Lens module and camera module

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

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

[0004] The camera module may consist of a plurality of lenses stacked along the optical axis within a cylindrical barrel, with filters and image sensors stacked at the bottom of the lens barrel and lenses within a housing.

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

[0006] These light reflections have nothing to do with image formation and are the cause of flare or ghosting on the screen.

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

[0008] The above information is presented as background information only to assist in understanding the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above content may be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Utility Model Content

[0009] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0027] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following specific description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0039] Throughout the drawings and specific embodiments, identical reference numerals designate identical elements, unless otherwise described. The drawings can not be to scale and the relative dimensions, proportions, and depiction of elements in the drawings can be exaggerated for purpose of clarity, illustration and convenience. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, while examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0041] The following detailed description is provided to help the reader obtain a thorough understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art after an understanding of the disclosure. For example, the order of the operations described herein is merely an example and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but can be changed as will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure, except for operations that necessarily occur in a certain order. Also, descriptions of features known in the art can be omitted in order to improve clarity and conciseness.

[0042] The features described herein can be implemented in different forms and are not to be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided as an example of a number of possible ways of implementing the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein, as will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure.

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

[0044] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items, as well as any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items; likewise, "at least one of" includes any one of the associated listed items, as well as any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items.

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

[0046] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "upper," "below," "lower," and the like can be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as shown in the figures. Such spatial relative terms can be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as above or upper other elements would then be oriented below or lower other elements. Accordingly, the terms "above" and "below" encompass both orientations of above and below, as well as orientations in which the device is placed upright, turned over, rotated 90 degrees, or placed in any other orientation. The device can be otherwise oriented (for example, rotated 90 degrees or placed in any other orientation) and the spatially relative terms used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "one," "a," and "the" are intended to encompass the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there can be additional features, elements, operations, components, members, and / or combinations thereof, in addition to those specifically recited.

[0048] The shapes shown in the figures can vary due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Thus, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the figures, but include variations of the shapes that occur due to manufacturing.

[0049] In this document, it is noted that the use of the term "may" with respect to examples described herein, such as what an example can include or implement, means that at least one example includes or implements that feature, and that all examples are not limited to this.

[0050] As will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the disclosure, the features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways. Furthermore, although the examples described herein have a variety of configurations, other configurations are possible in which the examples are used in combination with other examples.

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

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

[0053] Here, a plurality of lenses are sequentially stacked on the lens barrel 100 from the object side to the image side (see FIG. Figure 3 ), and the lens barrel 100 can be set in the housing 20.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0060] The first lens 200 can be disposed at a last portion of the lens barrel 100. The first lens 200 can be a D-cut lens having a long axis and a short axis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0070] The second hole 1120 can be a hole extending from the first hole 1110. The second hole 1120 can be formed by recessing from the first hole 1110 toward the object side. The second hole 1120 can be formed by recessing from a portion of the side surface of the lens barrel 100 from the image side toward the object side. The second hole 1120 can be disposed with a step with respect to the first hole 1110. The second hole 1120 can be disposed closer to the object side than the first hole 1110. A width of the second hole 1120 based on a direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be smaller than a width of the first hole 1110 based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0071] A portion of the press-fit ring 300 can be disposed in the second hole 1120. In particular, the protruding portion 320 of the press-fit ring 300 can be disposed in the second hole 1120.

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

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

[0074] The press-fit ring 300 can include a main portion 310 and a protrusion 320. The main portion 310 can form the overall appearance of the press-fit ring 300 in a ring shape. The protrusion 320 can be disposed on a side portion of the press-fit ring 300. The protrusion 320 can have a structure protruding from the main portion 310 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

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

[0076] The first surface 321 can be a surface extending away from the optical axis in the main portion 310. The first surface 321 can face the 1-1 surface 1121 disposed on the lens barrel 100.

[0077] The second surface 322 can correspond to the first surface 321. The second surface 322 can be disposed on the opposite side of the first surface 321. The second surface 322 can be a surface extending away from the optical axis in the main portion 310. The second surface 322 can face the 2-1 surface 1122 disposed on the lens barrel 100.

[0078] The third surface 323 can extend from the first surface 321 and the second surface 322. The third surface 323 can be disposed in the second hole 1120. The third surface 323 can be exposed through the second hole 1120 when viewed from the surface of the lens module 10.

[0079] Figure 9 is a close-up view of a portion of the lens module according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0080] Referring to Figure 9 The first surface 321 of the press-fit ring 300 can be disposed perpendicular to the third surface 323 of the press-fit ring 300. The first surface 321 can face the 1-1 surface 1121 of the lens barrel 100 to be disposed. The first surface 321 and the 1-1 surface 1121 can be disposed in parallel. At least a portion of the first surface 321 can overlap the 1-1 surface 1121 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. At least a portion of the first surface 321 can be disposed in the second hole 1120. When the press-fit ring 300 coupled to the lens barrel 100 is rotated, the first surface 321 can come into contact with the 1-1 surface 1121, and when the 1-1 surface 1121 supports the first surface 321, rotation of the press-fit ring 300 can be prevented.

[0081] Figure 10 is a close-up view of a portion of the lens module according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0082] Referring to Figure 10The first surface 321 of the press-fit ring 300 may be a surface disposed at an inclined angle. The first surface 321 and the third surface 323 may be disposed at an obtuse angle. The first surface 321 may be disposed facing the I-1 surface 1121 of the lens barrel 100.

[0083] I-1 surface 1121 may be arranged at an inclined angle. That is, I-1 surface 1121 may include an inclined surface corresponding to first surface 321 arranged at an inclined angle. Therefore, when press-fit ring 300 rotates about the optical axis, first surface 321 and I-1 surface 1121 may come into surface contact with each other, preventing press-fit ring 300 from rotating.

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

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

[0086] I-1 surface 1121 may be disposed at an angle to first surface 321. The inclination directions of I-1 surface 1121 and first surface 321 may be opposite to each other. That is, the distance between first surface 321 and I-1 surface 1121 increases as the distance from the optical axis increases. In other words, when press-fit ring 300 rotates about the optical axis, first surface 321 and I-1 surface 1121 may come into linear contact with each other.

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

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

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

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

[0091] While specific examples have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects in each example are to be considered as being applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results can be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in a different manner, and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the specific implementations described herein, but only by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are to be construed as being included in the disclosure.

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Images