Camera module

Abstract

A camera module is provided. The camera module includes: a plurality of lens modules each including one or more lenses; and a reflection module including a reflection member configured to change a path of light incident on the plurality of lens modules, in which the plurality of lens modules and the reflection module are disposed in a first optical axis direction, and one of the plurality of lens modules is configured to move in the first optical axis direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0057339, filed on April 30, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0112239, filed on August 21, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The following description pertains to the camera module. Background Technology

[0004] Many mobile devices have adopted camera modules (hereinafter referred to as foldable camera modules) that include reflective components that redirect or change the path of incident light.

[0005] Typically, folding camera modules have a structure in which incident light passes sequentially through a reflective member and multiple lenses before being received by the image sensor. Therefore, multiple lenses are arranged along the length of the camera module, which imposes fewer limitations on the number of lenses.

[0006] Additionally, for the folding camera module, shake correction is achieved by rotating the reflective component, and focus adjustment is achieved by moving part or all of the lens. In this example, part or all of the lens can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the camera module.

[0007] Recently, to achieve a more compact camera module structure, multiple lenses can be positioned in front of the reflecting member. However, in this example, although the length of the camera module is reduced, the height of the camera module may increase.

[0008] Specifically, if we even consider the movement distance of multiple lenses, the height of the camera module becomes greater than the thickness of the mobile device, which inevitably leads to the problem of the lenses protruding outside the mobile device. Utility Model Content

[0009] This summary portion is provided to briefly introduce the selection of 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.

[0010] In general, the camera module includes: a plurality of lens modules, each including one or more lenses; and a reflection module including a reflection member configured to change the path of light incident on the plurality of lens modules, wherein the plurality of lens modules and the reflection module are disposed in a first optical axis direction, and wherein one of the plurality of lens modules is configured to move in the first optical axis direction.

[0011] The plurality of lens modules may include: a first lens module into which light is incident; and a second lens module disposed between the first lens module and the reflection module.

[0012] At least one of the plurality of lens modules and the reflection module may be configured to rotate about one or more of a first axis parallel to the first optical axis direction, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

[0013] The second lens module may be configured to rotate with the reflection module about one or more of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis.

[0014] The second lens module may be coupled to the reflection module to be spaced apart from the reflection member in the first optical axis direction.

[0015] The plurality of lens modules may be configured to move in a direction parallel to the second axis and the third axis among a first axis parallel to the first optical axis direction, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

[0016] The camera module may further include a housing in which the plurality of lens modules and the reflection module are disposed, wherein the housing has a length in the first optical axis direction and a length in a second optical axis direction perpendicular to the first optical axis direction, and wherein 0.2 < H / L ≤ 1.0 is satisfied, where H is the length of the housing in the first optical axis direction and L is the length of the housing in the second optical axis direction.

[0017] The reflection member may be a prism including an incident surface, a reflection surface, and an exit surface, and the plurality of lens modules may include one or more lenses having a diameter larger than the width of the incident surface of the prism.

[0018] In general, the camera module includes: a first lens module including one or more lenses; a second lens module including one or more lenses and spaced apart from the first lens module in the first optical axis direction; and a reflection module including a reflection member and spaced apart from the second lens module in the first optical axis direction, wherein one of the first lens module and the second lens module is configured to move in the first optical axis direction.

[0019] The reflection module can be configured to rotate about one or more of a first axis parallel to the first optical axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis perpendicular to both the first and second axes.

[0020] The second lens module can be configured to rotate together with the reflection module.

[0021] The first lens module can be configured to rotate together with the second lens module and the reflection module.

[0022] The first lens module and the second lens module can be configured to rotate about one or more of a first axis parallel to the first optical axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis perpendicular to both the first and second axes.

[0023] The first lens module and the second lens module can be configured to move in a direction parallel to the second axis and the third axis, which are parallel to the first axis, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and the third axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

[0024] The camera module may also include an image sensor spaced apart from the reflective module in a second optical axis direction perpendicular to the first optical axis direction, wherein the reflective element is configured to change the path of light from the first optical axis direction to the second optical axis direction.

[0025] The camera module may also include a third lens module, which includes one or more lenses and is spaced apart from the reflection module and the image sensor respectively in the direction of the second optical axis.

[0026] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0028] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A focus adjustment drive according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0029] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C A jitter correction drive according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C A jitter correction driver according to a second embodiment is shown.

[0031] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C A jitter correction driver according to a third embodiment is shown.

[0032] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C A jitter correction driver according to a fourth embodiment is shown.

[0033] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A jitter correction driver according to a fifth embodiment is shown.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a configuration diagram of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a side view of an exemplary mobile device employing an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0036] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements unless otherwise described. For purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scale, and descriptions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following detailed embodiments are provided to help the reader gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations described herein and / or the sequence of operations described herein are merely examples and are not limited to the order set forth herein, except for the order of operations and / or the order of operations which must occur in a specific sequence, but can be changed, as will become apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. As another example, the order of operations and / or the order of operations can be performed in parallel, except for the order of operations and / or at least a portion of the order of operations which must occur in a sequence (e.g., a specific sequence). Furthermore, for clarity and conciseness, descriptions of features known upon understanding the disclosure of this application may be omitted.

[0038] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third,” or A, B, (a), (b), 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. Each of these terms is not intended to define, for example, the importance, sequence, or order of the corresponding component, part, region, layer, or section, but only to distinguish the corresponding component, part, region, layer, or section from other components, parts, regions, layers, or sections. 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 the second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second section.

[0039] Throughout this specification, when a component, element, or layer is described as "on another component, element, or layer," "connected to," "attached to," or "joined to" another component, element, or layer, it may be directly "on another component, element, or layer," directly "connected to," "attached to," or "joined to" another component, element, or layer (e.g., in contact with another component, element, or layer), or one or more other components, elements, or layers may reasonably be present between that component, element, or layer and that other component, element, or layer. When a component, element, or layer is described as "directly on another component, element, or layer," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly joined to" another component, element, or layer, then there are no other components, elements, or layers between that component, element, or layer and that other component, element, or layer. Similarly, expressions such as "between" and "directly between," and "adjacent" and "directly adjacent" may also be interpreted as described above.

[0040] The terminology used herein is for 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 equally include the plural forms. As non-limiting examples, 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, or alternatives to the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, while one embodiment may describe the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof using the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” other embodiments may exist in which one or more of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof are absent.

[0041] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items. Phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C” are intended to have a disjunctive meaning, and these phrases also include examples in which one or more of A, B, and C may be present (e.g., any combination of one or more of A, B, and C), unless the corresponding description and implementation require that the enumeration (e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C”) be interpreted as having a conjunctive meaning.

[0042] The features described herein may be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways in which the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. In this document, the use of the term “may” (e.g., regarding what an example or implementation may include or implement) with respect to an example or implementation means that there exists at least one example or implementation that includes or implements such a feature, and that all examples or implementations are not limited thereto. The terms “example” or “implementation” as used herein have the same meaning (e.g., the phrase “in one example” has the same meaning as “in one implementation,” and “in one or more examples” has the same meaning as “in one or more implementations”).

[0043] One or more examples relate to camera modules, and more specifically, to techniques for camera modules that include reflective elements that alter the path of incident light.

[0044] One or more examples can provide a camera module with a compact structure. Specifically, one or more examples can reduce the overall length of the camera module and can minimize the increase in the height of the camera module.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0046] A camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments may include a housing 110, a plurality of lens modules 120 and 130, a reflection module 140, and an image sensor 150.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 The housing 110 can form the appearance of the camera module 100. Additionally, the housing 110 can have internal space to accommodate multiple lens modules 120 and 130, a reflection module 140, and an image sensor 150. However, in this example, a portion of one of the multiple lens modules 120 and 130 located on the object side may protrude outside the housing 110.

[0048] The multiple lens modules 120 and 130 may include a first lens module 120 and a second lens module 130. The first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 may each include one or more lenses disposed in the direction of the first optical axis C1 (Y-axis direction).

[0049] The reflection module 140 may include a reflective member that alters the path of the incident light. In one example, the reflective member may be a prism P having an incident surface, a reflecting surface, and an exit surface. In another example, the reflective member may be a mirror instead of a prism P.

[0050] Refer again Figure 1 Multiple lens modules 120 and 130 and a reflection module 140 can be arranged in the direction of the first optical axis C1. In the example, the first lens module 120, the second lens module 130 and the reflection module 140 can be arranged sequentially in the direction of the first optical axis C1.

[0051] Additionally, the first lens module 120, the second lens module 130, and the reflection module 140 can be configured such that there is a gap between adjacent pairs of the first lens module 120, the second lens module 130, and the reflection module 140 along the first optical axis C1. This gap is positioned between adjacent pairs of the first lens module 120, the second lens module 130, and the reflection module 140 to ensure sufficient space for performing the focus adjustment drive operation and jitter correction drive operation, which will be described later, and to avoid collisions and interference.

[0052] The image sensor 150 can be positioned along the direction of the reflection module 140 and the second optical axis C2. Additionally, the image sensor 150 can be positioned with a gap between it and the reflection module 140 along the direction of the second optical axis C2. The gap between the image sensor 150 and the reflection module 140 can vary depending on the desired optical performance of the camera module 100.

[0053] In other words, the reflecting component (hereinafter referred to as prism P) can change the path of incident light incident along the first optical axis C1 to the second optical axis C2. The second optical axis C2 can be approximately perpendicular to the first optical axis C1.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In the first optical axis C1 direction (Y-axis direction), the height H of the camera module 100 can be corresponding to the height H of the camera module 100, and the second optical axis C2 direction (Z-axis direction) can be corresponding to the length L of the camera module 100.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the camera module 100 may have a plurality of lens modules 120 and 130 disposed on the object side of the reflection module 140, thereby reducing the length L of the camera module 100.

[0056] In this implementation, the relationship between the length L of the camera module 100 and the height H of the camera module 100 can be represented by the following conditional expression:

[0057] Conditional expression: 0.2 <H / L≤1.0。

[0058] In the conditional expression, the length L of the camera module 100 can be the length of the housing 110 in the direction of the second optical axis C2, and the height H of the camera module 100 can be the length of the housing 110 in the direction of the first optical axis C1 (see...). Figure 1 If the first lens module 120 protrudes outside the housing 110, the height H of the camera module 100 can be the length of the protruding portion of the first lens module 120 in the direction of the first optical axis C1 (see...). Figure 9 ).

[0059] Figure 8 This is a configuration diagram of an exemplary camera module according to another embodiment.

[0060] In another embodiment, the lens module (hereinafter referred to as the third lens module) 160 may be additionally disposed on the image side (sensor side) of the reflection module 140.

[0061] The third lens module 160 may include one or more lenses disposed in the direction of the second optical axis C2 (Z-axis direction).

[0062] The third lens module 160 can be positioned between the reflection module 140 and the image sensor 150.

[0063] In the example, the reflection module 140, the third lens module 160, and the image sensor 150 can be arranged sequentially in the direction of the second optical axis C2.

[0064] Additionally, the third lens module 160 can be configured to have a gap with the reflection module 140 in the direction of the second optical axis C2. This is to ensure space for the jitter correction drive described later and to avoid collisions and interference.

[0065] In this example, the third lens module 160 may be a fixed member that is fixedly disposed in the housing 110. Alternatively, in this example, the third lens module 160 may be a movable member that rotates together with the reflection module 140 while performing shake correction on the camera module 100.

[0066] The camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments may have focus adjustment function and shake correction function.

[0067] The focus adjustment function of the camera module 100 can be achieved by moving the first lens module 120 or the second lens module 130 in the direction of the first optical axis C1 (Y-axis direction). Even if a third lens module 160 is provided, the focus adjustment operation of the camera module 100 does not require the third lens module 160 to be involved. That is, the third lens module 160 can be fixedly installed in the housing 110.

[0068] The shake correction function of the camera module 100 can be achieved by rotating (tilting) one or more of the first lens module 120, the second lens module 130, and the reflection module 140 about the first optical axis C1, the second optical axis C2, and one or more axes perpendicular to both the first optical axis C1 and the second optical axis C2.

[0069] In the following description, the first axis may be an axis perpendicular to both the first optical axis C1 and the second optical axis C2, which may refer to the X-axis in the attached figure; the second axis may be an axis parallel to the first optical axis C1, which may refer to the Y-axis in the attached figure; and the third axis may be an axis parallel to the second optical axis C2, which may refer to the Z-axis in the attached figure. The first, second, and third axes may be perpendicular to each other.

[0070] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A focus adjustment drive according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0071] According to one or more embodiments, the camera module 100 can adjust the focus by moving one of the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 disposed on the object side of the reflection module 140 in the direction of the first optical axis C1. The first lens module 120 or the second lens module 130 can be moved in two directions in the direction of the first optical axis C1.

[0072] In the implementation method, such as Figure 2A As shown, when adjusting the focus of the camera module 100, the first lens module 120 closest to the object side can move in the direction of the first optical axis C1. The first lens module 120 can move relative to the second lens module 130 and the reflection module 140 in the direction of the first optical axis C1.

[0073] When the first lens module 120 moves along the first optical axis C1, the distance d1 between the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 on the first optical axis C1 (hereinafter referred to as the first distance) can change (increase or decrease). In the example, when the first lens module 120 moves in the +Y direction, the first distance d1 can increase, and when the first lens module 120 moves in the -Y direction, the first distance d1 can decrease. In the example, the distance d2 between the second lens module 130 and the reflection module 140 on the first optical axis C1 (hereinafter referred to as the second distance) can be constant.

[0074] In another embodiment, such as Figure 2B As shown, when the focus of the camera module 100 is adjusted, the second lens module 130, which is located between the first lens module 120 and the reflection module 140, can move in the direction of the first optical axis C1.

[0075] When the second lens module 130 moves in the direction of the first optical axis C1, the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 can be changed (increased or decreased). For example, when the second lens module 130 moves in the +Y direction, the first distance d1 can decrease and the second distance d2 can increase. Conversely, when the second lens module 130 moves in the -Y direction, the first distance d1 can increase and the second distance d2 can decrease.

[0076] In this example, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the camera module 100 may include a drive section that generates a driving force to move the first lens module 120 or the second lens module 130 in the direction of the first optical axis C1. In this example, the drive section may be equipped with a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator including a magnet and a coil. However, in this example, the drive section may be equipped with a piezoelectric element or a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire, etc.

[0077] Additionally, the camera module 100 may include a guide member that guides the movement of the first lens module 120 or the second lens module 130 in the direction of the first optical axis C1. In this example, the guide member may be provided with a ball support. However, this is merely an example, and in other examples, the guide member may also be provided with a spring.

[0078] According to one or more embodiments, since only one of the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 moves in the direction of the first optical axis C1, the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 can be configured to be driven independently. For example, the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 may each include a lens barrel and / or a lens holder, and the driving parts may be set separately.

[0079] According to one or more embodiments, the camera module 100 can be configured to move one of the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 disposed in the height H direction of the camera module 100 when adjusting the focus, thereby reducing the moving distance of the lens module and thus minimizing the increase in the height H of the camera module 100.

[0080] As in the embodiment, if the lens module located in front of the reflection module 140 is divided into two groups: a first lens module 120 and a second lens module 130, and only one of the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 is driven when adjusting the focus, the moving distance can be reduced to about 300 μm compared to driving the entire lens module.

[0081] Figures 3A to 7B A jitter correction driver according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0082] According to one or more embodiments, the camera module 100 can correct shake by rotating one or more of the first lens module 120, the second lens module 130, and the reflection module 140 as rotation axes about one or more of the first axis (X-axis), the second axis (Y-axis), and the third axis (Z-axis).

[0083] In one embodiment, during jitter correction, one or more of the first lens module 120, the second lens module 130, and the reflection module 140 may rotate about a first axis (X-axis) and a second axis (Y-axis) as rotation axes, or about a first axis (X-axis) and a third axis (Z-axis) as rotation axes.

[0084] Figures 3A to 3C A jitter correction drive according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0085] According to the first embodiment, the reflection module 140 can rotate when the camera module 100 performs shake correction. The reflection module 140 can rotate about one or more of the first axis (X-axis), the second axis (Y-axis), and the third axis (Z-axis) as rotation axes.

[0086] Figure 3A This is an example of the reflection module 140 rotating around the first axis (X-axis). Figure 3B This is an example of the reflection module 140 rotating around the second axis (Y-axis), and Figure 3C This is an example of the reflection module 140 rotating around the third axis (Z-axis).

[0087] although Figures 3A to 3C The image shows the reflection module 140 rotating counterclockwise, but the reflection module 140 can also rotate in the opposite direction (clockwise).

[0088] Figure 3B This is a view of the camera module 100 as seen from the incident surface side of the prism P, thus showing the rotation of the reflection module 140 along the second axis (Y-axis), and Figure 3C This is a view of the camera module 100 as seen from the exit surface side of the prism P, thus showing the rotation of the third axis (Z-axis) of the reflection module 140.

[0089] exist Figure 3B In this example, the diameters of the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130, as well as the width of the incident surface of the prism P, are shown to be the same. However, this is merely an example, and the diameters of the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130, as well as the width of the incident surface of the prism P, may differ from each other. In this example, the diameter of the plurality of lenses included in the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 may be greater than the width of the incident surface of the prism P. Additionally, the diameter of the lens included in the first lens module 120 may be greater than the diameter of the lens included in the second lens module 130. The lens diameter may refer to the effective diameter.

[0090] The above description can also be applied to Figure 3C In other words, the diameters of the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130, as well as the width of the exit surface of the prism P, can be different from each other.

[0091] In this example, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the camera module 100 may include a drive section that generates a driving force to rotate the reflective module 140 about one or more of the first axis (X-axis), second axis (Y-axis), and third axis (Z-axis). In this example, the drive section may be equipped with a VCM actuator comprising a magnet and a coil. However, this is merely an example, and the drive section may be equipped with piezoelectric elements or SMA wires, etc.

[0092] Additionally, the camera module 100 may include a guide member that guides (supports) the rotation of the reflection module 140. In this example, the guide member may be provided with a ball support. However, the guide member may also be provided with a spring.

[0093] according to Figures 3A to 3C In this implementation, one of the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 can be a movable member that moves when adjusting the focus, and the other can be a fixed member that is fixedly disposed in the housing 110. Additionally, the reflection module 140 can be a movable member that moves during jitter correction. In this example, the reflection module 140 and either the first lens module 120 or the second lens module 130 can be driven independently.

[0094] Figures 4A to 4C A jitter correction driver according to a second embodiment is shown.

[0095] According to the second embodiment, the second lens module 130 and the reflection module 140 can be rotated to perform shake correction operations on the camera module 100. The second lens module 130 and the reflection module 140 can rotate about one or more of the first axis (X-axis), the second axis (Y-axis), and the third axis (Z-axis).

[0096] according to Figures 4A to 4C In one embodiment, at least one of the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 may be a movable component.

[0097] In this example, the first lens module 120 may be a movable member that moves when adjusting the focus, and the second lens module 130 and the reflection module 140 may be movable members that move during jitter correction operations. In this example, the second lens module 130 and the reflection module 140 may be driven independently or together. In this example, the second lens module 130 may be coupled to the reflection module 140 and may rotate together with the reflection module 140 during jitter correction operations.

[0098] In another example, the first lens module 120 may be a fixed member fixedly disposed in the housing 110, and the second lens module 130 may be a movable member that moves during focus adjustment and jitter correction operations. Additionally, the reflection module 140 may be a movable member that moves during jitter correction operations. In this example, the second lens module 130 may be driven independently of the reflection module 140.

[0099] Figures 5A to 5C A jitter correction driver according to a third embodiment is shown.

[0100] According to the third embodiment, during the shake correction operation of the camera module 100, the first lens module 120, the second lens module 130, and the reflection module 140 can all rotate. The first lens module 120, the second lens module 130, and the reflection module 140 can rotate about one or more of the first axis (X-axis), the second axis (Y-axis), and the third axis (Z-axis) as rotation axes.

[0101] according to Figures 5A to 5C In this implementation, the first lens module 120, the second lens module 130, and the reflection module 140 can all be movable components.

[0102] In this example, the first lens module 120 may be a movable component that moves during focus adjustment and jitter correction operations, and the second lens module 130 and the reflection module 140 may be movable components that move during jitter correction operations. In this example, the second lens module 130 and the reflection module 140 may be driven independently or together. In this example, the second lens module 130 may be coupled to the reflection module 140 and may rotate together with the reflection module 140 during jitter correction operations.

[0103] In another example, the first lens module 120 and the reflection module 140 may be movable components that move during jitter correction operations, and the second lens module 130 may be a movable component that moves during focus adjustment operations and jitter correction operations. In this example, the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 may be driven independently or together. In this example, the second lens module 130 may be configured to move on the first lens module 120 in the direction of the first optical axis C1, and the first lens module 120 may be configured to rotate on the housing 110 about one or more of a first axis (X-axis), a second axis (Y-axis), and a third axis (Z-axis). Since the second lens module 130 may be disposed on the first lens module 120, the second lens module 130 may rotate together with the first lens module 120.

[0104] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C A jitter correction driver according to a fourth embodiment is shown.

[0105] According to the fourth embodiment, the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 can rotate during the shake correction operation of the camera module 100. The first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 can rotate about one or more of a first axis (X-axis) and a third axis (Z-axis), preferably about the first axis (X-axis) and the third axis (Z-axis).

[0106] according to Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C In this embodiment, both the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 can be movable components.

[0107] In the example, the first lens module 120 may be a movable member that moves during focus adjustment and jitter correction operations, and the second lens module 130 may be a movable member that moves during jitter correction operations.

[0108] In the fourth embodiment, the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 can be driven independently or together. In the example, the first lens module 120 can be configured to move on the second lens module 130 in the direction of the first optical axis C1, and the second lens module 130 can be configured to rotate on the housing 110 about a first axis (X-axis) and a third axis (Z-axis). Since the first lens module 120 can be mounted on the second lens module 130, the first lens module 120 can rotate together with the second lens module 130. Alternatively, conversely, the second lens module 130 can be configured to move on the first lens module 120 in the direction of the first optical axis C1, and the first lens module 120 can be configured to rotate on the housing 110 about the first axis (X-axis) and the third axis (Z-axis). Therefore, the second lens module 130 can rotate together with the first lens module 120.

[0109] In the example, the reflection module 140 may be a fixed component that is fixedly disposed in the housing 110.

[0110] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A jitter correction driver according to a fifth embodiment is shown.

[0111] According to the fifth embodiment, during the shake correction operation of the camera module 100, the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 can move in a direction perpendicular to the first optical axis C1. That is, the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 can move in one or more directions of the first axis (X-axis) and the third axis (Z-axis), preferably in the directions of the first axis (X-axis) and the third axis (Z-axis).

[0112] although Figure 7A and Figure 7B The illustration shows the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 moving to the left, but this is just an example, and in the example, the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 can move in opposite directions (to the right).

[0113] In the fifth embodiment, the first lens module 120 may be configured to move along the first optical axis C1 on the second lens module 130, and the second lens module 130 may be configured to move along the housing 110 in a direction parallel to the first axis (X-axis) and the third axis (Z-axis). Alternatively, the second lens module 130 may be configured to move along the first optical axis C1 on the first lens module 120, and the first lens module 120 may be configured to move along the housing 110 in a direction parallel to the first axis (X-axis) and the third axis (Z-axis). Therefore, the first lens module 120 and the second lens module 130 may move together in a direction parallel to the first axis (X-axis) and the third axis (Z-axis).

[0114] In the example, the reflection module 140 may be a fixed component that is fixedly disposed in the housing 110.

[0115] In explanation Figures 4A to 7B In the implementation method, the related Figures 3A to 3C The implementation methods overlap with each other.

[0116] Figure 9 This is a side view of an exemplary mobile device employing a camera module according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0117] The camera module 100 according to one or more of the above embodiments can be installed on the mobile device 1. Figure 9 In the example, the mobile device is shown as a smartphone. However, this is just an example, and the camera module 100 can also be installed on other types of mobile devices such as, but not limited to, laptops, tablet PCs, virtual reality (VR) devices, etc.

[0118] Reference Figure 9 The height direction of the camera module 100 and the thickness direction of the mobile device 1 can be parallel to the first optical axis C1. Furthermore, the length direction of the camera module 100 and the width direction of the mobile device 1 can be parallel to the second optical axis C2. That is, the height H of the camera module 100 can correspond to the thickness of the mobile device 1, and the length L of the camera module 100 can correspond to the width of the mobile device 1.

[0119] According to one or more embodiments, since the camera module 100 may have multiple lens modules 120 and 130 and a reflection module 140 disposed in the direction of the first optical axis C1, the length L of the camera module 100 can be shortened, and the camera module 100 can be manufactured compactly. Therefore, the installation space of the camera module 100 in the mobile device 1 can be reduced.

[0120] According to one or more embodiments, since multiple lens modules 120 and 130 and reflection module 140 can be arranged in the direction of the first optical axis C1, the height H of camera module 100 may be increased to exceed the thickness of mobile device 1, and a portion of camera module 100 may protrude to the outside of mobile device 1.

[0121] However, since the camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments can move one of the multiple lens modules 120 and 130 when adjusting the focus, the range of movement of the lens module is reduced, thereby minimizing the protrusion of the camera module 100.

[0122] According to one or more embodiments, the camera module can be compactly configured while maintaining optical performance and minimizing the amount of lens protrusion.

[0123] While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application 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 purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Appropriate 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 a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents.

[0124] Therefore, in addition to the above disclosure and all the accompanying drawings, the scope of this disclosure also includes the claims and their equivalents, that is, all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module characterized by, The camera module includes: a plurality of lens modules each including one or more lenses; and a reflection module including a reflection member configured to change a path of light incident on the plurality of lens modules, wherein the plurality of lens modules and the reflection module are disposed in a first optical axis direction, and wherein one of the plurality of lens modules is configured to move in the first optical axis direction.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of lens modules includes: a first lens module into which light is incident; and a second lens module disposed between the first lens module and the reflection module. 3.The camera module of claim 2, wherein: at least one of the plurality of lens modules and the reflection module is configured to rotate around one or more of a first axis parallel to the first optical axis direction, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

4. The camera module of claim 3, wherein, The second lens module is configured to rotate with the reflection module around one or more of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis.

5. The camera module of claim 4, wherein, The second lens module is coupled to the reflection module to be spaced apart from the reflection member in the first optical axis direction.

6. The camera module of claim 2, wherein, The plurality of lens modules is configured to move in a direction parallel to the second axis and the third axis among a first axis parallel to the first optical axis direction, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

7. The camera module of claim 1, wherein, The camera module further includes: a housing in which the plurality of lens modules and the reflection module are disposed, wherein the housing has a length in the first optical axis direction and a length in a second optical axis direction perpendicular to the first optical axis direction, wherein 0.2 < H / L ≤ 1.0 is satisfied, wherein H is the length of the housing in the first optical axis direction, and L is the length of the housing in the second optical axis direction. 8.The camera module of claim 1, wherein: the reflection member is a prism including an incidence surface, a reflection surface, and an exit surface, and the plurality of lens modules includes one or more lenses having a diameter greater than a width of the incidence surface of the prism.

9. A camera module characterized by, The camera module includes: a first lens module including one or more lenses; a second lens module including one or more lenses and spaced apart from the first lens module in a first optical axis direction; and a reflection module including a reflection member and spaced apart from the second lens module in the first optical axis direction, wherein one of the first lens module and the second lens module is configured to move in the first optical axis direction. 10.The camera module of claim 9, wherein: the reflection module is configured to rotate around one or more of a first axis parallel to the first optical axis direction, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

11. The camera module of claim 10, wherein, the second lens module is configured to rotate with the reflection module.

12. The camera module of claim 11, wherein, The first lens module is configured to rotate with the second lens module and the reflective module.

13. The camera module of claim 9, wherein, The first lens module and the second lens module are configured to rotate about one or more of a first axis parallel to the first optical axis direction, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

14. The camera module of claim 9, wherein, The first lens module and the second lens module are configured to move in a direction parallel to the second axis and the third axis among a first axis parallel to the first optical axis direction, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

15. The camera module of claim 9, wherein, The camera module further includes: an image sensor spaced apart from the reflective module in a second optical axis direction perpendicular to the first optical axis direction, wherein the reflective member is configured to change a path of light from the first optical axis direction to the second optical axis direction.

16. The camera module of claim 15, wherein, The camera module further includes: a third lens module including one or more lenses and spaced apart from the reflective module and the image sensor, respectively, in the second optical axis direction.

Images