KR20240045893A - Camera modure and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Vehicle cameras and vehicles are provided. A vehicle camera according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first body having a space therein; an actuator disposed in the space; a lens module disposed in the space and coupled to the actuator; and a substrate assembly including an image sensor facing the lens module, wherein the actuator includes: a cover can having an open upper surface; a bobbin disposed within the cover can and coupled to the lens module; a first driving part disposed on the outer surface of the bobbin; a second driving unit facing the first driving unit; and glass disposed on the upper surface of the cover can.

Description

Vehicle cameras and vehicles{CAMERA MODURE AND VEHICLE}

The present invention relates to vehicle cameras and vehicles.

Recently, ultra-small camera modules have been developed, and ultra-small camera modules are widely used in small electronic products such as smartphones, laptops, and game consoles.

As automobiles become more popular, ultra-small cameras are widely used not only in small electronic products but also in vehicles. For example, a black box camera for vehicle protection or objective data on traffic accidents, a rear surveillance camera that allows the driver to monitor blind spots at the rear of the vehicle through the screen to ensure safety when the vehicle is reversing, It is equipped with a surrounding detection camera that can monitor the surroundings of the vehicle.

A camera may be provided with a lens, a lens holder that accommodates the lens, an image sensor that converts an image of a subject collected in the lens into an electrical signal, and a printed circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted. The housing that forms the exterior of the camera has an entirely sealed structure to prevent internal components from being contaminated by foreign substances containing moisture.

In the case of automotive cameras, there is a problem of image quality deterioration due to changes in the focal distance between the lens and image sensor under various environmental conditions.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2009-0004094 (published on January 12, 2009)

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle camera module and vehicle implementing an AF (Auto Focusing) function.

A vehicle camera according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a first body having a space therein; an actuator disposed in the space; a lens module disposed in the space and coupled to the actuator; and a substrate assembly including an image sensor facing the lens module, wherein the actuator includes: a cover can having an open upper surface; a bobbin disposed within the cover can and coupled to the lens module; a first driving part disposed on the outer surface of the bobbin; a second driving unit facing the first driving unit; and glass disposed on the upper surface of the cover can.

Through this embodiment, in the external environment where the vehicle camera is installed, changes in resolution due to temperature changes and changes in target position due to movement of the vehicle are responded to through the AF function of the actuator, giving the advantage of obtaining high-quality footage. There is.

In addition, since the body that forms the exterior of the vehicle camera module and the actuator are formed as one piece through insert injection, there is an advantage that the actuator within the body can be firmly fixed.

1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the glass in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a plan view showing the side of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments, but may be implemented in various different forms, and as long as it is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, one or more of the components may be optionally used between the embodiments. It can be used by combining or replacing.

In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention, unless explicitly specifically defined and described, are generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It can be interpreted as meaning, and the meaning of commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, can be interpreted by considering the contextual meaning of the related technology.

Additionally, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated in the phrase, and when described as "at least one (or more than one) of A and B and C", it is combined with A, B, and C. It can contain one or more of all possible combinations.

Additionally, in describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and are not limited to the essence, order, or order of the component.

And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' to another component, that component is directly 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' to that other component. In addition to cases, it may also include cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' by another component between that component and that other component.

Additionally, when described as being formed or disposed “on top” or “bottom” of each component, “top” or “bottom” means that the two components are directly adjacent to each other. This includes not only the case of contact, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. In addition, when expressed as “top” or “bottom,” the meaning of not only the upward direction but also the downward direction can be included based on one component.

The 'optical axis direction' used below is defined as the optical axis direction of the lens. Meanwhile, 'optical axis direction' may correspond to 'up and down direction', 'z-axis direction', etc.

The 'auto focus function' used below automatically focuses on the subject by adjusting the distance to the image sensor by moving the lens module in the optical axis direction according to the distance to the subject so that a clear image of the subject can be obtained on the image sensor. It is defined as a matching function. Meanwhile, 'Auto Focus' can be used interchangeably with 'AF (Auto Focus)'.

The 'image shake correction function' used below is defined as a function that moves or tilts the lens module in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to offset vibration (movement) generated in the image sensor by external force. Meanwhile, 'image stabilization' can be used interchangeably with 'OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)'.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a body 2, a door 3, glass 4, a headlamp 5, a tail lamp 6, and a vehicle camera 10. may include.

The body 2 may be an exterior member of the vehicle 1. The body 2 may have various shapes, such as a frame type or a monocoque type. One or more doors 3 may be coupled to the side of the body 2. In addition, the glass 4 can be coupled to the front and rear of the upper part of the body 2 (the part where the pillar is formed) and the door 3. The headlamp 5 may be mounted at the front of the lower part of the body 2. The tail lamp 6 may be mounted at the rear of the lower part of the body 2.

A vehicle camera 10 may be installed on the side of the body 2 or on one of the one or more doors 3 located in the front. The vehicle camera 10 may be installed in front of the glass 4 coupled to the door 3. That is, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the side mirror can be replaced with the vehicle camera 10.

The vehicle camera 10 can capture images of both rear sides of the vehicle. The image captured by the vehicle camera 10 may be electrically connected to a display unit (not shown) through an electronic control unit (ECU). Therefore, the image captured by the vehicle camera 10 can be controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) and played on the display unit.

An interior space for the driver may be formed inside the body 2. A display unit may be installed inside the body 2. The display unit may output an image captured by the vehicle camera 10. The display unit may be installed on a dashboard (not shown) inside the body 2.

The installation form of the vehicle camera 10 in the vehicle 1 described above is exemplary, and the vehicle camera 10 may be used in one or more of the front camera, side camera, rear camera, and black box of the vehicle 1. You can.

Hereinafter, a vehicle camera module according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is an exploded view of the glass in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a view of a vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a plan view showing the side, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is an embodiment of the present invention. This is an exploded perspective view of the actuator according to .

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7 , the vehicle camera module may include a first body 100. The first body 100 may be called one of a front body, an upper housing, and a first housing. The first body 100 may include a first region 110. The first body 100 may include a second region 120. The first area 110 and the second area 120 of the first body 100 may be formed integrally. As a modified example, the first area 110 and the second area 120 may be formed separately.

The first region 110 may be coupled to the second region 120. The first area 110 may be formed integrally with the second area 120. The first area 110 may be formed of a plastic material. The first area 110 may be disposed on the second body 200, which will be described later. The first region 110 may be coupled to the second body 200. The lower end of the first area 110 may be fixed to the second body 200. The first region 110 may be joined to the second body 200 by any one of ultrasonic fusion, laser fusion, and thermal fusion. As a modified example, the first region 110 may be coupled to the second body 200 with an adhesive.

The first area 110 may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open bottom. The corners of the first area 110 may be rounded. The first area 110 may include an upper plate 110a and a side plate 110b extending downward from the upper plate 110a. The top plate 110a may be formed in a square shape. The upper plate 110a may extend outward from the lower outer peripheral surface of the second area 120. The side plate 110b may extend downward from the outer edge of the upper plate 110a. The side plate 110b may be provided in plural numbers. The side plate 110b may include four side plates. The side plate 110b may be formed in a square plate shape. The side plate 110b may include a first side plate and a second side plate, a third side plate disposed on the opposite side of the first side plate, and a fourth side plate disposed on the opposite side of the second side plate. The side plate 110b may include first to fourth corners respectively disposed between the first to fourth side plates. Each of the first to fourth corners may have a round shape at least in part.

The first area 110 may include a first protrusion 111 (see FIG. 5). The first protrusion 111 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the side plate 110b. The first protrusion 111 may be coupled to the second body 200. At least a portion of the first protrusion 111 may be fusion-bonded to the second body 200. At least a portion of the first protrusion 111 may be joined to the second body 200 by any one of ultrasonic fusion, laser fusion, and thermal fusion. As a modified example, the first protrusion 111 may be fixed to the second body 200 with an adhesive. Alternatively, a portion of the first protrusion 111 may be fused to the second body 200, and the remainder may be bonded to the second body 200 with an adhesive. The area where the first protrusion 111 and the second body 200 are coupled may be formed in an area that overlaps the actuator 300, which will be described later, in the horizontal direction.

A groove 115 may be formed on the lower surface of the first body 100 in a shape that is recessed upward from other areas. The groove 115 may be formed on the lower surface of the first area 110. The groove 115 may be disposed inside the first protrusion 111. As shown in FIG. 5, the groove 115 may include an inclined surface whose distance from the actuator 300 becomes shorter relative to the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction as it goes inward. Through the groove 115, the coupling process between the first body 100 and the actuator 300, which will be described later, can be performed more easily.

The first body 100 may include the second region 120. The second area 120 may be formed of plastic material. The second area 120 may extend upward from the top surface of the first area 110. The second area 120 may be formed integrally with the first area 110. As a modified example, the second region 120 may be coupled to the first region 110. In this case, the second area 120 may be fixed to the first area 110 with an adhesive. The second area 120 can accommodate glass 190 inside.

The cross-sectional area of the second region 120 may be smaller than that of the first region 110.

A space 121 may be formed inside the first body 100. At least a portion of the lens module 500 and the actuator 300, which will be described later, may be accommodated in the space 121. The space 121 may be opened upward and downward through holes formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the first body 100, respectively.

As shown in Figure 5, the space 121 is formed by the first space formed by the inner surface 128 of the first area 110 and the inner surface 127 of the second area 120. It may include a second space. The cross-sectional area of the first space may be larger than that of the second space. The first space and the second space may be communicated with each other. The corner surface 129 connecting the inner surface 128 of the first region 110 and the inner surface 127 of the second region 120 may be formed to be round.

In other words, a protrusion 127a may be formed on the inner surface 128 of the space 121, and the protrusion 127a may be formed on the inside of the second area 120. It can be understood.

The glass 190 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first body 100. The glass 190 is made of a transparent material and can be arranged to face the lens module 500, which will be described later, in the optical axis direction. Foreign substances can be prevented from entering the space 121 through the glass 190.

A guide to which the glass 190 is coupled may be disposed on the upper surface of the first body 100. The guide includes a first guide portion 125, a second guide portion 123 disposed inside the first guide portion 125, and the first guide portion 125 and the second guide portion 123. ) may include a guide groove 126 disposed between. The bottom surface of the guide groove 126 may be the top surface of the second area 120.

The first guide portion 125 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the second region 120 more than other regions. The inner surface of the first guide portion 125 may be disposed to overlap at least a portion of the side surface of the glass 190 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The upper surface of the first guide unit 125 may be disposed higher than the upper surface of the second guide unit 123. The upper surface of the glass 190 may be disposed higher than the upper surface of the first guide part 125.

The second guide portion 123 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the second region 120 more than other regions. The upper surface of the second guide part 123 may support the lower surface of the glass 190. The upper surface of the second guide part 123 may be in contact with the lower surface of the glass 190.

The guide groove 126 may be disposed between the first guide part 125 and the second guide part 123. When viewed from the top, the guide groove 126 may have a groove shape. At least part of the guide groove 126 may be covered by the glass 190. An adhesive for bonding to the glass 190 may be disposed in the guide groove 126 .

The vehicle camera 10 may include a second body 200. The second body 200 may be called one of a rear body, a lower housing, and a second housing. The second body 200 may be formed in a square shape with an open top. The second body 200 may be made of plastic material. The second body 200 may be disposed below the first body 100. The second body 200 may be combined with the first body 100. The second body 200 may be fusion-bonded to the first body 100. The second body 200 may be joined to the first body 100 by any one of ultrasonic fusion, laser fusion, and thermal fusion. At this time, ultrasonic fusion refers to fusion of the fused portions of the second body 200 and the first body 100 by vibrating the first body 100 while pressing while the second body 200 is fixed. It can mean the process of integration. The second body 200 may form an internal space through combination with the first body 100.

The second body 200 may include a bottom plate 201. The bottom plate 201 may face the top plate 110a of the first region 110 of the first body 100. The bottom plate 201 may be spaced apart from the top plate 110a of the first region 110 of the first body 100 in the optical axis direction. The bottom plate 201 may be parallel to the top plate 110a of the first region 110 of the first body 100. The bottom plate 201 may be formed in a square shape. At this time, the corners of the bottom plate 201 may have a round shape at least in part.

The bottom plate 201 may include a hole through which a connector 690, which will be described later, passes. A connector lead-out portion 230 may be placed in the hole. The connector lead-out portion 230 may pass through the hole. The bottom plate of a shield can 800, which will be described later, may be disposed on the bottom plate 201. The bottom plate of the shield can 800 may be in surface contact with the bottom plate 201. The bottom plate of the shield can 800 may be coupled to the bottom plate 201 by insert injection.

The second body 200 may include the side plate 202. The side plate 202 may extend from the bottom plate 201. The side plate 202 may extend from the outer edge of the bottom plate 201. The shield can 800 may be placed on the side plate 202. The shield can 800 may be in surface contact with the inner surface of the side plate 202. The side plate of the shield can 800 may be coupled to the side plate 202 by insert injection. The top of the side plate 202 may be coupled to the first body 100. The outer surface of the side plate 202 may be disposed on the same plane as the outer surface of the side plate 110b of the first body 100.

The side plate 202 may include a first region in which the hole 223 is formed, and a second region extending from the first region in which the hole 223 is not formed. The first area of the side plate 202 may be adhered to the shield can 800. The second area of the side plate 202 may not be adhered to the shield can 800. The inner surface of the side plate 202 may include a step structure formed by the first region and the second region. The inner surface of the first region of the side plate 202 may be disposed outside the inner surface of the second region of the side plate 202. The inner surface of the second region of the side plate 202 may protrude inward than the inner surface of the first region of the side plate 202.

The side plate of the shield can 800 may be disposed in the first area of the side plate 202. The side plate of the shield can 800 may be adhered to the first area of the side plate 202. The side plate of the shield can 800 may be directly contacted and adhered to the first area of the side plate 202. The coating layer of the shield can 800 may be adhered to the first area of the side plate 202. The side plate 202 may include a first side plate and a second side plate, a third side plate disposed on the opposite side of the first side plate, and a fourth side plate disposed on the opposite side of the second side plate. The side plate includes a first corner disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate, a second corner disposed between the second side plate and the third side plate, and a third corner disposed between the third side plate and the fourth side plate, It may include a fourth corner disposed between the fourth side plate and the first side plate. The first to fourth corners of the side plate may have a round shape.

The side plate 202 may include a second protrusion 221. The second protrusion 221 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the side plate 202. The second protrusion 221 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the side plate 202. The second protrusion 221 may contact the first protrusion 111 of the first body 100. The second protrusion 221 may be arranged to overlap the first protrusion 111 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The second protrusion 221 may be disposed inside the first protrusion 111. In this case, the outer surface of the second protrusion 221 may be disposed to face the inner surface of the first protrusion 111. The outer surface of the second protrusion 221 may be in contact with the inner surface of the first protrusion 111. At this time, the second protrusion 221 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the actuator 300, which will be described later. That is, an air gap may be formed between the second protrusion 221 and the actuator 300. Since the air gap has the function of blocking heat, when the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 221 are fused, or the transfer of external heat toward the actuator 300 is minimized through the air gap. This can minimize heat damage and axis changes.

The second protrusion 221 may be coupled to at least a portion of the first protrusion 111 of the first body 100. The second protrusion 221 may be fusion-bonded to at least a portion of the first protrusion 111. At this time, fusion bonding may mean any one of ultrasonic fusion, laser fusion, and thermal fusion. When the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 221 are fused together through laser fusion, the laser is transmitted and fused on the inner surface of the first protrusion 111 and the outer surface of the second protrusion 221. Therefore, the thickness of the first protrusion 111 may be smaller than the thickness of the second protrusion 221.

The outer area of the second protrusion 221 of the upper surface of the side plate 202 may have a groove shape.

The side plate 202 may include a hole 223. The hole 223 may be formed in the side plate 202. The hole 223 may be formed through the outer and inner surfaces of the side plate 202. The shield can 800 may be exposed to the outside through the hole 223. The hole 223 may expose at least a portion of the side plate of the shield can 800 to the outside. The holes 223 may be provided in plural and arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

The second body 200 may include a connector lead-out portion 230. The connector pull-out portion 230 may be coupled to the bottom plate 201. The connector lead-out portion 230 may be placed in a hole of the bottom plate 201. The connector pullout portion 230 may have a connector 690 disposed therein. The connector lead-out portion 230 may be made of plastic material.

The vehicle camera module may include a shield can 800. The shield can 800 may be made of a metal material. The shield can 800 may include a bottom plate, a side plate extending from the bottom plate, and corners disposed on a plurality of side plates. The bottom plate, side plates, and corners may be formed as one piece.

The bottom plate of the shield can 800 may be in contact with the bottom plate 201 of the second body 200. The side plate of the shield can 800 may be in contact with the side plate 202 of the second body 200. A corner of the shield can 800 may be in contact with a corner of the second body 200. A hole may be formed in the bottom plate of the shield can 800 for the connector 690 to pass through.

The shield can 800 may be combined with the second body 200 to be waterproof. Depending on the intended use, waterproofing can meet the waterproof and dustproof rating of IP52 or higher, and when placed outside the vehicle, it can satisfy the IP69K rating.

The shield can 800 may be formed integrally through metal molding. That is, the bottom plate, side plates, and corners of the shield can 800 can be formed integrally by molding metal.

The shield can 800 may be fixed to the second body 200 through insert molding. The shield can 800 may be fixed to the second body 200 through insert molding. Insert injection or insert molding may refer to a molding method that integrates a metal member and a plastic member. A portion of the second body 200 may be melted by heat generated during the insert injection process and may flow into the pores S created during the preparative process of the shield can 800.

The vehicle camera module may include a substrate assembly 600. The substrate assembly 600 may be disposed within the second body 200. The substrate assembly 600 may be disposed in an internal space formed by combining the first body 100 and the second body 300. At least a portion of the substrate assembly 600 may be disposed within the shield can 800 .

The substrate assembly 600 may include a first substrate 610. The first substrate 610 may include a printed circuit board. The first substrate 610 may include a rigid printed circuit board. An image sensor 612 may be disposed on the first substrate 610. At this time, the first substrate 610 may be called a sensor substrate. The first substrate 610 may include a first surface facing the first body 100 and a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface. The image sensor 612 may be disposed on the first surface of the first substrate 610. The first substrate 610 may be combined with an actuator 300, which will be described later. The first substrate 610 may be coupled to the actuator 300 and the adhesive member 700.

The substrate assembly 600 may include a second substrate 620. The second substrate 620 may include a printed circuit board. The second substrate 620 may include a rigid printed circuit board. The second substrate 620 may be disposed below the first substrate 610. The second substrate 620 may be spaced apart from the first substrate 610. The second substrate 620 may be spaced apart from the first substrate 610 in the optical axis direction. The second substrate 620 can supply power to the first substrate 610. The second substrate 620 may be arranged parallel to the first substrate 610. The second substrate 620 may be electrically connected to the connector 690. The second substrate 620 may include a first surface facing the first substrate 610 and a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface. The connector 690 may be disposed on the second surface of the second substrate 620.

The substrate assembly 600 may include a third substrate 630. The third substrate 630 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The third substrate 630 may electrically connect the first substrate 610 and the second substrate 620. One end of the third substrate 630 may be connected to the first substrate 610, and the other end of the third substrate 630 may be connected to the second substrate 620. The third substrate 630 may have elasticity.

The substrate assembly 600 may include a spacer 650. The spacer 650 may be referred to as an electromagnetic wave shielding member. The spacer 650 may block electromagnetic interference (EMI) or electromagnetic waves. The spacer 650 may serve to space a plurality of substrates apart. The spacer 650 may be made of a metal material.

The spacer 650 may include protrusions and holes for supporting the first substrate 610 or the second substrate 620. A protrusion coupled to the hole of the spacer 650 may be formed on the side of the first substrate 610 or the side of the second substrate 620. The protrusions of the spacer 650 may support the surface of the first substrate 610 or the surface of the second substrate 620.

The spacer 650 may be disposed within the shield can 800. The spacer 650 may be spaced apart from the shield can 800. The spacer 650 may be spaced apart from the bottom plate of the shield can 800 in the optical axis direction. The spacer 650 may be spaced apart from the side plate of the shield can 800 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The spacer 650 may be made of a metal material. The thickness of the spacer 650 may be thinner than the thickness of the side plate of the shield can 800. The spacer 650 may face the side plate of the shield can 800.

The board assembly 600 may include a connector 690. The connector 690 may be disposed on the second surface of the second substrate 620. The connector 690 may be fixed to the second surface of the second substrate 620. The connector 690 may be electrically connected to the second board 620.

The vehicle camera module may include a lens module 500. At least a portion of the lens module 500 may be coupled to the actuator 300. At least a portion of the lens module 500 may protrude upward from the top surface of the actuator 300. The lens module 500 may include a lens barrel 530 (see FIG. 4) and at least one lens 520 disposed within the lens barrel 530.

The lens barrel 530 includes a space with upper and lower surfaces opened on the inside, and the lens 520 can be placed in the space. A first screw portion 510 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel 530. The first screw portion 510 includes a screw thread or a screw groove, and the lens barrel 530 can be screwed to the actuator 300 through the first screw portion 510.

The lens 520 may be disposed within the lens barrel 530. The lenses 520 may be provided in plural numbers and arranged along the optical axis. The lens 520 may be aligned with the image sensor 612. The lens 520 may be arranged to face the image sensor 612 in the optical axis direction. The lens 520 may be arranged to face the glass 190 in the optical axis direction. The lens 520 can be moved in the optical axis direction by the actuator 300.

The vehicle camera module may include an actuator 300. The actuator 300 may be an A.F. (Auto Focusing) actuator using a voice coil motor to move the lens module 500 in the optical axis direction, but is not limited thereto, and unlike what is shown, OIS Embodiments may be applied to the (Optical Image Stabilization) type.

As shown in FIG. 7, the actuator 300 includes a bobbin 310, a coil 320, a magnet 330, a housing 340, a cover can 360, a base 350, and an elastic member 370. may include. In addition, the actuator 300 may further include a position sensor 392, a circuit board 390, and a sensing magnet (380) for AF feedback driving.

The bobbin 310 is formed in a cylindrical shape with upper and lower surfaces open, and a hollow 312 into which the lens module 500 is coupled may be formed in the center of the bobbin 310. A screw thread or screw groove may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the hollow 312 to allow the lens barrel 530 to be screwed onto the first screw portion 510. Accordingly, the lens module 500 may be screwed to the bobbin 310.

A coil coupling portion 315 to which the coil 320 is coupled is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin 310, and the coil coupling portion 315 has a groove shape recessed inward from the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin 310. You can.

The coil 320 may be disposed on the outer surface of the bobbin 310. The coil 320 may be coupled to the coil coupling portion 315. The coil 320 may have a ring-shaped cross section. The coil 320 may be electrically connected to the substrate assembly 600. The coil 320 may be electrically connected to the first substrate 610. The coil 320 may be referred to as the first driving unit.

The housing 340 may be disposed outside the bobbin 310. The housing 340 may have a hexahedral shape with open top and bottom surfaces. A coupling groove 342 may be formed on the lower surface of the housing 340 in a shape that is recessed upward from other areas. The coupling grooves 342 may be formed on the outer surfaces of the four corner areas of the housing 340. The housing 340 can be coupled to the base 350 through the coupling groove 342.

A magnet coupling portion 344 to which the magnet 330 is coupled may be formed on the inner surface of the housing 340. The magnet coupling portion 344 may be formed in a corner area of the inner surface of the housing 340. The magnet coupling portion 344 may have a groove shape. The magnet coupling portion 344 may be provided in plural and arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

The magnet 330 may be placed outside the coil 320. The magnet 330 may be coupled to the housing 340. The magnet 330 may be coupled to the magnet coupling portion 344. There are four magnets 330, and each of the four magnets 330 may be placed in a corner area of the inner surface of the housing 340. Therefore, due to electromagnetic interaction between the coil 320 and the magnet 330, the bobbin 310 can move in the optical axis direction together with the lens module 500. The magnet 330 may be referred to as the second driving unit.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the first driving part is a coil and the second driving part is a magnet, but this is not limited. A magnet is disposed on the outer surface of the bobbin 310, and the housing 340 A coil facing the magnet may be disposed.

The base 350 may support the lower surface of the housing 340. The base 350 may be disposed below the housing 340 and the bobbin 310. The base 350 may include a hole 352 so that the lens module 500 is exposed downward. It may be arranged to face the lens module 500 and the image sensor 612 through the hole 352.

The base 350 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. A protrusion 354 may be formed on the upper surface of the base 350 facing the coupling groove 342 of the housing 340. The protrusion 354 may have a shape that protrudes more upward from the upper surface of the base 350 than other areas. The protrusions 354 may be disposed at corner areas of the base 350, respectively. When the base 350 and the housing 340 are coupled, the protrusion 354 may be coupled to the coupling groove 342.

The elastic member 370 can elastically support the movement of the bobbin 310. The elastic member 370 includes an upper elastic member 372 coupled to the upper surface of the bobbin 310 and the housing 340, and a lower elastic member coupled to the lower surface of the bobbin 310 and the housing 340. It may include (374).

The upper elastic member 372 includes an inner elastic part coupled to the upper surface of the bobbin 310, an outer elastic part coupled to the upper surface of the housing 340, and a connection connecting the inner elastic part and the outer elastic part. It may include an elastic part. A protrusion for coupling with the upper elastic member 372 may be formed on the upper surface of the bobbin 310 or the upper surface of the housing 340.

The lower elastic member 374 includes an inner elastic part coupled to the lower surface of the bobbin 310, an outer elastic part coupled to the lower surface of the housing 340, and a connection connecting the inner elastic part and the outer elastic part. It may include an elastic part. A protrusion for coupling with the lower elastic member 374 may be formed on the lower surface of the bobbin 310 or the lower surface of the housing 340.

The cover can 360 may be disposed outside the housing 340. The cover can 360 may be made of a non-magnetic metal material. The cover can 360 has an open bottom and may be formed in a box shape including a top plate 363 and a side plate 364. A hole 362 may be formed in the upper plate 363 of the cover can 360 to allow the lens 500 to pass through. The corner area connecting the top plate 363 and the side plate 364 may be formed to be rounded. The housing 340, the bobbin 310, and at least a portion of the lens module 500 may be disposed in the cover can 360. A space in which components within the actuator 300 can be accommodated may be formed by combining the cover can 360 and the base 350. The lower end of the cover can 360 may be coupled to the base 350.

The sensing magnet 380 may be disposed on the outer surface of the bobbin 310. A groove-shaped coupling area may be formed on the outer surface of the bobbin 310 to allow the sensing magnet 380 to be coupled thereto. The sensing magnets 380 may be provided in plural and arranged to face each other around the hollow 312 of the bobbin 310.

The circuit board 390 may be disposed on the inner surface of the housing 340 or the inner surface of the cover can 360. The circuit board 390 may be electrically connected to the board assembly 600. A position sensor 392 may be placed on the surface of the circuit board 390 facing the sensing magnet 380. Accordingly, the position sensor 392 can detect the position of the bobbin 310 by detecting the magnetic field of the sensing magnet 380 that changes as the bobbin 310 moves. The actuator 300, which is arranged to adjust the optical axis of the lens 520, is driven by sensing the temperature through a temperature sensor (not shown) separately placed on the substrate 390 and driving the actuator 300, or A temperature sensor (not shown) is placed on some of the boards within the board assembly 600 to sense temperature to drive the actuator 300. Alternatively, a function for controlling resolution may be included in the image sensor 610 and the actuator 300 may be driven.

The actuator 300 and the substrate assembly 600 may be coupled to each other through an adhesive member 700. The adhesive member 700 may include epoxy. The adhesive member 700 may be disposed between the lower surface of the actuator 300 and the upper surface of the first substrate 610. The adhesive member 700 may be disposed between the lower surface of the base 350 and the upper surface of the first substrate 610. The distance between the image sensor 612 and the lens 520 within the lens module 500 can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of the adhesive member 700. That is, the active alignment (AA) distance for lens focusing can be adjusted.

Meanwhile, the actuator 300 may be formed integrally with the first body 100 by insert molding. The cover can 360 of the actuator 300 may be coupled to the first body 100 by insert injection. Accordingly, the cover can 360, which is made of metal, and the first body 100, which is made of plastic, are combined as one body, so that the actuator 300 can be firmly fixed within the first body 100. There is an advantage. That is, since the lens module 500 is disposed inside the actuator 300, axis alignment may be a problem when the actuator 300 and the first body 100 are coupled. To prevent this, the cover can 360 of the actuator 300 is coupled to the first body 100 through insert injection to fix it as one body, thereby reducing the points of axis alignment and facilitating axis alignment. You can. At this time, a portion of the protrusion 127a of the first body 100 may be disposed on the upper surface of the cover can 360.

When the actuator 300 and the first body 100 are combined, the side plate 364 of the cover can 360 may be coupled to the inner surface 128 of the space 121 within the first body 100. there is. The upper plate 363 of the cover can 360 may be coupled to the lower surface of the protrusion 127a of the space 121 within the first body 100. The corner area connecting the side plate 364 and the top plate 363 of the cover can 360 may be coupled to the corner surface 129 connecting the inner surface of the protrusion 127a and the inner surface of the space 121. .

The cover can 360 and the first body 100 may be combined to be waterproof. To this end, the surface of the cover can 360 coupled to the first body 100 may be surface treated.

According to the above structure, in the external environment where the vehicle camera is installed, changes in resolution due to temperature changes and changes in target position due to movement of the vehicle are responded to through the AF function of the actuator, making it possible to obtain high-quality footage. There is an advantage.

In addition, since the body that forms the exterior of the vehicle camera module and the actuator are formed as one piece through insert injection, there is an advantage that the actuator within the body can be firmly fixed.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This modification differs from the above-described embodiment in terms of the bonding area of the glass. Therefore, components having the same structure and function will be described by assigning the same reference numerals.

Referring to FIG. 8, glass 1390 may be placed on the actuator 1300. The glass 1390 may be placed on the top of the cover can 1360. In this case, the lens module 500 may be accommodated in the space within the cover can 1360.

A cover plate 1365 protruding inward from the inner surface of the side plate forming the side surface of the cover can 1360 may be disposed in the space within the cover can 1360. A hole 1366 may be formed in the center of the cover plate 1365 to allow the lens module 500 to pass through. The lens module 500 may be disposed so that at least a portion of the lens module 500 penetrates the hole 1366 and protrudes upward from the cover plate 1365.

According to this, the actuator 1300 can be integrally coupled to the inner surface 128 of the space 111 within the first body 100 (see FIG. 4) by insert injection. The side plate of the cover can 1360 of the actuator 1300 may be integrally coupled to the inner surface 128 by insert injection. Accordingly, in this modified example, the protrusion 127 of the space 111 within the first body 100 of the above-described embodiment may be omitted.

According to the above structure, there is an advantage in preventing external foreign substances from entering the space within the actuator 1300 through the glass 1390.

Meanwhile, an infrared blocking film may be attached to the surface of the glass 1390 to block infrared rays, or an infrared blocking agent may be applied.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features. You will be able to understand it. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (11)

A first body with a space formed therein;
an actuator disposed in the space;
a lens module disposed in the space and coupled to the actuator; and
A substrate assembly including an image sensor facing the lens module,
The actuator is,
A cover can with an open top;
a bobbin disposed within the cover can and coupled to the lens module;
a first driving part disposed on the outer surface of the bobbin;
a second driving unit facing the first driving unit; and
A vehicle camera including glass disposed on the upper surface of the cover can.
According to paragraph 1,
A vehicle camera in which the cover can is formed integrally with the first body by insert injection molding.
According to claim 2,
The material of the cover can is metal,
A vehicle camera wherein the first body is made of plastic.
According to claim 1,
The first driving unit includes a coil,
The second driving part is a vehicle camera including a magnet.
According to claim 1,
The substrate assembly includes a first substrate on which the image sensor is disposed,
A vehicle camera including an adhesive member disposed between the first substrate and the actuator.
According to claim 5,
The adhesive member is a vehicle camera containing epoxy.
According to claim 1,
A vehicle camera in which a cover plate is disposed in the space within the cover can, protrudes inward from the inner surface, and has a hole in the center through which the lens module passes.
According to claim 1,
Comprising a second body coupled to the first body,
A first protrusion protruding downward is disposed on the lower surface of the first body,
A second protrusion protruding upward is disposed on the upper surface of the second body,
A vehicle camera in which the first protrusion and the second protrusion are fused together.
According to claim 1,
Comprising a second body coupled to the first body,
A first protrusion protruding downward is disposed on the lower surface of the first body,
A second protrusion protruding upward is disposed on the upper surface of the second body,
A vehicle camera in which the first protrusion and the second protrusion are fused together.
According to claim 1,
On the lower surface of the first body, a groove having a shape that is depressed upward from other areas is disposed,
The groove is a vehicle camera including an inclined surface whose distance from the actuator becomes closer as it goes inward.
body; and
A vehicle including the vehicle camera according to any one of claims 1 to 10 disposed on the outer surface of the body.