Camera module manufacturing apparatus, camera module, and manufacturing method thereof

A camera module manufacturing apparatus includes: a chart unit configured to provide an image for optical-axis alignment to a substrate assembly including an image sensor; a substrate alignment unit disposed opposite to the chart unit, aligning the substrate assembly, and electrically connected to the image sensor; an optical axis alignment unit configured to allow an optical axis of a lens assembly including a lens and an actuator to be aligned with respect to an optical axis of the image sensor; and a camera module fixing unit positioned adjacent to the optical axis alignment unit, and fixing the lens assembly on the substrate assembly by applying an instantaneous curing adhesive, which is an inorganic material, to the lens assembly and the substrate assembly which are aligned.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a camera module manufacturing apparatus, a camera module, and a manufacturing method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the case of a camera module, especially a camera module mounted on a portable electronic device, as a number of pixels decreases due to a recent high resolution and miniaturization of mobile phones, a picture quality is greatly deteriorated even with a slight distortion of an optical axis.

In addition, in the case of vehicle camera modules, with the introduction of automatic parking function, lane detection function, and around view monitoring, a distance to an object, a size and shape of the object, a matching rate with a driver's field of view, and a degree of image alignment between cameras are becoming very important.

Therefore, when the camera module is assembled by coupling the lens assembly and the substrate having the image sensor, the camera module needs to be assembled to obtain optimal image characteristics.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments include a camera module manufacturing apparatus, in which an optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of an image sensor are aligned when the camera module is assembled by using an instantaneous curing adhesive, and productivity is maximized.

According to one or more embodiments, a camera module manufacturing apparatus includes: a chart unit configured to provide an image for optical-axis alignment to a substrate assembly including an image sensor; a substrate alignment unit disposed opposite to the chart unit, aligning the substrate assembly, and electrically connected to the image sensor; an optical axis alignment unit configured to allow an optical axis of a lens assembly including a lens and an actuator to be aligned with respect to an optical axis of the image sensor; and a camera module fixing unit positioned adjacent to the optical axis alignment unit, and fixing the lens assembly on the substrate assembly by applying an instantaneous curing adhesive, which is an inorganic material, to the lens assembly and the substrate assembly which are aligned.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate assembly may further include a first extension part extending in a direction crossing the optical axis, and a first fixing part provided on one side of the first extension part and protruding from a surface of the first extension part.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lens assembly may further include a second extension part formed corresponding to the first extension part and having a second hole formed to receive the first fixing part at one side thereof.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera module fixing unit may apply the instantaneous curing adhesive between the second hole of the lens assembly and the first fixing part of the substrate assembly so as to fix the lens assembly on the substrate assembly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera module fixing unit may apply the instantaneous curing adhesive in a direction from the lens assembly to the substrate assembly so as to fix the lens assembly on the substrate assembly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the adhesive may include solder.

According to other embodiments, a camera module manufacturing apparatus comprises: a chart unit configured to provide an image for optical-axis alignment to a substrate assembly including an image sensor; a substrate alignment unit disposed opposite to the chart unit, aligning the substrate assembly, and electrically connected to the image sensor; an optical axis alignment unit configured to allow an optical axis of a lens assembly including a lens and an actuator to be aligned with respect to an optical axis of the image sensor; and a camera module fixing unit positioned adjacent to the optical axis alignment unit, and fixing the lens assembly on the substrate assembly by applying an instantaneous curing adhesive, which is an inorganic material, to the lens assembly and the substrate assembly which are aligned, wherein, the substrate assembly comprises a first extension part extending in a direction crossing the optical axis thereof, and the lens assembly comprises a second extension part formed to correspond to the first extension part, wherein one of the first extension part and the second extension part comprises a fixing part protruding from a surface thereof, and the other one that does not comprise the fixing part comprises a hole for receiving the fixing part, and wherein the camera module fixing unit applies the instantaneous curing adhesive between the hole and the fixing part in a state in which the hole receives the fixing part, to fix the lens assembly and the substrate assembly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing part is formed on the second extension part, and the hole is formed in the first extension part.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera module fixing unit applies the instantaneous curing adhesive in a direction from the substrate assembly toward the lens assembly to fix the substrate assembly on the lens assembly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the instantaneous curing adhesive comprises a solder.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first extension part and the second extension part are each provided as a plurality of extension parts, the substrate assembly further comprises at least a first connection part positioned between neighboring first extension parts and connecting the same to each other, and the lens assembly further comprises at least a second connection part positioned between neighboring second extension parts and connecting the same to each other.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first extension part and the first connection part are integrally formed, and the second extension part and the second connection part are integrally formed.

According to another embodiments, a camera module comprises: a substrate assembly comprising an image sensor and having a first extension part extending in a direction crossing an optical axis of the image sensor; a lens assembly comprising a lens and an actuator and having a second extension part formed to correspond to the first extension part; and an instantaneous curing adhesive for fixing the lens assembly and the substrate assembly to each other, wherein one of the first extension part and the second extension part comprises a fixing part protruding from a surface thereof, and the other one that does not comprise the fixing part comprises a hole for receiving the fixing part, and the instantaneous curing adhesive is applied between the hole and the fixing part in a state in which the hole receives the fixing part, and the hole passes through the first extension part or the second extension part.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing part is formed on the second extension part, and the hole is formed in the first extension part.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the instantaneous curing adhesive is applied in a direction from the substrate assembly toward the lens assembly to fix the substrate assembly on the lens assembly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the instantaneous curing adhesive comprises a solder.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first extension part and the second extension part are each provided as a plurality of extension parts, the substrate assembly further comprises at least a first connection part positioned between neighboring first extension parts and connecting the same to each other, and the lens assembly further comprises at least a second connection part positioned between neighboring second extension parts and connecting the same to each other.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first extension part and the first connection part are integrally formed, and the second extension part and the second connection part are integrally formed.

According to another embodiments, a camera module manufacturing method comprises: providing an image for optical-axis alignment to a substrate assembly comprising an image sensor; allowing an optical axis of a lens assembly comprising a lens and an actuator to be aligned with respect to an optical axis of the image sensor; and fixing the lens assembly on the substrate assembly by applying an instantaneous curing adhesive, which is an inorganic material, to the lens assembly and the substrate assembly which are aligned, wherein the substrate assembly comprises a first extension part extending in a direction crossing the optical axis thereof, and the lens assembly comprises a second extension part formed to correspond to the first extension part, one of the first extension part and the second extension part comprises a fixing part protruding from a surface thereof, and the other one that does not include the fixing part comprises a hole for receiving the fixing part, and in the fixing of the lens assembly on the substrate assembly, the instantaneous curing adhesive is applied between the hole and the fixing part in a state in which the hole receives the fixing part to fix the lens assembly and the substrate assembly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing part is formed on the first extension part, and the hole is formed in the second extension part.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing part is formed on the second extension part, and the hole is formed in the first extension part.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fixing of the lens assembly on the substrate assembly, the instantaneous curing adhesive is applied in a direction from the lens assembly toward the substrate assembly to fix the lens assembly on the substrate assembly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fixing of the lens assembly on the substrate assembly, the instantaneous curing adhesive is applied in a direction from the substrate assembly toward the lens assembly to fix the substrate assembly on the lens assembly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the instantaneous curing adhesive includes a solder.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first extension part and the second extension part are each provided as a plurality of extension parts, the substrate assembly further comprises at least a first connection part positioned between neighboring first extension parts and connecting the same to each other, and the lens assembly further comprises at least a second connection part positioned between neighboring second extension parts and connecting the same to each other.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first extension part and the first connection part are integrally formed, and the second extension part and the second connection part are integrally formed.

Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the following embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and when describing with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Since the present embodiments can apply various transformations, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. Effects and features of the present embodiments, and a method of achieving them will be apparent with reference to the contents described later in detail together with the drawings. However, the embodiments are not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various forms.

In the following embodiments, terms such as first and second are used for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from other constituent elements rather than a limiting meaning.

In the following examples, expressions in the singular include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the following embodiments, terms such as include or have means that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

In the following embodiments, when a part, such as a unit, a region, or a component, is on or on another part, not only is it directly above the other part, but also another unit, region, component, etc. is interposed therebetween. Includes cases.

In the following examples, terms such as connect or combine do not necessarily mean direct and/or fixed connection or combination of two members, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and that another member is interposed between the two members. It is not to exclude.

It means that a feature or component described in the specification is present, and does not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of description. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of description, and thus the following embodiments are not necessarily limited to those shown.

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating an example of a camera module10to be assembled by a camera module manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.2is an exploded perspective view ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, an example of the camera module10may be a mobile, PC, and/or a camera module for a vehicle, and may include a substrate assembly1and a lens assembly2. In addition, the camera module10may further include an adhesive part3.

The substrate assembly1may have a structure in which an image sensor12is coupled to a PCB11on which a conductive wiring pattern is formed. The substrate assembly1may further include a first extension part13extending in a direction crossing a first optical axis Ax1of the image sensor12, and a first fixing part15provided on one side of the first extension part13and protruding from a surface of the first extension part13.

The substrate assembly1may include a plurality of first extension parts13extending from the image sensor12to the outside, and may include three first extension parts13symmetrically disposed as shown in the drawing. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first extension part13may have any structure capable of stably fixing the substrate assembly1and the lens assembly2.

The first fixing part15may be provided at one side of the first extension part13, may protrude from a surface of the first extension part13, and may protrude in a measurement direction of the image sensor12. The first fixing part15may be integrally formed through an injection molding process when the PCB substrate11is manufactured.

The lens assembly2may include an actuator22and a lens21received therein, and the actuator22may include an electrode pin (not shown) electrically connected to at least the PCB substrate11and/or the image sensor12. The actuator22may include an actuator for autofocus and/or an actuator for camera shake correction, and the actuator for auto focus actuator and the actuator for camera shake correction may be integrally provided.

The lens assembly2may further include a second extension part23formed to correspond to the first extension part13of the substrate assembly1and having a second hole25formed at one side thereof to receive the first fixing part15. For example, when three first extension parts13are provided, three second extension parts23may also be provided, and the shapes of the second extension part23may be the same as those of the first extension part13. The second hole25may be formed as a through hole for receiving the first fixing part15. The lens assembly2may be temporarily fixed to the substrate assembly1by coupling the second hole25to the first fixing part15.

The adhesive part3may connect the first fixing part15and the second hole25to fix the lens assembly2to the substrate assembly1. The adhesive part3may include an inorganic material, and as an embodiment, may include solder. The adhesive part3may include one or more metal materials selected from lead, lead-free, tin (Sn), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), a lead (Pb)-tin (Sn) mixture, a silver (Ag)-tin (Sn) mixture, and a copper (Cu)-tin (Sn) mixture. The number of the adhesive parts3corresponds to the number of each of the first extension parts13and the second extension parts23, thereby stably fixing the lens assembly2to the substrate assembly1.

FIG.3is a conceptual view schematically illustrating a configuration of a camera module manufacturing apparatus100for assembling the camera module10illustrated inFIG.1according to an exemplary embodiment,FIG.4is a conceptual view illustrating a portion of the camera module manufacturing apparatus100ofFIG.3according to an exemplary embodiment, andFIG.5is a view sequentially illustrating a method of manufacturing a camera module by using the camera module manufacturing apparatus100ofFIG.3.

Referring toFIGS.3to5, the camera module manufacturing apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a chart unit111, a substrate alignment unit120, an optical axis alignment unit110, and a camera module fixing unit130.

The chart unit111may provide an image for optical axis alignment to the substrate assembly1including the image sensor12. The chart unit111may include at least a light source1113and an inspection chart1111, and thus may allow the lens of the lens assembly2and the optical axis of the image sensor12to be aligned with respect to each other. That is, the image sensor12senses an image of the inspection chart passing through the lens in a state in which the light source1113, the inspection chart1111, the lens, and the image sensor are sequentially aligned from the top of the drawing, to determine whether the optical axis of the lens is aligned with the optical axis of the image sensor12.

The light source1113may irradiate light downward, that is, toward the camera module, as shown inFIG.3, and the inspection chart1111may be disposed on a light path of the light. The inspection chart1111may be a light-transmissive film on which an inspection pattern for inspecting the camera module10is formed. In an embodiment, an inspection pattern for evaluating the degree of resolution of the camera module10may be formed. The inspection chart1111may be coupled to the light source1113by a separate fixing device. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the light source1113and the inspection chart1111may be integrally formed. For example, the inspection pattern may be printed on a surface of the light source1113.

The substrate alignment unit120may be disposed to face the chart unit111, may align the substrate assembly1, and may be electrically connected to the image sensor12. The substrate alignment unit120may include a mounting portion (not shown) on which the substrate assembly1is mounted. The mounting portion may be provided such that the substrate assembly1is mounted on an upper surface thereof, and may include a terminal portion (not shown) to be in contact with the substrate assembly1mounted thereon and electrically connected to the image sensor12. In this case, the terminal portion (not shown) may be electrically connected to a power source and a control unit (not shown) to transmit an image obtained through the image sensor12to the control unit (not shown).

In addition, although not shown, the mounting portion may include a driving unit for X-axis movement (x), Y-axis movement (y), Z-axis movement (z), R-axis rotation (R), and tilting (yawing Tx, Pitching Ty) so as to align the position of the substrate assembly1mounted on the upper surface thereof. The mounting portion may perform a function of finely aligning the position of the substrate assembly1by the driving unit.

The optical axis alignment unit110may align the lens assembly2including the lens and the actuator with respect to the image sensor12. In other words, the optical axis alignment unit110may optically align an second optical axis Ax2of the lens of the lens assembly2with respect to a first optical axis Ax1(seeFIG.2) of the image sensor12of the substrate assembly1, and then, the lens assembly2is coupled to the substrate assembly1to thereby form a camera module.

The optical axis alignment unit110may further include a gripping unit113configured to grip the lens assembly2so as to enable the alignment of the second optical axis Ax2with respect to the first optical axis Ax1. The gripping unit113may be electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) in which the obtained image of the camera module10is previously stored. The control unit may inspect the optical axis of the camera module10using the stored image, and may control the gripping unit113to align the second optical axis Ax2of the lens of the lens assembly2to be in correspondence with the first optical axis Ax1of the image sensor12.

For example, the control unit may align the lens assembly2with respect to the substrate assembly1by controlling the gripping unit113in such a way that the second optical axis Ax2coincides with the first optical axis Ax1. The gripping unit113may include a first guide1131extending in at least one of the x-direction and the y-direction, and a gripper1133which grips the lens assembly2while reciprocating along the first guide1131or reciprocating in the z-direction.

The driving of the gripping unit113may correspond to the driving of the substrate alignment unit120. For example, when the substrate alignment unit120is driven in five axes by the X-axis movement (x), the Y-axis movement (y), the R-axis rotation (R), and the tilting (Tx, Ty), the gripping unit113may be driven in the Z-axis movement (z). In an embodiment, when the substrate alignment unit120is driven in four axes by the X-axis movement (x), the Y-axis movement (y), the Z-axis movement (z), and the R-axis rotation (R), the gripping unit113may be driven in the tilting (Tx, Ty) manner. In other words, the driving operations of the substrate alignment unit120and the gripping unit113may be complementarily performed.

The camera module fixing unit130may be positioned adjacent to the optical axis alignment unit110. The camera module fixing unit130may fix the lens assembly2on the substrate assembly1by applying an instantaneous curing adhesive, which is an inorganic material, to the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1which are aligned with respect to each other by the optical axis alignment unit110. In this case, the instantaneous curing adhesive may include an inorganic material, for example, solder. The camera module fixing unit130may be a soldering unit.

Although not shown, the camera module fixing unit130may include a second guide extending in the x-direction and the y-direction, and an adhesive application unit (not shown) which applies an instantaneous curing adhesive between the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1while reciprocating along the second guide or reciprocating in the z-direction.

The adhesive application unit may include an adhesive supply unit for supplying an adhesive and a heating unit for applying heat to the adhesive supplied from the adhesive supply unit. The adhesive supply unit and the heating unit may move together while being coupled to each other, and may supply an adhesive between the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1and simultaneously apply heat so as to fix the lens assembly2, of which optical axis is aligned, on the substrate assembly1. The adhesive supply unit may supply an adhesive including at least one metal material selected from lead, lead-free lead, tin (Sn), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), a lead (Pb)-tin (Sn) mixture, a silver (Ag)-tin (Sn) mixture, a copper (Cu)-tin (Sn) mixture, in the form of solder, cream solder, and solder ball. The heating unit may include an iron or a laser, capable of supplying heat to the adhesive. However, the types of the adhesive supply unit and the heating unit are not limited to the above-described types, and various types of soldering methods using an instantaneous curing adhesive can be applicable to the adhesive application unit.

The camera module fixing unit130may fix the lens assembly2on the substrate assembly1by applying an instantaneous curing adhesive between the second hole25(seeFIG.2) of the lens assembly2and the first fixing part15of the substrate assembly1. According to an embodiment, the camera module fixing unit130may apply an instantaneous curing adhesive S in a direction from the lens assembly2to the substrate assembly1.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the lens assembly2of which the optical axes Ax1and Ax2are aligned by the optical axis alignment unit110, may be preliminarily fixed on the substrate assembly1by coupling the second hole25and the first fixing part15(seeFIG.5A). The camera module fixing unit130may apply the instantaneous curing adhesive S to the second hole25so as to fix the second hole25and the first fixing part15received by the second hole25(seeFIG.5B). Accordingly, the lens assembly2is fixed, by the adhesive part3formed by the instantaneous curing adhesive S, on the substrate assembly1in a state in which the optical axis thereof is aligned, thereby completing the camera module10(seeFIG.5C).

In an embodiment, a transfer unit150may be further included. The transfer unit150may transfer elements such as the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1, or transfer the manufactured camera module10.

Camera module manufacturing apparatuses according to embodiments of the present disclosure can minimize the optical axis distortion of a camera module by using an instantaneous curing adhesive, that is, an adhesive including a solder, which provides a fixing force instantly. In addition, in the case of camera module manufacturing apparatuses according to embodiments of the present disclosure can apply an instantaneous curing adhesive in a direction from a lens assembly to a substrate assembly, thereby enabling a chart unit to be provided above the camera module. Accordingly, the camera module manufacturing apparatuses according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be directly applied without changing the structure of existing equipment.

FIG.6is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of a camera module to be assembled by a camera module manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, another embodiment of the camera module10may include the substrate assembly1and the lens assembly2. Although not shown, an adhesive part may be further included in the coupling portion of the substrate assembly1and the lens assembly2. The same reference numerals are used for the same members as in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

As in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, the substrate assembly1may include a plurality of first extension parts13extending from the PCB substrate11in a direction crossing the first optical axis Ax1of the image sensor12, and the substrate assembly1may further include, in addition to the first extension parts13, a first connection part14extending from the PCB substrate11and positioned between neighboring first extension parts13. The first connection part14is formed to connect in between neighboring first extension parts13, and may also be connected to the substrate11between neighboring first extension parts13.

The first connection part14may be integrally formed with the substrate11and/or the first extension part13, and a conductive wire pattern electrically connected to the conductive wire pattern formed on the substrate11may be formed thereon, and at least one electronic device electrically connected to the conductive wire pattern may be mounted thereon. As in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, the substrate assembly1may include a first fixing part15protruding from the first extension part13.

Due to the first connection part14, the entire area of the substrate11connected to the image sensor12may be further enlarged, and accordingly, the degree of freedom in designing the conductive wire pattern may be increased. In addition, due to the formation of a rectangular planar structure as a whole by the assembly structure of the first connection part14and the substrate11, when the camera module10is mounted on another apparatus, compatibility thereof with other apparatuses can be improved.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the substrate assembly1may include two first connection parts14to connect neighboring first extension parts13, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any structure according to the design conditions of the substrate assembly1may be provided.

Like the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, the lens assembly2may include an actuator22and a lens21. The actuator22is provided on a support20, and at least an electrode pin (not shown) electrically connected to the PCB substrate11and/or the image sensor12, may be installed on the support20. A plurality of second extension parts23extending from the support20in a direction crossing the second optical axis Ax2of the lens21may be included. The embodiment illustrated inFIG.6may further include, in addition to the second extension parts23, a second connection part24extending from the support20and positioned between neighboring second extension parts23. The second connection part24may be formed to connect in between neighboring second extension parts23, and may also be connected to the substrate20between neighboring second extension parts23.

The second connection part24may be integrally formed with the support20and/or the second extension part23, and optionally a conductive wire pattern electrically connected to the conductive wire pattern formed on the support20may be formed thereon. Like the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, the lens assembly2may include a second hole25formed in the second extension part23.

Due to the second connection part24, the total area of the support20is further enlarged, and accordingly, the degree of freedom in design can be increased. In addition, due to the formation of a rectangular planar structure as a whole by the assembly structure of the first connection part14and the substrate11, when the camera module10is mounted on another apparatus, compatibility thereof with other apparatuses can be improved.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the lens assembly2may include two second connection parts24to connect neighboring second extension parts23, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any structure according to the design conditions of the lens assembly2may be provided.

FIG.7is a perspective view illustrating an example of a camera module10to be assembled by a camera module manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.8is an exploded perspective view ofFIG.7.

Referring toFIGS.7and8, the camera module10according to another embodiment may include the substrate assembly1, the lens assembly2, and the adhesive part3. The same reference numerals are used for the same members as in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

Unlike the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, the camera module10according to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.7and8, in the z-axis direction, the substrate assembly1is dispose above the lens assembly2. A first hole16may be formed in the first extension part13of the substrate assembly1, and a second fixing part26may be formed on a surface of the second extension part23of the lens assembly2facing the first hole16. The first hole16and the second fixing part26may be formed at positions corresponding to each other, such that the second fixing part26is inserted into the first hole16. The second fixing part26may be integrally formed through an injection process when the second extension part23is manufactured.

The substrate assembly1may be temporarily fixed on the lens assembly2by coupling between the first hole16and the second fixing part26.

As illustrated inFIG.11Cto be described later, the adhesive part3may connect the second fixing part26with the first hole16to fix the substrate assembly1on the lens assembly2. The adhesive part3may include the same material as in the previous embodiments. The adhesive part3may be formed in a number corresponding to the number of the first extension parts13and the second extension parts23to stably fix the substrate assembly1on the lens assembly2.

FIG.9is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the configuration of another embodiment of the camera module manufacturing apparatus100according to the present disclosure, and a diagram illustrating an apparatus for assembling the camera module10shown inFIG.7.FIG.10is a conceptual diagram illustrating a portion of the configuration of the camera module manufacturing apparatus100ofFIG.9.FIG.11is a view sequentially illustrating a method of manufacturing a camera module by using the camera module manufacturing apparatus100ofFIG.9.

Referring toFIGS.9to11, as in the embodiment according toFIGS.3to5described above, the camera module manufacturing apparatus100according to an embodiment may include a chart unit111, the substrate alignment unit120, the optical axis alignment unit110, and the camera module fixing unit130. Hereinafter, descriptions of the same components as those ofFIGS.3to5will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.9to11, in the camera module manufacturing apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the chart unit111is disposed on the lower portion thereof, and the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1are sequentially arranged above the chart unit111to perform inspection and/or assembly.

That is, as shown inFIGS.9and10, a light source1113and an inspection chart1111may be arranged thereunder, and the lens assembly2may be disposed above the inspection chart1111while facing the inspection chart1111. The substrate assembly1may be disposed above the lens assembly2. That is, in a state in which the light source1113, the inspection chart1111, the lens21, and the image sensor12are sequentially aligned from the bottom, the image sensor12senses the image of the inspection chart1111that has passed through the lens21to determine whether the optical axis of the lens21is aligned with the optical axis of image sensor12.

The substrate alignment unit120may be disposed to face the chart unit111, may align the substrate assembly1, and may be electrically connected to the image sensor12. The substrate alignment unit120may include a terminal portion122which is provided to contact a pad18positioned on the rear surface of the substrate assembly1and being in an electric contact with the image sensor12, so as to have an electric connection with the image sensor12. In this case, the terminal portion122may be electrically connected to a power source and a control unit (not shown) to transmit an image obtained through the image sensor12to the control unit (not shown).

Optionally, the substrate alignment unit120may include a driving unit124for X-axis movement (x), Y-axis movement (y), Z-axis movement (z), R-axis rotation (R), and tilting (yawing Tx, pitching Ty) so as to align the position of the substrate assembly1. The driving unit124may perform the function of finely aligning the position of the substrate assembly1.

The substrate alignment unit120may further include a gripping unit126configured to grip the substrate assembly1so as to enable the alignment of the first optical axis Ax1with the second optical axis Ax2. The gripping unit126may be electrically connected to the control unit (not shown). The driving unit124and the gripping unit126may be operated by the operation of the control unit, and accordingly, the driving unit124and the gripping unit126may adjust the position of the substrate assembly1in such a way that the image sensor12of the substrate assembly1performs the optical-axis alignment with respect to the lens21of the lens assembly2.

The optical axis alignment unit110may be provided to align the optical axis of the lens assembly2including the lens21and the actuator22with respect to the optical axis of the image sensor12. In other words, the optical axis alignment unit110may include a seating part112for seating the same, and, the lens21of the lens assembly2may be seated on the seating part112while facing the chart unit111located thereunder. The seating part112has an opening114in the center thereof to allow the lens21of lens assembly2to take the image of the chart unit111located thereunder. As described above, the optical axis alignment unit110including the seating part112may be provided to be fixed so as not to move, and accordingly, the relative positioning of the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1may be adjusted by the substrate alignment unit120.

Optionally, although not shown, even in the optical axis alignment unit110, a driving unit (not shown) for X-axis movement (x), Y-axis movement (y), Z-axis movement (z), R-axis rotation (rolling, R), and/or tilting (yawing Tx, pitching Ty) may be provided. The substrate alignment unit120and the optical axis alignment unit110may operate complementary to each other.

By the optical axis alignment unit110and the substrate alignment unit120, the second optical axis Ax2of the lens21of the lens assembly2may be aligned with respect to the first optical axis Ax1(seeFIG.8) of the image sensor12of the substrate assembly1, and then, a camera module in which the lens assembly2is coupled to the substrate assembly1, may be formed.

The lens assembly2may be seated on the seating part112of the optical axis alignment unit110by a separate transfer unit (not shown), and the transfer unit may also transfer the substrate assembly1to a separate standby position.

Next, the substrate assembly1may be temporarily coupled to the lens assembly2by the gripping unit126of the substrate alignment unit120. In this state, the terminal portion122of the substrate alignment unit120may be connected to the pad18of the substrate assembly1, applying of power, checking of the image sensor, and the like may be performed.

The control unit (not shown) may control the substrate alignment unit120and/or the optical axis alignment unit110such that the first optical axis Ax1coincides with the second optical axis Ax2to align the optical axis of the substrate assembly1with respect to the optical axis of the lens assembly2. At this time, the control unit may operate the chart unit111, controls the image sensor12to take the image of the inspection chart1111, and determines whether the optical-axis alignment is correct based on the obtained image.

In addition to this inspection of optical-axis alignment, optionally, the control unit enables the optical-axis alignment of the image sensor12of the substrate assembly1with respect to the lens21of the lens assembly2by finely adjusting the relative positions of lens assembly2and substrate assembly1.

When the optical-axis alignment of lens assembly2and substrate assembly1is not within a certain error range, the control unit unloads the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1without performing the bonding process. When the optical-axis alignment of lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1is within a certain error range, the control unit may control the camera module fixing unit130to apply an instantaneous curing adhesive, which is an inorganic material, to the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1which are aligned with respect to each other, to fix the substrate assembly1on the lens assembly2.

That is, the camera module fixing unit130may apply an instantaneous curing adhesive between the first hole16of the substrate assembly1and the second fixing part26of the lens assembly2so as to fix the substrate assembly1on the lens assembly2.

The camera module fixing unit130may be positioned adjacent to the optical axis alignment unit110and/or the substrate alignment unit120. The camera module fixing unit130may fix the substrate assembly1on the lens assembly2by applying an instantaneous curing adhesive, which is an inorganic material, to the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1which are aligned with respect to each other by the optical axis alignment unit110. In this case, the instantaneous curing adhesive may include an inorganic material, for example, solder. The camera module fixing unit130may be a soldering unit.

The camera module fixing unit130may include an adhesive applying unit131that applies an instantaneous curing adhesive between the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1while reciprocating in the x-direction, y-direction, and/or z-direction. In an embodiment, the camera module fixing unit130may include a measurement unit132to determine a position to which an adhesive is to be applied.

The adhesive applying unit may include an adhesive supply unit for supplying an adhesive and a heating unit for applying heat to the adhesive supplied from the adhesive supply unit. The adhesive supply unit and the heating unit may move together while being coupled to each other, and may supply an adhesive between the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1and simultaneously apply heat so as to fix the lens assembly2, of which optical axis is aligned, on the substrate assembly1. Like the previous embodiment, the adhesive applying unit131may use various types of soldering methods using an instantaneous curing adhesive. The measurement unit132may be provided as a machine vision apparatus so that the adhesive applying unit131may recognize a position to which an adhesive is to be applied. The adhesive applying unit131and the measurement unit132may be connected to a control unit.

In an embodiment, the camera module fixing unit130may apply the instantaneous curing adhesive S in a direction from the substrate assembly1to the lens assembly2.

The camera module manufacturing apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may temporarily assemble the substrate assembly1to the lens assembly2as shown inFIG.11A, followed by loading the resultant structure to the optical axis alignment unit110. In this state, the control unit may couple the terminal portion122of the substrate alignment unit120to the pad18of the substrate assembly1to be electrically connected to the image sensor12, and check the image sensor12. Next, the control unit operates the chart unit111and receives the image of the inspection chart1111from the image sensor12to inspect whether the optical axis is aligned. Additionally and/or alternatively, the control unit may operate the substrate alignment unit120and/or the optical axis alignment unit110to finely adjust the relative positions of the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1to achieve the optical-axis alignment. When the optical-axis alignment of the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1is not within a certain error range, the control unit unloads the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1without performing the bonding process. When the optical-axis alignment of lens assembly2and substrate assembly1is within a certain error range, as illustrated inFIG.11B, the control unit may control the camera module fixing unit130to apply the instantaneous curing adhesive S, which is an inorganic material, to the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1which are aligned with respect to each other, to fix the lens assembly2on the substrate assembly1. Accordingly, the substrate assembly1is fixed, by the adhesive part3formed by the instantaneous curing adhesive S, on the substrate assembly1in a state in which the optical axis thereof is aligned with the optical axis of the lens assembly2, thereby completing the camera module10(seeFIG.11C). In this case, since the adhesive part3is applied in the direction from the substrate assembly1to the lens assembly2to fix the substrate assembly1on the lens assembly2, the shape of adhesive part3is visible when viewed from the top surface of substrate assembly1.

As such, in the camera module manufacturing apparatus100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the chart unit111is disposed at the lower position, and the inspection and assembly process may be performed in a state in which the lens assembly2faces downward. Accordingly, the substrate alignment unit120and/or the camera module fixing unit130may move freely without interfering with the chart unit111and/or the optical axis alignment unit110. That is, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate alignment unit120, the chart unit111, the optical axis alignment unit110, and the camera module fixing unit130may operate without interfering with each other.

Therefore, once the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1are loaded into an equipment, the camera module fixing unit130may operate in a state where the substrate alignment unit120and/or the optical axis alignment unit110are operating together with the chart unit111, and accordingly, the camera module can be fixed simultaneously with the optical-axis alignment and/or immediately after the optical-axis alignment is completed, resulting in greatly shortening the overall assembly time.

In an embodiment, a transfer unit (not shown) may be further included. The transfer unit (not shown) may transfer elements such as the lens assembly2and the substrate assembly1, or transfer the manufactured camera module10.

Camera module manufacturing apparatuses according to embodiments of the present disclosure can minimize the optical axis distortion of a camera module by using an instantaneous curing adhesive, that is, an adhesive including a solder, which provides a fixing force instantly. In addition, in the case of camera module manufacturing apparatuses according to embodiments of the present disclosure can apply an instantaneous curing adhesive in a direction from a lens assembly to a substrate assembly, thereby enabling a chart unit to be provided above the camera module. Accordingly, the camera module manufacturing apparatuses according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be directly applied without changing the structure of existing equipment.

FIG.12is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of a camera module to be assembled by a camera module manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.12, in another embodiment of the camera module10, like the embodiment illustrated inFIG.6, the substrate assembly1may further include the first connection part14extending from the substrate11and located between neighboring first extension parts13. The first connection part14may be formed to connect in between neighboring first extension parts13, and may also be connected to the substrate11between neighboring first extension parts13.

The first connection part14may be integrally formed with the PCB substrate11and/or the first extension part13, and a conductive wire pattern electrically connected to the conductive wire pattern formed on the substrate11may be formed thereon, and at least one electronic device electrically connected to the conductive wire pattern may be mounted thereon. The substrate assembly1may include the first hole16formed in the first extension part13, like in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.8.

Due to the first connection part14, the entire area of the PCB substrate11connected to the image sensor12may be further enlarged, and accordingly, the degree of freedom in designing the conductive wire pattern may be increased. In addition, due to the formation of a rectangular planar structure as a whole by the assembly structure of the first connection part14and the substrate11, when the camera module10is mounted on another apparatus, compatibility thereof with other apparatuses can be improved.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the substrate assembly1may include two first connection parts14to connect neighboring first extension parts13, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any structure according to the design conditions of the substrate assembly1may be provided.

Like the embodiment illustrated inFIG.8, the lens assembly2may include the actuator22and the lens21. The actuator22is provided on the support20, and may include a plurality of second extension parts23extending from the support20in a direction crossing the second optical axis Ax2of the lens21. The embodiment illustrated inFIG.12may further include, in addition to the second extension parts23, a second connection part24extending from the support20and positioned between neighboring second extension parts23. The second connection part24is formed to connect in between neighboring second extension parts23, and may also be connected to the substrate20between neighboring second extension parts23.

The second connection part24may be integrally formed with the support20and/or the second extension part23, and optionally a conductive wire pattern electrically connected to the conductive wire pattern formed on the support20may be formed thereon. Like the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, the lens assembly2may include a second hole25formed in the second extension part23.

Due to the second connection part24, the total area of the support20is further enlarged, and accordingly, the degree of freedom in design can be increased. In addition, due to the formation of a rectangular planar structure as a whole by the assembly structure of the first connection part14and the PCB substrate11, when the camera module10is mounted on another apparatus, compatibility thereof with other apparatuses can be improved.

As illustrated inFIG.12, the lens assembly2may include two second connection parts24to connect neighboring second extension parts23, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any structure according to the design conditions of the lens assembly2may be provided.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera module manufacturing apparatus100may calculate the internal variables of the camera module based on the image taken by the chart unit111, and using the obtained values, optical-axis alignment and tilt alignment may be performed simultaneously.

FIG.13shows a diagram illustrating an example of an inspection chart pattern of a chart unit. A lattice point of an image is extracted by photographing a pattern of a chess bar pattern as shown inFIG.13through the image sensor12. Based on this extracted lattice point pattern, the internal variables of the camera module may be calculated.

The internal variables of the camera module may include a principal point, a focal length, and a center of distortion.FIG.14shows a diagram illustrating an example of internal variables of a camera module.

As seen in (a) ofFIG.14, the principal point indicates the degree to which the optical axis of the lens21and the optical axis of the image sensor12are misaligned. From this principal point, the movement distance of the lens21and/or the image sensor12may be calculated to achieve optical-axis alignment.

As can be seen from (b) ofFIG.14, the best position, at which the maximum resolution can be obtained, may be selected by adjusting the focal distance f between the lens21and the image sensor12.

As illustrated in (c) ofFIG.14, by calculating the center of distortion by sensing the center of the second optical axis Ax2of the lens21recognized by the image sensor12, the degree of misalignment of the first optical axis Ax1of the image sensor12with respect to the second optical axis Ax2of the lens21may be calculated. Based on the result, the degree of tilt between the image sensor12and the lens21may be calculated, and accordingly, tilt alignment may be achieved.

As such, the control unit of the present disclosure calculates the principal point, the focal distance and/or center of distortion based on the sensed image as described above, and may achieve optical-axis alignment, resolution adjustment, and/or tilt alignment based on the calculation results, and may operate the driving unit124.

These embodiments of the present disclosure described above may also be applied in combinations. In camera module manufacturing apparatuses according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical axis distortion of a camera module can be minimized by using an instantaneous curing adhesive, that is, an adhesive including solder, which provides a fixing force instantly. In addition, in the case of camera module manufacturing apparatuses according to embodiments of the present disclosure can apply an instantaneous curing adhesive in a direction from a lens assembly to a substrate assembly, thereby enabling a chart unit to be provided above the camera module. Accordingly, the camera module manufacturing apparatuses according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be directly applied without changing the structure of existing equipment.

Hereinbefore, the present disclosure has been described based on embodiments. Those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will understand that the present disclosure may be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered from an illustrative point of view rather than a limiting point of view. The scope of the present disclosure is shown in the claims rather than the above description, and all differences within the scope should be construed as being included in the disclosure.