Camera module and electronic device including the same

Abstract

A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a reflecting member that reflects light incident in a first direction into a second direction; a lens holder having a plurality of lenses aligned along a second direction; the circuit board is provided with an image sensor for converting light refracted by the plurality of lenses into an electric signal; a housing covering the reflective member and the lens holder; and an inner wall portion having a reflective pattern on a portion of the one side surface located between the lens holder and the image sensor, in which at least one of the plurality of lenses has a non-circular shape, and at least one of the plurality of lenses has a non-circular shape. And a length of an upper shape of the lens holder in the first direction may be shorter than a length in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera module and an electronic device including the same. Background Art

[0002] A camera module captures an object and stores it as an image or video, and the camera module is installed in various applications. In particular, the camera module is manufactured in a very small size and is applied not only to portable devices such as smart phones, tablet PCs, and laptop computers, but also to drones and vehicles to provide various functions. For example, the optical system of the camera module may include an imaging lens for forming an image and an image sensor for converting the formed image into an electrical signal. In this case, the camera module may perform an autofocus (AF) function of aligning the focal length of the lens by automatically adjusting the distance between the image sensor and the imaging lens, and may perform a zoom function of magnifying or reducing by increasing or decreasing the magnification of a remote object via a zoom lens. In addition, the camera module employs an image stabilization (IS) technique to correct or prevent image blurring caused by an unstable fixing device or camera movement caused by the movement of the user.

[0003] The most important element for such a camera module to obtain an image is the imaging lens that forms the image. Recently, there has been an increasing concern about high performance such as high image quality and high resolution, and research is being conducted on an optical system including a plurality of lenses to achieve such high performance.

[0004] A camera module having an image sensor such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor image sensor) has a filter (optical filter) between the lens and the image sensor, and the filter has various optical functions to obtain a clear image and reproduce tones well. A representative example of the filter is an optical filter (near-infrared cut-off filter) that blocks light in the near-infrared wavelength range to correct the spectral sensitivity of the image sensor to human visual sensitivity, and the optical filter is provided between the last lens and the image sensor. Such a camera module has a plurality of stacked lenses, and the light passing through the plurality of lenses can be collected by the image sensor and stored as data in a memory in the device. However, since flare phenomena such as light diffusion may occur due to reflection or scattering of light incident on the camera module, which may have an adverse effect on the image quality, it is necessary to prevent unnecessary light from traveling to the image sensor. Therefore, there is a need for a new camera module that can solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical Problem

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a camera module having a reflective pattern on an outer side surface between a last lens and an image sensor. Preferably, a camera module is provided that includes a housing having a barrel and a reflective pattern formed on an inner side surface of the housing adjacent to the image sensor.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a camera module having a reflective pattern on a portion of a side surface located between an optical filter and a last lens. Preferably, a camera module is provided that includes a housing having a barrel and a reflective pattern formed on an inner side surface of the housing or on a portion of the housing adjacent to the optical filter.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a camera module having a pattern for reflecting, absorbing, or scattering light that travels through an abnormal path among light that travels through a plurality of lenses through a reflective member. Embodiments of the present invention can improve the reliability of a foldable camera module.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a reflective member that reflects light incident in a first direction to a second direction; a lens holder having a plurality of lenses aligned along the second direction; a circuit board on which an image sensor that converts light refracted through the plurality of lenses into an electrical signal is provided; a housing that surrounds the reflective member and the lens holder; and an inner wall portion having a reflective pattern on a portion of one side surface located between the lens holder and the image sensor.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reflective pattern may be provided in a partial area of the inner wall portion, and the reflective pattern may be spaced apart from a lower end of the lens holder. The reflective pattern may be provided between a lower end of the housing and a lower end of the lens holder. The reflective pattern may be provided in a region adjacent to an opposite side surface of an incident surface of the reflective member and the image sensor.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a first opening portion that exposes an incident surface of the reflective member and a second opening portion provided on the image sensor, and the reflective pattern may be provided on an outer side surface between an upper end of the second opening portion and the lens holder.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reflective pattern may have concave patterns and convex patterns alternately arranged in the second direction. The concave patterns and convex patterns of the reflective pattern may have a longer length in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0014] A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a reflecting member that reflects light incident in a first direction to a second direction; a lens holder having a plurality of lenses aligned along the second direction; a circuit board on which an image sensor that converts light refracted by the plurality of lenses into an electrical signal is disposed; a housing that covers the optical member and the lens holder; and an inner wall portion having a reflection pattern on a part of one side located between the lens holder and the image sensor, wherein at least one of the plurality of lenses has a non-circular shape, and the length of the upper portion of the lens holder in the first direction may be less than the length in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, three or fewer lenses adjacent to the reflecting member among the plurality of lenses may be non-circular lenses.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall portion may be a part of the inner surface of the other side of the housing. The housing includes one side having a first opening portion exposing the reflecting member, another side opposite to the one side, and a second opening portion adjacent to the image sensor, and the reflection pattern may be on the inner surface of the other side disposed between the upper end of the second opening portion and the lens holder.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the reflection pattern in the third direction may be equal to or less than the length of the second opening portion in the third direction. The reflection pattern is disposed between the lower end of the lens holder and the lower end of the housing in the other inner side surface of the housing, and the reflection pattern may be spaced apart from the lower end of the lens holder.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes an optical filter disposed between the image sensor and the lower end of the housing, and the height of the reflection pattern is set to be 20% or more of the optical axis distance between the last lens in the lens holder and the image sensor, and the length of the reflection pattern in the third direction may be less than the length of the optical filter in the third direction.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the reflection pattern is arranged such that concave patterns and convex patterns are alternately arranged in the second direction, and the concave and convex patterns of the reflection pattern are arranged to have a longer length in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and the optical axis distance between the object side surface of the lens closest to the image sensor among the plurality of lenses and the image sensor is BFL and 5 mm or more, and the height of the reflection pattern in the second direction may be 20% or more of BFL.

[0020] A mobile terminal or an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the camera module disclosed above.

[0021] Advantageous Effects

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is an effect of reducing the intensity of flare by disposing a pattern inside a camera module to disperse light traveling through an abnormal path. According to an embodiment of the present invention, since a pattern is formed on a side surface between a lens barrel and an image sensor, light transmitted through the side surface to the image sensor can be reflected, scattered, or absorbed, thereby minimizing the occurrence of flare phenomenon. The present invention can improve the reliability of a foldable camera module. The present invention can improve the reliability of a camera module with improved reliability, as well as the reliability of an electronic device having a portable terminal, an unmanned vehicle, or a manned vehicle (a vehicle, a drone, a bicycle, a watercraft) having the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a side cross-sectional view of the camera module.

[0025] Figure 3 is Figure 2 an exploded perspective view of a lens of a second lens assembly in the camera module.

[0026] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a plan view of a lens of the second lens assembly having different lengths in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to an optical axis.

[0027] Figure 5 is Figure 2 a partial side cross-sectional view of the second lens assembly and a housing.

[0028] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing Figure 2 a reflection pattern in the housing.

[0029] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the Figure 6 housing observed from different directions.

[0030] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 a lower structure of the housing and a sensor assembly.

[0031] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing Figure 2 a reflection pattern of the housing.

[0032] Figure 10 (A) and (B) of are other examples of the reflection pattern of the housing.

[0033] Figure 11 The (A) and (B) are graphs comparing the flare intensities incident on the image sensors according to the comparative example and the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0035] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The technical spirit of the present invention is not limited to the some embodiments to be described and can be implemented in various other forms. Within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention, one or more components can be selectively combined and used alternatively. In addition, unless specifically defined and clearly described, the terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention can be interpreted as the meanings generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, and common terms (such as terms defined in a dictionary) should be able to interpret their meanings in consideration of the context of the related technology.

[0037] The terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are used to illustrate the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, unless otherwise specifically stated in the wording, the singular form may also include the plural form, and when describing at least one (or more than one) of A and (and) B, C, it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C. When describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. Such terms are only used to distinguish components from other components, and the nature, order, or process of the corresponding constituent elements etc. may not determine these terms. When describing that one component is "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component, such description may include not only directly connecting, coupling, or joining to another component, but also "connecting", "coupling", or "joining" through another component between this component and the other component. In addition, when described as being formed or provided "above (on)" or "below (under)" each component, such description includes not only the case where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or provided between the two components. In addition, when expressed as "above (on)..." or "below (under)...", it may refer to the downward direction and the upward direction relative to one element. Several embodiments described below can be combined with each other, unless specifically stated that they cannot be combined with each other. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the description of other embodiments can be applied to the parts omitted from the description of any one of the several embodiments.

[0038] In this specification, the first lens represents the lens closest to the object, and the last lens represents the lens closest to the image surface (or image sensor). In this specification, the units of the radius of curvature, thickness, TTL, ImgH (height of the image surface: 1 / 2 of the diagonal length of the image surface), and the focal length of the lens are all millimeters (mm). In addition, the thickness of the lens, the gap between the lenses, and the TTL are distances on the optical axis of the lens. In addition, in the description of the shape of the lens, the meaning of convex on one side means that the optical axis portion of the corresponding surface protrudes, and the meaning of concave on one side means that the optical axis portion of the corresponding surface is recessed. Therefore, even if one side of the lens is described as having a convex shape, the edge portion of the lens may be recessed. Similarly, even if one side of the lens is described as having a concave shape, the edge portion of the lens may protrude. The optical system includes an optical system composed of a plurality of lenses. For example, the optical system is composed of a plurality of lenses having refractive power. The optical system may include a plurality of lenses having refractive power, a prism for refracting incident light, and a diaphragm for controlling the amount of light. In addition, the optical system may have an optical filter for blocking infrared rays, and the optical filter may include an infrared blocking filter. In addition, the optical system may further include an image sensor for converting the image of the object incident through the optical system into an electrical signal. In addition, the optical system may further include a gap holding member for adjusting the distance between the lenses. The plurality of lenses are made of materials having refractive indices different from that of air. For example, the plurality of lenses are made of plastic or glass materials. At least one of the plurality of lenses has an aspherical shape.

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment, Figure 2 is Figure 1 a side cross-sectional view of the camera module, Figure 3 is Figure 2 an exploded perspective view of the lens of the second lens assembly in the camera module, Figure 4 is Figure 2 a plan view of the lens of the second lens assembly having different lengths in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis, Figures 5 to 7 is Figure 2 a partial side cross-sectional view of the second lens assembly and the housing, Figure 8 shows Figure 1 a perspective view of the lower structure of the housing and the sensor assembly, Figure 9 shows Figure 2 the reflection pattern of the housing, and Figure 10 (A) and (B) of

[0040] Refer to Figures 1 to 5, according to an embodiment, the camera module 1000 may include a housing 1400, a first lens assembly 1100, a second lens assembly 1200, and a circuit board 1300. Here, the first lens assembly 1100 may be interchangeably used as a first actuator, and the second lens assembly 1200 may be interchangeably used as a second actuator. The housing 1400 may cover the first lens assembly 1100 and the second lens assembly 1200. The bonding force between the first lens assembly 1100 and the second lens assembly 1200 may be increased through the housing 1400. The housing 1400 may be made of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves. The housing 1400 may be made of a metal material. Therefore, it is possible to easily protect the first lens assembly 1100 and the second lens assembly 1200 inside the housing 1400. The housing 1400 has a first opening 1401 that is open on the upper surface, and the first opening 1401 is an area where light is incident on the first lens assembly 1100. The first opening 1401 may overlap the first lens assembly 1100 in the vertical direction X. The housing 1400 has a second opening 140 on the sensor side, and a shield (not shown) that can be connected to the circuit board 1300 may be provided in the second opening 140.

[0041] In addition, the first lens assembly 1100 may be an OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) actuator. For example, the first lens assembly 1100 may move a reflecting member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (the axis of incident light). The first lens assembly 1100 may include a fixed focal length lens disposed in a predetermined optical barrel (not shown). The fixed focal length lens may be defined as a "single focal length lens" or a "single layer lens". The first lens assembly 1100 may change the path of light. In an embodiment, the first lens assembly 1100 may vertically change the path of light incident thereon through a reflecting member 1132 therein. For example, the reflecting member 1132 may be a prism or a mirror. For example, the reflecting member 1132 may change light from a first direction X to a second direction Z. Alternatively, the reflecting member 1132 may change light from a first axis X1 to a second axis Z1. With this configuration, even if the thickness of the mobile terminal in the first direction X is reduced, a lens configuration larger than the thickness of the mobile terminal may be disposed inside the mobile terminal by changing the optical path, so that functions such as magnification, autofocus (AF), zoom, and OIS can be performed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first lens assembly 1100 may move the optical path in multiple directions or tilt at a predetermined angle in the vertical direction.

[0042] The first lens assembly 1100 may include a first carrier 110, a moving body 112, a driving unit 117, and an inclination guiding unit 115. The moving body 112 includes a reflection member 1132 located at the upper part, and the reflection member 1132 may reflect incident light in the direction of the second axis Z1. The reflection member 1132 may be formed of a mirror or a prism. Hereinafter, the prism is shown as a standard prism, but the prism may be composed of a plurality of lenses as in the above embodiments. As another example, the additional reflection member may be composed of a prism or a mirror arranged behind the plurality of lenses 125. The reflection member 1132 may include a reflection member arranged inside. The reflection member 1132 and the moving body 112 may be inclined along the inclination guiding unit 115 by the driving unit 117. The driving unit 117 is shown as being located at the bottom of the moving body 112, but may be further arranged on both sides of the moving body 112.

[0043] The driving unit 117 may include a plurality of rotors (not shown) provided at the bottom and both sides of the moving body 112 and stators (not shown) located at positions corresponding to the plurality of rotors. The rotors may be magnets, and the stators may be coils. The driving unit 117 may have yokes and Hall sensors respectively arranged outside each stator. The first lens assembly 1100 may perform the OIS function. The second lens assembly 1200 may perform the zoom function and the AF function. The configuration of the driving unit of the second lens assembly 1200 will be omitted.

[0044] The second lens assembly 1200 may be arranged at the rear end of the first lens assembly 1100. Here, the rear end of the first lens assembly 1100 is the area adjacent to the image sensor 1303. The second lens assembly 1200 may be provided between the first lens assembly 1100 and the image sensor 1303 and may be combined with the first lens assembly 1100. The combination between the first lens assembly 1100 and the second lens assembly 1200 may be performed in various ways. The second lens assembly 1200 may be a zoom actuator or an AF actuator. For example, the second lens assembly 1200 may include one or more lenses 125 and may perform an autofocus function or a zoom function by moving at least one lens according to a control signal from a predetermined control unit. In addition, one or more lenses 125 may move independently or separately along the optical axis direction.

[0045] The second lens assembly 1200 may include a plurality of lenses 125 and a lens holder 121. The second lens assembly 1200 may be disposed inside the housing 1400. The second lens assembly 1200 may be disposed between the first lens assembly 1100 and the sensor assembly 1300. As another example, a third lens assembly may be further disposed between the second lens assembly 1200 and the sensor assembly 1300, and the third lens assembly may be a reflecting prism. The second lens assembly 1200 may have a plurality of lenses 125 stacked along the second direction Z. The plurality of lenses 125 may be more than three, for example, in the range of three to seven or four to six. The lens holder 121 supports the plurality of lenses 125 and may support the movement of at least one lens in the optical axis direction. Here, when at least one of the plurality of lenses 125 moves in the optical axis direction, the lens holder 121 may be divided into a fixed holder and a movable holder.

[0046] As Figure 7 shown, the lens holder 121 may have a maximum length E2 in the first direction X and a maximum length E1 different from the maximum length E2 in the third direction Y. The maximum length E2 of the lens holder 121 in the first direction X may be less than the maximum length E1 in the third direction Y. The third direction Y is a direction perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Z. The maximum length E2 in the first direction X and the maximum length E1 in the third direction Y of the region adjacent to the first lens assembly 1100 in the outer region of the lens holder 121 may be different from each other.

[0047] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, at least one of the plurality of lenses 125 may have different lengths in the first direction X and the third direction Y. For example, the maximum length C2 of the first lens 51 in the first direction X may be less than the maximum length C1 in the third direction Y. The first lens 51 may have a non-circular shape. The maximum length C2 of the second lens 52 in the first direction × may be less than the maximum length C1 in the third direction Y. The second lens 52 may have a non-circular shape. The maximum length C2 of the third lens 53 in the first direction X may be less than the maximum length C1 in the third direction Y. The third lens 53 may have a non-circular shape.

[0048] One, two, or all of the first lens 51, the second lens 52, and the third lens 53 may have a non-circular shape. At least one or more of the first lens 51, the second lens 52, and the third lens 53 are arranged such that the maximum length C2 in the first direction X is less than the maximum length C1 in the third direction Y, as Figure 7As shown, the maximum length E2 of the lens holder 121 in the first direction X is less than the maximum length E1 in the third direction Y. Thus, the height of the lens holder 121 in the third direction Y can be reduced, and the height or thickness of the camera module 1000 in the third direction Y can be reduced. Therefore, the thickness or height of the mobile terminal or electronic device having the camera module 1000 in the third direction Y can be reduced, and the thickness of the terminal or electronic device can be set in a slim manner.

[0049] As Figure 4 shown, at least one of the first lens 51, the second lens 52, and the third lens 53 can be set to be planar on one or both sides in the first direction X. For example, one or both sides of the first lens 51 in the first direction X can be set to be planar, and both sides in the third direction Y can be set to be convex. One or both sides of the second lens 52 in the first direction X can be set to be planar, and both sides in the third direction Y can be set to be convex. One or both sides of the third lens in the first direction X can be set to be planar, and both sides in the third direction Y can be set to be convex. The length C32 in the third direction Y of the flat surface or the cut surfaces CS1 to CS6 of at least one of the first lens 51, the second lens 52, and the third lens 53 can be less than the length C1 in the third direction Y passing through the optical axis center.

[0050] A first spacer 61 can be provided around the outer periphery of the object side surface of the first lens 51. The first spacer 61 can be a spacer member or a light-shielding member, and the maximum length of the inner through-hole of the first spacer 61 in the first direction X can be less than the maximum length in the third direction Y.

[0051] A second spacer 62 may be provided around the outer periphery between the first lens 51 and the second lens 52. The second spacer 62 may be a spacer member or a light-shielding member, and the maximum length of the inner through-hole of the second spacer 62 in the first direction X may be less than the maximum length in the third direction Y. A third spacer 63 may be provided on the outer periphery between the second lens 52 and the third lens 53. The third spacer 63 may be a spacer holding member or a light-shielding member, and the maximum length of the through-hole of the third spacer 63 in the first direction X may be less than the maximum length in the third direction Y. A fourth spacer 64 may be provided on the outer periphery between the third lens 53 and the fourth lens 54. The fourth spacer 64 may be a spacer holding member or a light-shielding member, and the maximum length of the inner through-hole in the first direction X may be less than the maximum length in the third direction Y. The upper part of the through-hole of the fourth spacer 64 may be non-circular, and the lower part may be circular. A fifth spacer 65 may be provided on the outer periphery between the fourth lens 54 and the fifth lens 55. The fifth spacer 65 may be a spacer member or a light-shielding member, and may have a circular inner through-hole. The number of circular lenses among the plurality of lenses 125 may be equal to or less than the number of non-circular lenses. The number of spacers among the plurality of spacers 61 to 65 having circular through-holes with the maximum length may be equal to or less than the number of non-circular lenses.

[0052] Since one or both sides of the lens having a relatively large effective diameter among the plurality of lenses 125 are cut and combined, the length of the object-side opening 121A of the lens holder 121 for storing the lens in the first direction X may be less than the length in the third direction Y. In addition, the object-side outer surface S15 of the lens holder 121 may be provided as a flat surface or an inclined surface.

[0053] The housing 1400 has a second opening 140 in a region corresponding to the sensor assembly 1300, and the lens 125 and the image sensor 1303 may face each other through the second opening 140. The optical filter 149 may be provided on the second opening 140 of the housing 1400. The optical filter 149 may be provided on the sensor-side surface of the second opening 140 of the housing 1400. As another example, the optical filter 149 may be provided on the object-side surface of the second opening 140 of the housing 1400.

[0054] The optical filter 140 may be disposed between the plurality of lenses 125 and the image sensor 1303. The optical filter 140 may include at least one of an infrared filter and / or a cover glass. The optical filter 140 may allow light of a set wavelength band to pass through and filter light of different wavelength bands. When the optical filter 140 includes an infrared filter, it may block radiant heat emitted from external light from transmitting to the image sensor 1303. In addition, the optical filter 140 may transmit visible light and reflect infrared light.

[0055] The sensor assembly 1300 may include a circuit board 1301 and an image sensor 1303 disposed on one surface of the circuit board 1301. The circuit board 1301 may be electrically connected to the connector board 1350. The circuit board 1301 may be electrically connected to the driving units and Hall sensors of the first lens assembly 1100 and the second lens assembly 1200. The image sensor 1303 may face the plurality of lenses 125. The circuit board 1300 may include a circuit board having wiring patterns that can be electrically connected, for example, a rigid printed circuit board (rigid PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (flexible PCB), or a rigid-flexible printed circuit board (rigid-flexible PCB). The circuit board 1300 may be electrically connected to another camera module in the terminal or the processor of the terminal. Accordingly, the lens assembly and the camera device including the above lens assembly may transmit and receive various signals in the terminal.

[0056] The central position of the plurality of lenses 125 in the second direction Z may be arranged to be closer to the reflection member 1132 than to the image sensor 1303. The distance BFL (back focal length) in the optical axis direction Z between the last lens 55 of the plurality of lenses 125 and the image sensor 1303 is 5 mm or more, and may be, for example, in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm or 5 mm to 10 mm. The BFL may be equal to or greater than the maximum optical axis distance TD (total distance) between the plurality of lenses 125. This may be set to a folded camera module having a telephoto function by arranging the plurality of lenses 125 to be closer to the reflection member 1132 than to the image sensor 1303.

[0057] A part of the inner side of the housing 1400 or the outer side of the internal accommodation part 120 may include an inner wall part 150 having a pattern 151. The inner wall part 150 may be a part of the inner side of the housing 1400 or a structure separately disposed inside the housing 1400. The inner wall part 150 may be made of a metal or non-metal material, and the non-metal material may include a plastic material. The inner wall part 150 may be formed of the same material as the housing 1400 or may be formed of a different material. The inner wall part 150 may be integrally formed with the housing 1400 or may be separately attached. The pattern 151 may reflect, scatter, or absorb incident light to reduce flare. For convenience, the pattern 151 will be described as a reflection pattern.

[0058] The reflection pattern 151 may be formed on the inner surface of the housing 1400 or the surface of the inner wall portion 150 (a kind of structure). The reflection pattern 151 may be disposed in the first region A1 between the lower end of the housing 1400 and the lower end of the lens holder 121. The reflection pattern 151 may be provided on a part of the second inner surface S12 of the housing 1400. When the housing 1400 has a polygonal shape, the inner side of the surface provided with the first opening 1401 is the first inner surface S11, the surface facing the first inner surface S11 is the second inner surface S12, and may include third inner surfaces S13 and fourth inner surfaces S14 that face each other on both sides of the first inner surface S11 and the second inner surface S12. The reflection pattern 151 may be provided on a part of the second inner surface S12 in the first direction X, or the first region A1 where the reflection pattern 151 is located may be the region between the third inner side surface S13 and the fourth inner side surface S14 in the third direction Y.

[0059] The reflection pattern 151 may be formed on the side surface of the housing 1400 among the inner side surfaces S11 to S14 that is opposite to the surface where the first opening 1401 is formed, and may be provided in the region closest to the image sensor 1303. That is to say, the reflection pattern 151 may be formed in the first region A1 corresponding to the propagation path of a part of the light L10 reflected by the reflection member 1132, as Figure 2 shown. That is to say, a part of the light L10 reflected by the reflection member 1132 is refracted by the plurality of lenses 125 and then reflected on the first region A1, and most of the reflected light is focused on the image sensor 1303, which may increase the flare intensity in the image sensor 1303. Here, among the side surfaces of the housing 1400, the incident side of the reflection member 1132 may be one side surface, and the opposite side of the one side surface may be another side surface. That is to say, one side surface of the housing 1400 may be the first inner side surface S11, and the other side surface may be the second inner side surface S12.

[0060] An embodiment of the present invention forms a reflection pattern 151 in the first region A1 so that the reflection pattern 151 can reflect, absorb or scatter the light incident on the first region A1 through the plurality of lenses 125, so that the light does not directly travel toward the image sensor 1303. The first region A1 may be the second inner side surface S12 or the other side in the first direction X. The first region A1 may be a part of the second inner side surface S12 adjacent to the image sensor 1303 among the other side surfaces in the first direction X.

[0061] As Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the reflection pattern 151 may have a shape in which irregular patterns are alternately arranged, or may be formed as a rough surface 151B. The concave patterns and the convex patterns are alternately arranged in the second direction Z and may have a longer length W1 in the third direction Y (see Figure 8 ). As another example, the concave patterns may be arranged obliquely within a range of 10 degrees to 80 degrees with respect to the third direction Y.

[0062] As Figure 2 , Figures 5 to 7 shown, the upper end of the reflection pattern 151 may be spaced apart from the lower end of the lens holder 121 by a predetermined distance D2. The distance D2 may be 1 mm or more, for example, 1 mm to 2.5 mm. If the distance D2 is less than the above range, the improvement in the reflection efficiency in the first region A1 may be minimal, and if the distance D2 is greater than the above range, the flare reduction effect may be minimal. That is, when the reflection pattern 151 is formed adjacent to the lower outer edge of the lens holder 121, the amount of light incident on the reflection pattern 151 through the mechanism below the lens holder 121 may be minimal.

[0063] The lower end of the reflection pattern 151 may extend to the lower end of the housing 1400 or the lower end of the second inner side surface S12, or may be spaced apart from the lower end of the housing by a distance less than the distance D2 between the upper end of the lens holder 121 and the reflection pattern 151. The reflection pattern 151 may be spaced apart from both sides of the second inner side surface S12. That is, the width W2 of the second inner surface S12 in the third direction may be greater than the length W1 of the reflection pattern 151 in the third direction. Here, when the reflection pattern 151 extends to both ends of the second inner side surface S12, the amount of light incident on the extended region is minimal, and the flare improvement effect may also be minimal.

[0064] The length W1 of the reflection pattern 151 in the third direction Y may be less than the length W2 of the second inner side surface S12 adjacent to the lower part of the lens holder 121 in the third direction Y. The length W1 of the reflection pattern 151 in the third direction Y may be 40% or more of the length W2 of the second inner side surface S12 in the third direction Y, for example, within a range of 40% to 80% or within a range of 45% to 65%. If the length W1 of the reflection pattern 151 in the third direction Y is less than the above range, the flare reduction effect is minimal, and if it is greater than the above range, the amount of light incident on the surrounding region is low, and the flare improvement effect may also be minimal.

[0065] The length or height B4 of the reflection pattern 151 in the second direction Z may be the BFL B1 (see Figure 1) is more than 20% of, and for example, can be formed within the range of 20% to 80% or 20% to 60% of the BFL B1. If the length B4 of the reflection pattern 151 in the second direction Z is greater than the above range, the amount of incident light is low, and if it is less than the above range, the flare suppression effect may be minimal. The BFL B1 is the distance on the optical axis between the upper surface of the image sensor 1303 and the sensor-side surface of the last lens. The length or height B4 of the reflection pattern 151 in the second direction Z is the height in the direction from the bottom S16 of the accommodation portion 120 or the upper end of the second opening portion 140 toward the lens holder 121.

[0066] The length or height B4 of the reflection pattern 151 in the second direction Z can be less than the distance B2 from the bottom S16 of the accommodation portion 120 of the housing 1400 to the bottom of the lens holder 121, and for example, can be arranged to be at least 51% of the distance B2, for example, within the range of 51% to 84% or 51% to 75%. If the length or height B4 of the reflection pattern 151 in the second direction Z is less than the above range, the flare improvement effect is minimal, and if it is greater than the above range, the amount of light incident on the area adjacent to the lens holder 121 may be minimal. Here, based on the distance B2 between the bottom of the lens holder 121 and the bottom of the housing 1400, the height B4 of the reflection pattern 151 can be greater than the height of the area without the reflection pattern 151 (i.e., D2), and the height B4 can be more than 51% of the distance B2, and D2 can be less than 50% of the distance B2. That is, when B2 is 1, B4:D2 can be within the range of 0.51:0.49 to 0.75:0.25.

[0067] The length W1 of the reflection pattern 151 in the first direction X can be equal to or less than the length W2 of the second opening portion 140 in the first direction X. The length W1 of the reflection pattern 151 in the first direction X can be less than the length of the optical filter 140 in the first direction X. Therefore, the reflection pattern 151 is arranged on the outer surface between the lens holder 121 and the second opening portion 140 to reflect the amount of light incident on the inner wall portion 150 through the lens holder 121, thereby reducing the amount of light directly reflected from the inner wall portion 150 to the image sensor 1303 and improving flare. As Figure 2 shown, the distance D1 between the second axis Z1 (that is, the optical axis) and the reflection pattern 151 can be 2.4 mm or more, for example, within the range of 2.4 mm to 4 mm or 3 mm to 3.5 mm. If the distance D1 is less than this range, interference may occur, resulting in a reduction in image resolution, and if it is less than this range, the light-shielding effect may be minimal.

[0068] As Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown in (A) of FIG. , the shape of the concave patterns of the reflection patterns 151 and 151A may include a triangular shape, a semi-circular shape, or a semi-elliptical shape in cross-section. The shape of the concave patterns of the reflection patterns 151 and 151A may be a right triangle or an equilateral triangle.

[0069] The spacing T1 between the convex patterns of the reflection patterns 151 and 151A may be 0.1 mm or more, for example, in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.9 mm or in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. If the spacing T1 between the convex patterns is less than this range, the reflection efficiency may decrease, and the flare improvement effect may be minimal. If the spacing T1 between the convex patterns of the reflection patterns 151 and 151A is greater than this range, it may affect the stiffness of the housing. The spacing T2 between the convex patterns of the reflection patterns 151 and 151A may be 0.2 mm or more, for example, in the range of 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. If the spacing T2 between the convex patterns of the reflection patterns 151 and 151A is outside this range, the reflection efficiency may decrease. As Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown in (A) of FIG. , the inclined sides of the triangular convex patterns may be arranged to incline towards the lower end of the housing or may be arranged to incline towards the lens holder. The inner angle R1 of the concave pattern between adjacent convex patterns may be 30 degrees or more, for example, in the range of 25 degrees to 65 degrees or in the range of 35 degrees to 55 degrees, and if the angle R1 is less than this range, the amount of reflected light may decrease, and if it is greater than this range, the flare reduction effect may decrease. As Figure 10 As shown in (B) of FIG. , the reflection pattern 151B may be formed as a rough surface. The rough surface may be formed by alternating convex and concave curves, thereby improving the reflection efficiency of the incident light amount.

[0070] The inner wall portion 150 having the reflection patterns 151, 151A, and 151B may be integrally formed with the housing 1400, formed on the lower base of the housing 1400, or formed as a separate plastic reinforcement plate.

[0071] Figure 11 FIG. is a diagram showing the measurement results of the flare intensity of a comparative example (A) without a reflection pattern on the inner wall and an embodiment (B) having a reflection pattern. It can be seen that compared with the comparative example (A), Figure 11 (B) the flare intensity of the embodiment is significantly lower or almost eliminated.

[0072] Figure 12 FIG. is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0073] As Figure 12As shown, the mobile terminal 1500 of this embodiment may include a camera module 1000, a flash module 1530, and an autofocus device 1510 disposed at the rear. The camera module 1000 may include an image capturing function and an autofocus function. For example, the camera module 1000 may include an autofocus function using an image. The camera module 1000 processes still image frames or moving image frames obtained by an image sensor in a shooting mode or a video call mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on a predetermined display unit and stored in a memory. A camera (not shown) may also be disposed in front of the mobile terminal body. For example, the camera module 1000 may include a first camera module 1000A and a second camera module 1000B, and OIS may be implemented together with the AF function or the zoom function through the first camera module 1000A.

[0074] The flash module 1530 may include a light emitting device that emits light internally. The flash module 1530 may be operated by the operation of the camera of the mobile terminal or the control of the user. The autofocus device 1510 may include one of packages of surface emitting laser elements as a light emitting unit. The autofocus device 1510 may include an autofocus function using a laser. The autofocus device 1510 may be mainly used under conditions where the autofocus function of the image using the camera module 1000 deteriorates, such as within a short distance of 10 m or less or in a dark environment. The autofocus device 1510 may include a light emitting portion that includes a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) semiconductor element and a light receiving portion (e.g., a photodiode) that converts light energy into electrical energy.

[0075] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied. Figure 13 is an external view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle driving assistance device to which the camera module 1000 according to an embodiment is applied. Refer to Figure 13 , the vehicle 700 of the embodiment may be equipped with wheels 13FL and 13FR that rotate by a power source and a predetermined sensor.

[0076] The sensor may be the camera sensor 2000, but is not limited thereto. The camera 2000 may be a camera sensor to which the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment is applied. The vehicle 700 according to the embodiment may obtain image information through the camera sensor 2000 that captures a front image or a surrounding image, and may use the image information to determine a lane non-recognition situation and generate a virtual lane when the lane is not recognized. For example, the camera sensor 2000 may capture the front of the vehicle 700 to obtain a front image, and a processor (not shown) may analyze the objects included in the front image to obtain image information. For example, if an object corresponding to a lane, an adjacent vehicle, an obstacle, or an indirect road sign (e.g., a median strip, a curb, or a street tree) is captured in the image captured by the camera sensor 2000, the processor may detect such an object and include it in the image information. At this time, the processor may obtain distance information from the objects detected through the camera sensor 2000 to further supplement the image information. The image information may be information about the objects captured in the image. The camera sensor 2000 may include an image sensor and an image processing module.

[0077] The camera sensor 2000 may process a still image or a moving image obtained by the image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD). The image processing module may process the still image or the moving image obtained through the image sensor, extract necessary information, and send the extracted information to the processor. At this time, the camera sensor 2000 may include a stereo camera to improve the measurement accuracy of an object and ensure more information such as the distance between the vehicle 700 and the object, but is not limited thereto. Although the above has been described with reference to examples, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above may be made without departing from the basic features of the present invention. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples may be modified and implemented. In addition, the differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: A reflection member that reflects light incident in a first direction to a second direction; A lens holder having a plurality of lenses aligned along the second direction; A circuit board provided with an image sensor that converts light refracted by the plurality of lenses into an electrical signal; A housing that surrounds the reflection member and the lens holder; And An inner wall portion having a reflection pattern on a part of one side located between the lens holder and the image sensor.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein The reflection pattern is provided in a partial area of the inner wall portion, and Wherein, the reflection pattern is spaced apart from the lower end of the lens holder.

3. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The reflection pattern is provided between the lower end of the housing and the lower end of the lens holder.

4. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The reflection pattern is provided in an area adjacent to the opposite side surface of the incident surface of the reflection member and the image sensor.

5. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The housing includes a first opening that exposes the incident surface of the reflection member and a second opening provided on the image sensor, and Wherein, the reflection pattern is provided on the outer side between the upper end of the second opening and the lens holder.

6. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The reflection pattern has concave patterns and convex patterns alternately arranged in the second direction.

7. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The concave patterns and convex patterns of the reflection pattern are arranged with a longer length in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

8. A camera module, comprising: A reflection member that reflects light incident in a first direction to a second direction; A lens holder having a plurality of lenses aligned along the second direction; A circuit board provided with an image sensor that converts light refracted by the plurality of lenses into an electrical signal; A housing that covers the optical member and the lens holder; And An inner wall portion having a reflection pattern on a part of one side located between the lens holder and the image sensor, Wherein, at least one of the plurality of lenses has a non-circular shape, and Wherein, the length of the upper part of the lens holder in the first direction is less than the length in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, Among the plurality of lenses, three or fewer lenses adjacent to the reflection member are non-circular lenses.

10. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The inner wall portion is a part of the inner surface of the other side of the housing.

11. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The housing includes one side having a first opening that exposes the incident surface of the reflection member, another side opposite to the one side, and a second opening adjacent to the image sensor, Wherein, the reflection pattern is provided on the inner surface of the other side between the upper end of the second opening and the lens holder.

12. The camera module according to claim 11, wherein, The length of the reflection pattern in the third direction is equal to or less than the length of the second opening in the third direction.

13. The camera module according to any one of claims 8 to 11, Among them, The reflection pattern is disposed between the lower end of the lens holder and the lower end of the housing on the inner surface of the other side of the housing, wherein the reflection pattern is spaced apart from the lower end of the lens holder.

14. The camera module according to any one of claims 8 to 11, comprising: an optical filter disposed between the image sensor and the lower end of the housing, wherein the height of the reflection pattern is set to be 20% or more of the optical axis distance between the last lens in the lens holder and the image sensor, wherein the length of the reflection pattern in the third direction is less than the length of the optical filter in the third direction.

15. The camera module according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein, The reflection pattern is arranged such that concave patterns and convex patterns are alternately arranged in the second direction, wherein the concave patterns and the convex patterns of the reflection pattern are arranged with a longer length in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, wherein the optical axis distance between the object side surface of the lens closest to the image sensor among the plurality of lenses and the image sensor is BFL and is 5 mm or more, wherein the height of the reflection pattern in the second direction is 20% or more of the BFL.

Images