Camera module

Abstract

A camera module includes: a first lens module having at least one lens; a second lens module having at least one lens and disposed spaced apart from the first lens module; a folding module changing a path of at least one of first incident light incident from the first lens module in the first direction and second incident light incident from the second lens module in the first direction; and an image sensor converting at least one of the first incident light and the second incident light whose path is changed by the folding module into an electrical signal, in which the folding module includes a first prism disposed below the first lens module and a second prism disposed below the second lens module. The second prism is disposed below the second lens module and has a refractive index different from a refractive index of the first prism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to camera modules. Background Technology

[0002] With the significant development of information, communication, and semiconductor technologies, the supply and use of portable terminals have grown rapidly. Cameras are currently used in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptop computers.

[0003] Smartphone cameras have a front camera and a rear camera, and the rear camera uses various types of cameras, such as wide-angle cameras, ultra-wide-angle cameras, high-magnification telephoto cameras, and low-magnification telephoto cameras.

[0004] As the number of cameras used in smartphones increases, the total camera mounting area also increases, especially for telephoto cameras, which occupy a large portion of the total camera mounting area due to their structural characteristics. Furthermore, the recent trend towards high-performance cameras has favored high-pixel image sensors, further increasing the area occupied by these sensors. This may lead to insufficient mounting space for other components such as batteries.

[0005] Therefore, miniaturization techniques that can reduce the overall camera mounting area while maintaining the camera's existing functionality may be needed.

[0006] The above information is presented as background information and is intended to aid in understanding this disclosure. No determination or assertion is made as to whether any of the above content can be used as prior art with respect to this disclosure. Utility Model Content

[0007] 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.

[0008] In one general aspect, the camera module includes: a first lens module including at least one lens; a second lens module including at least one lens and disposed spaced apart from the first lens module; a folding module for altering the path of at least one of a first incident light incident from the first lens module in a first direction and a second incident light incident from the second lens module in the same first direction; and an image sensor for converting at least one of the first incident light and the second incident light whose path is altered by the folding module into an electrical signal, wherein the folding module includes a first prism and a second prism, the first prism being disposed below the first lens module and the second prism being disposed below the second lens module and having a refractive index different from that of the first prism.

[0009] The image sensor can be positioned laterally close to the second prism, and the light-receiving surface of the image sensor can be positioned perpendicular to the direction of light incident from the folding module.

[0010] The first prism can reflect the first incident light in the second direction, and the second prism can transmit the first incident light reflected in the second direction and reflect the second incident light in the second direction.

[0011] The first prism can have a lower refractive index than the second prism.

[0012] The first and second prisms can be joined together with an optical adhesive.

[0013] The optical adhesive may have a refractive index that is the same as or lower than that of the first prism.

[0014] The camera module may also include a third lens module, which is disposed between the second prism and the image sensor and has an optical axis perpendicular to the optical axes of the first lens module and the second lens module.

[0015] The image sensor can be positioned below the second lens module, with its folding module inserted between the image sensor and the second lens module, and the light receiving surface of the image sensor can be configured to be perpendicular to the direction of light incident from the folding module.

[0016] The first prism can reflect the first incident light and transmit the second incident light in the second direction, and the second prism can reflect the first incident light reflected in the second direction and transmit the second incident light in the first direction.

[0017] The first prism can have a higher refractive index than the second prism.

[0018] The first prism and the second prism can be joined together with an optical adhesive, and the optical adhesive can have a refractive index that is the same as or lower than that of the second prism.

[0019] The first prism may include a metallic coating on its reflective surface that reflects the first incident light.

[0020] The first lens module can have a higher magnification than the second lens module.

[0021] In another general aspect, the camera module includes: a first lens module including at least one lens; a second lens module including at least one lens and disposed spaced apart from the first lens module; a folding module for altering the path of at least one of a first incident light incident from the first lens module in a first direction and a second incident light incident from the second lens module in the same first direction; and an image sensor for converting at least one of the first and second incident lights whose paths are altered by the folding module into electrical signals, wherein the folding module includes a first prism and a second prism, the first prism being disposed below the first lens module and the second prism being disposed below the second lens module and spaced apart from the first prism, and wherein the second prism includes an upper prism and a lower prism combined and having different refractive indices from each other.

[0022] The image sensor can be positioned laterally close to the second prism, the first prism can reflect the first incident light in the second direction, and the second prism can transmit the first incident light reflected in the second direction and reflect the second incident light in the second direction.

[0023] The upper prism can have a higher refractive index than the lower prism.

[0024] The image sensor can be positioned below the second lens module, and the folding module is inserted between the image sensor and the second lens module. The first prism can reflect the first incident light in the second direction, and the second prism can reflect the first incident light reflected in the second direction in the first direction and transmit the second incident light.

[0025] The upper prism can have a lower refractive index than the lower prism.

[0026] The camera module may also include a third lens module located between the first prism and the second prism.

[0027] The camera module may also include a third lens module located between the second prism and the image sensor.

[0028] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the camera module according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the camera module shown.

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of a portion of the camera module shown.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The front view of the portion of the camera module shown.

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera module shown.

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the optical path of the camera module.

[0035] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows the optical path of the camera module.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0041] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scale, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the following description, although examples of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0043] The following detailed embodiments are provided to aid the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, as will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features well-known in the art may be omitted.

[0044] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways in which the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure.

[0045] Throughout this specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element, the element may be directly "on," directly "connected to," or directly "attached to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element, there are no other elements between the element and the other element.

[0046] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items; similarly, “at least one” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items.

[0047] Furthermore, the phrase "in a plane" refers to a view taken from above an object (e.g., from the top), and the phrase "in a section" refers to a view taken from the side of a vertically cut object's cross-section.

[0048] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or section from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, first part, first region, first layer, or first section mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as a second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second section.

[0049] Throughout the specification, the term "connected" means not only that two or more components are directly connected, but also that the two or more components are indirectly connected through another component, that the two or more components are electrically and physically connected, or that the two or more components are referred to by different names depending on their location or function, but belong to a whole.

[0050] Spatial relative terms such as “above,” “above,” “below,” and “under” may be used herein for descriptive convenience to describe the relationship of one element relative to another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to covering the orientation depicted in the drawings, these spatial relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “above” or “above” another element would be located “below” or “under” that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term “above” covers both orientations of “above” and “below”. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0051] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form as well. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0052] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may vary. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the accompanying drawings, but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0053] It should be noted that in this document, the term "may" is used relative to examples, such as regarding what an example may include or implement, meaning that there exists at least one example that includes or implements such a feature, but not all examples are limited to this.

[0054] The features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways that will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. Furthermore, although the examples described herein have multiple configurations, other configurations that will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure are also possible.

[0055] One aspect of the implementation described herein can provide a camera module capable of focusing light incident from different types of lens modules onto a single image sensor.

[0056] In the following text, the optical axis can be defined as the central axis of the lens, perpendicular to the lens surface, and the direction of the optical axis (Y-axis direction) means the direction parallel to the central axis. In the accompanying drawings, the optical axis is defined as the Y-axis, and the X-axis and Z-axis are defined in directions perpendicular to the optical axis. In this case, the X-axis and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other, and the XZ plane formed by the X-axis and Z-axis becomes a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the camera module according to an embodiment. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 An exploded stereoscopic view of the camera module shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of a portion of the camera module shown. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The front view of the portion of the camera module shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera module shown, and Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the optical path of the camera module.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 5 According to this embodiment, the camera module 10 includes a lens module 100, a housing 200, and a circuit board 300 surrounding the housing 200 from the outside. The folding module 400 can be accommodated in the internal space of the housing 200.

[0059] Camera module 10 may include a cover 700 partially surrounding housing 200. Cover 700 prevents components housed inside housing 200 from separating from housing 200. For example, housing 200 may have a box-shaped shape with an open top. That is, housing 200 may have a bottom 210 and sides 230 with quadrilateral shapes in a plane. Cover 700 may have a box-shaped shape with an open bottom, allowing the top of housing 200 to be closed. Folding module 400 may be disposed in the space surrounded by housing 200 and cover 700.

[0060] Cover 700 may include a material capable of shielding electromagnetic waves. Cover 700 may block or minimize the escape of electromagnetic waves generated inside camera module 10 to the outside of camera module 10 and block or minimize the entry of electromagnetic waves from outside camera module 10 into camera module 10. For example, cover 700 may be a shielding cover.

[0061] The cover 700 may have openings 701 and 702. A portion of the lens module 100 may protrude to the outside through the openings 701 and 702 formed on the cover 700. External light may enter through the openings 701 and 702 of the cover 700. The lens housed in the lens module 100 may be positioned in the direction of light propagation.

[0062] Lens module 100 includes a first lens module 110 and a second lens module 120, and can be partially covered by a cover 700. The first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 have optical axes parallel to each other and can be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the optical axes. The first lens module 110 can protrude partially to the outside through a first opening 701 of the cover 700, and the second lens module 120 can protrude partially to the outside through a second opening 702 of the cover 700.

[0063] The first lens module 110 may include a first lens barrel 111 and a first lens holder 112. The first lens barrel 111 houses at least one lens. The first lens barrel 111 may have a cylindrical shape in which an internal space is formed. The internal space may house multiple lenses. The multiple lenses may be arranged in a first direction (Y-axis direction). Each lens included in the multiple lenses may have specific optical properties. For example, each lens included in the multiple lenses may have a different refractive index. The first lens barrel 111 may at least partially protrude to the outside through a first opening 701 of the cover 700.

[0064] The first lens holder 112 can accommodate the first lens barrel 111. The first lens holder 112 may include a first facing region 113 that at least partially contacts the side 230 of the housing 200. The first facing region 113 may be at least partially accommodated in the interior space of the housing 200. The first lens holder 112 may be at least partially covered by a cover 700.

[0065] The first lens module 110 may cover a portion of the folding module 400. The first lens module 110 may be connected to the housing 200 by contacting the outer side of the side 230 of the housing 200.

[0066] The first incident light, incident from the outside of the first lens module 110 in the first direction (Y-axis direction), can pass through the first lens module 110 and move to the folding module 400.

[0067] The second lens module 120 may include a second lens barrel 121 and a second lens holder 122. The second lens module 120 is spaced apart from the first lens module 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and may have a magnification different from that of the first lens module 110. For example, the first lens module 110 may have a higher magnification than the second lens module 120, and the first lens module 110 may be a high-magnification telephoto lens, while the second lens module 120 may be a low-magnification telephoto lens. This disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made, such as the first lens module 110 being a telephoto lens and the second lens module 120 being a wide-angle lens.

[0068] The second lens module 120 may have a plurality of lenses arranged in a first direction (Y-axis direction) and housed in the second lens barrel 121, so as to have an optical axis parallel to the optical axis of the first lens module 110. At least a portion of the second lens barrel 121 may protrude to the outside through the second opening 702 of the cover 700.

[0069] The second lens holder 122 can accommodate the second lens barrel 121. The second lens holder 122 may include a second facing region 123 that at least partially contacts the side portion 230 of the housing 200. The second facing region 123 may be at least partially accommodated within the interior space of the housing 200. The second lens holder 122 may be at least partially covered by a cover 700.

[0070] The second lens module 120 can partially cover the folding module 400. The second lens module 120 can be connected to the housing 200 by contacting the outside of the side 230 of the housing 200.

[0071] The second incident light, incident from the outside of the second lens module 120 in the first direction (Y-axis direction), can pass through the second lens module 120 and move to the folding module 400.

[0072] The first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 may include at least a portion of an autofocus (AF) driver. For example, the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 may each include an AF magnet. The first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 may be moved along the optical axis by electromagnetic interaction between the AF magnet and an AF coil mounted on the circuit board 300.

[0073] The first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 may include a shutter (not shown) that blocks light from entering the upper portion of each of the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120. When it is desired to receive light incident on either the first lens module 110 or the second lens module 120, the shutter can be used to selectively block light incident on the other.

[0074] The folding module 400 can alter the optical path by refracting at least one of a first incident light incident from the first lens module 110 in the first direction (Y-axis direction) and a second incident light incident from the second lens module 120 in the first direction. The light, whose path has been altered by the folding module 400, reaches the image sensor module 600. The folding module 400 may include a refractive member 410 for altering the optical path.

[0075] The refractive component 410 may include a first prism 411 disposed below the first lens module 110 and a second prism 413 disposed below the second lens module 120. The first prism 411 may extend to the bottom of the second lens module 120, and the first prism 411 and the second prism 413 may be joined together with an optical adhesive 412.

[0076] The first prism 411 can reflect the first incident light incident from the first lens module 110 in the first direction (Y-axis direction) to the second direction (Z-axis direction), and the second prism 413 can transmit the first incident light reflected in the second direction and reflect the second incident light incident from the second lens module 120 in the first direction to the second direction.

[0077] The first prism 411 and the second prism 413 can be formed of materials that reflect or refract light, and can have different refractive indices. For example, the first prism 411 can have a lower refractive index than the second prism 413.

[0078] The optical adhesive 412 may have a predetermined refractive index, and may have a refractive index that is the same as or lower than that of the first prism 411 and the second prism 413. This disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first prism 411 and the second prism 413 may be arranged spaced apart from each other without joining, or they may be arranged to be in contact with each other.

[0079] The first prism 411 may have a polyhedral shape with an inclined reflective surface 417 that reflects first incident light incident from the first lens module 110 in a first direction, and its YZ plane may be, for example, a parallelogram having a diagonal extending from below the first lens module 110 to below the second lens module 120. A metal coating 418 may be formed on the reflective surface 417 such that all first incident light incident from the first lens module 110 is reflected in a second direction and guided to the second prism 413.

[0080] The second prism 413 may have a polyhedral shape having an inclined reflective surface 415 that reflects second incident light incident from the second lens module 120 in the first direction. The second prism 413 may have a higher refractive index than the first prism 411, such that the first incident light reflected from the reflective surface 417 of the first prism 411 in the second direction is transmitted through the second prism 413.

[0081] The folding module 400 includes a support portion 420 and a rotating bracket 430 housed within the support portion 420. A refractive member 410 can be coupled to the rotating bracket 430. For example, the support portion 420 can be supported by a ball assembly (not shown) disposed between the bottom 210 of the housing 200 and the support portion 420, and can rotate about a first axis parallel to a first direction (Y-axis direction). Furthermore, the rotating bracket 430 can be supported by a second ball assembly (not shown) disposed between the support portion 420 and the rotating bracket 430, and can rotate about a second axis parallel to a third direction (X-axis direction). When the support portion 420 or the rotating bracket 430 rotates, the refractive member 410 housed in the rotating bracket 430 can also rotate.

[0082] The folding module 400 may include at least a portion of an optical image stabilization (OIS) driver. For example, the folding module 400 may include an OIS magnet. The folding module 400 may rotate about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis via electromagnetic interaction between the OIS magnet and an OIS coil mounted on a circuit board 300.

[0083] The image sensor module 600 includes a sensor substrate 610 and an image sensor 620 disposed on the sensor substrate 610. The image sensor 620 is a device that receives at least one of a first incident light and a second incident light incident from the folding module 400 and converts it into an electrical signal, and may be a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), but is not limited thereto.

[0084] Image sensor 620 has a light-receiving surface 621 that receives at least one of a first incident light and a second incident light. Image sensor 620 may be positioned laterally close to (adjacent to) a second prism 413, such that the light-receiving surface 621 is perpendicular to the direction of the light whose path has been altered by folding module 400. That is, image sensor 620 is configured such that the light-receiving surface 621 faces the side surface of the second prism 413, such that the light-receiving surface 621 is perpendicular to the direction of light reflected by folding module 400 in the second direction (Z-axis direction). An image can be formed on the light-receiving surface 621 by the light reaching image sensor 620. Image sensor 620 may generate an electrical signal for forming the image on light-receiving surface 621. The electrical signal can be transmitted to external circuitry via connector 630.

[0085] The housing 200 may accommodate the folding module 400 and may have an opening that exposes the OIS coil toward the OIS magnet to the interior of the housing 200. Additionally, the housing 200 may have an opening that exposes the AF coil toward the AF magnet to the interior of the housing 200.

[0086] The circuit board 300 may be configured to surround the housing 200 from the outside. In other words, the circuit board 300 may surround at least a portion of the side 230 of the housing 200. For example, the circuit board 300 may have a shape that bends twice. The housing 200 may have a box-shaped shape with an open top, a bottom 210, and four sides 230, and in this case, the circuit board 300, which bends twice, may be configured to surround three of the four sides 230 of the housing 200. The circuit board 300 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a rigid flexible printed circuit board (RFPCB).

[0087] At least a portion of the OIS driver and at least a portion of the AF driver can be disposed on the circuit board 300. For example, the OIS coil and the AF coil can be disposed on the circuit board 300. That is, the OIS coil and the AF coil can be disposed in the housing 200 via the circuit board 300.

[0088] Camera module 10 can provide optical image stabilization (OIS). If the camera shakes unintentionally during shooting due to hand tremors or other reasons, the OIS function can compensate for that shaking. For example, camera module 10 can provide OIS by driving folding module 400 via an OIS driver.

[0089] An OIS driver may include an OIS magnet and an OIS coil. For example, the OIS magnet may be disposed in the folding module 400, and the OIS coil may be disposed on the circuit board 300. The OIS magnet and the OIS coil may be arranged facing each other, and when power is supplied to the OIS coil through the circuit board 300, the folding module 400 may rotate about a first axis parallel to a first direction (Y-axis direction) due to the electromagnetic interaction between the OIS coil and the OIS magnet. The OIS magnet and the OIS coil may be arranged in groups to correspond to each lens module. This disclosure is not limited thereto, and an OIS driver including an OIS magnet and an OIS coil may be disposed in a lens holder.

[0090] Camera module 10 can provide autofocus (AF) functionality. AF functionality allows the camera to automatically focus on an object. For example, camera module 10 can provide AF functionality by driving a first lens module 110 and a second lens module 120 via an autofocus (AF) driver.

[0091] The AF driver may include an AF magnet and an AF coil. The AF magnet may be disposed in the lens module 100 and the AF coil may be disposed on the circuit board 300.

[0092] The AF magnet and AF coil can be positioned facing each other, and when power is supplied to the AF coil via the circuit board 300, the lens module 100 can move in the optical axis direction (Y-axis direction) through the electromagnetic interaction between the AF coil and the AF magnet. The AF magnet and AF coil can be grouped together in each lens module.

[0093] Reference Figure 6 Referring to the optical path of the camera module 10 according to this embodiment, first incident light incident on the first lens module 110 in a first direction is reflected from the reflective surface 417 of the first prism 411 toward the second prism 413 in a second direction, and the first incident light reflected in the second direction and incident on the second prism 413 is transmitted through the second prism 413 and incident on the image sensor module 600. In this case, the second prism 413 may have a higher refractive index than the first prism 411, and therefore, the first incident light incident on the second prism 413 can be transmitted through the second prism 413. For example, the first prism 411 may have a refractive index of 1.487, and the second prism 413 may have a refractive index of 2.0. The first prism 411 and the second prism 413 may be joined by an optical adhesive 412, and the refractive index of the optical adhesive 412 may be the same as or lower than the refractive index of the first prism 411—for example, 1.375.

[0094] The second incident light incident on the second lens module 120 in the first direction can be totally reflected on the reflective surface 415 of the second prism 413 in the second direction, and then incident on the image sensor module 600. In this case, the refractive index of the second prism 413 can be higher than that of the first prism 411, such that the second incident light is totally reflected on the reflective surface 415 of the second prism 413. In order to selectively allow the first incident light incident on the first lens module 110 and the second incident light incident on the second lens module 120, the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 can each include a shutter (not shown) at the top. That is, the shutter can be used to control the incidence of either the first incident light or the second incident light.

[0095] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Describes a camera module according to another embodiment. Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to another embodiment, and Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows the optical path of the camera module.

[0096] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The camera module shown is the same as the reference. Figures 1 to 5The described embodiments have substantially the same configuration. Different configurations are described below; the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations, and configurations not described separately can be used in conjunction with… Figures 1 to 5 The implementation shown is configured in the same way.

[0097] Reference Figure 7 According to this embodiment, the camera module 10 includes a third lens module 500 located between the folding module 400 and the image sensor module 600. Specifically, the third lens module 500 may be disposed between the second prism 413 and the image sensor 620, and may include a third lens barrel 510 and a third lens holder 520. The third lens barrel 510 may accommodate multiple lenses within its internal space. The multiple lenses may be arranged in the second optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the third lens module 500 may have an optical axis perpendicular to the optical axes of the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120.

[0098] The third lens holder 520 can accommodate the third lens barrel 510. The third lens holder 520 is supported by a ball assembly (not shown) located between the bottom 210 of the housing 200 and the third lens holder 520, and is movable in the second optical axis direction. When the third lens holder 520 moves in the second optical axis direction, the third lens barrel 510 housed within it can also move in the second optical axis direction. The distance between the lens and the image sensor can be changed according to the movement of the third lens barrel 510. That is, the third lens barrel 510 can move in the second optical axis direction, and therefore, the camera module 10 can provide AF functionality.

[0099] The third lens module 500 may include at least a portion of the AF driver. For example, the third lens module 500 may include an AF magnet 530. The third lens module 500 may be moved in the direction of the second optical axis by electromagnetic interaction between the AF magnet 530 and an AF coil mounted on the circuit board 300.

[0100] The path of the first and second incident light, altered by the folding module 400, passes through the third lens module 500 and then reaches the image sensor module 600.

[0101] According to this embodiment, since the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 share the third lens module 500, the number of lenses used in the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 can be reduced. For example, if the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 are telephoto lenses with different magnifications, then the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 can each include a set of lenses, and the third lens module 500 can include two sets of lenses. This allows the height of the camera module to be reduced, thereby contributing to a thinner camera module.

[0102] Reference Figure 8 Referring to the optical path of the camera module 10 according to this embodiment, first incident light incident on the first lens module 110 in a first direction is reflected from the reflective surface 417 of the first prism 411 toward the second prism 413 in a second direction, and the first incident light reflected in the second direction and incident on the second prism 413 is transmitted through the second prism 413 and incident on the third lens module 500. The first incident light incident on the third lens module 500 is refracted by the third lens module 500 and then incident on the image sensor module 600. In this case, the second prism 413 may have a higher refractive index than the first prism 411, and therefore, the first incident light reflected in the second direction and incident on the second prism 413 can be transmitted through the second prism 413. The first prism 411 and the second prism 413 may be joined with an optical adhesive 412, and the refractive index of the optical adhesive 412 may be the same as or lower than the refractive index of the first prism 411.

[0103] The second incident light incident on the second lens module 120 in the first direction is totally internally reflected by the reflective surface 415 of the second prism 413 in the second direction and incident on the third lens module 500. The second incident light incident on the third lens module 500 can also be refracted by the third lens module 500 and incident on the image sensor module 600. In this case, the refractive index of the second prism 413 can be higher than that of the first prism 411, causing the second incident light to be totally internally reflected by the reflective surface 415 of the second prism 413. To selectively allow the first incident light incident on the first lens module 110 and the second incident light incident on the second lens module 120, the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 can each include a shutter (not shown) at their upper parts.

[0104] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 9 to 12 Describes camera modules according to various implementations. Figures 9 to 12 This is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to other implementation methods.

[0105] Figures 9 to 12The camera module shown is the same as the reference. Figures 1 to 5 The described embodiments have substantially the same configuration. Different configurations are described below; the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations, and configurations not described separately can be used in conjunction with… Figures 1 to 5 The implementation shown is configured in the same way.

[0106] Reference Figure 9 According to this embodiment, the camera module includes a refractive component 410 and a third lens module 500. The refractive component 410 includes a first prism 411 and a second prism 413. The third lens module 500 is located between the second prism 413 and the image sensor module 600.

[0107] A first prism 411 is disposed below the first lens module 110, and a second prism 413 is disposed below the second lens module 120. The first prism 411 may be spaced apart from the second prism 413 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Y-axis direction). The second prism 413 may be a combination of an upper prism 413a and a lower prism 413b with different refractive indices. The upper prism 413a and the lower prism 413b may be joined using an optical adhesive 412.

[0108] The third lens module 500 includes at least a portion of an AF driver, allowing the third lens module 500 to move in the second optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and thus enabling the camera module 10 to provide AF functionality. The third lens module 500 may have an optical axis perpendicular to the optical axes of the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120. Since the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 share the third lens module 500, the number of lenses used in the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 can be reduced, thereby contributing to a thinner camera module.

[0109] Reference Figure 9Referring to the optical path of the camera module according to this embodiment, first incident light incident on the first lens module 110 in a first direction is reflected from the reflective surface 417 of the first prism 411 toward the lower prism 413b in a second direction. The first incident light reflected in the second direction is transmitted through the lower prism 413b and the upper prism 413a and then incident on the third lens module 500. The first incident light incident on the third lens module 500 is refracted by the third lens module 500 and then incident on the image sensor module 600. In this case, the upper prism 413a may have a higher refractive index than the lower prism 413b, and therefore, the first incident light incident from the lower prism 413b to the upper prism 413a can be transmitted through the upper prism 413a. For example, the lower prism 413b may have a refractive index of 1.487, and the upper prism 413a may have a refractive index of 2.0. The upper prism 413a and the lower prism 413b can be joined by an optical adhesive 412, and the refractive index of the optical adhesive 412 can be the same as or lower than the refractive index of the lower prism 413b.

[0110] The second incident light incident on the second lens module 120 in the first direction is totally reflected by the reflective surface 415 of the upper prism 413a in the second direction and incident on the third lens module 500. The second incident light incident on the third lens module 500 can be refracted by the third lens module 500 and incident on the image sensor module 600. In this case, the refractive index of the upper prism 413a can be higher than the refractive index of the lower prism 413b, causing the second incident light to be totally reflected on the reflective surface 415 of the upper prism 413a. To selectively allow the first incident light incident on the first lens module 110 and the second incident light incident on the second lens module 120, the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 can each include a shutter (not shown) at their upper parts.

[0111] Reference Figure 10 According to this embodiment, the camera module includes a refractive component 410 and a third lens module 500. The refractive component 410 includes a first prism 411 and a second prism 413, and the third lens module 500 is located between the first prism 411 and the second prism 413.

[0112] A first prism 411 is disposed below the first lens module 110, and a second prism 413 is disposed below the second lens module 120. The first prism 411 may be spaced apart from the second prism 413 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Y-axis direction). The second prism 413 may be a combination of an upper prism 413a and a lower prism 413b with different refractive indices. The upper prism 413a and the lower prism 413b may be joined using an optical adhesive 412.

[0113] The third lens module 500 includes at least a portion of an AF driver, allowing it to move in the second optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) to provide AF functionality to the first lens module 110. The third lens module 500 may have an optical axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens module 110. Since the third lens module 500 is positioned in the path of light incident through the first lens module 110, the number of lenses used in the first lens module 110 can be reduced. For example, if the first lens module 110 is a high-magnification telephoto lens and the second lens module 120 is a low-magnification telephoto lens, some lenses from the high-magnification telephoto lens can be placed in the first lens module 110 such that the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 have the same height, and the remaining lenses can be placed in the third lens module 500. Therefore, the height of the high-magnification first lens module 110 can be made the same as the height of the second lens module 120, thereby reducing the overall height of the camera module.

[0114] Reference Figure 10 Referring to the optical path of the camera module according to this embodiment, first incident light incident on the first lens module 110 in a first direction is reflected from the reflective surface 417 of the first prism 411 toward the third lens module 500 in a second direction, and the first incident light incident on the third lens module 500 is refracted by the third lens module 500 and incident on the lower prism 413b. The first incident light is transmitted through the lower prism 413b and the upper prism 413a and then incident on the image sensor module 600. In this case, the upper prism 413a may have a higher refractive index than the lower prism 413b, and therefore, the first incident light incident from the lower prism 413b to the upper prism 413a can be transmitted through the upper prism 413a. For example, the lower prism 413b may have a refractive index of 1.487, and the upper prism 413a may have a refractive index of 2.0. The upper prism 413a and the lower prism 413b can be joined by an optical adhesive 412, and the refractive index of the optical adhesive 412 can be the same as or lower than the refractive index of the lower prism 413b.

[0115] The second incident light incident on the second lens module 120 in the first direction can be totally reflected by the reflective surface 415 of the upper prism 413a in the second direction and incident on the image sensor module 600. In this case, the refractive index of the upper prism 413a can be higher than that of the lower prism 413b, so that the second incident light is totally reflected on the reflective surface 415 of the upper prism 413a. In order to selectively allow the first incident light incident on the first lens module 110 and the second incident light incident on the second lens module 120, the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 can each include a shutter (not shown) at the top.

[0116] Reference Figure 11 According to this embodiment, the camera module may include an image sensor module 600 disposed below the refractive member 410. Specifically, the image sensor module 600 may be disposed below the second lens module 120, with the refractive member 410 positioned between the second lens module 120 and the image sensor module 600. The image sensor module 600 may be configured such that its light-receiving surface is perpendicular to the direction of light incident from the folding module 400. In other words, the light-receiving surface of the image sensor module 600 may be positioned to face the lower surface of the refractive member 410.

[0117] The first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 can be telephoto lenses with different magnifications, or the first lens module 110 can be a telephoto lens and the second lens module 120 can be a wide-angle lens.

[0118] The refractive component 410 includes a first prism 411 and a second prism 413. The first prism 411 is disposed below the first lens module 110, and the second prism 413 is disposed below the second lens module 120. The first prism 411 and the second prism 413 may have different refractive indices and may be joined together using an optical adhesive 412.

[0119] Reference Figure 11 Referring to the optical path of the camera module according to this embodiment, first incident light incident on the first lens module 110 in a first direction is reflected from the reflective surface 417 of the first prism 411 toward the second prism 413 in a second direction. The first incident light reflected in the second direction is then reflected again in the first direction from the reflective surface 415 of the second prism 413 toward the image sensor module 600 and incident on the image sensor module 600. In this case, the second prism 413 may have a lower refractive index than the first prism 411, and therefore, the first incident light reflected in the second direction can be totally internally reflected at the reflective surface 415 of the second prism 413 in the first direction and can then be incident on the image sensor module 600. For example, the first prism 411 may have a refractive index of 2.0, and the second prism 413 may have a refractive index of 1.478. The refractive index of the optical adhesive 412 may be the same as or lower than the refractive index of the second prism 413.

[0120] The second incident light incident on the second lens module 120 in the first direction can be transmitted through the second prism 413 and the first prism 411, and can also be incident on the image sensor module 600. At this time, the refractive index of the second prism 413 can be lower than that of the first prism 411, allowing the second incident light to be transmitted through the first prism 411. To selectively allow the first incident light incident on the first lens module 110 and the second incident light incident on the second lens module 120, the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 can each include a shutter (not shown) at their upper parts.

[0121] Reference Figure 12 According to this embodiment, the camera module includes a refractive component 410 and a third lens module 500. The refractive component 410 includes a first prism 411 and a second prism 413. The third lens module 500 is located between the first prism 411 and the second prism 413, and the image sensor module 600 can be disposed below the refractive component 410.

[0122] A first prism 411 is disposed below the first lens module 110, and a second prism 413 is disposed below the second lens module 120. The first prism 411 may be spaced apart from the second prism 413 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Y-axis direction). The second prism 413 may be a combination of an upper prism 413a and a lower prism 413b with different refractive indices. The upper prism 413a and the lower prism 413b may be joined using an optical adhesive 412.

[0123] The third lens module 500 includes at least a portion of an AF driver, allowing it to move in the second optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) to provide AF functionality to the first lens module 110. The third lens module 500 may have an optical axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens module 110. Since the third lens module 500 is positioned in the path of light incident through the first lens module 110, the number of lenses used in the first lens module 110 can be reduced. For example, if the first lens module 110 is a high-magnification telephoto lens and the second lens module 120 is a low-magnification telephoto lens, some lenses from the high-magnification telephoto lens can be placed in the first lens module 110 such that the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 have the same height, and the remaining lenses can be placed in the third lens module 500. Therefore, the height of the high-magnification first lens module 110 can be made the same as the height of the second lens module 120, thereby reducing the overall height of the camera module. This embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made, such as the first lens module 110 being a telephoto lens and the second lens module 120 being a wide-angle lens.

[0124] Specifically, the image sensor module 600 can be disposed below the second lens module 120, and the refractive member 410 (specifically the second prism 413) is located between the second lens module 120 and the image sensor module 600. Furthermore, the image sensor module 600 can be configured such that its light-receiving surface is perpendicular to the direction of light incident from the folding module 400. In other words, the image sensor module 600 can be configured such that its light-receiving surface faces the lower surface of the second prism 413.

[0125] Reference Figure 12 Referring to the optical path of the camera module according to this embodiment, first incident light incident on the first lens module 110 in a first direction is reflected from the reflective surface 417 of the first prism 411 toward the third lens module 500 in a second direction. The first incident light, reflected in the second direction and incident on the third lens module 500, is refracted by the third lens module 500 and incident on the lower prism 413b. The first incident light is again reflected from the reflective surface of the lower prism 413b toward the image sensor module 600 in the first direction and incident on the image sensor module 600. In this case, the refractive index of the lower prism 413b can be higher than that of the upper prism 413a, causing the first incident light to undergo total internal reflection on the reflective surface of the lower prism 413b and then incident on the image sensor module 600.

[0126] The second incident light incident on the second lens module 120 in the first direction can be transmitted through the upper prism 413a and the lower prism 413b and then incident on the image sensor module 600. In this case, the refractive index of the upper prism 413a can be lower than that of the lower prism 413b, so that the second incident light can be transmitted through the upper prism 413a and the lower prism 413b and then incident on the image sensor module 600. The refractive index of the optical adhesive 412 can be the same as or lower than that of the upper prism 413a.

[0127] In order to selectively allow a first incident light to be incident on the first lens module 110 and a second incident light to be incident on the second lens module 120, the first lens module 110 and the second lens module 120 may each include a shutter (not shown) at the top.

[0128] According to one or more embodiments described herein, the total mounting area of ​​the camera module can be reduced.

[0129] While specific examples have been shown and described above, it will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may still be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, The camera module includes: The first lens module includes at least one lens; The second lens module includes at least one lens and is configured to be spaced apart from the first lens module; The folding module alters the path of at least one of a first incident light incident from the first lens module in a first direction and a second incident light incident from the second lens module in the first direction; and The image sensor converts at least one of the first incident light and the second incident light, whose paths are altered by the folding module, into an electrical signal. The folding module includes a first prism and a second prism. The first prism is disposed below the first lens module, and the second prism is disposed below the second lens module and has a refractive index different from that of the first prism.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image sensor is positioned laterally close to the second prism, and the light-receiving surface of the image sensor is positioned perpendicular to the direction of light incident from the folding module.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first prism reflects the first incident light in the second direction, and The second prism transmits the first incident light reflected in the second direction and reflects the second incident light in the second direction.

4. The camera module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first prism has a lower refractive index than the second prism.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first prism and the second prism are joined together with an optical adhesive.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The optical adhesive has a refractive index that is the same as or lower than that of the first prism.

7. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module also includes: The third lens module is disposed between the second prism and the image sensor and has an optical axis perpendicular to the optical axes of the first lens module and the second lens module.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image sensor is disposed below the second lens module, and the folding module is inserted between the image sensor and the second lens module. The light receiving surface of the image sensor is configured to be perpendicular to the direction of light incident from the folding module.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first prism reflects the first incident light and transmits the second incident light in the second direction, and The second prism reflects the first incident light reflected in the second direction in the first direction and transmits the second incident light.

10. The camera module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first prism has a higher refractive index than the second prism.

11. The camera module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first prism and the second prism are joined together with an optical adhesive, and the optical adhesive has a refractive index that is the same as or lower than that of the second prism.

12. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first prism includes a metallic coating on its reflective surface that reflects the first incident light.

13. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first lens module has a higher magnification than the second lens module.

14. A camera module, characterized in that, The camera module includes: The first lens module includes at least one lens; The second lens module includes at least one lens and is configured to be spaced apart from the first lens module; The folding module alters the path of at least one of a first incident light incident from the first lens module in a first direction and a second incident light incident from the second lens module in the first direction; and The image sensor converts at least one of the first incident light and the second incident light, whose paths are altered by the folding module, into an electrical signal. The folding module includes a first prism and a second prism. The first prism is disposed below the first lens module, and the second prism is disposed below the second lens module and spaced apart from the first prism. The second prism comprises an upper prism and a lower prism that are combined and have different refractive indices.

15. The camera module according to claim 14, characterized in that, The image sensor is positioned laterally close to the second prism. The first prism reflects the first incident light in the second direction, and The second prism transmits the first incident light reflected in the second direction and reflects the second incident light in the second direction.

16. The camera module according to claim 15, characterized in that, The upper prism has a higher refractive index than the lower prism.

17. The camera module according to claim 15, characterized in that, The camera module also includes: The third lens module is located between the first prism and the second prism.

18. The camera module according to claim 15, characterized in that, The camera module also includes: The third lens module is located between the second prism and the image sensor.

19. The camera module according to claim 14, characterized in that, The image sensor is positioned below the second lens module, and the folding module is inserted between the image sensor and the second lens module. The first prism reflects the first incident light in the second direction, and The second prism reflects the first incident light reflected in the second direction in the first direction and transmits the second incident light.

20. The camera module according to claim 19, characterized in that, The upper prism has a lower refractive index than the lower prism.

21. The camera module according to claim 19, characterized in that, The camera module also includes: The third lens module is located between the first prism and the second prism.

Images