Camera module

Abstract

Provided is a camera module which can be easily assembled, can stably drive a lens group, and can generate a large thrust force. The camera module includes: a reflective element that reflects first light incident along a first optical axis and causes second light to exit along a second optical axis; a driven body including a lens group disposed on the second optical axis; a housing provided with: a first housing part in which a first space for housing the reflective element is formed; a second housing part in which a second space for housing the driven body and having an opening is formed, the opening being open in a vertical direction perpendicular to the second optical axis; and a drive unit in which a hole is formed. A holder provided with: a first portion housed in the second space and holding the driven body; and a second part which is inserted into the hole and is driven by the driving part. And a cover that blocks the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a camera module. Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 10,371,928 discloses a curved camera module. In this curved camera module, a reflecting element, a lens driving assembly, and an image sensor are arranged in the optical axis direction.

[0003] The lens driving assembly is sandwiched between the reflecting element and the image sensor. In the lens driving assembly, a lens barrel houses a lens element. The lens driving assembly moves in the Y-Z plane by a voice coil motor disposed on one of its surfaces (lines 62 of column 6 - line 48 of column 7). Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the curved camera module disclosed in Patent Document 1, the reflecting element, the lens driving assembly, and the image sensor are arranged in the optical axis direction, and the lens driving assembly is sandwiched between the reflecting element and the image sensor. Therefore, when attempting to mount the lens driving assembly from the optical axis direction, the lens driving assembly will interfere with the reflecting element, the structure holding the reflecting element, the structure holding the image sensor, or the structure of the image sensor. Therefore, the lens driving assembly is mounted from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0005] However, when the lens driving assembly is mounted from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, it is difficult to arrange voice coil motors on four surfaces of the lens driving assembly. In fact, in the curved camera module disclosed in Patent Document 1, a voice coil motor is arranged only on one surface of the lens driving assembly. Therefore, it is difficult to stably drive the lens driving assembly, and the thrust for driving the lens driving assembly is insufficient.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is completed in view of the above problems. One aspect of the present disclosure provides a camera module that can be easily assembled, can stably drive a lens group, and can generate a large thrust.

[0007] A camera module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a reflecting element that reflects first light incident along a first optical axis and causes second light to exit along a second optical axis; a driven body that includes a lens group disposed on the second optical axis; a housing that includes: a first housing portion that forms a first space for housing the reflecting element; a second housing portion that forms a second space for housing the driven body and has an opening that opens in a vertical direction perpendicular to the second optical axis; and a driving portion that forms a hole; a bracket that includes: a first portion that is housed in the second space and holds the driven body; and a second portion that is inserted into the hole and is driven by the driving portion; and a cover that closes the opening. Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a camera module according to a first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a camera module according to a first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a longitudinal section of a camera module according to a first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a bracket included in a camera module according to a first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section of the Z-direction position where a camera module according to a first embodiment is present in a second housing portion.

[0013] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section of the Z-direction position where a camera module according to a first embodiment is present in a driving portion.

[0014] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section of the Z-direction position where a camera module according to a first embodiment is present in a third housing portion.

[0015] Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a longitudinal section of a housing included in a camera module according to a second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 is a perspective view schematically showing a main body included in a camera module according to a third embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a longitudinal section of a main body included in a camera module according to a third embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a camera module according to a fourth embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a longitudinal section of a camera module according to a fourth embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13 is a perspective view schematically showing a bracket included in a camera module according to a fourth embodiment.

[0021] Figure 14 is a perspective view schematically showing a main body included in a camera module according to a fifth embodiment.

[0022] Figure 15 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a longitudinal section of the main body included in the camera module according to the fifth embodiment.

[0023] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the bracket and the driven body included in the camera module according to the fifth embodiment.

[0024] Figure 17 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a longitudinal section of the lens bracket and the lens group included in the camera module according to the sixth embodiment.

[0025] Figure 18 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the lens bracket and the lens group included in the camera module according to the sixth embodiment are cut in a longitudinal section. Detailed Embodiments

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, for the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0027] 1 First Embodiment 1.1 Camera Module Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the camera module according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the camera module according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a longitudinal section of the camera module according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figures 1 to 3 The camera module 1 according to the first embodiment shown forms an object image of incident object light, captures the formed object image, and outputs an image signal corresponding to the object image.

[0029] The camera module 1 is a telephoto camera module having a telephoto imaging optical system.

[0030] The camera module 1 is assembled in a smartphone. The camera module 1 may also be assembled into a device other than a smartphone.

[0031] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the camera module 1 includes a main body 11 and a cover 12. The main body 11 includes a reflection element 21, a lens group 22, an infrared cut-off filter 23, an imaging element 24, a lens barrel 25, a bracket 26, an imaging element bracket 27, and a housing 28.

[0032] The reflecting element 21 and the lens group 22 constitute a bending optical system. This bending optical system has a first optical axis 41 and a second optical axis 42, and bends the optical path of object light coming from an object. The second optical axis 42 is perpendicular to the first optical axis 41. The second optical axis 42 may not be perpendicular to the first optical axis 41.

[0033] Here, the X direction DX perpendicular to the first optical axis 41 and the second optical axis 42, the Y direction DY parallel to the first optical axis 41 and perpendicular to the second optical axis 42, and the Z direction DZ perpendicular to the first optical axis 41 and parallel to the second optical axis 42 are defined. In addition, the +X direction DX1 as one direction of the X direction DX, the -X direction DX2 as the other direction of the X direction DX, the +Y direction DY1 as one direction of the Y direction DY, the -Y direction DY2 as the other direction of the Y direction DY, the +Z direction DZ1 as one direction of the Z direction DZ, and the -Z direction DZ2 as the other direction of the Z direction DZ are defined.

[0034] 1.2 Reflecting Element The reflecting element 21 reflects the first light incident along the first optical axis 41 and emits the second light along the second optical axis 42.

[0035] The reflecting element 21 is a prism. The reflecting element 21 may also be a reflecting element other than a prism. For example, the reflecting element 21 may also be a mirror.

[0036] The reflecting element 21 is a right-angle prism. Therefore, the reflecting element 21 has an incident surface 21a, a reflecting surface 21b, and an exit surface 21c. The incident surface 21a intersects the first optical axis 41 and is perpendicular to the Y direction DY. The reflecting surface 21b intersects the first optical axis 41 and the second optical axis 42 and forms a 45° angle with the Y direction DY and the Z direction DZ. The exit surface 21c intersects the second optical axis 42 and is perpendicular to the Z direction DZ.

[0037] The first light traveling along the first optical axis 41 is incident on the incident surface 21a of the reflecting element 21. The first light traveling along the first optical axis 41 is incident on the reflecting surface 21b of the reflecting element 21. The reflecting surface 21b reflects the incident first light to generate the second light. The reflecting surface 21b emits the second light traveling along the second optical axis 42. The exit surface 21c of the reflecting element 21 emits the second light traveling along the second optical axis 42.

[0038] 1.3 Lens Group The lens group 22 is arranged on the second optical axis 42. The lens group 22 is arranged between the reflecting element 21 and the imaging element 24.

[0039] The lens unit 22 transmits the second light and condenses the second light onto the imaging surface 51. Thus, the lens unit 22 forms an object image with the second light. The object image is formed on the imaging surface 51. The lens unit 22 constitutes an imaging optical system that forms an object image with the second light.

[0040] The lens unit 22 has one or more lenses.

[0041] The imaging optical system may also have two or more lens units.

[0042] 1.4 Infrared cut-off filter The infrared cut-off filter 23 is disposed on the second optical axis 42. The infrared cut-off filter 23 is disposed between the lens unit 22 and the imaging element 24.

[0043] The infrared cut-off filter 23 transmits the second light and cuts off the infrared component from the second light.

[0044] 1.5 Imaging element The imaging element 24 is disposed on the second optical axis 42.

[0045] The imaging element 24 photoelectrically converts the second light condensed on the imaging surface 51 into an electrical signal. Thus, the imaging element 24 captures the object image formed on the imaging surface 51 and outputs an image signal corresponding to the object image.

[0046] The output image signal is subjected to software processing or the like. Thus, the final image data is obtained from the image signal.

[0047] The imaging element 24 is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor, or the like.

[0048] 1.6 Lens barrel The lens barrel 25 has a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the lens barrel 25 has an inner peripheral surface 25a. A space 25b defined by the inner peripheral surface 25a is formed in the lens barrel 25.

[0049] The space 25b of the lens barrel 25 houses the lens unit 22. The inner peripheral surface 25a of the lens barrel 25 holds the outer peripheries of the lenses included in the housed lens unit 22. Thus, the lens barrel 25 holds the housed lens unit 22.

[0050] 1.7 Driven body The lens unit 22 and the lens barrel 25 move integrally. Therefore, the lens unit 22 and the lens barrel 25 constitute a driven body 61 that is integrally driven.

[0051] 1.8 Bracket Figure 4 It is a perspective view schematically showing the bracket included in the camera module of the first embodiment.

[0052] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the bracket 26 includes a first portion 71 and a second portion 72.

[0053] The first portion 71 has a semi-cylindrical shape. Accordingly, the first portion 71 has an inner peripheral surface 71a. A space 71b defined by the inner peripheral surface 71a is formed in the first portion 71. The space 71b has a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0054] Half of the driven body 61 is received in the space 71b of the first portion 71.

[0055] The first portion 71 has a cylindrical axis that coincides with the second optical axis 42. Accordingly, the second light travels along the cylindrical axis of the first portion 71.

[0056] The inner peripheral surface 71a of the first portion 71 serves as a mounting surface for the driven body 61. The driven body 61 is mounted on the inner peripheral surface 71a. Thereby, the first portion 71 holds the driven body 61.

[0057] The inner peripheral surface 71a of the first portion 71 is exposed toward the +Y direction DY1. Accordingly, the driven body 61 is placed on the inner peripheral surface 71a by bringing the driven body 61 into contact with the inner peripheral surface 71a by moving the driven body 61 in the -Y direction DY2.

[0058] The first portion 71 has an inner diameter that matches the outer diameter of the lens barrel 25. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the formation of an uneven gap between the lens barrel 25 and the first portion 71.

[0059] The second portion 72 has a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, the second portion 72 has an inner peripheral surface 72a. A space 72b defined by the inner peripheral surface 72a is formed in the second portion 72. The space 72b has a cylindrical shape.

[0060] The second portion 72 has a cylindrical axis that coincides with the second optical axis 42. Accordingly, the second light travels in the space 72b of the second portion 72 along the cylindrical axis of the second portion 72.

[0061] The first portion 71 and the second portion 72 have the same outer diameter. The end portion of the first portion 71 on the -Z direction DZ2 side and the end portion of the second portion 72 on the +Z direction DZ1 side are connected to each other. The first portion 71 is disposed on the +Z direction DZ1 side with respect to the second portion 72.

[0062] 1.9 Imaging Element Bracket The imaging element bracket 27 holds the infrared cut-off filter 23 and the imaging element 24.

[0063] 1.10 Housing AsFigure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in and

[0064] , the housing 28 includes a first accommodating portion 81, a second accommodating portion 82, a driving portion 83, and a third accommodating portion 84.

[0064] The first accommodating portion 81, the second accommodating portion 82, the driving portion 83, and the third accommodating portion 84 form an integral body. Therefore, the driving portion 83 is a part of the housing 28.

[0065] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the first accommodating portion 81 includes a wall 91, a wall 92, and a base 93.

[0066] The wall 91 and the wall 92 are separated from the second optical axis 42 in the +X direction DX1 and the -X direction DX2, respectively, and are perpendicular to the X direction DX.

[0067] The base 93 is disposed between the wall 91 and the wall 92.

[0068] The base 93 has a right-angled triangular prism shape. Therefore, the base 93 has a side surface 93a, a side surface 93b, and a side surface 93c. The side surface 93a is perpendicular to the Z direction DZ. The side surface 93b is perpendicular to the Y direction DY. The side surface 93c forms a 45° angle with the Y direction DY and the Z direction DZ.

[0069] A first space 81a defined by the wall 91, the wall 92, and the base 93 is formed in the first accommodating portion 81. The first space 81a accommodates the reflection element 21.

[0070] The side surface 93c of the base 93 is in surface contact with the reflection surface 21b of the reflection element 21. Thus, the side surface 93c of the base 93 supports the reflection element 21.

[0071] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section of the camera module according to the first embodiment at the Z-direction position existing in the second accommodating portion.

[0072] As Figure 5 shown, the second accommodating portion 82 includes a first wall 101, a second wall 102, and a third wall 103.

[0073] The first wall 101, the second wall 102, and the third wall 103 are separated from the second optical axis 42 in the -Y direction DY2, the +X direction DX1, and the -X direction DX2, respectively. The first wall 101, the second wall 102, and the third wall 103 are separated from the second optical axis 42 in the -Y direction DY2, the +X direction DX1, and the -X direction DX2, which are the three directions of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, respectively, thereby forming a groove-like structure. Therefore, a second space 82a defined by the first wall 101, the second wall 102, and the third wall 103 is formed in the second housing portion 82. The second space 82a houses the driven body 61 and the first portion 71.

[0074] The second space 82a of the second housing portion 82 has a first opening 82b that opens in the +Y direction DY1 where there are no first wall 101, second wall 102, and third wall 103. The second space 82a has the first opening 82b, and the first opening 82b is separated from the second optical axis 42 in the +Y direction DY1 that is the fourth direction. Thus, when the driven body 61 is moved in the -Y direction DY2 and the driven body 61 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface 71a of the first portion 71, the first opening 82b can pass through the driven body 61.

[0075] The second housing portion 82 is disposed on the +Z direction DZ1 side with respect to the drive portion 83.

[0076] 1.11 Drive portion Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing schematically a cross-section of the camera module according to the first embodiment in the Z-direction position where the drive portion is located.

[0077] As Figure 6 shown, the drive portion 83 includes a fourth wall 111, a fifth wall 112, a sixth wall 113, and a seventh wall 114.

[0078] The fourth wall 111, the fifth wall 112, the sixth wall 113, and the seventh wall 114 are separated from the second optical axis 42 in the -Y direction DY2, the +X direction DX1, the -X direction DX2, and the +Y direction DY1, respectively. The fourth wall 111, the fifth wall 112, the sixth wall 113, and the seventh wall 114 are separated from the second optical axis 42 in the -Y direction DY2, the +X direction DX1, the -X direction DX2, and the +Y direction DY1, which are the four directions of the first direction, the second direction, the third direction, and the fourth direction, respectively, thereby forming a cylindrical structure. Therefore, a hole 83a defined by the fourth wall 111, the fifth wall 112, the sixth wall 113, and the seventh wall 114 is formed in the drive portion 83. The hole 83a extends in the Z direction DZ. A second portion 72 is inserted into the hole 83a. The drive portion 83 holds the inserted second portion 72.

[0079] As Figure 3As shown, the first part 71 has a length in the Z direction DZ that is close to the length of the hole 83a of the driving part 83. Therefore, the bracket 26 having the first part 71 and the second part 72 has a length in the Z direction DZ that is approximately longer than the length of the hole 83a of the second part 72 by the length of the second part 72. Therefore, the bracket 26 protrudes from the hole 83a to one side in the Z direction DZ. The second part 72 is received in the hole 83a. The first part 71 located on the +Z direction DZ1 side with respect to the second part 72 is received in the second space 82a of the second receiving part 82 located on the +Z direction DZ1 side with respect to the hole 83a.

[0080] The driving part 83 drives the second part 72 in the Z direction DZ. Thus, the driving part 83 drives the first part 71 and the driven body 61 that move integrally with the second part 72 in the Z direction DZ. In this way, by driving the driven body 61 having the lens group 22 in the Z direction DZ, the driving part 83 can perform focusing in the full-group feeding method.

[0081] Moreover, the driving part 83 drives the second part 72 in the X direction DX and the Y direction DY. Thus, the driving part 83 drives the first part 71 and the driven body 61 that move integrally with the second part 72 in the X direction DX and the Y direction DY. In this way, by driving the driven body 61 having the lens group 22 in the X direction DX and the Y direction DY, the driving part 83 can perform optical shake correction. Instead of driving the second part 72 by the driving part 83 in the X direction DX and the Y direction DY, the driving mechanism of the driving reflection element 21 can rotate the reflection element 21 around a rotation axis parallel to the X direction DX and a rotation axis parallel to the Y direction DY. It is also possible to drive the second part 72 by the driving part 83 in the Y direction DY and make the driving mechanism of the driving reflection element 21 rotate the reflection element 21 around a rotation axis parallel to the X direction DX. It is also possible to drive the second part 72 by the driving part 83 in the X direction DX and make the driving mechanism of the driving reflection element 21 rotate the reflection element 21 around a rotation axis parallel to the Y direction DY.

[0082] The driving part 83 includes a voice coil motor (VCM) or the like. The coil, magnet, yoke, etc. of the VCM are built into the fourth wall 111, the fifth wall 112, the sixth wall 113, and the seventh wall 114.

[0083] In a wide-angle camera module, in most cases, the driving part surrounds the hole for inserting the lens group from four directions perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, the driving part can stably drive the lens group and can exert a large thrust. However, when surrounding the hole from four directions perpendicular to the optical axis, it is difficult to insert the lens group into the hole from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, the lens group is inserted into the hole from a direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0084] In a telephoto camera module having a bending optical system, in most cases, in the direction parallel to the optical axis, the hole for inserting the lens group is clamped between the element holding the reflection element or the reflection element and the element holding the imaging element or the imaging element. Therefore, it is difficult to insert the lens group into the hole from the direction parallel to the optical axis. In addition, when attempting to insert the lens group into the hole from the direction parallel to the optical axis, since it is difficult to insert the lens group, the positioning accuracy of the lens group becomes low. Therefore, the lens group must be inserted into the hole from the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, the driving unit cannot surround the hole from the four directions perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, the driving unit cannot stably drive the lens group and cannot exert a large thrust force.

[0085] In the camera module 1 of the first embodiment, in order to eliminate these problems, the driving unit 83 surrounds the hole 83a from the four directions perpendicular to the second optical axis 42. The second portion 72 that moves integrally with the lens group 22 is disposed in the hole 83a without inserting the lens group 22. In addition, the first portion 71 that holds the lens group 22 is disposed in the second space 82a of the second housing 82 that can be seen from the +Y direction DY1 side perpendicular to the second optical axis 42 through the first opening 82b of the second housing 82. As a result, the driving unit 83 can stably drive the lens group 22 and can exert a large thrust force. In addition, the lens group 22 can be inserted into the second space 82a from the +Y direction DY1 side. Therefore, the assembly of the camera module 1 becomes easy.

[0086] 1.12 Third housing Figure 7 FIG. is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section of the camera module of the first embodiment at the Z-direction position existing in the third housing.

[0087] As Figure 7 shown, the third housing 84 includes walls 121, 122, and 123.

[0088] The walls 121, 122, and 123 are separated from the second optical axis 42 in the -Y direction DY2, +X direction DX1, and -X direction DX2, respectively. The walls 121, 122, and 123 are separated from the second optical axis 42 in the -Y direction DY2, +X direction DX1, and -X direction DX2, which are three directions of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, respectively, thereby forming a groove-like structure. Therefore, a third space 84a defined by the walls 121, 122, and 123 is formed in the third housing 84. The imaging element holder 27 is disposed in the third space 84a.

[0089] The third space 84a of the third housing 84 has a second opening 84b that opens toward the +Y direction DY1 where there are no walls 121, 122, and 123.

[0090] The third accommodation part 84 is arranged on the -Z direction DZ2 side with respect to the drive part 83.

[0091] 1.13 Walls of the housing The housing 28 has a quadrangular prism-shaped outer shape and has a bathtub-like shape. The first wall 101 of the second accommodation part 82, the fourth wall 111 of the drive part 83, and the wall 121 of the third accommodation part 84 constitute the bottom wall of the housing 28. The second wall 102 of the second accommodation part 82, the fifth wall 112 of the drive part 83, and the wall 122 of the third accommodation part 84 constitute one side wall of the housing 28. The third wall 103 of the second accommodation part 82, the sixth wall 113 of the drive part 83, and the wall 123 of the third accommodation part 84 constitute the other side wall of the housing 28. An opening that opens toward the +Y direction DY1 is formed between the end portion on the +Y direction DY1 side of one side wall of the housing 28 and the end portion on the +Y direction DY1 side of the other side wall of the housing 28.

[0092] 1.14 Cover As Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 5 to 7 shown, the cover 12 is mounted on the main body 11 and covers the main body 11. Thus, the cover 12 closes the first opening 82b of the second accommodation part 82 and the second opening 84b of the third accommodation part 84.

[0093] When the lens group 22 is mounted on the first part 71, the cover 12 is removed from the main body 11. After the lens group 22 is mounted on the first part 71, the cover 12 is mounted on the main body 11.

[0094] A window 12a that intersects the first optical axis 41 is formed in the cover 12. The window 12a allows the first light traveling along the first optical axis 41 to pass through. Thus, the camera module 1 can introduce object light.

[0095] 2 Second Embodiment Hereinafter, aspects different between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. Regarding aspects not described, in the second embodiment, the same configurations as those employed in the first embodiment are also adopted.

[0096] Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a longitudinal section of the housing included in the camera module of the second embodiment.

[0097] In the second embodiment, as Figure 8 shown, the first accommodation part 81 includes a support plate 94 instead of the base 93.

[0098] The support plate 94 has a first main surface 94a and a second main surface 94b. The first main surface 94a and the second main surface 94b are located on opposite sides.

[0099] The first main surface 94a of the support plate 94 faces the +Y direction DY1 perpendicular to the second optical axis 42 and the direction intermediate between the -Z direction DZ2 parallel to the second optical axis 42 and from the reflection element 21 toward the lens group 22. The first main surface 94a is in surface contact with the reflection surface 21b of the reflection element 21. Thus, the first main surface 94a supports the reflection element 21.

[0100] The second main surface 94b of the support plate 94 faces the space 94c.

[0101] In the second embodiment, the main body 11 does not include a drive mechanism for driving the reflection element 21. Therefore, the space 94c can accommodate connectors, circuit components, etc. having a high height. Thus, the camera module 1 can be miniaturized. The connectors, circuit components, etc. accommodated in the space 94c constitute, for example, an interface for connecting the camera module 1 to other components.

[0102] 3 Third Embodiment Hereinafter, aspects different between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. Regarding aspects not described, in the third embodiment, the same configuration as that adopted in the first embodiment is also adopted.

[0103] Figure 9 It is a perspective view schematically showing the main body included in the camera module of the third embodiment. Figure 10 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the longitudinal section of the main body included in the camera module of the third embodiment.

[0104] In the third embodiment, as Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the main body 11 includes a fixed lens group 29 and a fixed lens barrel 30.

[0105] The fixed lens group 29 is disposed in the second space 82a of the second housing portion 82. The fixed lens group 29 is disposed between the reflection element 21 and the lens group 22.

[0106] The fixed lens group 29 includes two or more lenses. The fixed lens group 29 as a whole has a positive optical power. The fixed lens group 29 transmits the second light and guides the second light to the lens group 22.

[0107] The lens group 22 includes one or more lenses. The lens group 22 as a whole has a negative optical power. The lens group 22 is disposed at the subsequent stage of the fixed lens group 29. The lens group 22 transmits the second light transmitted through the fixed lens group 29 and condenses the second light on the imaging surface 51. Thus, the lens group 22 forms an object image of the second light. The object image is formed on the imaging surface 51.

[0108] The fixed lens group 29 and the lens group 22 constitute an imaging optical system that forms an object image of the second light.

[0109] The fixed lens barrel 30 has a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the fixed lens barrel 30 has an inner peripheral surface 30a. A space 30b defined by the inner peripheral surface 30a is formed in the fixed lens barrel 30.

[0110] The space 30b of the fixed lens barrel 30 houses the fixed lens group 29. The inner peripheral surface 30a of the fixed lens barrel 30 holds the outer peripheries of the lenses included in the housed fixed lens group 29. Thus, the fixed lens barrel 30 holds the housed fixed lens group 29.

[0111] The fixed lens barrel 30 is disposed in the second space 82a of the second housing portion 82. The fixed lens barrel 30 is attached to the second housing portion 82. Thus, the fixed lens group 29 is fixed to the housing 28 via the fixed lens barrel 30.

[0112] The driving unit 83 can perform focusing in an internal focusing method. Thus, the travel of the lens group 22 required for focusing can be shortened. Thus, the camera module 1 can be miniaturized.

[0113] 4 Fourth Embodiment Hereinafter, aspects different between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. Regarding aspects not described, in the fourth embodiment, the same configurations as those employed in the first embodiment are also employed.

[0114] Figure 11 FIG. is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a camera module according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 12 FIG. is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a longitudinal section of the camera module according to the fourth embodiment.

[0115] In the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 the main body 11 includes a lens group 31 and a lens barrel 32.

[0116] When the lens group 22 is the first lens group, the lens group 31 becomes the second lens group. When the lens barrel 25 is the first lens barrel, the lens barrel 32 becomes the second lens barrel.

[0117] The lens group 22 has two or more lenses. The lens group 22 as a whole has a positive optical power. The lens group 22 transmits the second light and guides the second light to the lens group 31.

[0118] The lens group 31 is disposed on the second optical axis 42. The lens group 31 is disposed at a subsequent stage of the lens group 22. The lens group 31 is disposed between the lens group 22 and the imaging element 24.

[0119] The lens group 31 has more than one lens. The lens group 31 has a negative optical power as a whole. The lens group 31 transmits the second light that has passed through the lens group 22 and condenses the second light onto the imaging surface 51. Thus, the lens group 22 forms an object image with the second light. The object image is formed on the imaging surface 51.

[0120] The lens group 22 and the lens group 31 constitute an imaging optical system that forms an object image with the second light.

[0121] The lens barrel 32 has a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the lens barrel 32 has an inner peripheral surface 32a. In the lens barrel 32, a space 25b defined by the inner peripheral surface 32a is formed.

[0122] The space 32b of the lens barrel 32 houses the lens group 31. The inner peripheral surface 32a of the lens barrel 32 holds the outer peripheries of the lenses included in the housed lens group 31. Thus, the lens barrel 32 holds the housed lens group 31.

[0123] The lens group 31 and the lens barrel 32 move integrally. Therefore, the lens group 31 and the lens barrel 32 constitute a driven body 62 that is integrally driven. The driven body 62 is housed in the third space 84a of the third housing portion 84.

[0124] When the driven body 61 is the first driven body, the driven body 62 becomes the second driven body.

[0125] Figure 13 It is a perspective view schematically showing a bracket included in the camera module according to the fourth embodiment.

[0126] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the bracket 26 has a third portion 73.

[0127] The third portion 73 has a semi-cylindrical shape. Therefore, the third portion 73 has an inner peripheral surface 73a. A space 73b defined by the inner peripheral surface 73a is formed in the third portion 73. The space 73b has a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0128] The space 73b of the third portion 73 houses half of the driven body 62.

[0129] The third portion 73 has a cylindrical axis that coincides with the second optical axis 42. Therefore, the second light travels along the cylindrical axis of the third portion 73.

[0130] The inner peripheral surface 73a of the third portion 73 becomes a mounting surface for mounting the driven body 62. The driven body 62 is mounted on the inner peripheral surface 73a. Thus, the third portion 73 holds the driven body 62.

[0131] The inner peripheral surface 73a of the third part 73 faces the +Y direction DY1 and is exposed. Therefore, the driven body 62 moves the driven body 62 in the -Y direction DY2 so that the driven body 62 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface 73a of the third part 73, and thus is placed on the inner peripheral surface 73a of the third part 73.

[0132] The third part 73 has an inner diameter that matches the outer diameter of the lens barrel 32. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the formation of uneven gaps between the lens barrel 32 and the third part 73.

[0133] The third part 73 and the second part 72 have the same outer diameter. The end portion of the third part 73 on the +Z direction DZ1 side and the end portion of the second part 72 on the -Z direction DZ2 side are connected to each other. The first part 71 and the third part 73 are respectively arranged on the +Z direction DZ1 side and the -Z direction DZ2 side with respect to the second part 72. Therefore, the bracket 26 extends from the hole 83a of the drive unit 83 to both sides in the Z direction DZ.

[0134] The third part 73 is arranged in the third space 84a of the third housing part 84.

[0135] In the camera module 1 of the fourth embodiment, the drive unit 83 surrounds the hole 83a of the drive unit 83 from four directions perpendicular to the second optical axis 42. However, instead of inserting the lens group 22 and the lens group 31 into the hole 83a of the drive unit 83, the second part 72 that moves integrally with the lens group 22 and the lens group 31 is inserted. In addition, the first part 71 that holds the lens group 22 is arranged in the second space 82a of the second housing part 82 that can be seen from the +Y direction DY1 side perpendicular to the second optical axis 42 through the first opening 82b of the second housing part 82. In addition, the third part 73 that holds the lens group 31 is arranged in the third space 84a of the third housing part 84 that can be seen from the +Y direction DY1 side perpendicular to the second optical axis 42 through the second opening 84b of the third housing part 84. Thereby, the drive unit 83 can stably drive the lens group 22 and the lens group 31, and can exert a large thrust. Moreover, the lens group 22 can be inserted into the second space 82a of the second housing part 82 from a direction perpendicular to the second optical axis 42. In addition, the lens group 31 can be inserted into the third space 84a of the third housing part 84 from a direction perpendicular to the second optical axis 42. Therefore, the assembly of the camera module 1 becomes easy.

[0136] 5 Fifth Embodiment Hereinafter, the aspects different between the fifth embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. Regarding the aspects not described, in the fifth embodiment, the same configuration as that adopted in the first embodiment is also adopted.

[0137] Figure 14FIG. 0 is a perspective view schematically showing the main body included in the camera module according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 15 FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing a longitudinal section of the main body included in the camera module according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 16 FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a bracket and a driven body included in the camera module according to the fifth embodiment.

[0138] In the fifth embodiment, as Figures 14 to 16 shown, the first portion 71 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the second portion 72. Thereby, the outer diameter of the driven body 61 held by the first portion 71 can be increased. Thereby, the outer diameter of the lens group 22 constituting the driven body 61 can be made larger than the outer diameter of the second portion 72.

[0139] 6 Sixth Embodiment Hereinafter, aspects different between the sixth embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. Regarding aspects not described, in the sixth embodiment, the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment is also employed.

[0140] Figure 17 FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing a longitudinal section of a lens bracket and a lens group included in the camera module according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 18 FIG. 20 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a lens bracket and a lens group included in the camera module according to the sixth embodiment are cut in a longitudinal section after being cut.

[0141] In the sixth embodiment, as Figure 17 and Figure 18 shown, the main body 11 does not include the lens barrel 25. Therefore, the first portion 71 directly holds the lens group 22. Thereby, the outer diameter of the first portion 71 can be reduced by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the lens barrel 25. Thereby, the camera module 1 can be miniaturized.

[0142] A groove 71c is formed on the inner peripheral surface 71a of the first portion 71, and the outer peripheral portion of the lens included in the lens group 22 is received in the groove 71c.

[0143] As Figure 17 and Figure 18 shown, the main body 11 includes a lens hood 33.

[0144] The lens hood 33 has a semi-cylindrical shape. The lens hood 33 faces the first portion 71 with the lens group 22 interposed therebetween. The first portion 71 and the lens hood 33 form a structure having a cylindrical shape and surround the lens group 22. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of flare, ghosting, etc. due to light incident on the lens group 22 from the +Y direction DY1 side.

[0145] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-described embodiments, a configuration that achieves the same effect, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that: include: a reflective element that reflects first light incident along a first optical axis and emits second light along a second optical axis; A driven body, comprising a lens group arranged on the second optical axis; A housing having: a first housing portion having a first space for housing the reflective element; a second housing portion having a second space for housing the driven body and having an opening, the opening being open in a direction perpendicular to the second optical axis; and a driving portion having a hole; a bracket including: a first portion which is accommodated in the second space and holds the driven object; and a second portion which is inserted into the hole and driven by the driving unit; as well as A cover blocks the opening.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first portion has a placement surface on which the driven object is placed.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The first portion has a semi-cylindrical shape.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second receiving portion is arranged on one side of the driving portion in a direction parallel to the second optical axis. The first portion is arranged at one side of the parallel direction relative to the second portion.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lens group is a first lens group, The driven object is a first driven object, The opening is a first opening, The camera module includes a second driven body, and the second driven body includes a second lens group arranged on the second optical axis. The housing includes a third housing portion, the third housing portion is formed with a third space for housing the second driven body and having a second opening and is arranged on the other side of the parallel direction relative to the driving portion, the second opening is open toward the vertical direction, The bracket includes a third portion, the third portion is disposed in the third space and holds the second driven object, and the third portion is disposed on the other side of the parallel direction with respect to the second portion.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driven body includes a lens barrel that holds the lens group. The first portion holds the lens barrel.

7. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first portion directly holds the lens group.

8. The camera module according to claim 7, characterized in that: A lens cover is provided, the lens cover is opposite to the first portion with the lens group interposed therebetween and surrounds the lens group together with the first portion.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The second housing portion includes a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall that are separated from the second optical axis in a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction that are perpendicular to the second optical axis, respectively. The second space is defined by the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall. The opening leaves from the second optical axis in a fourth direction perpendicular to the second optical axis, The drive unit includes a fourth wall, a fifth wall, a sixth wall, and a seventh wall which are separated from the second optical axis in the first direction, the second direction, the third direction, and the fourth direction, respectively. The hole is defined by the fourth wall, the fifth wall, the sixth wall and the seventh wall, The second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to the first direction, and the second direction and the third direction are opposite to each other. The first direction and the fourth direction are opposite directions to each other.

10. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The driving section drives the second portion in a direction parallel to the second optical axis.

11. The camera module according to claim 10, characterized in that: The driving section drives the second portion in a direction perpendicular to the second optical axis.

12. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The shell includes a supporting plate, the supporting plate has a first principal surface and a second principal surface, the first principal surface supports the reflecting element and faces a direction intermediate between a direction perpendicular to the second optical axis and a direction parallel to the second optical axis and facing the lens group from the reflecting element, and the second principal surface is located on the opposite side to the side where the first principal surface is located and faces the space.

13. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: A fixed lens group is provided, which is accommodated in the second space, arranged between the reflective element and the lens group, and fixed to the housing.

14. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The lens group has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the second portion.

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