Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a camera module according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. <CIT> discloses an image sensor module, which includes a circuit board, an image sensor and a supporting board. <CIT> discloses a low-cost imaging device fixed focus type which is to be provided in a portable terminal equipment and enables easy assembly. Technology of a voice coil motor (VCM), which is used in conventional general camera modules, is difficult to apply to a micro-scale camera module intended to exhibit low power consumption, and study related thereto has been actively conducted.

In the case of a camera module configured to be mounted in a small electronic product, such as a smartphone, the camera module may frequently receive shocks when in use, and may undergo fine shaking due to, for example, user hand tremor while capturing an image. In consideration of this fact, technology for additionally installing a device for inhibiting transfer of hand tremor to a camera module has recently been developed.

Embodiments provide a camera module and an optical device capable of improving optical performance, securing reliability of wire bonding between a printed circuit board and an image sensor, and increasing bonding force between a stiffener and the image sensor.

The height from the lower surface of the stiffener to the upper surface of the protruding portion is less than the height to the upper surface of the printed circuit board disposed on the stiffener.

The protruding portion includes a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other. The camera module further includes an adhesive member disposed in the space between the upper surfaces of the plurality of protrusions and the lower surface of the image sensor and in the space between the plurality of protrusions.

The thickness of the image sensor may be less than the thickness of the printed circuit board.

The camera module may further include a first adhesive member disposed between the second region of the stiffener and the lower surface of the printed circuit board. The first adhesive member may include therein an opening corresponding to the opening in the printed circuit board.

In addition, the camera module may further include a second adhesive member disposed between the upper surface of the protruding portion and the lower surface of the image sensor. The second adhesive member may be located at a higher position than the first adhesive member.

The printed circuit board may include a first terminal, and the image sensor may include a second terminal. The camera module may further include a wire connecting the first terminal to the second terminal.

The ratio of the first height from the upper surface of the second region of the stiffener to the upper surface of the protruding portion to the second height from the lower surface of the stiffener to the upper surface of the second region of the stiffener may be <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

A camera module according to another example may include a lens barrel, a holder, a filter disposed in the holder, a printed circuit board having therein an opening, a stiffener including a first region corresponding to the opening and a second region in which the printed circuit board is disposed, and an image sensor disposed in the first region of the stiffener. The first region of the stiffener may include a cavity recessed further than the second region of the stiffener, and the image sensor may be disposed on the bottom surface of the cavity.

A camera module according to still another example may include a lens barrel, a holder, a filter disposed in the holder, a printed circuit board having therein an opening, a stiffener including a first region corresponding to the opening and a second region in which the printed circuit board is disposed, an image sensor disposed in the first region of the stiffener, and an adhesive member including a first adhesive member disposed between the first region of the stiffener and the image sensor and a second adhesive member disposed between the second region of the stiffener and the printed circuit board. The first adhesive member and the second adhesive member may be connected to each other.

Embodiments are capable of improving the optical performance of a camera module, securing reliability of wire bonding between a printed circuit board and an image sensor, and increasing bonding force between a stiffener and the image sensor.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure, which may concretely realize the objects described above, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description of the embodiments, it will be understood that, when each element is referred to as being "on" or "under" another element, it can be directly on or under the other element, or can be indirectly formed such that one or more intervening elements are also present. In addition, when an element is referred to as being "on or under", "under the element" as well as "on the element" may be included based on the element.

In addition, the relational terms "first", "second", "on/upper part/above", and "under/lower part/below" are used herein only to distinguish between one subject or element and another subject or element without necessarily requiring or involving any physical or logical relationship or sequence between such subjects or elements. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same parts.

Additionally, the terms "comprises", "includes", and "has" described herein should be interpreted not to exclude other elements but to further include such other elements, since the corresponding elements may be inherent unless mentioned otherwise. In addition, the term "corresponding to" herein may encompass at least one of the meanings of "facing" and "overlapping".

Hereinafter, a camera module and an optical device including the same according to embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience of description, a camera module according to the embodiments will be described using the Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z), but the embodiments are not limited thereto, and may be described using other coordinate systems. In the respective drawings, the x-axis and the y-axis may be directions perpendicular to the z-axis, which is an optical-axis (OA) direction, the z-axis direction, which is the optical-axis (OA) direction, may be referred to as a 'first direction', the x-axis direction may be referred to as a 'second direction', and the y-axis direction may be referred to as a `third direction'.

A 'hand tremor compensation function' applied to a small camera module of a mobile device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC may be a function of moving a lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical-axis direction or tilting the lens with respect to the optical axis so as to cancel vibration (or motion) caused by user hand tremor.

In addition, an 'autofocus function' may be a function of automatically focusing on an object by moving the lens in the optical-axis direction according to the distance to the object so that an image sensor obtains a clear image of the object.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>, and <FIG> is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the dotted line <NUM> in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the camera module <NUM> may include a lens or a lens barrel <NUM>, a lens-moving apparatus <NUM>, a filter <NUM>, a holder <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a stiffener <NUM>, and an image sensor <NUM>. Here, the "camera module" may be referred to as an "image capture device" or a "photographing device", and the holder <NUM> may be referred to as a sensor base.

In addition, the camera module <NUM> may further include a blocking member <NUM> disposed on the filter <NUM>.

In addition, the camera module <NUM> may further include an adhesive member <NUM>.

In addition, the camera module <NUM> may further include a motion sensor <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a connector <NUM>.

The lens or the lens barrel <NUM> may be mounted in a bobbin <NUM> of the lens-moving apparatus <NUM>.

The lens-moving apparatus <NUM> may move the lens or the lens barrel <NUM>.

The camera module <NUM> may be any one of an autofocus (AF) camera module and an optical image stabilizer (OIS) camera module. The AF camera module is a camera module configured to perform only an autofocus function, and the OIS camera module is a camera module configured to perform an autofocus function and an optical image stabilizer (OIS) function.

For example, the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> may be an AF lens-moving apparatus or an OIS lens-moving apparatus, and the meanings of "AF" and "OIS" may be the same as those of the AF camera module and the OIS camera module.

For example, the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> may be an OIS lens-moving apparatus.

The lens-moving apparatus <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a bobbin <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM> to allow the lens or the lens barrel <NUM> to be mounted thereto, a first coil <NUM> disposed at the bobbin <NUM>, a magnet <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM> so as to face the first coil <NUM>, at least one upper elastic member (not shown) coupled to the upper portion of the bobbin <NUM> and the upper portion of the housing <NUM>, at least one lower elastic member (not shown) coupled to the lower portion of the bobbin <NUM> and the lower portion of the housing <NUM>, a second coil <NUM> disposed under the bobbin <NUM> (and/or the housing <NUM>), a printed circuit board <NUM> disposed under the second coil <NUM>, and a base <NUM> disposed under the printed circuit board <NUM>.

In addition, the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> may further include a cover member <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM> to provide space for accommodating the components of the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> together with the base <NUM>.

In addition, the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> may further include a support member (not shown) electrically connecting the printed circuit board <NUM> to the upper elastic member and supporting the housing <NUM> with respect to the base <NUM>. Each of the first coil <NUM> and the second coil <NUM> may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM>, and may receive a driving signal (driving current) from the printed circuit board <NUM>.

For example, the upper elastic member may include a plurality of upper springs, the support member may include support members connected to the upper springs, and the first coil <NUM> may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> via the upper springs and the support member. The printed circuit board <NUM> may include a plurality of terminals, and some of the plurality of terminals may be electrically connected to the first coil <NUM> and/or the second coil <NUM>.

The bobbin <NUM> and the lens or the lens barrel <NUM> coupled thereto may be moved in the optical-axis direction due to the electromagnetic force generated by interaction between the first coil <NUM> and the magnet <NUM>, and accordingly, the displacement of the bobbin <NUM> in the optical-axis direction may be controlled, whereby an AF operation may be implemented.

In addition, the housing <NUM> may be moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis due to the electromagnetic force generated by interaction between the second coil <NUM> and the magnet <NUM>, and accordingly, a hand tremor compensation or OIS operation may be implemented.

In addition, in order to implement an AF feedback operation, the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> may further include a sensing magnet (not shown) disposed at the bobbin <NUM> and an AF position sensor (e.g. a hall sensor) (not shown) disposed in the housing <NUM>. In addition, the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> may further include a printed circuit board (not shown) disposed in the housing and/or on the base to allow the AF position sensor to be disposed or mounted thereon. In another embodiment, the AF position sensor may be disposed at the bobbin, and the sensing magnet may be disposed in the housing. In addition, the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> may further include a balancing magnet disposed at the bobbin <NUM> so as to correspond to the sensing magnet.

The AF position sensor may output an output signal according to the result of detection of the magnitude of the magnetic field of the sensing magnet upon movement of the bobbin <NUM>. The AF position sensor may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> via the upper elastic member (or the lower elastic member) and/or the support member. The printed circuit board <NUM> may provide a driving signal to the AF position sensor, and the output of the AF position sensor may be transmitted to the printed circuit board <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> may be an AF lens-moving apparatus, and the AF lens-moving apparatus may include a housing, a bobbin disposed in the housing, a coil disposed at the bobbin, a magnet disposed in the housing, at least one elastic member coupled to the bobbin and the housing, and a base disposed under the bobbin (and/or the housing). For example, the elastic member may include the upper elastic member and the lower elastic member described above.

A driving signal (e.g. driving current) may be provided to the coil, and the bobbin may be moved in the optical-axis direction due to the electromagnetic force generated by interaction between the coil and the magnet. In another embodiment, the coil may be disposed in the housing, and the magnet may be disposed at the bobbin.

In addition, in order to implement an AF feedback operation, the AF lens-moving apparatus may further include a sensing magnet disposed at the bobbin, an AF position sensor (e.g. a hall sensor) disposed in the housing, and a printed circuit board disposed or mounted in the housing and/or on the base to allow the AF position sensor to be mounted thereon. In another embodiment, the AF position sensor may be disposed at the bobbin, and the sensing magnet may be disposed in the housing.

The camera module according to another embodiment may include, instead of the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>, a housing coupled to the lens or the lens barrel <NUM> to fix the lens or the lens barrel <NUM>, and the housing may be coupled or attached to the upper surface of the holder <NUM>. The housing attached or fixed to the holder <NUM> may not be moved, and the position of the housing may be fixed in the state in which the housing is attached to the holder <NUM>.

The printed circuit board may be electrically connected to the coil and the AF position sensor, a driving signal may be provided to each of the coil and the AF position sensor through the printed circuit board, and the output of the AF position sensor may be transmitted to the printed circuit board.

The holder <NUM> may be disposed under the base <NUM> of the lens-moving apparatus <NUM>.

The filter <NUM> may be mounted to the holder <NUM>, and the holder <NUM> may include a seating portion <NUM> on which the filter <NUM> is seated.

The adhesive member <NUM> may couple or attach the base <NUM> of the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> to the holder <NUM>. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed between the lower surface of the base <NUM> and the upper surface of the holder <NUM>, and may bond these two components to each other.

The adhesive member <NUM> may serve not only to bond components, as described above, but also to prevent foreign substances from entering the lens-moving apparatus <NUM>. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be an epoxy, a thermosetting adhesive, or an ultraviolet curable adhesive.

The filter <NUM> may be disposed in the seating portion <NUM> of the holder <NUM>.

The seating portion <NUM> of the holder <NUM> may include a protruding portion 500a protruding from the upper surface of the holder <NUM>, without being limited thereto. In another embodiment, the seating portion may be a recess, a cavity, or a hole, which is concavely formed in the upper surface of the holder <NUM>.

The protruding portion 500a of the seating portion <NUM> may serve to prevent the lower end of the lens or the lens barrel <NUM> from coming into contact with or colliding with the filter <NUM> (and/or the blocking member <NUM>).

The protruding portion 500a may be formed to protrude along the side surface of the filter <NUM> in the optical-axis direction. For example, the protruding portion 500a may be disposed around the side surface of the filter <NUM> so as to surround the side surface of the filter <NUM>.

The inner surface of the protruding portion 500a may be provided so as to face the side surface of the filter <NUM>, and these two components may be spaced apart from each other. The reason for this is to secure processing tolerance to facilitate mounting of the filter <NUM> in the seating portion <NUM> of the holder <NUM>.

In addition, the upper surface of the protruding portion 500a may be positioned above the upper surface <NUM> of the filter <NUM> in the optical-axis direction. The reason for this is to prevent the lower end of the lens or the lens barrel <NUM> from directly colliding with the filter <NUM> when the lens or the lens barrel <NUM> is mounted in the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> and moves in the optical-axis direction or moves toward the filter <NUM> due to an external impact.

The shape of the protruding portion 500a viewed from above may match the shape of the filter <NUM>, without being limited thereto. In another embodiment, the shape of the protruding portion 500a may be similar to or different from the shape of the filter <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> may have an opening <NUM> formed in the region thereof in which the filter <NUM> is mounted or disposed so that light passing through the filter <NUM> enters the image sensor <NUM>.

For example, the opening <NUM> may penetrate the holder <NUM> in the optical-axis direction, and may be referred to as a "through-hole".

For example, the opening <NUM> may penetrate the center of the holder <NUM> and may be provided in the seating portion <NUM>, and the area of the opening <NUM> may be smaller than the area of the filter <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> may be disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>, and may accommodate the filter <NUM> therein. The holder <NUM> may support the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> positioned thereon. The lower surface of the base <NUM> of the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> may be disposed on the upper surface of the holder <NUM>.

For example, the lower surface of the base <NUM> of the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> may be in contact with the upper surface of the holder <NUM>, and may be supported by the upper surface of the holder <NUM>.

For example, the filter <NUM> may be disposed in the seating portion <NUM> of the holder <NUM>.

The filter <NUM> may serve to block light in a specific frequency band, among the light passing through the lens barrel <NUM>, from entering the image sensor <NUM>.

For example, the filter <NUM> may be an infrared cutoff filter, without being limited thereto. For example, the filter <NUM> may be disposed parallel to the x-y plane, which is perpendicular to the optical axis OA.

The filter <NUM> may be attached to the seating portion <NUM> of the holder <NUM> using an adhesive member (not shown) such as UV epoxy.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed under the holder <NUM>, and the holder <NUM> may be disposed on the upper surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> may be attached or fixed to the upper surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> using an adhesive member such as an epoxy, a thermosetting adhesive, or an ultraviolet curable adhesive. In this case, the adhesive member may be disposed between the lower surface of the holder <NUM> and the upper surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may have therein an opening <NUM> corresponding to the opening <NUM> in the holder <NUM>. The opening <NUM> in the printed circuit board <NUM> may be a through-hole penetrating the printed circuit board <NUM> in the optical-axis direction.

The image sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the opening <NUM> in the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The stiffener <NUM> may be disposed under the printed circuit board <NUM>, and may include a protruding portion <NUM> formed corresponding to the opening <NUM> in the printed circuit board <NUM> to allow the image sensor <NUM> to be mounted thereto.

The protruding portion <NUM> may protrude from the region of the upper surface of the stiffener <NUM> in the optical-axis direction. The image sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the upper surface of the protruding portion <NUM>, and may be exposed through the opening <NUM> in the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The image sensor <NUM> disposed on the upper surface of the protruding portion <NUM> of the stiffener <NUM> may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> via a wire <NUM>. For example, the wire <NUM> may connect a terminal <NUM> of the image sensor <NUM> and a terminal <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> to each other.

The stiffener <NUM> is a plate-type member having a predetermined thickness and hardness, and may stably support the image sensor <NUM> and prevent damage to the image sensor due to an external impact or contact.

In addition, the stiffener <NUM> may improve a heat dissipation effect of dissipating the heat generated from the image sensor to the outside.

For example, the stiffener <NUM> may be formed of a metal material having high thermal conductivity, such as SUS or aluminum, without being limited thereto. In another embodiment, the stiffener <NUM> may be formed of glass epoxy, plastic, or synthetic resin.

In addition, the stiffener <NUM> may be electrically connected to a ground terminal of the printed circuit board <NUM>, and thus may serve as a ground for protecting the camera module from electrostatic discharge (ESD).

The image sensor <NUM> may be a part on which the light that has passed through the filter <NUM> is incident and in which an image included in the light is formed.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may be provided with various circuits, elements, and controllers in order to convert an image formed by the image sensor <NUM> into an electrical signal and to transmit the electrical signal to an external device. A circuit pattern, which is electrically connected to the image sensor and various elements, may be formed on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> may be referred to as a first holder, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be referred to as a second holder.

The image sensor <NUM> may receive an image included in the light introduced through the lens-moving apparatus <NUM>, and may convert the received image into an electrical signal.

The filter <NUM> and the image sensor <NUM> may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other and to face each other in the optical-axis (OA) direction or the first direction.

In addition, the protruding portion 500a of the holder <NUM> may be disposed so as to face the filter <NUM> in the optical-axis direction.

The blocking member <NUM> may be disposed on the upper surface of the filter <NUM>. The blocking member <NUM> may be referred to as a "masking part".

For example, the blocking member <NUM> may be disposed on the edge portion of the upper surface of the filter <NUM>, and may serve to block at least a portion of the light traveling toward the edge portion of the filter <NUM> through the lens or the lens barrel <NUM> from passing through the filter <NUM>. For example, the blocking member <NUM> may be coupled or attached to the upper surface of the filter <NUM>.

For example, the filter <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the optical-axis direction, and the blocking member <NUM> may be formed to be symmetrical with respect to the filter <NUM> along each side of the upper surface of the filter <NUM>.

In this case, the blocking member <NUM> may be formed to have a predetermined width on each side of the upper surface of the filter <NUM>.

The blocking member <NUM> may be formed of an opaque material. For example, the blocking member <NUM> may be an opaque and adhesive material that is applied to the filter <NUM>, or may be provided in the form of a film that is attached to the filter <NUM>.

The filter <NUM> and the image sensor <NUM> may be disposed so as to face each other in the optical-axis direction, and at least a portion of the blocking member <NUM> may overlap the terminal <NUM> and/or the wire <NUM> disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM> in the optical-axis direction.

The wire <NUM> and the terminal <NUM> may be formed of a conductive material such as gold, silver, copper, or a copper alloy, and this conductive material may have a property of reflecting light. The light that has passed through the filter <NUM> may be reflected by the terminal <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the wire <NUM>, and an instantaneous flash, i.e. a flare phenomenon, may occur due to this reflected light. Such a flare phenomenon may distort the image formed by the image sensor <NUM> or may deteriorate the quality of the image.

Since the blocking member <NUM> is disposed such that at least a portion thereof overlaps the terminal <NUM> and/or the wire <NUM> in the optical-axis direction, the blocking member <NUM> may block the light traveling toward the terminal <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> and/or the wire <NUM>, among the light that has passed through the lens or the lens barrel <NUM>, thereby preventing the occurrence of the aforementioned flare phenomenon, thus preventing distortion of an image formed by the image sensor <NUM> or deterioration in the quality of an image.

The motion sensor <NUM> may be mounted or disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>, and may be electrically connected to the controller <NUM> via a circuit pattern provided on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The motion sensor <NUM> outputs rotating angular speed information according to the motion of the camera module <NUM>. The motion sensor <NUM> may be implemented as a <NUM>- or <NUM>-axis gyro sensor or an angular speed sensor.

The controller <NUM> is mounted or disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the lens-moving apparatus <NUM>. For example, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> of the lens-moving apparatus <NUM>.

For example, a driving signal may be provided to each of the first coil <NUM> and the second coil <NUM> of the lens-moving apparatus <NUM> through the printed circuit board <NUM>, and a driving signal may be provided to the AF position sensor (or the OIS position sensor). Further, the output of the AF position sensor (or the OIS position sensor) may be transmitted to the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM>, and may include a port to be electrically connected to an external device.

An adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed between the lower surface of the image sensor <NUM> and the upper surface 901a of the protruding portion <NUM>, and the image sensor <NUM> may be attached or fixed to the upper surface 901a of the protruding portion <NUM> using the adhesive member <NUM>. The adhesive member <NUM> may be an epoxy, a thermosetting adhesive, an ultraviolet curable adhesive, or an adhesive film, without being limited thereto.

In addition, an adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed between the lower surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the upper surface 900a of the second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be attached or fixed to the stiffener <NUM> using the adhesive member <NUM>. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be an epoxy, a thermosetting adhesive, an ultraviolet curable adhesive, or an adhesive film, without being limited thereto.

The area of the upper surface of the protruding portion <NUM> may be equal to or greater than the area of the lower surface of the image sensor <NUM>. For example, the edge of the lower surface of the image sensor <NUM> may be in contact with the edge of the upper surface 901a of the protruding portion <NUM>, without being limited thereto. In another embodiment, the edge of the lower surface of the image sensor <NUM> may be spaced apart from the edge of the upper surface 901a of the protruding portion <NUM>.

For example, the ratio (H1:H2) of the first height H1 from the upper surface 900a of the second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM> to the upper surface 901a of the protruding portion <NUM> to the second height H2 from the lower surface 900b of the stiffener <NUM> to the upper surface 900a of the second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM> may be <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

When the value (H2/H1) obtained by dividing the second height by the first height is less than <NUM>, the stiffener <NUM> is liable to be bent or deformed to such an extent that it is not capable of supporting the printed circuit board <NUM>.

Further, when the value (H2/H1) obtained by dividing the second height by the first height is greater than <NUM>, the height by which the protruding portion <NUM> protrudes is too small to improve the flatness of the stiffener <NUM>, and the effect of reducing the height difference between the upper surface of the image sensor <NUM> and the upper surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> in the optical-axis direction is reduced, and thus the reliability of wire bonding between these two components may not be secured.

For example, H1 may be <NUM> [µm] to <NUM> [µm], and H2 may be <NUM> [µm] to <NUM> [um].

The height from the lower surface 900b of the stiffener <NUM> to the upper surface 901a of the protruding portion <NUM> of the stiffener <NUM> is less than the height to the upper surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> disposed on the stiffener <NUM>.

For example, the stiffener <NUM> may include a first region S1 and a second region S2. The first region S1 may be the region to which the image sensor <NUM> is attached, and the second region S2 may be the region to which the printed circuit board <NUM> is attached.

The first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM> may include a protruding portion <NUM> protruding on the basis of the second region S2 in the direction from the lower surface of the stiffener toward the upper surface of the stiffener, and the image sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the upper surface of the protruding portion <NUM>.

For example, the first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM> may include a protruding portion <NUM> that protrudes further than the second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM>.

The thickness T1 of the first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM> is greater than the thickness T2 of the second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM> (T1 > T2).

Since T1 > T2, warpage of the upper surface 901a of the protruding portion <NUM> of the stiffener <NUM> may be suppressed, and the flatness of the upper surface 901a of the protruding portion <NUM> may be improved. Accordingly, in the embodiment, the reliability of the image sensor <NUM> disposed on the upper surface of the protruding portion <NUM> may be improved, and the optical performance of the camera module may be improved.

Since the second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM> has a constant thickness, it may not affect the overall height of the camera module according to the embodiment.

Since the image sensor <NUM> is disposed on the upper surface 901a of the protruding portion <NUM>, the height difference between the upper surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the upper surface of the image sensor <NUM> may be reduced, with the result that the length of the wire between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the image sensor <NUM> may be reduced, and thus the reliability of wire bonding may be improved.

The spacing distance D1 between the side surface of the protruding portion <NUM> of the stiffener <NUM> and the side surface of the opening in the printed circuit board may be <NUM> [µm] to <NUM> [um].

When D1 is less than <NUM> [µm], the attachment tolerance within which the printed circuit board <NUM> is attached to the stiffener <NUM> may be reduced, which may cause misalignment between the opening <NUM> in the printed circuit board <NUM> and the protruding portion <NUM> of the stiffener <NUM> and damage to the printed circuit board <NUM> due to a collision between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the protruding portion <NUM>.

When D1 is greater than <NUM> [µm], the spacing distance between the image sensor and the printed circuit board may be excessive, and thus the reliability of wire bonding may be deteriorated.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> according to another embodiment, and <FIG> shows the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>, the image sensor <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> may include a protruding portion 901A disposed in the first region S1 to allow the image sensor to be disposed thereon or attached thereto.

The protruding portion 901A includes a plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-n (n is a natural number, and n > <NUM>).

The plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-n are spaced apart from each other, and each of the plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-n protrudes in the optical-axis direction on the basis of the upper surface 900a of the second region of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>.

An adhesive member 1750a is disposed between the upper surfaces of the plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-n and the lower surface of the image sensor <NUM>.

In addition, the adhesive member 1750a isdisposed between the plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-n, or is charged in the space between the plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-n.

The description made with reference to <FIG> may apply to H1 and H2 of <FIG>.

Each of the plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-n may have a line shape or a stripe shape, without being limited thereto. In another embodiment, it may be formed in the shape of a net, a plurality of dots, or a plurality of islands.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> according to still another embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> includes a protruding portion <NUM>, which includes a plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-m (m is a natural number, and m > <NUM>) disposed in the first region S1.

Each of the plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-m protrudes from the upper surface of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> in the optical-axis direction.

Each of the plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-m may have a line shape or a stripe shape.

One ends of the plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-m may be connected to each other. In addition, the opposite ends of the plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-m may be connected to each other.

As described with reference to <FIG>, an adhesive member is charged in the space between the upper surfaces of the plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-m and the lower surface of the image sensor <NUM> and the space between the plurality of protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-m.

The stiffener and the image sensor are fixed to each other using an adhesive member. Depending on the material of the stiffener, the bonding force between the stiffener and the image sensor may be reduced, which may cause a problem of reliability associated with bonding.

In addition, in general, when the stiffener and the image sensor are bonded to each other, pressure is applied to an adhesive. Due to this pressure, the adhesive may overflow out of the bonding surface between the stiffener and the image sensor, and thus the bonding force between these two components may be reduced.

In addition, in order to prevent overflow of the adhesive, if the area or size of the adhesive is made smaller than the size (or the area) of the lower surface of the image sensor so that the adhesive is placed inside the edge of the lower surface of the image sensor, the flatness of the image sensor is deteriorated during wire bonding, and thus reliability of wire bonding may be deteriorated.

In the embodiments shown in <FIG>, an uneven portion having a predetermined size is formed on the upper surface of the protruding portion 901A, thereby increasing the bonding area between the adhesive member 1750a and the protruding portion 901A or <NUM> of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM>, thus increasing bonding force between the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> and the image sensor <NUM>.

Here, the convex portions of the uneven portion may be the above-described protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-n or <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-m, and the concave portions of the uneven portion may be the spaces between the protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-n or <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-m.

In addition, even when pressure is applied to the adhesive member 1750a to bond the image sensor <NUM> and the protruding portion 901A or <NUM> to each other, the convex portions of the uneven portion or the protrusions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-n or <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-m may suppress overflow of the adhesive, thereby preventing deterioration in the bonding force and preventing the image sensor from being contaminated by the adhesive.

In addition, since overflow of the adhesive is suppressed as described above, the edge of the adhesive member 1750a may extend to the edge of the lower surface of the image sensor <NUM>, thereby preventing deterioration in the reliability of wire bonding when wire bonding is performed between the image sensor and the printed circuit board.

<FIG> shows an image sensor <NUM> and a printed circuit board <NUM> disposed on a stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> according to still another embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> may include a cavity <NUM> or a recess formed in a first region S1. The cavity <NUM> may have a structure that is recessed from the upper surface of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>.

For example, the first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> may include a cavity <NUM> that is depressed further than a second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>.

The image sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the cavity <NUM>, and may be attached or fixed to a bottom surface 905a of the cavity <NUM> using an adhesive member <NUM>.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed in the second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>, and the lower surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> may be attached or fixed to the second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> using the adhesive member <NUM>.

In order to increase the bonding force between the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> and the image sensor <NUM>, the bottom surface 905a of the cavity <NUM> of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> may be provided with an uneven portion or protrusions (not shown), which are the same as or similar to those described with reference to <FIG>.

The image sensor <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM> may have different thicknesses. That is, the thickness of each of the image sensor and the printed circuit board, which are mounted in the camera module, is not uniform, but may vary according to customers' requests, design specifications, or the size of the camera module. Upon wire bonding between the image sensor and the printed circuit board having various thicknesses, if the height difference between the terminal of the image sensor and the terminal of the printed circuit board in the optical-axis direction is large, the reliability of wire bonding may be deteriorated.

The depth DT from the upper surface 900a of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> to the bottom surface 905a of the cavity <NUM> may be less than or equal to the thickness T4 of the image sensor (DT ≤ T4). The reason for this is to prevent deterioration in the reliability of wire bonding between the image sensor <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM> due to an increase in the height difference between the upper surface of the image sensor <NUM> and the upper surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> in the optical-axis direction.

However, in another embodiment, DT may be greater than T4 (DT > T4) depending on the thickness of the image sensor <NUM> and the thickness of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

In the embodiment, in order to prevent deterioration in the reliability of wire bonding between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the image sensor <NUM>, which have different thicknesses from each other, the camera module according to the embodiment may include the stiffener <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG> or the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>.

For example, when the thickness T4 of the image sensor <NUM> is greater than the thickness T3 of the printed circuit board <NUM> (T4 > T3), the embodiment includes the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> so as to reduce the height difference DP between these two components in the optical-axis direction, thereby preventing deterioration in the reliability of wire bonding.

On the other hand, as shown in <FIG>, when the thickness T4 of the image sensor <NUM> is less than the thickness T3 of the printed circuit board <NUM> (T4 < T3), the embodiment may include the stiffener <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG> so as to reduce the height difference between these two components in the optical-axis direction, thereby preventing deterioration in the reliability of wire bonding.

<FIG> show a method of forming the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a reinforced plate member <NUM> for forming the stiffener is prepared.

As shown in <FIG>, a first mask <NUM> or a second mask 92a is formed on the reinforced plate member <NUM>. For example, the first mask <NUM> may be formed on the first region S1, in which the image sensor <NUM> is to be disposed, and the second mask 92a may be formed on the second region S2, in which the printed circuit board <NUM> is to be disposed.

Subsequently, the reinforced plate member <NUM> is etched using the first mask <NUM> or the second mask 92a as an etching mask to form the stiffener <NUM> of <FIG> or the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. The stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> may be formed depending on the shape of the pattern of the first mask <NUM> and the second mask 92a.

After the stiffener <NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> is formed, the first mask <NUM> or the second mask 92a is removed.

Subsequently, as shown in <FIG>, an adhesive member <NUM> is attached to the lower surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be attached to the entire area of the lower surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

For example, the ratio of the area of the lower surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> to the area of the adhesive member <NUM> attached to the lower surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> may be <NUM>:<NUM>.

In <FIG>, the thickness of the printed circuit board <NUM> is expressed differently according to the embodiment <NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> of the stiffener.

Subsequently, as shown in <FIG>, an opening <NUM> is formed so as to penetrate the printed circuit board <NUM> and the adhesive member <NUM> by selectively etching the printed circuit board <NUM> and the adhesive member <NUM> using a mask (not shown) on the printed circuit board <NUM> to which the adhesive member <NUM> has been attached.

Subsequently, as shown in <FIG>, the adhesive member <NUM> fixed to the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG> is attached to the second region of the stiffener <NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, since the opening <NUM> is formed through etching after the adhesive member <NUM> is attached to the printed circuit board <NUM>, the edge of the adhesive member <NUM> may extend to the opening <NUM> in the printed circuit board <NUM>, thereby preventing deterioration in the reliability of wire bonding when wire bonding is performed between the image sensor and the printed circuit board.

In another embodiment, unlike the processing of <FIG> and <FIG>, an adhesive member may be formed in the second region of the stiffener of <FIG>, and a printed circuit board having therein an opening may be attached to the adhesive member disposed in the second region of the stiffener.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a camera module <NUM>-<NUM> according to another embodiment, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>, the image sensor <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>. The same reference numerals as those in <FIG> denote the same components, and a description of the same components will be omitted or made briefly.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> includes a first region S1 and a second region S2, and the protruding portion <NUM> of <FIG> or the cavity <NUM> is not formed in the first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> may be a flat surface.

The printed circuit board <NUM> is attached to the second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> using an adhesive member <NUM>. An opening <NUM> may be formed so as to penetrate the printed circuit board <NUM> and the adhesive member <NUM> to expose the first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may have a structure in which a first insulating layer <NUM>-<NUM>, a first conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM>, a second insulating layer <NUM>-<NUM>, a second conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM>, and a third insulating layer <NUM>-<NUM> are sequentially stacked.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may include at least one terminal <NUM>, which is disposed on the third insulating layer <NUM>-<NUM> and is electrically connected to at least one of the first conductive layer <NUM>-<NUM> or the second conductive layer.

The inner surface 17a of the adhesive member <NUM> may extend to the inner surface 17b of the opening <NUM> in the printed circuit board <NUM>.

For example, the inner surface 17a of the adhesive member <NUM> and the inner surface 17b of the opening <NUM> in the printed circuit board <NUM> may be positioned in the same plane in the optical-axis direction.

The adhesive member <NUM> disposed in the first region S1 may be spaced apart from the adhesive member <NUM> disposed in the second region S2. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> and the adhesive member <NUM> may have different thicknesses from each other, or may be formed through different processes from each other.

The image sensor <NUM> is disposed on the first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>, which is exposed through the opening <NUM>, and is attached to the first region S1 using the adhesive member <NUM>.

The image sensor <NUM> may include a terminal <NUM>, which is electrically connected to the terminal <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> via a wire <NUM>.

<FIG> show a process of coupling the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>, the image sensor <NUM>, the printed circuit board <NUM>, and the adhesive member <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a printed circuit board <NUM> having therein an opening <NUM> to expose the image sensor <NUM> and an adhesive member 1700b having a size corresponding to the size of the printed circuit board <NUM> are prepared. Here, the opening <NUM> may be a through-hole penetrating the printed circuit board <NUM>.

For example, the area of the printed circuit board <NUM> defined by the horizontal length and the vertical length thereof may be the same as the area of the adhesive member <NUM> defined by the horizontal length and the vertical length thereof.

Subsequently, the adhesive member 1700b is attached to the lower surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> having therein the opening <NUM>. A portion of the adhesive member 1700b attached to the lower surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> may be exposed through the opening <NUM> in the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the area of the adhesive member 1700b exposed through the opening <NUM> may be the same as the area of the opening <NUM>.

Subsequently, referring to <FIG>, the region 1700a of the adhesive member 1700b that is exposed through the opening <NUM> is removed through an etching process using a mask to form an adhesive member <NUM> having therein an opening, and the mask is removed.

An opening <NUM> may be formed so as to penetrate the printed circuit board <NUM> and the adhesive member <NUM> through the processing of <FIG>.

Subsequently, referring to <FIG>, the adhesive member <NUM> is attached to the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>. The first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> may be exposed through the opening <NUM>.

Subsequently, the image sensor <NUM> is disposed or mounted in the first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>. The image sensor <NUM> may be attached to the first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> using the adhesive member <NUM>. Subsequently, a wire connecting the terminal of the printed circuit board <NUM> to the terminal of the image sensor <NUM> is formed through a wire-bonding process.

Since the opening <NUM> is formed through an etching process after the adhesive member <NUM> is bonded to the printed circuit board <NUM> and since the printed circuit board <NUM> and the adhesive member <NUM>, which have therein the opening <NUM> and are coupled to each other, are simultaneously attached to the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>, the embodiment is capable of preventing the generation of an unfilled region between the lower surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>, in which the adhesive member <NUM> is not charged.

In general, when the printed circuit board and the stiffener are attached to each other using an adhesive, pressure is applied to the adhesive. Due to this pressure, the adhesive may overflow out of the bonding surface between the stiffener and the printed circuit board, whereby the bonding force between these two components may be reduced, or the image sensor may be contaminated.

In order to prevent overflow of the adhesive and to secure the attachment tolerance of the adhesive, the adhesive is attached to the printed circuit board so as to be spaced inwards apart from the inner surface of the opening in the printed circuit board by <NUM> [um] to <NUM> [µm]. However, in the case in which the adhesive is attached to the printed circuit board so as to be spaced inwards apart from the inner surface of the opening in the printed circuit board by <NUM> [um] to <NUM> [µm], an unfilled region, in which the adhesive is not charged, is generated between the printed circuit board and the stiffener, which may cause warpage of the printed circuit board, and when wire bonding is performed between the warped printed circuit board and the image sensor, the reliability of wire bonding may be deteriorated.

<FIG> shows wire bonding between a printed circuit board <NUM> and an image sensor <NUM> when a region <NUM>-<NUM> in which an adhesive is not charged is present.

Referring to <FIG>, in the case in which the adhesive <NUM> is disposed so as to be spaced inwards apart from the inner surface of the opening in the printed circuit board <NUM> by a predetermined distance (d1 = <NUM> [um] to <NUM> [µm]), a region <NUM>-<NUM> in which the adhesive <NUM> is not charged may be formed between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the stiffener <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be warped due to the presence of the region <NUM>-<NUM> in which the adhesive <NUM> is not charged.

In the case of forming a wire <NUM> connecting a terminal 32a provided at a warped portion of the printed circuit board <NUM> to a terminal 33a of the image sensor <NUM> using a wire-bonding apparatus <NUM>, wire bouncing may occur, and the reliability of wire bonding may be deteriorated.

<FIG> shows simulation results pertaining to a height difference caused by warpage of the printed circuit board <NUM> shown in <FIG>, which occurs due to the force applied thereto during wire bonding, and the height difference caused by warpage of the printed circuit board <NUM> according to the embodiment of <FIG>, which occurs due to the force applied thereto during wire bonding.

Here, the height difference in <FIG> may be the height difference from one end of the printed circuit board <NUM> to the opposite end thereof, which is indicated by F1. For example, the height difference in <FIG> may be the height difference between the highest point of the printed circuit board and the lowest point thereof. The X-axis represents the force applied to the printed circuit board <NUM> or <NUM> by the wire-bonding apparatus, and the unit of force may be [g-cm/s^<NUM>]. The Y-axis represents the height difference, and the unit thereof may be micrometers.

g1 represents the height difference caused by warpage of the printed circuit board <NUM>, and g2 represents the height difference caused by warpage of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, as the force applied to the printed circuit board <NUM> increases, the height difference g1 increases, but even when the force applied to the printed circuit board <NUM> increases, the height difference g2 may be constant.

According to the simulation results of <FIG>, in the embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> is warped insignificantly during wire bonding, and thus the height difference is constant, thereby securing reliability of wire bonding between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the image sensor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of other embodiments of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>, the image sensor <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>. The same reference numerals as those in <FIG> denote the same components, and a description of the same components will be omitted or made briefly.

Referring to <FIG>, the printed circuit board <NUM> and the image sensor <NUM> may be attached to the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> using one adhesive member 1700b.

That is, the adhesive member 1700b includes a first adhesive member 1700b1 disposed in a first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> and a second adhesive member 1700b2 disposed in a second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> and connected to or contiguous with the first adhesive member 1700b1.

For example, the first adhesive member 1700b1 is in contact with the opening <NUM> in the printed circuit board <NUM> along the inner surface of the opening <NUM> in the printed circuit board <NUM>.

For example, the adhesive member 1700b may cover the entire area of the first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>.

For example, the upper surface of the first adhesive member 1700b1 and the upper surface of the second adhesive member 1700b2 may be positioned in the same plane.

<FIG> show a process of coupling the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>, the image sensor <NUM>, the printed circuit board <NUM>, and the adhesive member 1700b shown in <FIG>.

First, as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the adhesive member 1700b is attached to the lower surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> having therein the opening <NUM>.

Subsequently, as shown in <FIG>, the adhesive member 1700b is attached to the upper surface of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the adhesive member 1700b may cover both the first region S1 and the second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>.

The adhesive member 1700b includes a first adhesive member 1700b1 covering the entire area of the first region S1 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> and a second adhesive member 1700b2 covering the entire area of the second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>. The first adhesive member 1700b1 isexposed through the opening <NUM> in the printed circuit board <NUM>.

Subsequently, the image sensor <NUM> is disposed or mounted on the first adhesive member 1700b1, exposed through the opening <NUM> in the printed circuit board <NUM>.

Subsequently, a wire connecting the terminal of the printed circuit board <NUM> to the terminal of the image sensor <NUM> is formed through a wire-bonding process.

In the case of <FIG>, since the adhesive member 1700b is formed and continuously maintained over the entire area of the first region S1 and the entire area of the second region S2 of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM>, a gap or a region, in which the adhesive is not charged, is not present between the lower surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the upper surface of the stiffener <NUM>-<NUM> or between the lower surface of the image sensor <NUM> and the upper surface of the stiffener. Accordingly, when wire bonding is performed between the image sensor and the printed circuit board, wire bouncing does not occur, and thus the reliability of wire bonding is secured.

The camera module <NUM> according to the embodiment may include a printed circuit board <NUM> having therein an opening <NUM> to allow the image sensor <NUM> to be disposed therein in order to reduce the height of the camera module <NUM>.

In addition, the camera module <NUM> according to the embodiment may include a stiffener <NUM>, which supports the printed circuit board <NUM> and on which the image sensor <NUM> is mounted in order to dissipate the heat generated from the image sensor <NUM>.

The height of the camera module is proportional to the thickness of the stiffener. In the case of reducing the thickness of the stiffener in order to reduce the height of the camera module, the flatness of the stiffener <NUM>, on which the image sensor is mounted, may be deteriorated, and the optical performance of the camera module may be deteriorated.

As shown in <FIG>, the embodiment includes the stiffener <NUM> having the protruding portion <NUM>, on which the image sensor <NUM> is mounted, thereby improving the flatness of the stiffener <NUM>, thus improving the optical performance of the camera module.

In addition, the embodiment selectively adopts the shape of the stiffener of the embodiment of <FIG> or the shape of the stiffener of the embodiment of <FIG> depending on the thickness of the image sensor and the thickness of the printed circuit board, thereby reducing the height difference between the image sensor <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM> in the optical-axis direction, thus securing reliability of wire bonding.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, in the embodiment, an uneven portion is formed on the protruding portion <NUM> of the stiffener <NUM>, on which the image sensor is mounted, thereby increasing the bonding force between the stiffener and the image sensor and preventing deterioration in the bonding force and contamination of the image sensor due to overflow of the adhesive.

In addition, in the embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM>, the stiffener <NUM>, the image sensor <NUM>, and the adhesive member <NUM> or 1700b are coupled through the method of <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>. Thus, upon wire bonding for electrically connecting the printed circuit board <NUM> to the image sensor <NUM>, it is possible to suppress warpage of the printed circuit board <NUM> and thus to secure reliability of wire bonding.

The camera module according to the embodiment may be included in an optical instrument for the purpose of forming an image of an object present in a space using reflection, refraction, absorption, interference, and diffraction, which are characteristics of light, for the purpose of increasing visibility, for the purpose of recording and reproduction of an image by a lens, or for the purpose of optical measurement or image propagation or transmission. For example, the optical instrument according to the embodiment may include a smartphone and a portable terminal equipped with a camera.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a portable terminal 200A according to an embodiment, and <FIG> is a configuration diagram of the portable terminal 200A shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the portable terminal 200A (hereinafter referred to as a "terminal") may include a body <NUM>, a wireless communication unit <NUM>, an A/V input unit <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, an input/output unit <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a power supply <NUM>.

The body <NUM> shown in <FIG> has a bar shape, without being limited thereto, and may be any of various types such as, for example, a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, or a swivel type, in which two or more sub-bodies are coupled so as to be movable relative to each other.

The body <NUM> may include a case (e.g. casing, housing, or cover) defining the external appearance thereof. For example, the body <NUM> may be divided into a front case <NUM> and a rear case <NUM>. A variety of electronic components of the terminal may be mounted in the space formed between the front case <NUM> and the rear case <NUM>.

The wireless communication unit <NUM> may include one or more modules, which enable wireless communication between the terminal 200A and a wireless communication system or between the terminal 200A and a network in which the terminal 200A is located. For example, the wireless communication unit <NUM> may include a broadcast receiving module <NUM>, a mobile communication module <NUM>, a wireless Internet module <NUM>, a nearfield communication module <NUM>, and a location information module <NUM>.

The audio/video (A/V) input unit <NUM> serves to input audio signals or video signals, and may include a camera <NUM> and a microphone <NUM>.

The camera <NUM> may include the camera module <NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG> or <FIG>.

The sensor <NUM> may sense the current state of the terminal 200A, such as the open or closed state of the terminal 200A, the location of the terminal 200A, the presence or absence of a user's touch, the orientation of the terminal 200A, or the acceleration/deceleration of the terminal 200A, and may generate a sensing signal to control the operation of the terminal 200A. For example, when the terminal 200A is a slide-type phone, whether the slide-type phone is open or closed may be detected. In addition, the sensor <NUM> serves to sense whether power is supplied from the power supply <NUM> or whether the interface <NUM> is coupled to an external device.

The input/output unit <NUM> serves to generate visual, audible, or tactile input or output. The input/output unit <NUM> may generate input data to control the operation of the terminal 200A, and may display information processed in the terminal 200A.

The input/output unit <NUM> may include a keypad unit <NUM>, a display panel <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, and a touchscreen panel <NUM>. The keypad unit <NUM> may generate input data in response to input to a keypad.

The display panel <NUM> may include a plurality of pixels, the color of which varies in response to electrical signals. For example, the display panel <NUM> may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, or a 3D display.

The sound output module <NUM> may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit <NUM> in a call-signal reception mode, a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or a broadcast reception mode, or may output audio data stored in the memory <NUM>.

The touchscreen panel <NUM> may convert variation in capacitance, caused by a user's touch on a specific region of a touchscreen, into electrical input signals.

The memory <NUM> may store programs for the processing and control of the controller <NUM>, and may temporarily store input/output data (e.g. a phone book, messages, audio, still images, pictures, and moving images). For example, the memory <NUM> may store images captured by the camera <NUM>, for example, pictures or moving images.

The interface <NUM> serves as a passage for connection between the terminal 200A and an external device. The interface <NUM> may receive data or power from the external device, and may transmit the same to respective components inside the terminal 200A, or may transmit data inside the terminal 200A to the external device. For example, the interface <NUM> may include a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connection of a device having an identification module, an audio input/output (I/O) port, a video input/output (I/O) port, and an earphone port.

The controller <NUM> may control the general operation of the terminal 200A. For example, the controller <NUM> may perform control and processing related to voice calls, data communication, and video calls.

The controller <NUM> may include a multimedia module <NUM> for multimedia playback. The multimedia module <NUM> may be provided inside the controller <NUM>, or may be provided separately from the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may perform pattern recognition processing, by which writing or drawing input to the touchscreen is perceived as characters or images.

The power supply <NUM> may supply power required to operate the respective components upon receiving external power or internal power under the control of the controller <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A camera module (<NUM>), comprising:
a lens barrel (<NUM>);
a holder (<NUM>);
a filter (<NUM>) disposed in the holder (<NUM>);
a printed circuit board (<NUM>) having therein an opening (<NUM>);
a stiffener (<NUM>) comprising a first region (S1) corresponding to the opening (<NUM>) and a second region (S2) in which the printed circuit board (<NUM>) is disposed; and
an image sensor (<NUM>) disposed in the first region (S1) of the stiffener (<NUM>), characterized in that
the first region (S1) of the stiffener (<NUM>) comprises a protruding portion (<NUM>) protruding further than the second region (S2) of the stiffener (<NUM>),
that the image sensor (<NUM>) is disposed on an upper surface (901a) of the protruding portion (<NUM>),
that a height (T1) from a lower surface (900b) of the stiffener (<NUM>) to the upper surface (901a) of the protruding portion (<NUM>) is less than a height to an upper surface of the printed circuit board (<NUM>) disposed on the stiffener (<NUM>), that the protruding portion (901A) comprises a plurality of protrusions (<NUM>-n) spaced apart from each other, and
that the camera module (<NUM>) further comprises an adhesive member (1750a) disposed in a space between upper surfaces (901a) of the plurality of protrusions (<NUM>-n) and a lower surface of the image sensor (<NUM>) and in a space between the plurality of protrusions (<NUM>-n).