Camera module and electronic device having the same
The use of non-circular spacers and reflective members in camera modules addresses flare issues by redirecting and blocking abnormal light paths, improving image quality and reliability in compact devices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LG INNOTEK CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-10
Smart Images
Figure 2026510782000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a camera module and an electronic device including the same.
Background Art
[0002] A camera module functions to photograph an object and store it as an image or video, and is mounted in various applications. In particular, the camera module is manufactured in a ultra-small size and is applied not only to portable devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and notebook computers, but also to drones, vehicles, etc., providing various functions. For example, the optical system of the camera module can include an imaging lens that forms an image and an image sensor that converts the formed image into an electrical signal. At this time, the camera module can perform an autofocus (AF) function of automatically adjusting the distance between the image sensor and the imaging lens to align the focal length of the lens, and can perform a zooming function of zooming up or zooming out by increasing or decreasing the magnification of a distant object through a zoom lens. Also, the camera module adopts an image stabilization (IS) technology to correct or prevent blurring of video caused by the movement of the camera due to an unstable fixing device or the movement of the user.
[0003] The most important element for a camera module to obtain an image is the lens that forms the image. Recently, there has been growing interest in high resolution, and research is being conducted on optical systems that include multiple lenses to realize this. Camera modules with image sensors such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Image Sensor) have various optical filters (optical filters) placed between the lens and the image sensor in order to obtain a clear image 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 the sensitivity of human vision, and this optical filter is placed between the last lens and the image sensor. In such a camera module, multiple lenses are stacked, and the light that passes through the multiple lenses is focused on the image sensor and stored as data in the device's memory. However, reflection and scattering of light incident on the camera module can cause phenomena such as flare, which can negatively affect image quality, so it is necessary to block unnecessary light from passing through to the image sensor. Therefore, a new camera module is required that can solve the aforementioned problems. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0004] Embodiments of the invention provide a camera module including spacers having non-circular holes on the object side or sensor side of lenses within a movable lens group. Preferably, a camera module is provided in which spacers having non-circular holes are arranged between non-circular lenses. Embodiments of the invention provide a camera module in which spacers having non-circular holes are arranged on the object side or sensor side of non-circular lenses.
[0005] Embodiments of the invention provide a camera module having a pattern for reflecting, absorbing, or scattering light traveling through an abnormal path to multiple lenses via a reflective member. Embodiments of the invention provide a camera module that can block flare by further arranging a light-shielding member around at least one of the incident or exit surfaces of the incident-side reflective member. Embodiments of the invention can improve the reliability of a folded camera module. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A camera module according to an embodiment of the invention includes a reflective 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, an image sensor that converts light refracted through the plurality of lenses into an electrical signal, and a plurality of spacers arranged around the outside between two adjacent lenses, wherein the plurality of spacers include a first spacer arranged around the object side or sensor side of the nth or (n-1)th lens adjacent to the image sensor, and the hole shape of the first spacer may be non-circular.
[0007] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first spacer is arranged around the object side surface of the nth lens, and the object side surface and the sensor side surface of the nth lens may have an effective length in the first direction that is smaller than the effective length in the third direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.
[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, the object side and sensor side of the (n-1)th lens may have an effective length in the first direction that is smaller than the effective length in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first spacer is arranged around the object side of the (n-1)th lens, and the object side and sensor side of the (n-1)th lens may have an effective length in the first direction that is smaller than the effective length in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first spacer is arranged around the sensor side surface of the nth lens, and the object side surface and the sensor side surface of the nth lens can have an effective length in a first direction that is smaller than the effective length in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction.
[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, the maximum effective length of the object side surface or the sensor side surface of the nth or n - 1th lens is C1, the minimum effective length is C2, and the formula: 0.55 < C2 / C1 < 0.98 can be satisfied. The maximum length of the outer contour shape of the first spacer is D1, the minimum length is D2, and the formula: 0.55 < D2 / D1 < 0.98 can be satisfied. The hole of the first spacer has a maximum length of D3 and a minimum length of D4, and the formula: 0.55 < D4 / D3 < 0.98 can be satisfied. The maximum effective length of the object side surface of the lens closest to the reflecting member among the plurality of lenses is CA11, the maximum effective length of the sensor side surface of the nth lens is CA32, and the formula: 0.55 < CA32 / CA11 < 0.9 can be satisfied.
[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention, the maximum effective length of the object side surface of the lens closest to the reflecting member can be the largest effective length among the effective lengths of the lens. The optical axis distance between the sensor side surface of the nth lens and the image sensor is BFL, and the condition: 2mm < BFL < 10mm can be satisfied. The effective focal length of the camera module is EFL, and the condition: 7mm < EFL < 35mm can be satisfied.
[0012] According to an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of lenses includes a first lens group adjacent to the reflecting member and having at least one lens, a second lens group having at least one lens on the sensor side of the first lens group and movable along the optical axis, and a third lens having the nth and (n - 1)th lenses on the sensor side of the second lens group and movable along the optical axis. The length of the spacer hole in the minor axis direction is D0, the length of the image sensor in the first direction is V1, and the mathematical formula: 0.6 < D0 / V1 < 1.5 can be satisfied.
[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, it includes a light shielding member disposed on the incident surface or the exit surface of the reflecting member and having an opening inside. The light shielding member includes a plurality of protruding portions spaced apart from each other at the inner edge end portion and a plurality of recessed portions spaced apart from each other at the inner edge end portion. The plurality of protruding portions and the plurality of recessed portions intersect with each other. The inner edge end portion includes a first region and a second region forming the first corner portion of the opening. The angle formed by the line connecting the vertices of the plurality of protruding portions in the first region and the line connecting the vertices of the plurality of protruding portions in the second region is an obtuse angle, and the angle formed by the line connecting the vertices of the plurality of recessed portions in the first region and the line connecting the vertices of the plurality of recessed portions in the second region may be an obtuse angle.
[0014] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention can include the camera module disclosed above.
Advantages of the Invention
[0015] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is an effect that light traveling in an abnormal path inside the camera module can be blocked to reduce the brightness of flare. According to an embodiment of the invention, the hole of the spacer or the spacer member between the lenses can be formed non-circularly to reflect, scatter or absorb the light transmitted to the image sensor, and the occurrence of the flare phenomenon can be minimized. The invention can reduce the flare area by disposing a light shielding member on the incident surface or the exit surface of the reflecting member closest to the object.
[0016] The invention can improve the reliability of a folded camera module. Further, it can improve the reliability of a camera module with improved reliability, a mobile terminal having the same, and an electronic device having an unmanned or manned moving body (vehicle, drone, motorcycle, watercraft).
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.
[0018] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the camera module of FIG. 1.
[0019] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a drawing explaining an optical path that generates flare in the camera module of FIG. 2.
[0020] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a drawing explaining an optical path that generates flare in the camera module of FIG. 2.
[0021] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a lens and a spacer in a movable lens group of FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0022] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the (n - 1)th lens of FIG. 5.<ooth="
[0023] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the nth lens of FIG. 5.
[0024] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a drawing comparing the sizes of the spacer and the nth lens of FIG. 5 on a plane. <ooth="
[0025] [Figure 9]Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the lenses and spacers of a movable lens group, as another example of Figure 5.
[0026] [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram comparing the sizes of the nth lens and the last spacer in Figure 9 on a plane.
[0027] [Figure 11] Figures 11(A) and (B) show a comparison of the luminosity of flares incident on an image sensor according to the comparative example and the embodiment.
[0028] [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates a light-shielding member according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0029] [Figure 13] Figure 13 illustrates a light-shielding member according to a second embodiment of the invention.
[0030] [Figure 14] Figure 14 illustrates a light-shielding member according to a third embodiment of the invention.
[0031] [Figure 15] Figure 15 illustrates a light-shielding member according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
[0032] [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a drawing comparing the opening shape and flare shape of the light-shielding members of comparative example (a) and example (be) placed on the reflective member of the invention.
[0033] [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which the camera module according to the embodiment is applied.
[0034] [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which the camera module according to the embodiment is applied. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0035] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. It should be noted that the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but can be embodied in a variety of forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, components between embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted. Furthermore, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) shall be interpreted as generally understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly specified. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, may be interpreted considering their meaning in the context of the technology in question.
[0036] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, singular forms may also include plural forms unless specifically limited in the description, and when it is written as "at least one (or more) of A and B, C", it may include one or more of all possible combinations of A, B, and C. In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used in the description of the components of the embodiments of the present invention. Such terms are used to distinguish a component from other components, and the terms do not limit the nature or order of the component. When it is written that a component is "connected", "joined", or "attached" to another component, this may include cases where the component is directly connected or attached to the other component, as well as cases where other components are "connected", "joined", or "attached" between each component. Furthermore, when it is written that a component is formed or positioned "above or below" each component, "above or below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or positioned between the two components. Furthermore, when expressed as "up or down," it can include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction, based on one component. Also, the multiple embodiments described below can be combined with each other unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, any part omitted in the description of one of the multiple embodiments can be applied to the description of the other embodiments unless specifically stated otherwise.
[0037] 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 image plane (or image sensor). In this specification, the units for the radius of curvature (Radius), thickness, TTL, ImgH (image plane height: 1 / 2 of the diagonal length of the image plane), and focal length of lenses are all in millimeters. Also, the thickness of the lenses, the distance between lenses, and TTL are the distance along the optical axis of the lenses. Furthermore, in the description of the shape of the lenses, "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 convex, the edge portion of the lens may be concave. Similarly, even if one surface of a lens is described as concave, the edge portion of the lens may be convex.
[0038] The optical system includes an optical system consisting of multiple lenses. For example, the optical system consists of multiple lenses having refractive power. The optical system may include multiple lenses having refractive power, a prism for refracting incident light, and an aperture (stop) for adjusting the amount of light. The optical system may also 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 the image of an object incident through the optical system into an electrical signal. The optical system may further include a spacing member for adjusting the distance between the lenses. The multiple lenses are made of a material having a refractive index different from that of air. For example, the multiple lenses are made of plastic or glass material. At least one of the multiple lenses has an aspherical shape.
[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the camera module of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the optical path that generates flare in the camera module of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the optical path that generates flare in the camera module of Figure 2; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lenses and spacers in the movable lens group of Figures 2 and 3; Figure 6 is a plan view of the (n-1)th lens of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a plan view of the nth lens of Figure 5; and Figure 8 is a diagram comparing the sizes of the spacer and the nth lens on a plane in Figure 5.
[0040] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the 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 mixed with a first actuator, and the second lens assembly 1200 may be mixed with one or more actuators. The camera module 1000 may be contained inside and outside electronic devices such as mobile terminals, smartphones, and tablet PCs, or mobile bodies such as vehicles. The camera module requires many components to embody various functions such as AF (Auto Focusing), optical image stabilizing (OIS), and optical zoom.
[0041] The housing 1400 can cover the first lens assembly 1100 and the second lens assembly 1200. The housing 1400 improves the coupling force between the first lens assembly 1100 and the second lens assembly 1200. The housing 1400 can be made of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves. The housing 1400 may be made of a metallic material. This allows for easy protection of the first lens assembly 1100 and the second lens assembly 1200 within the housing 1400. The housing 1400 has an open object-side opening on its top surface, which is the region into which light enters the first lens assembly 1100 and can overlap the first lens assembly 1100 in the vertical X direction. The housing 1400 has a sensor-side opening on its sensor side, which may house a shielding can (not shown) connected to the sensor assembly 1300. The housing 1400 may include a first axis X1 passing through the object-side opening and a second direction Z1 (optical axis) passing through the sensor-side opening, and the first and second axes X1 and Z1 may be orthogonal to each other.
[0042] Furthermore, the first lens assembly 1100 may be an OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) actuator. For example, the first lens assembly 1100 can move a reflective member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (axis of incident light). The first lens assembly 1100 may include fixed focal length lenses positioned in a predetermined lens barrel (not shown). Fixed focal length lenses can be defined as single focal length lenses or single-layer lenses.
[0043] The first lens assembly 1100 can change the path of light. In an embodiment, the first lens assembly 1100 can vertically change the path of incident light 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 can change the light from a first direction X to a second direction Z, or the reflective member 1132 can change the light from a first axis X1 to a second axis Z1. With such a configuration, even if the thickness of the mobile terminal or electronic device in the first direction X is reduced, the change in the light path allows a lens configuration larger than the thickness of the mobile terminal to be placed inside the mobile terminal, enabling the operation of magnification, autofocus (AF), zoom (Zoom), and OIS functions. However, the first lens assembly 1100 can move the light path vertically multiple times or tilt it at a predetermined angle. The first lens assembly 1100 may, but is not limited to, include a rotating, moving, or tilting drive member for the reflective member 1132.
[0044] The first lens assembly 1100 can perform OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) functions. The second lens assembly 1200 can perform zooming and AF (Autofocus) functions. The configuration of the drive unit of the second lens assembly 1200 will be omitted. The second lens assembly 1200 is positioned on the sensor side of the first lens assembly 1100. Here, the rear end of the first lens assembly 1100 is in the region adjacent to the image sensor 1303. The second lens assembly 1200 is positioned between the first lens assembly 1100 and the image sensor 131.
[0045] The second lens assembly 1200 may be a zoom actuator or an auto focus (AF) actuator. For example, the second lens assembly 1200 may include a plurality of lens groups LG1, LG2, and LG3, and can perform an autofocus function or a zoom function by moving at least one lens group in accordance with a control signal from a predetermined control unit. Each of the plurality of lens groups LG1, LG2, and LG3 may include at least one lens.
[0046] The plurality of lens groups LG1, LG2, and LG3 may include a first lens group LG1, a second lens group LG2, and a third lens group LG3 aligned along the optical axis from the object side toward the sensor. The first lens group LG1 includes at least one lens and a first carrier 121, and is positioned between the reflective member 1132 and the second lens group LG2. One or more lenses are coupled within the first carrier 121.
[0047] The first lens group LG1 can be defined as a fixed lens group whose lenses do not move in the optical axis direction. The first lens 50 in the first lens group LG1 that is closest to the reflective member 1132 may include a convex or concave object side. The object side of the first lens 50 may have the largest effective length among the lenses of the first to third lens groups LG1, LG2, and LG3. Here, the effective lengths of the first lens 50 in the first direction X and the third direction Y may differ from each other. For example, the effective length of the first lens 50 in the third direction Y may be greater than the effective length in the first direction X. That is, the lengths of the first lens 50 in the mutually orthogonal first and third axis X and Y directions may differ from each other, which can reduce the height of the camera module 1000 in the first direction X. Here, the effective length of each lens is the average of the effective lengths of the object side and the sensor side. As another example, if there are multiple lenses in the first lens group LG1, the multiple lenses may have an effective length in the third direction Y that is greater than the effective length in the first direction X. That is, at least one lens in the first lens group LG1 may be provided with a D-cut shape having flat or cut surfaces on both sides in the first direction X.
[0048] The second lens group LG2 is positioned between the first lens group LG1 and the second lens group LG2 and may include at least one lens and a second carrier 122. The lenses of the second lens group LG2 are coupled within the second carrier 122 and can move along the optical axis Z1 together with the second carrier 122. A drive member (not shown) for moving the second carrier 122 along the optical axis is coupled around the second lens group LG2, but is not limited to this. At least one lens of the second lens group LG2 may have an effective length in the third direction Y greater than the effective length in the first direction X. At least one lens of the second lens group LG2 may be provided with a D-cut shape having flat or cut surfaces on both sides in the first direction X.
[0049] The third lens group LG3 is positioned between the second lens group LG2 and the image sensor 131 and may include at least one lens and a third carrier 123. The lenses of the third lens group LG3 are coupled within the third carrier 123 and can move along the optical axis Z1 together with the third carrier 123. A driving member (not shown) for moving the third carrier 123 along the optical axis is coupled around the third lens group LG3, but is not limited to this. Here, the nth lens of the third lens group LG3 that is closest to the image sensor 131 is defined as the third lens 53, and the (n-1)th lens is defined as the second lens 51.
[0050] At least one lens of the third lens group LG3 may have an effective length in the third direction Y greater than the effective length in the first direction X. At least one lens of the third lens group LG3 may be provided in a D-cut shape having flat or cut surfaces on both sides in the first direction X.
[0051] The lens barrel 141 has a portion of the first carrier 121 coupled to the object side, and the second and third carriers 122 and 123 coupled to its interior. The lower end of the first carrier 121, the upper or lower end of the second carrier 122, and the upper or lower end of the third carrier 123 may include light-shielding projections extending around the object side or sensor side of the lens.
[0052] Between two adjacent lenses, a spacer or separating member may be included to reflect, absorb, or scatter light traveling along an unnecessary optical path. The spacer can be defined as a relatively thick spacer. The material of such a spacer may be a light-absorbing material and may include a PE film (Poly Ethylene film) or a polyester (PET)-based film. As another example, the spacer may be a metal or alloy with an oxide film formed on its surface. The material included 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 treated with copper-based black oxide or brown oxide. The materials of the first to third carriers 121, 122, and 123 may be light-absorbing materials, PE film (Poly Ethylene film), or polyester (PET) film, and may be selected from the materials of the spacer.
[0053] The image sensor 131 can sense light and convert it into an electrical signal. The image sensor 131 can sense light that has passed through a lens. The image sensor 131 may include an element that can sense incident light, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The optical filter 142 is positioned between the third lens group LG3 and the image sensor 300. The optical filter 142 is coupled to the lower part of the lens barrel 141. The optical filter 142 is positioned between the lens closest to the sensor and the image sensor 131. The optical filter 142 may include an infrared filter or an infrared cutoff filter (IR cut-off). The optical filter 142 can allow light in a set wavelength band to pass through and filter out light in a different wavelength band. If the optical filter 142 includes an infrared filter, it can block radiant heat emitted from external light from being transmitted to the image sensor 131. The optical filter 142 can also transmit visible light and reflect infrared rays.
[0054] The image sensor 131 can sense light that has passed through the optical filter 142 or the final lens and convert it into an electrical signal. The image sensor 131 can sense light that has passed through the lenses sequentially. The image sensor 131 may include a cover glass 132 to protect the image sensor 131 which is located on a circuit board. The cover glass 132 is positioned between the optical filter 142 and the image sensor 131.
[0055] The center distance between the first lens group LG1 and the third lens group LG3 may be variable according to the movement of the second lens group LG2 in the optical axis direction. The optical axis distance between the second lens group LG2 and the image sensor 131 may be variable according to the movement of the third lens group LG3 in the optical axis direction. The optical axis distance between the second lens group LG2 and the image sensor 131 is the BFL (Back focal length), and the BFL is the optical axis distance between the sensor side surface of the n-th lens 53 closest to the image sensor 131 among the lenses. The BFL can satisfy the following conditions.
[0056] Condition: 2mm < BFL < 10mm Preferably, 2.2mm < BFL < 8.5mm can be satisfied.
[0057] The second and third lens groups LG2 and LG3 are arranged between the first lens group LG1 and the image sensor 131, and can operate in an intermediate (Middle) mode (normal mode), a wide (Wide) mode, and a tele (tele) mode according to the effective focal length EFL. The effective focal length in the intermediate mode may be greater than the effective focal length in the wide mode and less than the effective focal length in the tele mode. The effective focal length can satisfy the following conditions.
[0058] Condition: 7mm < EFL < 35mm Preferably, 8mm < EFL < 25mm can be satisfied.
[0059] The maximum optical axis distance between the first lens 50 and the third lens 53 may be variable according to the operation mode. The maximum optical axis distance between the first lens 50 and the third lens 53 is the optical axis distance from the center of the object side surface of the first lens 50 to the center of the sensor side surface of the third lens 53.
[0060] As shown in Figure 3, the optical axis distance between the second lens group LG2 and the image sensor 131 is provided to be large, exceeding 2 mm, so that the first inner surface S21 and the second inner surface S22 of the lens barrel 121, located around the sensor-side region between the second lens group LG2 and the image sensor 131, can be exposed to an abnormal optical path. The first inner surface S21 and the second inner surface S22 can face each other in the first direction X. More specifically, the reflective member 1132 includes an incident surface RS1, an inclined surface RS2, and an exit surface RS3, wherein the incident surface RS1 is the surface adjacent to the object, the inclined surface RS2 is an inclined surface located between the incident surface RS1 and the exit surface RS3, reflecting the light incident on the incident surface RS1, and the exit surface RS3 emits the light reflected by the inclined surface RS2.
[0061] The first light L11 incident on the region adjacent to the first edge RE1 of the incident surface RS1 is reflected by the inclined surface RS1, re-reflected by the incident surface RS2, and then emitted through the exit surface RS3. At this time, the first light L11 emitted through the reflective member 1132 is refracted through multiple lenses and can travel to the image sensor 131 after being reflected by the second inner surface S22 of the sensor-side region 140 of the lens barrel 141. The first light reflected by the second inner surface S22 in this way may travel along an abnormal path, potentially causing an increase in the luminosity of flare on the image sensor 131.
[0062] The second light L12 incident on the region adjacent to the second edge RE2 of the incident surface RS1 of the reflective member 1132 is reflected by the inclined surface RS2 and then exits through the exit surface RS3. At this time, the second light L12 that exits through the reflective member 1132 is refracted through multiple lenses and can travel to the image sensor 131 after being reflected by the first inner surface S21 of the sensor-side region 140 of the lens barrel 141. The second light L12 reflected by the first inner surface S21 travels along an abnormal path and may cause an increase in the luminosity of flare on the image sensor 131. In other words, the light L11 and L12 incident on the region adjacent to the first and second edges RE1 and RE2 of the incident surface RS1 of the reflective member 1132 is reflected by the inner surfaces S21 and S22 of the sensor-side region 140 of the lens barrel 141 after passing through multiple lenses, which may cause an increase in the luminosity of flare on the image sensor 131.
[0063] The first light beam L11, passing through the incident surface RS1 of the reflective member 1132 and the second inner surface S22 of the lens barrel 141, can travel at a first angle K1 of 10 degrees or more with respect to the optical axis Z1, for example, in the range of 10 to 30 degrees. The second light beam L12, passing through the inclined surface RS2 of the reflective member 1132 and the first inner surface S21 of the lens barrel 141, can travel at a second angle K2 of 10 degrees or more with respect to the optical axis Z1, for example, in the range of 10 to 30 degrees. The invention allows light to be reflected or scattered by providing an uneven pattern in the regions of the first and second inner surfaces S21 and S22 of the lens barrel 141, i.e., the regions into which the first and second light beams L11 and L12 are incident. This reduces the luminosity of the flare imaged on the image sensor 131. Figure 11(A) shows the luminosity of the flare in a comparative example where the light in the path is not blocked by the uneven pattern, and Figure 11(B) shows an example where the luminosity of the flare is reduced when the light in the path is blocked by the uneven pattern.
[0064] In an embodiment of the invention, a first spacer 52 is positioned around the object side or sensor side of the lens of the third lens group LG3, and the first spacer 52 may have a hole size or hole shape that blocks the light L11 and L12 traveling at the first angle K1 and the second angle K2. As a result, the first spacer 52 can reflect, scatter, and absorb the light L11 and L12 that travels toward the first and second inner sides S21 and S22 of the lens barrel 141 after being reflected by the reflective member 1132, thereby eliminating flare on the image sensor 131. Figure 11(A) shows the luminosity of flare in a comparative example where the first spacer 52 does not block the light in the path, and Figure 11(B) shows an example where the luminosity of flare is eliminated when the light in the path is blocked by the first spacer 52.
[0065] Referring to Figures 5 to 8, the second lens 51 has minor axis sides CS1 and CS2 on both sides in the first direction X, and the minor axis sides CS1 and CS2 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the major axis side. The minor axis sides CS1 and CS2 are flat or have sides with a length less than the radius of the lens, and the major axis side may be provided as a curved surface having the radius of the lens. That is, the second lens 51 may be a D-cut lens having a shape in which both minor axis sides CS1 and CS2 are cut off.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, when the maximum effective length of the object side surface S1 or the sensor side surface S2 of the second lens 51 is C1 and the minimum effective length is C2, the formula: 0.55 < C2 / C1 < 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 S1 or the sensor side surface S2 of the second lens 51 in a non-circular shape, and it is difficult to control the distribution of incident light. When it exceeds 〖0.98〗^, the decrease in the size of the optical system in the first direction X becomes minute. The formula 1 can be applied to the sensor side surface S1 and the object side surface S2 of the second lens 51. Here, the length CS12 of both side surfaces CS1 and CS2 of the minor axis can have a range of 60% or more, for example, 60% to 90% of the length C1 of the major axis. The third lens 53 has minor axis side surfaces CS3 and CS4 on both sides in the first direction X, and the minor axis side surfaces CS3 and CS4 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the side surface of the major axis. The minor axis side surfaces CS3 and CS4 have side surfaces that are flat or have a length smaller than the radius of the lens, and the major axis side surface may be provided as a curved surface having the radius of the lens. That is, the third lens 53 may be a D-cut lens having a shape in which both side surfaces CS3 and CS4 of the minor axis are cut.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, when the maximum effective length of the object side surface S3 or the sensor side surface S4 of the third lens 53 is C3 and the minimum effective length is C4, the formula: 0.55 < C4 / C3 < 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 S3 or the sensor side surface S4 of the third lens 53 in a non-circular shape, and it is difficult to control the distribution of incident light. When it exceeds 〖0.98〗^, the decrease in the size of the optical system in the first direction X becomes minute. The formula 2 can be applied to the sensor side surface S3 and the object side surface S4 of the third lens 53. Here, the length CS32 of both side surfaces CS3 and CS4 of the minor axis can have a range of 60% or more, for example, 60% to 90% of the length C3 of the major axis.
[0068] Here, the maximum effective length of the third lens 53 can satisfy the following formula compared with the first lens 50.
[0069] Mathematical formula: 0.55 < CA32 / CA11 < 0.9 can be satisfied.
[0070] CA11 is the maximum effective length of the object side surface of the first lens 50, and CA32 is the maximum effective length of the sensor side surface of the third lens 53. Preferably, 0.57 < CA32 / CA11 < 0.9 or 0.6 < CA32 / CA11 < 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.
[0071] The first spacer 52 has a hole 52A, and the hole 52A has short-axis surfaces CP1 and CP2 on both sides in the first direction X. The short-axis surfaces CP1 and CP2 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the surface in the long-axis (for example, the Y-axis direction). The short-axis surfaces CP1 and CP2 may be flat or have side surfaces with a length smaller than the hole radius, and the long-axis surface may be provided as a curved surface having the hole radius. That is, the first spacer 52 can have a D-cut hole shape having a shape in which the short-axis both surfaces CP1 and CP2 are cut.
[0072] When the hole 52A of the first spacer 52 has a maximum length of D3 and a minimum length of D4, the mathematical formula: 0.55 < D4 / D3 < 0.98 can be satisfied. Here, D3 may be the same as or different from C3, and the condition D4 < C4 can be satisfied. The shape of the hole 52A of the first spacer 52 can have a non-circular shape or a D-cut shape having the lengths of the long and short axes. The outer shape of the first spacer 52 may have different lengths D2 in the first direction X and D2 in the third direction Y. That is, the condition D2 < D1 can be satisfied. The outer shape of the first spacer 52 can have a non-circular shape or a D-cut shape having long and short-axis side surfaces CP11 and CP12.
[0073] When the outer contour shape of the first spacer 52 has a maximum length of D1 and a minimum length of D2, the mathematical formula: 0.55 < D2 / D1 < 0.98 can be satisfied. Here, D1 is larger than C3, and the conditions C3 < D1 and C4 < D2 can be satisfied.
[0074] When the object side surface S3 of the third lens 53 overlaps with the first spacer 52 in the optical axis direction, the overlapping regions R1, R2 of the object side surface S3 of the third lens 53 can cover both edge portions of the effective region of the object side surface S3 in the X direction of the first axis. The first spacer 52 can reflect, absorb, and scatter the first and second lights L11, L12 that travel along abnormal paths as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and can reduce the luminous intensity of flare on the image sensor 131 or remove the flare.
[0075] The widths K1, K2 of the overlapping regions R1, R2 of the object side surface S3 of the third lens 53 can each have a range of 10% or less of the length C4 of the short axis, for example, a range of 0.5% to 10% or a range of 0.5% to 5%. When the widths K1, K2 of the overlapping regions R1, R2 are within the above range, the light on the abnormal path can be blocked. When outside the above range, there is a risk that the luminous intensity of flare increases or the optical characteristics deteriorate.
[0076] As in another example of FIGS. 9 and 10, a first spacer 52 can be included around between the second lens 51 and the third lens 53, and a second spacer 54 can be included around the sensor side surface S4 of the third lens 53. The first spacer 52 can refer to the description disclosed above. As another example, the internal hole 52A may be circular. The second spacer 54 has a hole 54A. The hole 54A has minor axis surfaces CP3 and CP4 on both sides in the first direction X. The minor axis surfaces CP3 and CP4 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the surface in the long axis (for example, the Y-axis direction). The minor axis surfaces CP3 and CP4 have flat surfaces or side surfaces with lengths smaller than the hole radius, and the long axis surface may be provided with a curved surface having the hole radius. That is, the second spacer 54 may have a D-cut hole shape having a shape in which both minor axis surfaces CP3 and CP4 are cut.
[0077] When the hole 54A of the second spacer 54 has a maximum length of D7 and a minimum length of D8, the mathematical formula: 0.55 < D8 / D7 < 0.98 can be satisfied. Here, D7 may be the same as or different from C3, and the condition D8 < C4 can be satisfied. The hole 54A shape of the second spacer 54 can have a non-circular shape or a D-cut shape having the lengths of the long and short axes. The outer shape of the second spacer 54 may have different lengths D6 in the first direction X and D5 in the third direction Y. That is, the condition D6 < D5 can be satisfied. The outer shape of the second spacer 54 can have a non-circular shape or a D-cut shape having long and short axis side surfaces CP31 and CP32. When the outer shape of the second spacer 54 has a maximum length of D5 and a minimum length of D6, the mathematical formula: 0.55 < D6 / D5 < 0.98 can be satisfied. Here, D5 is larger than C3, and the conditions C3 < D5 and C4 < D6 can be satisfied.
[0078] When the sensor side surface S4 of the third lens 53 and the second spacer 54 overlap in the optical axis direction, the overlapping regions R1 and R2 of the sensor side surface S4 of the third lens 53 can cover both edge portions of the effective region of the sensor side surface S4 in the first axis X direction. The second spacer 54 can reflect, absorb, and scatter the first and second optics L11 and L12 traveling along abnormal paths, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, thereby reducing the luminosity of flare on the image sensor 131 or eliminating flare altogether. The widths K3 and K4 of the overlapping regions R3 and R4 of the sensor side surface S4 of the third lens 53 can each be 10% or less of the length C4 along the minor axis, for example, in the range of 0.5% to 10% or 0.5% to 5%. When the widths K3 and K4 of the overlapping regions R3 and R4 on the sensor side surface S4 are within the range, the light from the abnormal path can be blocked. If it falls outside this range, the flare intensity may increase or the optical characteristics may deteriorate. The second spacer 54 can reflect, absorb, and scatter the first and second luminous beams L11 and L12 traveling along abnormal paths, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, thereby reducing the flare intensity on the image sensor 131 or eliminating the flare altogether.
[0079] The effective lengths of the object side and sensor side of the first, second, and third lenses 50, 51, and 53 in the first axial direction may differ from each other, and the effective lengths of the object side and sensor side in the third axial direction may differ from each other. As another example, a third spacer (not shown) having a non-circular hole around the object side S1 of the second lens 51 may be further included, and the third spacer may include the hole configurations 52A and 54A of the first and second spacers 52 and 54 as described above. Thus, the hole shape of at least one of the spacers around the object side S1 of the second lens 51, around the sensor side S2, and around the sensor side S4 of the third lens 52 can be provided as non-circular to block light traveling along an abnormal path.
[0080] In the embodiment of the invention, when at least one of the first to third spacers has a non-circular hole shape, if the length in the minor axis direction of the hole is D0 and the length of the image sensor in the first direction is V1, the mathematical formula: 0.6 < D0 / V1 < 1.5 can be satisfied. When the mathematical formula is larger than the above range, the improvement effect of flare becomes negligible. When it is smaller than the above range, the peripheral light quantity ratio RI of the image sensor 131 becomes excessively small. Here, the length in the vertical direction of the image sensor 131 can be 3.02 mm ± 0.5 mm. For example, the spacer having the non-circular hole is arranged around the object side surface or the sensor side surface of the nth lens. In this case, the distance between the inner surface of the lens barrel and the spacer decreases, whereby the adjustment of the length of the minor axis of the hole is facilitated, and the amount of light incident on the image sensor 131 can be adjusted.
[0081] As described above, the camera module 1000 includes a reflection member 1132 adjacent to an object, and in an optical system having at least one fixed lens group, at least one movable lens group, and a BFL exceeding 2 mm inside, when the shapes of the effective regions of the nth and n-1th lenses are non-circular, a spacer having a non-circular hole is arranged around the object side surface or the sensor side surface of the non-circular lens, so that light imaged on the image sensor 131 via an abnormal path can be blocked. Thereby, flare on the image sensor 131 can be removed or the luminous intensity of the flare can be reduced, and the optical characteristics of the camera module are improved.
[0082] (A) of FIG. 11 is a drawing measuring the luminous intensity of flare by a camera module having a spacer with a circular hole. It can be seen that in the embodiment of (B) of FIG. 11, when at least one spacer has a non-circular hole and is arranged around the nth and n-1th lenses, the luminous intensity of the flare is significantly lower or almost removed compared with the comparative example (FIG. 11(A)).
[0083] FIGS. 12 to 15 are drawings showing examples of the opening shapes of the light shielding members arranged on the incident surface RS1 or the inclined surface RS2 of the reflection member according to the embodiment of the invention.
[0084] As shown in Figure 12, the light-shielding member 100 may be positioned on the incident surface RS1 of the reflective member 1132. As an alternative, the light-shielding member 100 may be positioned on the exit surface RS3 of the reflective member 1132. As another alternative, the light-shielding member 100 may be positioned on the inclined surface RS2 of the reflective member 1132. The opening 101 of the light-shielding member 100 is a transmission region and can correspond to the effective region of the reflective member 1132, and the light-shielding member 100 may be attached to the ineffective region of the incident surface RS1 or exit surface RS3 of the reflective member 1132. As yet another alternative, the light-shielding member 100 may be positioned around the inclined surface RS2 of the reflective member 1132.
[0085] The light-shielding member 100 is ring-shaped or frame-shaped with an opening 101 on the inside, and the shape of the opening 10 may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. The light-shielding member 100 includes a material that blocks incident or reflected light, and may be the material of the spacer disclosed above.
[0086] The light-shielding member 100 may include an outer edge and an inner edge. In the reflective member 1132, the edge of the incident surface RS1 may be adjacent to the inclined surface RS2, and the edge of the exit surface RS3 may be adjacent to the inclined surface RS. As a result, a flare phenomenon may occur due to light passing through the edge of the incident surface RS1 or the edge of the exit surface RS3. The light-shielding member 100 can block the light that causes the flare phenomenon by being placed at the edges of the incident surface and the exit surface.
[0087] The light-shielding member 100 may be formed by coating on at least one of the incident surface RS1 and the outgoing surface of the reflective member 1132, or it may be printed by silkscreen printing. As another example, the light-shielding member 100 may be formed by black painting around the effective area of the reflective member 1132. For example, the light-shielding member 100 may contain a material with low light reflectivity, or it may contain a material with high light absorption. The shape of the light-shielding member 100 may be variable depending on the shapes of the incident surface RS1 and the outgoing surface RS3 of the reflective member 1132. The outer edge shape of the light-shielding member 100 may be rectangular. The length of the light-shielding member 100 in the first axial direction is V, and the length in the second axial direction is W. V may be 7.5 ± 0.04 mm, and W may be 6.2 ± 0.04 mm. The ratio of V to W can satisfy 1 to 1.5. The ratio of V and W may be variable according to the ratio of the effective area of the reflective member 1132 on which the light-shielding member 100 is arranged.
[0088] If the cross-section of the inner edge end of the light-shielding portion of the light-shielding member 100 is constant, light may be reflected at the inner edge end, causing a flare phenomenon. Therefore, various patterns are formed on the inner edge end of the light-shielding member 100. This allows the light to be scattered in various directions even when light is reflected from the inner edge end of the light-shielding member 100, minimizing the flare phenomenon. The light-shielding member 100 may include a plurality of projections and a plurality of recesses at the inner edge end that are spaced apart from each other. The plurality of projections may have one of the shapes of an arc, a triangle, a square, and a trapezoid. The plurality of recesses may have one of the shapes of an arc, a triangle, a square, and a trapezoid.
[0089] The multiple protrusions and recesses arranged along the inner edge of the light-shielding member 100 may be formed alternately. When the protrusions and recesses are formed alternately, they may each be formed in the same shape. When the protrusions and recesses are formed alternately, they may each be formed in a different shape. For example, the protrusions and recesses may each be formed in a triangular shape, and the angle between them may be different. The protrusions and recesses may each be formed in an arc shape, and the arcs may each be formed in an arc shape, and the radii of curvature may be different.
[0090] The inner edge end of the light-shielding member 100 may include a first region and a second region that form a first corner of the opening. The inner edge end of the light-shielding member 100 may include a third region opposite to the first region and a fourth region opposite to the second region. The inner edge end of the light-shielding member 100 may include a second corner formed by the first and fourth regions, a third corner formed by the second and third regions, and a fourth corner formed by the third and fourth regions. A line connecting the vertices of multiple protrusions in at least one of the first to fourth regions may form a curve. The curve connecting the vertices of multiple protrusions in each region is formed convexly in the direction of the outer edge. The curve connecting the vertices of multiple protrusions in each region is formed concavely in the direction of the inner edge. The line connecting the vertices of multiple protrusions in the first to fourth regions is formed symmetrically with respect to the center of each region.
[0091] At the inner edge end of the light-shielding member 100, the angle formed by the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions in the first region and the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions in the second region may be obtuse. The angle formed by the line connecting the vertices of the multiple recesses in the first region and the line connecting the vertices of the multiple recesses in the second region may be obtuse. The angle formed by the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions in the second region and the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions in the third region may be obtuse. The angle formed by the line connecting the vertices of the multiple recesses in the second region and the line connecting the vertices of the multiple recesses in the third region may be obtuse. The angle formed by the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions in the third region and the line connecting the vertices of the multiple recesses in the fourth region may be obtuse. The angle formed by the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions in the third region and the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions in the fourth region may be obtuse. The angle formed by the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions in the fourth region and the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions in the first region may be obtuse. The angle between the line connecting the vertices of multiple depressions in the fourth region and the line connecting the vertices of multiple depressions in the first region may be obtuse.
[0092] The ratio of the number of protrusions formed in the first region of the light-shielding member 100 to the number of protrusions formed in the second region can satisfy 1.4:1 to 1.7:1. The ratio of the number of multiple protrusions in the first region to the number of multiple protrusions in the second region of the light-shielding member 100 can satisfy 1.4 to 1.7. The ratio of the number of recesses formed in the first region to the number of recesses formed in the second region of the light-shielding member 100 can satisfy 1.4:1 to 1.7:1. The ratio of the number of recesses in the first region to the number of recesses in the second region of the light-shielding member 100 can satisfy 1.4 to 1.7.
[0093] The ratio of the number of protrusions or depressions formed in the first region of the light-shielding member 100 to the number of protrusions or depressions formed in the second region may be variable depending on the ratio of the length of the light-shielding member 100 in the first axial direction to the length in the second axial direction. The longer the length of the light-shielding member 100 in the first axial direction, the more the number of protrusions or depressions in the first region increases. The longer the length of the light-shielding member 100 in the second axial direction, the more the number of protrusions or depressions in the second region increases. Multiple protrusions may include a first part and a second part, which are the vertices of adjacent protrusions. The distance between the first part and the second part can be 0.5 mm to 1.1 mm. If it is below the lower limit, manufacturability may decrease, and if it exceeds the upper limit, optical performance may decrease, such as a higher F-number.
[0094] Referring to Figure 12, each of the multiple protrusions 11 of the light-shielding member 100 may be formed in a triangular shape. Each of the multiple recessed portions 12 of the light-shielding member 100 may also be formed in a triangular shape. The multiple protrusions 11 may be shaped to protrude outward from the opening 101 on the outside of the light-shielding member 100 or inward. The multiple recessed portions 12 may have a concave shape that is recessed outward from the inside of the light-shielding member 100 or around the opening 101.
[0095] The angle aa formed by the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions 11 in the first region of the light-shielding member 100 and the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions 11 in the second region may be an obtuse angle. The distance between the vertices of two adjacent protrusions 11 can be 0.5 mm to 1.1 mm. The distance a1 between the vertices of two adjacent recesses 12 can be 0.5 mm to 1.1 mm. Any one of the multiple protrusions 11 may be formed to have a height a2 relative to the line connecting adjacent recesses 12. a2 can be 0.15 mm to 0.2 mm. The angle of any one of the multiple triangular protrusions 11 may be formed to have an angle r1. r1 can satisfy 115 degrees to 125 degrees.
[0096] Referring to Figure 13, each of the multiple protrusions 21 arranged inside the light-shielding member 100 may be formed in a trapezoidal shape. Each of the multiple recesses 22 arranged inside the light-shielding member 100 may also be formed in a trapezoidal shape. The angle bb between the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions 21 in the first region of the light-shielding member 100 and the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions 21 in the second region may be an obtuse angle. The distance b1 between the vertices of two adjacent protrusions 21 can be 0.5 mm to 1.1 mm. The distance between the vertices of two adjacent recesses 22 can be 0.5 mm to 1.1 mm. Any one of the multiple protrusions 21 may be formed to have a height b2 relative to the line connecting adjacent recesses 22. b2 can be 0.15 mm to 0.2 mm. The length b3 of the side that protrudes the furthest inward in any one of the multiple trapezoidal projections 21 can be 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. In any one of the multiple trapezoidal projections 21, the angle between the two sides of the trapezoid may be formed to be an angle r2. r2 can satisfy an angle of 95 degrees to 105 degrees.
[0097] Referring to Figure 14, each of the multiple protrusions 31 arranged inside the light-shielding member 100 may be formed in a square shape. Each of the multiple recesses 32 arranged inside the light-shielding member 100 may be formed in a square shape. The angle cc formed by the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions 31 in the first region of the light-shielding member 100 and the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions 31 in the second region may be an obtuse angle. The distance c1 between the vertices of two adjacent protrusions 31 can be 0.5 mm to 1.1 mm. The distance between the vertices of two adjacent recesses 32 can be 0.5 mm to 1.1 mm. Any one of the multiple protrusions 31 may be formed to have a height c2 relative to the line connecting adjacent recesses 32. C2 can be 0.15 mm to 0.2 mm. The angle between the line connecting the multiple recessed portions 32 and the protruding portion 31 may be formed to have an angle r3. R3 can satisfy 85 degrees to 95 degrees, and can also satisfy 90 degrees.
[0098] Referring to Figure 15, each of the multiple protrusions 41 arranged inside the light-shielding member 100 may be formed in an arc shape. The angle dd between the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions 41 in the first region of the light-shielding member 100 and the line connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions 41 in the second region may be an obtuse angle. The multiple protrusions 41 may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion that protrude the furthest inward from the inner edge end. The multiple protrusions 41 may each include a first protrusion and a second protrusion that protrude the furthest inward from adjacent protrusions. The first and second protrusions may be formed spaced apart from each other. Between the first and second protrusions, there may be multiple convex portions 42 having a radius of curvature smaller than that of the first and second protrusions. Between the first and second protrusions, there may be multiple convex portions 42 having a radius of curvature larger than that of the first and second protrusions. Here, the term "convex portion" has been renamed to distinguish it from "protruding portion," and it goes without saying that the convex portion may also be called a protruding portion. The lines connecting the vertices of the first and second protruding portions and the plurality of convex portions 42 may be curves. In each region of the light-shielding member 100, the lines connecting the vertices of the plurality of protruding portions and the plurality of convex portions may form a wave shape. Between the first and second protruding portions, a plurality of recesses having a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the first and second protruding portions may be included. Between the first and second protruding portions, a plurality of recesses having a radius of curvature larger than the radius of curvature of the first and second protruding portions may be included. Here, the term "recess" has been renamed to distinguish it from "depressed portion," and it goes without saying that the recessed portion may also be called a depressed portion.
[0099] The lines connecting the first and second protrusions and the vertices of the multiple recesses may be curved. In each region of the light-shielding member 100, the lines connecting the vertices of the multiple protrusions and multiple recesses may form a wave shape. Any one of the multiple protrusions 41 may be formed to have a height d1 relative to the line connecting adjacent recesses. d1 can be 0.15 mm to 0.2 mm. Any one of the multiple convex portions 42 may be formed to have a height d2 relative to the line connecting adjacent recesses. d2 can be 0.04 mm to 0.05 mm. The angle formed by the line connecting the center of the arc of the multiple protrusions and the center of the arc of the multiple convex portions may be an angle r4. r4 can satisfy 115 degrees to 125 degrees.
[0100] As shown in Figures 12 to 15, when the light-shielding member 100 satisfies the conditional formulas for the height, width, radius of curvature, and angle of each pattern, optical performance can be ensured while improving manufacturability. If the values are below the lower limit of each conditional formula, manufacturability may decrease, and if they exceed the upper limit, optical performance may decrease, such as a higher F-number. The height of the pattern is the straight-line distance from the innermost point of the inner vertex or protrusion of the pattern to the bottom point of the recess.
[0101] In Figure 16, (a) is a comparative example, (f) is the opening shape 101A of the light-shielding member, and (g) is an example of a flare shape. Figures 16(b) to (e) are drawings showing the opening shape 101 f and flare shape g of the light-shielding member shown in Figures 12 to 15. Referring to Figure 16(a), the comparative example is a structure in which a light-shielding member without a pattern formed on the inner edge end is attached to a reflective member, and it can be seen that the flare shape appears as a form that extends long in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 16(b) to 16(e), it can be confirmed that in the case of the light-shielding member 100 of the embodiment, the flare phenomenon is reduced compared to the light-shielding member of the comparative example.
[0102] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which the camera module according to the embodiment is applied.
[0103] As shown in Figure 17, 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.
[0104] The camera module 1000 may include an image capture function and an autofocus function. For example, the camera module 1000 may include an autofocus function that utilizes an image.
[0105] The camera module 1000 processes still images or video frames acquired by the image sensor in shooting mode or video call mode.
[0106] The processed image frames are displayed on a designated display unit and stored in memory. A camera (not shown) may also be located on the front of the mobile terminal body.
[0107] For example, camera module 1000 may include a first camera module 1000A and a second camera module 1000B, and the first camera module 1000A can implement OIS along with AF or zoom functionality.
[0108] The flash module 1530 may include a light-emitting element that emits light internally. The flash module 1530 can be activated by the operation of the mobile terminal's camera or by user control.
[0109] The autofocus device 1510 may include one of the packages of surface light-emitting laser elements as the light-emitting unit. The autofocus device 1510 may include a laser-based autofocus function. The autofocus device 1510 is primarily used in conditions where the autofocus function using the image of the camera module 1000 is degraded, such as close-ups of 10m or less or in dark environments.
[0110] The autofocus device 1510 may include a light-emitting section containing a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) semiconductor element and a light-receiving section that converts light energy into electrical energy, such as a photodiode.
[0111] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which the camera module according to the embodiment is applied. Figure 18 is an external view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle driving assistance device to which the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment is applied.
[0112] Referring to Figure 18, the vehicle 700 of the embodiment may be equipped with tires 13FL, 13FR that are rotated by a power source, and a predetermined sensor. The sensor may be, but is not limited to, a camera sensor 2000.
[0113] 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 can acquire video information via the camera sensor 2000 that captures forward or surrounding video, and can use the video information to determine a situation in which lane lines cannot be identified, and can generate virtual lanes if they cannot be identified.
[0114] For example, the camera sensor 2000 can capture images of the area in front of the vehicle 700 to obtain forward-facing video, and a processor (not shown) can analyze objects contained in such forward-facing video to obtain video information.
[0115] For example, if the camera sensor 2000 captures images that include objects such as lanes, adjacent vehicles, obstacles to driving, and indirect road markings such as median strips, curbs, and rows of trees, the processor can detect these objects and include them in the image information. At this time, the processor can acquire distance information to the objects detected by the camera sensor 2000 and further supplement the image information. The image information may also be information about the objects captured in the image. Such a camera sensor 2000 may include an image sensor and an image processing module.
[0116] The camera sensor 2000 can process still images or videos acquired by an image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD). The video processing module can process the still images or videos acquired by the image sensor to extract necessary information and transmit the extracted information to the processor. In this case, the camera sensor 2000 may, but is not limited to, include a stereo camera to improve the accuracy of object measurement and to secure further information such as the distance between the vehicle 700 and the object.
[0117] While the above description has focused on embodiments, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the present invention. A person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs will be able to make various modifications and applications not exemplified above, without departing from the essential characteristics of these embodiments. For example, each component specifically presented in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. Such differences resulting from modifications and applications should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
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, an image sensor that converts light refracted through the plurality of lenses into an electrical signal, and a plurality of spacers disposed around the outer periphery between two adjacent lenses, wherein the plurality of spacers include a first spacer disposed around an object side surface or a sensor side surface of the nth or (n - 1)th lens adjacent to the image sensor, a camera module, wherein a shape of an inner hole of the first spacer is a non - circular shape.
2. The first spacer is disposed around an object side surface of the nth lens, the camera module according to Claim 1, wherein an effective length in the first direction of the object side surface and the sensor side surface of the nth lens is smaller than an effective length in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction.
3. The camera module according to Claim 2, wherein an effective length in the first direction of the object side surface and the sensor side surface of the (n - 1)th lens is smaller than an effective length in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction.
4. The first spacer is disposed around an object side surface of the (n - 1)th lens, the camera module according to Claim 1, wherein an effective length in the first direction of the object side surface and the sensor side surface of the (n - 1)th lens is smaller than an effective length in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction.
5. The first spacer is disposed around a sensor side surface of the nth lens, the camera module according to Claim 1, wherein an effective length in the first direction of the object side surface and the sensor side surface of the nth lens is smaller than an effective length in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction.
6. A maximum effective length of an object side surface or a sensor side surface of the nth or (n - 1)th lens is C1, and a minimum effective length is C2, the camera module according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, satisfying the formula: 0.55 < C2 / C1 < 0.
98.
7. A maximum length of an outer shape of the first spacer is D1, and a minimum length is D2, the camera module according to Claim 6, satisfying the formula: 0.55 < D2 / D1 < 0.
98.
8. A hole of the first spacer has a maximum length of D3 and a minimum length of D4, the camera module according to Claim 6, satisfying the formula: 0.55 < D4 / D3 < 0.
98.
9. Among the plurality of lenses, the maximum effective length of the object side surface of the lens closest to the reflecting member is CA11, and the maximum effective length of the sensor side surface of the n-th lens is CA32. The camera module according to claim 6, satisfying the mathematical formula: 0.55 < CA32 / CA11 < 0.
9.
10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein the maximum effective length of the object side surface of the lens closest to the reflecting member is the largest among the effective lengths of the lenses.
11. The optical axis distance between the sensor side surface of the n-th lens and the image sensor is BFL. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, satisfying the condition: 2 mm < BFL < 10 mm.
12. The effective focal length of the camera module is EFL. The camera module according to claim 11, satisfying the condition: 7 mm < EFL < 35 mm.
13. The plurality of lenses include: a first lens group adjacent to the reflecting member and having at least one lens; a second lens group having at least one lens on the sensor side of the first lens group and movable along the optical axis; and a third lens having the n-th and (n - 1)-th lenses on the sensor side of the second lens group and movable along the optical axis. The length in the short axis direction of the hole of the spacer is D0, and the length in the first direction of the image sensor is V1. The camera module according to claim 12, satisfying the mathematical formula: 0.6 < D0 / V1 < 1.
5.
14. It includes a light-shielding member disposed on the incident surface or the exit surface of the reflecting member and having an opening inside. The light-shielding member includes a plurality of protruding portions spaced apart from each other at the inner edge end and a plurality of recessed portions spaced apart from each other at the inner edge end. The plurality of protruding portions and the plurality of recessed portions intersect with each other. The inner edge end includes a first region and a second region forming the first corner portion of the opening. The angle formed by the line connecting the vertices of the plurality of protruding portions in the first region and the line connecting the vertices of the plurality of protruding portions in the second region is an obtuse angle. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the angle formed by the line connecting the vertices of the plurality of recessed portions in the first region and the line connecting the vertices of the plurality of recessed portions in the second region is an obtuse angle.
15. An electronic device having the camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.