Reflective member and reflection module including reflective member

Abstract

A reflective member includes: an incident surface configured to receive incident light; a reflective surface configured to receive the incident light from the incident surface and reflect the incident light; an emitting surface configured to receive reflected light from the reflective surface and emit the reflected light; and a light-blocking portion disposed on at least one edge of one or both of the incident surface and the emitting surface, wherein the end of the light-blocking portion includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross-reference to related applications]

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0119203, filed on September 16, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0003] This application relates to a reflective member and a reflective module including the reflective member. Prior Technology

[0004] Camera modules have become a standard feature of portable electronic devices, including smartphones. As the thickness of portable electronic devices continues to decrease, there is a need to reduce the size of camera modules.

[0005] On the other hand, by adding features such as autofocus and optical image stabilization, the performance of camera modules has been continuously improved, which limits the reduction in the size of camera modules.

[0006] Even if a smaller camera module is needed, it is difficult to reduce the size of the camera module, which limits the reduction in the thickness of portable electronic devices that include the camera module.

[0007] To address this issue, a camera module with multiple lenses and reflective components for altering the optical path has been developed. These lenses and reflective components are positioned along the length or width of the portable electronic device, rather than along its thickness.

[0008] This type of camera module has a structure that differs from that of traditional camera modules, such as having reflective components and a longer overall track length. This may lead to a deterioration in image quality due to flare, which does not occur in traditional camera modules. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a series of concepts further elaborated in the embodiments below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed object, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed object.

[0010] In a general case, a reflective member includes: an incident surface configured to receive incident light; a reflective surface configured to receive the incident light from the incident surface and reflect the incident light; an emitting surface configured to receive reflected light from the reflective surface and emit the reflected light; and a light-blocking portion disposed on at least one edge of one or both of the incident surface and the emitting surface, wherein the end of the light-blocking portion includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions.

[0011] The convex portion and the concave portion can be alternated and repeated.

[0012] The end of the light-blocking portion may have a wave pattern formed by the convex portion and the concave portion.

[0013] The light-blocking portion may be made of an opaque material.

[0014] Each of the convex portions may have a convex curved surface, and each of the concave portions may have a concave curved surface.

[0015] The convex portions and the concave portions may be arranged alternately and repeatedly, each of the convex portions may have a convex curved surface, and each of the concave portions may be the contact point of two adjacent convex portions.

[0016] The convex and concave portions may be alternately and repeatedly provided, and each of the concave portions may have a concave curved surface, and each of the convex portions may be the contact point of two adjacent concave portions.

[0017] The convex portion and the concave portion can be alternately and repeatedly arranged, and the virtual line connecting the vertices of the convex portion or the line connecting the vertices of the concave portion can be a curve.

[0018] The light-blocking portion may include: a first light-blocking layer disposed on the edge of the incident surface where the incident surface connects to the reflecting surface; and a second light-blocking layer disposed on the edge of the incident surface where the incident surface connects to the emitting surface.

[0019] The shape of the first light-blocking layer may be different from the shape of the second light-blocking layer.

[0020] The light-blocking portion may include: a first light-blocking layer disposed on the edge of the emitting surface where the emitting surface is connected to the incident surface; and a second light-blocking layer disposed on the edge of the emitting surface where the emitting surface is connected to the reflective surface.

[0021] The shape of the first light-blocking layer may be different from the shape of the second light-blocking layer.

[0022] In another general embodiment, a reflective module includes: a reflective member including an incident surface, a reflective surface, and an emitting surface; and a holder on which the reflective member is mounted, wherein the reflective member further includes a light-blocking portion disposed on one or both of the incident surface and the emitting surface, the light-blocking portion covering at least a portion of each of the incident surface and the emitting surface, the end of the light-blocking portion including a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions, and the convex portions and the concave portions may be alternately and repeatedly disposed.

[0023] The light-blocking portion may be disposed on any one or any combination of two or more of the following: a portion of the incident surface where the incident surface is connected to the reflective surface; a portion of the incident surface where the incident surface is connected to the emitting surface; a portion of the emitting surface where the emitting surface is connected to the incident surface; and a portion of the emitting surface where the emitting surface is connected to the reflective surface.

[0024] The retainer may include a covering portion that covers the opposite edges of the emitting surface.

[0025] The retainer may further include: a mounting surface on which the reflective member is mounted; a first sidewall surrounding a first side surface of the reflective member; and a second sidewall surrounding a second side surface of the reflective member. The covering portion may include: a first covering portion extending from the first sidewall and covering one edge of the emitting surface; and a second covering portion extending from the second sidewall and covering another edge of the emitting surface, wherein the first covering portion and the second covering portion may extend toward each other.

[0026] The first covering portion and the second covering portion may have curved surfaces facing each other.

[0027] Other features and characteristics will become apparent from reading the following detailed description, drawings and claims. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a portable electronic device equipped with a camera module.

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a camera module.

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the camera module in Figure 2.

[0031] Figure 4 is a plan view of the lens of the camera module in Figure 3.

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an example of a reflection module.

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic assembly perspective view of the reflective module in Figure 5.

[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic front view of the reflection module in Figure 6.

[0035] Figure 8 is a front view of the reflective component of the reflective module in Figure 5.

[0036] Figures 9 to 14 are diagrams illustrating examples of modifications to the light-blocking portion of the reflective member in Figure 8.

[0037] Figures 15 to 18 are schematic perspective views of other examples of the reflective component of Figure 5.

[0038] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and for clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative sizes, proportions, and depictions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Implementation

[0039] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various modifications, refinements, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the reader to the order of operations described herein, but as will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application, changes may be made except for operations that must occur in a specific order. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in this art may be omitted.

[0040] The features described herein may be implemented in various forms and are not to be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways in which the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0041] The term “may” (e.g., what an instance may include or implement) used in describing various instances in this document means that there exists at least one instance that includes or implements this feature, but not all instances are limited to this.

[0042] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, the element may be directly "on," directly "connected to," or directly "coupled to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element, there may be no other elements in between.

[0043] The term "and / or" as used in this document includes any one of the relevant listed items and any combination of any two or more.

[0044] Although terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used in this document to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. Specifically, these terms are used only to distinguish individual components, parts, regions, layers, or sections. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the examples, the first component, part, region, layer, or section mentioned in the examples described herein may also be referred to as the second component, part, region, layer, or section.

[0045] In this document, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "above," "upper," "below," and "lower" are used to describe the relationship of one element relative to another shown in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass not only the orientation depicted in the figures but also different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is rotated, an element described as being "above" or "upper" relative to another element will now be described as being "below" or "lower" relative to that other element. Therefore, the term "above" encompasses both upper and lower orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0046] The terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the articles "a" and "the" are intended to include the plural form as well. The terms "comprises," "includes," and "has" indicate the presence of the stated features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0047] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the figures may vary. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the figures, but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0048] The features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways, as will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. Furthermore, while the examples described herein have multiple configurations, other configurations are also possible, as will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a portable electronic device equipped with a camera module.

[0050] Referring to Figure 1, the camera module 1000 can be installed in a portable electronic device 1. The portable electronic device 1 can be a portable electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal, a smartphone, or a personal computer (PC).

[0051] As shown in Figure 1, the camera module 1000 is installed in the portable electronic device 1 to image the object.

[0052] In this example, the camera module 1000 includes multiple lenses. The optical axes (Z-axis) of the multiple lenses can be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1 (X-axis direction, i.e., from the front surface to the rear surface of the portable electronic device 1, or the opposite direction).

[0053] For example, the optical axis (Z-axis) of the plurality of lenses disposed in the camera module 1000 may be oriented in the width or length direction of the portable electronic device 1.

[0054] Therefore, even when the camera module 1000 has functions such as autofocus (hereinafter referred to as AF), optical zoom (hereinafter referred to as zoom), and optical image stabilization (hereinafter referred to as OIS), the thickness of the portable electronic device 1 can be prevented from increasing. Therefore, the thickness of the portable electronic device 1 can be reduced.

[0055] The camera module 1000 may have any one or any combination of two or more of the following functions: AF, zoom, and OIS.

[0056] The camera module 1000, which has AF, zoom and OIS functions, is equipped with various components to implement these functions, and therefore the size of the camera module 1000 is increased compared to a camera module without these functions.

[0057] In cases where the size of the camera module 1000 increases, it may be difficult to reduce the thickness of the portable electronic device 1 in which the camera module 1000 is installed.

[0058] For example, a camera module includes multiple lens groups for zoom functionality. When these multiple lens groups are arranged along the thickness of the portable electronic device, the thickness of the portable electronic device increases with the number of lens groups. Therefore, if the thickness of the portable electronic device does not increase, a sufficient number of lens groups cannot be accommodated, resulting in poor zoom performance.

[0059] Furthermore, to implement AF, zoom, and OIS functions, actuators are needed to move the lens group in the direction of the optical axis or perpendicular to the optical axis. In cases where the optical axis (Z-axis) of the lens group is oriented in the thickness direction of the portable electronic device, actuators for moving the lens group need to be installed in the thickness direction of the portable electronic device. Therefore, the thickness of the portable electronic device increases.

[0060] However, since the camera module 1000 is arranged such that the optical axis (Z-axis) of the plurality of lenses is perpendicular to the thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the portable electronic device 1, the portable electronic device 1 can be made thinner even when the camera module 1000 with AF, zoom and OIS functions is installed in the portable electronic device 1.

[0061] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a camera module, Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the camera module in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a plan view of the lens of the camera module in Figure 3.

[0062] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the camera module 1000 includes a housing 100, a reflection module 300, a lens module 400, an image sensor module 500, and a casing 200.

[0063] The housing 100 may accommodate any one or any combination of two or more of the reflective module 300, lens module 400, and image sensor module 500. For example, the reflective module 300, lens module 400, and image sensor module 500 may be disposed in the internal space of the housing 100 from a first end to a second end of the housing 100.

[0064] The housing 100 has an internal space for accommodating the reflector module 300, the lens module 400, and the image sensor module 500. Alternatively, the image sensor module 500 may be attached to the outer surface of a second end of the housing 100.

[0065] The housing 100 may have a box shape with a top opening.

[0066] Figure 3 shows an example of a reflective module 300 housed in a housing 100. Alternatively, the reflective module 300 may be disposed outside the housing 100, and in this case, the first end of the housing 100 may be open to allow light reflected from the reflective module 300 to enter. Furthermore, the reflective module 300 disposed outside the housing 100 may be housed in a separate housing.

[0067] The housing 200 is coupled to the housing 100 to cover the upper part of the housing 100. The housing 200 has an opening 210 through which light is incident. The reflective module 300 changes the direction of light incident through the opening 210 of the housing 200, so that the light is incident on the lens module 400.

[0068] The reflection module 300 is configured to change the direction of light travel. For example, the direction of light incident into the housing 100 can be changed by the reflection module 300 to face the lens module 400. The reflection module 300 is disposed in front of the lens module 400.

[0069] The reflective module 300 includes a reflective member 310 and a retainer 330 in which the reflective member 310 is mounted.

[0070] The reflecting member 310 is configured to change the direction of light travel. For example, the reflecting member 310 may be a mirror or prism that reflects light.

[0071] The lens module 400 includes multiple lenses and a lens barrel 410 that houses the multiple lenses. After the direction of light travel is changed by the reflecting member 310, the light passes through the multiple lenses.

[0072] In Figure 3, for ease of description, only the first lens L1, which is the closest to the object side of the lens module 400 among the plurality of lenses of the lens module 400, is shown.

[0073] The image sensor module 500 includes a sensor housing 510, an infrared cutoff filter 530, an image sensor 550, and a printed circuit board 570.

[0074] An infrared cutoff filter 530 can be installed in the sensor housing 510. The infrared cutoff filter 530 is used to block light in the infrared region that has passed through the lens module 400.

[0075] Printed circuit board 570 is coupled to sensor housing 510, and image sensor 550 is mounted on printed circuit board 570.

[0076] Light passing through the lens module 400 is received by the image sensor module 500 (e.g., image sensor 550).

[0077] When viewed along the optical axis (Z-axis), at least one of the plurality of lenses in the lens module 400 has a non-circular shape. For example, when viewed along the optical axis (Z-axis), the first lens L1 has a non-circular shape. Alternatively, when viewed along the optical axis (Z-axis), more than one lens or all of the plurality of lenses may have a non-circular shape.

[0078] Referring to Figure 4, when viewed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the length of the first lens L1 in the first direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) is shorter than the length of the first lens L1 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to both the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) and the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0079] For example, the first lens L1 has a major axis and a minor axis. The shortest line segment connecting opposite sides of the first lens L1 in a first direction (X-axis direction) while passing through the optical axis (Z-axis) is the minor axis, and the shortest line segment connecting opposite sides of the first lens L1 in a second direction (Y-axis direction) while passing through the optical axis (Z-axis) is the major axis. The major axis and the minor axis are perpendicular to each other, and the length of the major axis is longer than the length of the minor axis.

[0080] The first lens L1 includes an optical portion 10 and a flange portion 30.

[0081] The optical section 10 is part of the first lens L1 that exhibits the lens characteristics of the first lens L1. For example, light reflected from an object can be refracted as it passes through the optical section 10.

[0082] The optical part 10 may have positive or negative refractive power, and may have two spherical surfaces, or one spherical surface and one non-spherical surface, or two non-spherical surfaces.

[0083] The flange portion 30 can be configured to mount the first lens L1 onto another element (e.g., lens barrel 410 or another lens).

[0084] The flange portion 30 extends from the optical portion 10 and can be integrally formed with the optical portion 10.

[0085] When viewed along the optical axis (Z-axis), the optical portion 10 has a non-circular shape. Referring to Figure 4, when viewed along the optical axis (Z-axis), the length of the optical portion 10 in the first direction (X-axis) perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) is shorter than the length of the optical portion 10 in the second direction (Y-axis) perpendicular to both the optical axis (Z-axis) and the first direction (X-axis).

[0086] The optical part 10 includes a first edge 11, a second edge 12, a third edge 13 and a fourth edge 14.

[0087] When viewed along the optical axis (Z-axis), the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 each have an arc shape.

[0088] The second edge 12 is located on the side of the optical portion 10 opposite to the first edge 11, such that the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 face each other across the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0089] The fourth edge 14 is located on the side of the optical part 10 opposite to the third edge 13, such that the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 face each other across the optical axis (Z axis).

[0090] The third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 connect the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 to each other. The third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 are symmetrical about the optical axis (Z-axis) and are substantially parallel to each other.

[0091] When viewed along the optical axis (Z-axis), the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 have an arc shape, and the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 have a substantially straight shape.

[0092] The optical component 10 has a major axis (a) and a minor axis (b). The shortest line segment connecting the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 while passing through the optical axis (Z-axis) is the minor axis (b), and the shortest line segment connecting the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 while passing through the optical axis (Z-axis) and perpendicular to the minor axis (b) is the major axis (a). The length of the major axis (a) is longer than the length of the minor axis (b).

[0093] The flange portion 30 extends along a portion of the circumference of the optical portion 10 in a second direction (Y-axis direction). At least a portion of the flange portion 30 contacts the inner surface of the lens barrel 410.

[0094] The flange portion 30 includes a first flange portion 31 and a second flange portion 32. The first flange portion 31 extends from the first edge 11 of the optical portion 10, and the second flange portion 32 extends from the second edge 12 of the optical portion 10.

[0095] The first edge 11 of the optical portion 10 is a part of the adjacent first flange portion 31 of the optical portion 10, and the second edge 12 of the optical portion 10 is a part of the adjacent second flange portion 32 of the optical portion 10.

[0096] The third edge 13 of the optical portion 10 is the first side of the upper surface of the optical portion 10 where the flange portion 30 is not formed, and the fourth edge 14 of the optical portion 10 is the second side of the upper surface of the optical portion 10 where the flange portion 30 is not formed.

[0097] Referring to Figure 3, the first lens L1 is configured such that one of its side surfaces in the first direction (X-axis direction) faces the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100, and the side surfaces of the first lens L1 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) face the inner surfaces of the side surfaces of the housing 100. For example, the first lens L1 is configured such that the side surface of the first lens L1 in the first direction (X-axis direction) is located in the thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the housing 100, and the side surface of the first lens L1 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) is located in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the housing 100.

[0098] Since the length of the first lens L1 in the first direction (X-axis direction) is shorter than the length of the first lens L1 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), the thickness of the housing 100 can be reduced.

[0099] The camera module 1000 may further include a light shield 600 disposed inside the housing 100.

[0100] For example, the light shield 600 can be disposed in the space between the lens module 400 and the image sensor module 500.

[0101] The light shield 600 includes an open window W through which light passes, allowing light that has passed through the lens module 400 to enter the image sensor 550.

[0102] Light that has passed through the lens module 400 can be reflected by the inner surface of the housing 100 and / or the outer shell 200, causing stray light to be incident on the image sensor 550. By providing a light shield 600 between the lens module 400 and the image sensor module 500, glare caused by this stray light can be effectively suppressed.

[0103] The surface of the light-shielding plate 600 can be treated to scatter stray light.

[0104] The surface of the light shield 600 can be processed to form a rough surface. For example, the surface of the light shield 600 can be processed to be rougher than the surface of the housing 100.

[0105] For example, the surface of the light-shielding plate 600 can be corroded to form a rough surface.

[0106] A light-absorbing layer may be disposed on the surface of the light-shielding plate 600 to block stray light. For example, the light-absorbing layer may make the surface of the light-shielding plate 600 have a lower reflectivity than the surface of the housing 100. The light-absorbing layer may be black.

[0107] Figure 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an example of a reflection module, Figure 6 is a schematic assembled perspective view of the reflection module of Figure 5, and Figure 7 is a schematic front view of the reflection module of Figure 6.

[0108] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the reflective module 300 includes a reflective member 310 and a retainer 330 in which the reflective member 310 is mounted.

[0109] The reflecting member 310 is configured to change the direction of light incident on it. In this example, the reflecting member 310 is a prism, but alternatively, it could be a mirror.

[0110] The reflecting member 310 has a shape obtained by dividing the rectangular cuboid or cuboid into two halves along the diagonal of one face of the cuboid, and includes an incident surface 311, a reflecting surface 312, and an emitting surface 313. The incident surface 311 is the surface on which light is incident upon the reflecting member 310, the reflecting surface 312 is the surface from which light is reflected, and the emitting surface 313 is the surface from which light is emitted from the reflecting member 310.

[0111] The reflective member 310 includes three quadrilateral surfaces and two triangular surfaces. For example, the incident surface 311, the reflecting surface 312, and the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310 have quadrilateral shapes, and the first side surface 314 and the second side surface 315 of the reflective member 310 have substantially triangular shapes.

[0112] Because the edge of the reflective member 310, which connects the incident surface 311 and the emitting surface 313, has a sharp shape, there is a risk that the edge may be damaged by impact. When the edge connecting the incident surface 311 and the emitting surface 313 is damaged by impact, glare may occur due to the unexpected reflection of light.

[0113] Therefore, a chamfer 316 can be provided on the edge of the reflective member 310 that connects the incident surface 311 and the emitting surface 313 to each other to prevent damage to the reflective member 310 due to impact.

[0114] As an example, the chamfer 316 is formed to have a predetermined angle relative to each of the incident surface 311 and the emitting surface 313. The angle between the chamfer 316 and the incident surface 311 and the angle between the chamfer 316 and the emitting surface 313 may each be an obtuse angle.

[0115] A light-blocking layer may be provided on the chamfer 316. For example, the light-blocking layer may be formed by attaching a masking film to the chamfer 316 or by applying a masking coating to it.

[0116] A light-blocking portion 317 may be disposed on the emitting surface 313. The light-blocking portion 317 may include a first light-blocking layer 319 and a second light-blocking layer 318 spaced apart from each other. The light-blocking portion 317 will be described later with reference to Figures 8 to 14.

[0117] The retainer 330 includes a first sidewall 331 and a second sidewall 332 surrounding both sides of the reflective member 310. The first sidewall 331 is configured to surround a first side surface 314 of the reflective member 310, and the second sidewall 332 is configured to surround a second side surface 315 of the reflective member 310.

[0118] Furthermore, the retainer 330 includes a mounting surface 333 on which the reflective member 310 is mounted. The mounting surface 333 is disposed between the first sidewall 331 and the second sidewall 332, and the mounting surface 333 may be an inclined surface.

[0119] For example, the mounting surface 333 may be an inclined surface tilted at approximately 45° relative to the optical axis (Z-axis) of the plurality of lenses. The reflective surface 312 of the reflective member 310 is coupled to the mounting surface 333 of the retainer 330.

[0120] The light that has passed through the incident surface 311 is reflected by the self-reflecting surface 312 and passes through the emitting surface 313.

[0121] However, glare may occur when a portion of the light self-reflecting member 310 that has passed through the incident surface 311 is reflected, except for the reflecting surface 312 (e.g., the first side surface 314 and the second side surface 315).

[0122] Furthermore, since not all light reflected by the self-reflecting surface 312 is used for image formation, even in the case where only the self-reflecting surface 312 reflects light, the light reflected by the self-reflecting surface 312 that is not used for image formation may cause glare.

[0123] Therefore, in the camera module 1000, the retainer 330 can cover a portion of the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310, thereby preventing glare caused by stray light.

[0124] The retainer 330 includes a cover portion 370 configured to cover a portion of the emitting surface 313 of the reflector 310. For example, the cover portion 370 may be configured to cover opposite side edges of the emitting surface 313 of the reflector 310.

[0125] Coverage portion 370 includes a first coverage portion 340 and a second coverage portion 350.

[0126] The first covering portion 340 extends from the first sidewall 331 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) (e.g., in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction), and the second covering portion 350 extends from the second sidewall 332 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) (e.g., in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the first covering portion 340 and the second covering portion 350 are configured to extend toward each other.

[0127] The first covering portion 340 and the second covering portion 350 each cover a corresponding portion of the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310. The first covering portion 340 may be configured to cover one edge of the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310, and the second covering portion 350 may be configured to cover the other edge of the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310.

[0128] As an example, the first covering portion 340 may be configured as a part of the first side surface 314 of the reflecting member 310 surrounding the emitting surface 313 of the reflecting member 310, and the second covering portion 350 may be configured as a part of the second side surface 315 of the reflecting member 310 surrounding the emitting surface 313 of the reflecting member 310.

[0129] The covering portion 370 can be configured such that the area of ​​the emitting surface 313 of the covering reflector 310 increases toward the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 (or toward the lower part of the emitting surface 313).

[0130] For example, the first covering portion 340 and the second covering portion 350 may each have a shape in which the area of ​​the emitting surface 313 covering the reflective member 310 increases toward the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100.

[0131] The first cover portion 340 and the second cover portion 350 have surfaces 341 and 351 facing each other. Surfaces 341 and 351 are curved surfaces.

[0132] Surfaces 341 and 351 may be provided with uneven portions or light-blocking layers to scatter light. As an example, the uneven portions may be rough surfaces formed by etching, and the light-blocking layers may be formed by attaching a light-blocking film to surfaces 341 and 351 or by coating light-blocking paint on surfaces 341 and 351.

[0133] Stray light can be blocked by the first covering portion 340 and the second covering portion 350, and stray light can be scattered by the uneven portions provided on the surfaces 341 and 351, or stray light can be blocked by the light-blocking layer, thereby suppressing glare.

[0134] The covering portion 370 may further include a third covering portion 360. The third covering portion 360 may be configured to cover a portion of the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310. For example, the third covering portion 360 may be configured to be a portion of a reflective surface 312 connected to the reflective member 310 surrounding the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310.

[0135] The third cover portion 360 is configured to connect the first cover portion 340 and the second cover portion 350 to each other, and can extend from the end of the mounting surface 333 of the retainer 330 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis) (e.g., in the first direction (X axis direction)).

[0136] The third covering portion 360 includes a plurality of protrusions 361. The plurality of protrusions 361 may be connected to each other to form a wave pattern. The plurality of protrusions 361 may be provided with uneven portions or light-blocking layers to scatter light. For example, the uneven portions may be rough surfaces formed by etching, and the light-blocking layers may be formed by attaching a light-blocking film to the plurality of protrusions 361 or by coating the plurality of protrusions 361 with a light-blocking coating.

[0137] Since stray light can be blocked by the third covering portion 360, and straight light can be scattered by the plurality of protrusions 361 of the third covering portion 360, glare can be suppressed.

[0138] As described above, the camera module 1000 may include a light-blocking structure consisting of a cover portion 370 of a retainer 330, and a reflective member 310 is mounted on the light-blocking structure to prevent glare caused by stray light.

[0139] Figure 8 is a front view of the reflective component of the reflective module in Figure 5.

[0140] Even when the holder 330 with the reflective member 310 mounted thereon includes the light-blocking structure as described above, there is a concern that glare may occur due to stray light passing through the incident surface 311 of the reflective member 310 (e.g., stray light passing through the edge of the incident surface 311) or stray light passing through the emitting surface 313 (e.g., stray light passing through the edge of the emitting surface 313).

[0141] Therefore, at least one of the incident surface 311 and the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310 is provided with a light-blocking portion 317. The light-blocking portion 317 is configured to cover a portion of at least one of the incident surface 311 and the emitting surface 313. The light-blocking portion 317 may cover the edge of at least one of the incident surface 311 and the emitting surface 313.

[0142] For example, the light-blocking portion 317 may be configured to cover at least one of the following: a portion of the incident surface 311 where it is connected to the reflective surface 312; a portion of the incident surface 311 where it is connected to the emitting surface 313; a portion of the emitting surface 313 where it is connected to the incident surface 311; and a portion of the emitting surface 313 where it is connected to the reflective surface 312.

[0143] Referring to Figure 8, an example is shown in which the light-blocking portion 317 is disposed on the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310.

[0144] The light-blocking portion 317 includes at least one of a first light-blocking layer 319 and a second light-blocking layer 318. When the light-blocking portion 317 includes both the first light-blocking layer 319 and the second light-blocking layer 318, the first light-blocking layer 319 and the second light-blocking layer 318 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0145] For example, the first light-blocking layer 319 may be disposed on a portion of the incident surface 311 adjacent to the emitting surface 313, and the second light-blocking layer 318 may be disposed on a portion of the reflective surface 312 adjacent to the emitting surface 313.

[0146] The first light-blocking layer 319 can be disposed at the position where the emitting surface 313 is connected to the incident surface 311, and the second light-blocking layer 318 can be disposed at the position where the emitting surface 313 is connected to the reflective surface 312.

[0147] For example, the first light-blocking layer 319 may be disposed on the upper edge of the emitting surface 313, and the second light-blocking layer 318 may be disposed on the lower edge of the emitting surface 313.

[0148] The first light-blocking layer 319 and the second light-blocking layer 318 may be made of opaque material. The first light-blocking layer 319 and the second light-blocking layer 318 may be black.

[0149] The first light-blocking layer 319 and the second light-blocking layer 318 can be formed by attaching a light-blocking film to the emitting surface 313 or by coating it with a light-blocking coating.

[0150] Since not all light passing through the emitting surface 313 is used for image formation, glare may occur due to the presence of light that is not used for image formation. Therefore, a light-blocking portion 317 can be provided on the emitting surface 313 to block light that is not used for image formation.

[0151] However, even when light not used for image formation is blocked by the light-blocking portion 317, light may still be reflected from the end of the light-blocking portion 317, which may cause glare.

[0152] In this example, one end of the light-blocking portion 317 may include a curved surface. For instance, the end of the light-blocking portion 317 may include a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions.

[0153] The ends of the first light-blocking layer 319 and the second light-blocking layer 318 may include curved surfaces. In this case, the ends are the facing sides of the first light-blocking layer 319 and the second light-blocking layer 318.

[0154] The distance between the first light-blocking layer 319 and the second light-blocking layer 318 can vary along the edge of the emitting surface 313 (e.g., in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction)). For example, the distance between the first light-blocking layer 319 and the second light-blocking layer 318 can be repeatedly varied along the edge of the emitting surface 313. Since the emitting surface 313 has a rectangular shape, the distance between the first light-blocking layer 319 and the second light-blocking layer 318 can vary along the length of the emitting surface 313.

[0155] Therefore, even when light is reflected from the ends of the first light-blocking layer 319 and / or the second light-blocking layer 318, the reflected light can be scattered, thereby preventing glare.

[0156] In the following text, for ease of description, the first light-blocking layer 319 will be described, and the second light-blocking layer 318 may also have the same structure as the first light-blocking layer 319.

[0157] The end portion of the first light-blocking layer 319 includes a plurality of convex portions 319a and a plurality of concave portions 319b. For example, the end portion of the first light-blocking layer 319 may have a structure in which the convex portions 319a and concave portions 319b are alternately and repeatedly arranged. The convex portions 319a and concave portions 319b each have a curvature. For example, the convex portion 319a has a convex curved surface, and the concave portion 319b has a concave curved surface. The curvatures of the convex portions 319a and the concave portions 319b may be different from each other. For example, the curvature of the convex portion 319a may be less than the curvature of the concave portion 319b.

[0158] Therefore, the end of the first light-blocking layer 319 may have a wave pattern shape.

[0159] Light reflected from the convex portion 319a can be scattered. Light reflected from the concave portion 319b can be concentrated at any point, but can pass through that point and be scattered again.

[0160] Therefore, even when light is reflected from the end of the first light-blocking layer 319, the reflected light can be scattered, thereby preventing glare.

[0161] Figures 9 to 14 are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the light-blocking portion of the reflective member in Figure 8.

[0162] First, referring to FIG9, the end of the first light-blocking layer 319' includes a plurality of convex portions 319a' and a plurality of concave portions 319b'. For example, the end of the first light-blocking layer 319' may include a structure in which the convex portions 319a' and the concave portions 319b' are alternately and repeatedly formed.

[0163] Each of the plurality of convex portions 319a' has curvature. For example, each of the plurality of convex portions 319a' has a convex curved surface.

[0164] The plurality of convex portions 319a' contact each other, and contact points may be formed between adjacent convex portions 319a'. Contact points formed between two adjacent convex portions 319a' may constitute concave portions 319b'.

[0165] Referring to FIG10, the end of the first light-blocking layer 319'' includes a plurality of convex portions 319a'' and a plurality of concave portions 319b''. For example, the end of the first light-blocking layer 319'' may include a structure in which the convex portions 319a'' and the concave portions 319b'' are alternately and repeatedly formed.

[0166] Each of the plurality of concave portions 319b'' has curvature. For example, each of the plurality of concave portions 319b'' has a concave curved surface.

[0167] The plurality of concave portions 319b'' can contact each other, and contact points can be formed between adjacent concave portions 319b''. Contact points formed between two adjacent concave portions 319b'' can constitute convex portions 319a''.

[0168] Referring to Figure 11, the end of the first light-blocking layer 319''' includes a curved surface. The end of the first light-blocking layer 319''' has curvature. For example, the end of the first light-blocking layer 319''' includes a concave curved surface.

[0169] Referring to FIG12, the end of the first light-blocking layer 319'''' includes a plurality of convex portions 319a'''' and a plurality of concave portions 319b''''. For example, the end of the first light-blocking layer 319'''' may include a structure in which the convex portions 319a'''' and the concave portions 319b'''' are alternately and repeatedly formed.

[0170] The convex portions 319a'''' and the concave portions 319b'''' each have curvature. For example, each of the plurality of convex portions 319a'''' has a convex curved surface, and each of the plurality of concave portions 319b'''' has a concave curved surface.

[0171] Therefore, the end of the first light-blocking layer 319'''' can have a wave pattern shape.

[0172] The distance between the vertex of the convex portion 319a'''' and the end of the first light-blocking layer 319'''' may be different. Similarly, the distance between the vertex of the concave portion 319b'''' and the end of the first light-blocking layer 319'''' may be different. The vertex of the convex portion 319a'''' is the most protruding part of the convex portion 319a'''', and the vertex of the concave portion 319b'''' is the most recessed part of the concave portion 319b''''. The end of the first light-blocking layer 319'''' is a portion of the adjacent incident surface 311 of the first light-blocking layer 319''''.

[0173] The virtual line connecting the vertices of the convex portion 319a'''' or the concave portion 319b'''' can be a concave curve.

[0174] Referring to Figure 13, the first light-blocking layer 319 and the second light-blocking layer 318 may have different shapes. For example, the first light-blocking layer 319 may have any of the shapes of the examples in Figures 8 to 12, and the second light-blocking layer 318 may have any other shape of the examples in Figures 8 to 12.

[0175] Referring to FIG14, the light-blocking portion 317 may be continuously formed along the upper edge, lower edge, left edge, and right edge of the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310. In this case, the end of the light-blocking portion 317 may have at least one shape of the examples in FIG8 to FIG12.

[0176] Figures 15 to 18 are schematic perspective views of other examples of the reflective component of Figure 5.

[0177] Referring to Figures 15 to 17, a light-blocking portion 317 may be disposed on the incident surface 311 of the reflective member 310. The light-blocking portion 317 may be configured to cover a portion of the incident surface 311. For example, the light-blocking portion 317 may be configured to cover the edge of the incident surface 311.

[0178] The light-blocking portion 317 includes at least one of a first light-blocking layer 319 and a second light-blocking layer 318. When the light-blocking portion 317 includes both the first light-blocking layer 319 and the second light-blocking layer 318, the first light-blocking layer 319 and the second light-blocking layer 318 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0179] For example, a first light-blocking layer 319 may be disposed on a portion of the incident surface 311 adjacent to the reflective surface 312. A second light-blocking layer 318 may be disposed on a portion of the incident surface 311 adjacent to the emitting surface 313.

[0180] The first light-blocking layer 319 can be disposed at the position where the incident surface 311 connects to the reflecting surface 312. The second light-blocking layer 318 can be disposed at the position where the incident surface 311 connects to the emitting surface 313.

[0181] The shape of the light-blocking portion 317 can be any of the examples in Figures 8 to 14.

[0182] Referring to Figure 18, the light-blocking portion 317 can be disposed on the incident surface 311 and the emitting surface 313 of the reflective member 310.

[0183] The light-blocking portion 317 is configured to cover a portion of the incident surface 311 and the emitting surface 313. The light-blocking portion 317 may cover the edges of the incident surface 311 and the emitting surface 313.

[0184] For example, the light-blocking portion 317 may be disposed on a portion of the incident surface 311 where the incident surface 311 is connected to the reflective surface 312, a portion of the incident surface 311 where the incident surface 311 is connected to the emitting surface 313, a portion of the emitting surface 313 where the emitting surface 313 is connected to the incident surface 311, and a portion of the emitting surface 313 where the emitting surface 313 is connected to the reflective surface 312.

[0185] The shape of the light-blocking portion 317 can be any of the examples in Figures 8 to 14.

[0186] The light-blocking portion 317 disposed on the incident surface 311 and the light-blocking portion 317 disposed on the emitting surface 313 may have different shapes.

[0187] In the above examples, the reflective member and the reflective module including the reflective member can prevent glare.

[0188] Although this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application that various changes in form and detail may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples set forth herein are intended to be illustrative only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or manner in each example is intended to be applicable to similar features or manner in other examples. Suitable results may be achieved if the described technology is performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described system, architecture, apparatus, or circuit are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not defined by the detailed description but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are intended to be included in this disclosure.

[0189] 1: Portable electronic devices 10: Optical Section 11: First Edge 12: Second Edge 13: Third Edge 14: Fourth Edge 30: Flange portion 31: First flange portion 32: Second flange portion 100: Shell 110: Bottom surface 200: Outer shell 210: Opening 300: Reflection Module 310: Reflective component 311: Incident surface 312: Reflective surface 313: Launch Surface 314: First side surface 315: Second side surface 316: Chamfer 317: Light-blocking section 318: Second light-blocking layer 319: First light-blocking layer 319', 319'', 319''', 319'''': First light-blocking layer 319a, 319a', 319a'', 319a'''': Convex portion 319b, 319b', 319b'', 319b''': Concave portion 330: Holder 331: First sidewall 332: Second sidewall 333: Mounting Surface 340: First Coverage Section 341: Surface 350: Second Coverage Section 351: Surface 360: Third Coverage Part 361: Protrusion 370: Coverage area 400: Lens Module 410: Lens tube 500: Image Sensor Module 510: Sensor housing 530: Infrared Cut-off Filter 550: Image Sensor 570: Printed Circuit Board 600: Shade 1000: Camera Module a: Long axis b: Short axis L1: First lens W: Window X, Y, Z: Direction axes

Claims

1. A reflective member, comprising: The incident surface is configured to receive incident light; A reflective surface is configured to receive the incident light from the incident surface and reflect the incident light; The emitting surface is configured to receive reflected light from the reflecting surface and emit the reflected light; And a light-blocking portion is disposed on the emitting surface, wherein the light-blocking portion is disposed on at least one edge of the emitting surface and includes a curved surface, wherein the light-blocking portion includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions, wherein the plurality of convex portions and the plurality of concave portions are alternately and repeatedly disposed along the longitudinal direction of the light-blocking portion, wherein the line connecting the vertices of the plurality of convex portions or the line connecting the vertices of the plurality of concave portions is a curve.

2. The reflective member as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of convex portions has a convex curved surface and each of the plurality of concave portions is a contact point of two adjacent convex portions, or each of the plurality of concave portions has a concave curved surface and each of the plurality of convex portions is a contact point of two adjacent concave portions.

3. The reflective member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-blocking portion includes at least one of a first light-blocking layer disposed along the edge of the emitting surface adjacent to the incident surface and a second light-blocking layer disposed along the edge of the emitting surface adjacent to the reflective surface.

4. The reflective member as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first light-blocking layer and the second light-blocking layer are formed in different shapes.

5. The reflective member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the incident surface further includes the light-blocking portion, wherein the light-blocking portion includes at least one of a first light-blocking layer disposed along an edge of the incident surface adjacent to the reflective surface and a second light-blocking layer disposed along an edge of the incident surface adjacent to the emitting surface.

6. The reflective member as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first light-blocking layer and the second light-blocking layer are formed in different shapes.

7. A reflection module, comprising: A reflective component, comprising an incident surface, a reflective surface, and a emitting surface; The reflective member is mounted on a retainer, wherein the reflective member includes a light-blocking portion on at least one of the incident surface and the emitting surface, wherein the light-blocking portion is disposed on at least one edge of the incident surface or the emitting surface and includes a curved surface, wherein the light-blocking portion includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions, wherein the plurality of convex portions and the plurality of concave portions are alternately and repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the light-blocking portion, wherein the line connecting the vertices of the plurality of convex portions or the line connecting the vertices of the plurality of concave portions is a curve, wherein the retainer includes a first covering portion and a second covering portion opposite to each other, covering two edges of the emitting surface, and the retainer further includes a third covering portion configured to connect the first covering portion and the second covering portion.

8. The reflective module as claimed in claim 7, wherein the light-blocking portion includes at least one of a first light-blocking layer disposed along the edge of the emitting surface adjacent to the incident surface and a second light-blocking layer disposed along the edge of the emitting surface adjacent to the reflective surface.

9. The reflective module of claim 8, wherein the emitting surface includes the light-blocking portion, and the first covering portion and the second covering portion are configured to cover two edges of the emitting surface, and wherein the longitudinal direction of the first covering portion and the second covering portion is different from the longitudinal direction of the light-blocking portion.

10. The reflective module as claimed in claim 7, wherein the retainer comprises: Mounting surface on which the reflective member is mounted; a first sidewall surrounding one side surface of the reflective member; and a second sidewall surrounding the other side surface of the reflective member, wherein the first covering portion extends from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, and the second covering portion extends from the second sidewall to the first sidewall.

11. The reflective module as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first covering portion and the second covering portion have curved surfaces.

Images