Camera module including an optical member

A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a circuit board; a light source and an image sensor arranged on the circuit board; a housing arranged on the circuit board; an optical member arranged on the light source and including an electrode; and a conductive portion which is arranged in the housing and electrically connects the electrode of the optical member to the circuit board.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the National Phase of PCT International Application No. PCT/KR2021/001244, filed on Jan. 29, 2021, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) to Patent Application No. 10-2020-0010338, filed in the Republic of Korea on Jan. 29, 2020, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a camera module.

BACKGROUND ART

Three-dimensional content is used in various fields such as education, manufacturing, autonomous driving, and the like in addition to the fields of games and culture, and in order to obtain three-dimensional content, a depth map is required. A depth map is a map showing a spatial distance and shows perspective information of one point with respect to another point in a two-dimensional image.

A time of flight (ToF) method has been drawing attention as a technology for obtaining a depth map. According to the ToF method, a flying time, that is, a time for which light is emitted, reflected, and returned, is measured to calculate a distance to an object. A big advantage of the ToF method is to quickly provide the information of a distance in a three-dimensional space in real time. In addition, a user may obtain accurate distance information without applying an additional algorithm or correction hardware-wise. In addition, even when a very close subject or a moving subject is measured, an accurate depth map can be obtained.

However, unlike a camera module which does not use a separate light source, since the ToF camera has a structure which emits light using a light source, there may be an unsafety problem. Particularly, when light with high intensity is emitted to a part sensitive to light such as eyes in the human body, a serious injury may occur. In order to prevent such accidents, ToF camera modules are manufactured according to strict safety regulations. Accordingly, a camera module which can solve such problems is required.

Technical Problem

The present invention is directed to providing a time of flight ToF) camera module.

Objectives to be achieved through embodiments are not limited thereto and include objectives and effects which may be recognized through the technical solution or embodiments described below.

Technical Solution

One aspect of the present invention provides a camera module including a circuit board, a light source and an image sensor disposed on the circuit board, a housing disposed on the circuit board, an optical member disposed above the light source and including an electrode, and a conductive unit which is disposed on the housing and electrically connects the electrode of the optical member and the circuit board.

The camera module may include a cover disposed on the housing, wherein the cover may be spaced apart from the conductive unit.

The conductive unit may include a first conductive unit and a second conductive unit.

Each of the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit may include a first part disposed on the housing, a second part extending from the first part, and a third part which extends from the second part and has a width greater than a width of the second part.

The second part may include a first sub-part extending along an upper surface of the housing and a second sub-part connected to the first sub-part and extending along a side surface of the housing.

The first sub-part of the first conductive unit may include a first piece and a second piece that is bent to be connected to the first piece.

The second part of the second conductive unit may be bent and extend from the third part of the second conductive unit.

The housing may include a first groove, and the conductive unit may be disposed in the first groove.

The first groove may include a first region and a second region, wherein the first conductive unit may be disposed in the first region of the first groove, and the second conductive unit may be disposed in the second region of the first groove.

A width of the first groove may be greater than a width of the conductive unit.

A depth of the first groove may be greater than a thickness of the conductive unit.

The housing may include a protruding portion protruding further than the conductive unit.

The housing may include a first hole positioned above the light source and a step portion disposed around the first hole, wherein the step portion may include a seating surface on which the optical member is disposed,

The first region of the first groove may extend to a first corner portion of the seating surface, and the second region of the first groove may extend to a second corner portion of the seating surface.

The first conductive unit may be disposed to extend from the first groove to the first corner portion, and the second conductive unit may be disposed to extend from the first groove to the first corner portion.

The camera module may include a dummy electrode disposed between the optical member and the housing and spaced apart from the conductive unit.

The dummy electrode may include a first dummy electrode and a second dummy electrode, wherein the first dummy electrode may be disposed on a third corner portion of the seating surface, and the second dummy electrode may be disposed on a fourth corner portion of the seating surface.

Thicknesses of the first dummy electrode and the second dummy electrode may be the same as thicknesses of the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit.

The seating surface may include first to fourth seating surfaces disposed between the first to fourth corner portions, and the housing may include first to fourth connecting surfaces extending from the first to fourth seating surfaces to an upper end surface and a second groove disposed in at least one of the first to fourth seating surfaces and extending to at least one of the first to fourth connecting surfaces.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a camera module including a circuit board, a light source and an image sensor disposed on the circuit board, a housing disposed on the circuit board and including a first hole overlapping the light source, a cover disposed on the housing, an optical member disposed above the light source and disposed to overlap the first hole, and connecting electrodes disposed to extend from the first hole outward from the housing, wherein the connecting electrodes are spaced apart from the cover.

The housing may include a pattern portion having a concave shape in an upper end surface in contact with the cover.

The circuit board may include a first terminal connected to the cover, a second terminal connected to a first connecting electrode of the connecting electrodes, and a third terminal connected to a second connecting electrode of the connecting electrodes.

The cover may include a first side plate and a second side plate disposed on a first side surface, and a step max be formed between the first side plate and the second side plate so that the cover does not overlap upper portions of the first to third terminals.

A lower end portion of the first side plate may be disposed in contact with the circuit board, and a lower end portion of the second side plate may be disposed apart from the circuit board.

The cover may include a protruding portion which extends from the lower end portion of the first side plate and is in contact with the first terminal.

The camera module may include a first soldering portion which couples the protruding portion to the first terminal, a second soldering portion which couples the first connecting electrode to the second terminal, and a third soldering portion which couples the second connecting electrode to the third terminal.

The cover may include a concave portion disposed adjacent to one corner portion of corner portions of the circuit board in a plan view, and the first to third soldering portions may be disposed on the concave portion.

Still another aspect of the present invention provides a camera module including a circuit board, a light source and an image sensor disposed on the circuit board, a housing disposed on the circuit board and including a first hole overlapping the light source, an optical member disposed above the light source and disposed to overlap the first hole, a connecting electrode extending from the first hole outward from the housing, and a dummy electrode disposed around the first hole, wherein at least a part of the connecting electrode and at least a part of the dummy electrode are disposed between the optical member and the housing.

The housing may include a step portion disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the first hole, a part of the connecting electrode may be disposed on at least one of corner portions of the step portion, and the dummy electrode may be disposed on at least one corner portion, in which the part of the connecting electrode is not disposed, among the corner portions of the step portion.

A thickness of the dummy electrode may be the same as a thickness of the connecting electrode.

Advantageous Effects

According to embodiments, a time of flight (ToF) camera module with high safety can be provided.

A manufacturing process of the camera module can be simplified.

A defect rate of the camera module occurring when the camera module is manufactured can be reduced.

Various and useful advantages of the present invention are not limited thereto and may be more easily understood from the description of specific embodiments of the present invention.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference the accompanying drawings.

However, the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited to some embodiments which will be described and may be embodied in a variety of different forms, and one or more components of the embodiments may be selectively combined, substituted, and used within the range of the technical spirit.

In addition, unless clearly and specifically defined otherwise by the context, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein can be interpreted as having meanings customarily understood by those skilled in the art, and the meanings of generally used terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, will be interpreted in consideration of contextual meanings of the related art.

In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are considered in a descriptive sense only and not to limit the present invention.

In the present specification, unless clearly indicated otherwise by the context, singular forms include the plural forms, and in a case in which “at least one (or one or more) among A, B, and C” is described, this may include at least one combination among all possible combinations of A, B, and C.

In addition, in descriptions of components of the present invention, terms such as “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” and “(b)” may be used.

The terms are only to distinguish one element from another element, and the essence, order, and the like of the elements are not limited by the terms.

In addition, it should be understood that, when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, such a description may include both a case in which the element is directly connected or coupled to another element, and a case in which the element is connected or coupled to another element with still another element disposed therebetween.

In addition, when any one element is described as being formed or disposed “on” or “under” another element, such a description includes both a case in which the two elements are formed or disposed in direct contact with each other and a case in which one or more other elements are interposed between the two elements, in addition, when one element is described as being formed “on or under” another element, such a description may include a case in which the one element is formed at an upper side or a lower side with respect to another element.

Hereinafter, an optical device according to the present embodiment will be described.

The optical device may include any one of a handphone, a portable phone, a smart phone, a portable smart device, a digital camera, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, personal digital assistants (PDAs), a portable multimedia player (PMP), and a navigation device. However, the types of the optical device are not limited thereto, and any device for capturing an image may be included in the optical device.

The optical device may include a main body. The main body may have a bar shape. Alternatively, the main body may have one of various structures, such as a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, and a swivel type, in which two or more sub bodies are coupled to be relatively movable. The main body may include a case (a casing, a housing, and a cover) forming an exterior. For example, the main body may include a front case and a rear case. Various electronic components of the optical device may be installed in a space formed between the front case and the rear case.

The optical device may include a display. The display may be disposed on one surface of the main body of the optical device. The display may output an image. The display may output an image captured by a camera.

The optical device may include a camera. The camera may include a time of flight (ToF) camera device. The ToF camera device may include a camera device. The ToF camera device may include a camera module. The ToF camera device may be disposed on a front surface of the main body of the optical device. In this case, the ToF camera device may be used for various types of biometric recognition, such as user's face recognition and iris recognition, for security authentication of the optical device.

Hereinafter, the camera module according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS.1to12.

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating the camera module according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.1, the camera module according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a light emitting unit1, a light receiving unit2, a coupling unit3, a circuit board4, a second board5, a connecting part6, and a connector7.

The light emitting unit1may be a light emitting module, a light emitting unit, a light emitting assembly, or a light emitting device. The light emitting unit1may generate an output light signal and emit the output light signal to an object. In this case, the light emitting unit1may generate and output the output light signal the form of a pulse wave or continuous wave. The continuous wave may have the form of a sinusoid wave or squared wave. Since the output light signal is generated as the form of the pulse wave or continuous wave, the ToF camera device may detect a phase difference between the output light signal output by the light emitting unit1and an input light signal reflected by the object and input to the light receiving unit2of the ToF camera device. In the present specification, output light may be light output by the light emitting unit1and incident on the object, and input light may be light which is input to the ToF camera device after the light is output by the light emitting unit1, reaches the object, and is reflected by the object. Based on the object, the output light may be input light, and the input light may be output light. The light emitting unit1emits the generated output light signal for a predetermined integration time. In this case, the integration time means one frame cycle. In order to generate a plurality of frames, the preset integration time is repeated. For example, when the ToF camera device captures images of the object at 20 frames per second (FPS), the integration time is 1/20 [sec], In addition, in order to generate 100 frames, the integration time may be repeated 100 times.

The light emitting unit1may output a plurality of output light signals having different frequencies. The light emitting unit1may sequentially and repeatedly generate a plurality of output light signals having different frequencies. Alternatively, the light emitting unit1may also output a plurality of output light signals having different frequencies at the same time.

The camera module may include the light receiving unit2. The light receiving unit2may be a light receiving module, a light receiving unit, a light receiving assembly, or a light receiving device. The light receiving unit2may detect light emitted by the light emitting unit1and reflected by the object. The light receiving unit2may generate an input light signal corresponding to the output light signal output by the light emitting unit1. The light receiving unit2may be disposed parallel to the light emitting unit1. The light receiving unit2may be disposed beside the light emitting unit1, The light receiving unit2may be disposed in the same direction as the light emitting unit1.

The camera module may include the circuit board4. The circuit board4may include a printed circuit board (PCB), The light emitting unit1and the light receiving unit2may be disposed on the circuit board4. The circuit board4may be electrically connected to the light emitting unit1and the light receiving unit2.

The circuit board4may include a plurality of terminals at one side. The circuit board4may include a first terminal to a third terminal. The first terminal may be a terminal connected to a cover. The first terminal may be a ground terminal. The second terminal may be a terminal connected to a first conductive unit. The third terminal may be a terminal connected to a second conductive unit. The second terminal and the third terminal may be electrically connected to transparent electrodes through the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit.

The camera module may include the coupling unit3. The coupling unit3may be electrically connected to the circuit board4. The coupling unit3may be connected to components of the optical device. The coupling unit3may include the connector7connected to the components of the optical device. The coupling unit3may include the second board5on which the connector7is disposed and which is connected to the connecting part6. The second board5may be a PCB.

The camera module may include the connecting part6. The connecting part6may connect the circuit board4and the coupling unit3. The connecting part6may have flexibility. The connecting part6may be a flexible PCB (FPCB).

FIG.2is an exploded view illustrating the camera module according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.2, the light emitting unit may include a light source40and an optical member50.

The light emitting unit1may include the light source40. The light source40may be disposed on the circuit board4. The light source40may generate light. The light source40may output the light. The light source40may emit the light.

The light generated by the light source40may be infrared light with a wavelength of 770 to 3000 ma. Alternatively, the light generated by the light source40may be visible light with a wavelength of 380 to 770 nm. The light source40may include light emitting diodes (LEDs) or vertical cavity surface light emitting lasers (VCSELs). The light source40may include a plurality of LEDs or a plurality of VCSELs having a form arranged along a predetermined pattern. In addition, the light source40may include organic LEDs (OLEDs) or laser diodes (LDs).

The light emitting unit1may include the optical member50. The optical member50may be a diffuser, a lens, a diffractive optical element (DOE), or a holographic optical element (HOE). The optical member50may be disposed in front of the light source40. Light emitted by the light source40may pass through the optical member50and may be incident on the object. The optical member50may change a path of the light emitted by the light source40. The optical member50may collect the light emitted by the light source40. An electrode may be disposed on the optical member50. The optical member50may include the electrode, or a separate electrode may be disposed. The electrode may be a transparent electrode.

The light emitting unit1may include a light modulation unit which modulates light. The light source40may generate an output light signal in the form of a pulse wave or continuous wave by repeatedly turning on/off the light source40at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time intervals may correspond to a frequency of the output light signal. The turning on/off of the light source40may be controlled by the light modulation unit. The light modulation unit may control the turning on/off of the light source40so that the light source40generates an output light signal in the form of a continuous wave or a pulse wave. The light modulation unit may control the light source40to generate an output light signal in the form of a continuous wave or a pulse wave through frequency modulation, pulse modulation, or the like. The light modulation unit may be disposed on a board.

The light receiving unit may include a lens module10, a filter20, and a sensor30.

The lens module10may transmit light reflected by the object. An optical axis of the lens module10and an optical axis of the sensor30may be aligned. The lens module10may be coupled to the housing100. The lens module10may be fixed to the housing100.

The filter20may be coupled to the housing100. The filter20may disposed between the lens module10and the sensor30. The filter20may be disposed on an optical path between the object and the sensor30. The filter20may filter light in a predetermined wavelength band. The filter20may transmit light with specific wavelengths. That is, the filter20may block light with wavelengths excluding the specific wavelengths by reflecting or absorbing the light. The filter20may transmit infrared light and block light with wavelengths excluding wavelengths of the infrared light. Alternatively, the filter20may transmit visible light and block light with wavelengths excluding wavelengths of the visible light. The filter20may move. The filter20may integrally move with a holder. The filter20may be tilted. The filter20may move to adjust an optical path. The filter20may move to change a path of light incident on the sensor30. The filter20may change an angle, direction, or the like of a field of view (FOV) of incident light.

The sensor30may detect light. The sensor30may detect the light and output an electric signal. The sensor30may detect light with a wavelength corresponding to a wavelength of light output by the light source40. The sensor30may detect infrared light. Alternatively, the sensor30may detect visible light. The sensor30may be disposed on the circuit board4. The sensor30may be an image sensor.

The sensor30may include a pixel array which receives light passing through the lens module10and converts the light into an electric signal corresponding to the light, a driving circuit which drives a plurality of pixels included in the pixel array, and a readout circuit which reads analog pixel signals of the pixels. The readout circuit may compare the analog pixel signals with a reference signal to perform analog-digital conversion so as to generate digital pixel signals (image signals). In this case, the digital pixel signals of the pixels included in the pixel array constitute the image signals, and since the image signals are transmitted in units of frames, the image signals may be defined as an image frame. That is, the sensor30may output a plurality of image frames.

The light receiving unit2may include an image synthesizing unit. The image synthesizing unit may include an image process which receives an image signal from the sensor30and processes (for example, performs interpolation, frame synthesizing, and the like on) the image signal. The image synthesizing unit may be disposed on a board but is not limited thereto. The image synthesizing unit may be implemented through an application processor (AP) of a terminal in which the camera module is disposed.

The camera module according to the embodiment of the present invention may include the housing100, conductive units210, dummy electrodes220, a cover300and soldering portions400.

The housing100may be disposed on a board. The housing100may be disposed on an upper surface of the board. The conductive units210and the dummy electrode220may be coupled to the housing100. The optical member50may be coupled to the housing100. The conductive units210, the dummy electrodes220, and the optical member50may be disposed to correspond to a first hole of the housing100. The filter20may be coupled to the housing100. The lens module10may be coupled to the housing100. The filter20and the lens module10may be disposed to correspond to a second hole of the housing100.

The housing100may include the first hole, the second hole, a step portion, and a first groove. The first hole may overlap the light source. The first hole may be disposed above the light source40. The second hole may overlap the sensor30. The second hole may be disposed above the sensor30.

The step portion may be disposed adjacent to the first hole. The step portion may be disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the first hole. The step portion may support the optical member50. The step portion may include seating surfaces on which the optical member50is disposed. The seating surfaces of the step portion may include first to fourth corner portions. The seating surfaces may include first to fourth seating surfaces disposed between the first to fourth corner portions. The housing100may include first to fourth connecting surfaces extending from the first to fourth seating surfaces.

The first groove may be connected to the step portion. The first groove may be connected to the corner portions of the step portion. The conductive units210may be disposed in the first groove. The first groove may be disposed in an upper surface of the housing100and may extend toward a side surface of the housing100. A width of the first groove may be greater than a width of the conductive units210. A depth of the first groove may be greater than a thickness of each of the conductive units210.

The first groove may include a first region and a second region. The conductive unit210may be disposed in the first groove. The first conductive unit may be disposed in the first region of the first groove, and the second conductive unit may be disposed in the second region of the first groove. A protruding portion which protrudes further than the conductive units may be disposed between the first region and the second region of the first groove. The protruding portion may be disposed on the upper surface of the housing and may extend to the side surface of the housing. A length of a portion of the protruding portion disposed on the side surface of the housing may be smaller than a height of the side surface of the housing. Since the depth of the first groove is greater than the thickness of the conductive unit210, damage to the conductive units210can be prevented during manufacturing.

The housing100may include a second groove. The housing100may include at least one second groove connected from at least one of the first to fourth connecting surfaces to a corresponding connecting surface. The second groove may be disposed in at least one seating surface among the first to fourth seating surfaces and may extend to one among the first to fourth connecting surfaces corresponding to at least one among the first to fourth seating surfaces. For example, when the second groove is disposed in the first seating surface, the second groove may extend to the first connecting surface corresponding to the first seating surface.

The housing100may include a pattern portion. The housing100may include the pattern portion formed in a concave shape in the upper surface in contact with the cover300.

The conductive units210may electrically connect the transparent electrodes and the circuit board4. The conductive units210may be formed of a conductor capable of connecting the transparent electrodes and the circuit board4. In the present specification, the conductive units may be referred to as connecting electrodes.

The conductive units210may be disposed in the groove of the housing100. A part of each of the conductive units210may be disposed in the first groove. A part of the conductive unit210may be disposed on the step portion of the housing100. A part of the conductive unit210may be disposed on the corner portion of the seating surfaces of the step portion of the housing100. A part of the conductive unit210may be disposed on at least one of the corner portions of the seating surfaces.

According to one embodiment, one conductive unit210may be provided, and a plurality of conductive units210may also be provided. The conductive units210may include the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit. The first conductive unit and the second conductive unit may electrically connect the transparent electrodes and the circuit board4.

Each of the conductive units210may include a first part and a second part. Each of the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit may include the first part, the second part, and a third part. The first part is disposed on the housing. The second part extends from the first part. The second part includes a first sub-part and a second sub-part. The first sub-part is disposed on the upper surface of the housing. The first sub-part extends from the first part along the upper surface of the housing. The second sub-part is connected to the second sub-part. The second sub-part extends along the side surface of the housing. The third part extends from the second part. The third part is disposed on the side surface of the housing. A width of the second part is smaller than a width of the third part. That is, the width of the third part may be greater than the width of the second part.

The first part of the first conductive unit may be disposed on the first corner portion of the seating surfaces of the step portion.

The second part of the first conductive unit may be disposed on the first region of the first groove. The first sub-part and the second sub-part included in the second part of the first conductive unit may be disposed in the first region of the first groove.

The first sub-part of the first conductive unit is disposed in the first region of the first groove in the upper surface of the housing. The first sub-part of the first conductive unit includes a first piece and a second piece. The first piece extends from the first part. The first piece extends toward a short side of the housing. The second piece extends from the first piece. The second piece extends along a long side of the housing. Accordingly, the first piece and the second piece may be bent and connected.

The second sub-part of the first conductive unit is disposed in the first region of the first groove in the side surface of the housing. Since the first sub-part is disposed on the upper surface; and the second sub-part is disposed on the side surface, the first sub-part and the second sub-part may be bent at a connecting part. The second sub-part and the first sub-part may be bent at a predetermined curvature and connected.

The third part of the first conductive unit is disposed in the first region of the first groove in the side surface of the housing. The third part of the first conductive unit extends from the second part. The third part of the first conductive unit extends from the second sub-part. A width of the third part is greater than a width of the second part. When the third part extends from the second part, the third part may not be bent. That is, a center of the third part and a central line of the second part may match.

The first part of the second conductive unit may be disposed on the second corner portion of the seating surfaces of the step portion.

The second part of the second conductive unit may be disposed in the second region of the first groove. The first sub-part and the second sub-part included in the second part of the second conductive unit may be disposed in the second region of the first groove.

The first sub-part of the second conductive unit is disposed in the second region of the first groove in the upper surface of the housing. The second sub-part of the second conductive unit is disposed in the second region of the first groove in the side surface of the housing. Since the first sub-part is disposed on the upper surface, and the second sub-part is disposed on the side surface, the first sub-part and the second sub-part may be bent at a connecting part. The second sub-part and the first sub-part may be bent at a predetermined curvature and connected.

The third part of the second conductive unit is disposed in the second region of the first groove in the side surface of the housing. The third part of the second conductive unit extends from the second part. The third part of the second conductive unit extends from the second sub-part. A width of the third part is greater than a width of the second part. When the third part of the second conductive unit extends from the second part, the third part of the second conductive unit may be bent. That is, a center of the third part and a central line of the second part may not match.

The dummy electrodes220may be disposed adjacent to the first hole of the housing100. The dummy electrodes220may be disposed on the step portion of the housing. The dummy electrodes220may be disposed on the corner portions of the seating portions of the step portion. The dummy electrodes220may be disposed on the corner portions, on which the conductive units are not disposed, among the corner portions of the seating portions of the step portion.

One or more dummy electrodes220may be provided. For example, when four corner portions of the seating portions of the step portion and one conductive unit210are provided, three dummy electrodes220may be provided. As another example, when four corner portions of the seating portions of the step portion and two conductive units210are provided, two dummy electrodes220may be provided. A thickness of each of the dummy electrodes220may be the same as the thickness of the conductive unit210. Since the dummy electrode220is disposed on the corner portion of the step portion on which the conductive unit210is not disposed, a balance can be achieved when the optical member50is disposed.

The transparent electrodes may be coupled to the optical member50. The transparent electrodes may be electrically connected to the optical member50. The transparent electrodes may be disposed on a lower end portion of the optical member50, The transparent electrodes may be formed in a shape according to a shape of the optical member50and formed in any shape in addition to the shape.

Each of the transparent electrodes may include a transparent conductive material in order to allow a current to flow without interfering with light transmission. The transparent electrode may include a material with a high conductivity and a light transmittance greater than or equal to a predetermined value. As an example, the transparent electrode may include an indium tin oxide film, an indium zinc oxide film, or an oxide such as zinc oxide. In addition, the transparent electrode may include a metal electrode (here, a metal includes at least one among Au, Ag, Al, Ti, and Cu) in the form of a mesh pattern having a line width of 10 μm or less, carbon nanotubes, silver nanowires, graphene, or nano meshes.

The transparent electrode may be electrically connected to the circuit board through one conductive unit. In this case, a capacitance of the transparent electrode may be detected in a self-capacitance measurement manner. In a normal state, the transparent electrode may have a predetermined capacitance C1. Accordingly, the transparent electrode in the normal state may be charged with electric charges according to the predetermined capacitance C1. Accordingly, a voltage or current detected through the transparent electrode in the normal state may correspond to the predetermined capacitance C1. However, when the transparent electrode is damaged or the transparent electrode is separated from the conductive unit, the capacitance of the transparent electrode may change (for example, the capacitance C may be changed to a capacitance C2). Accordingly, a voltage or current detected through the transparent electrode in an abnormal state (failure state) such as a damaged or separated state may correspond to the changed capacitance C2. By detecting a change in voltage or current described above, whether the optical member is in the normal state may be checked. According to the embodiment, an output of the light source may be decreased, or the light source may be turned off according to a specific value of the voltage or current detected through the transparent electrode, a change in time, or a change in an integral value.

Alternatively, the transparent electrodes may be electrically connected to the circuit board through a plurality of conductive units. According to the embodiment, the transparent electrode may be electrically connected to the circuit board through the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit. Specifically, the transparent electrodes may include a first transparent electrode pattern and a second transparent electrode pattern which is electrically divided (opened) from the first transparent electrode pattern. When the first conductive unit electrically connects the first transparent electrode pattern and the circuit board, the second conductive unit electrically connects the second transparent electrode pattern and the circuit board, and a voltage or current is applied, a predetermined capacitance C2is formed between a first transparent electrode and a second transparent electrode and electric charges may be charged. In this case, a capacitance between the first transparent electrode pattern and the second transparent electrode pattern may be detected in a mutual capacitance measurement manner. When at least one of the first transparent electrode pattern and the second transparent electrode pattern is damaged, or at least one of the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode is separated from the first conductive unit or second conductive unit, a change in capacitance occurs (the capacitance C2is changed to a capacitance C2−), and a specific value of an output voltage or current, a change in time, or a change in integral value may be detected to check whether the optical member is in the normal state. In addition, even when the first conductive unit electrically connects the first transparent electrode pattern of the transparent electrode and the circuit board, and the second conductive unit electrically connects the second transparent electrode pattern of the transparent electrode and the circuit board, a change in capacitance may be detected in a self-capacitance manner.

In addition, a plurality of first transparent electrode patterns (first to nthpatterns) and a plurality of second transparent electrode patterns (first to nthpatterns) may be formed, and a plurality of first conductive units (first to nthelectrodes) and a plurality of second conductive units (first to nthelectrodes) may be formed so that the first transparent electrode patterns and the second transparent electrode patterns may be electrically connected to the first conductive units and the second conductive units, respectively. When a fine crack occurs in the optical member50and a partial region of the transparent electrode is damaged, a capacitance of the corresponding region may be changed, an output of the light source corresponding to the corresponding region is restricted, and a remaining portion may be operated normally.

In addition, one pattern of the transparent electrode may be electrically connected to the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit. Specifically, the board (the first terminal of the board), the first conductive unit, one pattern of the transparent electrode, the second conductive unit, and the board (the second terminal of the board) may be connected, and a current may flow to the transparent electrode. When the transparent electrode is damaged, or the transparent electrode is separated from at least one of the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit, since a change in a detected current occurs, whether the optical member50is in the normal state may be checked.

That is, since the transparent electrode and the circuit board are electrically connected, and whether a change in capacitance or current occurs is checked, damage to or failure of the optical member50can be checked, and an output of the light source can be controlled.

Light output by the light emitting unit is scattered through the optical member and the like to protect a subject. Light Output by the light emitting unit may be very dangerous when directly emitted to a part such as eyes which are sensitive to light. Accordingly, it is very important to detect whether the light emitting unit is damaged or failing. In the present invention, since light output can be controlled by detecting whether the optical member is damaged or failing through a change in capacitance or current of the transparent electrode, safety in use can be improved.

The cover300may be disposed on the circuit board4, The cover300may be disposed on the housing100, The cover300may be disposed to surround the housing100. The cover300may accommodate the housing100therein. The cover300may form an exterior of the camera module. The cover300may be a non-magnetic cover. The cover300may be formed of a metal material. The cover300may be formed of a metal plate. The cover300may be electrically connected to a around portion of the circuit board4. The cover300may be electrically connected to the first terminal which is the ground terminal of the circuit board4. Accordingly, the cover300may be grounded. The cover300may block electromagnetic interference (EMI). In this case, the cover300may be referred to as an “EMI shield can.” The cover300is a final assembled component and may protect the product from an external impact. The cover300may be formed of a material which is thin and strong.

Connection between the terminal formed on the circuit board4and the conductive unit210is fixed through the soldering portion400. Connection between the terminal formed on the circuit board4and the cover300is fixed through the soldering portion400.

Hereinafter, a structure of the housing will be specifically described with reference toFIGS.3to8.

FIG.3is a plan view illustrating the housing according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG.4is a rear view illustrating the housing according to the embodiment of the present invention,FIG.5is a side view illustrating the housing according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG.6is an enlarged perspective view illustrating one side of the housing according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG.7is a cross-sectional view illustrating the housing according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG.8is an enlarged plan view illustrating the step portion of the housing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The housing100may have a hexahedron shape having an open lower surface. The housing100may include an upper plate101and first to fifth side plates106. The housing100may include the upper plate101including boles and first to fifth side plates102to106extending downward from an outer periphery or edge of the upper plate101.

The upper plate101of the housing100may have a quadrangular shape. A step may be formed at one edge of the quadrangular upper plate101of the housing100. The upper plate101of the housing100may include a first hole110and a second hole120. The first hole110may have a quadrangular shape, and the second hole120may have a circular shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. A width of the first hole110may be smaller than a width of the second hole120but is not limited thereto.

The first side plate102and the second side plate103may be disposed on one surface of the housing100. Each of the second to fifth side plates103to106may be disposed on one surface among different surfaces. The first side plate102and the second side plate103may be disposed at a side opposite to the fourth side plate105. The third side plate104may be disposed at a side opposite to the fifth side plate106. For example, the first side plate102and the second side plate103may be disposed on a first side surface of the housing100. The third side plate104may be disposed on a second side surface of the housing100, The fourth side plate105may be disposed on a third side surface of the housing100. The fifth side plate106may be disposed on a fourth side surface of the housing100.

The first side plate102may be disposed adjacent to the fifth side plate106and the second side plate103. The first side plate102may extend laterally from outer peripheries or edges of the second side plate103and the fifth side plate106. The second side plate103may be disposed adjacent to the first side plate102and the third side plate104. The second side plate103may extend laterally from outer peripheries or edges of the first side plate102and the third side plate104. The first groove in which the conductive unit is disposed may be disposed on an outer surface of the second side plate103. The third side plate104may be disposed adjacent to the second side plate103and the fourth side plate105. The third side plate104may extend laterally from the outer periphery or edge of the second side plate103and an outer periphery or edge of the fourth side plate105. The fourth side plate105may be disposed adjacent to the third side plate104and the fifth side plate106. The fourth side plate105may extend laterally from the outer peripheries or edges of the third side plate104and the fifth side plate106. The fifth side plate106may be disposed adjacent to the fourth side plate105and the first side plate102. The fifth side plate106may extend laterally from the outer peripheries or edges of the fourth side plate105and the first side plate102.

A length of the third side plate104and a length of the fifth side plate106may be different from each other. The length of the fifth side plate106may be greater than the length of the third side plate104. Accordingly, a step may be formed between the first side plate102extending from the fifth side plate106and the second side plate103extending from the third side plate104. Due to the step formed between the first side plate102and the second side plate103, even when the housing100is coupled to the circuit board, the terminal coupled to the conductive unit may be exposed to the outside of the housing100.

The upper plate101of the housing100may include a step portion130formed adjacent to the first hole110, The step portion130may be formed to surround an inner circumferential surface of the first hole110. The step portion130may include the seating surfaces. The seating surfaces of the step portion130may be disposed to form a step with respect to the upper surface of the housing100. A length from a bottom surface to the upper surface of the housing100may be greater than a length from the bottom surface to the seating surfaces of the housing100. The seating surfaces of the step portion130may include first to fourth corner portions131to134. The first corner portion131may be disposed in a diagonal direction from the third corner portion133. The second corner portion132may be disposed in a diagonal direction from the fourth corner portion134. The seating surfaces of the step portion130may include first to fourth seating surfaces135to138disposed between the first to fourth corner portions131to134. The first seating surface135may be disposed between the first corner portion131and the second corner portion132. The second seating surface136may be disposed between the second corner portion132and the third corner portion133. The third seating surface137may be disposed between the third corner portion133and the fourth corner portion134. The fourth seating surface138may be disposed between the fourth corner portion134and the first corner portion131. The first seating surface135may be disposed at a side opposite to the third seating surface137. The second seating surface136may be disposed at a side opposite to the fourth seating surface138.

The housing100may include first to fourth connecting surfaces191to194connected to the first to fourth seating surfaces135to138. The first connecting surface191may be disposed adjacent to the first seating surface135. The first connecting surface191may extend from an edge of the first seating surface135. The second connecting surface192may be disposed adjacent to the second seating surface136. The second connecting surface192may extend from an edge of the second seating surface136. The third connecting surface193may be disposed adjacent to the third seating surface137. The third connecting surface193may extend from an edge of the third seating surface137. The fourth connecting surface194may be disposed adjacent to the fourth seating surface138. The fourth connecting surface194may extend from an edge of the fourth seating surface138.

The housing may include second grooves139. At least one of the first to fourth seating surfaces138may include the second grooves139. The second grooves139formed in at least one support surface among the first to fourth seating surfaces138may extend to the first to fourth connecting surfaces194. The plurality of second grooves139may be provided. Referring to the drawings as an example, three second grooves139may be formed in the second seating surface136. Three second grooves139may extend to the second connecting surface192extending from the second seating surface136. Gas in the housing may be discharged to the outside through the second grooves139. According to the embodiment, the optical member may be coupled to the step portion130by an adhesive. When the optical member is coupled by the adhesive, some of the adhesive may be evaporated by heat and introduced into the housing. When some of the evaporated adhesive is not discharged to the outside of the housing, there can be a problem that light output by the light source is distorted. However, in the present invention, since the evaporated adhesive can be discharged through the second groove139, such a problem can be solved.

The housing100may include the first groove. The first groove may include a first region140and a second region150.

The first region140of the first groove is disposed on the upper plate101of the housing100. The first region140of the first groove extends to the side plate of the housing100. The first region140of the first groove extends to the second side plate103of the housing100. The first region140of the first groove is connected to the first corner portion131of the seating surfaces of the step portion130, In the first region140of the first groove, a bent portion may be formed in the upper plate101.

The second region150of the first groove is disposed in the upper plate101of the housing100. The second region150of the first groove extends to the side plate of the housing100. The second region150of the first groove extends to the second side plate103of the housing100. The second region150of the first groove is connected to the second corner portion132of the seating surfaces of the step portion130.

A protruding portion145may be disposed between the first region140of the first groove and the second region150of the first groove. The protruding portion145may be disposed on the upper surface of the housing. Accordingly, the first region140of the first groove and the second region150of the first groove may be spaced apart from each other by the protruding portion145, The protruding portion145may extend from the upper surface to the side surface of the housing. Accordingly, the first region140of the first groove and the second region150of the first groove may be spaced apart from each other by the protruding portion145. A length of a portion of the protruding portion145which extends to the side surface of the housing may be smaller than a height of the side plate. Accordingly, the first region140of the first groove and the second region150of the first groove may be spaced apart from each other at an upper portion of the side plate and connected to each other at a lower portion of the side plate. According to the embodiment, the first region140of the first groove and the second region150of the first groove may be spaced apart from each other at an upper portion of the second side plate103and connected to each other at a lower portion of the second side plate103of the housing100. The protruding portion145may protrude further than the conductive units disposed on the housing.

The housing100may include a pattern portion160having a concave shape in the upper surface of the housing100in contact with the cover. The pattern portion160having the concave shape may be disposed in the upper plate101of the housing100. Grooves having a concave shape may be formed in the upper plate101of the housing100along a predetermined pattern. Based on an uppermost end surface of the housing, the pattern portion160has the concave shape, but, based on bottom surfaces of the grooves having the concave shape, the pattern portion160may have a convex shape. The grooves having the concave shape may be disposed apart from each other at predetermined intervals. The housing100and the cover may be coupled by an adhesive. The adhesive may be applied on the upper surface of the housing100, and the cover may be disposed after the adhesive is applied. In this case, some of the adhesive overflows in a process of arranging the cover, and thus a manufacturing defect can occur. However, in the present invention, the pattern portion160disposed in an upper surface of the cover accommodates the adhesive overflowing in the process of arranging the cover, and thus a defect occurring in the process of manufacturing the camera module can be prevented.

The housing100may include a third groove170, The third groove170may be disposed in a lower end of the second side plate103of the housing100. The housing100and the board may be coupled by an adhesive. The adhesive may be applied on lower end portions of the first side plate to the fifth side plate106of the housing100. After the adhesive is applied, when the housing100is disposed on the board, some of the adhesive may overflow. Since the second side plate103of the side plates of the housing100is adjacent to a region in which the first to third terminals of the board are disposed, some of the overflowing adhesive may be applied on the first to third terminals of the board. When the adhesive is applied on the first to third terminals, a defect of the camera module can occur. However, since the third groove170is disposed in the lower end portion of the second side plate103, the overflowing adhesive can be accommodated in the third groove170. Accordingly, the overflowing adhesive can be prevented from being introduced into the first to third terminals of the board.

The housing100may include coupling protrusions. The housing100may include a first coupling protrusion181and a second coupling protrusion182. The first coupling protrusion181and the second coupling protrusion182may be inserted into a first coupling hole and a second coupling hole formed in the board. In this case, an example of two coupling protrusions is illustrated, but one or three or more coupling protrusions may be provided.

Hereinafter, the forms in which the housing and the conductive units, the dummy electrodes, and the optical member will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.9to12.FIG.9is a view illustrating the first conductive unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG.10is a view illustrating the second conductive unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG.11is plan view illustrating the housing in which the conductive units, the dummy electrodes, and the optical member according to the embodiment of the present invention are coupled,FIG.12is a side view illustrating the housing in which the conductive units, the dummy electrodes, and the optical member according to the embodiment of the present invention are coupled.

Referring toFIG.9, a first conductive unit211may include first to third parts212to214. In addition, the second part213of the first conductive unit211may include a first sub-part213-1and a second sub-part213-2. In addition, a first sub part213-1of the first conductive unit211may include a first piece213-11and a second piece213-12.

As illustrated inFIGS.11and12, the first conductive unit211is disposed on the first corner portion of the step portion and in the first region140of the first groove of the housing.

The first part212of the first conductive unit211is disposed on the first corner portion of the step portion.

A shape of the first part212when viewed from above may be the same as a shape of the first corner portion when viewed from above.

The first part212is connected to the second part213. That is, the first part212may extend from the second part213.

The second part213of the first conductive unit211is disposed along the first region140of the first groove.

Since the second part213is disposed along the first region140of the first groove, a bent portion may be formed along the first region140of the first groove. First, the first sub-part213-1of the first conductive unit211is disposed in the first region140of the first groove formed in an upper portion of the housing, and the second sub-part213-2of the first conductive unit211is disposed in the first region140of the first groove formed in the side surface of the housing. Accordingly, the first sub-part213-1and the second sub-part213-2may be bent and extend from each other. The first sub-part213-1and the second sub-part213-2may be bent at a predetermined curvature and extend. In addition, since the bent portion is formed in the first region140of the first groove formed in the upper portion of the housing, the second sub-part213-1may be formed to be bent. In the second sub-part213-1, the first piece213-11and the second piece213-12may be bent to be connected to each other. In the drawing, the first piece213-11and the second piece213-12are perpendicular to each other in longitudinal directions but this is only exemplary. The longitudinal directions of the first piece213-11and the second piece213-12may also form a predetermined angle other than 90 degrees. Since the step portion of the housing is formed at a lower position than the upper surface of the housing, an inclination may be formed in the first region140of the first groove extending from the first corner portion of the step portion. Accordingly, the first piece213-11may be formed to be bent along a corresponding inclined surface.

A width of the second part213may be smaller than a width of the first region140of the first groove. Accordingly, the second part213may be disposed apart from the first region140of the first groove. A thickness of the second part213may be smaller than a depth of the first region140of the first groove. Accordingly, even when the cover is installed on the housing, the second part213may be spaced apart from the cover.

The second part213may be disposed between and connected to first part212and the third part214, The second part213may extend from the first part212and the third part214.

The third part214of the first conductive unit211is disposed along the first region140of the first groove. The third part214is disposed in the first region140of the first groove disposed in the side surface of the housing.

A width of the third part214may be greater than a width of the second part213. Accordingly, stability of electrical coupling between the terminal formed on the circuit board and the first conductive unit211can be improved. A thickness of the third part may be smaller than the depth of the first region140of the first groove. Accordingly, even when the cover is installed on the housing, the third part214may be spaced apart from the cover.

The third part214extends from the second part213. The third part214extends from the second sub-part213-2.

Referring toFIG.10, a second conductive unit215may include first to third parts216to218. In addition, the second part217of the second conductive unit215may include a first sub-part217-1and a second sub-part217-2.

As illustrated inFIGS.11and12, the second conductive unit215is disposed in the second corner portion of the step portion and the second region150of the first groove of the housing.

The first part216of the second conductive unit215is disposed on the second corner portion of the step portion.

A shape of the first part216when viewed from above may be the same as a shape of the second corner portion when viewed from above.

The first part216is connected to the second part217. That is, the first part216may extend from the second part217.

The second part217of the second conductive unit215is disposed along the second region150of the first groove.

Since the second part217is disposed along the second region150of the first groove, a bent portion may be formed along the second region150of the first groove. The first sub-part217-1of the second conductive unit215is disposed in the second region150of the first groove formed in the upper portion of the housing, and the second sub-part217-2of the second conductive unit215is disposed in the second region150of the first groove formed in the side surface of the housing. Accordingly, the first sub-part217-1and the second sub-part217-2may be bent and extend from each other. The first sub-part217-1and the second sub-part217-2may be bent at a predetermined curvature and extend. Since the step portion of housing is positioned at a lower position than the upper surface of the housing, an inclination may be formed in the second region150of the first groove extending from the second corner portion of the step portion. Accordingly, the first sub-part217-1may be formed to be bent along a corresponding inclined surface.

A width of the second part217may be smaller than a width of the second region150of the first groove. Accordingly, the second part217may be disposed apart from the second region150of the first groove. A thickness of the second part217may be smaller than a depth of the second region150of the first groove. Accordingly, even when the cover is installed on the housing, the second part217may be spaced apart from the cover.

The second part217may be disposed between and connected to the first part216and the third part218. The second part217may extend from the first part216and the third part218.

The third part218of the second conductive unit215is disposed along the second region150of the first groove. The third part218is disposed in the second region150of the first groove disposed in the side surface of the housing.

A width of the third part218may be greater than a width of the second part217. Accordingly, stability of electrical connection between the terminal formed on the circuit board and the second conductive unit215can be improved. A thickness of the third part may be smaller than the depth of the second region150of the first groove. Accordingly, even when the cover is installed on the housing, the third part218may be spaced apart from the cover.

The third part218extends from the second part217. The third part218extends from the second sub-part217-2. The third part218may be bent and extend from the second part217.

A first dummy electrode221is disposed on the third corner portion disposed in the diagonal direction from the first corner portion of the step portion. A second dummy electrode222is disposed on the fourth corner portion disposed in the diagonal direction from the second corner portion of the step portion. In addition, the transparent electrodes are disposed above the first conductive unit211, the second conductive unit215, the first dummy electrode221, and the second dummy electrode222.

Thicknesses of the first dummy electrode221and the second dummy electrode222may be the same as the thicknesses of the first conductive unit211and the second conductive unit215. The thicknesses of the first dummy electrode221and the second dummy electrode222may be the same as thicknesses of the first part212of the first conductive unit211and the first part216of the second conductive unit215. Since the thicknesses of the first conductive unit211, the second conductive unit215, the first dummy electrode221, and the second dummy electrode222are the same, the optical member50disposed thereon may maintain balance. In this case, the thickness may be a length in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the housing.

The transparent electrodes may be coupled to the optical member50and disposed above the first conductive unit211, the second conductive unit215, the first dummy electrode221, and the fourth dummy electrode222. The transparent electrodes may be coupled to the optical member50and disposed above the first to fourth seating surfaces135to138of the step portion.

Hereinafter, the cover according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.13and14.FIG.13is a plan view illustrating the cover according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG.14is a side view illustrating the cover according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The cover300may have a hexahedron shape having an open lower surface. The cover300may include an upper plate310and first to fifth side plates325. The cover300may include the upper plate310including holes and the first to fifth side plates321to325extending downward from an outer periphery or edge of the upper plate310.

The upper plate310may have a quadrangular shape. A step may be formed at one edge of the quadrangular shape of the upper plate310, The upper plate310may include a first hole331and a second hole332. The first hole331may have a quadrangular shape, and a second hole332may have a circular shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. A width of the first hole331may be smaller than a width of the second hole332but is not limited thereto.

The first side plate321and the second side plate322may be disposed on one surface of the cover300. Each of the second to fifth side plates322to325may be disposed on one surface among different surfaces. The first side plate321and the second side plate322may be disposed at a side opposite to the fourth side plate324. The third side plate323may be disposed at a side opposite to the fifth side plate325. For example, the first side plate321and the second side plate322may be disposed on a first side surface of the cover300. The third side plate323may be disposed on a second side surface of the cover300. The fourth side plate324may be disposed on a third side surface of the cover300. The fifth side plate325may be disposed on a fourth side surface of the cover300.

The first side plate321may be disposed adjacent to the fifth side plate325and the second side plate322. The first side plate321may extend laterally from outer peripheries or edges of the second side plate322and the fifth side plate325. The second side plate322may be disposed adjacent to the first side plate321and the third side plate323. The second side plate322may extend laterally from outer peripheries or edges of the first side plate321and the third side plate323. The third side plate323may be disposed adjacent to the second side plate322and the fourth side plate324. The third side plate323may extend laterally from the outer periphery or edge of the second side plate322and an outer periphery or edge of the fourth side plate324. The fourth side plate324may be disposed adjacent to the third side plate323and the fifth side plate325. The fourth side plate324may extend laterally from the outer peripheries or edges of the third side plate323and the fifth side plate325, The fifth side plate325may be disposed adjacent to the fourth side plate324and the first side plate321, The fifth side plate325may extend laterally from the outer peripheries or edges of the fourth side plate324and the first side plate321.

The first side plate321and the second side plate322may have different heights. A height h1 of the first side plate321may be greater than a height h2 of the second side plate322. Accordingly, the first side plate321may be spaced a predetermined distance h3 from the board.

A width w1 of the third side plate323may be smaller than a width w2 of the fifth side plate325. Accordingly, in a plan view of the cover300, a step having a predetermined width (width w2−width w1) may be formed between the first side plate321and the second side plate322. In the plan view of the cover300, the cover300may include the step having the predetermined width (width w2−width w1) and a concave portion in the second side plate322. The concave portion of the cover300may be disposed adjacent to one corner of the circuit board4. The concave portion of the cover300may correspond to the second side plate322and a protruding portion326which will be described below. A single concave portion of the cover300may be provided as illustrated, or a plurality of concave portions of the cover300may be provided. When the single concave portion of the cover300is provided, since a portion in which the cover300is bent may be minimized in the plan view, processability and physical reliability of cover300can be improved.

The cover300may include the protruding portion326disposed on the lower end of the second side plate322. In the lower end portion of the second side plate322, the protruding portion326may extend from a region corresponding to the first terminal of the circuit board. A value of a height of the protruding portion326may be the same as a value obtained by subtracting the height h2 of the first side plate321from the height h1 of the second side plate322. Accordingly, the protruding portion326may be in contact with the first terminal of the circuit board. A left side and a right side of the protruding portion326may be open. A width of a lower end of the protruding portion326, that is, a portion in contact with the first terminal of the circuit board may be smaller than a width of the first terminal of the circuit board.

FIG.15is an enlarged view illustrating one side of the camera module according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In a state in which the housing and the cover300are disposed on the circuit board4, first to third soldering portions430may be disposed. The first soldering portion410may be disposed on a first terminal41of the circuit board4and the protruding portion326of the cover300. Connection between the first terminal41of the circuit board4and the protruding portion326of the circuit board4may be maintained through the first soldering portion410. The second soldering portion420may be disposed on a second terminal42of the circuit board4and the first conductive unit211. Connection between the second terminal42of the circuit board4and the first conductive unit211may be maintained through the second soldering portion420. The third soldering portion430may be disposed on a third terminal43of the circuit board4and the second conductive unit215. Contact between the third terminal43of the circuit board4and the second conductive unit215may be maintained through the third soldering portion430.

The first to third terminals41to43may be disposed at one side of the circuit board4. The first to third terminals41to43may be disposed adjacent to any one edge of the circuit board4. For example, when an upper surface of the circuit board4has a quadrangular shape, the first to third terminals41to43may be disposed adjacent to any one of two long sides and two short sides. The first to third terminals41to43may be disposed adjacent to any one corner portion of the circuit board4. For example, when the upper surface of the circuit board4has a rectangular shape, the first to third terminals41to43may be disposed adjacent to any one corner portion among four corner portions. The first to third terminals41to43may be electrically divided from each other. The first to third terminals41to43may be structurally spaced apart from each other.

The first to third soldering portions430may be disposed in a state in which the housing on the circuit board4is coupled to the circuit board4. That is, the first to third soldering portions430are disposed outside the housing. The cover300may include a groove through which a part of the housing is exposed when coupled to the housing. The groove may be disposed between the protruding portion326and the first side plate321. The groove may expose at least one of the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit disposed on the housing. Such a structure has an advantage that a process of connecting the conductive units exposed through the groove and the terminals and a process of connecting the protruding portion326of the cover300and the terminal of the circuit board4can be performed at the same time.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, since the second side plate322of the cover is spaced apart from an upper end of the circuit board4, even after both the housing and the cover300are coupled to the upper end of the circuit board4, the second soldering portion420and the third soldering portion430may be disposed. Since the first soldering portion to the third soldering portion430are disposed in one process, there may be advantages that a manufacturing process can become simple, and a process time and a process cost can be reduced. In addition, since a protruding portion or a bent portion of the circuit board can be minimized, the processability of the circuit board can be improved, and durability can be maintained.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention may be performed in different concrete forms without changing the technological scope and essential features. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be considered as only examples in all aspects and not for purposes of limitation.