Camera module for a vehicle

Abstract

A camera module disclosed in embodiments of the present invention includes a lens holder, a plurality of lenses disposed within the lens holder, and a spacer disposed between at least one lens of the plurality of lenses and the lens holder, wherein the spacer can have at least one groove arranged on an upper surface and a lower surface of the spacer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a camera module for a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) are advanced driver assistance systems designed to assist drivers in driving. They include: sensing the situation ahead, determining the situation based on the sensing results, and controlling vehicle behavior based on the situation determination. For example, ADAS sensor devices detect vehicles ahead and identify lanes. Then, when the target lane, target speed, and forward target are determined, the vehicle's Electrical Stability Control (ESC), Engine Management System (EMS), and MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) are controlled. Typically, ADAS can be implemented as automatic parking systems, low-speed city driving assistance systems, blind spot warning systems, etc. Sensor devices used to sense the situation ahead in ADAS include GPS sensors, laser scanners, front radar, and lidar. The most representative is the front-facing camera used to capture images of the area in front of the vehicle.

[0003] In recent years, research on sensing systems for detecting the vehicle's surroundings has accelerated to enhance driver safety and convenience. Vehicle detection systems serve various purposes, such as detecting objects around the vehicle to prevent collisions with undetected objects, facilitating automatic parking by detecting available spaces, and providing fundamental data for automated vehicle control. Such detection systems typically employ methods using radar signals and those using cameras. Camera modules for vehicles are used through front and rear monitoring cameras and dashboard cameras built into the car to capture images or videos of objects. Because vehicle camera modules are exposed to the elements, image quality can degrade due to humidity and temperature. In particular, the optical characteristics of camera modules vary depending on ambient temperature and lens materials. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a camera module having a spacer on the outer side of a lens, the spacer having a buffer structure. The spacer may provide a buffer structure having one or more grooves. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide a camera module including a spacer between at least one lens and a lens holder, the spacer having a buffer structure.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a camera module including a lens and / or a spacer having at least one groove or buffer structure on an upper surface and a lower surface. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide a camera module having a spacer with grooves on its upper and lower portions to mitigate lens contraction and expansion.

[0007] Technical solutions

[0008] A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a lens holder; a plurality of lenses disposed within the lens holder; and a spacer disposed between at least one of the plurality of lenses and the lens holder, wherein at least one groove is provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the spacer.

[0009] According to embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of lenses may include a first lens to a fourth lens, a spacer may be disposed between a second lens and a fourth lens, and a third lens may be disposed inside the spacer. According to embodiments of the present invention, the upper surface of the spacer may contact the second lens, and the lower surface of the spacer may contact the fourth lens. According to embodiments of the present invention, the side view of the groove may have a triangular shape. The two side surfaces of the groove may have inclined surfaces with different angles.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spacer includes a first groove disposed on an upper surface and a second groove disposed on a lower surface, and the shortest distance between the low point of the first groove and the low point of the second groove can be greater than or equal to the height of the side surface of at least one lens. The shortest distance can be the shortest distance between a virtual straight line perpendicular to the optical axis on the upper surface that contacts the low point of the groove and a virtual straight line perpendicular to the optical axis on the lower surface that contacts the low point of the groove.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spacer may include a first portion disposed between the second lens and the lens holder, and a second portion disposed between the fourth lens and the lens holder. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of grooves disposed on each of the upper and lower surfaces are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the distance between a virtual line connecting the lowest point of a groove disposed on the upper surface and the lowest point of a groove disposed on the upper surface may be greater than or equal to the height of the side surface of at least one lens.

[0012] A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a lens holder; first to fourth lenses arranged sequentially in the lens holder from the object side to the image side; and a spacer disposed between at least one of the second to fourth lenses and the lens holder, wherein the spacer includes a plurality of grooves, a lens includes an effective diameter region and a flange region supported by the spacer, and the center of the outermost surface of the flange region may not overlap with the grooves in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the upper or lower edges of the outermost surface can be aligned with the lowest point of the groove. A gap can be formed between at least one of the first to fourth lenses and the lens holder. The first lens may comprise glass, and at least one of the second to fourth lenses may be made of plastic.

[0014] Beneficial effects

[0015] According to embodiments of the present invention, a buffer structure can be formed in the spacer disposed on the outer side of the lens to suppress changes in optical properties caused by the expansion and contraction of the lens in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can mitigate lens deformation caused by the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the lens and the lens holder by using the buffer structure of the spacer. Additionally, according to embodiments of the present invention, thermal deformation of the lens can be compensated by providing a buffer structure in the spacer disposed on the outer side of a lens with relatively large thermal deformation.

[0016] In embodiments of the present invention, a buffer structure can be provided in the spacer disposed between adjacent lenses to suppress lens bending. Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, deformation caused by lens expansion can be suppressed by arranging grooves in the upper and lower portions of the spacer on the outer side of the lens. Moreover, permanent deformation of the lens can be prevented.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present invention, the optical reliability of a camera module having a lens and a spacer having a buffer structure can be improved. Furthermore, the reliability of the camera module and the vehicle camera device having the camera module can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an example of a plan view of a vehicle that utilizes a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A first example of a side cross-sectional view of a spacer with a buffer structure in a camera module.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Detailed view of the spacer.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Example of a plan view of a spacer.

[0023] Figure 6 and Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Other examples of lenses.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 The second example is a buffer structure for spacers in a camera module.

[0025] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 Detailed view of the spacer.

[0026] Figure 10 This is another example of a lens and buffer structure in a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Another example of a lens.

[0028] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 Another example of a lens.

[0029] Figure 13 This is an example of a spacer without a buffer structure, used as a comparison example.

[0030] Figure 14 It is a manifestation of the present invention. Figure 9 An example of a side-view cross-sectional view of a camera module with a buffer structure.

[0031] Figure 15 This is an example of applying the buffer structure of the spacer and the buffer structure of the lens to a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 16 (A), (B), and (C) are figures illustrating examples of thermal deformation in lenses of comparative examples and embodiments.

[0033] Figure 17 (A), (B), and (C) are figures illustrating examples of thermal deformation of spacers disposed on the outside of lenses in the comparative example and embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The spirit of the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and can be implemented in various other forms. One or more components used in the invention can be selectively combined and substituted within the scope of the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, unless specifically defined and explicitly described, the terminology used in the embodiments of the invention (including technical and scientific terms) can be interpreted in the sense that is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains, and commonly used terms (such as those defined in dictionaries) should be able to interpret their meaning taking into account the contextual meaning of the relevant art.

[0035] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for explaining the embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form may also include the plural form unless otherwise specifically stated by the statement, and where at least one (or more) of A and / or B, C is stated, this may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C. In describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are used only to distinguish that component from other components and may not be determined by terms such as the nature, sequence, or process of the corresponding constituent elements. And when describing a component as being “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” to another component, the description may include not only directly connecting, joining, or engaging to another component, but also “connecting,” “joining,” or “engaging” through other components between that component and the other component. Additionally, when describing something as being formed or disposed “above” or “below” each component, the description may include not only the case where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. Furthermore, when expressed as "above" or "below," this can refer to the downward and upward directions relative to an element. Additionally, the several embodiments described below can be combined with each other unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptions of other embodiments can be applied to any omissions in the description of any of the several embodiments.

[0036] <Example>

[0037] Figure 1 This is an example of a plan view of a vehicle using a camera module applied according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] refer to Figure 1According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera system for a vehicle includes an image generation section 11, a first information generation section 12, second information generation sections 21, 22, 23, and 24, and a control section 14. The image generation section 11 may include at least one camera module 20 disposed in the vehicle and capturing the front of the vehicle and / or the driver to generate an image of the front of the vehicle or an image of the interior of the vehicle. Furthermore, the image generation section 11 can generate an image of the surroundings of the vehicle by using the camera module 20 to capture not only the front of the vehicle but also the surroundings of the vehicle in one or more directions.

[0039] Here, the forward and surrounding images can be digital images and can include color images, black-and-white images, and infrared images. Furthermore, the forward and surrounding images can include still images and moving images. The image generation unit 11 provides the driver image, the forward image, and the surrounding images to the control unit 14. Subsequently, the first information generation unit 12 can include at least one radar and / or camera installed in its own vehicle and detects the front of its own vehicle to generate first detection information. Specifically, the first information generation unit 12 is installed in its own vehicle and generates the first detection information by detecting the position and speed of vehicles located in front of its own vehicle, the presence and position of pedestrians, etc. Using the first detection information generated by the first information generation unit 12, control can be performed to maintain a constant distance between the main vehicle and the vehicle in front, and the stability of vehicle operation can be increased under predetermined specific conditions, such as when the driver wants to change the vehicle's driving lane or when reversing to a stop. The first information generation unit 12 provides the first sensing information to the control unit 14. The second information generation units 21, 22, 23, and 24 detect each side of the main vehicle based on the forward image generated from the image generation unit 11 and the first detection information generated by the first information generation unit 12, to generate second sensing information. Specifically, the second information generation units 21, 22, 23, and 24 may include at least one radar and / or camera disposed in the main vehicle, and may include the position of the vehicle located on the side of the main vehicle, and may sense speed and capture images. Here, the second information generation units 21, 22, 23, and 24 may be disposed at the two front corners, the side mirrors, and the rear center and rear corners of the vehicle, respectively.

[0040] Vehicle camera systems can include camera modules described in the following embodiments and can protect vehicles and objects from autonomous driving or surrounding safety by providing or processing information acquired by the driver monitoring areas in front of, behind, to the sides, or at corners of their vehicle. The optical system of the camera module according to embodiments of the invention can be installed in a vehicle to enhance safety monitoring, autonomous driving functions, and convenience. Furthermore, the optical system of the camera module is used in vehicles as a component for controlling Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and Driver Monitoring System (DMS). Such camera modules for vehicles achieve stable optical performance even with changes in ambient temperature and offer competitively priced modules, thereby ensuring the reliability of vehicle components.

[0041] In the description of this invention, the first lens refers to the lens closest to the object side, and the last lens refers to the lens closest to the image side (or sensor surface). The last lens may include a lens adjacent to the image sensor. Unless otherwise stated in the description of this invention, all units for lens radius, thickness / distance, TTL, etc., are mm. In this specification, the shape of the lens is shown based on its optical axis. For example, the fact that the object side of the lens is convex or concave means that the area near the optical axis on the object side of the lens is convex or concave, and the periphery of the optical axis is not convex or concave. Therefore, even when the object side of the lens is described as convex, the portion of the lens around the optical axis on the object side may be concave, and vice versa. In this specification, it is noted that the thickness and radius of curvature of the lens are measured based on the optical axis of the lens. That is, a convex surface of a lens means that the surface of the lens in the region corresponding to the optical axis is convex, and a concave surface of a lens means that the surface of the lens in the region corresponding to the optical axis is concave. In addition, "object-side surface" can refer to the surface of a lens facing the object side based on the optical axis, and "image-side surface" can refer to the surface of a lens facing the image surface based on the optical axis.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A first example of a side cross-sectional view of a spacer with a buffer structure in a camera module. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Detailed views of the spacers, and Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Example of a plan view of a spacer.

[0043] refer to Figures 2 to 5A camera module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an outer cover 500; a lens portion 100 having a plurality of lenses 111, 113, 115 and 117; spacers 131 and 133; a main board 190; and an image sensor 192. The camera module 1000 may include a cover glass 194 and a filter 196 between the lens portion 100 and the image sensor 192.

[0044] In the lens section 100, at least three or more lenses 111, 113, 115, and 117 may be stacked; for example, three to seven or three to five lenses may be stacked. The lens section 100 may include at least three or more solid lenses, and the solid lenses may include at least one plastic lens. In the lens section 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more lenses made of plastic may be included. For ease of description, in the lens section 100, the first lens 111, the second lens 113, the third lens 115, and the fourth lens 117, stacked from the object side toward the image sensor 192, may be aligned along the optical axis Lz.

[0045] The first lens 111 is the lens closest to the object, and at least one or both of the upper surface where light is incident and the lower surface where light is emitted can be spherical or aspherical. The upper or lower surface of the first lens 111 can be concave or convex.

[0046] When the camera module 1000 is exposed to light from inside or outside the vehicle, the first lens 111 may be made of plastic to prevent discoloration, and when the camera module 1000 is placed inside the vehicle, the first lens 111 may be made of glass or plastic. The second lens 113 may be made of glass or plastic. The second lens 113 is disposed between the first lens 111 and the third lens 115, and may have a flange portion 113A on its outer side. The third lens 115 may be made of glass or plastic. The fourth lens 117 is the lens closest to the image sensor 192 and may be made of glass or plastic. The upper and / or lower surfaces of the second lens 113, the third lens 115, and the fourth lens 117 may be spherical or aspherical, but are not limited thereto.

[0047] Lenses 111, 113, 115, and 117 of the lens portion 100 can be connected from the top to the sensor side to the lens holder 513 of the outer cover 500. Lenses 111, 113, 115, and 117 can be connected in opposite directions, or in both directions. A gasket 121 can be included between the cover 511 and the lens holder 513, and this gasket 121 can be a waterproof ring.

[0048] The outer cover 500 includes a cover 511 and a lens holder 513, and may have an opening 101 extending from the top to the bottom. The cover 511 and the lens holder 513 may be integrally formed, or may be separate from or combined with each other. The cover 511 may be a cover attached from its top to the outer periphery of the lens holder 513, and the inner protrusion 521 of the cover 511 may support the periphery of the first lens 111, and the inner protrusion 523 of the lens holder 513 may be disposed below the flange portion 117A of the fourth lens 117.

[0049] Each of lenses 111, 113, 115, and 117 may include an effective region having an effective diameter for light incident and flange portions 111A, 113A, 115A, and 117A that are ineffective regions outside the effective region. The ineffective region may be a region where light is blocked by spacers 131 and 133. Flange portions 111A, 113A, 115A, and 117A may extend in the circumferential direction relative to the optical axis Lz within the effective region of lenses 111, 113, 115, and 117. At least one of lenses 111, 113, 115, and 117, 115, may be flangeless or configured to have a relatively short length.

[0050] Lens holder 513 protects and supports the outer surface of lens portion 100. Lens holder 513 supports the outer surfaces of multiple lenses 111, 113, 115, and 117. Lens holder 513 may be a lens barrel and may be configured to have one or more barrels. The top view shape of housing 500 may include a cylindrical shape or a polygonal prism shape. Housing 500 may be formed of a material such as resin, plastic, or metal. A hydrophilic material may be coated or plated on the surface of housing 500. Here, lens holder 513 may be made of a metallic material, for example, the metallic material may be selected from Al, Ag, or Cu materials, and may be Al or aluminum alloy. When lens holder 513 is made of metal, heat transmitted in the lateral direction of lenses 111, 113, 115, and 117 can be dissipated, and thermal deformation of lenses 111, 113, 115, and 117 can be suppressed.

[0051] Image sensor 192 can be mounted on motherboard 190. Image sensor 192 can be mounted, positioned, contacted, fixed, temporarily fixed, supported, or coupled to motherboard 190 in a plane intersecting the optical axis Lz. Alternatively, according to another embodiment, a recess or hole (not shown) can accommodate image sensor 192, and the embodiments are not limited to the specific form in which image sensor 192 is mounted on motherboard 190. Motherboard 190 can be a rigid PCB or an open-circuit PCB.

[0052] Image sensor 192 can perform the function of converting light passing through lens portion 100 into image data. A sensor holder can be disposed below housing 500 to surround image sensor 192 and protect it from external objects or impacts. Image sensor 192 can be any of charge-coupled device (CCD), complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), CPD, and CID. When there are multiple image sensors 192, one image sensor can be a color (RGB) sensor, and another image sensor can be a monochrome sensor.

[0053] A filter 196 may be disposed between the lens portion 100 and the image sensor 192. The filter 196 may filter light corresponding to a specific wavelength range of light passing through lenses 111, 113, 115, and 117. The filter 196 may be an infrared (IR) blocking filter that blocks infrared light or an ultraviolet (UV) blocking filter that blocks ultraviolet light, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The filter 196 may be disposed on the image sensor 192. A cover glass 194 is disposed between the filter 196 and the image sensor 192, protecting the upper part of the image sensor 192 and preventing degradation of the reliability of the image sensor 192. A camera module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a drive member (not shown), and the drive member may move or tilt a lens barrel having at least one lens in the optical axis direction and / or a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction. The camera module may include an autofocus (AF) function and / or an optical image stabilizer (OIS) function.

[0054] Here, the lens portion 100 can be stacked with a plastic lens or a glass lens, or a mixture of both. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the plastic material may be 5 times higher than that of the glass material, and the change in refractive index of the plastic material as a function of temperature (dN / dT) may be 10 lower than that of the glass material. Here, dN represents the change in refractive index of the lens, and dT represents the change in temperature.

[0055] When using a plastic lens for the camera module 1000 in a vehicle, the price can be reduced compared to lenses made of glass, and optical path control can be aided by providing aspherical surfaces on both the incident and exit surfaces. Furthermore, lenses made of glass or plastic may expand or contract due to differences in their coefficients of thermal expansion with the lens holder 513. As a result, if expansion in the longitudinal direction is not mitigated, the lens may deform in the optical axis direction, potentially altering its optical properties. Therefore, when no buffering structure is present outside the effective area of ​​the lens to reduce expansion, the heights of the incident and exit surfaces may differ, and the optical properties of the lens may be affected. That is, as... Figure 13As shown, because the spacer 133-1 without a buffer structure is provided on the outside of the lens 115-1, it cannot alleviate the expansion of the lens 115-1 in the longitudinal direction, and the lens 115-1 has the problem of deformation in the direction of the optical axis Lz.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a component or device with a buffer structure is disposed between at least one effective diameter region of a plurality of lenses 111, 113, 115, and 117 and a lens holder 513 to suppress changes in the optical characteristics of the effective diameter region. The component or device may be a flange portion disposed outside the effective diameter region of the lens and / or a spacer disposed between the lens and the lens holder. Embodiments of the present invention will be described as examples of buffer structures disposed in at least one of spacers 131 and 133. Spacer 133 with buffer structure 30 can suppress changes in the optical characteristics of the third lens 115 disposed therein. Spacers 131 and 133 can block light leaked or introduced to the outside and can adjust the distance between two adjacent lenses. Spacers 131 and 133 can be defined as light-blocking films. Here, spacer 133 with buffer structure 30 can be used as an aperture stop. The surface of spacer 133 with buffer structure 30 can be coated with a light-blocking material to block light. Here, a gap may be included between at least one of the plurality of lenses 111, 113, 115, and 117 and the lens holder 513. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, spacers 131 and 133 may have an opening A1 therein. Spacers 131 and 133 may include a first spacer 131 disposed around the outer periphery of the first lens 111 and the second lens 113, and a second spacer 133 disposed around the outer periphery of the second lens 131 and the fourth lens 117. The second spacer 133 may support the flange portion 11A of the third lens 115 at its inner periphery.

[0057] A second spacer 133 with a buffer structure 30 is disposed between the second lens 113 and the fourth lens 117, spaced apart from the third lens 113 and the fourth lens 117, and can support the outer side of the third lens 115. The area between the outer side of the third lens 115 and the second spacer 133 can be bonded with adhesive. Here, by example, the second spacer 133 with the buffer structure 30 is disposed on the outer side of the third lens 113, but the second spacer 133 with the buffer structure 30 can also be disposed on the outer side of the first lens 111, the second lens 113, and / or the fourth lens 117. The buffer structure 30 may include a structure with grooves 31 and 33 at the upper and lower portions. The grooves 31 and 33 may be formed as a continuous ring.

[0058] The second spacer 133 with the cushioning structure 30 can be formed of a material having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than glass or a material having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than metal. The spacer 133 with the cushioning structure 30 can be formed of a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting material.

[0059] The first spacer 131 and the second spacer 133 may be made of the same or different materials; for example, the first spacer 131 and the second spacer 133 may be made of a light-absorbing material. The first spacer 131 and / or the second spacer 133 may comprise a polyethylene (PE) film or a polyester (PET) film. As another example, the first spacer 131 and / or the second spacer 133 may have a metal or alloy and an oxide film formed on its surface. The materials included in the metal or alloy may include at least one of In, Ga, Zn, Sn, Al, Ca, Sr, Ba, W, U, Ni, Cu, Hg, Pb, Bi, Si, Ta, H, Fe, Co, Cr, Mn, Be, B, Mg, Nb, Mo, Cd, Sn, Zr, Sc, Ti, V, Eu, Gd, Er, Lu, Yb, Ru, Y, and La. The oxide film may be an oxide material treated with copper using a black oxide or a brown oxide.

[0060] The third lens 115, disposed within the second spacer 133 having a buffer structure 30, can be made of glass or plastic. The thickness of the second spacer 133 can be greater than the height of the outer surface of the third lens 115. The thickness of the second spacer 133 can be greater than the thickness of the central portion of the third lens 115. The upper surface of the second spacer 133 can contact the second lens 113. The lower surface of the second spacer 133 can contact the fourth lens 117. The second spacer 133 includes a first portion 71 disposed between the flange portion 113A of the second lens 113 and the lens holder 513, and a second portion 73 disposed between the flange portion 117A of the fourth lens 117 and the lens holder 513. The second spacer 133 can protect the outer side of the third lens 115 as well as the outer sides of the second lens 113 and the fourth lens 117.

[0061] In the following description, an example will be given of a buffer structure 30 disposed on a second spacer 133 outside the third lens 115, which can buffer the length of the third lens 115 when the length of the third lens 115 expands according to the ambient temperature. The buffer structure 30 can provide elasticity in the second spacer 133 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis Lz or in the circumferential direction.

[0062] Reference Figures 3 to 5 Describes a second spacer 133 having a buffer structure 30 and a lens 115. (Reference) Figures 3 to 5 Lens 115 may include an object-side first surface S1 and an upper-side second surface S2 having an effective region through which light travels. A flange portion 115A of lens 115 may extend outward from the first surface S1 and the second surface S2, and may include an upper edge and a lower edge. The first surface S1 may be convex towards the object side, flat, or concave towards the image side (or sensor side). For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the first surface S1a of lens 115 can be convex, or as... Figure 7 As shown, the first surface S1b of lens 115 may be concave. The second surface S2 of lens 115 may be convex toward the image side, and as another example, the second surface S2 of lens 115 may be concave or flat toward the object side. The concave, flat, or convex structure of the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of lens 115 can be varied depending on the lens characteristics and camera type.

[0063] The spacer 133 may include an opening portion A1, a third surface S3 on the object side, and an upper fourth surface S4. The third surface S3 may include a horizontal surface or an inclined surface, and as shown in the figure... Figure 2 As shown, it may include protrusions projecting toward the object side. The fourth surface S4 may include a horizontal surface or an inclined surface, and as shown... Figure 2 As shown, a portion of the fourth surface S4 may protrude upwards or downwards. The spacer 133 may include one or more buffer structures 30. The buffer structure 30 may include a first groove 31 that is concave from the third surface S3 toward the fourth surface S4 and a second groove 33 that is concave from the fourth surface S4 toward the third surface S3. The first groove 31 and the second groove 33 may be arranged alternately on different planes based on the optical axis Lz. The buffer structure 30 with the first groove 31 and the second groove 33 can prevent a reduction in the stiffness of the spacer 133 and can shrink or expand according to the thermal deformation of the lenses 113 and 117.

[0064] like Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, one or more first grooves 31 can be provided in the third surface S3. When viewed from a plan view, the first grooves 31 can have a continuous circular or annular shape. Multiple first grooves 31 can be formed in a circular or annular shape, and can be arranged as concentric circles with different radii. Multiple first grooves 31 can overlap in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis Lz. One or more second grooves 33 can be provided on the fourth surface S4. When viewed from a bottom view, the second grooves 33 can have a continuous circular or annular shape. Multiple second grooves 33 can be formed in a circular or annular shape, and can be arranged as concentric circles with different radii. Multiple second grooves 33 can overlap in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis Lz. The side cross-sectional view of the first groove 31 and / or the second groove 33 can have a triangular shape. This triangular shape can be a shape where two points and the deepest point of the contacting upper or lower surface are connected. The portion where the deepest point is located can be an angular surface, a curved surface, or a flat surface. The first groove 31 can have a triangular shape with a wider upper portion and a narrower lower portion, and the second groove 33 can have a triangular shape with a wider lower portion and a narrower upper portion, that is, an inverted triangle shape.

[0065] An embodiment of the present invention provides a buffer structure 30 on a spacer 133 on the outside of a lens 115, the buffer structure 30 having at least two grooves 31 and 33 to reduce the thermal expansion of the elastic lens 113 and suppress the change in the Z-axis (optical axis) direction of the lens 113.

[0066] like Figure 4As shown, at least one of the third surface S3 and the fourth surface S4 of the spacer 133 may include an extension 35 that overlaps with the lens 115 in the vertical direction. For example, the extension 35 is disposed outside the effective diameter region of the lens 115, such that a flange portion 115A can be disposed on the extension 35. The flange portion 115A is attached to the extension 35 by an adhesive and can support the lens 115. The third surface S3 of the spacer 133 may be configured to be higher than the first surface S1 of the lens 115. The fourth surface S4 of the spacer 133 may be configured to be lower than or higher than the second surface S2 of the lens 115. The plurality of first grooves 31 may be spaced apart from each other and may have the same or different depths T2. When the depths T2 of the plurality of first grooves 31 are different from each other, the region adjacent to the upper first edge of the flange portion 115A of the lens 135 (i.e., the depth of the groove adjacent to the inner surface of the spacer 133) is the deepest, and the depth of the groove adjacent to the outer surface S5 of the spacer 133 may be configured to be the smallest. Conversely, when the depths T2 of the multiple first grooves 31 are different from each other, the groove adjacent to the upper first edge of the flange portion 115A of the lens 115 has the smallest depth, and the groove adjacent to the outer surface S5 can have the largest depth. When the depths T2 of the first grooves 31 are set differently, the expansion change of the first grooves 31 in the circumferential direction from the center of the lens 113 can be gradually suppressed. The upper first edge of the flange portion 115A of the lens 135 can be the end that is placed on the extension portion 35 of the spacer 133.

[0067] The flange region of lens 115 is supported by spacer 133, and in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis Lz, the center of the outermost surface of the flange region may not overlap with each of the grooves 31 and 33. At least one of the upper and lower edges of the outermost surface of lens 115 may be on the same line as the lowest point of each groove 31 and 33. The depth T2 of the first groove 31 may be 40% or less, 20% or more, or within the range of 30% to 40% of the thickness T1 of spacer 133. When the depth T2 of the first groove 31 is greater than the above range, it is difficult to form the spacer, and when the depth T2 of the first groove 31 is less than the above range, the buffering function against lens expansion may deteriorate. The distance between adjacent first grooves 31 may be less than the depth T2 of the first groove 31. When the distance between the first grooves 31 is greater than the depth T2, the buffering function in the first direction X, which is orthogonal to the optical axis Lz, may deteriorate, and the degree of deformation of the lens 113 in the optical axis Lz direction may increase. Therefore, the expansion relaxation in the first direction X can be maximized by adjusting the depth T2 and spacing of the first grooves 31.

[0068] Multiple second grooves 33 may be spaced apart from each other and may have the same or different depths T3. When the depths T3 of the multiple second grooves 33 are different from each other, the region adjacent to the lower edge of the effective diameter region of the lens 113 (i.e., the groove depth adjacent to the inner surface of the spacer 133) is the deepest, and the depth of the groove adjacent to the outer surface S5 of the spacer 133 can be set to the minimum. Conversely, when the depths T3 of the multiple second grooves 33 are different from each other, the groove adjacent to the lower edge of the flange portion 115A of the lens 115 is the deepest, and the depth of the groove adjacent to the outer surface S5 of the spacer 133 can be set to the deepest. When the depths T3 of the second grooves 33 are set differently, the expansion variation of the second grooves 33 in the circumferential direction from the center of the lens 117 can be gradually suppressed. The lower edge of the lens 115 can be positioned higher than the fourth surface S4 of the spacer 133. The depth T2 of the second groove 33 can be 40% or less, 20% or more, or within the range of 20% to 40% of the thickness T1 of the spacer 133. When the depth T3 of the second groove 33 is greater than the above range, it is difficult to form the spacer, and when the depth T3 of the second groove 33 is less than the above range, the buffering function against lens expansion may be degraded. The distance between adjacent second grooves 33 can be less than the depth T3 of the second groove 33. When the distance between the second grooves 33 is greater than the depth T3, the buffering function in the horizontal direction may be degraded, and the degree of deformation of the lens 117 in the optical axis direction may increase. Therefore, the expansion relaxation in the horizontal direction can be maximized by adjusting the depth T3 and spacing of the second grooves 33.

[0069] In spacer 133, a plurality of first grooves 31 are arranged circumferentially on a third surface S3, and a plurality of second grooves 33 are arranged circumferentially on a fourth surface S4. Virtual lines passing through the deepest low point P1 in the first groove 31 and through the deepest low point P2 in the second groove 33 in the Z-direction parallel to the optical axis can be arranged offset from each other. For example, virtual lines passing through the low point P1 of the first groove 31 in the Z-direction parallel to the optical axis Lz can be alternated with virtual lines passing through the low point P2 of the second groove 33 in the Z-direction parallel to the optical axis Lz. Virtual lines passing through points P1 and P2 of two different grooves 31 and 33 can be parallel to the optical axis Lz.

[0070] The shortest distance G between the virtual straight line connecting the low point P1 of the first groove 31 in the first direction X orthogonal to the optical axis Lz and the virtual straight line connecting the low point P2 of the second groove 33 in the first direction X orthogonal to the optical axis Lz can be 30% or less of the thickness T1 of the spacer 133, within the range of 10% to 30% of the thickness T1, or within the range of 20% to 30% of the thickness T1. The shortest distance G between the virtual straight line connecting the low point P1 of the first groove 31 in the first direction X orthogonal to the optical axis Lz and the virtual straight line connecting the low point P2 of the second groove 33 in the first direction X orthogonal to the optical axis Lz can be greater than or equal to the side height of the lens 115. When injecting into the spacer 133, the shortest distance G can be a spacing that does not reduce the efficiency of injecting liquid material through the first groove 31 and the second groove 33. The shortest distance G can be 0.2 mm or greater, 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm, or 0.25 mm to 0.65 mm.

[0071] In the spacer 133, the distance between the virtual straight lines connecting the low points P1 and P2 of the corresponding opposite grooves 31 and 33 can be greater than or equal to the height of the side surface of the lens 115. Furthermore, the low point P1 of the first groove 31 and the low point P2 of the second groove 33 may not overlap with the side surface of the lens 115 in the first direction X. Because the low points P1 of the first groove 31 and P2 of the second groove 33 do not overlap and are spaced apart in the first direction X, the low points P1 of the first groove 31 and P2 of the second groove 33 do not overlap in the flange portion 115A or the side surface of the lens 115 in the first direction X orthogonal to the optical axis Lz. Therefore, impacts from the flange portion 115A of the lens 115 in the first direction X are transmitted to the lens holder 513 through the spacer 133, and impacts in the diagonal direction deformed in the first direction X can be absorbed by the first groove 31 and the second groove 33.

[0072] In the buffer structure 30 of the spacer 133, the first groove 31 may include a first outer surface R1 based on a low point P1 near the outer surface S5 of the spacer 133 and a first inner surface R2 facing the first outer surface R1. The inner angle A of the first groove 31 may be 20 degrees or greater, for example, in the range of 20 to 50 degrees or in the range of 20 to 40 degrees. Each of the first outer surface R1 and the first inner surface R2 may be tilted based on an axis parallel to the optical axis, and may be tilted at the same angle or different angles. The tilt angle of the first outer surface R1 may be equal to or greater than the tilt angle of the first inner surface R2. For example, the tilt angle of the first outer surface R1 may be 20 degrees or greater, for example, 20 to 40 degrees or 20 to 30 degrees. The tilt angle of the first inner surface R2 may be less than 20 degrees, for example, in the range of 3 to 18 degrees or in the range of 3 to 10 degrees. The difference in tilt angles between the first outer surface R1 and the first inner surface R2 may be in the range of 10 to 30 degrees. Correspondingly, the first groove 31 can effectively reduce the expansion of the upper part of the lens through the inner angle A.

[0073] In the buffer structure 30 of the spacer 133, the second groove 33 may include a second outer surface R3 based on a low point P2 near the outer surface of the spacer 133 and a second inner surface R4 facing the second outer surface R3. The inner angle B of the second groove 33 may be 20 degrees or greater, for example, in the range of 20 to 50 degrees or in the range of 20 to 40 degrees. Each of the second outer surface R3 and the second inner surface R4 may be tilted based on an axis parallel to the optical axis, and may be tilted at the same angle or different angles. The tilt angle of the second outer surface R3 may be equal to or less than the tilt angle of the second inner surface R4. For example, the tilt angle of the second outer surface R3 may be less than 20 degrees, for example, in the range of 3 to 18 degrees or in the range of 3 to 10 degrees. The tilt angle of the second inner surface R4 may be 20 degrees or greater, for example, 20 to 40 degrees or 30 to 40 degrees. The difference in tilt angle between the second outer surface R3 and the second inner surface R4 may be in the range of 10 to 30 degrees. Correspondingly, the second groove 33 can effectively reduce the expansion of the lower part of the lens through the inner angle B.

[0074] Therefore, because a buffer structure 30 is provided in the spacer 133 in this invention, elasticity can be provided to resist the expansion or contraction of the lens 115 in the lateral direction. Thus, the expansion transmitted to the spacer 133 can be mitigated to suppress the deformation of the effective diameter region of the lens 115 in the optical axis direction, which can minimize the variation of the optical properties (MTF: modulation transfer function) of the lens 113.

[0075] The minimum distance E1 between the first grooves 31 adjacent to the upper inner edge of the spacer 133 can be greater than the maximum width of the first grooves 31. The minimum distance E1 can be greater than the distance D between the outer surface of the spacer 133 and the nearest first groove 31. Therefore, when the first grooves 31 buffer the expansion of the lens in the circumferential direction relative to the lens in the lens 113, the first grooves 31 and the lens holder 513 supporting the outer surface S5 of the spacer 133 can support the outer surface S5 of the spacer 133 and enhance the relaxation effect. The minimum distance E2 between the second grooves 33 adjacent to the lower inner edge of the spacer 133 can be greater than the maximum width of the second grooves 33 and the distance E between the outer surface S5 of the spacer 133 and the nearest second groove 33. Therefore, when the second grooves 33 buffer the expansion of the lens in the circumferential direction relative to the lens in the lens, the second grooves 33 and the lens holder 513 supporting the outer surface S5 of the spacer 133 can support the side surface S5 of the spacer 133 in the lens holder 513 and further enhance the relaxation effect.

[0076] Meanwhile, in the embodiments of the present invention, the flange portions 113A and 117A of the second lens 113 and the fourth lens 117 are disposed on the upper part of the third surface S3 and the lower part of the fourth surface S4 of the spacer, and can face the upper part of the third surface S3 and the lower part of the fourth surface S4 of the spacer. That is, the flange portion 113A of the second lens 113 adheres to the upper part of the spacer 133 and can cover the first groove 31. The area of ​​the lower surface of the flange portion 113A is larger than the area of ​​the upper surface of the second lens 113A, and can adhere to the third surface S3 of the spacer 133. The flange portion 117A of the fourth lens 117 adheres to the upper part of the spacer 133 and can cover the second groove 33. The area of ​​the lower surface of the flange portion 117A is larger than the area of ​​the lower surface of the second groove 33, and can adhere to the fourth surface S4 of the spacer 133. These flange portions 113A and 117A can suppress the flow of spacer 133 in the optical axis direction at the upper and lower parts of spacer 133, so that the elasticity in the first direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be guided more effectively.

[0077] When the lens 115 expands in the longitudinal or circumferential direction, the elasticity of the first groove 31 and the second groove 33 prevents the spacer 133 from contracting and the spacer 133 and the lens 115 from deforming in the optical axis direction. In embodiments of the invention, the first surface S1 of the lens 113 is convex or flat and the second surface S2 is convex or concave, or the first surface S1 is convex and the second surface S2 is convex. In the spacer 133, the first groove 31 can be positioned closer to the effective diameter region of the lens 115 than the second groove 33.

[0078] Figure 8 and Figure 9 yes Figure 3 Other examples of spacers. See reference. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The spacer 133 may include a buffer structure 30 having a first groove 31A on a third surface S3 and a second groove 33A on a fourth surface S4. The buffer structure 30 may be arranged relative to the optical axis Lz in the order of the first groove 31A and the second groove 33A. In the buffer structure 30, the depth of the first groove 31A and the depth of the second groove 33A may be the same as or different from each other. The depth of the first groove 31A may be 40% or more of the thickness of the spacer 133, for example, in the range of 40% to 60% or in the range of 40% to 50%. The depth of the second groove 33A may be 40% or more of the thickness T1 of the spacer 133, for example, in the range of 40% to 60% or in the range of 40% to 50%.

[0079] The interior angle A of the first groove 31A can be 25 degrees or greater, for example, in the range of 25 to 60 degrees or in the range of 30 to 50 degrees. Each of the first outer surface R1 and the first inner surface R2 can be tilted based on an axis parallel to the optical axis, and can be tilted at the same angle or different angles. The tilt angle of the first outer surface R1 can be equal to or less than the tilt angle of the first inner surface R2. For example, the tilt angle of the first outer surface R1 can be less than 20 degrees, for example, in the range of 3 to 18 degrees or in the range of 3 to 10 degrees. The tilt angle of the first inner surface R2 can be 25 degrees or greater, for example, in the range of 25 to 40 degrees or in the range of 25 to 35 degrees. The difference in tilt angles between the first outer surface R1 and the first inner surface R2 can be in the range of 15 to 30 degrees. Therefore, the first groove 31A can effectively reduce the expansion of the upper part of the lens through the interior angle B. The interior angle B of the second groove 33A can be 25 degrees or greater, for example, in the range of 25 to 60 degrees or in the range of 30 to 50 degrees. Each of the second outer surface R3 and the second inner surface R4 can be tilted based on an axis parallel to the optical axis, and can be tilted at the same angle or different angles. The tilt angle of the second outer surface R3 can be equal to or less than the tilt angle of the second inner surface R4. For example, the tilt angle of the second outer surface R3 can be 25 degrees or greater, for example, in the range of 25 to 40 degrees or in the range of 25 to 35 degrees. The tilt angle of the second inner surface R4 can be less than 20 degrees, for example, in the range of 3 to 18 degrees or in the range of 3 to 10 degrees. The difference in tilt angles between the second outer surface R3 and the second inner surface R4 can be in the range of 15 to 30 degrees. Accordingly, the second groove 33A can effectively reduce the expansion of the lower part of the lens through the interior angle B. A virtual straight line passing through the low point of the first groove 31A and a virtual straight line passing through the low point of the second groove 33A in the first direction X, orthogonal to the optical axis Lz, can overlap, and the overlapping area can overlap with the side surface and / or flange portion 115A of the lens 115 in the first direction X. In this case, because the first groove 31A and the second groove 33A are relatively deep, the number and depth of the two grooves can be adjusted within the aforementioned range by taking into account the impact transmitted from the lens 115 in the first direction X or diagonal direction. The number of the first groove 31A and the second groove 33A can be equal to or less than two.

[0080] exist Figure 10In embodiments of the present invention, when the first surface S11 of the lens 116 is convex and the second surface S12 is flat or convex, a buffer structure 30A can be applied. This buffer structure 30A has a first groove 31B in the third surface S3 of the spacer 133 and a second groove 33B in the fourth surface S4. The construction of the first groove 31B and the second groove 33B will be referred to the description disclosed above. Here, the fourth surface S4 of the lens 116 may overlap with the extension of the spacer 133 in the vertical direction. As another example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the second surface S12a of lens 116 may include a surface with a convex effective diameter region, or as... Figure 12 As shown, the second surface S12b of lens 116 can have a concave surface with an effective diameter region.

[0081] Figure 14 It has Figure 8 Example of a side cross-sectional view of a camera module with a spacer structure.

[0082] refer to Figure 14 The camera module 1000 may include: an outer casing 500; a lens portion 100 having a plurality of lenses 111, 113, 115, and 117; spacers 131 and 133; a mainboard 190; and an image sensor 192. The camera module 1000 may include a cover glass 194 and a filter 196 between the lens portion 100 and the image sensor 192. Embodiments of the invention will be described as examples of at least one of the spacers 131 and 133 having a buffer structure. The spacer 133 having the buffer structure 30 can suppress changes in the optical characteristics of the third lens 115 disposed therein. The spacers 131 and 133 can block light leaking or being introduced to the outside and can adjust the distance between two adjacent lenses. The spacers 131 and 133 can be defined as light-blocking films. Here, the spacer 133 having the buffer structure 30 can be used as an aperture stop. The surface of the spacer 133 having the buffer structure 30 can be coated with a light-blocking material to block light.

[0083] A second spacer 133 with a buffer structure 30 is disposed between the second lens 113 and the fourth lens 117, and can space the third lens 113 and the fourth lens 117, and support the outer side of the third lens 115. The outer side of the third lens 115 and the second spacer 133 can be adhered to each other by an adhesive. Here, although the second spacer 133 with the buffer structure 30 is shown as an example disposed on the outer side of the third lens 113, the second spacer 133 with the buffer structure 30 can also be disposed on the outer side of the first lens 111, the second lens 113, and / or the fourth lens 117. The buffer structure 30 may include a structure having grooves 31 and 33 at the upper and lower portions. The grooves 31 and 33 can be formed in a continuous annular shape.

[0084] The second spacer 133 with the buffer structure 30 can be formed of a material with a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than glass or a material with a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than metal. The spacer 133 with the buffer structure 30 can be formed of a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. The third lens 115 disposed inside the second spacer 133 with the buffer structure 30 can be made of glass or plastic. The thickness of the second spacer 133 can be greater than the height of the outer surface of the third lens 115. The thickness of the second spacer 133 can be greater than the thickness of the central portion of the third lens 115. The upper surface of the second spacer 133 can contact the second lens 113. The lower surface of the second spacer 133 can contact the fourth lens 117. The second spacer 133 includes a first portion 71 disposed between the flange portion 113A of the second lens 113 and the lens holder 513, and a second portion 73 disposed between the flange portion 117A of the fourth lens 117 and the lens holder 513. The second spacer 133 can protect the outer side of the third lens 115 as well as the outer side of the second lens 113 and the fourth lens 117.

[0085] The buffer structure 30 of the second spacer 133 may include one or more first grooves 31A on the upper surface and one or more second grooves 33A on the lower surface. In the buffer structure 30, a virtual straight line passing through the low point of the first groove 31A and a virtual straight line passing through the low point of the second groove 33A may overlap in a first direction X orthogonal to the optical axis Lz, and the overlapping area may overlap with the side surface and / or flange portion 115A of the lens 115 in the first direction (X). In this case, because the first groove 31A and the second groove 33A are relatively deep, the number and depth of the two grooves can be adjusted within the aforementioned range by taking into account the impact transmitted from the lens 115 in the first direction X or diagonal direction. The number of first grooves 31A and second grooves 33A may be equal to or less than two.

[0086] The buffer structure 30 can buffer the expansion of the length of the third lens 115 due to ambient temperature. The buffer structure 30 can provide elasticity in the second spacer 133 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis Lz or in the circumferential direction.

[0087] refer to Figure 15 The camera module can define the buffer structure 30 of the spacer 133 as the first buffer structure and the lens buffer structure 40 as the second buffer structure. A lens having the second buffer structure 40 can be disposed on at least one or more of the first to fourth lenses. The second buffer structure 40 can be formed as a concave groove on the upper and lower surfaces of the flange portion of the lens.

[0088] The first buffer structure 30 of the spacer 133 will be described with reference to the above embodiment, and the second buffer structure 40 of the second lens 113 will be described below.

[0089] A second lens 113 with a second buffer structure 40 can be disposed between a first lens 111 and a third lens 115. The second buffer structure 40 can contact a first spacer 131. The second buffer structure 40 can contact a second spacer 133. A groove 41 on the upper surface of the second buffer structure 40 can face the upper surface of the first spacer 131. A groove 43 on the lower surface of the second buffer structure 40 can face the upper surface of the second spacer 133. The upper groove 41 and lower groove 43 of the second buffer structure 40 can overlap with the effective diameter region in a first direction X orthogonal to the optical axis Lz. The upper groove 41 and lower groove 43 of the second buffer structure 40 can overlap with the outer surface of the second lens 113 in the first direction X orthogonal to the optical axis Lz.

[0090] The second lens 113, to which the second buffer structure 40 is applied, can be made of plastic material. When the volume of the second lens 113 expands according to ambient temperature, the second buffer structure 40 applied to the plastic-made second lens 113 according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide cushioning. The second buffer structure 40 can be disposed on the flange portion 113A of the second lens 113 and can be configured to provide elasticity in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis Lz or in the circumferential direction.

[0091] Figure 16 This is a view showing the change in lens shape depending on whether a buffer structure is provided, in the comparative examples and embodiments. Figure 17 (A) is adopted as follows Figure 13 The modified example of the lens without the buffer structure spacer 133-1 shown is shown, and Figure 17 (B) is related to Figure 4 In the same example, the spacer 133 has a buffer structure 30, and Figure 17 (C) is adopted Figure 9 The example shown is a modified example of a lens with a buffer structure 30 and a spacer 133. A comparative example can be seen when describing the amount of variation (in mm) in the Z-axis direction of the lens. Figure 17 A) has the largest structure, and Figure 17 The structure of (B)(C) is smaller than Figure 17 The structure of A. Figure 17 This is a view showing the shape variation of the spacer depending on the presence or absence of a buffer structure in the comparative examples and embodiments. Figure 17 (A) is as follows Figure 13 The modified example of spacer 133-1 without a buffer structure shown is as follows: Figure 17 (B) is as follows Figure 4 The modified example of the spacer 133 with buffer structure 30 shown is shown. Figure 17 (C) is as follows Figure 9 The spacer 133 with buffer structure 30 shown is a modified example. In describing the amount of variation (in mm) of the spacer in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis, it can be seen that the comparison example ( Figure 17 A) Maximum, and Figure 17 The structures of (B) and (C) can be smaller than Figure 17 (A) structure. For example, when describing the amount of deformation from the optical axis in the radial direction, Figure 17 (A) has a structure of 11 μm or more. Figure 17 (B) has a structure of 10 μm or less, and Figure 17 (C) has a structure of 4 μm or smaller.

[0092] An embodiment of the present invention applies a spacer with a buffer structure to the outer side of at least one lens to accommodate temperature variations from -20 degrees Celsius or lower to 70 degrees Celsius or higher, such as the range of -40 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius for a vehicle's camera module. Because this reduces the coefficient of thermal expansion in the longitudinal direction for lenses with high coefficients of thermal expansion, it provides elasticity relative to the expansion of lenses made of plastic or glass, allowing for contraction or expansion, and suppressing variations in the effective diameter region of the lens along the optical axis. Therefore, variations in the optical properties of camera modules employing lenses made of plastic or glass can be reduced. Furthermore, a buffer structure can be further included in the outer flange portion of the lens to suppress elastic deformation of the lens itself.

[0093] The features, structures, effects, etc., described in the above embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can combine or modify the features, structures, effects, etc., shown in each embodiment for use in other embodiments. Therefore, anything related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, although embodiments have been described above, they are merely examples and do not limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not illustrated can be made without departing from the basic characteristics of these embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be implemented by modification. And the differences associated with these modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: Lens retainer; Multiple lenses are disposed within the lens holder and arranged along the optical axis; as well as A spacer is disposed between at least one of the plurality of lenses and the lens holder. At least one groove is provided on the object-side surface and the image-side surface of the spacer. The spacer includes a first concave groove extending from the object-side surface of the spacer toward the image-side surface of the spacer, and a second concave groove extending from the image-side surface of the spacer toward the object-side surface of the spacer. Each of the first groove and the second groove includes an inner surface and an outer surface facing each other, the inner surface being close to the optical axis and the outer surface being close to the outer surface of the spacer.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of lenses includes a first lens to a fourth lens. The spacer is disposed between the second lens and the fourth lens. The third lens is disposed inside the spacer.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The object-side surface of the spacer contacts the second lens, and the image-side surface of the spacer contacts the fourth lens.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The side view of the groove has a triangular shape.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein, The inner and outer surfaces of the groove have inclined surfaces, which have different angles relative to an axis parallel to the optical axis.

6. The camera module according to any one of claims 1, 4, or 5, in, The shortest distance between the lowest point of the first groove and the lowest point of the second groove is greater than or equal to the height of the side surface of the at least one lens.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein, The shortest distance is the shortest distance between a virtual straight line perpendicular to the optical axis on the side surface of the object and connected to the lowest point of the groove, and a virtual straight line perpendicular to the optical axis on the side surface of the image and connected to the lowest point of the groove.

8. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The spacer includes: A first portion, wherein the first portion is disposed between the second lens and the lens holder; and The second part is disposed between the fourth lens and the lens holder.

9. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Each of the first and second grooves has a plurality of grooves arranged along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the distance between the virtual line connecting the low point of the second groove on the side surface of the object and the low point of the first groove on the side surface of the object is greater than or equal to the height of the side surface of the at least one lens.

10. A camera module, comprising: Lens retainer; The first to the fourth lenses are arranged sequentially in the lens holder from the object side toward the image side and along the optical axis; as well as A spacer, wherein the spacer is disposed between at least one of the second to fourth lenses and the lens holder. The spacer includes multiple grooves. Each of the lenses includes an effective diameter region and a flange region. The flange region is supported by the spacer. Wherein, the center of the outermost surface of the flange region does not overlap with the plurality of grooves in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and At least one of the plurality of grooves includes an inner surface and an outer surface facing each other, the inner surface being close to the optical axis and the outer surface being close to the outer surface of the spacer.

11. The camera module according to claim 10, wherein, At least one of the object-side edge and the image-side edge of the outermost surface is collinear with the lowest point of the plurality of grooves.

12. The camera module according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, A gap is formed between at least one of the first to fourth lenses and the lens holder.

13. The camera module according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The first lens comprises glass material. At least one of the second to fourth lenses is made of plastic material.

Images