Camera module comprising a lens assembly

Abstract

According to the present invention, a camera module including a lens assembly includes a lens portion and a barrel portion coupled to the lens portion. The lens portion includes a transmission portion through which light passes and a body portion provided on an outer side of the transmission portion, wherein the body portion includes a sprue protruding in a direction away from the transmission portion, a peripheral portion of the body portion includes a first region and a second region having different curvatures, and the sprue is disposed in at least any one of the first region and the second region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a camera module including a lens assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Cameras capture images or videos of objects and are installed in mobile devices, drones, vehicles, etc.

[0003] The camera device or camera module may have: image stabilization (IS) function to compensate for or prevent image jitter caused by user movement in order to improve image quality; autofocus (AF) function to adjust the focal length of the lens by automatically adjusting the distance between the image sensor and the lens; and zoom function to use a zoom lens to increase or decrease the magnification of the image of an object at a long distance and to capture the image of the object.

[0004] Therefore, a lens section is typically included in the camera module to allow light to pass through, and lenses made of glass are generally susceptible to damage from impacts. To prevent this, the lens section is manufactured using a plastic injection molding process.

[0005] However, when manufacturing the lens section using a plastic injection molding process, due to the characteristics of the injection process, a gate is formed along the injection port of the casting frame. A problem arises where it is difficult to connect the lens section and the lens barrel section in a predetermined manner based solely on the gate's arrangement. Therefore, this problem needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Purpose

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems of conventional technology, and aims to easily connect the lens part and the lens barrel part by means of a gate formed on the lens part manufactured by an injection process.

[0008] The objectives of this invention are not limited to those described above, and other objectives not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following drawings.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention provides a lens assembly including a lens portion and a lens barrel portion coupled to the lens portion, wherein the lens portion includes a light-transmitting portion and a body portion disposed outside the light-transmitting portion, the body portion including a gate protruding away from the light-transmitting portion, the outer surface of the body portion including a first region and a second region having different curvatures from each other, and the gate being disposed in at least one of the first region and the second region.

[0010] In this case, the lens portion can be disposed inside the lens barrel portion, and at least one of the first and second regions of the body portion can contact the lens barrel portion.

[0011] Furthermore, the first region and the second region can be configured as multiple first regions and multiple second regions, and the first region and the second region can be sequentially configured along the circumferential direction of the body.

[0012] In this case, the lens barrel portion may include a first side portion and a second side portion spaced apart from each other along a first direction, and a third side portion and a fourth side portion spaced apart from each other along a second direction, wherein the first direction may be a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to both the optical axis direction and the first direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the third and fourth sides can be configured to face the center in a first direction, be far apart from each other in a second direction, and the distance between the first and second sides is different from the distance between the third and fourth sides.

[0014] In this case, the second region can be set to face the third or fourth side.

[0015] Meanwhile, when a gate is set in any of the second regions, the first distance from the end portion of the gate to the second region facing the gate can be the same as the second distance between the opposite second regions where no gate is set.

[0016] Furthermore, the gate can be located in either the first region or the second region, either region can be positioned facing the third side or the fourth side, and either region can be spaced apart from the third side or the fourth side.

[0017] Meanwhile, one aspect of the present invention provides a camera module including a frame and a first actuator and a second actuator disposed inside the frame along the optical axis, wherein the second actuator includes a plurality of lens assemblies, any one or more of the plurality of lens assemblies including a lens portion and a lens barrel portion coupled to the lens portion, the lens portion including a light-transmitting portion and a body portion disposed outside the light-transmitting portion, the body portion including a gate protruding away from the light-transmitting portion, the circumferential portion of the body portion including a first region and a second region having different curvatures from each other, and the gate being disposed in either the first region or the second region.

[0018] In this case, the lens portion can be disposed inside the lens barrel portion, and at least one of the first and second regions of the body portion can contact the lens barrel portion.

[0019] Furthermore, the first region and the second region can be configured as multiple first regions and multiple second regions, and the first region and the second region can be sequentially configured along the circumferential direction of the body.

[0020] In this case, the lens barrel portion may include a first side portion and a second side portion spaced apart from each other along a first direction, and a third side portion and a fourth side portion spaced apart from each other along a second direction, wherein the first direction may be a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to both the optical axis direction and the first direction.

[0021] Furthermore, the lens barrels can be configured to face the center in a first direction, be separated from each other in a second direction, and the distance between the first side and the second side is different from the distance between the third side and the fourth side.

[0022] In this case, the second region can be set to face the third or fourth side.

[0023] Meanwhile, when a gate is set in any of the second regions, the first distance from the end portion of the gate to the second region facing the gate can be the same as the second distance between the opposite second regions where no gate is set.

[0024] Furthermore, the gate can be located in either the first region or the second region, either region can be positioned facing the third side or the fourth side, and either region can be spaced apart from the third side or the fourth side.

[0025] Technical effect

[0026] A camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is used to solve the above-mentioned problems, can provide the effect of easily connecting the lens part and the lens barrel part through a gate formed in the lens part manufactured by injection molding process.

[0027] In other words, the lens section set inside the lens barrel not only has a preset arrangement, but can also be rotated and easily connected to the lens barrel.

[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects not yet described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the description of the claims.

[0029] Furthermore, the effects of the present invention have been described in more detail in the detailed description of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to the effects described above. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention described below, as well as the invention described above, will be more readily understood when read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Exemplary embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings to illustrate the invention.

[0032] However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact layout and method shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is an external view showing a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a view illustrating a camera actuator of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, including... Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the camera module with lens assembly; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing a second camera actuator of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a view showing a second lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a view showing a third lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a view showing a second lens assembly and a third lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a view showing the first lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a view showing the lens portion of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a view used to describe the gate of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a view used to describe the lens barrel portion of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a view used to describe the first to fourth sides and the first and second regions of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a view used to describe the internal distances of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 14 This is a view used to describe a situation where a camera module including a lens assembly is provided with two gates according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] While the invention can be modified in various ways and has various alternative forms, specific embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below. However, it is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention covers all variations, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0034] It should be understood that although the present invention may use the terms "second," "first," etc., to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the scope of the invention, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. The term "and / or" includes a combination or any one of the listed related terms.

[0035] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other component, or there may be intermediate components. Conversely, when a component is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, there are no intermediate components.

[0036] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well. In this specification, it should be understood that terms such as “comprising”, “including”, etc., indicate the presence of the stated features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical or scientific terms used in this invention, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. Terms such as those defined in general dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and shall not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning, unless expressly defined herein.

[0038] In the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be identified by the same or corresponding reference numerals in all the drawings, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0039] Furthermore, in this specification, a camera actuator is a device for moving a lens, and the concepts of a camera actuator including and excluding a lens will be described. Below, the concept of each of the first and second camera actuators including a lens will be described. Additionally, a camera actuator for moving a lens may also be referred to as a "lens moving device" or a "lens driving device."

[0040] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the present invention that can specifically achieve the objectives of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] First, before describing the lens assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made to... Figures 1 to 3 A general description of examples and configurations of specific use of the invention is provided.

[0042] Specifically, Figure 1 This is an external view showing a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a view illustrating a camera actuator of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 This illustrates an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the camera module including the lens assembly; First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the embodiment, the camera module 1000 can be made of a cover CV, a first camera actuator 1100, a second camera actuator 1200, and a circuit board 1300. In this case, the first camera actuator 1100 can be used interchangeably with the first actuator, and the second camera actuator 1200 can be used interchangeably with the second actuator.

[0043] The cover CV can cover the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200. The connection force between the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200 can be improved by the cover CV.

[0044] Furthermore, the cover CV can be formed of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves. Therefore, the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200 inside the cover CV can be easily protected.

[0045] Furthermore, the first camera actuator 1100 may be an optical image stabilizer (OIS) actuator. For example, the first camera actuator 1100 may move an optical component in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (the axis of the incident light).

[0046] The first camera actuator 1100 may include a fixed-focal-length lens disposed in a predetermined tube (not shown). The fixed-focal-length lens may be referred to as a "single-focal-length lens" or a "single lens".

[0047] The first camera actuator 1100 can alter the light path. In an embodiment, the first camera actuator 1100 can vertically alter the light path passing through internal optical components (e.g., prisms or mirrors). For example, the optical components can change the first direction of light to the direction of the optical axis. With this configuration, even when the thickness of the mobile terminal is reduced, a lens structure with a thickness greater than that of the mobile terminal can be provided in the mobile terminal to perform magnification, autofocus (AF), zoom, and OIS functions.

[0048] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first camera actuator 1100 can change the light path multiple times along the vertical direction or at a predetermined angle.

[0049] The second camera actuator 1200 can be located after the first camera actuator 1100. The second camera actuator 1200 can be coupled to the first camera actuator 1100. In addition, mutual coupling can be performed by various methods.

[0050] Furthermore, the second camera actuator 1200 can be a zoom actuator or an AF actuator. For example, the second camera actuator 1200 can support one or more lenses and move the lenses according to the control signal from the controller to perform AF or zoom functions.

[0051] In addition, one or more lenses can be moved independently or individually along the optical axis.

[0052] Circuit board 1300 can be disposed behind the second camera actuator 1200. Circuit board 1300 can be electrically connected to the second camera actuator 1200 and the first camera actuator 1100. In addition, multiple circuit boards 1300 can be provided.

[0053] According to the embodiments, the camera module can be configured as a single camera module or multiple camera modules. For example, the multiple camera modules may include a first camera module and a second camera module.

[0054] Furthermore, a single camera module may include one or more actuators. For example, a single camera module may include a first camera actuator 1100 and a second camera actuator 1200. Additionally, the term "camera module" may be used interchangeably with any of the various terms such as "camera device" and "image capture device".

[0055] In addition, the camera module may include an actuator (not shown) disposed in a predetermined housing (not shown) and driving the lens section. This will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] The actuator can be a voice coil motor, a micro-actuator, a silicon actuator, etc., and any of various methods such as electrostatic methods, thermal methods, dual-crystal methods, and electrostatic methods can be applied to the actuator, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, in this specification, a camera actuator may be referred to simply as an actuator. Additionally, the camera modules provided as the plurality of camera modules can be installed in any of various electronic devices such as mobile terminals. Furthermore, the actuator can be a device for moving or tilting lenses and optical components. However, hereinafter, the concept of an actuator including lenses or optical components will be explained. Furthermore, the actuator may be referred to as a "lens transfer device," "lens moving device," "optical component transfer device," or "optical component moving device."

[0057] Reference Figure 3 According to the embodiments, the camera module may include a first camera actuator 1100 that performs OIS function and a second camera actuator 1200 that performs zoom function and AF function.

[0058] Light can enter the camera module or the first camera actuator through an opening in the upper surface of the first camera actuator 1100. That is, light can enter the first camera actuator 1100 along its optical axis, and the light path can be perpendicularly altered by optical components. Furthermore, light can pass through the second camera actuator 1200 and enter the image sensor IS (PATH) located at one end of the second camera actuator 1200.

[0059] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "inward" refers to the direction from the cover CV toward the first camera actuator, and the term "outward" refers to the opposite direction to "inward". For example, the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator may be located inside the cover CV, and the cover CV may be located outside the first camera actuator or the second camera actuator.

[0060] The camera module according to the embodiment can modify the optical path to improve the space constraints of the first and second camera actuators. The optical path can be extended to correspond to the change in optical path while minimizing the thickness of the camera module according to the embodiment. Furthermore, it should be understood that the second camera actuator can provide a wide range of magnifications by controlling the focal length along the extended optical path.

[0061] Furthermore, the camera module according to the embodiment can perform the OIS function by controlling the light path using a first camera actuator, thereby minimizing the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt and achieving optimal optical characteristics.

[0062] Furthermore, the second camera actuator 1200 may include an optical system and a lens driver. For example, at least one or more of the first lens assembly 200, the second lens assembly 300, and the third lens assembly 400 may be disposed in the second camera actuator 1200. This will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] In addition, the second camera actuator 1200 may include a coil and a magnet to perform high-magnification zoom and autofocus (AF) functions.

[0064] For example, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 can be movable lenses that move via coils, magnets, and guide pins, and the first lens assembly 200 can be a fixed lens, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first lens assembly 200 can function as a focal point configured to direct light to form an image at a specific location, and because the distance to the object or image changes significantly with the movement of the second lens assembly 300, the first lens assembly 200 can be in a state with large magnification variations. Furthermore, the second lens assembly 300, as a varifocal lens, can play an important role in changing the focal length or magnification of the optical system. Simultaneously, the image point of the image formed in the second lens assembly 300 as a varifocal lens can vary slightly depending on the position. Therefore, the third lens assembly 400 can perform a position compensation function for the image formed by the varifocal lens. For example, the third lens assembly 400 can function as a compensator to correctly position the image point of the image formed in the second lens assembly 300 as a varifocal lens at the position of the actual image sensor.

[0065] Furthermore, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 can be driven by electromagnetic force between a coil and a magnet. The above can be applied to the lens assembly described below. Furthermore, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 can move along the optical axis. Furthermore, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 can move independently or non-independently along the optical axis.

[0066] Furthermore, the first lens group 200 can be located in front of the second lens assembly 300 or behind the third lens assembly 400. That is, the first lens assembly 200 can be located near the first camera actuator or image sensor. Additionally, the first lens group 200 can be in a fixed state.

[0067] In this invention, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 are movable along the optical axis. Furthermore, the first lens assembly 200 can be located in front of the second lens assembly 300 or behind the third lens assembly 400. Alternatively, the first lens assembly 200 may not move along the optical axis. That is, the first lens assembly 200 can be a fixed part. Furthermore, the second and third lens assemblies can be movable parts.

[0068] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, when the OIS actuator and the AF / zoom actuator are configured and the OIS function is driven, magnetic field interference with the AF / zoom magnet can be prevented. Since the magnet of the first camera actuator 1100 is configured to be separate from the second camera actuator 1200, magnetic field interference between the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200 can be prevented. In this specification, the term "OIS" can be used interchangeably with the terms "shake correction," "optical image stabilization," "optical image correction," and "shake correction."

[0069] Before describing the lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the invention will be described based on the first lens assembly 200 disposed in the second camera actuator 1200, and this description is only for the purpose of fully understanding the invention in a limited sense, and the invention is not necessarily limited to the second camera actuator 1200 and the first lens assembly 200.

[0070] Furthermore, although the background and arrangement relationships including specific connections are described in the detailed description of the invention to facilitate a full understanding of the invention, the invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and this facilitates an understanding of the first lens assembly 200, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] Reference Figures 4 to 7 A general description of the second camera actuator 1200 is given.

[0072] Specifically, Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing a second camera actuator of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a view showing a second lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a view illustrating a third lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a view showing a second lens assembly and a third lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] First, such as Figure 4As shown, the second camera actuator 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a frame 100, a second lens assembly 300 and a third lens assembly 400 disposed inside the frame 100 and movable along the optical axis, and a first lens assembly 200 disposed on the frame 100 along the optical axis (that is, configured to be relatively close to the object in the direction from the object toward the second lens assembly 300).

[0074] In this configuration, the frame 100 can form the exterior of the second camera actuator 1200, and the first lens assembly 200, the second lens assembly 300, and the third lens assembly 400 can be arranged sequentially along the optical axis.

[0075] Furthermore, based on Figure 4 The first lens group 200 can be disposed on the frame 100, and the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 can be disposed inside the frame 100.

[0076] More specifically, the first lens assembly 200, the second lens assembly 300, and the third lens assembly 400 can be arranged sequentially along the optical axis.

[0077] The cover base 500 can be disposed between the first lens assembly 200 and the second lens assembly 300.

[0078] In this case, the first lens assembly 200 can be disposed on the cover base 500, or a separate adhesive component can be disposed, and the adhesive component can be epoxy resin.

[0079] In this context, the description of epoxy resin as an example of an adhesive component is for ease of understanding only, and the invention is not necessarily limited to this description.

[0080] Meanwhile, the first driver 320 and the second driver 420 can be set in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction based on the optical axis direction.

[0081] In this configuration, the first driver 320 and the second driver 420 may be configured such that the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 are located between the first driver 320 and the second driver 420 along a second direction, and the first driver 320 and the second driver 420 will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] At the same time, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second lens assembly 300 may include a second lens portion 310 and a first lens barrel portion 350 extending around the second lens portion 310 toward a first side, and the third lens assembly 400 may include a third lens portion 410 and a second lens barrel portion 450 extending around the third lens portion 410 toward a second side.

[0083] In this case, the first side and the second side can be based on one side surface and another side surface of the frame 100 in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The second direction can be the direction toward the two side surfaces of the frame 100. The optical axis direction can be the height direction of the frame 100. And the first direction perpendicular to the second direction and the optical axis direction can be the direction toward the front surface and the rear surface of the frame 100.

[0084] That is, the second direction may include two directions based on the frame 100, from the first side toward the second side and from the second side toward the first side, and the first direction may be two directions based on the frame 100, from the front surface toward the rear surface and from the rear surface toward the front surface.

[0085] This can be more clearly understood by referring to the optical axis direction, the first direction, and the second direction shown in the attached diagram.

[0086] In this context, the first lens barrel portion 350 and the second lens barrel portion 450 will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] In addition to the first lens assembly 200, frame 100, second lens assembly 300, and third lens assembly 400, the second camera actuator 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention also includes a first driver 320 disposed on a first side of the frame 100 and driving the second lens assembly 300, a second driver 420 disposed on a second side of the frame 100 and driving the third lens assembly 400, and a controller 600 controlling the first driver 320 and the second driver 420.

[0088] In this case, the first driver 320 may include a first magnet M1 and a first coil disposed on the first side, and drive the second lens assembly 300 by electromagnetic interaction on the first side.

[0089] In other words, when current flows in the first coil, an electromagnetic interaction occurs between the first coil and the first magnet M1, so the second lens assembly 300 can move along the optical axis.

[0090] In addition, the second driver 420 may include a second magnet M2 and a second coil disposed on the second side, and drive the third lens assembly 400 by electromagnetic interaction on the second side.

[0091] In other words, when current flows in the second coil, an electromagnetic interaction occurs between the second coil and the second magnet M2, so the third lens assembly 400 can move along the optical axis.

[0092] In this case, the first magnet M1 can be disposed between the first coil and the first lens barrel 350, and the second magnet M2 can be disposed between the second coil and the second lens barrel 450.

[0093] In this case, the first coil can be formed having a first hollow portion 321a defined by an inner diameter, and the second coil can be formed having a second hollow portion defined by an inner diameter.

[0094] Meanwhile, the controller 600 can be configured to overlap with the first coil along the optical axis and with the second coil along a second direction from the first side toward the second side.

[0095] At the same time, refer to Figure 5 To describe the second lens assembly 300 in more detail, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second lens assembly 300 may include the second lens portion 310 and the first lens barrel portion 350 as described above, and the second lens assembly 300 may be driven by the first driver 320.

[0096] In this case, the second lens assembly 300 may include the second lens portion 310 and the first lens barrel portion 350 as described above, and in the second lens assembly 300, the first magnet M1 may be disposed between the first lens barrel portion 350 and the first coils 321 and 322.

[0097] In this case, the first lens barrel portion 350 may include a first retainer formed in a shape surrounding the second lens portion 310.

[0098] In this case, the first retainer and the first lens barrel 350 can be the lens barrel of the second lens assembly 300.

[0099] Furthermore, the first lens barrel portion 350 can extend from the second lens portion 310 (that is, the first retainer) toward the first coil, while its width expands and extends toward the first coil to tilt downward from the second lens portion 310.

[0100] Furthermore, a first recessed space 351 recessed in the direction from the first side toward the second side can be provided in the first lens barrel portion 350, so that the first magnet M1 is provided in the first recessed space 351.

[0101] In this case, the first step 352 can be formed on the upper part of the first lens barrel 350 and the first magnet M1 to prevent the second lens section 310 from colliding with the first lens assembly 200 when the second lens section 310 moves along the optical axis direction.

[0102] In this case, the first step 352 can protrude more upward along the optical axis than the second lens portion 310 to prevent damage to the second lens portion 310 due to collision between the first lens assembly 200 and the second lens portion 310.

[0103] Furthermore, the first Hall sensor 340 can be disposed in the first hollow portion 321a of the first coil unit, and when the second lens assembly 300 moves along the optical axis direction, the second lens assembly 300 and the first Hall sensor 340 can overlap along the second direction.

[0104] At the same time, such as Figure 6 As shown, the third lens assembly 400 may include a third lens portion 410 and a second lens barrel portion 450 extending around the third lens portion 410 and toward the second driver 420.

[0105] Furthermore, similar to the first lens barrel portion 350, the second lens barrel portion 450 may include a second retainer surrounding the third lens portion 410, the second lens barrel portion 450 may extend from the second retainer toward the second driver 420, and the upper side of the second lens barrel portion 450 may extend relatively long and tilted along the optical axis direction.

[0106] In this case, similar to the first retainer and the first lens barrel 350, the second retainer and the second lens barrel 450 can be the lens barrel of the third lens assembly 400.

[0107] Furthermore, a second recessed space 451 recessed toward the first side may be formed in the second mirror barrel portion 450, and the second magnet M2 may be located in the second recessed space 451.

[0108] As a result, the second magnet M2 can be positioned between the second coil and the second mirror tube 450 along the second direction.

[0109] In this case, the second step 452 can be formed on the upper part of the second lens barrel 450 and the second magnet M2 to prevent the third lens section 410 from colliding with the second lens assembly 300 when the third lens section 410 moves along the optical axis direction.

[0110] In this case, the bottom surface of the second lens barrel 450 in the direction opposite to the second step 452 can contact the stop to prevent collision with the bottom surface of the frame 100, and the second step 452 can contact the stop along the optical axis to prevent collision with the second lens assembly 300.

[0111] Furthermore, the second Hall sensor 440 can be disposed in the second hollow portion 422a of the second coil, and the third lens assembly 400 can overlap with the second Hall sensor 440 in the second direction while moving along the optical axis direction.

[0112] At the same time, such as Figure 7 As shown, embodiments of the present invention may include a first substrate 710, a second substrate 720, and a third substrate 730.

[0113] In this case, the first driver 320, specifically the first coil and controller 600 that drive the second lens assembly 300, can be mounted on the first substrate 710.

[0114] Furthermore, the second driver 420, specifically the second coil that drives the third lens assembly 400, can be disposed on the second substrate 720, and the first substrate 710 and the second substrate 720 can be connected through the third substrate 730.

[0115] In this case, the first substrate 710 and the second substrate 720 can be formed into a shape that is inserted into the frame 100, and a slit can be formed in the frame 100 through which the first substrate 710 and the second substrate 720 are inserted.

[0116] In this case, the first substrate 710 and the second substrate 720 can be disposed inside the frame 100 through a slit.

[0117] Furthermore, the third substrate 730 may surround the outside of the frame 100 along the second direction and extend from the first substrate 710 to the second substrate 720 to connect the first substrate 710 and the second substrate 720, and the signal of the controller 600 may be transmitted to the second coil through the third substrate 730.

[0118] At the same time, it will refer to Figures 8 to 14 The first lens assembly 200 of the present invention is described.

[0119] Specifically, Figure 8 This is a view illustrating the first lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a view showing the lens portion of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a view used to describe the gate of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 This is a view used to describe the lens barrel portion of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a view used to describe the first to fourth sides and the first and second regions of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 This is a view used to describe the internal distances of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14This is a view used to describe a situation where a camera module including a lens assembly is provided with two gates according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] First, although it will refer to Figures 8 to 14 The accompanying drawings only depict the first lens assembly 200, but this description may be applied to the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly as intended by the designer. For ease of understanding of the invention, only the first lens assembly 200 will be described, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0121] Furthermore, in the description of the lens section in this embodiment of the invention, the separate descriptions of the first lens section 210, the second lens section 310, and the third lens section 410 are only used to name the first lens section 210, the second lens section 310, and the third lens section 410, so as to accurately determine the naming object. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the distinction between "first" and "third".

[0122] Furthermore, similarly, in the description of the lens barrel portion in this embodiment of the invention, the separate descriptions of the first lens barrel portion 220, the second lens barrel portion 350, and the third lens barrel portion 450 are only used to name the first lens barrel portion 220, the second lens barrel portion 350, and the third lens barrel portion 450, in order to accurately determine the naming objects. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the distinction between "first" and "third".

[0123] However, as described above, in order to exemplarily describe each of the lens portion and lens barrel portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first lens assembly 200, the first lens portion 210 and the first lens barrel portion 220 will be described in detail.

[0124] First, such as Figure 8 As shown, the first lens assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first lens portion 210 and a first lens barrel portion 220 connected to the first lens portion 210.

[0125] Furthermore, the first lens portion 210 may be disposed inside the first lens barrel portion 220, and a hole in which the first lens portion 210 is disposed may be formed in the first lens barrel portion 220.

[0126] Furthermore, the first lens portion 210 may be provided as a plurality of first lens portions 210 along the optical axis direction inside the first lens barrel portion 220, and at least any one of the plurality of first lens portions 210 may include a transmission portion 211 through which light passes and a body portion 212 disposed outside the transmission portion 211. In this case, the description will be based on any one of the plurality of first lens portions 210.

[0127] Furthermore, the body portion 222 may correspond to the portion extending from the outer periphery of the transmission portion 211, and the transmission portion 211 may be a lens through which light passes.

[0128] In this case, such as Figure 9 As shown, the body portion 212 may include a gate 213 protruding away from the transmission portion 211, the outer surface of the body portion 212 may include a first region 212a and a second region 212b having different curvatures from each other, and the gate 213 may be disposed in at least one of the first region 212a and the second region 212b.

[0129] In other words, despite Figure 9 The diagram shows that the gate 213 is located in the second region 212b, but the gate 213 can be located in the first region 212a, and the invention is not limited to the drawings.

[0130] In this case, the gate 213 may be a non-designed portion that is formed to protrude from the portion corresponding to the gate along the gate when the material of the injection process is poured through the gate of the casting frame, subsequently solidified in the injection process, and the casting frame is removed to take out the solidified object.

[0131] The first lens portion 210 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured by a plastic injection process, so the gate 213 can be provided in either the first region 212a or the second region 212b of the body portion 212.

[0132] In this case, since the gate 213 corresponds to the undesigned portion formed in the injection process, the gate 213 may hinder assembly in the assembly process. In order to prevent this, in the embodiments of the present invention, the first region 212a and the second region 212b are formed separately, so that the gate 213 can be used to prevent imbalance.

[0133] This will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0134] Simultaneously, the first region 212a and the second region 212b can have different curvatures, and the first regions 212a can be configured as a pair of first regions 212a facing each other along a first direction and a pair of first regions 212a facing each other along a second direction. In this case, the first direction can be perpendicular to the optical axis direction and correspond to... Figure 9 The left and right directions, and the second direction can be perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction and correspond to Figure 9 The vertical direction.

[0135] Since the first and second directions can be determined from the above figures, a more detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0136] In this case, since the first region 212a and the second region 212b are respectively set as a pair facing each other along the first direction and a pair facing each other along the second direction, the first region 212a is set as a plurality of first regions 212a, and since the second region 212b is set between adjacent first regions 212a, the second region 212b can also be set as a plurality of second regions 212b.

[0137] Preferably, four first regions 212a or four second regions 212b can be formed. The pair of first regions 212a can be spaced apart from each other along a first direction, and another pair of first regions 212a can be spaced apart from each other along a second direction. The second regions 212b can be disposed between adjacent first regions 212a.

[0138] Furthermore, the first region 212a and the second region 212b can be arranged sequentially along the circumferential direction of the body portion 212. The first region 212a can be the outer surface of the body portion 212 along the first direction or the second direction, and the second region 212b can be the outer surface of the body portion 212 other than the first region 212a.

[0139] Furthermore, depending on the injection process, the gate 213 can be located in either the first region 212a or the second region 212b.

[0140] When gate 213 is set to multiple gates 213, such as Figure 10 As shown, for example, the gate 213 can be provided in the first region 212a and the second region 212b, and although not shown in the figures, there may be a case where the gate 213 can be provided only in the second region 212b. Before describing each case, the following will classify and describe with reference to the figures the cases where the gate 213 is provided only in the second region 212b, the cases where the gate 213 is provided only in the first region 212a, and the cases where the gate 213 is provided in each of the first region 212a and the second region 212b.

[0141] In this case, such as Figure 10 As shown, when the gate 213 is set as multiple gates 213, the gate 213 set in the first region 212a is defined as the first gate 213a, and the gate 213 set in the second region 212b is defined as the second gate 213b, and they will be described separately.

[0142] At the same time, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first lens barrel portion 220 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first side portion 221 and a second side portion 222 spaced apart from each other along a first direction, and a third side portion 223 and a fourth side portion 224 spaced apart from each other along a second direction.

[0143] In this case, the first distance 221a between the inner surface of the first side 221 and the inner surface of the second side 222 can be constant along the second direction, and the second distance 222a between the inner surface of the third side 223 and the inner surface of the fourth side 224 can vary along the first direction.

[0144] Specifically, the third side portion 223 and the fourth side portion 224 can be configured to be further separated in a second direction along a first direction toward the center between them. More specifically, the third side portion 223 and the fourth side portion 224 can have an arcuate shape, wherein a second distance 222a between the inner surfaces of the third side portion 223 and the fourth side portion 224 decreases toward the first side portion 221 or the second side portion 222, and increases toward the center point between the first side portion 221 and the second side portion 222.

[0145] In this case, the first region 212a can be configured to face the first side 221, the second side 222, the third side 223 and the fourth side 224, and the second region 212b can be configured to face the third side 223 or the fourth side 224.

[0146] At the same time, such as Figure 11 As shown, when the gate 213 is provided in the first region 212a, the first region 212a in which the gate 213 is provided can be configured to face the third side 223 or the fourth side 224.

[0147] Specifically, such as Figure 12 As shown, the gate 213 may not be provided in the first region 212a which is set to face the first side 221 and the second side 222, and the gate 213 may be provided in the first region 212a facing the third side 223 or the fourth side 224.

[0148] In this case, based on the general shape of the first lens portion 210, the first lens portion 210 can be formed into a shape similar to that of the first lens barrel portion 220. When the gate 213 is provided, even when maintaining a precise arrangement, there is a problem of difficulty in connection, and since the first lens portion 210 should always be connected to the first lens barrel portion 220 in the same way, there may be a problem of reduced ease of connection.

[0149] However, the first lens portion 210 according to the embodiment of the present invention may have the following advantages: the first region 212a may be spaced apart from the third side portion 223 and the fourth side portion 224, and when the first region 212a on which the gate 213 is provided rotates toward the third side portion 223 or the fourth side portion 224, the first lens barrel portion 220 and the first lens portion 210 may be connected, regardless of whether the gate 213 is provided thereon.

[0150] At the same time, such as Figure 13 As shown, when the gate 213 is set to face the fourth side 224, the gate 213 can be spaced apart from the fourth side 224, so the first lens section 210 can be easily connected to the first lens barrel section 220.

[0151] In this case, when the separation distance between the fourth side portion 224 and the gate 213 is defined as the internal distance d, the separation distance between the first region 212a and the third side portion 223 can be relatively greater than the internal distance d. Furthermore, the internal distance d can vary along the optical axis direction according to the shape of the first lens barrel portion 220.

[0152] In other words, the first lens barrel portion 220 may have a shape in which the center of the third side portion 223 and the center of the fourth side portion 224 gradually move away from each other along the optical axis, but it is not limited to this.

[0153] Meanwhile, when the gate 213 is provided only in the first region 212a, as described above, the gate 213 is set to face the third side 223 or the fourth side 224, and when the gate 213 is provided in the first region 212a facing each other, the gate 213 can be set to face the third side 223 and the fourth side 224.

[0154] However, when the gate is set in the second region 212b, since the gate 213 set in the second region 212b is set to face the third side 223 or the fourth side 224, the characteristic of the distance variation between the third side 223 and the fourth side 224 has the advantage of easy connection between the first lens section 210 and the first lens barrel section 220, regardless of how the gate 213 is set.

[0155] like Figure 14 As shown, when a gate 213 is provided in each of the first region 212a and the second region 212b, the first gate 213a provided in the first region 212a can be positioned to face the third side 223 or the fourth side 224, and the second gate 213b provided in the second region 212b can, as described above, not hinder assembly due to the arcuate shape of the third side 223 and the fourth side 224.

[0156] However, when the second gate 213b is provided in the second region 212b, the distance between the second regions 212b can be slightly reduced due to the characteristics of the injection process. Therefore, the distance between the second regions 212b on which the gate 213 is not provided can be the same as the distance between the second regions 212b at the ends facing the gate 213.

[0157] In other words, any one of the second regions 212b can have a shape that is recessed toward the transmission portion 211, and thus the second region 212b on which the second gate 213b is provided can be connected without obstruction while facing the third side portion 223 or the fourth side portion 224.

[0158] More specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, based on the case where the gate 213 is provided in any one of the multiple second regions 212b, the radial width of the body portion 212 of the second region 212b without the gate 213 can be relatively larger than the radial width of the body portion 212 of the second region 212b with the gate 213.

[0159] In other words, based on the outer surface of the transmissive portion 211, due to the injection process, the width of the body portion 212 corresponding to the second region 212b in the radial direction can protrude more than the width of the second region 212b of the body portion 212, which is provided with the gate 213, in the radial direction.

[0160] Therefore, due to the characteristics of the injection process as described above, the injection port of the casting frame faces upward, so the outer surface of the body portion 212 corresponding to the second region 212b where the gate 213 is formed can have a concave shape, but this is only an illustrative description and not a necessary limitation.

[0161] As a result, although the present invention has been described based on the first lens assembly 200, the first lens portion 210, the first lens barrel portion 220 and the gate 213 may also be provided in each of the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 as needed, or the gate 213 may not be provided on any of the first lens assembly 200 to the third lens assembly 400.

[0162] Furthermore, although the gate 213 is described in the detailed description of the present invention based on the first lens portion 210 and the first lens barrel portion 220, the description is limited to the first lens portion 210 and the first lens barrel portion 220 only for the purpose of easy understanding of the present invention, and the description may also be the same as that of the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400.

[0163] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, and it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other specific forms without departing from its purpose and scope, in addition to the embodiments described above.

[0164] Therefore, the above embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Consequently, the present invention is not limited to the above description and can be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lens assembly, comprising: Lens section; as well as The lens barrel section is connected to the lens section. The lens portion includes a light-transmitting portion and a body portion disposed outside the light-transmitting portion. The body portion includes a gate that protrudes away from the transmission portion. The outer surface of the body includes a first region and a second region with different curvatures. The gate is located in at least one of the first region and the second region.

2. The lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The lens portion is disposed within the lens barrel portion; and At least one of the first region and the second region of the body portion is in contact with the lens barrel portion.

3. The lens assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first region and the second region are configured as a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions; and The first region and the second region are arranged sequentially along the circumferential direction of the main body.

4. The lens assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The lens barrel portion includes: The first side portion and the second side portion are spaced apart from each other along the first direction; and The third and fourth sides, spaced apart from each other along the second direction, Wherein, the first direction is the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and The second direction is a direction perpendicular to both the optical axis direction and the first direction.

5. The lens assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The third side and the fourth side are configured to be oriented toward the center in the first direction and to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction; and The distance between the first side and the second side is different from the distance between the third side and the fourth side.

6. The lens assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The second region is configured to face either the third or the fourth side.

7. The lens assembly according to claim 3, wherein, When the gate is located in any of the second regions, the first distance from the end portion of the gate to the second region opposite the gate is the same as the second distance between the opposite second regions where the gate is not located.

8. The lens assembly according to claim 4, wherein, When the gate is located in any one of the plurality of first regions: Each of the first regions is configured to face the third side or the fourth side; and Each of the first regions is spaced apart from the third side or the fourth side.

9. A camera module, comprising: frame; as well as The first and second actuators are disposed inside the frame along the optical axis. The second actuator includes multiple lens assemblies. Any one or more of the plurality of lens assemblies includes a lens portion and a lens barrel portion connected to the lens portion. The lens portion includes a light-transmitting portion and a body portion disposed outside the light-transmitting portion. The body portion includes a gate that protrudes away from the transmission portion. The circumferential portion of the body includes a first region and a second region with different curvatures. The gate is located in either the first region or the second region.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein, The gate is spaced apart from the inner surface of the lens barrel in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

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