Lens assembly device

Abstract

The provided lens assembly apparatus includes a lens assembly having a plurality of adjacent lens modules each housing one or more lenses, and a lens holder in which the plurality of lens modules are disposed, wherein for each of the plurality of lens modules, the respective lens module includes a side surface facing another one of the plurality of lens modules disposed adjacent to the respective lens module, wherein the side surface includes at least a first planar surface, and at least one of the one or more lenses of the respective lens module has a first overall length in a first axial direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the respective lens module, and a second overall length in a second axial direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axial direction, wherein the first overall length is longer than the second overall length.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0058066, filed on May 4, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0147266, filed on October 29, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to lens assembly devices. Background Technology

[0004] Camera modules are already used in electronic devices. As a non-limiting example, camera modules are already used in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptop computers.

[0005] Furthermore, in recent years, for example, to capture high-resolution images or videos, the number of pixels in image sensors and the size of the image sensor itself have increased, as has the number of lenses. This increased number of lenses, or the increased size of the image sensor, has led to a corresponding increase in the size of the camera module. However, due to the increased size of the camera module, it may protrude from the portable electronic device, which can be problematic. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The summary portion of this invention is intended to provide a brief overview of the chosen inventive concepts, which will be further described in the detailed description portion below. This summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In one general aspect, the lens assembly device includes a lens assembly having: a plurality of lens modules arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each of the plurality of lens modules respectively accommodates one or more lenses; and a lens holder in which the plurality of lens modules are disposed, wherein, for each of the plurality of lens modules, the respective lens module includes a side surface facing another lens module arranged adjacent to the respective lens module, wherein the side surface includes at least a first flat surface, and at least one of the one or more lenses of the respective lens module has a first total length in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the respective lens module, and a second total length in a second axial direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axial direction, wherein the first total length is longer than the second total length.

[0008] The corresponding lens module may also include an opening through the first flat surface, and at least a portion of the lens is exposed to the outside of the corresponding lens module through the opening.

[0009] The corresponding lens module may also include a first side surface portion, a second side surface portion, a third side surface portion and a fourth side surface portion, wherein the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion are configured to face each other relative to the optical axis, the third side surface portion and the fourth side surface portion are configured to face each other relative to the optical axis, and the total distance between the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion is greater than the total distance between the third side surface portion and the fourth side surface portion.

[0010] The first flat surface may be disposed on the third side surface portion or the fourth side surface portion to face another lens module, and the first flat surface may have an opening extending through the first flat surface from the inside of the respective lens module to the outside of the respective lens module.

[0011] The first flat surface may be disposed on the third or fourth side surface portion to face another lens module, and the second or first side surface portion may be disposed to face an additional lens module disposed adjacent to the corresponding lens module among a plurality of lens modules, and the first and second side surface portions may each have a second flat surface.

[0012] The first flat surface may have a first opening extending through the first flat surface from the inside of the corresponding lens module to the outside of the corresponding lens module in the second axial direction, and the second flat surface of the first side surface portion or the second side surface portion may have a second opening extending through the second flat surface from the inside of the corresponding lens module to the outside of the corresponding lens module in the first axial direction.

[0013] The plurality of lens modules may include at least a first lens module, a second lens module, a third lens module, and a fourth lens module. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth lens modules further includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion. An opening in the first flat surface of the first lens module may face an opening in the first flat surface of the second lens module, exposing a side surface of at least one lens of the first lens module to the side surface of at least one lens of the second lens module. Similarly, an opening in the first flat surface of the third lens module may face an opening in the first flat surface of the fourth lens module, exposing a side surface of at least one lens of the third lens module to the side surface of at least one lens of the fourth lens module. The first surface of the first lens module... The surface portion may face the second surface portion of the third lens module, and the second surface portion of the second lens module may face the first surface portion of the fourth lens module. The second surface portion of the first lens module may include a first opening, the first surface portion of the second lens module may include a second opening, the first surface portion of the third lens module may include a third opening, and the second surface portion of the fourth lens module may include a fourth opening. Each of the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening may expose the other side surface of at least one lens of each of the first lens module, the second lens module, the third lens module, and the fourth lens module to the corresponding exterior of the first lens module, the second lens module, the third lens module, and the fourth lens module.

[0014] At least one lens may have an optical portion and a flange portion extending from the optical portion, and when viewed in the optical axis direction of the respective lens module, the optical portion has a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge, wherein the first edge has an arcuate shape, the second edge is disposed on the opposite side of the first edge relative to the optical axis and has an arcuate shape, and the third edge and the fourth edge connect the first edge and the second edge to each other, respectively.

[0015] The corresponding lens module may also include an opening in a first flat surface, through which a third edge or a fourth edge is exposed to the outside of the corresponding lens module to expose the optical portion to the outside, and the opening of the first lens module in the plurality of lens modules may face the opening of the second lens module in the plurality of lens modules.

[0016] The flange portion may have a first flange portion extending from a first edge and a second flange portion extending from a second edge.

[0017] The side surface of the first flange portion may have a first flat surface portion and a first curved surface portion, and the side surface of the second flange portion may have a second flat surface portion and a second curved surface portion. The first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion are surfaces that intersect with a virtual line that passes through the optical axis and extends in the first axial direction. The first curved surface portion is disposed on both sides of the first flat surface portion, and the second curved surface portion is disposed on both sides of the second flat surface portion.

[0018] The surfaces of the corresponding lens modules corresponding to the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion may have openings through which the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion are at least partially exposed to the outside of the corresponding lens module.

[0019] The lens holder may have an opening through which a portion of the corresponding side surface of each of the plurality of lens modules is exposed, and the opening may be respectively located along the outside of the lens holder at a position intersecting with a corresponding virtual line connecting the optical axes of the plurality of lens modules that are arranged facing each other in the corresponding diagonal direction.

[0020] The device may also include a single image sensor, wherein the lens assembly and the single image sensor are configured as a camera module.

[0021] The short side of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of multiple lens modules can be parallel to the short side of a single image sensor, and the long side of the virtual rectangle can be parallel to the long side of a single image sensor.

[0022] In one general aspect, the lens assembly device includes a camera module comprising: a plurality of lens modules arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each of the plurality of lens modules respectively accommodates one or more lenses; a lens holder for accommodating the plurality of lens modules; a housing for accommodating the lens holder; and an image sensor module coupled to the housing, wherein for each of the plurality of lens modules, the respective lens module includes four side surfaces, each of the four side surfaces having at least a flat surface, at least one of the four side surfaces having an opening through the flat surface of the at least one side surface, at least one lens of the one or more lenses of the respective lens module having a first total length in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the respective lens module, and a second total length in a second axial direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axial direction, wherein the first total length is longer than the second total length, and at least a portion of the side surface of at least one lens is exposed to the outside of the respective lens module through the opening.

[0023] The image sensor module may include a single image sensor configured in the camera module for receiving light directed toward the single image sensor by each of a plurality of lens modules.

[0024] The short side of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of multiple lens modules can be parallel to the short side of a single image sensor, and the long side of the virtual rectangle can be parallel to the long side of a single image sensor.

[0025] The area of ​​the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of multiple lens modules to each other can be smaller than the area of ​​the effective image capture region of a single image sensor.

[0026] For capturing an image of the entire object, each of one or more lenses in the multiple lens modules can respectively direct light from at least different viewing portions of the object toward at least a single portion of a single image sensor, or each of one or more lenses in the multiple lens modules can respectively direct light from the entire object toward at least the same portion of a single image sensor.

[0027] In one general aspect, the lens assembly device includes a camera module comprising: a single image sensor; a plurality of lens modules arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each of the plurality of lens modules respectively accommodates one or more lenses; and a lens holder accommodating the plurality of lens modules, wherein the plurality of lens modules includes two lens modules, each having an adjacent side surface intersecting a virtual line through the optical axis of the two lens modules, wherein the adjacent side surface has adjacent openings that expose respective side surfaces of the optical portions of one or more lenses of the two lens modules to each other, and wherein each of the lenses further includes a respective flange extending from the optical portion, wherein the respective flange is configured to face at least a respective inner surface of the two lens modules.

[0028] For each of the lenses, the corresponding lens may have a first total length in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the corresponding lens, and a second total length in a second axial direction perpendicular to both the optical axis of the corresponding lens and the first axial direction, wherein the first total length is longer than the second total length.

[0029] Each of the corresponding inner surfaces may have a surface portion having an opening that exposes the corresponding side surface of the corresponding flange to the corresponding exterior of the two lens modules.

[0030] The plurality of lens modules may also include two additional lens modules, each having an additional adjacent side surface that intersects with a virtual line passing through the optical axis of the additional two lens modules, wherein the additional adjacent side surface has adjacent openings that expose respective side surfaces of additional optical portions of additional lenses of one or more lenses of the additional two lens modules to each other.

[0031] Multiple lens modules can include only four lens modules.

[0032] When viewed along the optical axis of the corresponding lens module, each of the optical portion and the other optical portion may have a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge, wherein the first edge has an arcuate shape, the second edge is disposed on the opposite side of the first edge relative to the optical axis of the corresponding lens module and has an arcuate shape, and the third edge connects the first edge and the second edge to each other, wherein exposing the corresponding side surfaces of the optical portions of the lenses of the two lens modules to each other may include exposing the third edge of each of the two lens modules to each other, and exposing the corresponding side surfaces of the other optical portions of the other lenses of the other two lens modules to each other may include exposing the third edge of each of the other two lens modules to each other.

[0033] The short side of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of multiple lens modules can be parallel to the short side of a single image sensor, and the long side of the virtual rectangle can be parallel to the long side of a single image sensor.

[0034] The lens holder may have an opening through which a portion of the corresponding side surface of each of the plurality of lens modules is exposed, and the opening may be disposed along the outside of the lens holder at a position intersecting with a corresponding virtual line connecting the optical axes of the plurality of lens modules which are arranged facing each other in the corresponding diagonal direction.

[0035] Multiple lens modules and lens holders are included in the lens assembly, and the camera module is configured to move the lens assembly in a direction parallel to the optical axis and relative to a single image sensor and / or in one or more directions perpendicular to the optical axis and relative to a single image sensor to perform focus adjustment and / or image stabilization, respectively.

[0036] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the appended claims, the accompanying drawings, and the detailed description below. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0038] Figure 2 It is a schematic exploded perspective view of a camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0039] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a reference view showing the image capture screen of a camera module according to one or more corresponding embodiments.

[0040] Figure 5 It is a plan view of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0042] Figures 7A to 7C This is a perspective view showing a lens module included in a lens assembly from different angles according to one or more embodiments.

[0043] Figure 8 It is a plan view of a lens having a non-circular planar shape according to one or more embodiments.

[0044] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of the first to fourth lens modules according to one or more embodiments.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the alignment of a lens assembly and an image sensor according to one or more embodiments.

[0046] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, unless otherwise described or provided, the same reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same or similar elements, features, and structures. For purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scale, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The following detailed embodiments are provided to help the reader gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, as will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, but can be varied. Furthermore, for clarity and conciseness, descriptions of features known after understanding the disclosure of this application may be omitted.

[0048] For illustrative purposes, some elements, components, or features may be omitted from the discussion in some embodiments; however, the omission of such elements, components, or features does not imply that these embodiments may exclude any or all of these elements, components, or features. Similarly, for this illustrative purpose, and as a non-limiting example, the thickness of these elements, components, or features may be shown in an enlarged or expanded form or shape to focus the illustration on various layers and areas, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, as mentioned above, for purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, proportions, and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Furthermore, components having the same or similar functions within the scope of the same or similar ideas may also be referred to as the same, although the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0049] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include plural forms as well. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for describing various examples and not for limiting this disclosure. Expressions such as “having” or “may have,” “comprising” or “may include,” and “including” or “may include” indicate the presence of the stated features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof in various embodiments, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof in other various embodiments. Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of the term “may” (e.g., regarding what an example or embodiment may include or implement) in relation to an example or embodiment means that there exists at least one example or embodiment that includes or implements such a feature, and not all examples and embodiments are limited thereto. Similarly, such expressions indicating the presence of a corresponding feature (e.g., a numerical value, function, operation, or component, such as a part) in relation to a stated feature, number, operation, component, element, and / or combination thereof do not exclude the presence of additional or alternative such characteristics, while again it should be noted that unless otherwise clarified in this disclosure, the use of the term “may” also means that the embodiment is not limited to the presence of the corresponding characteristic.

[0050] In this specification, expressions such as “A and / or B”, “at least one of A and B”, or “one or more of A and B” may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. For example, “A and / or B”, “at least one of A and B”, or “one or more of A and B” means (1) including at least one A; (2) including at least one B; or (3) including both at least one A and at least one B.

[0051] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or section from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, first part, first region, first layer, or first section mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as a second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second section.

[0052] In the accompanying drawings, the X-axis direction can be defined as a first axial direction, the L-direction, or the length direction. The Y-axis direction can be defined as a second axial direction, the W-direction, or the width direction. The Z-axis direction can be defined as a third axial direction, the T-direction, the thickness direction, or the optical axis direction. Additionally, other spatial relative terms such as “above,” “above,” “below,” and “below” may be used herein for descriptive convenience to describe the relationship of one element relative to another element as shown in the accompanying drawings. Besides covering the orientation depicted in the drawings, these spatial relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “above” or “above” another element will be located “below” or “below” that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term “above” covers both orientations of “above” and “below”. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as would be normally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, upon understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, those terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and in the disclosure of this application, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a camera module according to one or more embodiments. Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a camera module according to one or more embodiments, and Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a reference view showing an image capture screen of a camera module according to one or more corresponding embodiments. The camera module may also be referred to as a lens assembly device.

[0055] As a non-limiting example, exemplary embodiments may include or be applied to electronic devices, such as portable electronic devices like mobile communication terminals, smartphones, and tablet PCs. The electronic device may also be referred to as a lens assembly device.

[0056] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A camera module according to one or more example embodiments may include, for example, a lens assembly 100, a housing 200, a casing 300, and an image sensor module 400.

[0057] The lens assembly 100 may include multiple lens modules. Each lens module may have its own optical axis. For example, the optical axes of adjacent lens modules may be arranged in parallel.

[0058] Multiple lens modules can be arranged in an n×n matrix structure or an n×m matrix structure. Here, n and m are different natural numbers of 2 or greater.

[0059] For ease of explanation, the following description will depict an implementation in which multiple lens modules are arranged in a 2×2 matrix structure. However, it should be noted that alternative implementations also exist. For example, the multiple lens modules may include a first lens module 110, a second lens module 130, a third lens module 150, and a fourth lens module 170.

[0060] As a non-limiting example, the focal length deviation of the multiple lens modules can be within ±0.03mm, the angle of view deviation can be within ±3°, and the distortion deviation can be within ±3°.

[0061] The lens assembly 100 can be housed in the housing 200. The camera module can be configured to perform focus adjustment and / or image stabilization.

[0062] For example, the lens assembly 100 can be controlled to move relative to the housing 200 in the optical axis direction to perform focusing. Furthermore, the lens assembly 100 can be controlled to move relative to the housing 200 in, for example, a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to perform image stabilization. Here, the optical axis direction relative to the housing 200 can be... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vertical direction in the optical axis, for example, where the exemplary width and length directions of the housing 200 can each represent corresponding directions perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0063] For example, the camera module in the embodiment may include one or more actuators, each configured to move the lens assembly 100 in one or more directions in the optical axis direction and / or perpendicular to the optical axis direction, for example, to perform focus adjustment and / or image stabilization, respectively.

[0064] The housing 300 can be connected to the housing 200 along with the lens assembly 100 and can protect the internal configuration of the camera module.

[0065] In one embodiment, the camera module may include an image sensor module 400, which may be coupled to the housing 200, for example. As a non-limiting example, the image sensor module 400 may include an image sensor 410 and a printed circuit board 430 connected to the image sensor 410. Here, the image sensor 410 may be configured as a single image sensor, for example, to receive light from each of a plurality of lens modules.

[0066] In other words, in an implementation, the lens assembly 100 may include a plurality of lens modules, wherein the exemplary image sensor module 400 may not represent a plurality of image sensors corresponding to each lens module, but may be a single image sensor 410 that receives light passing through, for example, each of four lens modules. For example, the image sensor 410 may be configured to receive light directed toward the image sensor 410 by each of the plurality of lens modules.

[0067] The positions at which light rays passing through the lens modules are received by the individual image sensors 410 can be different from each other. For example, the positions at which light rays passing through the first lens module 110, the second lens module 130, the third lens module 150, and the fourth lens module 170 are received can be different from each other.

[0068] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 A complete image can be generated by combining images captured by multiple lens modules, based on one or more example camera modules.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 The image capture target can be segmented into multiple parts, where each lens module can be configured to capture a corresponding image of the corresponding segment of the image capture target, and thus these captured images can be combined to generate a complete image at a single image sensor.

[0070] For example, the first lens module 110 can capture a first image I1 corresponding to a first region of the image capture target, the second lens module 130 can capture a second image I2 corresponding to a second region of the image capture target, the third lens module 150 can capture a third image I3 corresponding to a third region of the image capture target, and the fourth lens module 170 can capture a fourth image I4 corresponding to a fourth region of the image capture target.

[0071] Then, the first image I1 through the fourth image I4 can be combined at a single image sensor to generate a complete image representing the image capture target.

[0072] Since a lens module may not capture the entire image of the target, the size of the lens module can be smaller than in cases where one lens module is used to capture the same entire image of the target. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the number of lenses in each lens module included in the camera module can be less than in cases where one lens module projects light onto the entire image sensor (e.g., an image sensor with a size similar to that of image sensor 410).

[0073] Therefore, the camera module according to the embodiment can segment the image capture target, capture corresponding images of the corresponding segmented portions of the image capture target, and combine these captured images to generate a complete image at a single image sensor, for example, so that the camera module can have a small size even when using an image sensor 410 with a large number of pixels and a large size.

[0074] Reference Figure 4 Multiple lens modules can each capture an overall image of the target, for example, the same image capture target, and these captured images can be combined to generate a complete image at a single image sensor.

[0075] For example, the first lens module 110 to the fourth lens module 170 can capture images of the same image capture target to generate the first image I1 to the fourth image I4 respectively.

[0076] Then, the first image I1 through the fourth image I4 can be combined at a single image sensor to generate an image with a higher resolution than the individual images. For example, each of the lens modules can generate an image with a first resolution, resulting in a single image with a different resolution than the first resolution.

[0077] Therefore, the camera module according to the embodiment can combine images captured by multiple lens modules, so that the camera module can have a small size even when using an image sensor 410 with a large number of pixels and a large size.

[0078] Figure 5 It is a plan view of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments. Figure 6 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a lens assembly according to one or more embodiments, and Figures 7A to 7C This is a perspective view showing a lens module included in a lens assembly from different angles according to one or more embodiments. In the example, the lens assembly and the lens module are the same lens assembly and lens module, respectively. The lens assembly may also be referred to as a lens assembly device.

[0079] Figure 8 This is a plan view of a lens having a non-circular planar shape according to one or more embodiments. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an exemplary first lens module to a fourth lens module according to one or more embodiments, and Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the alignment of a lens assembly and an image sensor according to one or more embodiments. In the example, the first to fourth lens modules may each include, as shown in the diagram... Figure 8 The lens shown, and the first to fourth lens modules may be included in the lens assembly.

[0080] First, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The lens assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first lens module 110, a second lens module 130, a third lens module 150 and a fourth lens module 170, and may also include a lens holder 190.

[0081] Each lens module may include one or more lenses and lens barrels, wherein each of the one or more lenses may be disposed within a corresponding lens barrel of each lens module. When multiple lenses are disposed in one or more lens modules, the multiple lenses may be mounted along the optical axis within their respective lens barrels.

[0082] The first lens module 110 to the fourth lens module 170 can be fixedly installed inside the lens bracket 190.

[0083] In one case, an array of lenses arranged in a matrix pattern on a single plate is used to generate a complete image by capturing the target by segmenting the image, capturing images of each part of the target by capturing the segmented images, and combining the captured images or by combining multiple images of the target by combining the same images.

[0084] In this configuration, multiple array lenses can be stacked along the optical axis to create a lens assembly with multiple optical axes. Furthermore, each of the array lenses with multiple optical axes is arranged within a lens barrel.

[0085] However, when multiple array lenses are stacked in a lens barrel, the corresponding optical axis of each lens in one array lens may not be aligned with the corresponding optical axis of each lens in another array lens stacked in a lens barrel. For example, because the corresponding multiple optical axes of each array lens may not be individually aligned, this is a serious problem.

[0086] However, in the lens assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments, multiple lens modules may be arranged individually or separately in the lens holder 190, for example, in the respective lens barrels, such that in one or more embodiments, the optical axis of each of the multiple lens modules can be aligned individually.

[0087] For example, an opening 191 may be provided in the lens holder 190, and each opening 191 may pass through the side surface of the lens holder 190 in a diagonal direction relative to the optical axis.

[0088] In the example, the virtual line connecting the optical axis of the first lens module 110 and the optical axis of the fourth lens module 170 can also be connected to the opening 191 closest to the first lens module 110 and the opening 191 closest to the fourth lens module 170, and the virtual line connecting the optical axis of the second lens module 130 and the optical axis of the third lens module 150 can also be connected to the opening 191 closest to the second lens module 130 and the opening 191 closest to the third lens module 150, and the two virtual lines can cross each other.

[0089] Therefore, a portion of the side surface of each of the first lens modules 110 to the fourth lens modules 170 can be exposed to the outside through the corresponding opening 191.

[0090] Since multiple lens modules can be arranged in an n×n or n×m matrix structure, the size of the lens assembly 100 in the diagonal direction of the arranged matrix structure can be the largest.

[0091] Because the lens holder 190 has an opening 191 that passes through the side surface of the lens holder 190 in a diagonal direction relative to the respective optical axes of the lens module, the size of the lens assembly 100 can be reduced.

[0092] Figures 7A to 7C This is a perspective view of the first lens module 110. In the following description, the first lens module 110 will be used for clarity; however, the second to fourth lens modules 170 of the lens assembly may also have the same or similar shape as the first lens module 110. For example, the first to fourth lens modules 170 of the lens assembly may be identical, although with different orientations relative to each other.

[0093] The first lens module 110 may include at least one lens and a first lens barrel 115.

[0094] The first lens barrel 115 may include a first lens barrel 111 and a second lens barrel 113. The first lens barrel 111 and the second lens barrel 113 may refer to the upper and lower parts of a lens barrel, respectively. In one embodiment, the first lens barrel 111 and the second lens barrel 113 may be configured as separate components and connected to each other; however, it should be noted that the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0095] The first lens barrel 111 may have a cylindrical shape including an internal space, and the second lens barrel 113 may have a rectangular box shape including an internal space. The upper surface of the first lens barrel 111 and the lower surface of the second lens barrel 113 may each have a light-passing channel hole.

[0096] At least one lens L1 (hereinafter referred to as "first lens") having a circular planar shape may be disposed in the first lens barrel 111, and at least one lens L2 (hereinafter referred to as "second lens") having a non-circular planar shape may be disposed in the second lens barrel 113.

[0097] For example, refer to Figure 7A When viewed along the optical axis, the second lens L2 can be non-circular.

[0098] In a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, the length of the second lens L2 in the first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be longer than the length of the second lens L2 in the second axial direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axial direction. For example, the optical axis of the lens in the lens module of a lens assembly can also be the optical axis of the lens module.

[0099] For example, the second lens L2 may have a major axis a and a minor axis b. The dashed line segment connecting the two sides of the second lens L2 in the first axial direction while passing through the optical axis may be the major axis a, and the dashed line segment connecting the two sides of the second lens L2 in the second axial direction while passing through the optical axis may be the minor axis b. The major axis a and the minor axis b may be perpendicular to each other, and the length of the major axis a may be longer than the length of the minor axis b.

[0100] The second lens L2 may have four side surfaces along the outer periphery of the second lens L2. When viewed in the direction of the optical axis, two of the four side surfaces may have a substantially linear shape, and each of the other two side surfaces may have an arcuate portion and a linear portion.

[0101] For example, the planar shape of the second lens L2 can be a rectangular shape with rounded corners; note that other shapes are also available.

[0102] In this implementation, the image sensor 410 is typically rectangular. Therefore, an image of all light not refracted by a circular lens is formed on the image sensor 410.

[0103] According to the embodiment, the second lens L2 has a non-circular planar shape. As a result, the lens and lens barrel can have small dimensions without affecting image formation, thereby reducing the size of the lens module and camera module.

[0104] Meanwhile, the second lens L2 has a major axis a and a minor axis b, and therefore has a maximum diameter and a minimum diameter. Here, the maximum diameter of the second lens L2 is greater than the diameter of the first lens L1.

[0105] In other words, the second lens L2, which has a relatively large diameter, can have a non-circular planar shape.

[0106] Reference Figure 8 A lens with a non-circular planar shape (e.g., the second lens L2) is described in more detail.

[0107] The second lens L2 may have an optical portion 10 and a flange portion 30.

[0108] The optical portion 10 may be the portion that exhibits the optical properties of the second lens L2. For example, light reflected from an object may be refracted as it passes through the optical portion 10.

[0109] The optical part 10 may have refractive power and may have an aspherical shape.

[0110] The flange portion 30 can secure the second lens L2 to another component, such as the lens barrel or another lens.

[0111] The flange portion 30 can extend from the optical portion 10 and can be integrally formed with the optical portion 10.

[0112] The optical portion 10 can be formed in a non-circular shape. For example, when viewed along the optical axis, the optical portion 10 can be non-circular. (See reference...) Figure 8 In a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), the length of the optical part 10 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) can be longer than the length of the optical part 10 in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to both the optical axis (Z-axis) and the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0113] The optical part 10 may have a first edge 11, a second edge 12, a third edge 13 and a fourth edge 14.

[0114] When viewed along the optical axis (Z-axis), the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 can each have an arc shape.

[0115] The second edge 12 can be located on the opposite side of the first edge 11. Furthermore, the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 can be positioned facing each other based on the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0116] The fourth edge 14 can be located on the opposite side of the third edge 13. Furthermore, the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 can be positioned facing each other based on the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0117] The third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 can each connect to the first edge 11 and the second edge 12. The third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 can be symmetrical with respect to the optical axis (Z-axis) and can be parallel to each other.

[0118] When viewed along the optical axis (Z-axis), the first edge 11 and the second edge 12 can have an arcuate shape, and the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 can generally have a substantially linear shape.

[0119] The optical component 10 may have a major axis and a minor axis. The dashed line segment connecting the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 with the shortest distance while passing through the optical axis (Z-axis) may be the minor axis, and the dashed 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 may be the major axis. The length of the major axis may be longer than the length of the minor axis.

[0120] The flange portion 30 may extend along a portion of the outer periphery of the optical portion 10 in a first axial direction (X-axis direction). At least a portion of the flange portion 30 may contact the inner surface of the lens barrel.

[0121] The flange portion 30 may include a first flange portion 31 and a second flange portion 32. The first flange portion 31 may extend from a first edge 11 of the optical portion 10, and the second flange portion 32 may extend from a second edge 12 of the optical portion 10.

[0122] The first edge 11 of the optical portion 10 may be the portion adjacent to the first flange portion 31, and the second edge 12 of the optical portion 10 may be the portion adjacent to the second flange portion 32.

[0123] The third edge 13 of the optical portion 10 may be a side of the upper surface of the optical portion 10 where no flange portion 30 is formed, and the fourth edge 14 of the optical portion 10 may be another side of the upper surface of the optical portion 10 where no flange portion 30 is formed.

[0124] The side surface of the first flange portion 31 may have a first flat surface portion 31a and a first curved surface portion 31b. The first flat surface portion 31a may be a side surface intersecting a virtual line extending from the long axis of the optical portion 10. The first flat surface portion 31a may be a flat surface.

[0125] The first curved surface portion 31b can be respectively disposed on both sides of the first flat surface portion 31a. The first curved surface portion 31b can be a surface that contacts the inner surface of the lens barrel, and can be a curved surface.

[0126] The second flange portion 32 may have a second flat surface portion 32a and a second curved surface portion 32b. The second flat surface portion 32a may be a side surface intersecting a virtual line extending from the long axis of the optical portion 10. The second flat surface portion 32a may be a flat surface.

[0127] The second curved surface portion 32b can be respectively disposed on both sides of the second flat surface portion 32a. The second curved surface portion 32b can be a surface that contacts the inner surface of the lens barrel, and can be a curved surface.

[0128] Meanwhile, since multiple lens modules segment the image to capture the target, and each lens module captures an image of each part of the target from the segmented image, or each lens module captures the same image to capture the target image, the optical axes of multiple lens modules can be arranged close to each other.

[0129] Therefore, each lens module can have an opening in each of the multiple surfaces facing adjacent lens modules.

[0130] For example, each lens module may have a first opening 113a and a second opening 113b.

[0131] The first lens barrel 115 of the first lens module 110 may have a first opening 113a disposed at the portion intersecting with the minor axis b of the second lens L2 and a second opening 113b disposed at the portion intersecting with the major axis a of the second lens L2.

[0132] For example, for each lens module, the first opening 113a may be located at the portion intersecting with either side of the virtual line extending from the minor axis b of the second lens L2, and the second opening 113b may be located at the portion intersecting with both sides of the virtual line extending from the major axis a of the second lens L2.

[0133] That is, for each lens module, the first opening 113a may include an opening through one side surface of the first lens barrel 115, and the second opening 113b may include two openings through two side surfaces of the first lens barrel 115.

[0134] Using this configuration, the optical axes of multiple lens modules can be positioned close to each other.

[0135] Reference Figures 7A to 7CIn a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, the width of the first lens barrel 115 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) can be greater than the width of the first lens barrel 115 in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to both the optical axis (Z-axis) and the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0136] The first lens barrel 115 may have a first side surface portion 116, a second side surface portion 117, a third side surface portion 118, and a fourth side surface portion 119.

[0137] When viewed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the first side surface portion 116 and the second side surface portion 117 can be configured to face each other relative to the optical axis (Z-axis), and the third side surface portion 118 and the fourth side surface portion 119 can be configured to face each other relative to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0138] The third side surface portion 118 and the fourth side surface portion 119 can each be connected to the first side surface portion 116 and the second side surface portion 117.

[0139] The total distance between the first side surface portion 116 and the second side surface portion 117 can be greater than the total distance between the third side surface portion 118 and the fourth side surface portion 119.

[0140] The first side surface portion 116 and the second side surface portion 117 may each have a curved surface disposed at the portion intersecting with the third side surface portion 118 and the fourth side surface portion 119, respectively.

[0141] For example, the first side surface portion 116 may have a first side surface 116a and second side surfaces 116b and 116c. The first side surface 116a may be a side surface that intersects with a virtual line extending in a first axial direction (X-axis direction) and passing through an optical axis (Z-axis). The first side surface 116a may have a flat surface.

[0142] The second side surfaces 116b and 116c can be disposed on both sides of the first side surface 116a. The second side surfaces 116b and 116c can be curved surfaces.

[0143] The second side surface portion 117 may have a third side surface 117a and fourth side surfaces 117b and 117c. The third side surface 117a may be a side surface that intersects with a virtual line extending in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and passing through the optical axis (Z-axis). The third side surface 117a may have a flat surface.

[0144] The fourth side surfaces 117b and 117c can be disposed on both sides of the third side surface 117a. The fourth side surfaces 117b and 117c can be curved surfaces.

[0145] The third side surface portion 118 and the fourth side surface portion 119 may have flat surfaces.

[0146] The first lens barrel 115 may have flat surfaces respectively provided on the side surfaces facing other adjacent lens barrels (e.g., the second lens barrel and the third lens barrel).

[0147] For example, the second side surface portion 117 and the third side surface portion 118 of the first lens barrel 115 can be surfaces facing other adjacent lens barrels (e.g., the second lens barrel and the third lens barrel), and the second side surface portion 117 and the third side surface portion 118 can have flat surfaces. Here, the flat surface provided on the second side surface portion 117 and the third side surface portion 118 will be referred to as the first flat surface.

[0148] Furthermore, the first side surface portion 116 and the fourth side surface portion 119 of the first lens barrel 115 may be surfaces that do not face other adjacent lens barrels. The first side surface portion 116 and the fourth side surface portion 119 may also have flat surfaces. Here, the flat surfaces provided in the first side surface portion 116 and the fourth side surface portion 119 will be referred to as second flat surfaces.

[0149] In this way, the side surface of the lens module can have a flat surface, which allows for a reduction in the overall size of the lens assembly and the camera module.

[0150] The first opening 113a may be provided in the third side surface portion 118 or the fourth side surface portion 119, and the second opening 113b may be provided in the first side surface portion 116 and the second side surface portion 117, respectively.

[0151] For example, the first opening 113a passes through the third side surface portion 118 or the fourth side surface portion 119 in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction), and the second opening 113b passes through the first side surface portion 116 and the second side surface portion 117 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0152] In other words, when the third side surface portion 118 of the first lens barrel 115 faces the third side surface portion of another lens barrel (e.g., the third lens barrel), the first opening 113a can be provided in the third side surface portion 118. Here, the corresponding third side surface portions of the two lens barrels can be adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the third side surface portion of one lens barrel having the first opening 113a can face or be adjacent to a fourth side surface portion of another lens barrel having an opening similar to the first opening 113a.

[0153] Furthermore, when the second side surface portion 117 of the first lens barrel 115 faces another lens barrel (e.g., the second lens barrel), the second opening 113b may be provided in the second side surface portion 117.

[0154] Meanwhile, the first opening 113a may be provided only in the third side surface portion 118 of the first lens barrel 115 (the side surface facing the adjacent lens barrel), but the second opening 113b may be provided in both the second side surface portion 117 of the first lens barrel 115 (the side surface facing another adjacent lens barrel) and the first side surface portion 116 of the first lens barrel 115 (the side surface not facing the adjacent lens barrel).

[0155] This configuration increases the freedom of arrangement for multiple lens modules.

[0156] A non-circular lens (e.g., a second lens L2) may be housed within the first lens barrel 115, and the second lens L2 may be partially exposed to the outside of the first lens barrel 115 through a first opening 113a and a second opening 113b.

[0157] For example, the third edge 13 or the fourth edge 14 of the second lens L2 can be exposed to the outside of the first lens barrel 115 through the first opening 113a. Furthermore, the edges of each lens module exposed through the first opening 113a can be arranged to face each other.

[0158] Furthermore, the first flat surface portion 31a and the second flat surface portion 32a of the second lens L2 can be exposed to the outside of the first lens barrel 115 through the second opening 113b.

[0159] At the same time, refer to Figure 10 The short side of the virtual rectangle connecting the optical axes of each lens module can be parallel to the short side of the image sensor 410, and the long side of the virtual rectangle connecting the optical axes of each lens module can be parallel to the long side of the image sensor 410.

[0160] Furthermore, the area of ​​the virtual rectangle connecting the optical axes of the various lens modules can be smaller than the area of ​​the effective image capture area of ​​the image sensor 410.

[0161] As described above, according to one or more embodiments, and as a non-limiting example, the lens assembly and the camera module including the lens assembly can capture high-resolution images or videos while having a small size.

[0162] While 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 to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may still be achieved if the described techniques are performed with components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit having different orders, and / or if components are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this 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 should be understood to be included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. Lens assembly equipment, including: Lens assembly, including: Multiple lens modules are arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each of the multiple lens modules contains one or more lenses; Lens bracket, wherein the plurality of lens modules are disposed in the lens bracket; and Housing that houses the lens holder. Wherein, for each of the plurality of lens modules, the corresponding lens module includes a lens barrel accommodating the one or more lenses, and at least a portion of the lens barrel includes: A side surface, facing another lens module adjacent to the corresponding lens module among the plurality of lens modules, wherein the side surface includes at least a first flat surface. Wherein, at least one of the one or more lenses of the corresponding lens module has a first total length in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the corresponding lens module, and a second total length in a second axial direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axial direction, wherein the first total length is longer than the second total length. Wherein, the first flat surface has a first opening passing through the first flat surface in the second axial direction, and A portion of the at least one lens is exposed through the first opening of the corresponding lens module to the first opening of the adjacent lens module of the corresponding lens module.

2. The lens assembly device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least portion of the lens barrel includes: The first side surface portion, the second side surface portion, the third side surface portion, and the fourth side surface portion. Wherein, the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion are configured to face each other relative to the optical axis, and the third side surface portion and the fourth side surface portion are configured to face each other relative to the optical axis. The total distance between the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion is greater than the total distance between the third side surface portion and the fourth side surface portion.

3. The lens assembly device according to claim 2, wherein, The first flat surface is disposed on the third side surface portion or the fourth side surface portion to face the other lens module.

4. The lens assembly device according to claim 2, wherein, The first flat surface is disposed on the third side surface portion or the fourth side surface portion to face the other lens module. The second side surface portion or the first side surface portion is configured to face an additional lens module that is adjacent to the corresponding lens module among the plurality of lens modules, and The first side surface portion and the second side surface portion each have a second flat surface.

5. The lens assembly device according to claim 4, wherein, The second flat surface of the first side surface portion or the second side surface portion has a second opening that extends through the second flat surface from the interior of the respective lens module to the exterior of the respective lens module in the first axial direction.

6. The lens assembly device according to claim 1, in, The plurality of lens modules includes at least a first lens module, a second lens module, a third lens module, and a fourth lens module, wherein each of the first lens module, the second lens module, the third lens module, and the fourth lens module further includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion. Wherein, the first opening in the first flat surface of the first lens module faces the first opening in the first flat surface of the second lens module, so as to expose the side surface of at least one lens of the first lens module to the side surface of at least one lens of the second lens module; and the first opening in the first flat surface of the third lens module faces the first opening in the first flat surface of the fourth lens module, so as to expose the side surface of at least one lens of the third lens module to the side surface of at least one lens of the fourth lens module. Wherein, the first surface portion of the first lens module faces the second surface portion of the third lens module, and the second surface portion of the second lens module faces the first surface portion of the fourth lens module, and Wherein, the second surface portion of the first lens module includes a third opening, the first surface portion of the second lens module includes a fourth opening, the first surface portion of the third lens module includes a fifth opening, and the second surface portion of the fourth lens module includes a sixth opening, wherein each of the third opening, the fourth opening, the fifth opening, and the sixth opening exposes the other side surface of at least one lens of each of the first lens module, the second lens module, the third lens module, and the fourth lens module to the corresponding exterior of the first lens module, the second lens module, the third lens module, and the fourth lens module.

7. The lens assembly device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one lens has an optical portion and a flange portion extending from the optical portion, and When viewed along the optical axis of the corresponding lens module, the optical portion has a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, wherein the first edge has an arc shape, the second edge is disposed on the opposite side of the first edge relative to the optical axis and has an arc shape, and the third edge and the fourth edge connect the first edge and the second edge to each other, respectively.

8. The lens assembly device according to claim 7, in, The third edge or the fourth edge is exposed to the outside of the corresponding lens module through the first opening, so as to expose the optical portion to the first opening of the second lens module among the plurality of lens modules.

9. The lens assembly device according to claim 7, wherein, The flange portion has a first flange portion extending from the first edge and a second flange portion extending from the second edge.

10. The lens assembly device according to claim 9, wherein, The side surface of the first flange portion has a first flat surface portion and a first curved surface portion. The side surface of the second flange portion has a second flat surface portion and a second curved surface portion. The first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion are surfaces that intersect with a virtual line passing through the optical axis and extending in the first axial direction. The first curved surface portion is disposed on both sides of the first flat surface portion, and The second curved surface portion is disposed on both sides of the second flat surface portion.

11. The lens assembly device according to claim 10, wherein, The surfaces of the respective lens modules corresponding to the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion have additional openings, through which the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion are at least partially exposed to the outside of the respective lens module.

12. The lens assembly device according to claim 1, wherein, The lens holder has an opening, through which a portion of the corresponding side surface of each of the plurality of lens modules is exposed, and The openings are respectively positioned along the outside of the lens holder at locations where they intersect with the corresponding virtual lines of the optical axes of the lens modules that are arranged facing each other in the corresponding diagonal directions.

13. The lens assembly device according to claim 1, further comprising a single image sensor, wherein, The lens assembly and the single image sensor are configured as a camera module.

14. The lens assembly device according to claim 13, wherein, The short side of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of the plurality of lens modules is parallel to the short side of the single image sensor, and The long side of the virtual rectangle is parallel to the long side of the single image sensor.

15. Lens assembly equipment, including: Camera module, including: Multiple lens modules are arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each of the multiple lens modules contains one or more lenses; Lens bracket, which houses the plurality of lens modules; Housing that accommodates the lens holder; An image sensor module is connected to the housing; and A housing, attached to the housing to protect the plurality of lens modules. Wherein, for each of the plurality of lens modules, the corresponding lens module includes a lens barrel accommodating the one or more lenses, and at least a portion of the lens barrel includes: Four side surfaces, each of which has at least one flat surface. Wherein, at least one of the four side surfaces has an opening through the flat surface of the at least one side surface. At least one of the lenses in the corresponding lens module has a first total length in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the corresponding lens module, and a second total length in a second axial direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axial direction, wherein the first total length is longer than the second total length. At least a portion of the side surface of the at least one lens is exposed through the opening to the opening of the adjacent lens module of the corresponding lens module.

16. The lens assembly device according to claim 15, wherein, The image sensor module includes a single image sensor configured in the camera module for receiving light directed toward the single image sensor by each of the plurality of lens modules.

17. The lens assembly device according to claim 16, wherein, The short side of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of the plurality of lens modules is parallel to the short side of the single image sensor, and The long side of the virtual rectangle is parallel to the long side of the single image sensor.

18. The lens assembly device according to claim 16, wherein, The area of ​​the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of the plurality of lens modules to each other is smaller than the area of ​​the effective image capture region of the single image sensor.

19. The lens assembly device according to claim 16, wherein, For capturing an image of the entire object, each of the one or more lenses of the plurality of lens modules respectively directs light from at least different viewing portions of the object toward at least a separate portion of the single image sensor, or each of the one or more lenses of the plurality of lens modules respectively directs light of the entire object toward at least the same portion of the single image sensor.

20. Lens assembly equipment, including: Camera module, including: A single image sensor; Multiple lens modules are arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each of the multiple lens modules contains one or more lenses; Lens bracket, accommodating the plurality of lens modules; and Housing that houses the lens holder. The plurality of lens modules includes two lens modules, each of which includes a lens barrel accommodating one or more lenses. Each lens barrel of the two lens modules has an adjacent side surface intersecting a virtual line passing through the optical axis of the two lens modules. The adjacent side surfaces have adjacent openings that expose corresponding side surfaces of the optical portions of the one or more lenses in the two lens modules to each other. Each of the lenses further includes a corresponding flange extending from the optical portion, wherein the corresponding flange is configured to face at least a corresponding inner surface of the two lens modules. For each of the lenses, the corresponding lens has a first total length in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the corresponding lens, and a second total length in a second axial direction perpendicular to both the optical axis of the corresponding lens and the first axial direction, wherein the first total length is longer than the second total length.

21. The lens assembly device according to claim 20, wherein, Each of the respective inner surfaces has a surface portion having an opening that exposes the respective side surface of the respective flange to the respective exterior of the two lens modules.

22. The lens assembly device according to claim 20, wherein, The plurality of lens modules further includes two additional lens modules, each having an additional adjacent side surface that intersects with a virtual line passing through the optical axis of the additional two lens modules, wherein the additional adjacent side surface has adjacent openings that expose respective side surfaces of additional optical portions of additional lenses of the one or more lenses of the additional two lens modules to each other.

23. The lens assembly device according to claim 22, wherein, The plurality of lens modules includes only four lens modules.

24. The lens assembly device according to claim 22, wherein, When viewed along the optical axis of the corresponding lens module, each of the optical portions and the other optical portions has a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge, wherein the first edge has an arcuate shape, the second edge is disposed on the opposite side of the first edge relative to the optical axis of the corresponding lens module and has an arcuate shape, and the third edge connects the first edge and the second edge to each other. Specifically, exposing the respective side surfaces of the optical portions of the lenses of the two lens modules to each other includes exposing the third edge of each of the two lens modules to each other, and exposing the respective side surfaces of the additional optical portions of the additional lenses of the other two lens modules to each other includes exposing the third edge of each of the other two lens modules to each other.

25. The lens assembly device according to claim 22, wherein, The short side of the virtual rectangle connecting each optical axis of the plurality of lens modules is parallel to the short side of the single image sensor, and the long side of the virtual rectangle is parallel to the long side of the single image sensor.

26. The lens assembly device according to claim 22, wherein, The lens holder has an opening, through which a portion of the corresponding side surface of each of the plurality of lens modules is exposed, and The openings are respectively positioned along the outside of the lens holder at locations where they intersect with the corresponding virtual lines of the optical axes of the lens modules that are arranged facing each other in the corresponding diagonal directions.

27. The lens assembly device according to claim 20, wherein, The plurality of lens modules and the lens holder are included in a lens assembly, and wherein the camera module is configured to move the lens assembly in a direction parallel to the optical axis and relative to the single image sensor, and / or in one or more directions perpendicular to the optical axis and relative to the single image sensor, to perform focus adjustment and / or image stabilization, respectively.

Images