Lens module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a lens module including a lens formed of a first material and a lens barrel formed of a second material different from the first material and including an accommodation space that accommodates the lens. A protrusion protruding toward an outer peripheral surface of the lens is provided in the accommodation space, and a conditional expression 0.3 < G / X < 0.8 is satisfied, where G is a distance between an end of the protrusion and the outer peripheral surface of the lens, and X is a maximum swelling deformation amount of the lens.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0016112, filed on February 7, 2025, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0137530, filed on September 23, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a lens module capable of mitigating lens expansion stress. Background Technology

[0004] A camera module may include a lens module for forming an image of incident light on an image sensor. The lens module may include multiple plastic lenses arranged sequentially along the optical axis and a lens barrel housing these plastic lenses. The lens module is one of several important components that determine the performance and resolution of the camera module. For example, if the optical axes of the lenses included in the lens module are not aligned within tolerances, the performance and resolution of the camera module may be degraded. To address this, the lenses may be housed within the lens barrel to ensure close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel. However, such a close contact structure between the lens and the lens barrel may excessively restrict the expansion changes of the plastic lenses caused by external temperature variations, potentially leading to lens breakage or deformation of the lens's optical axis, which could significantly reduce the performance and resolution of the camera module.

[0005] The above information is presented as background information and is intended to aid in understanding this disclosure. No determination or assertion is made as to whether any of the above content can be used as prior art with respect to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] 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.

[0007] In one general aspect, the lens module includes a lens and a lens barrel. The lens is formed of a first material, and the lens barrel is formed of a second material different from the first material and includes a receiving space for accommodating the lens. A protrusion is provided in the receiving space, projecting toward the outer peripheral surface of the lens, and satisfying the condition 0.3 < G / X < 0.8, where G is the distance between the end of the protrusion and the outer peripheral surface of the lens, and X is the maximum expansion deformation of the lens.

[0008] The protrusion can have a cross-sectional area that decreases from the inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel toward the optical axis of the lens.

[0009] The protrusion may include a first extension having a first cross-sectional shape and a second extension having a second cross-sectional shape.

[0010] The first cross-section can be a quadrilateral, and the second cross-section can be a triangle.

[0011] The protrusions may include a plurality of protrusions arranged at predetermined intervals along the inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel.

[0012] The protrusions can be arranged in a ring shape along the inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel.

[0013] The strength of the first material can be lower than that of the second material.

[0014] The accommodating space can have a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases from one end of the lens barrel toward the other.

[0015] In another general aspect, the lens module includes a lens, a lens barrel housing the lens, and a support member disposed between the lens and the lens barrel, wherein the support member includes a first protrusion projecting toward the outer peripheral surface of the lens, and wherein the conditional expression 0.3 < G1 / X < 0.8 is satisfied, where G1 is the distance between the end of the first protrusion and the outer peripheral surface of the lens, and X is the maximum expansion deformation of the lens.

[0016] A step for supporting the support component can be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel.

[0017] The first protrusion may include a plurality of protrusions arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the support member.

[0018] The first protrusion may have a cross-sectional area that decreases as it moves away from the supporting member.

[0019] The first protrusion may include a first extension having a first cross-sectional shape and a second extension having a second cross-sectional shape.

[0020] The first cross-section can be a quadrilateral, and the second cross-section can be a triangle.

[0021] The support member may also include a second protrusion that projects toward the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel.

[0022] The first and second protrusions can be alternately arranged along the circumference of the supporting member.

[0023] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram of a lens module according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of part A shown in the diagram.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of part A, which was deformed due to high temperature.

[0027] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of an example.

[0028] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of another example.

[0029] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 The first modified example of the protrusion shown.

[0030] Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 The second modified example of the protrusion shown.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a configuration diagram of a lens module according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of part B shown in the diagram.

[0033] Figure 10 This is an enlarged view of part B, which was deformed due to high temperature.

[0034] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of an example.

[0035] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II based on another example.

[0036] Figure 13 It shows Figure 9 The first modified example of the first protrusion shown.

[0037] Figure 14 It shows Figure 9 The second modified example of the first protrusion shown.

[0038] Figure 15 This is a configuration diagram of a lens module according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 16 yes Figure 15An enlarged view of section C shown in the diagram.

[0040] Figure 17 This is an enlarged view of part C, which has deformed due to high temperature.

[0041] Figure 18 It is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of an example.

[0042] Figure 19 It is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III based on another example.

[0043] Figure 20 It shows Figure 16 The first modified example of the first protrusion and the second protrusion shown.

[0044] Figure 21 It shows Figure 16 The second modified example of the first and second protrusions shown.

[0045] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, unless otherwise described, 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 depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0046] In the following description, although examples of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0047] The following detailed embodiments are provided to aid the reader in gaining 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 this disclosure. 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 this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features well-known in the art may be omitted.

[0048] The features described herein may be implemented in different 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 be apparent upon understanding this disclosure.

[0049] 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.

[0050] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items; similarly, “at least one” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may vary. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the accompanying drawings, but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0055] It should be noted that in this document, the term "may" is used relative to examples, such as regarding what an example may include or implement, meaning that there exists at least one example that includes or implements such a feature, but not all examples are limited to this.

[0056] The features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways that will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. Furthermore, although the examples described herein have multiple configurations, other configurations that will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure are also possible.

[0057] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a lens module that enables optical axis alignment of the lens while minimizing lens breakage or deformation caused by expansion changes within the lens.

[0058] The lens module according to this disclosure can be installed in electronic devices. For example, the lens module can be installed in portable terminals, laptop computers, virtual reality (VR) devices, glasses, etc. However, the electronic devices in which the lens module can be installed are not limited to the devices described above. For example, the lens module can be installed in any portable electronic device such as a portable game console.

[0059] A lens module according to a first aspect of this disclosure may include a lens and a lens barrel. The lens may have refractive power, and the lens barrel may include a receiving space for accommodating the lens. In the lens module according to this aspect, the lens and the lens barrel may be made of different materials. For example, the lens may be made of a first material, and the lens barrel may be made of a second material different from the first material. The lens module according to this aspect can mitigate or absorb the expansion stress of the lens. For example, the lens barrel according to this aspect may include a protrusion projecting toward the outer peripheral surface of the lens. This protrusion can mitigate or absorb the expansion stress of the lens by minimizing the physical contact area between the lens and the lens barrel. The lens module according to this aspect can satisfy a specific conditional expression. For example, in the lens module according to this aspect, the distance G between the end of the protrusion and the outer peripheral surface of the lens relative to the maximum expansion deformation X of the lens can satisfy the following conditional expression: 0.3 <G / X < 0.8。

[0060] A lens module according to a second aspect of this disclosure may include a lens, a lens barrel, and a support member. The lens may have refractive power, the lens barrel may include a receiving space for accommodating the lens, and the support member may be disposed between the lens and the lens barrel. The lens module according to this aspect can mitigate or absorb the expansion stress of the lens. For example, the support member according to this aspect may include a first protrusion projecting toward the outer peripheral surface of the lens. This first protrusion can mitigate or absorb the expansion stress of the lens by minimizing the physical contact area between the lens and the support member. The lens module according to this aspect can satisfy specific conditional expressions. For example, in the lens module according to this aspect, the distance G1 between the end of the first protrusion and the outer peripheral surface of the lens relative to the maximum expansion deformation X of the lens can satisfy the following conditional expression: 0.3 < G1 / X < 0.8.

[0061] Furthermore, in the lens module according to this aspect, the lens, lens barrel, and support member can be made of different materials. For example, the lens can be made of a first material, and the lens barrel and support member can be made of a second material different from the first material. However, the lens, lens barrel, and support member do not necessarily have to be made of different materials.

[0062] In the following description, a lens module according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] First, refer to Figures 1 to 7 A lens module according to a first exemplary embodiment is described.

[0064] The lens module 10 according to this exemplary embodiment may include lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170, and a lens barrel 200. However, the configuration of the lens module 10 is not limited to lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170, and the lens barrel 200. For example, the lens module 10 may also include spacers 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, and 570, and a cover member 600.

[0065] Lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can be made of different materials. For example, some lenses among lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can be made of glass, while others can be made of plastic. In specific examples, the first lens 110, the second lens 120, the fourth lens 140, and the sixth lens 160 can be made of glass, and the third lens 130, the fifth lens 150, and the seventh lens 170 can be made of plastic. However, the materials of the lenses are not limited to those described above.

[0066] Lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may have refractive power. For example, lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may have positive or negative refractive power. One surface of each of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may be convex or concave. For example, the first lens 110 may have a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface.

[0067] Lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can be arranged sequentially at predetermined distances along the optical axis. For example, the first lens 110, the second lens 120, the third lens 130, the fourth lens 140, the fifth lens 150, the sixth lens 160, and the seventh lens 170 can be arranged sequentially at predetermined distances from the object side toward the image side (or the image sensor).

[0068] Lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can have different sizes. For example, the size (or maximum diameter) of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can gradually decrease from the object side towards the image side. Specifically, the maximum diameter of the first lens 110 can be greater than the maximum diameter of the second lens 120, and the maximum diameter of the second lens 120 can be greater than the maximum diameter of the third lens 130.

[0069] The lens barrel 200 can accommodate multiple lenses. For example, lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can be accommodated in the internal receiving space 202 of the lens barrel 200. The lens barrel 200 can accommodate lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 with different sizes. In the example, multiple steps 210, 220, and 230 can be formed in the receiving space 202 of the lens barrel 200. Each step 210, 220, and 230 can serve as a support structure for fixing the position of some of the lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170.

[0070] Lens barrel 200 may be made of a material different from that of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170. In one example, lens barrel 200 may be made of a metallic material. In another example, the rate of thermal expansion of lens barrel 200 may differ from that of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170. Specifically, the rate of thermal expansion of lens barrel 200 may be lower than the maximum rate of thermal expansion of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170.

[0071] Spacers 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, and 570 can be disposed between lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170. For example, the first spacer 510 can be disposed between the first lens 110 and the second lens 120; the second spacer 520 can be disposed between the second lens 120 and the third lens 130; the third spacer 530 can be disposed between the third lens 130 and the fourth lens 140; the fourth spacer 540 can be disposed between the fourth lens 140 and the fifth lens 150; the fifth spacer 550 can be disposed between the fifth lens 150 and the sixth lens 160; and the sixth spacer 560 can be disposed between the sixth lens 160 and the seventh lens 170. The seventh spacer 570 can be disposed between the seventh lens 170 and the protective glass, or it can be disposed on the image-side surface of the seventh lens 170 as a press-fit ring for fixing the position of the seventh lens 170.

[0072] The cover member 600 can fix the first lens 110 to the lens barrel 200. Specifically, the cover member 600 can be screwed onto the lens barrel 200 while in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first lens 110 to prevent the first lens 110 from separating from the lens barrel 200.

[0073] Some of the multiple lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may expand (referred to herein as expansion deformation) in the direction intersecting the optical axis (or the radial direction of the lens) due to temperature changes in the external environment. For example, plastic lenses 130, 150, and 170 may expand in high-temperature environments (80°C or higher). However, a lens barrel 200 with higher rigidity and strength than lenses 130, 150, and 170 may suppress the expansion deformation of lenses 130, 150, and 170. Therefore, lenses 130, 150, and 170 may deform or break due to expansion stress, thereby significantly reducing the optical performance of lens module 10.

[0074] The lens module 10 according to this exemplary embodiment may further include components for solving the above-mentioned problems. For example, the lens barrel 200 according to this exemplary embodiment may further include, for example, Figure 2 The protrusion 300 shown in the figure.

[0075] The protrusion 300 can be disposed within the receiving space 202 of the lens barrel 200. Specifically, the protrusion 300 can protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel 200 toward the outer peripheral surfaces of the lenses 130, 150, and 170. The protrusion 300 can have a cross-sectional area that decreases from one end toward the distal end. For example, the protrusion 300 can have a cross-sectional area that decreases from the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel 200 toward the optical axis of the lenses 130, 150, and 170. For example, the distal end of the protrusion 300 can be substantially pointed to minimize the contact area with the lenses 130, 150, and 170.

[0076] The protrusion 300 can be substantially formed not to contact the outer peripheral surfaces of lenses 130, 150, and 170. For example, a predetermined distance G can be formed between the end of the protrusion 300 and the outer peripheral surfaces of lenses 130, 150, and 170. This distance G can have a specific relationship with the maximum expansion deformation X of lenses 130, 150, and 170. For example, the distance G relative to the maximum expansion deformation X of lenses 130, 150, and 170 can satisfy the following conditional expression: 0.3 < G / X < 0.8.

[0077] However, the end of the protrusion 300 does not always remain in non-contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of lenses 130, 150, and 170. For example, the protrusion 300 can be inserted into the ribs of lenses 130, 150, and 170 when lenses 130, 150, and 170 expand and deform (see...). Figure 3Therefore, the protrusion 300 may have a predetermined length L and may be made of a material with rigidity and strength greater than that of the materials of lenses 130, 150, and 170. The length L of the protrusion 300 may have a predetermined relationship with the amount of expansion deformation of lenses 130, 150, and 170. For example, the length L of the protrusion 300 may be greater than the amount of expansion deformation of lenses 130, 150, and 170. In the example, the length L of the protrusion 300 may be 0.1 mm or greater. The protrusion 300 may be formed to substantially coincide with the midpoint of lenses 130, 150, and 170 in the optical axis direction. Specifically, the protrusion 300 may be formed to coincide with the midpoint of the line segment (i.e., the thickness of the lens) connecting the object side and image side of each of lenses 130, 150, and 170. The end thickness t of the protrusion 300 may have a predetermined proportional relationship with the length L of the protrusion 300. For example, the end thickness t of the protrusion 300 can be less than 1 / 20 of the length L of the protrusion 300. The end of the protrusion 300 can be pointed as described above. In a specific example, the included angle θ formed between the plane and the inclined surface of the protrusion 300 can be 30 degrees or less.

[0078] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, protrusions 300 and 302 can be arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the lens barrel 200. In one example, protrusion 300 can be formed along the circumferential direction of the lens barrel 200 at a interval S wider than the width W of protrusion 300. In another example, protrusion 302 can be formed along the circumferential direction of the lens barrel 200 at a interval S1 narrower than the width W1 of protrusion 302. The former form is advantageous for supporting thin lenses 130, 150, and 170, and the latter form is advantageous for supporting thick lenses 130, 150, and 170. However, the application examples of protrusions 300 and 302 are not limited to the forms of lenses 130, 150, and 170 described above. Furthermore, although Figure 4 and Figure 5 The protrusions 300 and 302 are shown to be formed at a predetermined interval along the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel 200, but the protrusions 300 and 302 may also be formed in a ring shape along the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel 200 as needed.

[0079] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The description has another form of protrusion.

[0080] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, both protrusions 304 and 306 may include two extensions 310 and 320 with different cross-sectional areas. For example, both protrusions 304 and 306 may include a first extension 310 with a constant cross-sectional area and a second extension 320 with a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area. Specifically, the first extension 310 may have a generally quadrilateral cross-sectional shape, and the second extension 320 may have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the second extension 320 may be as follows: Figure 6 The right triangle shown or such Figure 7 The isosceles triangle shown. The first extension 310 and the second extension 320 can have predetermined lengths. For example, the first extension 310 can have a first length L1, and the second extension 320 can have a second length L2. The first extension 310 and the second extension 320 can have different lengths. For example, the first length L1 can be greater than the second length L2. However, the first length L1 does not necessarily have to be greater than the second length L2. In the example, the first length L1 can have the same dimensions as the second length L2.

[0081] The lens module 10 configured as described above can alleviate the internal stress caused by the expansion deformation of the lenses 130, 150 and 170 and minimize the plastic deformation of the lenses 130, 150 and 170 by utilizing the protrusions 300 (302, 304 or 306) formed on the lens barrel 200.

[0082] Tables 1 and 2 respectively illustrate the expansion amount, internal stress, and plastic deformation amount of the third lens 130. In Table 1, a comparative example shows a structure in which the third lens 130 and the lens barrel 200 are in surface contact with each other, and an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure shows a structure in which the third lens 130 and the lens barrel 200 are in contact with each other by means of a protrusion 300. Furthermore, the first surface refers to the object-side surface of the third lens 130 (the surface near the object), and the second surface refers to the image-side surface of the third lens 130 (the surface near the image). When heated from room temperature (25°C) to a high temperature (110°C), the third lens 130 can undergo expansion (based on optical axis deformation) from 0 micrometers (μm). Therefore, the third lens 130 experiences an increase in internal stress proportional to the expansion deformation amount, and localized plastic deformation may occur.

[0083] [Table 1]

[0084] [Table 2]

[0085] As can be seen from Tables 1 and 2, in the comparative example, as the amount of expansion deformation of the third lens 130 increases, the internal stress and plastic deformation of the third lens 130 increase significantly. In contrast, in the exemplary embodiment according to this disclosure, even when the amount of expansion deformation of the third lens 130 increases, the internal stress and plastic deformation of the third lens 130 are reduced to about 29% to 60% of the internal stress and plastic deformation of the comparative example. Therefore, the application of the lens module 10 according to this exemplary embodiment can improve the optical performance and resolution of camera modules exposed to or easily exposed to the external environment.

[0086] Next, refer to Figures 8 to 14 A lens module according to a second exemplary embodiment is described.

[0087] The lens module 12 according to this exemplary embodiment may include lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170, and a lens barrel 200. However, the configuration of the lens module 12 is not limited to lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170, and the lens barrel 200. For example, the lens module 12 may also include spacers 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, and 570, and a cover member 600.

[0088] Lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can be made of different materials. For example, some lenses among lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can be made of glass, while others can be made of plastic. In specific examples, the first lens 110, the second lens 120, the fourth lens 140, and the sixth lens 160 can be made of glass, and the third lens 130, the fifth lens 150, and the seventh lens 170 can be made of plastic. However, the materials of the lenses are not limited to those described above.

[0089] Lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may have refractive power. For example, lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may have positive or negative refractive power. One surface of each of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may be convex or concave. For example, the first lens 110 may have a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface.

[0090] Lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can be arranged sequentially at predetermined distances along the optical axis. For example, the first lens 110, the second lens 120, the third lens 130, the fourth lens 140, the fifth lens 150, the sixth lens 160, and the seventh lens 170 can be arranged sequentially at predetermined distances from the object side toward the image side (or image sensor).

[0091] Lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can have different sizes. For example, the size (or maximum diameter) of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can gradually decrease from the object side towards the image side. Specifically, the maximum diameter of the first lens 110 can be greater than the maximum diameter of the second lens 120, and the maximum diameter of the second lens 120 can be greater than the maximum diameter of the third lens 130.

[0092] The lens barrel 200 can accommodate multiple lenses. For example, lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can be accommodated in the internal receiving space 202 of the lens barrel 200. The lens barrel 200 can accommodate lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 with different sizes. In this example, the receiving space 202 of the lens barrel 200 can have a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases from one end of the lens barrel 200 to the other. In another example, multiple steps 210, 220, and 230 can be formed in the receiving space 202 of the lens barrel 200. Each step 210, 220, and 230 can serve as a support structure for fixing the position of some of the lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170, as well as the position of the support member 400.

[0093] Lens barrel 200 may be made of a material different from that of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170. In one example, lens barrel 200 may be made of a metallic material. In another example, the rate of thermal expansion of lens barrel 200 may differ from that of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170. Specifically, the rate of thermal expansion of lens barrel 200 may be lower than the maximum rate of thermal expansion of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170.

[0094] Spacers 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, and 570 can be disposed between lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170. For example, the first spacer 510 can be disposed between the first lens 110 and the second lens 120; the second spacer 520 can be disposed between the second lens 120 and the third lens 130; the third spacer 530 can be disposed between the third lens 130 and the fourth lens 140; the fourth spacer 540 can be disposed between the fourth lens 140 and the fifth lens 150; the fifth spacer 550 can be disposed between the fifth lens 150 and the sixth lens 160; and the sixth spacer 560 can be disposed between the sixth lens 160 and the seventh lens 170. The seventh spacer 570 can be disposed between the seventh lens 170 and the protective glass, or it can be disposed on the image-side surface of the seventh lens 170 as a press-fit ring for fixing the position of the seventh lens 170.

[0095] The cover member 600 can fix the first lens 110 to the lens barrel 200. Specifically, the cover member 600 can be screwed onto the lens barrel 200 while in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first lens 110 to prevent the first lens 110 from separating from the lens barrel 200.

[0096] Some of the multiple lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may expand in the direction intersecting the optical axis (or the radial direction of the lens) due to temperature changes in the external environment. For example, plastic lenses 130, 150, and 170 may expand in high-temperature environments (80°C or higher). However, a lens barrel 200 with higher rigidity and strength than lenses 130, 150, and 170 may suppress the expansion deformation of lenses 130, 150, and 170. Therefore, lenses 130, 150, and 170 may deform or break due to expansion stress, thereby significantly reducing the optical performance of lens module 12.

[0097] The lens module 12 according to this exemplary embodiment may further include configurations for solving the above-mentioned problems. For example, the lens barrel 200 according to this exemplary embodiment may further include, for example, Figure 8 The support member 400 shown.

[0098] like Figure 9As shown, the support member 400 may include a first protrusion 410 for minimizing the contact area with lenses 130, 150, and 170. The first protrusion 410 may project from the inner peripheral surface of the support member 400 toward the outer peripheral surface of lenses 130, 150, and 170. The first protrusion 410 may have a cross-sectional area that decreases from one end toward the distal end. For example, the first protrusion 410 may have a cross-sectional area that decreases with distance from the support member 400. For example, the distal end of the first protrusion 410 may be substantially pointed to minimize the contact area with lenses 130, 150, and 170.

[0099] The first protrusion 410 can be substantially formed so as not to contact the outer peripheral surfaces of lenses 130, 150, and 170. For example, a predetermined distance G1 can be formed between the end of the first protrusion 410 and the outer peripheral surfaces of lenses 130, 150, and 170. This distance G1 can have a specific relationship with the maximum expansion deformation X of lenses 130, 150, and 170. For example, the distance G1 relative to the maximum expansion deformation X of lenses 130, 150, and 170 can satisfy the following conditional expression: 0.3 < G1 / X < 0.8.

[0100] However, the end of the first protrusion 410 does not always remain in non-contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of lenses 130, 150, and 170. For example, the first protrusion 410 can be inserted into the ribs of lenses 130, 150, and 170 when lenses 130, 150, and 170 expand and deform (see...). Figure 10 Therefore, the first protrusion 410 may have a predetermined length h1 and may be made of a material with rigidity and strength greater than that of the materials of lenses 130, 150, and 170. The length h1 of the first protrusion 410 may have a predetermined relationship with the amount of expansion deformation of lenses 130, 150, and 170. For example, the length h1 of the first protrusion 410 may be greater than the amount of expansion deformation of lenses 130, 150, and 170. In an example, the length h1 of the first protrusion 410 may be 0.1 mm or greater. The first protrusion 410 may be formed to substantially coincide with the midpoint of lenses 130, 150, and 170 in the optical axis direction. Specifically, the first protrusion 410 may be formed to coincide with the midpoint of the line segment (i.e., the thickness of the lens) connecting the object-side and image-side surfaces of each of lenses 130, 150, and 170. The end thickness t1 of the first protrusion 410 may have a predetermined proportional relationship with the length h1 of the first protrusion 410. For example, the end thickness t1 of the first protrusion 410 can be less than 1 / 20 of the length h1 of the first protrusion 410. The end of the first protrusion 410 can be pointed as described above. In a specific example, the included angle θ1 formed between the plane and the inclined surface of the first protrusion 410 can be 30 degrees or less.

[0101] like Figure 11and Figure 12 As shown, the first protrusion 410 can be arranged at a predetermined spacing along the circumferential direction of the support member 400 and the support member 402. In one example, the first protrusion 410 can be formed along the circumferential direction of the support member 400 at a spacing S2 wider than the width W2 of the first protrusion 410. In another example, the first protrusion 410 can be formed along the circumferential direction of the support member 402 at a spacing S3 narrower than the width W3 of the first protrusion 410. The former form can be advantageous for supporting thin lenses 130, 150, and 170, and the latter form can be advantageous for supporting thick lenses 130, 150, and 170. However, the application examples of the support member 400 and the support member 402 are not limited to the forms of the lenses 130, 150, and 170 described above. Furthermore, although Figure 11 and Figure 12 The first protrusion 410 is shown to be formed at a predetermined interval along the inner peripheral surfaces of the support member 400 and the support member 402, but the first protrusion 410 may also be formed in a ring shape along the inner peripheral surfaces of the support member 400 and the support member 402 as needed.

[0102] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 The description has another form of protrusion.

[0103] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the first protrusion 410 may include two extensions 310 and 320 with different cross-sectional areas. For example, the first protrusion 410 may include a first extension 310 having a constant cross-sectional area and a second extension 320 having a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area. Specifically, the first extension 310 may have a generally quadrilateral cross-sectional shape, and the second extension 320 may have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the second extension 320 may be as follows: Figure 13 The right triangle shown or such Figure 14 The isosceles triangle shown. The first extension 310 and the second extension 320 can have predetermined lengths. For example, the first extension 310 can have a first length L1, and the second extension 320 can have a second length L2. The first extension 310 and the second extension 320 can have different lengths. For example, the first length L1 can be greater than the second length L2. However, the first length L1 does not necessarily have to be greater than the second length L2. In the example, the first length L1 can have the same dimensions as the second length L2.

[0104] The lens module 12 configured as described above can reduce the internal stress caused by the expansion deformation of the lenses 130, 150 and 170 and minimize the plastic deformation of the lenses 130, 150 and 170 by utilizing the first protrusion 410 formed on the support member 400 or the support member 402.

[0105] Next, refer to Figures 15 to 21 A lens module according to a third exemplary embodiment is described.

[0106] The lens module 14 according to this exemplary embodiment may include lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170, and a lens barrel 200. However, the configuration of the lens module 14 is not limited to lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170, and the lens barrel 200. For example, the lens module 14 may also include spacers 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, and 570, and a cover member 600.

[0107] Lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can be made of different materials. For example, some lenses among lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can be made of glass, while others can be made of plastic. In specific examples, the first lens 110, the second lens 120, the fourth lens 140, and the sixth lens 160 can be made of glass, and the third lens 130, the fifth lens 150, and the seventh lens 170 can be made of plastic. However, the materials of the lenses are not limited to those described above.

[0108] Lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may have refractive power. For example, lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may have positive or negative refractive power. One surface of each of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may be convex or concave. For example, the first lens 110 may have a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface.

[0109] Lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can be arranged sequentially at predetermined distances along the optical axis. For example, the first lens 110, the second lens 120, the third lens 130, the fourth lens 140, the fifth lens 150, the sixth lens 160, and the seventh lens 170 can be arranged sequentially at predetermined distances from the object side toward the image side (or image sensor).

[0110] Lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can have different sizes. For example, the size (or maximum diameter) of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can gradually decrease from the object side towards the image side. Specifically, the maximum diameter of the first lens 110 can be greater than the maximum diameter of the second lens 120, and the maximum diameter of the second lens 120 can be greater than the maximum diameter of the third lens 130.

[0111] The lens barrel 200 can accommodate multiple lenses. For example, lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 can be accommodated in the internal receiving space 202 of the lens barrel 200. The lens barrel 200 can accommodate lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 with different sizes. In one example, the receiving space 202 of the lens barrel 200 can have a shape in which the cross-sectional area gradually decreases from one end of the lens barrel 200 to the other. In another example, multiple steps 210, 220, and 230 can be formed in the receiving space 202 of the lens barrel 200. Each step 210, 220, and 230 can serve as a support structure for fixing the position of some of the lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170, as well as the position of the support member 406.

[0112] Lens barrel 200 may be made of a material different from that of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170. In one example, lens barrel 200 may be made of a metallic material. In another example, the rate of thermal expansion of lens barrel 200 may differ from that of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170. Specifically, the rate of thermal expansion of lens barrel 200 may be lower than the maximum rate of thermal expansion of lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170.

[0113] Spacers 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, and 570 can be disposed between lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170. For example, the first spacer 510 can be disposed between the first lens 110 and the second lens 120; the second spacer 520 can be disposed between the second lens 120 and the third lens 130; the third spacer 530 can be disposed between the third lens 130 and the fourth lens 140; the fourth spacer 540 can be disposed between the fourth lens 140 and the fifth lens 150; the fifth spacer 550 can be disposed between the fifth lens 150 and the sixth lens 160; and the sixth spacer 560 can be disposed between the sixth lens 160 and the seventh lens 170. The seventh spacer 570 can be disposed between the seventh lens 170 and the protective glass, or it can be disposed on the image-side surface of the seventh lens 170 as a press-fit ring for fixing the position of the seventh lens 170.

[0114] The cover member 600 can fix the first lens 110 to the lens barrel 200. Specifically, the cover member 600 can be screwed onto the lens barrel 200 while in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first lens 110 to prevent the first lens 110 from separating from the lens barrel 200.

[0115] Some of the multiple lenses 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 may expand in the direction intersecting the optical axis (or the radial direction of the lens) due to temperature changes in the external environment. For example, plastic lenses 130, 150, and 170 may expand in high-temperature environments (80°C or higher). However, a lens barrel 200 with higher rigidity and strength than lenses 130, 150, and 170 may suppress the expansion deformation of lenses 130, 150, and 170. Therefore, lenses 130, 150, and 170 may deform or break due to expansion stress, thereby significantly reducing the optical performance of lens module 14.

[0116] The lens module 14 according to this exemplary embodiment may further include configurations for solving the above-mentioned problems. For example, the lens barrel 200 according to this exemplary embodiment may further include, for example, Figure 15 The support member 406 shown.

[0117] like Figure 16As shown, the support member 406 may include a plurality of protrusions 410 and 420 for minimizing the contact area with lenses 130, 150, and 170. A first protrusion 410 may protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the support member 406 toward the outer peripheral surface of lenses 130, 150, and 170, and a second protrusion 420 may protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the support member 406 toward the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel 200. The first protrusion 410 and the second protrusion 420 may be formed alternately along the circumferential direction of the support member 406.

[0118] Each of protrusions 410 and 420 may have a cross-sectional area that decreases from one end toward the distal end. For example, the distal end of each of protrusions 410 and 420 may be substantially pointed to minimize the contact area with lenses 130, 150 and 170 and lens barrel 200.

[0119] The first protrusion 410 can be substantially formed so as not to contact the outer peripheral surfaces of lenses 130, 150, and 170. For example, a predetermined distance G1 can be formed between the end of the first protrusion 410 and the outer peripheral surfaces of lenses 130, 150, and 170. This distance G1 can have a specific relationship with the maximum expansion deformation X of lenses 130, 150, and 170. For example, the distance G1 relative to the maximum expansion deformation X of lenses 130, 150, and 170 can satisfy the following conditional expression: 0.3 < G1 / X < 0.8.

[0120] However, the end of the first protrusion 410 is not always in non-contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of lenses 130, 150, and 170. The first protrusion 410 can be inserted into lenses 130, 150, and 170. For example, the first protrusion 410 can be inserted into the ribs of lenses 130, 150, and 170 when lenses 130, 150, and 170 expand and deform (see...). Figure 17 Therefore, the first protrusion 410 may have a predetermined length h1 and may be made of a material with rigidity and strength greater than that of the materials of lenses 130, 150, and 170. The second protrusion 420 may have a predetermined length h2. The second protrusion 420 allows the support member 406 to bend or deform or absorb the expansion stress of lenses 130, 150, and 170 transmitted to the support member 406. For example, when lenses 130, 150, and 170 expand and deform, the support member 406 may absorb the expansion stress of lenses 130, 150, and 170 by bending around the point where the first protrusion 410 and the second protrusion 420 are formed.

[0121] The length h1 of the first protrusion 410 can have a predetermined relationship with the expansion deformation of lenses 130, 150, and 170. For example, the length h1 of the first protrusion 410 can be greater than the expansion deformation of lenses 130, 150, and 170. In an example, the length h1 of the first protrusion 410 can be 0.1 mm or greater. The first protrusion 410 can be formed to substantially coincide with the midpoint of lenses 130, 150, and 170 in the optical axis direction. Specifically, the first protrusion 410 can be formed to coincide with the midpoint of the line segment (i.e., the thickness of the lens) connecting the object side and image side of each of lenses 130, 150, and 170. The end thickness t1 of the first protrusion 410 can have a predetermined proportional relationship with the length h1 of the first protrusion 410. For example, the end thickness t1 of the first protrusion 410 can be less than 1 / 20 of the length h1 of the first protrusion 410. The end of the first protrusion 410 can be pointed as described above. In a specific example, the included angle θ1 formed between the plane and the inclined plane of the first protrusion 410 can be 30 degrees or less.

[0122] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the first protrusion 410 and the second protrusion 420 can be arranged at a predetermined spacing along the circumferential direction of the support member 406, respectively. In an example, the first protrusion 410 can be formed along the circumferential direction of the support member 406 at a spacing S4 wider than the width W4 of the first protrusion 410, and the second protrusion 420 can be formed along the circumferential direction of the support member 406 at a spacing S5 wider than the width W5 of the second protrusion 420. In another example, the first protrusion 410 can be formed along the circumferential direction of the support member 406 at a spacing S6 narrower than the width W6 of the first protrusion 410. The former form can be advantageous for supporting thin lenses 130, 150, and 170, and the latter form can be advantageous for supporting thick lenses 130, 150, and 170. However, the application examples of the support member 406 are not limited to the forms of lenses 130, 150, and 170 described above. Furthermore, although Figure 18 and Figure 19 The first protrusion 410 and the second protrusion 420 are shown to be formed at a predetermined interval along the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the support member 406, respectively. However, the first protrusion 410 and the second protrusion 420 may also be formed in a ring shape along the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the support member 406 as needed.

[0123] Reference Figure 20 and Figure 21 The description has another form of protrusion.

[0124] like Figure 20 and Figure 21As shown, both the first protrusion 410 and the second protrusion 420 may include two extensions with different cross-sectional areas. For example, both the first protrusion 410 and the second protrusion 420 may include a first extension 310 with a constant cross-sectional area and a second extension 320 with a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area. Specifically, the first extension 310 may have a generally quadrilateral cross-sectional shape, and the second extension 320 may have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the second extension 320 may be as follows: Figure 20 The right triangle shown or such Figure 21 The isosceles triangle shown. The first extension 310 and the second extension 320 can have predetermined lengths. For example, the first extension 310 can have a first length L1, and the second extension 320 can have a second length L2. The first extension 310 and the second extension 320 can have different lengths. For example, the first length L1 can be greater than the second length L2. However, the first length L1 does not necessarily have to be greater than the second length L2. In the example, the first length L1 can have the same dimensions as the second length L2.

[0125] The lens module 14 configured as described above can alleviate the internal stress caused by the expansion deformation of the lenses 130, 150 and 170 and minimize the plastic deformation of the lenses 130, 150 and 170 by utilizing the first protrusion 410 and the second protrusion 420 formed on the support member 406.

[0126] As described above, the lens module according to this disclosure can minimize lens breakage or deformation.

[0127] While specific examples have been shown and described above, 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 examples described herein are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. 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. Lens module, including: The lens is formed of the first material; as well as The lens barrel is formed of a second material different from the first material, and includes a receiving space for accommodating the lens. The accommodating space includes a protrusion extending toward the outer peripheral surface of the lens, and Among them, the conditional expression 0.3 < G / X < 0.8 is satisfied. Wherein, G is the distance between the end of the protrusion and the outer peripheral surface of the lens, and X is the maximum expansion deformation of the lens.

2. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion has a cross-sectional area that decreases from the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel toward the optical axis of the lens.

3. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion includes: A first extension having a first cross-sectional shape; and A second extension having a second cross-sectional shape.

4. The lens module according to claim 3, wherein, The first cross-section is quadrilateral, and the second cross-section is triangular.

5. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusions include a plurality of protrusions arranged at predetermined intervals along the inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel.

6. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion is arranged in a ring shape along the inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel.

7. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein, The strength of the first material is lower than that of the second material.

8. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein, The accommodating space has a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases from one end of the lens barrel toward the other.

9. Lens module, including: lens; Lens barrel, which houses the lens; as well as A support member is disposed between the lens and the lens barrel. The support member includes a first protrusion projecting toward the outer peripheral surface of the lens, and Among them, the conditional expression 0.3 < G1 / X < 0.8 is satisfied. Wherein, G1 is the distance between the end of the first protrusion and the outer peripheral surface of the lens, and X is the maximum expansion deformation of the lens.

10. The lens module according to claim 9, wherein, A step is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel to support the support member.

11. The lens module according to claim 9, wherein, The first protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the support member.

12. The lens module according to claim 9, wherein, The first protrusion has a cross-sectional area that decreases as it moves away from the supporting member.

13. The lens module according to claim 9, wherein, The first protrusion includes: A first extension having a first cross-sectional shape; and A second extension having a second cross-sectional shape.

14. The lens module according to claim 13, wherein, The first cross-section is quadrilateral, and the second cross-section is triangular.

15. The lens module according to claim 9, wherein, The support member also includes a second protrusion that projects toward the inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel.

16. The lens module according to claim 15, wherein, The first protrusion and the second protrusion are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the support member.

Images