Optical element and camera module comprising the optical element

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an optical element including, in order from an object side of the optical element toward an image side of the optical element, an entrance surface, a first reflection surface, a second reflection surface, a third reflection surface, and an exit surface. A length of the entrance surface in a first direction is different from a length of the exit surface in a second direction that intersects the first direction. The present disclosure also relates to a camera module including the optical element.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0184998, filed on December 12, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an optical element and a camera module having the optical element. Background Technology

[0004] Portable electronic devices typically include a camera module for capturing still images or recording moving images. For example, a camera module can be installed in a mobile phone, laptop, game console, or other portable electronic device.

[0005] Portable electronic devices of this type are typically manufactured in a compact or small size to enhance user convenience in terms of device portability. For example, a camera module installed in a portable electronic device may include an optical path conversion component configured to change or transform the direction of the optical path. The optical path conversion component splits the optical path of an imaging lens system extending longitudinally in one direction into two or more directions, thereby enabling the camera module to be thinner and smaller.

[0006] However, traditional camera modules have limitations in miniaturization (compacting) because they simply change the direction of the light path through light path conversion components. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The summary portion of this invention is intended to provide a brief overview of the chosen concepts, which will be further described in the detailed description portion below. This summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] In one general aspect, the optical element includes an incident surface, a first reflecting surface, a second reflecting surface, a third reflecting surface, and an exiting surface arranged sequentially from the object side of the optical element toward the image side of the optical element, wherein the length of the incident surface in a first direction is different from the length of the exiting surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0009] The first to the third reflecting surfaces may not be parallel to each other.

[0010] The first to third reflecting surfaces can be configured such that the optical axis of the incident surface and the optical axis of the exiting surface are parallel to each other.

[0011] The area of ​​the first reflecting surface can be larger than the area of ​​the third reflecting surface.

[0012] The optical element may also include a first light-shielding member disposed on the incident surface and including a first opening; and a second light-shielding member disposed on the exiting surface and including a second opening.

[0013] The size of the first opening can be larger than the size of the second opening.

[0014] One or both of the first and second openings may include protrusions to reduce flare phenomena.

[0015] The area of ​​the first reflective surface can be greater than the area of ​​either the second or the third reflective surface.

[0016] In another general aspect, the camera module includes the aforementioned optical elements, an imaging lens system disposed on the object side of the incident surface, and an image sensor disposed on the image side of the exit surface.

[0017] In another general aspect, the optical element includes an incident surface, a first reflecting surface, a second reflecting surface, a third reflecting surface, a fourth reflecting surface, and an exiting surface arranged sequentially from the object side of the optical element toward the image side of the optical element, wherein the length of the incident surface in a first direction is different from the length of the exiting surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0018] The distance from the first reflective surface to the second reflective surface can be less than the distance from the second reflective surface to the third reflective surface.

[0019] The distance from the third reflective surface to the fourth reflective surface can be less than the distance from the first reflective surface to the second reflective surface.

[0020] The angle between the third and fourth reflective surfaces can be in the range of 8° to 32°.

[0021] The optical element may also include a first light-shielding member disposed on the incident surface and including a first opening, and a second light-shielding member disposed on the exit surface and including a second opening.

[0022] The size of the first opening can be larger than the size of the second opening.

[0023] In another general aspect, the camera module includes the aforementioned optical elements, an imaging lens system disposed on the object side of the incident surface, and an image sensor disposed on the image side of the exit surface.

[0024] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the optical element according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the optical element shown.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the optical element shown.

[0028] Figure 4 It includes Figure 1 The diagram shows the configuration of the camera module with the optical elements shown.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an optical element according to another embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A plan view of the optical element shown.

[0031] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Another perspective view of the optical element shown.

[0032] Figure 8 It includes Figure 5 The diagram shows the configuration of the camera module with the optical elements shown.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an optical element according to another embodiment.

[0034] Figure 10A and 10B They are Figure 9 The plan view and side view of the optical element shown.

[0035] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Another perspective view of the optical element shown.

[0036] Figure 12 It includes Figure 9 The diagram shows the configuration of the camera module with the optical elements shown.

[0037] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scale, and descriptions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following detailed embodiments are provided to help the reader gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, as will become apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. Furthermore, for clarity and conciseness, descriptions of features well-known in the art may be omitted.

[0039] The features described herein may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways in which the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0040] Throughout this specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element, the element may be directly "on," directly "connected to," or directly "attached to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element, there are no other elements between the element and the other element.

[0041] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items.

[0042] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or section from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, first part, first region, first layer, or first section mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as a second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second section.

[0043] Spatial relative terms such as “above,” “above,” “below,” and “under” may be used herein for descriptive convenience to describe the relationship of one element relative to another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to covering the orientation depicted in the drawings, these spatial relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “above” or “above” another element would be located “below” or “under” that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term “above” covers both orientations of “above” and “below”. 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 should be interpreted accordingly.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form as well. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” indicate 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.

[0045] In this specification, the object side of an optical element refers to the surface closer to the object to be photographed among the two side surfaces (incident side and exit side) of the optical element, and the image side of an optical element refers to the surface closer to the imaging surface (or image sensor) among the two side surfaces of the optical element.

[0046] Furthermore, in this specification, the distances between the incident surface, the reflecting surface, and the exiting surface are calculated along the optical axis. Additionally, in this specification, the first direction, the second direction, the third direction, and the fourth direction may refer to directions that are different from each other.

[0047] The optical element according to a first aspect of this disclosure may include an incident surface, an exit surface, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. For example, the optical element according to the first aspect may include a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and a third reflective surface arranged sequentially between the incident surface and the exit surface along the optical path. The optical element according to the first aspect may have unique characteristics with respect to the incident surface and the exit surface. For example, in the optical element according to the first aspect, the length X1 of the incident surface in a first direction may be different from the length Y2 of the exit surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0048] In the optical element according to the first aspect, X1 and Y2 can satisfy a predetermined relationship. For example, X1 and Y2 can satisfy the conditional expression 0.6 < Y2 / X1 < 1.0.

[0049] This conditional expression can be a condition that minimizes the size of the camera module, including the optical elements, while ensuring stable performance. As an example, optical elements exceeding the upper limit of this conditional expression may be difficult to mount in a small terminal, as miniaturization and integration of the camera module can be challenging. As another example, optical elements below the lower limit of this conditional expression may reduce the amount of light converged to the image sensor, making it difficult to achieve a high-resolution camera module. Furthermore, camera modules below the lower limit of this conditional expression may experience degraded field-of-view relative illumination (RI) and resolution around the optical axis.

[0050] The optical element according to a second aspect of this disclosure may include an incident surface, an exit surface, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. For example, the optical element according to the second aspect may include a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, a third reflective surface, and a fourth reflective surface arranged sequentially between the incident surface and the exit surface along the optical path. The optical element according to the second aspect may have unique characteristics with respect to the incident surface and the exit surface. For example, in the optical element according to the second aspect, the length of the incident surface in a first direction may be different from the length of the exit surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0051] The optical element according to a third aspect of this disclosure may include an incident surface, an exit surface, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. For example, the optical element according to the third aspect may include a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and a third reflective surface sequentially disposed between the incident surface and the exit surface along the optical path. The optical element according to the third aspect may have unique characteristics with respect to the incident surface and the exit surface. For example, in the optical element according to the third aspect, the area of ​​the incident surface may be larger than the area of ​​the exit surface.

[0052] The optical element according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure may include an incident surface, an exit surface, and three reflecting surfaces. For example, the optical element according to the fourth aspect may include a first reflecting surface, a second reflecting surface, and a third reflecting surface arranged sequentially between the incident surface and the exit surface along the optical path. In the optical element according to the fourth aspect, the first to third reflecting surfaces may have a unique arrangement relative to each other. For example, in the optical element according to the fourth aspect, the first to third reflecting surfaces may be arranged such that they are not parallel to each other. In the optical element according to the fourth aspect, the incident surface and the exit surface may have a unique arrangement. For example, in the optical element according to the fourth aspect, the incident surface and the exit surface may be arranged facing an object.

[0053] The optical element according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure may include an incident surface, an exit surface, and three reflecting surfaces. For example, the optical element according to the fifth aspect may include a first reflecting surface, a second reflecting surface, and a third reflecting surface arranged sequentially between the incident surface and the exit surface along the optical path. In the optical element according to the fifth aspect, the incident surface and the exit surface may have a unique arrangement. For example, in the optical element according to the fifth aspect, one side of the incident surface may be connected to one side of the exit surface.

[0054] A camera module according to one aspect of this disclosure may include an imaging lens system and an image sensor. Furthermore, a camera module according to one aspect may include specific types of optical elements. For example, a camera module according to one aspect may be configured to include any one of the optical elements described in the first to fifth aspects above.

[0055] According to one aspect of the camera module, a predetermined relationship can be satisfied between the imaging lens system and the optical elements. For example, the distance H along the optical axis from the foremost lens of the imaging lens system to the first reflecting surface of the optical element and the distance PD12 along the optical axis from the first reflecting surface of the optical element to the second reflecting surface of the optical element can satisfy the conditional expression 0.6. <PD12 / H < 2.5。

[0056] This conditional expression can represent conditions that guarantee the telephoto performance and miniaturization of a camera module. For example, a camera module exceeding the upper limit of this expression might be advantageous in achieving a long focal length, but the optics might become excessively long, making it difficult to mount the camera module in a small terminal. As another example, a camera module below the lower limit of this expression might be difficult to mount in a thin terminal due to the size of its imaging lens system. As yet another example, a camera module below the lower limit of this expression might lack sufficient back focal length, thus limiting improvements in its telephoto performance. Additionally, a camera module below the lower limit of this expression might have a considerable thickness (or height), making it difficult to mount the camera module in a thin terminal, or a portion of the camera module might protrude beyond the thin terminal.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the optical element according to an embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the optical element shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the optical element shown. Figure 4 It includes Figure 1 The diagram shows the configuration of the camera module with the optical elements shown.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 The optical element 100 according to the embodiment may include an incident surface 110 and an exit surface 120. For example, the optical element 100 may include an incident surface 110 and an exit surface 120, where light reflected from an object is incident on the incident surface 110, and light incident from the incident surface 110 is emitted from the exit surface 120 to an imaging surface (or image sensor). The optical element 100 may include a plurality of reflective surfaces 130, 140, and 150. For example, the optical element 100 may include a first reflective surface 130, a second reflective surface 140, and a third reflective surface 150 sequentially disposed between the incident surface 110 and the exit surface 120.

[0059] The incident surface 110 and the exit surface 120 may have a predetermined dimensional relationship relative to each other. As an example, the length X1 of the incident surface 110 in the first direction may be less than or equal to the length X2 of the exit surface 120 in the first direction. Additionally, the length X1 of the incident surface 110 in the first direction may be greater than the length Y2 of the exit surface 120 in a second direction intersecting the first direction. As an example, the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. As another example, the length Y1 of the incident surface 110 in the second direction may be greater than the length Y2 of the exit surface 120 in the second direction. Additionally, the length Y1 of the incident surface 110 in the second direction may be less than or equal to the length X2 of the exit surface 120 in the first direction.

[0060] The first reflecting surface 130, the second reflecting surface 140, and the third reflecting surface 150 can be arranged in a unique configuration relative to each other. As an example, the first reflecting surface 130, the second reflecting surface 140, and the third reflecting surface 150 can be configured such that they are not parallel to each other. As a specific example, the first reflecting surface 130 can be configured such that it is not parallel to the second reflecting surface 140 and the third reflecting surface 150, and the second reflecting surface 140 can be configured such that it is not parallel to the third reflecting surface 150. This configuration of the first to third reflecting surfaces 150 can facilitate the concentration of long optical paths into narrow spaces. As another example, the first to third reflecting surfaces 150 can be configured such that the first optical axis C1 of the incident surface 110 and the fourth optical axis C4 of the exit surface 120 are parallel to each other or substantially parallel to each other. As a specific example, the first reflective surface 130 can be configured to reflect light incident along the first optical axis C1 in the direction of the second optical axis C2 intersecting the first optical axis C1, the second reflective surface 140 can be configured to reflect light incident along the second optical axis C2 in the direction of the third optical axis C3 intersecting the first optical axis C1 and the second optical axis C2, and the third reflective surface 150 can be configured to reflect light incident along the third optical axis C3 in the direction of the fourth optical axis C4 intersecting the second optical axis C2 and the third optical axis C3.

[0061] The first reflective surface 130 to the third reflective surface 150 may have a predetermined dimensional relationship relative to each other. As an example, the area A1 of the first reflective surface 130 may be equal to the area A2 of the second reflective surface 140, but may be greater than the area A3 of the third reflective surface 150. The dimensional relationship between the first reflective surface 130 to the third reflective surface 150 may be a condition that minimizes the size of the optical element 100.

[0062] The optical element 100 according to this embodiment can be configured such that the characteristics of light incident through the incident surface 110 and the characteristics of light emitted through the exit surface 120 remain unchanged. For example, the optical element 100 can be configured such that the refractive index and Abbe number of the incident surface 110, the first reflecting surface 130 to the third reflecting surface 150 and the exit surface 120 are the same.

[0063] The optical element 100 according to this embodiment can be configured to control one or both of the amount of light incident through the incident surface 110 and the amount of light emitted through the exit surface 120. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the optical element 100 may include a first light-shielding member 180 and a second light-shielding member 190 respectively disposed on the incident surface 110 and the exit surface 120.

[0064] An opening may be formed in each of the first light-shielding member 180 and the second light-shielding member 190 to control the amount of incident or emitted light. For example, a first opening 182 for controlling the amount of incident light may be formed in the first light-shielding member 180, and a second opening 192 for controlling the amount of emitted light may be formed in the second light-shielding member 190. The first opening 182 and the second opening 192 may have a predetermined dimensional relationship relative to each other. For example, the size of the first opening 182 may be larger than the size of the second opening 192.

[0065] The first light-shielding member 180 and the second light-shielding member 190 can be configured to reduce glare. For example, a protrusion 184 can be formed on one or both of the first opening 182 of the first light-shielding member 180 and the second opening 192 of the second light-shielding member 190. The protrusion 184 can be formed along the edges of the first opening 182 and the second opening 192, or it can be formed on a portion of the first opening 182 and the second opening 192. In addition, the protrusion 184 can be formed with different sizes depending on the position of the first opening 182 and the second opening 192.

[0066] The optical element 100 configured as described above can be housed in a compact camera module 10. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The following will describe a camera module 10 that includes an optical element 100 according to an embodiment.

[0067] The camera module 10 according to an embodiment may include an optical element 100, an imaging lens system 200, and an image sensor 300. However, the configuration of the camera module 10 is not limited to the above-described components. For example, the camera module 10 may also include an aperture stop and a filter.

[0068] Camera module 10 can be configured to perform long-distance shooting. As an example, camera module 10 can be configured to have a field of view of 30° or less. As another example, camera module 10 can be configured such that the ratio TTL / f between the total length TTL of imaging lens system 200 and the focal length f of imaging lens system 200 can be 1.0 or less, where the total length TTL of imaging lens system 200 is the distance along the optical axis from the object side of the foremost lens of imaging lens system 200 to image sensor 300.

[0069] The camera module 10 can be configured for easy installation on a compact terminal. For example, as Figure 4As shown, the optical element 100, imaging lens system 200, and image sensor 300, which occupy most of the volume of the camera module 10, can be arranged in a concentrated manner within a predetermined space. As a specific example, in the camera module 10, the imaging lens system 200 and image sensor 300 can be arranged substantially adjacent to each other. As another example, the optical axis C1' of the imaging lens system 200 and the optical axis C4' of the image sensor 300 in the camera module 10 can be arranged substantially adjacent to each other, while being parallel or substantially parallel to each other. As yet another example, the line segment CL connecting the optical axis C1' of the imaging lens system 200 and the optical axis C4' of the image sensor 300 in the camera module 10 can be substantially parallel to the second reflective surface 140 of the optical element 100. The optical axis C1' of the imaging lens system 200 can coincide with the first optical axis C1 of the incident surface 110 of the optical element 100, and the optical axis C4' of the image sensor 300 can coincide with the fourth optical axis C4 of the exit surface 120 of the optical element 100.

[0070] The camera module 10 can satisfy a predetermined relationship between the optical element 100 and the imaging lens system 200. For example, the camera module 10 can satisfy the following conditional expression.

[0071] 0.6 < PD12 / H < 2.5

[0072] In the above conditional expressions, H is the distance along the optical axis from the object side of the foremost lens of the imaging lens system 200 to the first reflective surface 130, and PD12 is the distance along the optical axis from the first reflective surface 130 of the optical element 100 to the second reflective surface 140 of the optical element 100.

[0073] The camera module 10 configured as described above can densely arrange the optical elements 100, imaging lens system 200 and image sensor 300 in a small area, thereby making it easy to install the camera module 10 in thin or compact electronic devices with narrow space for setting internal components.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an optical element according to another embodiment. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A plan view of the optical element shown. Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Another perspective view of the optical element shown. Figure 8 It includes Figure 5 The diagram shows the configuration of the camera module with the optical elements shown.

[0075] Reference Figure 5According to another embodiment, the optical element 102 may include an incident surface 110 and an exit surface 120. For example, the optical element 102 may include an incident surface 110 and an exit surface 120, where light reflected from an object is incident on the incident surface 110, and light incident from the incident surface 110 is emitted from the exit surface 120 to an imaging surface (or image sensor). The optical element 102 may include a plurality of reflective surfaces 130, 140, and 150. For example, the optical element 102 may include a first reflective surface 130, a second reflective surface 140, and a third reflective surface 150 sequentially disposed between the incident surface 110 and the exit surface 120.

[0076] The incident surface 110 and the exit surface 120 may have a predetermined dimensional relationship relative to each other. As an example, the length X1 of the incident surface 110 in the first direction may be less than or equal to the length X2 of the exit surface 120 in the first direction. Additionally, the length X1 of the incident surface 110 in the first direction may be greater than the length Y2 of the exit surface 120 in a second direction intersecting the first direction. As an example, the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. As another example, the length Y1 of the incident surface 110 in the second direction may be greater than the length Y2 of the exit surface 120 in the second direction. Additionally, the length Y1 of the incident surface 110 in the second direction may be less than or equal to the length X2 of the exit surface 120 in the first direction.

[0077] The first reflecting surface 130, the second reflecting surface 140, and the third reflecting surface 150 can be arranged in a unique configuration relative to each other. As an example, the first reflecting surface 130, the second reflecting surface 140, and the third reflecting surface 150 can be arranged such that they are not parallel to each other. As a specific example, the first reflecting surface 130 can be arranged so that it is not parallel to the second reflecting surface 140 and the third reflecting surface 150, and the second reflecting surface 140 can be arranged so that it is not parallel to the third reflecting surface 150. This configuration of the first to third reflecting surfaces 150 can facilitate the concentration of long optical paths into narrow spaces. As another example, the first to third reflecting surfaces 150 can be arranged such that the first optical axis C1 of the incident surface 110 and the fourth optical axis C4 of the exit surface 120 are parallel to each other or substantially parallel to each other. As a specific example, the first reflective surface 130 can be configured to reflect light incident along the first optical axis C1 in the direction of the second optical axis C2 intersecting the first optical axis C1, the second reflective surface 140 can be configured to reflect light incident along the second optical axis C2 in the direction of the third optical axis C3 intersecting the first optical axis C1 and the second optical axis C2, and the third reflective surface 150 can be configured to reflect light incident along the third optical axis C3 in the direction of the fourth optical axis C4 intersecting the second optical axis C2 and the third optical axis C3.

[0078] The first reflective surface 130 to the third reflective surface 150 can have a predetermined dimensional relationship relative to each other. As an example, the area A1 of the first reflective surface 130 can be larger than either the area A2 of the second reflective surface 140 or the area A3 of the third reflective surface 150. As another example, the area A1 of the first reflective surface 130 can be larger than the area A2 of the second reflective surface 140, and the area A2 of the second reflective surface 140 can be larger than the area A3 of the third reflective surface 150. An optical element 102 satisfying these conditions can significantly reduce its length in the second direction (the direction of lengths Y1 and Y2). Therefore, a camera module including the optical element 102 according to this embodiment can be advantageously mounted on a compact and thin terminal.

[0079] The optical element 102 according to this embodiment can be configured such that the characteristics of light incident through the incident surface 110 and the characteristics of light emitted through the exit surface 120 remain unchanged. For example, the optical element 102 can be configured such that the refractive index and Abbe number of the incident surface 110, the first reflecting surface 130 to the third reflecting surface 150 and the exit surface 120 are the same.

[0080] The optical element 102 according to this embodiment can be configured to control one or both of the amount of light incident through the incident surface 110 and the amount of light emitted through the exit surface 120. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, the optical element 102 may include a first light-shielding member 180 and a second light-shielding member 190 formed on the incident surface 110 and the exit surface 120, respectively.

[0081] An opening may be formed in each of the first light-shielding member 180 and the second light-shielding member 190 to control the amount of incident or emitted light. For example, a first opening 182 for controlling the amount of incident light may be formed in the first light-shielding member 180, and a second opening 192 for controlling the amount of emitted light may be formed in the second light-shielding member 190. The first opening 182 and the second opening 192 may have a predetermined dimensional relationship relative to each other. For example, the size of the first opening 182 may be larger than the size of the second opening 192.

[0082] The first light-shielding member 180 and the second light-shielding member 190 can be configured to reduce glare. For example, a protrusion 184 can be formed on one or both of the first opening 182 of the first light-shielding member 180 and the second opening 192 of the second light-shielding member 190. The protrusion 184 can be formed along the edges of the first opening 182 and the second opening 192, or it can be formed on a portion of the first opening 182 and the second opening 192. In addition, the protrusion 184 can be formed with different sizes depending on the position of the first opening 182 and the second opening 192.

[0083] The optical element 102 configured as described above can be housed in a compact camera module 12. (See reference...) Figure 8 The following will describe a camera module 12 that includes an optical element 102 according to an embodiment.

[0084] The camera module 12 according to an embodiment may include an optical element 102, an imaging lens system 200, and an image sensor 300. However, the configuration of the camera module 12 is not limited to the above-described components. For example, the camera module 12 may also include an aperture stop and a filter.

[0085] Camera module 12 can be configured to perform long-distance shooting. As an example, camera module 12 can be configured to have a field of view of 30° or less. As another example, camera module 12 can be configured such that the ratio TTL / f between the total length TTL of imaging lens system 200 and the focal length f of imaging lens system 200 can be 1.0 or less, where the total length TTL of imaging lens system 200 is the distance along the optical axis from the object side of the foremost lens of imaging lens system 200 to image sensor 300.

[0086] The camera module 12 can be configured for easy installation in a compact terminal. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, the optical element 102, imaging lens system 200, and image sensor 300, which occupy most of the volume of the camera module 12, can be arranged in a concentrated manner within a predetermined space. As a specific example, in the camera module 12, the imaging lens system 200 and image sensor 300 can be arranged substantially adjacent to each other. As another example, the optical axis C1' of the imaging lens system 200 and the optical axis C4' of the image sensor 300 in the camera module 12 can be arranged substantially adjacent to each other, while being parallel or substantially parallel to each other. As yet another example, the line segment CL connecting the optical axis C1' of the imaging lens system 200 and the optical axis C4' of the image sensor 300 in the camera module 12 can be substantially parallel to the second reflective surface 140 of the optical element 102. The optical axis C1' of the imaging lens system 200 can coincide with the first optical axis C1 of the incident surface 110 of the optical element 102, and the optical axis C4' of the image sensor 300 can coincide with the fourth optical axis C4 of the exit surface 120 of the optical element 102.

[0087] The camera module 12 configured as described above can densely arrange the optical elements 102, imaging lens system 200 and image sensor 300 in a small area, thereby making the camera module 12 easy to install in thin or compact electronic devices with narrow space for setting internal components.

[0088] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an optical element according to another embodiment. Figure 10A and Figure 10B They are Figure 9 The plan view and side view of the optical element shown. Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Another perspective view of the optical element shown. Figure 12 It includes Figure 9 The diagram shows the configuration of the camera module with the optical elements shown.

[0089] Reference Figure 9 According to another embodiment, the optical element 104 may include an incident surface 110 and an exit surface 120. For example, the optical element 104 may include an incident surface 110 and an exit surface 120, where light reflected from an object is incident on the incident surface 110, and light incident from the incident surface 110 is emitted from the exit surface 120 to an imaging surface (or image sensor). The optical element 104 may include a plurality of reflective surfaces 130, 140, 150, and 160. For example, the optical element 104 may include a first reflective surface 130, a second reflective surface 140, a third reflective surface 150, and a fourth reflective surface 160 sequentially disposed between the incident surface 110 and the exit surface 120.

[0090] The incident surface 110 and the exit surface 120 may have a predetermined dimensional relationship relative to each other. As an example, the length X1 of the incident surface 110 in a first direction may be less than the length X2 of the exit surface 120 in the first direction, but may be greater than the length Y2 of the exit surface 120 in a second direction intersecting the first direction. As an example, the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. As another example, the length Y1 of the incident surface 110 in the second direction may be greater than the length Y2 of the exit surface 120 in the second direction and less than the length X2 of the exit surface 120 in the first direction.

[0091] The first reflective surface 130, the second reflective surface 140, the third reflective surface 150, and the fourth reflective surface 160 can be arranged in a unique configuration. As an example, the first reflective surface 130, the second reflective surface 140, the third reflective surface 150, and the fourth reflective surface 160 can be configured such that they are not parallel to each other. As a specific example, the first reflective surface 130 can be configured to be non-parallel to the second reflective surfaces 140 to 160, the second reflective surface 140 can be configured to be non-parallel to the third reflective surfaces 150 and 160, and the third reflective surface 150 can be configured to be non-parallel to the fourth reflective surface 160. As another example, the first reflective surface 130, the second reflective surface 140, the third reflective surface 150, and the fourth reflective surface 160 can be configured to reflect incident light in directions relative to each other. As a specific example, the first reflective surface 130 can reflect light incident along the first optical axis C1 in the direction of the second optical axis C2 intersecting the first optical axis C1; the second reflective surface 140 can reflect light incident along the second optical axis C2 in the direction of the third optical axis C3 intersecting the second optical axis C2; the third reflective surface 150 can reflect light incident along the third optical axis C3 in the direction of the fourth optical axis C4 intersecting the third optical axis C3; and the fourth reflective surface 160 can reflect light incident along the fourth optical axis C4 in the direction of the fifth optical axis C5 intersecting the fourth optical axis C4. The arrangement of the first reflective surface 130 to the fourth reflective surface 160 can facilitate concentrating a long optical path into a narrow space.

[0092] The distances between the first reflective surface 130 and the fourth reflective surface 160 can have a predetermined dimensional relationship relative to each other. As an example, the distance D12 from the first reflective surface 130 to the second reflective surface 140 can be less than the distance D23 from the second reflective surface 140 to the third reflective surface 150. As another example, the distance D34 from the third reflective surface 150 to the fourth reflective surface 160 can be less than the distance D12 from the first reflective surface 130 to the second reflective surface 140. In embodiments, the angle θ between the third reflective surface 150 and the fourth reflective surface 160 can be limited to a predetermined range. For example, the angle θ between the third reflective surface 150 and the fourth reflective surface 160 can be in the range of 8° to 32°. Preferably, the angle θ between the third reflective surface 150 and the fourth reflective surface 160 can be 30° or 18°.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the optical element 104 can make the emitting surface 120 coplanar with one of the first reflecting surface 130 to the fourth reflecting surface 160. For example, the third reflecting surface 150 can be formed on the same plane as the emitting surface 120.

[0094] The optical element 104 according to this embodiment can be configured such that the characteristics of light incident through the incident surface 110 and the characteristics of light emitted through the exit surface 120 remain unchanged. For example, the optical element 104 can be configured such that the refractive index and Abbe number of the incident surface 110, the first reflecting surface 130 to the fourth reflecting surface 160 and the exit surface 120 are the same.

[0095] The optical element 104 according to this embodiment can be configured to control one or both of the amount of light incident through the incident surface 110 and the amount of light emitted through the exit surface 120. For example, as Figure 11 As shown, the optical element 104 may include a first light-shielding member 180 and a second light-shielding member 190 formed on the incident surface 110 and the exit surface 120, respectively.

[0096] An opening may be formed in each of the first light-shielding member 180 and the second light-shielding member 190 to control the amount of incident or emitted light. For example, a first opening 182 for controlling the amount of incident light may be formed in the first light-shielding member 180, and a second opening 192 for controlling the amount of emitted light may be formed in the second light-shielding member 190. The first opening 182 and the second opening 192 may have a predetermined dimensional relationship relative to each other. For example, the size of the first opening 182 may be larger than the size of the second opening 192.

[0097] The first light-shielding member 180 and the second light-shielding member 190 can be configured to reduce glare. For example, a protrusion 184 can be formed on one or both of the first opening 182 of the first light-shielding member 180 and the second opening 192 of the second light-shielding member 190. The protrusion 184 can be formed along the edges of the first opening 182 and the second opening 192, or it can be formed on a portion of the first opening 182 and the second opening 192. In addition, the protrusion 184 can be formed with different sizes depending on the position of the first opening 182 and the second opening 192.

[0098] The optical element 104 configured as described above can be housed in a compact camera module 14. (See reference...) Figure 12 The following describes a camera module 14 including optical element 104 according to an embodiment.

[0099] The camera module 14 according to an embodiment may include an optical element 104, an imaging lens system 200, and an image sensor 300. However, the configuration of the camera module 14 is not limited to the components described above. For example, the camera module 14 may also include an aperture stop and a filter.

[0100] Camera module 14 can be configured to perform long-distance shooting. As an example, camera module 14 can be configured to have a field of view of 30° or less. As another example, camera module 14 can be configured such that the ratio TTL / f between the total length TTL of imaging lens system 200 and the focal length f of imaging lens system 200 can be 1.0 or less, where the total length TTL of imaging lens system 200 is the distance along the optical axis from the object side of the foremost lens of imaging lens system 200 to image sensor 300.

[0101] The camera module 14 can be configured for easy installation in a compact terminal. For example, as Figure 12 As shown, the optical element 104, imaging lens system 200, and image sensor 300, which occupy most of the volume of the camera module 14, can be arranged in a concentrated manner within a predetermined space. As a specific example, in the camera module 14, the imaging lens system 200 and image sensor 300 can be arranged substantially adjacent to each other.

[0102] The camera module 14 configured as described above can densely arrange the optical elements 104, imaging lens system 200 and image sensor 300 in a small area, thereby making it easy to install the camera module 14 in thin or compact electronic devices with narrow space for setting internal components.

[0103] While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may still be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. Optical components, including: An incident surface, a first reflecting surface, a second reflecting surface, a third reflecting surface, and an exiting surface are arranged sequentially from the object side of the optical element toward the image side of the optical element. Wherein, the length of the incident surface in the first direction is different from the length of the exiting surface in the second direction intersecting the first direction, and The optical element has at least three reflective surfaces between the incident surface and the exit surface.

2. The optical element according to claim 1, wherein, The first reflective surface to the third reflective surface are not parallel to each other.

3. The optical element according to claim 1, wherein, The first to the third reflective surfaces are configured such that the optical axis of the incident surface and the optical axis of the exiting surface are parallel to each other.

4. The optical element according to claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​the first reflective surface is greater than the area of ​​the third reflective surface.

5. The optical element according to claim 1, further comprising: A first light-shielding member is disposed on the incident surface and includes a first opening; as well as A second light-shielding member is disposed on the emission surface and includes a second opening.

6. The optical element according to claim 5, wherein, The size of the first opening is larger than the size of the second opening.

7. The optical element according to claim 5, wherein, One or both of the first opening and the second opening include protrusions to reduce flare phenomena.

8. The optical element according to claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​the first reflective surface is greater than the area of ​​either the second reflective surface or the third reflective surface.

9. Camera module, including: Optical element according to any one of claims 1 to 8; An imaging lens system is disposed on the object side of the incident surface; as well as An image sensor is disposed on the image side of the exit surface.

10. Optical elements, including: An incident surface, a first reflecting surface, a second reflecting surface, a third reflecting surface, a fourth reflecting surface, and an exiting surface are arranged sequentially from the object side of the optical element toward the image side of the optical element. Wherein, the length of the incident surface in the first direction is different from the length of the exiting surface in the second direction intersecting the first direction, and The optical element has at least four reflective surfaces between the incident surface and the exit surface.

11. The optical element according to claim 10, wherein, The distance from the first reflective surface to the second reflective surface is less than the distance from the second reflective surface to the third reflective surface.

12. The optical element according to claim 10, wherein, The distance from the third reflective surface to the fourth reflective surface is less than the distance from the first reflective surface to the second reflective surface.

13. The optical element according to claim 10, wherein, The angle between the third reflective surface and the fourth reflective surface is in the range of 8° to 32°.

14. The optical element according to claim 10, further comprising: A first light-shielding member is disposed on the incident surface and includes a first opening; as well as A second light-shielding member is disposed on the emission surface and includes a second opening.

15. The optical element according to claim 14, wherein, The size of the first opening is larger than the size of the second opening.

16. A camera module, including: Optical element according to any one of claims 10 to 15; An imaging lens system is disposed on the object side of the incident surface; as well as An image sensor is disposed on the image side of the exit surface.

Images