Lens assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a lens assembly. The lens assembly includes: a first lens including an optical portion and a flange portion extending from the optical portion; a second lens disposed on one side of the first lens in an optical axis direction; and a third lens disposed on the other side of the first lens in the optical axis direction. The flange portion includes a first groove formed in one surface and a first protrusion disposed on the other surface, the second lens includes a second protrusion disposed in the first groove, and the third lens includes a second groove in which the first protrusion is disposed. In a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the second protrusion is spaced apart from a portion of an inner surface of the first groove, and the first protrusion is spaced apart from a portion of an inner surface of the second groove, where the portion of the inner surface of the first groove is closer to the optical axis than the portion of the inner surface of the second groove.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0090184 filed on July 12, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to lens assemblies. Background Art

[0004] The camera module may be used in portable electronic devices such as smart phones, tablet PCs, and laptop computers.

[0005] In order to achieve high resolution in a camera module, a lens assembly in which a plurality of lenses are stacked may be used. The lens assembly may be assembled in a lens barrel by aligning the optical axes of the plurality of lenses.

[0006] The lens may expand and contract due to moisture and heat. The multiple lenses applied to the lens assembly may have different shapes or be formed of different materials, and the amount of expansion thereof due to moisture and heat may also be different. When a lens with a large amount of expansion expands, interference with other lenses may occur, and the contact may cause deformation of one or more lenses. When the lens is deformed due to contact between lenses, the shape of the optical portion of the lens may change, or the gap between the lenses may change, resulting in the problem of performance degradation of the lens assembly.

[0007] The above information is presented as background information only to assist in understanding the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above may be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the Detailed Description below. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] In one general aspect, a lens assembly includes: a first lens including an optical portion and a flange portion extending from the optical portion; a second lens disposed on one side of the first lens along an optical axis direction; and a third lens disposed on the other side of the first lens along the optical axis direction. The flange portion includes a first groove formed in one surface and a first protrusion disposed on the other surface, the second lens includes a second protrusion disposed in the first groove, and the third lens includes a second groove in which the first protrusion is disposed. The second protrusion is spaced apart from a portion of an inner surface of the first groove in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the first protrusion is spaced apart from a portion of an inner surface of the second groove in the first direction, and a portion of the inner surface of the first groove is disposed closer to the optical axis than a portion of the inner surface of the second groove.

[0010] The first groove may include a first inner surface and a second inner surface spaced apart in the first direction, and the second protrusion may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first inner surface of the first groove.

[0011] The second groove may include a first inner surface and a second inner surface spaced apart in the first direction, and the first protrusion may be disposed to be spaced apart from the second inner surface of the second groove.

[0012] The first inner surface of the first groove may be disposed further inward in the first direction than the second inner surface of the second groove.

[0013] The inner surface of the first groove may include a third inner surface connecting the first inner surface of the first groove and the second inner surface of the first groove, the lower surface of the second protrusion may be opposite to the third inner surface of the first groove, and the lower surface of the second protrusion may be spaced apart from the third inner surface of the first groove in the direction of the optical axis.

[0014] The first protrusion may have a tapered shape whose width becomes narrower from the object side to the image side.

[0015] The first protrusion may include a first outer surface contacting the second groove, and the first outer surface may form an acute angle with a virtual line parallel to the optical axis.

[0016] According to a change in temperature or humidity, an expansion amount of the first lens in the first direction may be greater than expansion amounts of the second lens and the third lens in the first direction.

[0017] One surface of the flange portion may be an image side surface, and the other surface of the flange portion may be an object side surface.

[0018] The first groove may include a first inner surface and a second inner surface opposite to the first inner surface of the first groove, and the second protrusion may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first inner surface of the first groove in the first direction.

[0019] The second groove may include a first inner surface and a second inner surface opposite to the first inner surface of the second groove, and the first protrusion may be disposed to be spaced apart from the second inner surface of the second groove in the first direction.

[0020] The first protrusion may have a tapered shape whose width becomes narrower from the image side to the object side.

[0021] The first lens may include an upper first lens and a lower first lens that are stacked.

[0022] In another general aspect, a lens assembly includes: a lens barrel; a first lens including an optical portion and a flange portion extending from the optical portion; a second lens disposed on one side of the first lens along an optical axis direction; and a third lens disposed on the other side of the first lens along the optical axis direction. The flange portion includes a first groove formed in one surface and a first protrusion disposed on the other surface, the second lens includes a second protrusion disposed in the first groove, the third lens includes a second groove in which the first protrusion is disposed, the first groove includes a first inclined surface spaced apart from the second protrusion in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the second groove includes a second inclined surface spaced apart from the first protrusion in the first direction, and the first inclined surface of the first groove and the second inclined surface of the second groove have opposite inclined directions to each other based on a line parallel to the optical axis.

[0023] An outer peripheral surface of the first lens may be spaced apart from an inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel.

[0024] The first lens may be configured to expand in a first direction according to a change in temperature or humidity so that an outer peripheral surface of the first lens contacts an inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel.

[0025] The first lens may be configured to expand in the first direction according to a change in temperature or humidity so that the first protrusion contacts the second inclined surface of the second groove.

[0026] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module to which a lens assembly according to an embodiment is applied.

[0028] Figure 2 When the lens is not expanded Figure 1 Magnified view of part A in FIG.

[0029] Figure 3 When the lens expands Figure 1 Magnified view of part A in FIG.

[0030] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first lens and the second lens when the first lens is not expanded.

[0031] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first lens and the second lens when the first lens is not expanded.

[0032] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module to which a lens assembly according to another embodiment is applied.

[0033] Figure 7 When the lens is not expanded Figure 6 Magnified view of part B.

[0034] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module to which a lens assembly according to another embodiment is applied.

[0035] Fig. 9 When the lens is not expanded Figure 8 Magnified view of part C.

[0036] Throughout the drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions, and descriptions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, although examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0038] The following specific embodiments are provided to help the reader gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely an example and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but may be changed as will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure, except for operations that must occur in a certain order. In addition, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0039] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and are not to be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided only to illustrate some of the many possible ways to implement the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure.

[0040] Throughout the specification, when an element (such as a layer, a region, or a substrate) is described as being “on”, “connected to”, or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly “on”, directly “connected to”, or directly “coupled to” the other element, or one or more other elements may be present between them. Conversely, when an element is described as being “directly” “on”, “directly connected to”, or “directly coupled to” another element, there are no other elements present between them.

[0041] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items; similarly, "at least one of..." includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] Although terms such as "first", "second", and "third" may be used herein to describe various members, components, regions, layers, or portions, these members, components, regions, layers, or portions are not limited by these terms. Instead, these terms are only used to distinguish one member, component, region, layer, or portion from another member, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, the first member, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion mentioned in the examples described herein may also be referred to as the second member, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion without departing from the teachings of the examples.

[0043] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "upper", "below", "lower", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as shown in the drawings. In addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, such spatially relative terms are intended to also include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, an element described as being "above" or "upper" relative to another element will then be "below" or "lower" relative to the other element. Therefore, the term "above" includes both the orientation of the above and below, depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0044] The terms used herein are only used to describe various examples and are not used to limit the present disclosure. The words "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "include", "comprises" and "have" specify the presence of stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof.

[0045] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the drawings may vary. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0046] Herein, it is noted that the use of the term “may” with respect to an example, such as with respect to what an example may include or implement, means that there is at least one example that includes or implements this feature, and all examples are not limited thereto.

[0047] As will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure, the features of the examples described herein may be combined in various ways. In addition, although the examples described herein have multiple configurations, other configurations are also possible, as will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure.

[0048] One aspect of the present disclosure may provide a lens assembly in which lens deformation due to contact between lenses due to lens expansion may be significantly reduced.

[0049] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module to which a lens assembly according to an embodiment is applied, and Figure 2 When the lens is not expanded Figure 1 Magnified view of part A in FIG.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 A lens module to which the lens assembly according to an embodiment is applied may include a lens assembly and a lens barrel. The lens assembly may include a plurality of stacked lenses.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 , a lens assembly 10 including three lenses is shown, but the spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to the number of lenses. For example, depending on the resolution to be achieved, the lens assembly may include three lenses, or may include four or more lenses.

[0052] The first lens 100, the second lens 200, and the third lens 300 may be disposed in the lens barrel 20. The lens barrel 20 may accommodate the lens assembly 10 including the first lens 100, the second lens 200, and the third lens 300.

[0053] The second lens 200 may be placed above the first lens 100. The third lens 300 may be placed below the first lens 100.

[0054] The first lens 100, the second lens 200, and the third lens 300 may each include an optical portion and a flange portion. The optical portion may be a region that refracts light passing through the lens. The optical portions of the corresponding first lens 100, the second lens 200, and the third lens 300 may have different refractive indices. The optical portions of the corresponding first lens 100, the second lens 200, and the third lens 300 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the optical axis direction. The flange portion may be formed by extending from the optical portion. The flange portion may be formed to extend from the outer peripheral surface of the optical portion. The flange portion may support a lens assembled to the lens barrel 20. At least a portion of the corresponding flange portions of the first lens 100, the second lens 200, and the third lens 300 may contact each other.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 , the first lens 100 may include a first groove 110 and a first protrusion 120. The first groove 110 may be provided in one surface of the flange portion, and the first protrusion 120 may be provided on the other surface of the flange portion. In this case, one surface of the flange portion may be an upper surface of the flange portion, and the other surface of the flange portion may be a lower surface of the flange portion.

[0056] The first groove 110 may have a trapezoidal shape in a cross section parallel to the optical axis. The width of the first groove 110 may narrow from one surface of the flange portion toward the other surface. The width of the first groove 110 may narrow from the object side to the image side. The first groove 110 may have a tapered shape, the width of which narrows from one surface of the flange portion toward the other surface.

[0057] The first groove 110 may include a first inner surface 111 and a second inner surface 112. The first inner surface 111 and the second inner surface 112 may be side surfaces of the first groove 110. The first inner surface 111 may be disposed opposite to the second inner surface 112. The first inner surface 111 may be disposed to overlap with the second inner surface 112 in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The first inner surface 111 and the second inner surface 112 may be inclined surfaces. The first inner surface 111 may be an inclined surface whose distance from the optical axis increases as it extends in a direction from one surface of the flange portion to the other surface. The second inner surface 112 may be an inclined surface whose distance from the optical axis shortens as it extends in a direction from one surface of the flange portion to the other surface.

[0058] The first groove 110 may include a third inner surface 113. The third inner surface 113 may be a lower surface of the first groove 110. The third inner surface 113 may be a surface connecting the first inner surface 111 and the second inner surface 112. The third inner surface 113 may be flat. The third inner surface 113 may be a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0059] The first protrusion 120 may have a trapezoidal cross section parallel to the optical axis. The width of the first protrusion 120 may be narrowed in a direction from one surface of the flange portion toward the other surface. The width of the first protrusion 120 may be narrowed in a direction from the object side to the image side. The first protrusion 120 may have a tapered shape, and its width is narrowed in a direction from one surface of the flange portion toward the other surface. The first protrusion 120 may include a first outer surface 121 and a second outer surface 122. The first outer surface 121 and the second outer surface 122 may be side surfaces of the first protrusion 120. The first outer surface 121 may be arranged opposite to the second outer surface 122. The first outer surface 121 may overlap with the second outer surface 122 in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The first outer surface 121 and the second outer surface 122 may be inclined surfaces. The distance of the first outer surface 121 from the optical axis may increase as it extends in a direction from one surface of the flange portion to the other surface. The distance of the second outer surface 122 from the optical axis may become shorter as it extends in a direction from one surface to the other surface of the flange portion.

[0060] The first inner surface 111 of the first groove 110 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the second outer surface 122 of the first protrusion 120 in the first direction. The first inner surface 111 of the first groove 110 may be disposed further inward than the second outer surface 122 of the first protrusion 120 based on the first direction.

[0061] The first protrusion 120 may include a third outer surface 123. The third outer surface 123 may be a surface connecting the first outer surface 121 and the second outer surface 122. The third outer surface 123 may be a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the second lens 200 may be disposed above the first lens 100. The second lens 200 may include an optical portion and a flange portion extending from the optical portion. At least a portion of the flange portion of the second lens 200 may contact the flange portion of the first lens 100. At least a portion of the lower surface of the flange portion of the second lens 200 may contact the upper surface of the flange portion of the first lens 100. In this case, the lower surface of the flange portion of the second lens 200 may be a surface closest to the first lens 100 among one surface and another surface of the flange portion. The flange portion of the second lens 200 may include a second protrusion 220. The second protrusion 220 may be disposed on the lower surface of the flange portion. The second protrusion 220 may have a trapezoidal cross-section parallel to the optical axis. The width of the second protrusion 220 may narrow in a direction from the second lens 200 to the first lens 100. The second protrusion 220 may have a tapered shape, the width of which narrows in a direction from the second lens 200 to the first lens 100.

[0063] The second protrusion 220 may include a first outer surface 221 and a second outer surface 222. The first outer surface 221 and the second outer surface 222 may be side surfaces of the second protrusion 220. The first outer surface 221 may be disposed opposite to the second outer surface 222. The first outer surface 221 and the second outer surface 222 may overlap in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The first outer surface 221 and the second outer surface 222 may be inclined surfaces. The distance of the first outer surface 221 from the optical axis may increase as it extends in a direction from one surface of the flange portion to the other surface. The distance of the second outer surface 222 from the optical axis may shorten as it extends in a direction from one surface of the flange portion to the other surface.

[0064] The second protrusion 220 may include a third outer surface 223. The third outer surface 223 may be a surface connecting the first outer surface 221 and the second outer surface 222. The third outer surface 223 may be a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0065] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the third lens 300 may be disposed below the first lens 100. The third lens 300 may include an optical portion and a flange portion extending from the optical portion. At least a portion of the flange portion of the third lens 300 may contact the flange portion of the first lens 100. The flange portion of the third lens 300 may include a second groove 310. The second groove 310 may be disposed on an upper surface of the third lens 300. In this case, the upper surface of the third lens 300 may be a surface closest to the first lens 100 among one surface and another surface of the third lens 300. The second groove 310 may have a trapezoidal shape in a cross section parallel to the optical axis. The width of the second groove 310 may narrow in a direction from the first lens 100 to the third lens 300. The second groove 310 may have a tapered shape, the width of which narrows in a direction from the first lens 100 to the third lens 300.

[0066] The second groove 310 may include a first inner surface 311 and a second inner surface 312. The first inner surface 311 and the second inner surface 312 may be side surfaces of the second groove 310. The first inner surface 311 may be disposed opposite to the second inner surface 312. The first inner surface 311 may overlap with the second inner surface 312 in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The first inner surface 311 and the second inner surface 312 may be inclined surfaces. The first inner surface 311 may be an inclined surface whose distance from the optical axis increases as it extends in a direction from one surface of the flange portion to the other surface. The second inner surface 312 may be an inclined surface whose distance from the optical axis shortens as it extends in a direction from one surface of the flange portion to the other surface.

[0067] The second groove 310 may include a third inner surface 313. The third inner surface 313 may be a lower surface of the second groove 310. The third inner surface 313 may be a surface connecting the first inner surface 311 and the second inner surface 312. The third inner surface 313 may be flat. The third inner surface 313 may be a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0068] Reference Figure 2 , a structure in which the first lens is spaced apart from the second lens, the third lens, or the lens barrel will be described.

[0069] Reference Figure 2 , the second protrusion 220 may be disposed in the first groove 110. The second protrusion 220 may be inserted into the first groove 110. The second protrusion 220 may be spaced apart from a portion of the inner surface of the first groove 110 in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis. A separation space may be formed between the inner surface of the first groove 110 and the outer surface of the second protrusion 220. A gap may be provided between the inner surface of the first groove 110 and the outer surface of the second protrusion 220.

[0070] The first inner surface 111 of the first groove 110 and the first outer surface 221 of the second protrusion 220 may face each other. The first inner surface 111 of the first groove 110 and the first outer surface 221 of the second protrusion 220 may overlap in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The first inner surface 111 of the first groove 110 and the first outer surface 221 of the second protrusion 220 may be substantially parallel to each other. The first inner surface 111 of the first groove 110 and the first outer surface 221 of the second protrusion 220 may be spaced apart from each other. The first inner surface 111 of the first groove 110 and the first outer surface 221 of the second protrusion 220 may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction, in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, or in a direction inclined to the optical axis.

[0071] The second inner surface 112 of the first groove 110 and the second outer surface 222 of the second protrusion 220 may face each other. The second inner surface 112 of the first groove 110 and the second outer surface 222 of the second protrusion 220 may overlap in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The second inner surface 112 of the first groove 110 and the second outer surface 222 of the second protrusion 220 may be substantially parallel to each other. The second inner surface 112 of the first groove 110 and the second outer surface 222 of the second protrusion 220 may contact each other.

[0072] The third inner surface 113 of the first groove 110 and the third outer surface 223 of the second protrusion 220 may face each other. The third inner surface 113 of the first groove 110 and the third outer surface 223 of the second protrusion 220 may be parallel to each other. The third inner surface 113 of the first groove 110 and the third outer surface 223 of the second protrusion 220 may be spaced apart from each other. The third inner surface 113 of the first groove 110 and the third outer surface 223 of the second protrusion 220 may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 , the first protrusion 120 may be disposed in the second groove 310. The first protrusion 120 may be inserted into the second groove 310. The first protrusion 120 may be spaced apart from a portion of an inner surface of the second groove 310 in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The inner surface of the second groove 310 spaced apart from the first protrusion 120 in the first direction perpendicular to the optical axis may be spaced apart from an inner surface of the first groove 110 in the first direction perpendicular to the optical axis, wherein the inner surface of the first groove 110 is spaced apart from the second protrusion 220 in the first direction perpendicular to the optical axis. A portion of the inner surface of the first groove 110 spaced apart from the second protrusion 220 in the first direction may be disposed closer to the optical axis than a portion of the inner surface of the second groove 310 spaced apart from the first protrusion 120 in the first direction.

[0074] A separation space may be formed between the inner surface of the second groove 310 and the outer surface of the first protrusion 120. A gap may be provided between the inner surface of the second groove 310 and the outer surface of the first protrusion 120. The separation space formed between the inner surface of the second groove 310 and the outer surface of the first protrusion 120 may be spaced apart from a separation space formed between the inner surface of the first groove 110 and the outer surface of the second protrusion 220 in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0075] The first inner surface 311 of the second groove 310 and the first outer surface 121 of the first protrusion 120 may face each other. The first inner surface 311 of the second groove 310 and the first outer surface 121 of the first protrusion 120 may overlap in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The first inner surface 311 of the second groove 310 and the first outer surface 121 of the first protrusion 120 may be parallel. The first inner surface 311 of the second groove 310 and the first outer surface 121 of the first protrusion 120 may contact each other.

[0076] The second inner surface 312 of the second groove 310 and the second outer surface 122 of the first protrusion 120 may face each other. The second inner surface 312 of the second groove 310 and the second outer surface 122 of the first protrusion 120 may overlap in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The second inner surface 312 of the second groove 310 and the second outer surface 122 of the first protrusion 120 may be parallel to each other. The second inner surface 312 of the second groove 310 and the second outer surface 122 of the first protrusion 120 may be spaced apart from each other. The second inner surface 312 of the second groove 310 and the second outer surface 122 of the first protrusion 120 may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction, in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, or in a direction inclined to the optical axis.

[0077] The third inner surface 313 of the second groove 310 and the third outer surface 123 of the first protrusion 120 may face each other. The third inner surface 313 of the second groove 310 and the third outer surface 123 of the first protrusion 120 may be parallel to each other. The third inner surface 313 of the second groove 310 and the third outer surface 123 of the first protrusion 120 may be spaced apart from each other. The third inner surface 313 of the second groove 310 and the third outer surface 123 of the first protrusion 120 may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction.

[0078] Reference Figure 2 , the outer peripheral surface of the first lens 100 may be spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel 20. The outer peripheral surface of the second lens 200 may contact the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel 20. The outer peripheral surface of the third lens 300 may contact the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel 20.

[0079] Figure 3 When the lens expands Figure 1 Magnified view of section A in Figure 2. Figure 3 , the first lens 100 may expand in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Under certain temperature or humidity conditions, the expansion amount of the first lens 100 may be greater than the expansion amount of the second lens 200 and the third lens 300. When the first lens 100 expands in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the area where the first lens 100 contacts the second lens 200 or the third lens 300 may change. When the first lens 100 expands, the first groove 110 and the first protrusion 120 may move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. When the first lens 100 expands, the first groove 110 and the first protrusion 120 may move radially outward from the first lens 100.

[0080] Reference Figure 3 , the first inner surface 111 of the first groove 110 and the first outer surface 221 of the second protrusion 220 may contact each other. On the other hand, the second inner surface 112 of the first groove 110 and the second outer surface 222 of the second protrusion 220 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0081] The second inner surface 312 of the second groove 310 and the second outer surface 122 of the first protrusion 120 may contact each other. On the other hand, the first inner surface 311 of the second groove 310 and the first outer surface 121 of the first protrusion 120 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0082] In addition, the outer circumferential surface of the first lens 100 may contact the inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel 20 .

[0083] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first lens and the second lens when the first lens is not expanded. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustration and description are based on the first groove and the second protrusion, but the same contents can also be applied to the second groove and the first protrusion.

[0084] Reference Figure 4 , the second protrusion 220 and the first groove 110 may be spaced apart from each other. Based on the case where a portion of the outer surface of the second protrusion 220 and a portion of the inner surface of the first groove 110 contact each other, a separation distance W2-W1 between the second protrusion 220 and the first groove 110 may be defined. In the case where a portion of the outer surface of the second protrusion 220 and a portion of the inner surface of the first groove 110 contact each other, the distance by which the second protrusion 220 is spaced apart from the first groove 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis may be defined as a separation distance W2-W1. When manufacturing the lens, the separation distance W2-W1 between the second protrusion 220 and the first groove 110 may be predetermined.

[0085] The separation distance W2-W1 between the second protrusion 220 and the first groove 110 may be determined by considering the amount of expansion of the lens due to moisture absorption. For example, if the first reference state is a state in which the relative humidity in the atmosphere is unsaturated, and the second reference state is a state in which the relative humidity in the atmosphere is saturated, then when the first reference state changes to the second reference state, the separation distance W2-W1 between the second protrusion 220 and the first groove 110 may be determined by considering the amount of expansion of the first lens 100. For example, if the outer diameter of the first lens 100 ranges from 1 mm to 8 mm, and the amount of expansion of the lens when changing from the first reference state to the second reference state is about 0.001 times the outer diameter of the lens, the separation distance W2-W1 between the second protrusion 220 and the first groove 110 may be determined to be within a range of greater than 1 μm and less than 8 μm. When the first inner surface 111 of the first groove 110 and the first outer surface 221 of the second protrusion 220 are spaced apart in the first reference state, the first lens 100 may expand in the second reference state, and thus the second inner surface 112 of the first groove 110 and the second outer surface 222 of the second protrusion 220 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0086] Reference Figure 5 , the first outer surface 221 or the second outer surface 222 of the second protrusion 220 may form an acute angle D with a virtual line parallel to the optical axis. If the length of the third outer surface 223 of the second protrusion 220 is under the same conditions, the volume of the second protrusion 220 may increase as the acute angle D increases. When contact occurs between lenses, the angle of the acute angle D may be determined by considering the amount of deformation of the lens. In addition, the angle of the acute angle D may be determined by considering the assembly stability of the lens. For example, the range of the acute angle D may vary depending on the design and assembly conditions of the lens. For example, the acute angle D may be in the range of 10° to 35°.

[0087] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module to which a lens assembly according to another embodiment is applied, and Figure 7 When the lens is not expanded Figure 6 Hereinafter, the reference to Figures 1 to 5 The same contents are described in the implementation manner, but the differences may be described.

[0088] The first lens 100', the second lens 400, and the third lens 500 may be disposed in the lens barrel 20. The lens barrel 20 may accommodate the lens assembly 10' including the first lens 100', the second lens 400, and the third lens 500.

[0089] The first lens 100' may include a first groove 110' and a first protrusion 120'. The first groove 110' may be formed in the lower surface of the first lens 100', and the first protrusion 120' may be disposed on the upper surface of the first lens 100'. The second lens 400 may include a second protrusion 420. The second protrusion 420 may be disposed on the upper surface of the second lens 400. The third lens 500 may include a second groove 510. The second groove 510 may be formed in the lower surface of the third lens 500.

[0090] The first protrusion 120' may be disposed in the second groove 510. The first outer surface 121' of the first protrusion 120' and the first inner surface 511 of the second groove 510 may contact each other. The second outer surface 122' of the first protrusion 120' and the second inner surface 512 of the second groove 510 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0091] The second protrusion 420 may be disposed in the first groove 110'. The second outer surface 422 of the second protrusion 420 and the second inner surface 112' of the first groove 110' may contact each other. The first outer surface 421 of the second protrusion 420 and the first inner surface 111' of the first groove 110' may be spaced apart from each other.

[0092] The first groove 110' may include a third inner surface 113'. The third inner surface 113' may be an upper surface of the first groove 110'. The third inner surface 113' may be a surface connecting the first inner surface 111' and the second inner surface 112'. The third inner surface 113' may be flat. The third inner surface 113' may be a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0093] The first protrusion 120' may include a third outer surface 123'. The third outer surface 123' may be a surface connecting the first outer surface 121' and the second outer surface 122'. The third outer surface 123' may be a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0094] The second protrusion 420 may include a third outer surface 423. The third outer surface 423 may be a surface connecting the first outer surface 421 and the second outer surface 422. The third outer surface 423 may be a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0095] The second groove 510 may include a third inner surface 513. The third inner surface 513 may be an upper surface of the second groove 510. The third inner surface 513 may be a surface connecting the first inner surface 511 and the second inner surface 512. The third inner surface 513 may be flat. The third inner surface 513 may be a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0096] The third inner surface 113' of the first groove 110' and the third outer surface 423 of the second protrusion 420 may face each other. The third inner surface 113' of the first groove 110' and the third outer surface 423 of the second protrusion 420 may be parallel to each other. The third inner surface 113' of the first groove 110' and the third outer surface 423 of the second protrusion 420 may be spaced apart from each other. The third inner surface 113' of the first groove 110' and the third outer surface 423 of the second protrusion 420 may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction.

[0097] The third inner surface 513 of the second groove 510 and the third outer surface 123' of the first protrusion 120' may face each other. The third inner surface 513 of the second groove 510 and the third outer surface 123' of the first protrusion 120' may be parallel to each other. The third inner surface 513 of the second groove 510 and the third outer surface 123' of the first protrusion 120' may be spaced apart from each other. The third inner surface 513 of the second groove 510 and the third outer surface 123' of the first protrusion 120' may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction.

[0098] The first lens 100' may expand in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Under certain temperature or humidity conditions, the expansion amount of the first lens 100' may be greater than the expansion amount of the second lens 400 or the third lens 500. When the first lens 100' expands in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the first outer surface 121' of the first protrusion 120' and the first inner surface 511 of the second groove 510 are spaced apart, and the second outer surface 122' of the first protrusion 120' may contact the second inner surface 512 of the second groove 510.

[0099] In addition, when the first lens 100' expands in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the second outer surface 422 of the second protrusion 420 and the second inner surface 112' of the first groove 110' are spaced apart, and the first outer surface 421 of the second protrusion 420 and the first inner surface 111' of the first groove 110' may contact each other.

[0100] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module to which a lens assembly according to another embodiment is applied, and Fig. 9 When the lens is not expanded Figure 8 In the following, the enlarged view of the C part of the Figures 1 to 5 The same contents are described in the implementation manner, but the differences may be described.

[0101] The first lens 100 ″, the second lens 200 , and the third lens 300 may be disposed in a lens barrel 20 ′. The lens barrel 20 ′ may accommodate a lens assembly 10 ″ including the first lens 100 ″, the second lens 200 , and the third lens 300 .

[0102] The first lens 100″ may include an upper first lens 1100 and a lower first lens 1200. The upper first lens 1100 and the lower first lens 1200 may be stacked. The upper first lens 1100 and the lower first lens 1200 may each include a flange portion. A protrusion or a groove may be provided on the flange portions of the upper first lens 1100 and the lower first lens 1200, and the protrusion may be fitted into the groove.

[0103] The first lens 100″ may include a first groove 110″ and a first protrusion 120″. The first groove 110″ may be formed in the upper surface of the upper first lens 1100, and the first protrusion 120″ may be disposed on the lower surface of the lower first lens 1200. The second lens 200 may include a second protrusion 220. The second protrusion 220 may be formed on the lower surface of the second lens 200. The third lens 300 may include a second groove 310. The second groove 310 may be disposed in the upper surface of the third lens 300.

[0104] The first protrusion 120 ″ may be disposed in the second groove 310 . The first outer surface 121 ″ of the first protrusion 120 ″ and the first inner surface 311 of the second groove 310 may contact each other. The second outer surface 122 ″ of the first protrusion 120 ″ and the second inner surface 312 of the second groove 310 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0105] The second protrusion 220 may be disposed in the first groove 110 ″. The second outer surface 222 of the second protrusion 220 and the second inner surface 112 ″ of the first groove 110 ″ may contact each other. The first outer surface 221 of the second protrusion 220 and the first inner surface 111 ″ of the first groove 110 ″ may be spaced apart from each other.

[0106] The first groove 110" may include a third inner surface 113". The third inner surface 113" may be a lower surface of the first groove 110". The third inner surface 113" may be a surface connecting the first inner surface 111" and the second inner surface 112". The third inner surface 113" may be flat. The third inner surface 113" may be a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0107] The first protrusion 120" may include a third outer surface 123". The third outer surface 123" may be a surface connecting the first outer surface 121" and the second outer surface 122". The third outer surface 123" may be a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0108] The third inner surface 113" of the first groove 110" and the third outer surface 223 of the second protrusion 220 may face each other. The third inner surface 113" of the first groove 110" and the third outer surface 223 of the second protrusion 220 may be parallel to each other. The third inner surface 113" of the first groove 110" and the third outer surface 223 of the second protrusion 220 may be spaced apart from each other. The third inner surface 113" of the first groove 110" and the third outer surface 223 of the second protrusion 220 may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction.

[0109] The third inner surface 313 of the second groove 310 and the third outer surface 123" of the first protrusion 120" may face each other. The third inner surface 313 of the second groove 310 and the third outer surface 123" of the first protrusion 120" may be parallel to each other. The third inner surface 313 of the second groove 310 and the third outer surface 123" of the first protrusion 120" may be spaced apart from each other. The third inner surface 313 of the second groove 310 and the third outer surface 123" of the first protrusion 120" may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction.

[0110] The first lens 100" may expand in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Under certain temperature or humidity conditions, the amount of expansion of the first lens 100" may be greater than the amount of expansion of the second lens 200 or the third lens 300. When the first lens 100" expands in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the first outer surface 121" of the first protrusion 120" may be spaced apart from the first inner surface 311 of the second groove 310, and the second outer surface 122" of the first protrusion 120" may contact the second inner surface 312 of the second groove 310.

[0111] In addition, when the first lens 100" expands in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the second outer surface 222 of the second protrusion 220 and the second inner surface 112" of the first groove 110" can be spaced apart, and the first outer surface 221 of the second protrusion 220 and the first inner surface 111" of the first groove 110" can contact each other.

[0112] In the case of the above embodiment, before the first lens 100, 100', 100" expands, the surface of the first protrusion 120, 120', 120" of the first lens 100, 100', 100" contacting the second groove 310, 510 can be placed on the inner side or the outer side of the first lens 100, 100', 100" in the radial direction, compared with the surface of the first groove 110, 110', 110" of the first lens 100, 100', 100" contacting the second protrusion 220, 420. In this case, when the first lens 100, 100', 100" expands, the surface of the first protrusion 120, 120', 120" of the first lens 100, 100', 100" contacting the second groove 310, 510 may be located on the outside or inside of the first lens 100, 100', 100" in the radial direction, compared to the surface of the first groove 110, 110', 110" of the first lens 100, 100', 100" contacting the second protrusion 220, 420.

[0113] Therefore, the first lens 100, 100', 100" can cooperate with the second lens 200, 400 and the third lens 300, 500 before and after the first lens 100, 100', 100" expands due to moisture or heat. In addition, in the case where the first lens 100, 100', 100" expands in the radial direction due to moisture or heat, deformation of the first lens 100, 100', 100", the second lens 200, 400 and the third lens 300, 500 caused by interference between the first lens 100, 100', 100" and the second lens 200, 400 or the third lens 300 can be significantly reduced, and the first lens 100, 100', 100" can cooperate with the second lens 200, 400 and the third lens 300, 500. Therefore, even when the first lens 100, 100', 100" expands and deforms in the radial direction, the occurrence of deformation due to contact between the first lens 100, 100', 100", the second lens 200, 400 and the third lens 300, 500 can be significantly reduced, and the reduction in performance of the lens assembly due to changes in the shapes of the optical parts of the first lens 100, 100', 100", the second lens 200, 400 and the third lens 300, 500 or changes in the distances between the first lens 100, 100', 100", the second lens 200, 400 and the third lens 300, 500 can also be significantly reduced.

[0114] As described above, with the lens assembly according to the embodiment, lens deformation due to contact between lenses can be significantly reduced, and degradation in performance of the lens assembly due to changes in the shape of the optical portion of the lens or changes in the distance between lenses can be significantly reduced.

[0115] Although specific examples have been shown and described above, it will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure that various changes in form and detail may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are considered to be illustrative only and not for limiting purposes. The description of the features or aspects in each example is considered to be applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may also be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by specific embodiments, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all changes within the scope of the claims and their equivalents will be interpreted as included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A lens assembly, comprising: a first lens including an optical portion and a flange portion extending from the optical portion; A second lens is arranged on one side of the first lens along the optical axis direction; as well as A third lens is arranged on the other side of the first lens along the optical axis direction, wherein the flange portion includes a first groove formed in one surface and a first protrusion provided on another surface, wherein the second lens comprises a second protrusion disposed in the first groove, wherein the third lens comprises a second groove in which the first protrusion is disposed, and wherein the second protrusion is spaced apart from a portion of the inner surface of the first groove in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the first protrusion is spaced apart from a portion of the inner surface of the second groove in the first direction, and the portion of the inner surface of the first groove is arranged to be closer to the optical axis than the portion of the inner surface of the second groove.

2. The lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first groove includes a first inner surface and a second inner surface spaced apart in the first direction, and Wherein, the second protrusion is arranged to be spaced apart from the first inner surface of the first groove.

3. The lens assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The second groove includes a first inner surface and a second inner surface spaced apart in the first direction, and Wherein, the first protrusion is arranged to be spaced apart from the second inner surface of the second groove.

4. The lens assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The first inner surface of the first groove is disposed further inwardly than the second inner surface of the second groove in the first direction.

5. The lens assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The inner surface of the first groove includes a third inner surface connecting the first inner surface of the first groove and the second inner surface of the first groove, wherein the lower surface of the second protrusion is opposite to the third inner surface of the first groove, and Wherein, the lower surface of the second protrusion is spaced apart from the third inner surface of the first groove in the optical axis direction.

6. The lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first protrusion has a tapered shape whose width becomes narrower from the object side to the image side.

7. The lens assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The first protrusion includes a first outer surface in contact with the second groove, and Wherein, the first outer surface forms an acute angle with a virtual line parallel to the optical axis.

8. The lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein: According to changes in temperature or humidity, an amount of expansion of the first lens in the first direction is greater than an amount of expansion of the second lens and the third lens in the first direction.

9. The lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The one surface of the flange portion is an image side surface, and the other surface of the flange portion is an object side surface.

10. The lens assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The first groove includes a first inner surface and a second inner surface opposite to the first inner surface of the first groove, and Wherein, the second protrusion is arranged to be spaced apart from the first inner surface of the first groove in the first direction.

11. The lens assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The second groove includes a first inner surface and a second inner surface opposite to the first inner surface of the second groove, and The first protrusion is disposed to be spaced apart from the second inner surface of the second groove in the first direction.

12. The lens assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The first protrusion has a tapered shape whose width becomes narrower from the image side to the object side.

13. The lens assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first lens includes an upper first lens and a lower first lens which are stacked.

14. A lens assembly comprising: Lens barrel; a first lens including an optical portion and a flange portion extending from the optical portion; A second lens is arranged on one side of the first lens along the optical axis direction; as well as A third lens is arranged on the other side of the first lens along the optical axis direction, wherein the flange portion includes a first groove formed in one surface and a first protrusion provided on another surface, wherein the second lens comprises a second protrusion disposed in the first groove, wherein the third lens comprises a second groove in which the first protrusion is disposed, wherein the first groove includes a first inclined surface spaced apart from the second protrusion in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis, wherein the second groove includes a second inclined surface spaced apart from the first protrusion in the first direction, and The first inclined surface of the first groove and the second inclined surface of the second groove have inclined directions opposite to each other based on a line parallel to the optical axis.

15. The lens assembly of claim 14, wherein: An outer peripheral surface of the first lens is spaced apart from an inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel.

16. The lens assembly of claim 15, wherein: The first lens is configured to expand in the first direction according to a change in temperature or humidity so that the outer peripheral surface of the first lens contacts the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel.

17. The lens assembly of claim 15, wherein: The first lens is configured to expand in the first direction according to a change in temperature or humidity so that the first protrusion contacts the second inclined surface of the second groove.

Images