200, in order to prevent this, the lens unit 200 is formed to seal between the outer circumferential surface of the lens unit 200 and the inner circumferential surface of the fastener fastening hole 410. Accordingly, the camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is prevented from inflow of water to improve durability and perform a more precise shooting function.

4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a case disassembled state for the camera module of Figure 4, Figure 6 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure and the first sealing means for the camera module of FIG.

The camera module illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 is configured such that the front case 110 and the rear case 120 form one case 100 in such a manner that the front case 110 and the rear case 120 are coupled through a separate coupling bolt Q instead of an ultrasonic welding process. do. According to the coupling method, the shape of the fixture 400 for fixing the lens part 200 or the shape of the lens part 200 of the front case 110 may be different from that of the camera module illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. Can be configured. This is simply changed in shape for ease of coupling structure, the case 100 and the various components disposed inside the case 100 is the same as described above in principle and arrangement. For example, in the case of the first sealing means 300, as described above, the coupling groove 320 formed in the lens unit 200 and the coupling groove 320 are attached to the outer circumferential surface of the lens unit 200 and the fastening hole ( 410 may be composed of an adhesive tape 310 which is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the lens 410, and a rotation adjusting groove 230 may be formed on the front exposed surface of the lens unit 200, and the lens unit 200 and the image pickup device may be provided. Between the 500, the dust-proof ring 700 may be mounted in the same form. Therefore, detailed description of the camera module illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 will be omitted for the purpose of overlap prevention.

7 to 13 are schematic views illustrating an internal structure of a camera module and second sealing means according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The case 100 of the camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a front case 110 and a front case 110 coupled to the lens unit 200 such that the lens unit 200 is exposed to the front surface as described above. It is coupled to the rear of the) and is separated into a rear case 120 is inserted into the wire cable (W) to be connected to the printed circuit board 600. At this time, the coupling portion of the rear case 120 and the wire cable (W) to prevent moisture from flowing into the case 100 from the outside through the coupling portion of the rear case 120 and the wire cable (W). Sealing second sealing means 800 is provided, the second sealing means 800, the second sealing means 800 may be configured in various forms as shown in Figs. Here, the wire cable (W) may be arranged to be wrapped by a separate protective tube (T) for noise protection and wire cable (W) protection. According to this structure, the camera module according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent the inflow of moisture into the case 100 through the wire cable W through the second sealing means 800.

The second sealing means 800 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a through hole 810 formed at one side of the rear case 120 and a molding layer 820 formed to close the through hole 810. Can be. The through hole 810 is configured to allow the wire cable W to be penetrated into the case 100. The through hole 810 is formed in such a manner that an inner diameter thereof extends from the center portion to the both ends in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the shortest inner diameter of the through hole 810 may be formed to be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the protective tube T so that the protective tube T may be inserted into the through hole 810 in a fitting manner. The molding layer 820 has an end portion of the protective tube T and an end portion of the protective tube T inserted into the through hole 810 in a state where the wire cable W positioned inside the protective tube T is inserted. Filling the inner space and at the same time surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the end of the protective tube (T) is formed to close the through hole 810.

That is, a material having fluidity, such as silicon, in a portion of the through hole 810 in the inner space of the rear case 120 while the protective tube T and the wire cable W are inserted into the through hole 810. The second sealing means 800 may be formed by injecting and curing to form the molding layer 820. In this case, the molding layer 820 is formed to fill a space between the outer circumferential surface of the protective tube (T) and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 810 and also to fill the inner space of the end portion of the protective tube (T). In the process of filling the space between the outer circumferential surface of the protective tube T and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 810, silicon, which has fluidity, is formed at the portion where the shortest inner diameter of the through hole 810 is formed. Since T) is in close contact with each other, it flows to the point and a molding layer 820 is formed.

According to this structure, the through hole 810, which is a coupling portion between the rear case 120 and the wire cable W, is sealed by the molding layer 820 in a state where the protective tube T and the wire cable W are inserted. In addition, since the inner space is also sealed by the molding layer 820, the protective tube T surrounding the wire cable (W), the rear case 120 has a water inflow from the outside through the coupling portion with the wire cable (W) Is prevented.

On the other hand, after the molding layer 820 is formed in a state where the wire cable W is inserted into the through hole 810, the inner space of the case 100 of the wire cable W so that the wire cable W is not separated outward. It is preferable that the knot W1 is formed in some section located at. Since the knot W1 is engaged with one surface of the molding layer 820, even if the wire cable W is pulled from the outside, the wire cable W is supported by the knot W1 and penetrates from the inside of the case 100. It does not escape to the outside through the hole 810.

The second sealing means 800 shown in FIG. 8 is configured in the same manner as shown in FIG. 7, and is configured in a form in which a separate support block 830 is further provided inside the case 100. That is, the through-hole 810 formed in the rear case 120 in a form in which the inner diameter extends from the center toward both ends along the longitudinal direction, and the center hole formed in the center and connected to the through-hole 810 in an annular shape. The support block 830 made of an elastic material disposed inside the case 100 and the end of the protective tube T and the wire cable W are sequentially inserted into the through hole 810 and the center hole. It comprises a molding layer 820 filling the inner space of the end of the protective tube (T) in the state. At this time, the molding layer 820 is formed by injecting and curing a material having fluidity, for example, silicon, as described above, and the outer circumferential surface of the protective tube T as well as the inner space of the end of the protective tube T. And a space between the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 810. In this case, the inner diameter of the center hole of the support block 830 is smaller than the outer diameter of the protection tube T so that the inner circumferential surface of the center block of the support block 830 and the outer circumferential surface of the protection tube T come into close contact with each other. It is preferable to form the same, and likewise the shortest inner diameter of the through hole 810 is also preferably formed to be smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the protective tube (T).

According to this structure, the inner space of the protective tube T surrounding the wire cable W is sealed by the molding layer 820 and the gap between the protective tube T and the through hole 810 is supported by the support block 830 and Since the sealing layer 820 is sealed by the molding layer 820, the coupling portion of the rear case 120 and the electric wire cable W is sealed by the molding layer 820 and the support block 830, so that the inflow of water from the outside is more effective. Is prevented. On the other hand, in this case, it is preferable that the knot W1 is formed in a portion of the wire cable W located in the inner space of the case 100 so that the wire cable W is not separated out of the case 100.

9 to 12, the second sealing means 800 includes a through hole 810 formed in the rear case 120 so that the wire cable W penetrates, and a rear side of the second sealing means 800 to surround the end of the through hole 810. A cable holder 840 coupled to the outer surface of the case 120 and having a holder hole 841 formed therein so as to communicate with the through hole 810 in the center portion, and an insertion intervening between the rear case 120 and the cable holder 840. And a rubber block 842 made of an elastic material that is tightly pressed and the center is tightly inserted into the holder hole 841 and closes the holder hole 841. In this case, a cable hole 843 is formed in the center of the rubber block 842 that is tightly inserted into the holder hole 841 so that the electric wire cable W is closely inserted and penetrated.

The cable holder 840 may be coupled to the outer surface of the rear case 120 through a separate coupling bolt (Q) as shown in FIG. 9, in addition to the rear case 120 as shown in FIG. 10. It may be coupled in a screwed manner. That is, one surface of the rear case 120 protrudes in a cylindrical shape such that a holder fastening portion 811 having a female thread S2 formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof is located outside the through hole 810, and the cable holder 840 is A male thread S1 corresponding to the female thread S2 of the holder fastening part 811 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof, and may be coupled to the holder fastening part 811 by screwing. Of course, it can be combined in various ways.

Looking in more detail, the cable holder 840 has a holder hole 841 is formed in the center to communicate with the through-hole 810 of the rear case 120, these holder holes 841 are both sides from the center along the longitudinal direction Towards the end, the inner diameter is formed to expand. The central portion of the rubber block 842 of the elastic material is inserted into the holder hole 841 in close contact, the central portion of the rubber block 842 from the center to the end along the longitudinal direction to correspond to the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the holder hole 841. The outer diameter is formed to expand. According to the shape of the holder hole 841 and the rubber block 842, the rubber block 842 is inserted into the holder hole 841 in a fitting manner, and more closely coupled, so that the inner circumferential surface of the holder hole 841 and the rubber block are combined. The gap between the outer peripheral surface of the center of 842 is more completely sealed. In this case, a cable hole 843 is formed in the center of the rubber block 842 so that the wire cable W can penetrate through the cable hole 843. It is formed to be in close contact, and thus the gap between the cable hole 843 and the wire cable (W) is sealed. When the cable holder 840 is coupled to the outer surface of the rear case 120 while the cable holder 840 and the rubber block 842 are coupled as described above, the upper portion of the rubber block 842 is rear case 120 and It is pressed by the cable holder 840 and more closely coupled, and thus the coupling gap between the rear case 120 and the cable holder 840 is more completely sealed.

At this time, the coupling method of the cable holder 840 and the rear case 120 may be coupled through a separate coupling bolt (Q), as shown in Figure 9, holder fastening portion 811 as shown in Figure 10 It may be coupled in a manner that is screwed into). When the cable holder 840 is coupled to the holder fastening part 811 by screwing, the cable holder 840 is coupled to the holder fastening part 811 while directly rotating the cable holder 840, so that the cable holder ( One end of the 840 may be processed into a plane to configure the tool for convenient use.

FIG. 11 shows a form in which a separate pressing plate 850 is further disposed in addition to the configuration of the second sealing means 800 shown in FIG. 9. The pressure plate 850 is formed to surround the entire area of one surface of the rubber block 842 between the rubber block 842 and the rear case 120, so that the rubber block 842 may be pressed even more uniformly over the entire area of the upper surface. Can be. That is, in the form shown in FIG. 10, the rubber block 842 is pressed about the edge portion through the portion where the through hole 810 of the rear case 120 is formed, but the rubber plate 850 shown in FIG. When disposed between the block 842 and the rear case 120, the pressing plate 850 presses the entire upper surface of the rubber block 842 in the process of coupling the cable holder 840 and the rear case 120. In addition, the rubber block 842 is more uniformly pressed to further improve the adhesion between the cable holder 840 and the rear case 120 and the sealing effect.

In FIG. 12, in addition to the configuration of the second sealing means 800 shown in FIG. 10, the pressure plate 850 described above is further disposed, and an additional extension 844 and a molding layer 820 are illustrated. . Since the pressure plate 850 is configured in the same manner as the above-described shape and principle, description thereof will be omitted and the extension part 844 and the molding layer 820 will be described. The extension part 844 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape at the lower end of the cable holder 840 so that the holder hole 841 further extends in the longitudinal direction, and is formed integrally with the cable holder 840, and the internal space Is configured to insert the end of the protective tube (T). The molding layer 820 fills the inner space of the end portion of the protective tube T positioned in the inner space of the extension 844, and surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the protective tube T and closes the inner space of the extension 844. It is formed to. In this case, the molding layer 820 is formed by injecting and curing a material having fluidity, for example, silicon, into the internal space of the extension part 844 as described above. Therefore, the second sealing means 800 having such a structure seals the inner space of the protective tube T through a separate molding layer 820 and at the same time the inner space of the extension part 844, that is, the holder hole 841. By sealing the end of, the sealing effect to the rear case 120 is further improved.

The second sealing means 800 shown in FIG. 13 is coupled to seal the wire cable W and the male connector 860 having the connector groove 861 formed at one side thereof, and the rear side of the male connector 860 inserted into and fastened. A female connector 870 formed in the case 120 and having a connector pin 871 protruded from the printed circuit board 600 so as to be inserted into the connector groove 861, and the female connector 870. It is configured to include a rubber packing 880 is arranged in a form surrounding the inner peripheral surface of the female connector 870 to seal the gap between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the male connector 860. That is, the second sealing means 800 shown in FIG. 13 is configured in a connector connection manner, and the female connector 870 and the male connector 860 are sealed to each other through a separate rubber packing 880. It is composed.

In more detail, the male connector 860 is formed with a connector groove 861 such that the connector pin 871 of the female connector 870 is inserted into an insertion surface inserted into the female connector 870, and the connector groove 861. Is formed to be electrically connected to the wire cable (W) in the state in which the wire cable (W) is coupled to the male connector (860). In addition, the male connector 860 and the electric wire cable (W) are hermetically coupled through a separate rubber packing tube 863. The female connector 870 is formed so that the male connector 860 is inserted and fastened, and a hooking hole 872 is formed at one side thereof, and the hooking protrusion 862 inserted into and engaged with the hooking hole 872 at the male connector 860. ) Is formed. Accordingly, the male connector 860 and the female connector 870 are prevented from being separated from each other through the locking hole 872 and the locking protrusion 862 in the state where the coupling is completed. Meanwhile, a connector pin 871 electrically connected to the printed circuit board 600 may be inserted into the connector groove 861 of the male connector 860 in the female connector 870. When 860 is inserted into female connector 870, connector pin 871 is inserted into connector groove 861 and connector pin 871 and wire cable W are electrically connected. Therefore, the wire cable W is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 600 inside the case 100 through the connector groove 861 and the connector pin 871. At this time, the inner circumferential surface of the female connector 870 is an elastic rubber packing 880 wrapped around the inner circumferential surface of the female connector 870 to seal the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the male connector 860 and the inner circumferential surface of the female connector 870. Is mounted. Thus, the mating portion of the female connector 870 and the male connector 860 is sealed by the rubber packing 880.

The second sealing means 800 having such a structure is configured in a connector manner so that the electric wire cable W can be separated from the case 100 as needed by the user, and thus can be used more conveniently. The sealing effect through the 880 is also excellent to effectively prevent the inflow of moisture into the case 100 from the outside.

14 is a view schematically showing the internal structure and the heat dissipation means of the camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described in the related art, the camera module generates heat therein for a long time operation, and one of the important heat sources is an imaging device control chip 510 for controlling the imaging device 500 mounted on the printed circuit board 600. to be. Accordingly, the camera module according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has one end surface of the imaging device control chip 510 as shown in FIG. 14 to emit heat generated from the imaging device control chip 510 to the outside. A separate heat dissipation plate 520 is disposed in contact. The heat dissipation plate 520 is preferably disposed such that one side is in contact with the above-described electromagnetic shielding plate 610. In other words, the electromagnetic shielding plate 610 is a plate for shielding electromagnetic waves, and is mainly manufactured in the form of nickel plating on a copper plate, and is formed to have a relatively large area for shielding electromagnetic waves. Therefore, when the heat dissipation plate 520 disposed in contact with the imaging device control chip 510 is disposed in contact with the electromagnetic shielding plate 610 having a relatively large area, the heat dissipation effect is further improved, and according to an embodiment of the present invention, Accordingly, the heat dissipation plate 520 is preferably arranged in this way.

15 and 16 are side views schematically showing the shape of the coating layer formed on the front surface of the camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

It is preferable that a separate coating film is formed on the exposed surface of the case 100 and the lens unit 200 exposed on the front surface of the case 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 15, the superhydrophilic coating film 920 is formed on the exposed surface of the lens unit 200, and the superhydrophobic coating film 910 is formed on the front surface of the case 100, as shown in FIG. 15. 16, both the front surface of the case 100 and the exposed surface of the lens unit 200 may be configured such that the superhydrophilic coating film 920 is formed.

In the superhydrophilic coating film 920, a relatively thin thickness of water droplets E1 having a contact angle of 5 ° or less is formed when the water is sprayed. ) Is formed. As shown in FIG. 16, when the superhydrophilic coating film 920 is formed on both the front surface of the case 100 and the exposed surface of the lens unit 200, the front surface and the lens unit 200 of the case 100 are formed. Water droplets E1 having a relatively thin thickness are formed and remain on the exposed surface. Therefore, since the water droplets E1 absorb the heat inside the case 100 in the process of evaporation, the heat radiation effect on the heat generated inside the case 100 may be improved. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, if the super water-repellent coating film 910 is formed on the front surface of the case 100 and the super hydrophilic coating film 920 is formed on the exposed surface of the lens unit 200, the case 100 In the front surface of the relatively thick thickness of the water droplets (E2) is formed is easily flowed down by wind or self-weight. Therefore, since the amount of water remaining on the front surface of the case 100 is reduced, the water inflow into the case 100 can be prevented accordingly.

17 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an embodiment of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Camera module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, as shown in Figure 17 can be used to be mounted on the door 30, trunk door 20 and bonnet 40 of the vehicle, The camera module 10 may be configured to automatically photograph an external image even when there is no user's operation when the door 30, the trunk door 20, and the bonnet 40 of the vehicle are opened or closed. It can be used as a safety protection device for vehicles, such as it can be used to identify outsiders when an outsider invades.

As described above, in order to automatically perform a photographing operation when the door 30, the trunk door 20, and the bonnet 40 of the vehicle are opened and closed, the case 100 of the camera module 10 may be disposed in the case 100 of the camera module 10. An additional acceleration sensor (not shown) may be mounted on the mounted printed circuit board 600. That is, when the camera module 10 is mounted on the door 30, the trunk door 20, etc. of the vehicle, an acceleration of a predetermined size or more in the camera module 10 when the door 30 and the trunk door 20 are opened or closed. Since a change occurs, the acceleration change amount may be sensed through the vehicle control unit, and when the change amount of the acceleration is greater than the set value, the capturing function may be automatically performed for a preset time.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, when the vehicle is parked for a predetermined time with the door 30 and the trunk door 20 closed, the acceleration sensor has a constant voltage value. When the door 30 or the trunk door 20 is opened and closed in this reference state, acceleration occurs, and as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the voltage value increases rapidly and then again. Return to the reference state. Therefore, the vehicle controller measures the voltage value by the acceleration sensor, and when the amount of change in the voltage value is greater than or equal to the set value, the vehicle control unit displays the optical image incident through the lens unit 200 for a preset time. The photographing may be controlled through the substrate 600.

Meanwhile, in addition to the method using the acceleration sensor, the camera module 10 may be configured to photograph in conjunction with the trunk lock switch, the bonnet lock switch, and the door lock switch of the vehicle. For example, as shown in (c) of FIG. 17, when the bonnet 40 is opened and closed while the camera module 10 is mounted to the front bumper 50 so that the front of the vehicle can be photographed, the bonnet lock switch In the figure, different signals are transmitted according to the operation, and the vehicle controller transmits the signals through the lens unit 200 for a preset time according to the signal change, more specifically, the voltage value generated from the bonnet lock switch. The incident optical image may be controlled to be photographed through the imaging device 500 and the printed circuit board 600. In this case, the change in the voltage value generated from the bonnet lock switch corresponds to the case where the open signal is generated in the reference state for generating the lock signal, and the open signal is directly applied to the vehicle controller or the camera module in the form of a change in the voltage value. It may be configured as.

Here, (a) and (b) of Figure 17 is the camera module 10 is installed in the door 30 or the trunk door 20 is opened and closed with them and the acceleration is generated so that the shooting function using the acceleration sensor Although described as performing, this may also be configured in such a manner as to perform a shooting function according to the signals of the door lock switch and the trunk lock switch, and likewise the camera module 10 shown in FIG. If it is configured in such a way that it is installed in the bonnet 40 instead of 50), it may be configured in such a manner as to perform a photographing function using the acceleration sensor.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and changes without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention but to describe the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be construed according to the following claims, and all technical ideas falling within the scope of the same shall be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

100: case 200: lens unit
300: first sealing means 400: fixture
500: imaging device 600: printed circuit board
700: dustproof ring 800: second sealing means
910: super water-repellent coating film 920: super hydrophilic coating film

Claims (22)

case; A lens unit inserted into the case to be externally exposed to the front surface of the case; A fastener mounted inside the case to fix the lens unit; An imaging device which forms an optical image incident through the lens unit and converts the optical image into an electrical signal; A printed circuit board disposed inside the case to mount the imaging device; And a first sealing means for sealing a coupling portion of the fixture and the lens portion to prevent moisture from flowing into the case from the outside along the lens portion.
The fastener is formed with a fastening hole formed with a female thread on the inner circumferential surface, the lens portion is formed with a male thread on the outer circumferential surface to be screwed into the fastening hole,
The first sealing means
A coupling groove formed in a shape recessed along a circumferential direction in a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens unit inserted into the fastening hole; And
Adhesive tape attached to the coupling groove
Camera module comprising a.
delete The method of claim 1,
The front surface of the lens unit exposed to the front surface of the case to rotate the lens unit for adjusting the focal length with respect to the image pickup device of the lens unit is formed with a rotation adjustment groove for inserting a separate tool Camera module.
The method of claim 1,
An annular anti-vibration ring is mounted between the lens unit and the image pickup device such that a gap between the lens unit and the image pickup device is blocked from the outside, and the anti-vibration ring is formed of an elastic material and elastically pressed by the lens unit. Both sides of the camera module, characterized in that in close contact with the circumference of the lens portion and the image pickup device.
The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 4,
The case
A front case coupled to the lens unit to expose the lens unit on the front surface, and a rear case coupled to the rear of the front case and to which the wire cable is inserted to be connected to the printed circuit board,
And a second sealing means for sealing a coupling portion of the rear case and the wire cable to prevent water from flowing into the case from the outside through a coupling portion of the rear case and the wire cable. Camera module.
The method of claim 5, wherein
The case is a camera module, characterized in that the front case and the rear case is formed by bonding through an ultrasonic welding process.
The method of claim 5, wherein
The case is a camera module, characterized in that the front case and the rear case is formed by bolt coupling.
The method of claim 5, wherein
The wire cable is arranged to be wrapped by a separate protective tube,
The second sealing means
A through hole formed in the rear case in such a manner that an inner diameter thereof extends from the center portion to the both ends in the longitudinal direction thereof; And
A molding formed to fill the inner space of the end of the protection tube while the end of the protection tube and the wire cable are inserted into the through hole, and to close the outer circumference of the end of the protection tube and to close the through hole layer
And the molding layer is formed by injecting and curing a material having fluidity into the inner space of the case and curing the mold.
The method of claim 8,
The wire cable is engaged with one surface of the molding layer, the camera module, characterized in that the knot is formed in a portion of the section located in the inner space of the case to prevent the external separation.
The method of claim 5, wherein
The wire cable is arranged to be wrapped by a separate protective tube,
The second sealing means
A through hole formed in the rear case in such a manner that an inner diameter thereof extends from the center portion to the both ends in the longitudinal direction thereof;
A support block made of an elastic material disposed inside the case such that a central hole formed at the center thereof is connected to the through hole; And
A molding layer formed by injecting and curing a material having fluidity to fill the inner space of the end of the protection tube while the end of the protection tube and the wire cable are inserted into the through hole and the center hole.
And the inner circumferential surface of the through hole and the center hole in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the protection tube, wherein the shortest inner diameter of the through hole and the inner diameter of the center hole are smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the protective tube.
The method of claim 5, wherein
The wire cable is arranged to be wrapped by a separate protective tube,
The second sealing means
A through hole formed in the rear case to allow the wire cable to pass therethrough;
A cable holder coupled to an outer surface of the rear case to surround an end of the through hole and having a holder hole formed at a central portion thereof to communicate with the through hole; And
The rubber block made of an elastic material interposed between the rear case and the cable holder to be pressed in close contact with the center portion of the cable holder.
And a cable hole formed in the center of the rubber block so as to penetrate and insert the electric wire cable.
The method of claim 11,
The cable holder is coupled to the outer surface of the rear case through a separate coupling bolt camera module.
The method of claim 11,
One side of the rear case protrudes in a cylindrical shape so that the holder fastening portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface is located outside the through hole,
The cable holder is a camera module, characterized in that the male thread corresponding to the female thread of the holder fastening portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface is screwed to the holder fastening portion.
The method of claim 11,
Camera plate, characterized in that the pressing plate in the form of wrapping the entire area of one surface of the rubber block between the rubber block and the rear case so that the rubber block can be pressed more uniformly.
The method of claim 11,
The second sealing means
A hollow cylindrical extension part formed in the cable holder such that the holder hole extends further in the longitudinal direction and an end portion of the protective tube is inserted into an inner space; And
A molding layer formed to fill the inner space of the end of the protective tube positioned in the inner space of the extension and to surround the outer peripheral surface of the end of the protective tube and to close the inner space of the extension;
And the molding layer is formed by injecting and curing a material having fluidity into the internal space of the extension part in a manner of curing.
The method of claim 5, wherein
The second sealing means
A male connector coupled to the wire cable to be sealed and having a connector groove formed at one side thereof;
A female connector formed at the rear case to insert and fasten the male connector and having a connector pin protruding therein to be inserted into the connector groove; And
A rubber packing disposed around the inner circumferential surface of the female connector to seal a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the female connector and the outer circumferential surface of the male connector.
Camera module comprising a.
The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 4,
An imaging device control chip for controlling the imaging device is mounted on the printed circuit board, and a heat dissipation plate is disposed in contact with one end of the imaging device control chip so that heat can be discharged from the imaging device control chip. Camera module.
The method of claim 17,
An electromagnetic wave shielding plate is mounted inside the case to block electromagnetic waves, and the heat dissipation plate is disposed such that one side thereof is in contact with the electromagnetic wave shielding plate.
The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 4,
A superhydrophilic coating film is formed on the exposed surface of the lens portion exposed to the front surface of the case, the camera module, characterized in that the super water-repellent coating film is formed on the front surface of the case.
The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 4,
The camera module, characterized in that the super-hydrophilic coating film is formed on the front surface of the case and the exposed surface of the lens portion exposed to the front surface of the case.
The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 4,
An acceleration sensor is mounted on the printed circuit board inside the case, and when the amount of change in acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the sensor is operated to photograph an optical image incident through the lens unit for a preset time. Camera module.
The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 4,
The printed circuit board is connected to at least one of a trunk lock switch, a bonnet lock switch, and a door lock switch of the vehicle, and receives the opening signal of the trunk lock switch, the bonnet lock switch, or the door lock switch for the predetermined time. Camera module, characterized in that it is operated to shoot the optical image incident through the unit.

Images