Lens module and camera module

Abstract

The invention relates to a lens module and a camera module. The lens module includes: a lens barrel; a lens disposed in the lens barrel; and a press-fit ring disposed on an image side of the lens and including a protrusion disposed on a side portion of the press-fit ring. A side surface of the lens barrel has a first hole extending therethrough to expose at least a portion of the lens and a second hole formed by being recessed from the first hole toward the object side. The protrusion is disposed in the second hole.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0188783, filed on December 21, 2023, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a lens module and a camera module including the lens module. Background art

[0004] A camera module may be composed of a plurality of lenses stacked along an optical axis within a cylindrical barrel, and a filter and an image sensor are stacked within a housing at the bottom of the lens barrel and the lenses.

[0005] In addition, a problem that may exist in a conventional camera module is that when strong light from a fluorescent lamp or a dark room is incident at a certain angle, the light incident at the certain angle may cause internal reflection on the surface of a lens rib accommodated in the lens barrel.

[0006] These light reflections are not related to image formation and are the cause of flare or ghosting on the screen.

[0007] A press - fit ring may be used to fix a lens assembled in a lens barrel, and it may be desirable to prevent the press - fit ring from rotating during the lens assembly and engagement process.

[0008] 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 constitutes prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention content is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, and these concepts are further described in the following detailed description. The present invention content is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] In one general aspect, a lens module includes: a lens barrel; a lens disposed in the lens barrel; and a press - fit ring disposed on the image side of the lens and including a protrusion disposed on a side portion of the press - fit ring. A side surface of the lens barrel has a first hole extending therethrough to expose at least a portion of the lens and a second hole formed by recessing from the first hole toward the object side. The protrusion is disposed in the second hole.

[0011] The width of the second hole may be narrower than the width of the first hole.

[0012] The lens may include a major axis perpendicular to the optical axis and a minor axis perpendicular to both the optical axis and the major axis. The first side surface of the lens may extend along the major axis, and the first side surface may be disposed at a position corresponding to the side surface of the lens barrel.

[0013] The protrusion may include a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface. The first surface and the third surface may be disposed perpendicularly.

[0014] The protrusion may include a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface. The second hole may include a 1-1 surface extending in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and the first surface may face the 1-1 surface.

[0015] The first surface and the 1-1 surface may be disposed parallel to each other.

[0016] The first surface and the 1-1 surface may be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0017] The first surface and the third surface may form an obtuse angle.

[0018] The first surface and the 1-1 surface may be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0019] The distance between the first surface and the 1-1 surface may increase as the distance in a direction away from the optical axis increases.

[0020] The camera module may include an image sensor and the lens module described herein.

[0021] In another general aspect, a camera module includes an image sensing and lens module, the lens module including: a lens barrel; a lens disposed in the lens barrel; and a press-fit ring disposed on the image side of the lens and including a protrusion disposed on a side portion of the press-fit ring. The side surface of the lens barrel has a first hole extending therethrough to expose at least a portion of the lens and a second hole formed by recessing from the first hole toward the object side, and the protrusion is disposed in the second hole.

[0022] When viewed from the side surface of the lens barrel, a portion of the lens may be exposed through the first hole.

[0023] The protrusion may include a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface. The first surface and the third surface may be disposed perpendicularly.

[0024] The protrusion may include a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface. The second hole may include a 1-1 surface extending in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and the first surface may face the 1-1 surface.

[0025] The first surface and the third surface may form an obtuse angle.

[0026] The distance between the first surface and the 1-1 surface may increase as the distance in the direction away from the optical axis increases.

[0027] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims. Description of the Drawings

[0028] Figure 1 is an assembled perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 is another exploded perspective view of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6 is a side view of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7 is a side view of a lens barrel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 8 is a plan view of a press-fit ring according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a part of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is an enlarged view of a part of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 12 is a side view of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Throughout the drawings and the 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 depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Description

[0040] In the following, although examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0041] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, 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 increased clarity and conciseness.

[0042] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and will not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Instead, the examples described herein are provided only to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure.

[0043] Throughout the specification, when an element (such as a layer, region, or 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 there may be one or more other elements therebetween. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly" "on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no other elements therebetween.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Although terms such as "first", "second", and "third" may be used herein to describe various components, elements, regions, layers, or sections, these components, elements, regions, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. Instead, these terms are only used to distinguish one component, element, region, layer, or section from another. Thus, a first component, first element, first region, first layer, or first section referred to in the examples described herein may also be referred to as a second component, second element, second region, second layer, or second section without departing from the teachings of the examples.

[0046] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above", "upper", "below", "lower", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another as shown in the figures. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "above" or "upper" relative to another element will then be "below" or "lower" relative to the said another element. Thus, the term "above" includes both the above and below orientations, 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 spatial relative terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] The terms used herein are only for describing various examples and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The phrases "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", and "having" specify the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0048] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the figures may vary. Thus, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the figures, but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0049] It should be noted herein that the term "may" is used with respect to examples, e.g., with respect to what an example may include or implement, meaning that there is at least one example that includes or implements this feature, while all examples are not limited thereto.

[0050] As will be apparent after understanding the disclosure, the features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways. Additionally, although the examples described herein have various configurations, as will be apparent after understanding the disclosure, other configurations are also possible.

[0051] Figure 1is an assembled perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least a lens module 10, a housing 20, a filter 30 such as an infrared filter (IR filter), an image sensor 40, and a circuit board 50.

[0053] Here, a plurality of lenses are sequentially stacked from the object side to the image side within a lens barrel 100 (see Figure 3 ), and the lens barrel 100 may be disposed within the housing 20.

[0054] The plurality of lenses may be fixed to the lens barrel 100 by press-fitting or bonding with an adhesive. Alternatively, the plurality of lenses may be fixed by a press-fit ring 300 (see Figure 3 ), which supports the last lens disposed in the image side direction.

[0055] In addition, the filter 30 fixed to the housing 20 may be disposed at the bottom of the lens barrel 100, and the circuit board 50 having the image sensor 40 attached to the imaging surface may be coupled to the bottom of the housing 20.

[0056] According to the above structure, light incident on the upper portion of the lens barrel 100 passes through the lens, the filter 30, and is received by the image sensor 40, thereby capturing an image.

[0057] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is another exploded perspective view of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] The lens barrel 100 may include a "D"-shaped D-cut portion 110, where a part of the outer surface is flatly cut at the lower portion (i.e., the image side) of the lens barrel 100 (in the direction of the image sensor 40), and an arc portion 120 forms a portion different from the D-cut portion 110 to maximize space utilization.

[0059] The lens barrel 100 may eliminate unnecessary space of the lens barrel 100 by including the D-cut portion 110, thereby achieving miniaturization of the camera module 1. The D-cut portion 110 of the lens barrel 100 may be provided as at least a pair on both sides symmetrically centered on the optical axis.

[0060] The first lens 200 may be disposed at the rearmost portion of the lens barrel 100. The first lens 200 may be a D-cut lens having a major axis and a minor axis.

[0061] The first lens 200 may include a first side surface 211. The first side surface 211 may be a surface extending along the major axis of the first lens 200. The first side surface 211 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the D-cut portion 110 of the lens barrel 100.

[0062] The first lens 200 may include a second side surface 212. The second side surface 212 may be a surface extending along the major axis of the first lens 200. The second side surface 212 may be disposed parallel to the first side surface 211. The second side surface 212 may be disposed on the opposite side of the first side surface 211, with the optical axis therebetween.

[0063] The first lens 200 may include a third side surface 221. The third side surface 221 may be a flange portion extending from the optical portion 201 of the first lens 200. The third side surface 221 may extend along the minor axis direction of the first lens 200. The third side surface 221 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the arc portion 120 of the lens barrel 100.

[0064] The first lens 200 may include a fourth side surface 222. The fourth side surface 222 may be a flange portion extending from the optical portion 201 of the first lens 200. The fourth side surface 222 may extend along the minor axis direction of the first lens 200. The fourth side surface 222 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the arc portion 120 of the lens barrel 100.

[0065] The third side surface 221 and the fourth side surface 222 may be disposed opposite to each other. The third side surface 221 and the fourth side surface 222 may be disposed on opposite sides, with the optical axis therebetween.

[0066] The press-fit ring 300 may be coupled with the lens barrel 100. The first lens 200 may be disposed on the front side of the press-fit ring 300. The first lens 200 and the press-fit ring 300 may be sequentially disposed in the lens barrel 100. The press-fit ring 300 may press the first lens 200 against the lens barrel 100 from the image side to the object side.

[0067] Figure 6 is a side view of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a side view of a lens barrel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] The lens barrel 100 may include a surface having a first hole 1110 and a second hole 1120 passing therethrough from the image side. The first hole 1110 and the second hole 1120 may be provided in the D-cut portion 110 of the lens barrel 100.

[0069] The first hole 1110 may be formed by recessing a part of the side surface of the lens barrel 100 from the image side toward the object side. When viewed from this side surface of the lens barrel 100, a part of the first lens 200 may be exposed through the first hole 1110. Since the first hole 1110 exposes a part of the side surface of the first lens 200, the light reflected by the first hole 1110 may be emitted to the outside of the lens barrel 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light from being diffusely reflected inside the lens barrel 100.

[0070] The second hole 1120 may be a hole extending from the first hole 1110. The second hole 1120 may be formed by recessing from the first hole 1110 toward the object side. The second hole 1120 may be formed by recessing a part of the side surface of the lens barrel 100 from the image side toward the object side. The second hole 1120 may have a step with respect to the first hole 1110. The second hole 1120 may be provided closer to the object side than the first hole 1110. The width of the second hole 1120 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis may be smaller than the width of the first hole 1110 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0071] A part of the press-fit ring 300 may be provided in the second hole 1120. Specifically, the protruding portion 320 of the press-fit ring 300 may be provided in the second hole 1120.

[0072] The second hole 1120 may include a 1-1 surface 1121 and a 2-1 surface 1122. The 1-1 surface 1121 may be a surface extending in a direction parallel to the optical axis. The 1-1 surface 1121 may be provided to face the 2-1 surface 1122. The 1-1 surface 1121 may be provided on the opposite side of the 2-1 surface 1122. The 1-1 surface 1121 may face a first surface 321 (see Figure 8 ) of the press-fit ring 300 to be described later, and the 2-1 surface 1122 may face a second surface 322 (see Figure 8 ) of the press-fit ring 300 to be described later.

[0073] Figure 8 is a plan view of a press-fit ring according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] The press - fit ring 300 may include a body portion 310 and a protrusion 320. The body portion 310 may form the overall appearance of the press - fit ring 300 in an annular shape. The protrusion 320 may be provided on the side of the press - fit ring 300. The protrusion 320 may have a structure that protrudes from the body portion 310 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0075] The protrusion 320 may include a first surface 321, a second surface 322, and a third surface 323.

[0076] The first surface 321 may be a surface that extends away from the optical axis in the body portion 310. The first surface 321 may face the 1 - 1 surface 1121 provided on the lens barrel 100.

[0077] The second surface 322 may correspond to the first surface 321. The second surface 322 may be provided on the opposite side of the first surface 321. The second surface 322 may be a surface that extends away from the optical axis in the body portion 310. The second surface 322 may face the 2 - 1 surface 1122 provided on the lens barrel 100.

[0078] The third surface 323 may extend from the first surface 321 and the second surface 322. The third surface 323 may be provided in the second hole 1120. When viewed from the surface of the lens module 10, the third surface 323 may be exposed through the second hole 1120.

[0079] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a part of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Referring to Figure 9 , the first surface 321 of the press - fit ring 300 may be provided perpendicular to the third surface 323 of the press - fit ring 300. The first surface 321 may be provided facing the 1 - 1 surface 1121 of the lens barrel 100. The first surface 321 and the 1 - 1 surface 1121 may be provided in parallel. At least a part of the first surface 321 may overlap with the 1 - 1 surface 1121 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. At least a part of the first surface 321 may be provided in the second hole 1120. When the press - fit ring 300 coupled to the lens barrel 100 rotates, the first surface 321 may contact the 1 - 1 surface 1121, and since the 1 - 1 surface 1121 supports the first surface 321, rotation of the press - fit ring 300 may be prevented.

[0081] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a part of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Referring to Figure 10, the first surface 321 of the press - fit ring 300 can be a surface set at an inclined angle. The first surface 321 and the third surface 323 can be set at an obtuse angle. The first surface 321 can be arranged to face the 1 - 1 surface 1121 of the lens barrel 100.

[0083] The 1 - 1 surface 1121 can be set at an inclined angle. That is, the 1 - 1 surface 1121 can include an inclined surface corresponding to the first surface 321 set at an inclined angle. Therefore, when the press - fit ring 300 rotates around the optical axis, the first surface 321 and the 1 - 1 surface 1121 can be in surface contact with each other to prevent the press - fit ring 300 from rotating.

[0084] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of a part of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] Refer to Figure 11 , the first surface 321 of the protrusion 320 can be a surface set at an inclined angle with the third surface 323. The first surface 321 and the third surface 323 can be set at an obtuse angle. The first surface 321 can be arranged to overlap with the 1 - 1 surface 1121 of the lens barrel 100 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0086] The 1 - 1 surface 1121 can be a surface set at an inclined angle with the first surface 321. The inclined directions of the 1 - 1 surface 1121 and the first surface 321 can be opposite to each other. That is, the farther away from the optical axis, the greater the distance between the first surface 321 and the 1 - 1 surface 1121. That is, when the press - fit ring 300 rotates around the optical axis, the first surface 321 and the 1 - 1 surface 1121 can be in linear contact with each other.

[0087] Figure 12 is a side view of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Refer to Figure 12 , the lens barrel 100 can include a first hole 1110. The first hole 1110 can be formed by recessing a part of the side surface of the lens barrel 100 from the image side to the object side. The protrusion 320 of the press - fit ring 300 can be arranged in the first hole 1110. The protrusion 320 of the press - fit ring 300 can be arranged in a part of the first hole 1110, and a part of the first lens 200 can be exposed through another part of the first hole 1110.

[0088] The protrusion 320 of the press - fit ring 300 can be arranged in the first hole 1110 to prevent the press - fit ring 300 from rotating.

[0089] Since the lens barrel 100 described above includes the D-cut portion 110, when the lens barrel 100 is observed from the object side or the image side, it can have a short axis and a long axis. That is, since the lens barrel 100 can have the D-cut portion 110, the size of the lens module 10 can be reduced, and thus, there is an advantage that the camera module 1 can be miniaturized.

[0090] One or more aspects of the present disclosure are to reduce flare and ghosting phenomena and improve the assembly stability of the lens module by applying a flare reduction structure and an anti-rotation structure of a press-fit ring to the lens module.

[0091] 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 can 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 merely descriptive and not for the purpose of limitation. The description of the features or aspects in each example is considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results can 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 a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not defined by the specific embodiments, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all changes within the scope of the claims and their equivalents will be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A lens module, comprising: Lens barrel; A lens is disposed in the lens barrel; an image sensor that receives light passing through the lens to capture an image; as well as a press-fit ring disposed on the image side of the lens and comprising a protrusion disposed on a side of the press-fit ring, wherein a side surface of the lens barrel has a first hole extending therethrough to expose at least a portion of the lens and a second hole formed by being recessed from the first hole toward the object side, and Wherein, the protrusion is arranged in the second hole.

2. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein: The width of the second hole is narrower than the width of the first hole.

3. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein: The lens includes a major axis perpendicular to the optical axis and a minor axis perpendicular to both the optical axis and the major axis, wherein the first side surface of the lens extends along the long axis, and Wherein, the first side surface is arranged at a position corresponding to the side surface of the lens barrel.

4. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion includes a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and Wherein, the first surface and the third surface are arranged vertically.

5. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion includes a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein the second hole comprises a 1-1 surface extending in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and Wherein, the first surface faces the 1-1 surface.

6. The lens module according to claim 5, wherein: The first surface and the 1-1 surface are arranged parallel to each other.

7. The lens module according to claim 5, wherein: The first surface and the 1-1 surface are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

8. The lens module according to claim 5, wherein: The first surface and the third surface form an obtuse angle.

9. The lens module according to claim 8, wherein: The first surface and the 1-1 surface are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

10. The lens module according to claim 8, wherein: The distance between the first surface and the 1-1 surface increases as the distance in the direction away from the optical axis increases.

11. A camera module, comprising: Image sensor; as well as The lens module according to claim 1, Wherein, the width of the second hole is narrower than the width of the first hole.

12. A camera module, comprising: Image sensor; as well as Lens module, comprising: Lens barrel; A lens is disposed in the lens barrel; an image sensor that receives light passing through the lens to capture an image; and a press-fit ring disposed on the image side of the lens and comprising a protrusion disposed on a side of the press-fit ring, wherein a side surface of the lens barrel has a first hole extending therethrough to expose at least a portion of the lens and a second hole formed by being recessed from the first hole toward the object side, and Wherein, the protrusion is arranged in the second hole.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein: When viewed from the side surface of the lens barrel, a portion of the lens is exposed through the first hole.

14. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein: The protrusion includes a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and Wherein, the first surface and the third surface are arranged vertically.

15. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein: The protrusion includes a first surface, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein the second hole comprises a 1-1 surface extending in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and Wherein, the first surface faces the 1-1 surface.

16. The camera module according to claim 15, wherein: The first surface and the third surface form an obtuse angle.

17. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein: The distance between the first surface and the 1-1 surface increases as the distance in the direction away from the optical axis increases.

Images