Camera module and electronic device including same
The camera module addresses flare issues through a reflective pattern on the spacer between lenses, improving image quality and reliability by redirecting stray light, thus enhancing the performance of camera modules.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025540780
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-01-12
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
AI Technical Summary
Camera modules suffer from flare and other image quality issues due to light reflection and scattering, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
A camera module design featuring a reflective pattern on the inner surface of a spacer between lenses, with specific geometric configurations to redirect light away from the image sensor, thereby minimizing flare.
The design effectively reduces flare and improves the reliability of camera modules by controlling light paths, enhancing image quality.
Smart Images

Figure 2026502539000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a camera module and an electronic device including the same. [Background technology]
[0002] Camera modules, which capture images of objects and store them as images or videos, are used in a variety of applications. In particular, camera modules are manufactured in ultra-compact sizes and are applied to portable devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops, as well as drones and vehicles, providing a variety of functions. For example, the optical system of a camera module may include an imaging lens that forms an image and an image sensor that converts the formed image into an electrical signal. The camera module may perform an autofocus (AF) function by automatically adjusting the distance between the image sensor and the imaging lens to align the focal length of the lens, and a zoom function by increasing or decreasing the magnification of a distant object through a zoom lens. Camera modules also employ image stabilization (IS) technology to correct or prevent image blur caused by camera movement due to an unstable fixture or user movement.
[0003] The most important element for such a camera module to obtain an image is the lens that forms the image. Recently, interest in high resolution has been increasing, and to achieve this, research is being conducted on optical systems that include multiple lenses.
[0004] Camera modules equipped with image sensors such as CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) and CMOSs (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Image Sensors) place filters (optical filters) with various optical functions between the lens and the image sensor to obtain clear images while reproducing color tones well. A typical example is an optical filter (near-infrared cut filter) that blocks light in the near-infrared wavelength range in order to correct the spectral sensitivity of the image sensor to match human visual sensitivity. The optical filter is placed between the last lens and the image sensor. In such camera modules, multiple lenses are stacked, and light that passes through the multiple lenses is focused on the image sensor and can be stored as data in the device's memory.
[0005] However, reflection and scattering of light entering the camera module can cause flare and other phenomena, which can adversely affect image quality, so it is necessary to block unnecessary light from reaching the image sensor. Therefore, a new camera module that can solve the above problems is needed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a camera module having a reflective pattern on an inner surface of a spacer between multiple lenses, preferably a camera module having a ring-shaped reflective pattern formed on an inner surface of a spacer with the maximum thickness.
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a camera module capable of reducing flare by arranging a reflection pattern between two lenses having the maximum interval among intervals between a plurality of lenses. Embodiments of the present invention provide a camera module having a pattern for reflecting, absorbing, or scattering light traveling along an abnormal path among light traveling to a plurality of lenses through a reflection member. Embodiments of the present invention can improve the reliability of a folded camera module.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0008] A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reflection member that reflects light incident in a first direction in a second direction, a lens holder having a plurality of lenses aligned along the second direction, a circuit board on which an image sensor that converts light refracted through the plurality of lenses into an electrical signal is disposed, a plurality of spacers disposed on an outer circumference between two adjacent lenses, and a separation member having the maximum thickness among the plurality of spacers, and the separation member may include a through hole penetrating from an upper surface to a lower surface and a plurality of reflection patterns arranged in a concentric shape along an inner surface of the through hole.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the through hole of the separation member may have an inner surface that is larger at the upper part than at the lower part and is inclined by 5 degrees or more. The upper length of the through hole of the separation member is CA11, and the lower length is CA12, and the condition: 0.6 < CA12 / CA11 < 0.9 can be satisfied.
[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of grooves respectively disposed between the reflection patterns are included, the thickness of the separation member is T0, the depth of the groove is T1, and the condition: 0.03 < T1 / T0 < 0.22 can be satisfied. The pitch between the reflection patterns is T2, and the condition: 0.04 < T2 / T0 < 0.3 can be satisfied.
[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the spacer member may have different lengths in a first direction and a third direction that are orthogonal to a second direction, which is the optical axis of the plurality of lenses. The thickness of the spacer member is T0, and the condition: 0.3 mm < T0 < 2.8 mm can be satisfied.
[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one lens adjacent to the object among the plurality of lenses may have a non-circular shape in which the effective lengths in two directions orthogonal to the optical axis of the plurality of lenses are different from each other on the object side surface or the sensor side surface. The first lens closest to the object among the plurality of lenses includes an object side surface and a sensor side surface, the maximum effective length of the object side surface is CA1S1y, the minimum effective length is CA1S1x, and the formula: 0.55 < CA1S1x / CA1S1y < 0.98 can be satisfied.
[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the maximum effective length of the sensor side surface of the first lens is CA1S2y, the minimum effective length is CA1S2x, and the formula: 0.55 < CA1S2x / CA1S2y < 0.98 can be satisfied.
[0014] <According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pattern may be formed on the inner surface of a spacer or separator between lenses to reflect, scatter, or absorb light transmitted to an image sensor through the inner surface, thereby minimizing the occurrence of flare. The present invention may improve the reliability of a folded camera module. The present invention may improve the reliability of an electronic device having a camera module with improved reliability, a portable terminal having the same, or an unmanned or manned vehicle (vehicle, drone, motorcycle, water vehicle). [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the camera module of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a second lens assembly in the camera module of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a plan view of lenses of the second lens assembly in FIG. 2 that have different lengths in first and second directions perpendicular to the optical axis. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of the second lens assembly of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3(A) and (B) are a side cross-sectional view and an enlarged view of part A of the separating member of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 3A and 3B are a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of the separating member of FIG. 2, respectively. [Figure 8] 10(A) and 10(B) are a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of a first modification of the separating member of FIG. 2. [Figure 9] 10(A) and 10(B) are a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of a second modification of the separating member of FIG. 2. [Figure 10] 10(A) and 10(B) are a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of a third modification of the separating member of FIG. 2. [Figure 11] 10(A) and 10(B) are a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of a fourth modification of the separating member of FIG. 2. [Figure 12]10A and 10B are diagrams comparing the intensities of flare incident on the image sensors according to the comparative example and the example. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied; [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but may be realized in various different forms, and one or more of the components of the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention should be interpreted as meanings that are commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise clearly defined and described. Commonly used terms, such as predefined terms, should be interpreted in light of the contextual meaning of the relevant art.
[0020] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the singular can also include the plural, and when referring to "A and (and) at least one (or more) of B and C," it can include one or more of all combinations of A, B, and C. Furthermore, when describing components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as "first," "second," "A," "B," "(a)," and "b" can be used. These terms are used only to distinguish a component from other components and do not limit the nature, order, or procedure of the components. Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it can mean not only a case where the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but also a case where the component is "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to the other component or by other components. Furthermore, when it is described as being formed or disposed "above (upper) or below (lower)" each component, the above (upper) or below (lower) includes not only the case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. Furthermore, when it is expressed as "above (upper) or below (lower)," it can mean not only the upper direction but also the lower direction based on one component. Furthermore, the multiple embodiments described below can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, if a part is missing from the description of one of the multiple embodiments, the description of the other embodiment can be applied unless otherwise specified.
[0021] In this specification, the first lens refers to the lens closest to the object (or subject), and the last lens refers to the lens closest to the top surface (or image sensor). In this specification, the units of the lens curvature radius (Radius), thickness, TTL, ImgH (top surface height: 1 / 2 the diagonal length of the top surface), and focal length are all in mm. Furthermore, the lens thickness, the spacing between lenses, and TTL are the distance on the optical axis of the lens. Furthermore, in the description of the shape of a lens, "one surface is convex" means that the optical axis portion of that surface is convex, and "one surface is concave" means that the optical axis portion of that surface is concave. Therefore, even if one surface of a lens is described as being convex, the edge portion of the lens may be concave. Similarly, even if one surface of a lens is described as being concave, the edge portion of the lens may be convex.
[0022] The optical system may include an optical system made up of multiple lenses. For example, the optical system may include multiple lenses having refractive power. The optical system may include multiple lenses having refractive power, a prism for refracting incident light, and a stop for adjusting the amount of light.
[0023] The optical system may further include an optical filter for blocking infrared rays, and the optical filter may include an infrared blocking filter. The optical system may further include an image sensor for converting an image of a subject incident through the optical system into an electrical signal. The optical system may further include a spacing maintaining member for adjusting the distance between the lenses. The lenses are made of a material having a refractive index different from that of air. For example, the lenses are made of a plastic or glass material. At least one of the lenses has an aspherical shape.
[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the camera module of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a second lens assembly in the camera module of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a plan view of lenses of the second lens assembly of Fig. 2 that have different lengths in first and second directions perpendicular to the optical axis. Fig. 5 is a partial enlarged view of the second lens assembly of Fig. 2. Figs. 6A and 6B are a side cross-sectional view and an enlarged view of part A of the separation member of Fig. 2. Figs. 7A and 7B are a perspective view and an example of a side cross-sectional view in the first and second axis directions of the separation member of Fig. 2.
[0025] 1 to 5, a camera module 1000 according to the embodiment may include a housing 1400, a first lens assembly 1100, a second lens assembly 1200, and a sensor assembly 1300. Here, the first lens assembly 1100 may be used as a first actuator, and the second lens assembly 1200 may be used as a second actuator.
[0026] The housing 1400 may cover the first lens assembly 1100 and the second lens assembly 1200. The housing 1400 may improve the coupling strength between the first lens assembly 1100 and the second lens assembly 1200. The housing 1400 may be formed of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves. The housing 1400 may be made of a metal material. This may easily protect the first lens assembly 1100 and the second lens assembly 1200 inside the housing 1400. The housing 1400 has a first opening 1401 that is open at an upper surface thereof. The first opening 1401 is an area through which light enters the first lens assembly 1100. The first opening 1401 may overlap the first lens assembly 1100 in the vertical direction X.
[0027] The housing 1400 may have a second opening 140 on a side of the sensor, and a shielding can (not shown) connected to the sensor assembly 1300 may be disposed in the second opening 140. The housing 1400 may have a first axis X1 passing through the first opening 1401 and a second axis Z1 passing through the second opening 140, and the first and second axes X1 and Z1 may be perpendicular to each other.
[0028] The first lens assembly 1100 may be an OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) actuator. For example, the first lens assembly 1100 may move a reflecting member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (axis of incident light).
[0029] The first lens assembly 1100 may include fixed focal length lenses disposed in a predetermined lens barrel (not shown). Fixed focal length lenses may be defined as single-focal-length lenses or single-layer lenses. The first lens assembly 1100 may change the path of light. In an embodiment, the first lens assembly 1100 may change the path of incident light vertically via an internal reflective member 1132. The reflective member 1132 may be, for example, a prism or a mirror. For example, the reflective member 1132 may change the direction of light from a first direction X to a second direction Z. Alternatively, the reflective member 1132 may change the direction of light from a first axis X1 to a second axis Z1. With this configuration, even if the thickness of the mobile terminal in the first direction X is reduced, a lens configuration larger than the thickness of the mobile terminal may be disposed within the mobile terminal through the change in the light path, thereby enabling magnification, autofocus (AF), zoom, and OIS functions. However, without being limited thereto, the first lens assembly 1100 may be moved multiple times in the vertical direction of the optical path or tilted at a predetermined angle.
[0030] The first lens assembly 1100 may include a first carrier 110, a mover 112, a driver 117, and a tilt guide 115. The mover 112 includes a reflecting member 1132 on its upper portion, which reflects incident light in the direction of the second axis Z1. The reflecting member 1132 may be a mirror or a prism. While a prism will be used below, it may also be made of multiple lenses, as in the above-described embodiment. As another example, an additional reflecting member may be a prism or a mirror disposed behind the multiple lenses 125. The reflecting member 1132 may include a reflector disposed therein.
[0031] The reflecting member 1132 and the mover 112 may be tilted along the tilt guide unit 115 by a driver 117. While the driver 117 is shown positioned at the bottom of the mover 112, it may also be positioned on both sides of the mover 112. The driver 117 may include a plurality of rotors (not shown) positioned at the bottom and both sides of the mover 112 and a stator (not shown) at positions corresponding to the rotors. The rotors may be magnets, and the stators may be coils. The driver 117 may include a yoke and a Hall sensor disposed on the outer side of each stator. The first lens assembly 1100 may perform an OIS function. The second lens assembly 1200 may perform a zooming function and an AF function. The driver of the second lens assembly 1200 will be omitted.
[0032] The second lens assembly 1200 may be disposed at the rear end of the first lens assembly 1100. Here, the rear end of the first lens assembly 1100 is an area adjacent to the image sensor 1303. The second lens assembly 1200 may be disposed between the first lens assembly 1100 and the image sensor 1303 and may be coupled to the first lens assembly 1100. The coupling therebetween may be performed in various ways. The second lens assembly 1200 may be a zoom actuator or an AF (Auto Focus) actuator. For example, the second lens assembly 1200 may include one or more lenses 125 and may perform an autofocus function or a zoom function by moving at least one lens in accordance with a control signal from a predetermined controller. The one or more lenses 125 may move independently or individually along an optical axis direction. The optical axis of the lenses 125 of the second lens assembly 1200 may be a second axis Z1.
[0033] The second lens assembly 1200 may include a plurality of lenses 125 and a lens holder 121. The second lens assembly 1200 may be disposed inside the housing 1400. The second lens assembly 1200 may be disposed between the first lens assembly 1100 and the sensor assembly 1300. As another example, a third lens assembly may be further disposed between the second lens assembly 1200 and the sensor assembly 1300, and the third lens assembly may be a reflective prism. The second lens assembly 1200 may have a plurality of lenses 125 stacked along the second direction Z. The plurality of lenses 125 may include three or more lenses, for example, in the range of three to seven lenses or in the range of four to six lenses. The plurality of lenses 125 may have a fixed zoom optical system. In this case, the lenses 125 may be fixedly attached inside the lens holder 121 and may not be moved in the optical axis direction. As another example, the lens holder 121 may support the plurality of lenses 125 and support movement of at least one lens in the optical axis direction. Here, when at least one of the lenses 125 moves in the optical axis direction, the lens holder 121 can be separated into a fixed holder and a moving holder.
[0034] 3, the lens holder 121 may have a maximum length in the first direction X that is different from a maximum length in the third direction Y. The maximum length of the lens holder 121 in the first direction may be smaller than the maximum length in the third direction Y. The third direction Y is a direction perpendicular to the first and second directions X and Z. The maximum lengths of the outer region of the lens holder 121 in the first and third directions X and Y of a region adjacent to the first lens assembly 1100 may be different from each other.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, at least one of the lenses 125 may have different lengths in the first direction X and the third direction Y. The first and third directions X and Y are directions perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens. For example, the lenses having different lengths in the two directions perpendicular to the optical axis may be one, two, or three lenses of the lenses 125 adjacent to the object or the reflective member 1132. Here, the expression "different lengths in the two directions perpendicular to the optical axis" means that the lengths of the object side and / or the sensor side of each lens are different. The maximum length C2 of the first lens 51 in the first direction X may be smaller than the maximum length C1 of the third direction Y. The first lens 51 may have a non-circular shape. The maximum length C2 of the second lens 52 in the first direction X may be smaller than the maximum length C1 of the third direction Y. The second lens 52 may have a non-circular shape. The maximum length C2 of the third lens 53 in the first direction X may be smaller than the maximum length C1 in the third direction Y. The third lens 53 may have a non-circular shape. One, two, or all of the first to third lenses 51, 52, and 53 may have a non-circular shape.
[0036] At least one or more of the first to third lenses 51, 52, and 53 are arranged such that the maximum length C2 in the first direction X is smaller than the maximum length C1 in the third direction Y, and the maximum length in the first direction X of the lens holder 121 is arranged such that the maximum length in the first direction X is smaller than the maximum length in the third direction Y. This allows the height of the lens holder 121 in the third direction Y to be reduced, and the height or thickness in the third direction Y of the camera module 1000 to be reduced. As a result, the thickness or height in the third direction Y of a mobile terminal or electronic device having the camera module 1000 can be reduced, and the thickness of the terminal or electronic device can be slimmed down.
[0037] The fourth lens 54 may have the same maximum length in the first direction and the same maximum length in the third direction. The fourth lens 54 may be a circular lens. That is, the object side or the sensor side of the fourth lens 54 has a circular shape. The fifth lens 55 may have the same maximum length in the first direction and the same maximum length in the third direction. The fifth lens 55 may be a circular lens. That is, the object side or the sensor side of the fifth lens 55 has a circular shape.
[0038] At least one of the first to third lenses 51, 52, and 53 may have one or both sides in the first direction X flat. For example, the first lens 51 may have one or both sides in the first direction X flat and both sides in the third direction Y convexly curved. The second lens 52 may have one or both sides in the first direction X flat and both sides in the third direction Y convexly curved. The third lens 53 may have one or both sides in the first direction X flat and both sides in the third direction Y convexly curved. Here, the sensor side of the third lens 53 may be circular if the difference in effective diameter between the object side and the object side is large. As another example, the sensor side of the third lens 53 may have a non-circular shape with different lengths in the first and third directions, as described above. At least one of the first to third lenses 51, 52, and 53 may have flat surfaces on both sides or cut surfaces CS1 to CS6, and the length C32 of the cut surfaces in the third direction Y may be smaller than the length C1 in the third direction Y passing through the center of the optical axis.
[0039] When the maximum effective length of the object side surface of the first lens 51 is CA1S1y and the minimum effective length is CA1S1x, the condition of the formula: 0.55 < CA1S1x / CA1S1y < 0.98 can be satisfied. Here, when the value of the formula is less than 0.55, it is difficult to manufacture the object side surface of the first lens 51 in a non-circular shape, and it is difficult to control the distribution of incident light. When it exceeds 0.98, the reduction in the size of the optical system in the third axis direction may be negligible. When the maximum effective length of the sensor side surface of the first lens 51 is CA1S2y and the minimum effective length is CA1S2x, the condition of the formula: 0.55 < CA1S2x / CA1S2y < 0.98 can be satisfied. Here, when the value of the formula is less than 0.55, it is difficult to manufacture the sensor side surface of the first lens 51 in a non-circular shape, and it is difficult to control the distribution of incident light. When it exceeds 0.98, the reduction in the size of the optical system in the third axis direction may be negligible.
[0040] When the maximum effective length of each of the object side surfaces of the first, second, and third lenses 51, 52, and 53 is CAiS1y and the minimum effective length is CAiS1x, the condition of the formula: 0.55 < CAiS1x / CAiS1y < 0.98 can be satisfied. Here, i is 1, 2, 3. When the maximum effective length of each of the sensor side surfaces of the first and second lenses 51 and 52 is CAiS2y and the minimum effective length is CAiS2x, the condition of the formula: 0.55 < CAiS2x / CAiS2y < 0.98 can be satisfied. Here, i is 1, 2. Thereby, the thickness of the portable device of the high-resolution camera module may not be increased.
[0041] The difference in the effective lengths between the first lens 51 and the fifth lens 55 can satisfy the following conditions.
[0042] Condition: 0.55 < CAnS2 / CA1S1y < 0.9
[0043] CAnS2 is the maximum effective length of the sensor side surface of the nth lens, and CA1S1y is the maximum effective length of the object side surface of the first lens 51. Such conditions can be the conditions for the first lens 51 having the maximum effective length to be non-circular. For example, the first lens 51 can be provided in a shape where the effective length in the first direction X orthogonal to the optical axis is smaller than the effective length in the third direction Y. Thereby, since the first lens 51 has a decat shape, the thickness of the camera module mounted in the thickness direction of the mobile terminal can be reduced. Here, when the last lens is the fifth lens 55, the condition: 0.55 < CA5S2 / CA1S1y < 0.9 can be satisfied. Preferably, 0.57 < CA5S2 / CA1S1y < 0.9 or 0.6 < CA5S2 / CA1S1y < 0.9 can be satisfied. When it is smaller than the range of the above conditions, the characteristics of RI (Relative illumination) and MTF (Modulation Transfer function) may deteriorate.
[0044] A first spacer 61 can be arranged around the object side surface of the first lens 51. The first spacer 61 is a light-shielding member, and the maximum length in the first direction X of the internal through-hole may be smaller than the maximum length in the third direction Y. A second spacer 62 can be arranged on the outer periphery between the first lens 51 and the second lens 52. The second spacer 62 is a light-shielding member, and the maximum length in the first direction X of the internal through-hole may be smaller than the maximum length in the third direction Y. A third spacer 63 can be arranged on the outer periphery between the second lens 52 and the third lens 53. The third spacer 63 is a light-shielding member, and the maximum length in the first direction X of the through-hole may be smaller than the maximum length in the third direction Y.
[0045] A separation member 64 is arranged on the outer periphery between the third lens 53 and the fourth lens 54, and the separation member 64 can be a fourth spacer. That is, the separation member 64 can be a spacer having the maximum thickness among the spacers. The separation member 64 can include a through-hole 64A penetrating from the upper surface S1 to the lower surface S2, and a reflection pattern 4 (FIG. 6) arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the through-hole 64A, that is, the inner surface 64B.
[0046] The spacer member 64 is a member that maintains a large distance between two lenses, and the maximum length CA11 (FIG. 6) of the internal through-hole 64A in the first direction X may be smaller than the maximum length in the third direction Y. The upper part of the through-hole 64A of the spacer member 64 may be circular with a first length CA11, and the lower part may be circular with a second length CA12. As another example, the upper part of the spacer member 64 may be non-circular with lengths of the first and third directions different from each other, and in this case, the sensor side surface of the third lens 53 may be non-circular. The upper surface S1 or the lower surface S2 of the spacer member 64 may function as an aperture, or another aperture may be further arranged on the upper surface S1 or the lower surface S2. That is, the aperture may be arranged on the outer periphery between the third lens 53 and the fourth lens 54.
[0047] When the maximum length of the through-hole of the first spacer 61 is H1S1y and the minimum length is H1S1x, the condition of the formula: 0.55 < H1S1x / H1S1y < 0.98 can be satisfied. Here, when the value of the formula is less than 0.55, it is difficult to manufacture the through-hole of the first spacer 61 into a non-circular shape, and it is difficult to control the light traveling through the lens. When it exceeds 0.98, the reduction in the size of the camera module in the third axial direction may be negligible. When the maximum length of the through-hole of the second spacer 62 is H2S1y and the minimum length is H2S1x, the condition of the formula: 0.55 < H2S1x / H2S1y < 0.98 can be satisfied. Here, when the value of the formula is less than 0.55, it is difficult to manufacture the through-hole of the second spacer 62 into a non-circular shape, and it is difficult to control the light traveling through the lens. When it exceeds 0.98, the reduction in the size of the camera module in the third axial direction may be negligible. Such a configuration and condition can also be applied to the third spacer. Thereby, it is not necessary to increase the thickness of the portable device with a high-resolution camera module. As another example, when the sensor side surface of the third lens 53 and the through-hole 64A of the spacer member 64 are non-circular, when the maximum length of the upper part of the through-hole 64A is CA11y and the minimum length is CA11x, the condition of the formula: 0.55 < CA11x / CA11y < 0.98 can be satisfied.
[0048] A fifth spacer 65 may be disposed on the outer periphery between the fourth lens 54 and the fifth lens 55. The fifth spacer 65 may be a light-blocking member and have a circular through-hole. The number of circular lenses among the plurality of lenses 125 may be equal to or less than the number of non-circular lenses. The number of spacers having circular through-holes may be equal to or less than the number of spacers having non-circular holes. Here, the spacing member 64 may be included in the spacer.
[0049] The spacers 61, 62, 63, and 65 and the separator 64 may be made of the same or different materials, for example, a light-absorbing material. The spacers 61, 62, 63, and 65 and / or the separator 64 may include a PE (polyethylene) film or a polyester (PET)-based film. As another example, the spacers 61, 62, 63, and 65 and / or the separator 64 may be made of a metal or alloy with an oxide film formed on its surface. The material contained in the metal or alloy may include at least one of In, Ga, Zn, Sn, Al, Ca, Sr, Ba, W, U, Ni, Cu, Hg, Pb, Bi, Si, Ta, H, Fe, Co, Cr, Mn, Be, B, Mg, Nb, Mo, Cd, Sn, Zr, Sc, Ti, V, Eu, Gd, Er, Lu, Yb, Ru, Y, and La. The oxide film may be an oxide material that has been treated to be black oxide or brown oxide using copper.
[0050] Since lenses 125 having a relatively large effective length are coupled with one or both sides cut, the object-side opening 121A of the lens holder 121 housing the lenses may have a length in the first direction X that is shorter than the length in the third direction Y. Furthermore, the object-side outer surface S15 of the lens holder 121 may be provided as a flat or inclined plane. Furthermore, through holes having a relatively large effective length among the spacers may have both sides cut in the first direction. For example, the through holes of the first to third spacers 61, 62, and 63 may be non-circular.
[0051] The housing 1400 may include a second opening 140 in a region corresponding to the sensor assembly 1300, and the lens 125 and the image sensor 1303 may face each other through the second opening 140. An optical filter 149 may be disposed on the second opening 140 of the housing 1400. The optical filter 149 may be disposed on the sensor side of the second opening 140 of the housing 1400. As another example, the optical filter 149 may be disposed on the object side of the second opening 140 of the housing 1400.
[0052] The optical filter 149 may be disposed between the plurality of lenses 125 and the image sensor 1303. The optical filter 149 may include at least one of an infrared filter and / or a cover glass. The optical filter 149 may pass light of a predetermined wavelength band and filter out light of a different wavelength band. When the optical filter 149 includes an infrared filter, it may block radiant heat emitted from external light from being transmitted to the image sensor 1303. In addition, the optical filter 149 may transmit visible light and reflect infrared light.
[0053] The sensor assembly 1300 may include a circuit board 1301 and an image sensor 1303 disposed on one side of the circuit board 1301. The circuit board 1301 may be electrically connected to a connector board 1350. The circuit board 1301 may be electrically connected to the drivers of the first and second lens assemblies 1100 and 1200, a Hall sensor, and the like. The image sensor 1303 may face the last lens of the plurality of lenses 125. The circuit board 1301 may include a circuit board having a wiring pattern that can be electrically connected, such as a rigid printed circuit board (Rigid PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (Flexible PCB), or a rigid-flexible printed circuit board (Rigid-Flexible PCB). The circuit board 1301 may be electrically connected to another camera module within a terminal or a terminal processor. As a result, the lens assembly and a camera device including the lens assembly may transmit and receive various signals within the terminal.
[0054] The center positions of the plurality of lenses 125 in the second direction Z may be disposed closer to the reflecting member 1132 than the image sensor 1303. The distance BFL (Back Focal Length) in the optical axis direction Z between the last lens 55 of the plurality of lenses 125 and the image sensor 1303 may be 3 mm or more, for example, in the range of 3 mm to 15 mm or 5 mm to 10 mm. The BFL may be greater or smaller than the maximum optical axis distance TD (Total Distance) between the plurality of lenses 125. The TD is the optical axis distance from the center of the object side of the first lens to the center of the sensor side of the last lens. The camera module may be provided as a folded camera module with a telephoto function by disposing the plurality of lenses 125 closer to the reflecting member 1132 than the image sensor 1303.
[0055] The effective focal length EFL of the optical system having the plurality of lenses 125 can exceed 7 mm and can satisfy the following condition:
[0056] Condition: 7mm <EFL<35mm
[0057] Preferably, the EFL condition can satisfy 8 mm < EFL < 30 mm or 9 mm < EFL < 26 mm.
[0058] Similar to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, for the through-hole 64A of the separation member 64, the upper first length CA11 in the first direction X may be larger than the lower second length CA12. Thereby, the effective areas of the object-side and sensor-side lenses of the separation member 64 can be adjusted. The through-hole 64A can satisfy the following conditions.
[0059] Condition: 0.6 < CA12 / CA11 < 0.9
[0060] The condition of the through-hole 64A can be set by the effective areas of two adjacent lenses 53 and 54.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), both surfaces of the separation member 64 in the short-axis direction may be cut, or flat surfaces DS1 and DS2 may be formed, and both surfaces in the long-axis direction may be formed as convex curved surfaces. On the outer surface of the separation member 64, the long-axis length is the length in the third direction, and the shortened length is the length in the first direction. The short-axis length may be less than 100% of the long-axis length, for example, more than 57% and less than 100%.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, on the outer surface of the separation member 64, the outer upper portion 64D may protrude outward more than the lower portion 64C. The upper surface S1 of the outer upper portion 64D of the separation member 64 may extend so as to stably contact the flange portion of the third lens 63. The lower surface S2 of the separation member 64 may contact the object-side flange portion of the fourth lens 54.
[0063] The through-hole 64A of the separation member 64 may have an upper area larger than the lower area. Thereby, the inner surface 64B of the through-hole 64A can be provided as a surface inclined with respect to a vertical axis. The inner surface 64B of the through-hole 64A can include a reflection pattern 4 protruding in the optical axis direction. The reflection pattern 4 is a pattern in which a plurality of circular or ring-shaped protrusions are arranged in the optical axis direction, and can include a concentric circular pattern in which the diameter gradually decreases from the upper part to the lower part of the through-hole 64A. The reflection pattern 4 can be formed from the upper end to the lower end of the through-hole 64A of the separation member 64. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the reflection pattern 4 can reflect the light L10 incident through the lens in different directions instead of reflecting it toward the image sensor 1303. Thereby, after being incident on an abnormal optical path, after being reflected by the inner surface 64B of the separation member 64, the optical path proceeding to the image sensor 1303 can be blocked, and flare generated on the image sensor 1303 can be blocked or suppressed.
[0064] Here, the thickness T0 of the separation member 64 can correspond to the interval between the flange portions of the third and fourth lenses 53 and 54, can exceed 0.3 mm, and for example, can be in the range of 0.3 mm < T0 < 2.8 mm. When the thickness T0 of the separation member 64 is smaller than the range, the TTL of the optical system may decrease or the lens may be tilted, and when it is larger than the range, there is a problem that the TTL increases. The inclination angle R2 of the inner surface 64B of the separation member 64 can be formed in the range of 5 degrees or more, for example, in the range of 5 degrees to 55 degrees, or in the range of 10 degrees to 20 degrees. The outer angle R1 between the inner surface 64B of the separation member 64 and the upper surface S1 can be in the range of 95 degrees or more, for example, in the range of 95 degrees to 145 degrees, or in the range of 100 degrees to 110 degrees. When the inclination angle R2 of the inner surface 64B is smaller than the range, the light shielding efficiency may decrease or flare may occur, and when it is larger than the range, effective light can be blocked.
[0065] The plurality of reflection patterns 4 each include a plurality of concave grooves 5 extending in a direction away from the optical axis. The height of the region adjacent to the optical axis of the plurality of grooves 5 may be greater than the height of the inner bottom. Here, the height of the groove 5 is the distance between adjacent reflection patterns 4 in the optical axis direction. The bottom of each of the grooves 5 may be a concave curved surface or a chamfered surface. The shape of such a groove 5 may vary according to the protruding shape of the reflection pattern 4. The pitch T2 between adjacent reflection patterns 4 may be constant, 0.05 mm or more, for example, in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm, or in the range of 0.08 mm to 0.2 mm. When the pitch T2 between the reflection patterns 4 is smaller than the above range, manufacturing is difficult and the flare improvement efficiency is insufficient. When it is larger than the above range, flare may occur. The pitch T2 between adjacent reflection patterns 4 may gradually narrow or gradually widen from the upper surface to the lower surface of the spacer 64. The depth T1 of the groove 5 on the inner surface 64B may be constant or different in the circumferential direction, 0.05 mm or more, for example, in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.18 mm, or in the range of 0.08 mm to 0.15 mm. The depth T1 of the groove 5 is the distance between the straight line connecting the bottoms of the grooves and the straight line connecting the reflection patterns 4. The depth T1 of the groove 5 may have the same depth from the upper part to the lower part of the through hole 64A of the spacer 64, or may have a lower depth towards the lower part. When the depth T1 of the groove 5 is smaller than the above range, manufacturing is difficult and flare may occur. When it is larger than the above range, optical path control may be difficult.
[0066] The pitch T2 of the reflection pattern 4, the depth T1 of the groove 5, and the thickness T0 of the spacer 64 can satisfy the following conditions.
[0067] Condition 1: 0.04 < T2 / T0 < 0.3
[0068] Preferably, Condition 1 can satisfy 0.08 < T2 / T0 < 0.15.
[0069] Condition 2: 0.03 < T1 / T0 < 0.22
[0070] Preferably, condition 1 can satisfy 0.06 < T1 / T0 < 0.11.
[0071] Here, the pitch T2 may be the same as or larger than the depth T1. Since the sizes of the internal reflection pattern 4 and the groove 5 can be set based on the thickness T0 of the spacer member 64 according to the conditions 1 and 2, the flare improvement efficiency by the reflection pattern 4 can be improved.
[0072] The inner angle R3 of each groove 5 between the reflection patterns 4 is 30 degrees or more, for example, it can be in the range of 33 degrees to 73 degrees or in the range of 43 degrees to 63 degrees. The inner angle R3 of the groove 5 is the angle between the straight lines connecting the vertices of two adjacent reflection patterns and the bottom point of the groove 5. When the inner angle R3 of the groove 5 is smaller than the above range, the number of reflection patterns 4 increases or the manufacturing is difficult. When it is larger than the above range, flare may occur. Also, each of the reflection patterns 4 includes a first inclined surface 4A and a second inclined surface 4B. The first inclined surface 4A is the inclined surface close to the object, and the second inclined surface 4B is the surface on the opposite side of the first inclined surface 4A. The first inclined surface 4A is a region that reflects incident light by the inner angle R3 of the groove 5 and the inclined angle R2 of the inner surface 64B, and can be inclined at an acute angle based on the straight lines in the first and third directions perpendicular to the optical axis. The boundary point, that is, the vertex between the first and second inclined surfaces 4A and 4B can be a curved surface or an angular surface.
[0073] The reflection pattern 4 is formed on the inner surface 64B of the spacer member 64 having a relatively large thickness, and can reflect the optical path advancing toward the inner surface 64B of the spacer member 64 to another path. That is, the reflection pattern 4 can reflect the incident light in a direction different from the image sensor 1303 and reduce the intensity of the flare generated in the image sensor 1303. As another example, the reflection pattern 4 can be formed of a rough surface. Since the rough surface can be formed with convex and concave surfaces alternatingly, the reflection efficiency of the incident light amount can be improved.
[0074] 8, the spacing member 74 has a cylindrical outer periphery, and the internal through-hole 74A may be larger at the top than at the bottom, and may have a sloped inner surface 74B. The sloped inner surface 74B may have the reflective pattern and grooves disclosed above. The area of the top surface of the spacing member 74 may be the same as the area of the bottom surface.
[0075] 9, the spacing member 64 has an outer peripheral surface 641 that is angular, and the internal through-hole 64A may be larger at the top than at the bottom, and may have a sloped inner surface 64B. The sloped inner surface 64B may have the reflective pattern and grooves disclosed above. The spacing member 64 may have an upper surface area that is larger than the lower surface area.
[0076] 10, the spacing member 64 may have a cylindrical or angular shape with both sides cut off, with both surfaces DS1 and DS2 in the minor axis direction formed as vertical surfaces, and both surfaces in the major axis direction formed as convex curved surfaces 642. The internal through-hole 64A of the spacing member 64 may be larger at the top than at the bottom and may have a sloped inner surface 64B. The sloped inner surface 64B may have the reflective pattern and grooves disclosed above. The area of the top surface of the spacing member 64 may be the same as the area of the bottom surface.
[0077] 11, the spacing member 64 may have a cylindrical or angular shape with both sides cut off, with both surfaces DS1 and DS2 in the minor axis direction being inclined, and both surfaces in the major axis direction having a convex curved surface 642. The internal through-hole 64A of the spacing member 64 may be larger at the top than at the bottom and may have an inclined inner surface 64B. The inclined inner surface 64B may have the reflective pattern and grooves disclosed above. The spacing member 64 may have an upper surface area larger than a lower surface area.
[0078] Fig. 12 shows the results of measuring the flare intensity for a comparative example (A) having a separation member without a reflective pattern and an example (B) having a separation member with a reflective pattern. It can be seen that the example of Fig. 12 (B) has significantly lower flare intensity or is almost completely eliminated compared to the comparative example (A).
[0079] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 13 , the mobile terminal 1500 of the embodiment may include a camera module 1000, a flash module 1530, and an autofocus device 1510 provided on the rear surface. The camera module 1000 may include an image capture function and an autofocus function. For example, the camera module 1000 may include an image-based autofocus function. The camera module 1000 processes still or moving image frames captured by an image sensor in a capture mode or video call mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on a predetermined display unit or stored in memory. A camera (not shown) may also be provided on the front surface of the mobile terminal body. For example, the camera module 1000 may include a first camera module 1000A and a second camera module 1000B, and the first camera module 1000A may be capable of implementing OIS along with AF or zoom functions. The flash module 1530 may include a light-emitting element that emits light therein. The flash module 1530 may be activated by the camera operation of the mobile terminal or by user control.
[0081] The autofocus device 1510 may include one of a surface emitting laser element packages as a light emitting unit. The autofocus device 1510 may include an autofocus function using a laser. The autofocus device 1510 may be primarily used in conditions where the autofocus function using the image of the camera module 1000 is degraded, such as close proximity of 10 m or less or in dark environments. The autofocus device 1510 may include a light emitting unit including a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) semiconductor element and a light receiving unit such as a photodiode that converts optical energy into electrical energy.
[0082] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied, and Fig. 14 is an external view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle driving assistance device to which a camera module 1000 according to an embodiment is applied.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 14 , the vehicle 700 of the embodiment may include wheels 13FL, 13RL rotated by a power source and a predetermined sensor. The sensor may be, but is not limited to, a camera sensor 2000. The camera 2000 may be a camera sensor to which the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment is applied. The vehicle 700 of the embodiment may acquire image information through the camera sensor 2000 that captures a front image or a surrounding image, determine a lane unidentification situation using the image information, and generate a virtual lane when a lane is unidentified. For example, the camera sensor 2000 may acquire a front image by capturing an image of the area in front of the vehicle 700, and a processor (not shown) may analyze objects included in the front image to acquire image information. For example, if an object such as a lane marking, an adjacent vehicle, a driving obstacle, or a median strip, a curb, or a roadside tree corresponding to an indirect road marking is captured in an image captured by the camera sensor 2000, the processor may detect the object and include it in the image information. In this case, the processor may acquire distance information from the object detected through the camera sensor 2000 to further complement the image information. The image information may be information about an object captured in the image. Such a camera sensor 2000 may include an image sensor and an image processing module.
[0084] The camera sensor 2000 can process still images or moving images acquired by an image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD). The image processing module can process the still images or moving images acquired through the image sensor to extract necessary information and transmit the extracted information to a processor. In this case, the camera sensor 2000 can include, but is not limited to, a stereo camera to improve the object measurement accuracy and further obtain information such as the distance between the vehicle 700 and the object.
Claims
1. a reflecting member that reflects light incident in a first direction in a second direction; a lens holder having a plurality of lenses aligned along the second direction; a circuit board on which an image sensor is disposed that converts light refracted through the plurality of lenses into an electrical signal; a plurality of spacers disposed on the periphery between two adjacent lenses; a spacing member having the largest thickness among the plurality of spacers, The separation member includes a through hole penetrating from the top surface to the bottom surface and a plurality of reflective patterns arranged in a concentric circle shape along the inner surface of the through hole.
2. The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the through hole of the separation member has an upper portion larger than a lower portion and an inner surface inclined at an angle of 5 degrees or more.
3. The through-hole of the separating member has an upper length of CA11 and a lower length of CA12; Condition: 0.6<CA12 / CA11<0.9 The camera module according to claim 2 , wherein
4. a plurality of grooves respectively disposed between the reflective patterns; The thickness of the spacing member is T0; The depth of the groove is T1, Condition: 0.03<T1 / T0<0.22 The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein
5. The pitch between the reflective patterns is T2, Condition: 0.04<T2 / T0<0.3 The camera module according to claim 4 , wherein
6. The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the separating member has different lengths in a first direction and a third direction perpendicular to a second direction along the optical axes of the lenses.
7. The thickness of the spacing member is T0; Condition: 0.3mm<T0<2.8mm The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein
8. A camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an object side or a sensor side of at least one of the plurality of lenses adjacent to the object has a non-circular shape in which effective lengths in two directions perpendicular to the optical axes of the plurality of lenses are different from each other.
9. a first lens of the plurality of lenses that is closest to an object includes an object-side surface and a sensor-side surface, the maximum effective length of the object-side surface being CA1S1y and the minimum effective length being CA1S1x; Formula: 0.55<CA1S1x / CA1S1y<0.98 The camera module according to claim 8 , wherein
10. The maximum effective length of the sensor side of the first lens is CA1S2y and the minimum effective length is CA1S2x, Formula: 0.55<CA1S2x / CA1S2y<0.98 The camera module according to claim 9 , wherein
11. The camera module according to claim 8 , wherein the outer peripheral surface of the lens holder includes regions whose lengths in two directions perpendicular to the optical axis are different from each other.
12. The camera module according to claim 8 , wherein the sensor side of the lens located on the object side of the separating member is circular.
13. An electronic device comprising the camera module of claim 1.