Lens Module

Abstract

A lens module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a lens made of a first material; and a lens barrel made of a second material different from the first material and including a receiving space for receiving the lens. In the lens module according to one embodiment, a projection is formed in the receiving space that protrudes toward the outer surface of the lens. In addition, in the lens module according to one embodiment, the distance (G) between the end of the projection and the outer surface of the lens can satisfy the condition 0.3 < G / X < 0.8 with respect to the maximum expansion deformation amount (X) of the lens.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens module capable of reducing expansion stress of a lens. Background Technology

[0002] A camera module includes a lens module configured to form an image of incident light onto an image sensor. The lens module includes a plurality of plastic lenses arranged sequentially along the optical axis and a lens barrel that accommodates the plastic lenses. The lens module is one of the critical components that determine the performance and resolution of the camera module. For example, if the optical axes of the lenses constituting the lens module are not aligned within an acceptable margin of error, it can impair the performance and resolution of the camera module. For this reason, the lenses are housed inside the lens barrel so as to be in close contact with the inner surface of the lens barrel. However, the close contact structure between the lenses and the lens barrel excessively suppresses the expansion of the plastic lenses due to external temperature changes, which can cause lens breakage or distortion of the lens optical axis, thereby significantly impairing the performance and resolution of the camera module. The problem to be solved

[0003] The present invention aims to resolve the aforementioned problems by providing a lens module configured to enable optical axis alignment of lenses while minimizing lens breakage or lens distortion caused by changes in lens expansion. means of solving the problem

[0004] A lens module according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objective comprises: a lens made of a first material; and a lens barrel made of a second material different from the first material and including a receiving space for receiving the lens. In the lens module according to one embodiment, a projection is formed in the receiving space that protrudes toward the outer surface of the lens. Furthermore, in the lens module according to one embodiment, the distance (G) between the end of the projection and the outer surface of the lens can satisfy the condition 0.3 < G / X < 0.8 with respect to the maximum expansion deformation amount (X) of the lens. Effects of the invention

[0005] The lens module according to the present invention can minimize lens breakage or lens distortion. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0006] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a lens module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of part A shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A deformed by high temperature. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of II according to one example. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of II according to another example. Figure 6 shows a first deformation example of the protrusion shown in Figure 2. Figure 7 shows a second deformation example of the protrusion shown in Figure 2. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a lens module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of part B shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of part B deformed by high temperature. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of section II-II according to one example. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of section II-II according to another example. FIG. 13 shows a first deformation example of the first projection shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 14 shows an example of a second deformation of the second projection shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a lens module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 is an enlarged view of part C shown in Figure 15. Figure 17 is an enlarged view of part C deformed by high temperature. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of section III-III according to one example. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view III-III according to another example. FIG. 20 shows a first deformation example of the first projection shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 21 shows a second deformation example of the second projection shown in FIG. 16. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0007] In the following description of the present invention, the terms referring to the components of the present invention are named considering the functions of each component, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the technical components of the present invention.

[0008] Furthermore, throughout the specification, the statement that one component is 'connected' to another component means that it includes not only cases where these components are 'directly connected,' but also cases where they are 'indirectly connected' with another component in between. Also, the statement that a component 'includes' means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0010] The lens module according to the present specification may be mounted on an electronic device. For example, the lens module may be mounted on a portable terminal, a laptop, a VR device, glasses, etc. However, the electronic devices on which the lens module may be mounted are not limited to the aforementioned devices. For example, the lens module may be mounted on any portable electronic device, such as a portable game console.

[0012] A lens module according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a lens and a lens barrel. The lens is configured to have refractive power, and the lens barrel may be configured to include a receiving space for receiving the lens. In a lens module according to the present embodiment, the lens and the lens barrel may be made of different materials. For example, the lens may be made of a first material, and the lens barrel may be made of a second material different from the first material. A lens module according to the present embodiment may be configured to reduce or absorb expansion stress of the lens. For example, a lens barrel according to the present embodiment may include a projection protruding toward the outer surface of the lens. The projection can reduce or absorb expansion stress of the lens by minimizing the physical contact area between the lens and the lens barrel. A lens module according to the present embodiment may satisfy a specific conditional equation. For example, in a lens module according to the present embodiment, the distance (G) between the end of the projection and the outer surface of the lens may satisfy the conditional equation 0.3 < G / X < 0.8 with respect to the maximum expansion deformation amount (X) of the lens.

[0014] A lens module according to a second embodiment of the present invention may include a lens, a lens barrel, and a support member. The lens is configured to have refractive power, the lens barrel is configured to include a receiving space for receiving the lens, and the support member may be configured to be positioned between the lens and the lens barrel. A lens module according to the present embodiment may be configured to reduce or absorb expansion stress of the lens. For example, a support member according to the present embodiment may include a first projection protruding toward the outer surface of the lens. The first projection can reduce or absorb expansion stress of the lens by minimizing the physical contact area between the lens and the support member. A lens module according to the present embodiment may satisfy a specific conditional equation. For example, in a lens module according to the present embodiment, the distance (G1) between the end of the first projection and the inner surface of the support member may satisfy the conditional equation 0.3 < G1 / X < 0.8 with respect to the maximum expansion deformation amount (X) of the lens.

[0015] In addition, in the lens module according to the present embodiment, the lens, the lens barrel, and the support member may be made of different materials. For example, the lens may be made of a first material, and the lens barrel and the support member may be made of a second material different from the first material. However, the materials of the lens, the lens barrel, and the support member are not necessarily configured to be different.

[0017] A lens module according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] First, a lens module according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0019] The lens module (10) according to the present embodiment may include lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) and a lens barrel (200). However, the configuration of the lens module (10) is not limited to lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) and a lens barrel (200). For example, the lens module (10) may further include spacing members (510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560) and a cover member (600).

[0020] The lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may be made of different materials. For example, some of the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may be made of glass, and some may be made of plastic. As a specific example, the first lens (110), the second lens (120), the fourth lens (140), and the sixth lens (160) may be made of glass, and the third lens (130), the fifth lens (150), and the seventh lens (170) may be made of plastic. However, the materials of the lenses are not limited to the forms described above.

[0021] The lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may be configured to have refractive power. For example, the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may have positive or negative refractive power. One surface of the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may have a convex or concave shape. For example, the first lens (110) may have a shape where the object side is convex and the image side is concave.

[0022] Lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) may be arranged sequentially at intervals along the optical axis direction. For example, the first lens (110), the second lens (120), the third lens (130), the fourth lens (140), the fifth lens (150), the sixth lens (160), and the seventh lens (170) may be arranged sequentially at predetermined intervals from the object side toward the upper surface (or image sensor).

[0023] The lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) can be formed in different sizes. For example, the size (maximum diameter) of the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) can decrease as it moves from the object side toward the upper surface. To elaborate, the maximum diameter of the first lens (110) may be larger than the maximum diameter of the second lens (120), and the maximum diameter of the second lens (120) may be larger than the maximum diameter of the third lens (130).

[0024] The lens barrel (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of lenses. For example, lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may be accommodated in the internal receiving space (202) of the lens barrel (200). The lens barrel (200) may be configured to accommodate lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) of different sizes. For example, a plurality of steps (210, 220, 230) may be formed in the receiving space (202) of the lens barrel (200). Each step (210, 220, 230) may be used as a support structure to fix the position of some lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170).

[0025] The lens barrel (200) may be made of a material different from that of the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170). For example, the lens barrel (200) may be made of a metal material. For another example, the rate of change in thermal expansion of the lens barrel (200) may be different from the rate of change in thermal expansion of the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170). To elaborate, the rate of change in thermal expansion of the lens barrel (200) may be smaller than the maximum rate of change in thermal expansion of the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170).

[0026] A spacing member (510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570) can be placed between the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) and the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170). For example, a first spacing member (510) may be positioned between the first lens (110) and the second lens (120), a second spacing member (520) may be positioned between the second lens (120) and the third lens (130), a third spacing member (530) may be positioned between the third lens (130) and the fourth lens (140), a fourth spacing member (540) may be positioned between the fourth lens (140) and the fifth lens (150), a fifth spacing member (550) may be positioned between the fifth lens (150) and the sixth lens (160), and a sixth spacing member (560) may be positioned between the sixth lens (160) and the seventh lens (170). The seventh spacing member (570) may be configured in the form of a press ring that is positioned between the seventh lens (170) and the protective glass or positioned on the upper side of the seventh lens (170) to fix the position of the seventh lens (170).

[0027] The cover member (600) may be configured to secure the first lens (110) to the lens barrel (200). To elaborate, the cover member (600) is screw-fastened to the lens barrel (200) in a state where it contacts the outer surface of the first lens (110), thereby preventing the first lens (110) from detaching from the lens barrel (200).

[0028] Some of the multiple lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may expand in a direction intersecting the optical axis (radial direction of the lens) depending on the temperature change of the external environment. For example, lenses made of plastic material (130, 150, 170) may expand in a high-temperature environment (80 degrees or higher). However, since the lens barrel (200), which has greater rigidity and strength than the lenses (130, 150, 170), suppresses the expansion deformation of the lenses (130, 150, 170), the lenses (130, 150, 170) may be deformed or broken due to expansion stress, which can significantly degrade the optical performance of the lens module (10).

[0029] The lens module (10) according to the present embodiment further includes a configuration to resolve the above problems. For example, the lens barrel (200) according to the present embodiment may further include a protrusion (300) as shown in FIG. 2.

[0030] The protrusion (300) may be formed in the receiving space (202) of the lens barrel (200). To elaborate, the protrusion (300) may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the lens barrel (200) toward the outer surface of the lens (130, 150, 170). The protrusion (300) may be formed in a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases from one end to the other. For example, the end of the protrusion (300) may have a generally pointed shape to minimize the contact area with the lens (130, 150, 170).

[0031] The protrusion (300) may be formed so as not to come into contact with the outer surface of the lens (130, 150, 170). For example, a predetermined gap (G) may be formed between the end of the protrusion (300) and the outer surface of the lens (130, 150, 170). The gap (G) may have a specific relationship with the maximum expansion deformation amount (X) of the lens (130, 150, 170). For example, the gap (G) and the maximum expansion deformation amount (X) of the lens (130, 150, 170) may satisfy the condition 0.3 < G / X < 0.8.

[0032] However, the end of the protrusion (300) and the outer surface of the lens (130, 150, 170) are not always in a non-contact state. For example, the protrusion (300) can be inserted into the inner side of the rib of the lens (130, 150, 170) during the expansion deformation of the lens (130, 150, 170) (see FIG. 3). To this end, the protrusion (300) may have a predetermined length (L) and may be made of a material having greater rigidity and strength than the rigidity and strength of the lens (130, 150, 170). The length (L) of the protrusion (300) may have a predetermined relationship with the amount of expansion deformation of the lens (130, 150, 170). For example, the length (L) of the protrusion (300) may be greater than the amount of expansion deformation of the lens (130, 150, 170). For example, the length (L) of the protrusion (300) may be 0.1 mm or more. The protrusion (300) may be formed to correspond approximately to the halfway point (relative to the optical axis direction) of the lens (130, 150, 170). To elaborate, it is preferable that the protrusion (300) be formed to correspond to the halfway point of the line segment (i.e., the thickness of the lens) connecting the object side and the image side of the lens (130, 150, 170). The end thickness (t) of the protrusion (300) and the length (L) of the protrusion (300) may have a predetermined proportional relationship. For example, the end thickness (t) of the protrusion (300) may be less than 1 / 20 of the length (L) of the protrusion (300). The end of the protrusion (300) may have a pointed shape as described above. As a specific example, the angle formed by the flat surface and the inclined surface of the protrusion (300) may be 30 degrees or less.

[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the protrusions (300, 302) may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the lens barrel (200). For example, the protrusions (300) may be formed along the circumferential direction of the lens barrel (200) at intervals (S) wider than the width (w) of the protrusions (300). For another example, the protrusions (302) may be formed along the circumferential direction of the lens barrel (200) at intervals (S1) narrower than the width (w1) of the protrusions (302). The former shape may be advantageous for supporting thin lenses (130, 150, 170), and the latter shape may be advantageous for supporting thick lenses (130, 150, 170). However, the use of the protrusions (300, 302) is not limited to the aforementioned shapes of lenses (130, 150, 170). In addition, in FIGS. 4 and 5, the protrusions (300, 302) are shown as being formed at predetermined intervals along the inner surface of the lens barrel (200), but if necessary, they may also be formed in an annular shape along the inner surface of the lens barrel (200).

[0034] Different forms of the protrusions are described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.

[0035] The protrusion (304, 306) may be composed of two extensions (310, 320) with different cross-sectional areas, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. For example, the protrusion (304, 306) may be composed of a first extension (310) having a constant cross-sectional area and a second extension (320) having a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases. To elaborate, the first extension (310) may have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the second extension (320) may have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the second extension (320) may be a right triangle as illustrated in FIG. 6 or an isosceles triangle as illustrated in FIG. 7. The first extension (310) and the second extension (320) may be formed with a predetermined length. For example, the first extension part (310) may be formed with a first length (L1), and the second extension part (320) may be formed with a second length (L2). The first extension part (310) and the second extension part (320) may be formed with different lengths. For example, the first length (L1) may be larger than the second length (L2). However, the first length (L1) is not necessarily larger than the second length (L2). For example, the first length (L1) may be formed with the same size as the second length (L2).

[0036] The lens module (10) configured in this way can reduce internal stress caused by expansion deformation of the lenses (130, 150, 170) or minimize plastic deformation of the lenses (130, 150, 170) through the protrusions (300: 302, 304) formed on the lens barrel (200).

[0037] Tables 1 and 2 show the internal stress and plastic deformation magnitude of the third lens (103) according to the expansion amount of the third lens (130). In Table 1, the comparative example is a structure in which the third lens (130) and the lens barrel (200) are in surface contact, and the embodiment is a structure in which the third lens (130) and the lens barrel (200) are in contact by a protrusion (300). Additionally, the first surface refers to the object side (the surface close to the object) of the third lens (130), and the second surface refers to the image side (the surface close to the image) of the third lens (130). As the third lens (130) is heated from room temperature (25°C) to high temperature (110°C), it can expand from 0 μm to 15 μm (the deformation amount relative to the optical axis). Accordingly, the third lens (130) can undergo partial plastic deformation as the internal stress increases by the amount of expansion deformation.

[0038] Remarks (Third Lens) 0 ㎛ 5 ㎛ 10 ㎛ 15 ㎛ Comparative example Page 1 0.2779 0.7629 2.8495 5.9319 Page 2 0.3426 0.7873 3.9198 7.2218 Examples Page 1 0.2779 0.5742 1.9932 3.5496 Page 2 0.3426 0.6085 2.4760 3.3126

[0040] Remarks (Third Lens) 0 ㎛ 5 ㎛ 10 ㎛ 15 ㎛ Comparative example Page 1 0 0.383 0.537 5.437 Page 2 0 0.306 0.329 2.939 Examples Page 1 0 0.341 0.506 1.612 Page 2 0 0.273 0.312 1.058

[0041] As can be seen in Tables 1 and 2, in the comparative example, the internal stress and plastic deformation increased significantly as the expansion deformation of the third lens (130) increased. In contrast, in the embodiment of the present invention, it was confirmed that even if the expansion deformation of the third lens (130) increased, the internal stress and plastic deformation decreased to about 29% to 60% of that of the comparative example. Therefore, by using the lens module (10) according to the present embodiment, the optical performance and resolution of a camera module that is exposed to the outside or is prone to being exposed to the outside can be improved.

[0043] Next, a lens module according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 14.

[0044] The lens module (12) according to the present embodiment may include lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) and a lens barrel (200). However, the configuration of the lens module (12) is not limited to lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) and a lens barrel (200). For example, the lens module (12) may further include spacing members (510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560) and a cover member (600).

[0045] The lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may be made of different materials. For example, some of the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may be made of glass, and some may be made of plastic. As a specific example, the first lens (110), the second lens (120), the fourth lens (140), and the sixth lens (160) may be made of glass, and the third lens (130), the fifth lens (150), and the seventh lens (170) may be made of plastic. However, the materials of the lenses are not limited to the forms described above.

[0046] The lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may be configured to have refractive power. For example, the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may have positive or negative refractive power. One surface of the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may have a convex or concave shape. For example, the first lens (110) may have a shape where the object side is convex and the image side is concave.

[0047] Lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) may be arranged sequentially at intervals along the optical axis direction. For example, the first lens (110), the second lens (120), the third lens (130), the fourth lens (140), the fifth lens (150), the sixth lens (160), and the seventh lens (170) may be arranged sequentially at predetermined intervals from the object side toward the upper surface (or image sensor).

[0048] The lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) can be formed in different sizes. For example, the size (maximum diameter) of the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) can decrease as it moves from the object side toward the upper surface. To elaborate, the maximum diameter of the first lens (110) may be larger than the maximum diameter of the second lens (120), and the maximum diameter of the second lens (120) may be larger than the maximum diameter of the third lens (130).

[0049] The lens barrel (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of lenses. For example, lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may be accommodated in the internal receiving space (202) of the lens barrel (200). The lens barrel (200) may be configured to accommodate lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) of different sizes. As an example, the receiving space (202) of the lens barrel (200) may have a shape in which the cross-sectional area is sequentially reduced from one end of the lens barrel to the other end. As another example, a plurality of steps (210, 220, 230) may be formed in the receiving space (202) of the lens barrel (200). Each step (210, 220, 230) can be used as a support structure to fix the position of some lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) and support member (400).

[0050] The lens barrel (200) may be made of a material different from that of the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170). For example, the lens barrel (200) may be made of a metal material. For another example, the rate of change in thermal expansion of the lens barrel (200) may be different from the rate of change in thermal expansion of the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170). To elaborate, the rate of change in thermal expansion of the lens barrel (200) may be smaller than the maximum rate of change in thermal expansion of the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170).

[0051] A spacing member (510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570) can be placed between the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) and the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170). For example, a first spacing member (510) may be positioned between the first lens (110) and the second lens (120), a second spacing member (520) may be positioned between the second lens (120) and the third lens (130), a third spacing member (530) may be positioned between the third lens (130) and the fourth lens (140), a fourth spacing member (540) may be positioned between the fourth lens (140) and the fifth lens (150), a fifth spacing member (550) may be positioned between the fifth lens (150) and the sixth lens (160), and a sixth spacing member (560) may be positioned between the sixth lens (160) and the seventh lens (170). The seventh spacing member (570) may be configured in the form of a press ring that is positioned between the seventh lens (170) and the protective glass or positioned on the upper side of the seventh lens (170) to fix the position of the seventh lens (170).

[0052] The cover member (600) may be configured to secure the first lens (110) to the lens barrel (200). To elaborate, the cover member (600) is screw-fastened to the lens barrel (200) in a state where it contacts the outer surface of the first lens (110), thereby preventing the first lens (110) from detaching from the lens barrel (200).

[0053] Some of the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may expand in a direction intersecting the optical axis (radial direction of the lens) depending on the temperature change of the external environment. For example, lenses made of plastic material (130, 150, 170) may expand in a high-temperature environment (80 degrees or higher). However, since the lens barrel (200), which has greater rigidity and strength than the lenses (130, 150, 170), suppresses the expansion deformation of the lenses (130, 150, 170), the lenses (130, 150, 170) may be deformed or broken due to expansion stress, which can significantly degrade the optical performance of the lens module (12).

[0054] The lens module (12) according to the present embodiment further includes a configuration to resolve the above problems. For example, the lens barrel (200) according to the present embodiment may further include a support member (400) as shown in FIG. 8.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 9, the support member (400) may include a projection (410) that can minimize the contact area with the lens (130, 150, 170). The projection (410) may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the support member (400) toward the outer surface of the lens (130, 150, 170). The projection (410) may be formed in a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases from one end to the other. For example, the end of the projection (410) may have a generally pointed shape to minimize the contact area with the lens (130, 150, 170).

[0056] The protrusion (410) may be formed so as not to come into contact with the outer surface of the lens (130, 150, 170). For example, a predetermined gap (G1) may be formed between the end of the protrusion (410) and the outer surface of the lens (130, 150, 170). The gap (G1) may have a specific relationship with the maximum expansion deformation amount (X) of the lens (130, 150, 170). For example, the gap (G1) and the maximum expansion deformation amount (X) of the lens (130, 150, 170) may satisfy the condition 0.3 < G1 / X < 0.8.

[0057] However, the end of the protrusion (410) and the outer surface of the lens (130, 150, 170) are not always in a non-contact state. For example, the protrusion (410) can be inserted into the inner side of the rib of the lens (130, 150, 170) during the expansion deformation of the lens (130, 150, 170) (see FIG. 10). To this end, the protrusion (410) may have a predetermined length (h1) and may be made of a material having greater rigidity and strength than the rigidity and strength of the lens (130, 150, 170). The length (h1) of the protrusion (410) may have a predetermined relationship with the amount of expansion deformation of the lens (130, 150, 170). For example, the length (h1) of the protrusion (410) may be greater than the amount of expansion deformation of the lens (130, 150, 170). For example, the length (h1) of the protrusion (410) may be 0.1 mm or more. The protrusion (410) may be formed to correspond approximately to the halfway point (relative to the optical axis direction) of the lens (130, 150, 170). To elaborate, it is preferable that the protrusion (410) be formed to correspond to the halfway point of the line segment (i.e., the thickness of the lens) connecting the object side and the image side of the lens (130, 150, 170). The end thickness (t1) of the protrusion (410) and the length (h1) of the protrusion (410) may have a predetermined proportional relationship. For example, the end thickness (t1) of the protrusion (410) may be less than 1 / 20 of the length (h1) of the protrusion (410). The end of the protrusion (410) may have a pointed shape as described above. As a specific example, the angle formed by the flat surface and the inclined surface of the protrusion (410) may be 30 degrees or less.

[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the protrusions (410) may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the support member (400, 402). For example, the protrusions (410) may be formed along the circumferential direction of the support member (400) at intervals (S2) wider than the width (w2) of the protrusions (410). For another example, the protrusions (410) may be formed along the circumferential direction of the support member (402) at intervals (S3) narrower than the width (w3) of the protrusions (410). The former shape may be advantageous for supporting thin lenses (130, 150, 170), and the latter shape may be advantageous for supporting thick lenses (130, 150, 170). However, the use of the support member (400, 402) is not limited to the form of the aforementioned lens (130, 150, 170). Additionally, although FIGS. 11 and 12 show that the protrusion (410) is formed at a predetermined interval along the inner surface of the support member (400, 402), it may also be possible to form it in an annular shape along the inner surface of the support member (400, 402) as needed.

[0059] Different forms of the protrusions are described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14.

[0060] The projection (410) may be composed of two extensions (310, 320) with different cross-sectional areas, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. For example, the projection (410) may be composed of a first extension (310) having a constant cross-sectional area and a second extension (320) having a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases. To elaborate, the first extension (310) generally has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the second extension (320) generally has a triangular cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the second extension (320) may be a right triangle as shown in FIG. 13 or an isosceles triangle as shown in FIG. 14. The first extension (310) and the second extension (320) may be formed with a predetermined length. For example, the first extension part (310) may be formed with a first length (L1), and the second extension part (320) may be formed with a second length (L2). The first extension part (310) and the second extension part (320) may be formed with different lengths. For example, the first length (L1) may be larger than the second length (L2). However, the first length (L1) is not necessarily larger than the second length (L2). For example, the first length (L1) may be formed with the same size as the second length (L2).

[0061] The lens module (12) configured in this way can reduce internal stress caused by expansion deformation of the lenses (130, 150, 170) or minimize plastic deformation of the lenses (130, 150, 170) through the protrusion (410) formed on the support member (400, 402).

[0063] Next, a lens module according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 21.

[0064] The lens module (14) according to the present embodiment may include lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) and a lens barrel (200). However, the configuration of the lens module (14) is not limited to lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) and a lens barrel (200). For example, the lens module (14) may further include spacing members (510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560) and a cover member (600).

[0065] The lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may be made of different materials. For example, some of the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may be made of glass, and some may be made of plastic. As a specific example, the first lens (110), the second lens (120), the fourth lens (140), and the sixth lens (160) may be made of glass, and the third lens (130), the fifth lens (150), and the seventh lens (170) may be made of plastic. However, the materials of the lenses are not limited to the forms described above.

[0066] The lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may be configured to have refractive power. For example, the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may have positive or negative refractive power. One surface of the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may have a convex or concave shape. For example, the first lens (110) may have a shape where the object side is convex and the image side is concave.

[0067] Lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) may be arranged sequentially at intervals along the optical axis direction. For example, the first lens (110), the second lens (120), the third lens (130), the fourth lens (140), the fifth lens (150), the sixth lens (160), and the seventh lens (170) may be arranged sequentially at predetermined intervals from the object side toward the upper surface (or image sensor).

[0068] The lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) can be formed in different sizes. For example, the size (maximum diameter) of the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) can decrease as it moves from the object side toward the upper surface. To elaborate, the maximum diameter of the first lens (110) may be larger than the maximum diameter of the second lens (120), and the maximum diameter of the second lens (120) may be larger than the maximum diameter of the third lens (130).

[0069] The lens barrel (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of lenses. For example, lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may be accommodated in the internal receiving space (202) of the lens barrel (200). The lens barrel (200) may be configured to accommodate lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) of different sizes. As an example, the receiving space (202) of the lens barrel (200) may have a shape in which the cross-sectional area is sequentially reduced from one end of the lens barrel to the other end. As another example, a plurality of steps (210, 220, 230) may be formed in the receiving space (202) of the lens barrel (200). Each step (210, 220, 230) can be used as a support structure to fix the position of some lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) and support members (406).

[0070] The lens barrel (200) may be made of a material different from that of the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170). For example, the lens barrel (200) may be made of a metal material. For another example, the rate of change in thermal expansion of the lens barrel (200) may be different from the rate of change in thermal expansion of the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170). To elaborate, the rate of change in thermal expansion of the lens barrel (200) may be smaller than the maximum rate of change in thermal expansion of the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170).

[0071] A spacing member (510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570) can be placed between the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) and the lens (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170). For example, a first spacing member (510) may be positioned between the first lens (110) and the second lens (120), a second spacing member (520) may be positioned between the second lens (120) and the third lens (130), a third spacing member (530) may be positioned between the third lens (130) and the fourth lens (140), a fourth spacing member (540) may be positioned between the fourth lens (140) and the fifth lens (150), a fifth spacing member (550) may be positioned between the fifth lens (150) and the sixth lens (160), and a sixth spacing member (560) may be positioned between the sixth lens (160) and the seventh lens (170). The seventh spacing member (570) may be configured in the form of a press ring that is positioned between the seventh lens (170) and the protective glass or positioned on the upper side of the seventh lens (170) to fix the position of the seventh lens (170).

[0072] The cover member (600) may be configured to secure the first lens (110) to the lens barrel (200). To elaborate, the cover member (600) is screw-fastened to the lens barrel (200) in a state where it contacts the outer surface of the first lens (110), thereby preventing the first lens (110) from detaching from the lens barrel (200).

[0073] Some of the lenses (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) may expand in a direction intersecting the optical axis (radial direction of the lens) depending on the temperature change of the external environment. For example, lenses made of plastic material (130, 150, 170) may expand in a high-temperature environment (80 degrees or higher). However, since the lens barrel (200), which has greater rigidity and strength than the lenses (130, 150, 170), suppresses the expansion deformation of the lenses (130, 150, 170), the lenses (130, 150, 170) may be deformed or broken due to expansion stress, which can significantly degrade the optical performance of the lens module (14).

[0074] The lens module (14) according to the present embodiment further includes a configuration to resolve the above problems. For example, the lens barrel (200) according to the present embodiment may further include a support member (406) as shown in FIG. 15.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 16, the support member (406) may include a plurality of protrusions (410, 420) that can minimize the contact area with the lens (130, 150, 170). The first protrusion (410) may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the support member (406) toward the outer surface of the lens (130, 150, 170), and the second protrusion (420) may be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the support member (406) toward the inner surface of the lens barrel (200). The first protrusion (410) and the second protrusion (420) may be formed alternately along the circumferential direction of the support member (406).

[0076] The protrusions (410, 420) may be formed in a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases from one end to the other. For example, the ends of the protrusions (410, 420) may generally have a pointed shape to minimize the contact area with the lenses (130, 150, 170) and the lens barrel (200).

[0077] The first projection (410) may be formed so as not to come into contact with the outer surface of the lens (130, 150, 170). For example, a predetermined gap (G1) may be formed between the end of the first projection (410) and the outer surface of the lens (130, 150, 170). The gap (G1) may have a specific relationship with the maximum expansion deformation amount (X) of the lens (130, 150, 170). For example, the gap (G1) and the maximum expansion deformation amount (X) of the lens (130, 150, 170) may satisfy the condition 0.3 < G1 / X < 0.8.

[0078] However, the end of the first projection (410) and the outer surface of the lens (130, 150, 170) are not always in a non-contact state. The first projection (410) can be configured to be inserted into the interior of the lens (130, 150, 170). For example, the first projection (410) can be inserted into the inner side of the rib of the lens (130, 150, 170) when the lens (130, 150, 170) undergoes expansion deformation (see FIG. 17). To this end, the first projection (410) may have a predetermined length (h1) and may be made of a material having greater rigidity and strength than the rigidity and strength of the lens (130, 150, 170). The second projection (420) may be configured to enable bending deformation of the support member (406) or to absorb expansion stress of the lenses (130, 150, 170) transmitted to the support member (406). For example, the support member (406) may absorb expansion stress of the lenses (130, 150, 170) by bending based on the formation points of the first projection (410) and the second projection (420) when the lenses (130, 150, 170) undergo expansion deformation.

[0079] The length (h1) of the first protrusion (410) may have a predetermined relationship with the amount of expansion deformation of the lens (130, 150, 170). For example, the length (h1) of the first protrusion (410) may be greater than the amount of expansion deformation of the lens (130, 150, 170). As an example, the length (h1) of the first protrusion (410) may be 0.1 mm or more. The first protrusion (410) may be formed to correspond approximately to the halfway point (relative to the optical axis direction) of the lens (130, 150, 170). To elaborate, it is preferable that the first protrusion (410) be formed to correspond to the halfway point of the line segment (i.e., the thickness of the lens) connecting the object side and the image side of the lens (130, 150, 170). The end thickness (t1) of the first projection (410) and the length (h1) of the projection (410) may have a predetermined proportional relationship. For example, the end thickness (t1) of the first projection (410) may be smaller than 1 / 20 of the length (h1) of the first projection (410). The end of the first projection (410) may have a pointed shape as described above. As a specific example, the angle formed by the flat surface and the inclined surface of the first projection (410) may be 30 degrees or less.

[0080] The first projection (410) and the second projection (420) may be arranged at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction of the support member (406) as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. For example, the first projection (410) may be formed along the circumferential direction of the support member (406) at a interval (S4) wider than the width (w4) of the first projection (410), and the second projection (420) may be formed along the circumferential direction of the support member (406) at a interval (S5) wider than the width (w5) of the second projection (420). For another example, the first projection (410) may be formed along the circumferential direction of the support member (406) at a interval (S6) narrower than the width (w6) of the first projection (410). The former shape may be advantageous for supporting thin lenses (130, 150, 170), and the latter shape may be advantageous for supporting thick lenses (130, 150, 170). However, the use of the support member (406) is not limited to the aforementioned shapes of lenses (130, 150, 170). Additionally, although FIGS. 18 and 19 show the first projection (410) and the second projection (420) formed at a predetermined interval along the inner surface of the support member (406), it may also be possible to form them in an annular shape along the inner surface of the support member (400, 402) as needed.

[0081] Different forms of the protrusions are described with reference to FIGS. 20 and FIGS. 21.

[0082] The first projection (410) and the second projection (420) may be composed of two extensions with different cross-sectional areas, as illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21. For example, the projection (410) may be composed of a first extension with a constant cross-sectional area and a second extension with a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases. To elaborate, the first extension generally has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the second extension (320) may generally have a triangular cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the second extension may be a right triangle as illustrated in FIG. 20 or an isosceles triangle as illustrated in FIG. 21. The first extension and the second extension may be formed with a predetermined length. For example, the first extension may be formed with a first length (L1), and the second extension may be formed with a second length (L2). The first extension and the second extension may be formed with different lengths. For example, the first length (L1) may be larger than the second length (L2). However, the first length (L1) is not necessarily larger than the second length (L2). For example, the first length (L1) may be formed to be the same size as the second length (L2).

[0083] The lens module (14) configured in this way can reduce internal stress caused by expansion deformation of the lenses (130, 150, 170) or minimize plastic deformation of the lenses (130, 150, 170) through the protrusions (410, 420) formed on the support member (406).

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the gist of the technical concept of the present invention as described in the following claims. For example, various features described in the aforementioned embodiments may be applied in combination with other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

Claim 1 A lens module comprising: a lens made of a first material; and a lens barrel made of a second material different from the first material and including a receiving space for receiving the lens; wherein a projection is formed in the receiving space that protrudes toward the outer surface of the lens, and the distance (G) between the end of the projection and the outer surface of the lens satisfies the following conditional equation with respect to the maximum expansion deformation amount (X) of the lens. 0.3 < G / X < 0.8 Claim 2 In claim 1, the lens module is a projection having a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases as it extends from the inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel toward the optical axis of the lens. Claim 3 In claim 1, the projection comprises a first extension having a first cross-sectional shape and a second extension having a second cross-sectional shape, forming a lens module. Claim 4 A lens module according to paragraph 3, wherein the first cross-sectional shape is a rectangle and the second cross-sectional shape is a triangle. Claim 5 In claim 1, the protrusions are formed at regular intervals along the inner surface of the lens barrel, forming a lens module. Claim 6 In claim 1, the projection is a lens module formed annularly along the inner surface of the lens barrel. Claim 7 In claim 1, the lens module having a lower strength than the second material, wherein the first material. Claim 8 In claim 1, the receiving space is a lens module having a shape in which the cross-sectional area is sequentially reduced from one end of the lens barrel to the other. Claim 9 A lens module comprising: a lens; a lens barrel configured to accommodate the lens; and a support member disposed between the lens and the lens barrel, wherein the support member has a first projection formed thereon protruding in the direction of the outer surface of the lens, and the distance (G1) between the end of the first projection and the inner surface of the support member satisfies the following conditional equation with respect to the maximum expansion deformation amount (X) of the lens. 0.3 < G1 / X < 0.8 Claim 10 In claim 9, a lens module having a step formed on the inner surface of the lens barrel to support the support member. Claim 11 In claim 9, the first projection is a lens module formed at regular intervals along the circumferential direction of the support member. Claim 12 In claim 9, the first projection is a lens module having a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases as it moves away from the support member. Claim 13 In claim 9, the first projection comprises a first extension having a first cross-sectional shape and a second extension having a second cross-sectional shape, forming a lens module. Claim 14 A lens module according to claim 13, wherein the first cross-sectional shape is a rectangle and the second cross-sectional shape is a triangle. Claim 15 In claim 9, the lens module further having a second projection formed on the support member that protrudes in the direction of the inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel. Claim 16 In item 15, the first projection and the second projection are alternately formed along the circumferential direction of the support member.

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