Portable electronic device, camera module and lens assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a portable electronic device, a camera module, and a lens assembly. The lens assembly includes: a lens including an optical portion that refracts light and a flange portion that extends along at least a part of an outer periphery of the optical portion; and a lens barrel that houses the lens. The lens includes a first D-notch portion separated from the lens barrel on one side surface of the flange portion and a second D-notch portion separated from the lens barrel on the other side surface of the flange portion, wherein both the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion include a first inclined surface, and the first inclined surface is separated from respective end portions of the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion by a predetermined interval.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0170320, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 12, 2017, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0035443, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on March 27, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to a lens assembly, a camera module including the lens assembly, and a portable electronic device. Background Art

[0003] Camera modules are used in portable electronic devices such as smart phones, and in recent years, in accordance with the demand for miniaturization of portable electronic devices, there has been a need for miniaturization of such camera modules installed in portable electronic devices. In addition, it is necessary to improve the performance of the camera module separately from the necessity of miniaturization of the camera module.

[0004] However, since various configurations should be added to improve the performance of the camera module, it may be difficult to reduce the size of the camera module.

[0005] In addition, in the case of simply reducing the size of each configuration of the camera module in order to miniaturize the camera module, undesired reflection of light may occur inside the camera module.

[0006] Light reflected from a subject and incident inside the lens barrel may be refracted when passing through a plurality of lenses. In this case, the refracted light may be reflected from the inner surface of the lens barrel or other configurations, and when the reflected light is incident on the image sensor or around the image sensor, a flare phenomenon may occur.

[0007] Light reflected from the inside of the camera module is light unrelated to image formation and causes flare or ghosting phenomena in the captured image.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a new method for miniaturizing the size of a camera module and improving the quality of a captured image while ensuring the performance of the camera module.

[0009] The above information is presented only as background art information to assist in understanding the present disclosure. No determination has been made, nor is any assertion made, as to whether any of the above information is applicable as prior art against the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention content is provided to introduce selected concepts in a simplified form, and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. The present invention content is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0011] In a general aspect, a lens assembly includes: a lens including an optical portion that refracts light and a flange portion extending along at least a part of the outer periphery of the optical portion; and a lens barrel that houses the lens. The lens includes a first D-notch portion separated from the lens barrel on one side surface of the flange portion and a second D-notch portion separated from the lens barrel on the other side surface of the flange portion, wherein both the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion include a first inclined surface, and wherein the first inclined surface is separated from the respective end portions of the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion by a predetermined interval.

[0012] The lens assembly may further include a planarized surface between the first inclined surface and the end portion of the first D-notch portion and a planarized surface between the first inclined surface and the end portion of the second D-notch portion.

[0013] The lens assembly may further include a first rib that protrudes from the flange portion along the outer periphery of the optical portion on a first surface of the lens, wherein two opposite end surfaces of the first rib are respectively connected to the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion.

[0014] The lens assembly may further include a second rib that protrudes from the flange portion along the outer periphery of the optical portion on a second surface of the lens, wherein two opposite end surfaces of the second rib are separated from the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion by a predetermined interval.

[0015] The lens assembly may further include a planarized surface between each end surface of the opposite end surfaces of the second rib and the corresponding first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion.

[0016] Two opposite end surfaces of the second rib may include a second inclined surface, and the second inclined surface may be separated from the corresponding end portion of the second rib by a predetermined interval.

[0017] The lens assembly may further include a planarized surface between the second inclined surface and the corresponding end portion of the second rib.

[0018] The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface may have different inclined directions from each other.

[0019] At least three surfaces of the lens and the lens barrel may be in contact with each other.

[0020] The flange portion may include an arc portion connecting the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion to each other, and the arc portion may include a third D-notch portion that may be separated from the lens barrel.

[0021] The length of a straight line passing through the optical axis and connecting the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion to each other may be shorter than the length of a straight line passing through the optical axis and connecting the arc portions to each other.

[0022] The first D-notch portion, the second D-notch portion, and the third D-notch portion may include planar surfaces.

[0023] The planar surfaces of the first D-notch portion, the planar surfaces of the second D-notch portion, and the planar surfaces of the third D-notch portion may have different degrees of surface roughness.

[0024] The lens assembly may further include a plurality of lenses disposed in the lens barrel and disposed closer to the object side than the lens, and the shapes of the plurality of lenses and the shape of the lens may be different from each other.

[0025] In another general aspect, a portable electronic device may include the above-described lens assembly disposed in a camera module.

[0026] In another general aspect, a camera module includes: a lens including an optical portion that refracts light and a flange portion extending along at least a part of the outer periphery of the optical portion; and a lens barrel that houses the lens. The flange portion includes a first D-notch portion, a second D-notch portion opposite to the first D-notch portion, an arc portion connecting the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion to each other, and a third D-notch portion in the arc portion, the arc portion being in contact with the lens barrel, the first D-notch portion, the second D-notch portion, and the third D-notch portion being separated from the lens barrel, and wherein the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion include respective boundaries that separate the remaining surface of the first D-notch portion from the end portion of the first D-notch portion and separate the remaining surface of the second D-notch portion from the end portion of the second D-notch portion.

[0027] The boundary may be a planarized surface.

[0028] In another general aspect, a portable electronic device includes: the camera module as described above and a display, wherein the camera module may be mounted together with the display as a front camera of the portable electronic device or mounted as a rear camera on a side of the portable electronic device other than the side having the display.

[0029] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0031] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a lens of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0032] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a lens of a lens assembly coupled to a lens barrel according to one or more embodiments.

[0033] Figure 5 is a plan view showing a lens of a lens assembly coupled to a lens barrel according to one or more embodiments.

[0034] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a side view of a lens of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0035] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a lens of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0036] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0037] Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of a lens barrel of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0038] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0039] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a lens assembly mounted on a portable electronic device according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following specific embodiments are provided to assist the reader in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, after understanding the disclosure of this application, various transformations, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein will be apparent. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but rather, changes that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application may be made, except for operations that must occur in a specific order. Additionally, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

[0041] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and are not to be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, only the examples described herein are provided to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. In the following, although embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0042] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as "on" another element, "connected to" another element, or "coupled to" another element, the element can be directly "on" the other element, "connected to" the other element, or "coupled to" the other element, or there can be one or more other elements intervening therebetween. In contrast, when an element is described as "directly on" another element, "directly connected to" another element, or "directly coupled to" another element, there can be no other elements intervening therebetween.

[0043] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more thereof. Similarly, "at least one" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more thereof.

[0044] Although terms such as "first", "second", and "third" may be used herein to describe various components, elements, regions, layers, or parts, these components, elements, regions, layers, or parts should not be limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one component, element, region, layer, or part from another. Thus, the first component, element, region, layer, or part mentioned in the examples described herein may also be referred to as the second component, element, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the examples.

[0045] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above", "upper", "below", and "lower" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element relative to another as shown in the figures. Such spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "above" or "upper" relative to another element will then be "below" or "lower" relative to the other element. Thus, the term "above" includes both an upper and a lower orientation depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be positioned in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0046] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various examples only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms are also intended to include the plural forms. The terms "comprises", "comprising", and "having" list the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

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

[0048] The features of the examples described herein may be combined in various ways that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application. In addition, although the examples described herein have various configurations, other configurations will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application and are feasible.

[0049] One aspect of the present disclosure may provide a portable electronic device, a camera module, and a lens assembly that can reduce the size of the lens assembly while ensuring the performance of the lens assembly.

[0050] In this specification, the portable electronic device 1000 may refer to a portable electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal, a smart phone, a tablet PC, etc.

[0051] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0052] Referring to Figure 1 , the camera module may include, for example, a lens assembly 10, a housing 20 that houses the lens assembly 10, an outer shell 30 coupled to the housing 20, and an image sensor module 40 that converts light incident through the lens assembly 10 into an electrical signal.

[0053] The lens assembly 10 may include, for example, a lens barrel 200 and at least one lens.

[0054] At least one lens may be accommodated in the lens barrel 200. The at least one lens may be arranged along the optical axis direction from the object side to the image side (the side of the image sensor 41).

[0055] In the case where the at least one lens includes two or more lenses, each lens may have optical characteristics such as the same or different refractive powers, refractive indices, Abbe numbers, thicknesses, image-side surface curvature radii, and / or object-side surface curvature radii, etc.

[0056] The lens barrel 200 may be accommodated in the housing 20.

[0057] As an example, the housing 20 may have a shape with an open top and bottom, and the lens barrel 200 may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing 20.

[0058] The image sensor module 40 may be provided on the bottom of the housing 20.

[0059] In addition, an actuator for moving the lens assembly 10 for focusing and / or image stabilization may be provided on the housing 20.

[0060] The lens assembly 10 may move along the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) by the actuator to perform focusing, and may move along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (X-axis direction and / or Y-axis direction) to perform image stabilization when capturing an image.

[0061] The outer shell 30 may be coupled to the housing 20 and may be used to protect the internal components of the camera module.

[0062] In addition, the outer shell 30 may be used to shield electromagnetic waves.

[0063] As an example, the outer shell 30 may shield the electromagnetic waves generated from the camera module so that the electromagnetic waves do not affect other electronic components in the portable electronic device.

[0064] In addition, since several electronic components and the camera module are mounted in the portable electronic device 1000 ( Figure 13 ), the outer shell 30 may shield the electromagnetic waves generated from these electronic components so that the electromagnetic waves do not affect the camera module.

[0065] The outer shell 30 may be formed of metal and thus may be grounded to a ground pad provided on the printed circuit board 43 to shield electromagnetic waves.

[0066] The image sensor module 40 may be a device configured to convert the light incident through the lens assembly 10 into an electrical signal.

[0067] As an example, the image sensor module 40 may include an image sensor 41 and a printed circuit board 43 connected to the image sensor 41, and may further include an infrared filter.

[0068] The infrared filter may cut off light in the infrared region among the light incident through the lens assembly 10.

[0069] The image sensor 41 may convert the light incident through the lens assembly 10 into an electrical signal. As an example, the image sensor 41 may be a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

[0070] The electrical signal converted by the image sensor 41 may be output as an image through the display unit 300 of the portable electronic device 1000.

[0071] The image sensor 41 may be fixed to the printed circuit board 43 and may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 43 through wire bonding.

[0072] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a lens of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0073] The lens assembly 10 may include a plurality of lenses, but for ease of explanation, one lens will be described.

[0074] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the lens 100 may include an optical portion 110 and a flange portion 130 formed on at least a part of the outer periphery of the optical portion 110.

[0075] The optical portion 110 may be a part that exhibits the optical performance of the lens 100. As an example, the light reflected by the subject may be refracted while passing through the optical portion 110.

[0076] The optical portion 110 may have a positive refractive power or a negative refractive power, may have a spherical surface shape or an aspherical surface shape, and may have a concave, convex, or meniscus shape in the paraxial region (the part adjacent to the optical axis).

[0077] The flange portion 130 may be a part that fixes the lens 100 to another component (for example, the lens barrel 200 or another lens).

[0078] The flange portion 130 may extend along at least a part of the outer periphery of the optical portion 110 and may be integrally formed with the optical portion 110.

[0079] The lens 100 may be formed of plastic and may be injection molded through molding.

[0080] Generally, in the case where the lens 100 is injection molded by molding, the gate portion G may be formed at a portion corresponding to the channel through which the resin material is introduced (see Figure 2 ). To remove the gate portion G, a portion of the side surface of the flange portion 130 of the lens 100 may be cut along the optical axis direction, thereby forming a D-cut portion.

[0081] In this case, the optical portion 110 of the lens 100 may be generally formed in a circular shape, but the flange portion 130 may have a 'D' shape with a portion thereof removed. Hereinafter, the portion having the 'D' shape is referred to as the D-cut portion. For reference, the meaning of "cut" in the D-cut portion is not limited to the meaning of excision.

[0082] The flange portion 130 of at least one lens 100 of the lens assembly 10 according to one or more embodiments may include a D-cut portion 140 and an arc portion 150.

[0083] The D-cut portion 140 may refer to a flat portion formed in the flange portion 130, and the arc portion 150 may refer to a portion formed in an arc shape to connect the D-cut portions 140 to each other.

[0084] Here, 'flat' is not limited to a perfect plane, but may include, for example, a generally flat surface or shape, such as a plane within the manufacturing error. Similarly, 'arc' is not limited to a perfect arc, but may include, for example, a generally arcuate shape, such as an arc within the manufacturing error.

[0085] The D-cut portion 140 may be formed in at least three regions of the flange portion 130. For example, two D-cut portions 141, 142 may be formed at positions symmetric to each other with respect to the optical axis, and the remaining D-cut portion 143 may be formed at the arc portion 150. Here, 'Symmetric' is not limited to perfect symmetry, but may include, for example, D-cut portions 141, 142 that are relatively disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to the optical axis, such as symmetry within the manufacturing error.

[0086] As an example, the D-cut portion 140 may include a first D-cut portion 141 and a second D-cut portion 142 that are symmetric to each other with respect to the optical axis, and may further include a third D-cut portion 143 formed at the arc portion 150.

[0087] The first D-cut portion 141 may be formed on one side surface of the flange portion 130, and the second D-cut portion 142 may be formed on the other side surface (the surface opposite to the one side surface) of the flange portion 130. The third D-cut portion 143 may be a surface formed by removing at least a portion of the arc portion 150.

[0088] Refer to Figure 2In at least one lens 100 of the lens assembly 10 according to one or more embodiments, a gate portion G corresponding to a portion where a resin material is introduced during injection molding may be formed at an arc portion 150 of a flange portion 130.

[0089] Therefore, by removing the gate portion G after injection molding, a third D-notch portion 143 that removes a part of the arc portion 150 of the flange portion 130 can be formed (see Figure 3 ).

[0090] The first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142 may be manufactured to have a 'D' shape during injection molding, but the third D-notch portion 143 may be manufactured to have a 'D' shape by removing a part of the arc portion 150 after injection. Therefore, the planes of the first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142 may have a surface roughness different from that of the plane of the third D-notch portion 143.

[0091] Since the first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142 may be manufactured to have a 'D' shape during injection molding, the length of a straight line passing through the optical axis of the lens 100 and connecting the first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142 to each other may be smaller than the length of a straight line passing through the optical axis of the lens 100 and connecting the arc portions 150 to each other.

[0092] In recent years, according to the demand for miniaturization of the portable electronic device 1000, the lens assembly 10 and the camera module mounted on the portable electronic device 1000 also need to be miniaturized. In addition, it is required to improve the performance of the lens assembly 10 and the camera module separately from the necessity of miniaturization, or in addition to the necessity of miniaturization, it is required to improve the performance of the lens assembly 10 and the camera module.

[0093] At least one lens 100 of the lens assembly 10 according to one or more embodiments includes a first D-notch portion 141 and a second D-notch portion 142 that are symmetric with each other about the optical axis, thereby ensuring the optical performance of the lens, enabling the lens 100 to be miniaturized, and also achieving miniaturization and performance improvement of the camera module.

[0094] Different from general injection lenses, in this embodiment, the first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142 are not formed by removing a part of the lens 100 after injection molding, but the first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142 can be formed to have a 'D' shape during injection.

[0095] In the case of general injection lenses, since a part of the lens is removed after injection molding, the lens may be deformed due to the force applied to the lens during the process. In the case of lens deformation, the optical performance of the lens may inevitably change.

[0096] That is, when the D notches are formed to be symmetric with respect to the optical axis by removing a part of the lens after injection molding the lens, the lens can be miniaturized, but the performance of the lens may deteriorate.

[0097] However, according to the examples described herein, since the first D notch 141 and the second D notch 142 are formed on the flange portion 130 of the lens 100 during injection molding, the lens 100 can be miniaturized and the performance of the lens 100 can be ensured (maintained).

[0098] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a lens and a lens barrel of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments in which the lens assembly and the lens barrel can be coupled to each other. Figure 5 is a plan view showing a lens and a lens barrel of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments in which the lens assembly and the lens barrel can be coupled to each other.

[0099] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the lens barrel 200 may have a shape substantially similar to that of the lens.

[0100] The lens barrel 200 may include D notches 210 formed on the inner surface and the outer surface and arc portions 220 formed on the inner surface and the outer surface.

[0101] The D notch 210 of the lens barrel 200 may be formed at a position corresponding to the D notch 140 of the lens 100 that is symmetric with respect to the optical axis. As an example, the D notch 210 may be formed on the inner surface and the outer surface of the lens barrel 200 at positions corresponding to the first D notch 141 and the second D notch 142 of the lens 100.

[0102] The D notch 210 of the lens barrel 200 may mean a planar portion formed on the inner surface and the outer surface of the lens barrel 200 similar to the D notch 140 of the lens 100. Here, 'planar' is not limited to a perfect plane, but may include, for example, a substantially planar surface or shape, such as a plane within the manufacturing error.

[0103] In addition, the arc portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 may be formed at a position corresponding to the arc portion 150 of the lens 100. As an example, the arc portion 220 may be formed on the inner surface and the outer surface of the lens barrel 200 at positions corresponding to the arc portion 150 of the lens 100.

[0104] The arc portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 may mean an arc-shaped portion formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the lens barrel 200 similarly to the arc portion 150 of the lens 100. Here, the 'arc' is not limited to a perfect arc, but may include, for example, a substantially arcuate shape, such as an arc within the manufacturing error.

[0105] In this embodiment, the lens barrel 200 and the lens 100 may be configured such that at least three surfaces contact each other ( Figure 4 ). The D-notch portion 140 of the lens 100 may be configured to be in a non-contact state with the lens barrel 200, and the arc portion 150 of the lens 100 may be configured to contact the lens barrel 200. As an example, the D-notch portion 210 of the lens barrel 200 and the D-notch portion 140 of the lens 100 may be set to be separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the arc portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 and the arc portion 150 of the lens 100 may be set such that at least three surfaces contact each other.

[0106] The lens barrel 200 and the lens 100 may be manufactured by an injection process. Since the lens barrel 200 and the lens 100 may not be easily and precisely manufactured to the predetermined dimensions in the design, a certain range of errors may occur.

[0107] For example, the arc portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 and the arc portion 150 of the lens 100 may not actually be in a perfect arc shape, but may be injection molded to approximate an arc shape. Therefore, the arc portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 and the arc portion 150 of the lens 100 may have better roundness.

[0108] Here, roundness refers to the degree to which the shape of the machined circle conforms to the shape of the actual circle (the ideal circular circle), and good roundness means that the shape of the machined circle is close to the shape of the actual circle.

[0109] Meanwhile, the roundness of the arc portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 and the roundness of the arc portion 150 of the lens 100 may be different from each other. Therefore, when the lens 100 is inserted into the lens barrel 200, due to the difference in roundness between the lens barrel 200 and the lens 100, the force applied to one part of the lens 100 and the force applied to another part of the lens 100 may be different.

[0110] For example, when the lens 100 is inserted into the lens barrel 200, due to the difference in roundness between the arc portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 and the arc portion 150 of the lens 100, the force applied to the arc portion 150 of the lens 100 may be deviated, resulting in an asymmetric deformation of the lens 100.

[0111] When the lens 100 is inserted into the lens barrel 200, since a force is applied to the lens 100 due to the contact between the lens barrel 200 and the lens 100, the lens 100 may be slightly deformed. In the case where the lens 100 is uniformly deformed as a whole, since the optical performance of the lens 100 is uniformly distorted as a whole, the lens 100 can be manufactured while taking this error into account during the design process.

[0112] However, in the case where the lens 100 is deformed asymmetrically, there is a problem as follows: After the lens 100 is combined with the lens barrel 200, it may be difficult to predict how the optical performance of the lens 100 is distorted.

[0113] Specifically, in the case where the lens barrel 200 and the lens 100 come into two-surface contact, a difference in optical performance may occur between one side and the other side of the lens 100.

[0114] However, in the lens assembly 10 according to the example described herein, since the lens barrel 200 and the lens 100 are configured such that at least three surfaces contact each other, the deviation of the difference in roundness of the force applied to the lens 100 can be significantly reduced. Accordingly, the asymmetric distortion of the optical performance of the lens 100 can be prevented.

[0115] Referring to Figure 4 , the lens 100 includes a first D-notch portion 141, a second D-notch portion 142, a third D-notch portion 143, and an arc portion 150, and the lens barrel 200 includes a D-notch portion 210 and an arc portion 220.

[0116] The arc portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 and the arc portion 150 of the lens 100 can be configured such that three surfaces contact each other. For example, on the right side of Figure 4 , the first surface of the arc portion 150 of the lens 100 can contact the first surface of the arc portion 220 of the lens barrel 200, and on the left side of Figure 4 , the second surface and the third surface of the arc portion 150 of the lens 100 can contact the second surface and the third surface of the arc portion 220 of the lens barrel 200.

[0117] Referring to Figure 5 , the lens 100 may include a first D-notch portion 141, a second D-notch portion 142, a third D-notch portion 143, a fourth D-notch portion 144, and an arc portion 150, and the lens barrel 200 includes a D-notch portion 210 and an arc portion 220.

[0118] The arc portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 and the arc portion 150 of the lens 100 can be configured such that four surfaces contact each other.

[0119] In Figure 4 and Figure 5In various embodiments, the lens barrel 200 and the lens 100 are shown such that three surfaces or four surfaces contact each other, but are not limited thereto, and the lens barrel 200 and the lens 100 may also be configured such that five or more surfaces contact each other. However, in addition, in this case, the D-notch portion 140 of the lens 100 and the D-notch portion 210 of the lens barrel 200 may be configured to be separated from each other.

[0120] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a side view of a lens of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments. Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a lens of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0121] Referring to Figure 6 , the D-notch portion 140 of the lens 100 may include an inclined surface. As an example, the first inclined surface 120 may be provided in each of the first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142. The first inclined surface 120 may facilitate the separation of the mold from the manufactured lens 100.

[0122] The first inclined surface 120 may be separated from the end portion of the D-notch portion 140 by a predetermined interval. As an example, on the side of the first D-notch portion 141, the end portion 141a of the first D-notch portion 141 and the first inclined surface 120 may be separated from each other in the optical axis direction, and on the side of the second D-notch portion 142, the end portion 142a of the second D-notch portion 142 and the first inclined surface 120 may be separated from each other in the optical axis direction.

[0123] A planarized surface 160 may be formed between the end portion 141a of the first D-notch portion 141 and the first inclined surface 120. Additionally, a planarized surface 160 may also be formed between the end portion 142a of the second D-notch portion 142 and the first inclined surface 120.

[0124] That is, the first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142 may include a planarized surface 160 as a boundary line that separates the remaining surfaces (e.g., the first inclined surface 120) of the first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142 from the end portion 141a of the first D-notch portion 141 and the end portion 142a of the second D-notch portion 142, respectively. The planarized surface 160 may be a continuously connected planar line.

[0125] In various embodiments, the mold forming the optical portion 110 and the mold forming the D-notch portion 140 may be different from each other. That is, the mold forming the optical portion 110 and the mold forming the D-notch portion 140 may be combined with each other to manufacture the lens 100 including the optical portion 110 and the D-notch portion 140.

[0126] For example, to fabricate the lens 100 in the examples described herein, at least four molds may be used. That is, a first movable-side mold (not shown) for forming the flange portion 130 and the portion of the optical portion 110 corresponding to one surface (e.g., the object-side surface) of the lens 100, a first fixed-side mold (not shown) for forming the flange portion 130 and the portion of the optical portion 110 corresponding to the other surface (e.g., the image-side surface) of the lens 100, a second movable-side mold (not shown) for forming the first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142 of the lens 100, and a second fixed-side mold (not shown) for forming the first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142 of the lens 100 may be used.

[0127] Here, when the molds for forming the optical portion 110 (the first movable-side mold and the first fixed-side mold) and the molds for forming the D-notch portion 140 (the second movable-side mold and the second fixed-side mold) are combined with each other, the combined position between the molds may be slightly changed due to design errors and / or manufacturing errors.

[0128] Defects may occur in the fabricated lens due to such design errors and / or manufacturing errors.

[0129] For example, the first inclined surface 120 may protrude from the ends 141a and 142a of the D-notch portion 140 due to the change in the combined position between the molds, and such burrs may affect the optical portion 110 of the lens 100 to change the optical performance, or may affect the flange portion 130 to lose the ability to be combined with the lens barrel 200 or other lenses.

[0130] Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to prevent defects from occurring in the lens 100 due to design errors and / or manufacturing errors, the first inclined surface 120 may always be separated from the ends 141a of the first D-notch portion 141 and the ends 142a of the second D-notch portion 142 by a predetermined interval. Accordingly, even if design errors and / or manufacturing errors occur, it is possible to prevent the first inclined surface 120 from protruding on the ends 141a of the first D-notch portion 141 and the ends 142a of the second D-notch portion 142.

[0131] Meanwhile, referring to Figures 7 to 9 , a first rib 131 that protrudes for combining with another lens or maintaining a spacing from another lens may be provided on the flange portion 130 of one surface (e.g., the object-side surface or the first surface) of the lens 100.

[0132] The first rib 131 may be formed on the flange portion 130 along the outer periphery of the optical portion 110, and two end surfaces 131a and 131b of the first rib 131 may be connected to the first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142. That is, the two end surfaces 131a and 131b of the first rib 131 may respectively constitute parts of the first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142.

[0133] In addition, a second rib 132 protruding for combining with another lens or maintaining a spacing from another lens may also be provided on the flange portion 130 of another surface (e.g., the image side surface or the second surface) of the lens 100.

[0134] The second rib 132 may be formed on the flange portion 130 along the outer periphery of the optical portion 110, and two end surfaces 132a and 132b of the second rib 132 may not be connected to the first D-notch portion 141 and the second D-notch portion 142.

[0135] For example, an end surface 132a on one side of the second rib 132 may be separated from the first D-notch portion 141 by a predetermined interval in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and an end surface 132b on the other side of the second rib 132 may be separated from the second D-notch portion 142 by a predetermined interval in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0136] Since the mold (the second fixed-side mold) forming the two end surfaces 132a and 132b of the second rib 132 and the mold (the second movable-side mold) forming the D-notch portion 140 are different molds, the two end surfaces 132a and 132b of the second rib 132 may protrude from the D-notch portion 140 due to design errors and / or manufacturing errors, thereby forming spurs.

[0137] Therefore, in this embodiment, an end surface 132a on one side of the second rib 132 may always be separated from the first D-notch portion 141 by a predetermined interval, and an end surface 132b on the other side of the second rib 132 may always be separated from the second D-notch portion 142 by a predetermined interval.

[0138] A planarized surface 170 may be formed between an end surface 132a on one side of the second rib 132 and the first D-notch portion 141. In addition, a planarized surface 170 may also be formed between an end surface 132b on the other side of the second rib 132 and the second D-notch portion 142.

[0139] The two end surfaces 132a and 132b of the second rib 132 may include inclined surfaces. As an example, a second inclined surface 180 may be provided on the two end surfaces 132a and 132b of the second rib. The second inclined surface 180 may facilitate the separation of the mold from the manufactured lens 100. At the same time, the first inclined surface 120 and the second inclined surface 180 may have opposite inclined directions (see Figure 6 ).

[0140] Since the mold (second fixed-side mold) forming the two end surfaces 132a and 132b of the second rib 132 and the mold (first fixed-side mold) forming the remaining portion of the second rib 132 are different molds, the second inclined surface 180 may protrude from the end of the second rib 132 due to design errors and / or manufacturing errors, thereby forming a burr.

[0141] Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to prevent defects from occurring in the lens due to design errors and / or manufacturing errors, the second inclined surface 180 may always be separated from the end portion of the second rib 132 by a predetermined interval in the optical axis direction. Thus, even if design errors and / or manufacturing errors occur, it is possible to prevent the second inclined surface 180 from protruding from the end of the second rib 132.

[0142] A planarized surface 190 may be formed between the end of the second rib 132 and the second inclined surface 180.

[0143] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments. Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of a lens barrel of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0144] Referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the lens assembly 10 may include a lens barrel 200 and a plurality of lenses.

[0145] The plurality of lenses may include a first lens L1, a second lens L2, a third lens L3, a fourth lens L4, a fifth lens L5, and a sixth lens L6 arranged from the object side to the image side (image sensor side). However, the plurality of lenses is not limited thereto, but may include five or fewer lenses or may include seven or more lenses.

[0146] Spacers may be provided between adjacent lenses. The spacers may maintain the intervals between the lenses. As an example, the spacers may include first spacers S1, second spacers S2, third spacers S3, fourth spacers S4, and fifth spacers S5 arranged from the object side to the image side (image sensor side) between the first lens L1 and the second lens L2, between the second lens L2 and the third lens L3, between the third lens L3 and the fourth lens L4, between the fourth lens L4 and the fifth lens L5, and between the fifth lens L5 and the sixth lens L6, respectively.

[0147] Among the plurality of lenses, the two lenses L5 and L6 arranged closest to the image side may be lenses including a D-notch portion 140 and an arc portion 150 ( Figures 2 to 9 ), and the four lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4 arranged closest to the object side may be circular lenses.

[0148] That is, the shapes of the two lenses L5 and L6 set closest to the image side can be different from the shapes of the four lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4 set closest to the object side.

[0149] Since the four lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4 set closest to the object side can be injection molded, the D-notch portion can be formed at a part of the lens by removing the gate portion that is a passage for introducing the resin material. However, the four lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4 set closest to the object side can be generally circular lenses.

[0150] The lens barrel 200 can include a D-notch portion 210 at a part where the two lenses (e.g., the fifth lens L5 and the sixth lens L6) set closest to the image side are joined. The inner surface and the outer surface of the lens barrel 200 can be flat surfaces at the part where the D-notch portion 210 is formed.

[0151] The lens assembly 10 used in the portable electronic device 1000 can generally have a short total lens length (TTL) for miniaturization. Here, the TTL is the distance from the object side surface of the first lens L1 to the imaging surface of the image sensor 41.

[0152] Instead of making the TTL short, the diameter of the optical unit 110 increases in successive lenses among the plurality of lenses as they are set closer to the image side, thereby ensuring optical performance.

[0153] In various embodiments of the lens assembly 10, the D-notch portion 140 can be formed symmetrically about the optical axis on the two lenses (e.g., the fifth lens L5 and the sixth lens L6) set closest to the image side, and the D-notch portion 210 can be formed on the lens barrel 200 at a position corresponding to the D-notch portion 140 of the lens, so that the overall size of the lens assembly 10 can be reduced, and thus the camera module can be miniaturized.

[0154] Meanwhile, the light reflected from the subject and incident on the lens barrel 200 is refracted when passing through the plurality of lenses. In this case, the refracted light can be undesirably reflected (e.g., reflected from the inner surface of the lens barrel 200), and when the reflected light is incident on the image sensor 41 or around the image sensor 41, a flare phenomenon may occur.

[0155] In the case of the flare phenomenon occurring, a plurality of captured images may deteriorate, such as a part of the captured image may be blurred or circular white spots may appear.

[0156] Specifically, in accordance with the trend of miniaturization, the size of each component of the lens assembly 10 is reduced. Accordingly, undesired reflection of light may occur in the lens barrel 200.

[0157] However, even if light is reflected from the inner surface of the lens barrel 200, various embodiments of the lens assembly 10 can prevent the occurrence of such flare phenomenon due to the reflected light.

[0158] As an example, referring to Figure 11 , the lens assembly 10 according to an embodiment can be configured such that the linear distance between the inner surface of the lens barrel 200 and the optical axis changes according to the circumferential direction. Here, the inner surface of the lens barrel 200 may be a portion where no D-notch is formed (that is, the arc portion 220).

[0159] Therefore, the inner surface of the lens barrel 200 can be configured such that the angle at which light is reflected is different depending on the position where the light is reflected. That is, the inner surface of the lens barrel 200 can be configured such that even if light is reflected, the reflected light is diffusely reflected. Accordingly, the light reflected from the inner surface of the lens barrel 200 can be prevented from concentrating at one point, and the occurrence of the flare phenomenon can be prevented.

[0160] A plurality of protrusions 230 protruding toward the optical axis may be formed along the circumferential direction on at least a part (e.g., the arc portion 220) of the inner surface of the lens barrel 200.

[0161] Each of the plurality of protrusions 230 may have a length in the optical axis direction, and the surface of each protrusion 230 may be a curved surface having a curvature. As an example, a plurality of protrusions 230 having a convex surface may be formed along the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the lens barrel 200.

[0162] In addition, at least a part (e.g., the arc portion 220) of the inner surface of the lens barrel 200 may be formed such that the diameter of the at least part changes along the circumferential direction of the lens barrel 200 through the plurality of protrusions 230.

[0163] As an example, the linear distance between the inner surface of the lens barrel 200 and the optical axis may change along the circumferential direction.

[0164] Therefore, in the case where light is reflected from the plurality of protrusions 230, the reflected light can be diffusely reflected and may not concentrate at one point. Accordingly, the occurrence of the flare phenomenon can be prevented.

[0165] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a lens assembly mounted on a portable electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0166] In the present embodiment, a plurality of lenses may be arranged such that the optical axes of the plurality of lenses are perpendicular to the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1000 (the direction from the front surface of the portable electronic device 1000 to the rear surface of the portable electronic device 1000 or the direction opposite to the said direction) (see Figure 13 ).

[0167] As an example, the optical axes of the plurality of lenses may be formed in the width direction or the length direction of the portable electronic device 1000.

[0168] In the case where the optical axes of the plurality of lenses are formed in the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1000, the height of the camera module on the optical axis may affect the thickness of the portable electronic device 1000.

[0169] In the case where the camera module mounted on the portable electronic device 1000 has autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilizer (OIS) functions, since the size of the camera module is increased compared to a general camera module, the size of the portable electronic device 1000 on which the camera module is mounted may also be increased.

[0170] However, in the lens assembly 10 according to one or more of the various embodiments, since the optical axes of the plurality of lenses are arranged perpendicular to the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1000, the height of the lens assembly 10 in the optical axis direction may not affect the thickness of the portable electronic device 1000.

[0171] Therefore, regardless of the height of the lens assembly 10 in the optical axis direction, the thickness of the portable electronic device 1000 can be reduced.

[0172] Although not shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 , a reflection member may be provided in front of the lens assembly 10.

[0173] Typically, light may be incident along the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1000. In the lens assembly according to one or more embodiments, since the optical axes of the plurality of lenses are formed in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1000, a reflection member may be provided in front of the lens assembly 10 to change the traveling direction of light.

[0174] The reflection member may be a mirror or a prism, and the mirror or prism can reflect, refract, or reflect and refract the traveling direction of light by 90°.

[0175] Referring to Figure 12 , in the present embodiment, all the lenses of the lens assembly 10 may be lenses including D-notch portions 140 formed symmetrically with respect to the optical axis (see, for example, Figures 2 to 9 lenses).

[0176] In addition, the lens barrel 200' may further include D-notch portions 210' formed symmetric to each other about the optical axis. Through the D-notch portions 210', one surface and the other surface of the lens barrel 200' may be integrally planar.

[0177] With the configuration described above, the overall size of the lens assembly can be reduced, and thus the camera module can be miniaturized.

[0178] As described above, according to one or more embodiments, the lens assembly and the camera module including the lens assembly can reduce the size of the lens assembly while ensuring the performance of the lens assembly.

[0179] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application that various changes in form and detail can be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein will be considered only in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. The description of the features or aspects in each example will be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Appropriate results can be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order and / or if the components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented with other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents will be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A lens assembly, comprising: a lens, comprising: an optical portion configured to refract light, and a flange portion extending along at least a portion of the outer periphery of the optical portion; and a lens barrel for accommodating the lens, wherein the flange portion includes: a first D-notch portion on one surface of the flange portion and separated from the lens barrel, a second D-notch portion on the other surface of the flange portion and separated from the lens barrel, and a first arc portion and a second arc portion connecting the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion to each other and in contact with the lens barrel, wherein the length of the straight line connecting the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion to each other through the optical axis is less than the length of the straight line connecting the first arc portion and the second arc portion to each other through the optical axis, wherein the first D-notch portion includes a first inclined surface separated from the edge of the first D-notch portion by a predetermined interval in the direction of the optical axis, and the second D-notch portion includes a first inclined surface separated from the edge of the second D-notch portion by a predetermined interval in the direction of the optical axis.

2. The lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the first D-notch portion further includes a planarized surface between the first inclined surface of the first D-notch portion and the edge of the first D-notch portion, and the second D-notch portion further includes a planarized surface between the first inclined surface of the second D-notch portion and the edge of the second D-notch portion.

3. The lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the lens further includes a first rib protruding from the first surface of the flange portion along at least a portion of the outer periphery of the optical portion, a first end surface of the first rib is connected to the first D-notch portion, and a second end surface of the first rib is connected to the second D-notch portion.

4. The lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the lens further includes a second rib protruding from the second surface of the flange portion along at least a portion of the outer periphery of the optical portion, a first end surface of the second rib is separated from the first D-notch portion by a predetermined interval, and a second end surface of the second rib is separated from the second D-notch portion by a predetermined interval.

5. The lens assembly according to claim 4, wherein, the flange portion further includes: a planarized surface between the first end surface of the second rib and the first D-notch portion, and a planarized surface between the second end surface of the second rib and the second D-notch portion.

6. The lens assembly according to claim 4, wherein, a first end surface of the second rib includes a second inclined surface separated from the edge of the first end surface of the second rib by a predetermined interval, and a second end surface of the second rib includes a second inclined surface separated from the edge of the second end surface of the second rib by a predetermined interval.

7. The lens assembly according to claim 6, wherein, the first end surface of the second rib further includes a planarized surface between the second inclined surface of the first end surface of the second rib and the edge of the first end surface of the second rib, and The second end surface of the second rib further includes a planarized surface between the second inclined surface of the second end surface of the second rib and the edge of the second end surface of the second rib.

8. The lens assembly according to claim 6, wherein, the first inclined surface of the first D-notch portion and the second inclined surface of the first end surface of the second rib are inclined in opposite directions, and the first inclined surface of the second D-notch portion and the second inclined surface of the second end surface of the second rib are inclined in opposite directions.

9. The lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the first arc portion and the second arc portion include at least three surfaces in contact with the lens barrel.

10. The lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein, one of the first arc portion and the second arc portion includes a third D-notch portion that is separated from the lens barrel.

11. The lens assembly according to claim 10, wherein, the first D-notch portion, the second D-notch portion, and the third D-notch portion all include planar surfaces.

12. The lens assembly according to claim 11, wherein, the surface roughness of the planar surface of the first D-notch portion and the surface roughness of the planar surface of the second D-notch portion are different from the surface roughness of the planar surface of the third D-notch portion.

13. The lens assembly according to claim 1, further comprising another lens disposed in the lens barrel and closer to the object side of the lens barrel than the lens, wherein, the shape of the other lens is different from the shape of the lens.

14. The lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the length of the shortest straight line connecting the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion to each other and passing through the optical axis is less than the length of the shortest straight line connecting the first arc portion and the second arc portion to each other and passing through the optical axis.

15. A portable electronic device including a camera module, the camera module including the lens assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A camera module, comprising: a lens, including: an optical portion configured to refract light, and a flange portion extending along at least a portion of the outer periphery of the optical portion; and a lens barrel for accommodating the lens, wherein the flange portion includes: a first D-notch portion, a second D-notch portion opposite to the first D-notch portion across the optical axis, a first arc portion and a second arc portion connecting the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion to each other, and a third D-notch portion formed on one of the first arc portion and the second arc portion, each of the first arc portion and the second arc portion is in contact with the lens barrel, the first D-notch portion, the second D-notch portion, and the third D-notch portion are separated from the lens barrel, the length of the straight line connecting the first D-notch portion and the second D-notch portion to each other through the optical axis is less than the length of the straight line connecting the first arc portion and the second arc portion to each other through the optical axis, The edge of the first D-notch portion and the remaining portion of the first D-notch portion including the inclined surface are separated by a first boundary portion in the direction of the optical axis, and the edge of the second D-notch portion and the remaining portion of the second D-notch portion including the inclined surface are separated by a second boundary portion in the direction of the optical axis.

17. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein, the first boundary portion includes a first continuous planarized surface that separates the remaining portion of the first D-notch portion from the edge of the first D-notch portion, and the second boundary portion includes a second continuous planarized surface that separates the remaining portion of the second D-notch portion from the edge of the second D-notch portion.

Images