Camera module

Abstract

A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing having an internal space; a first optical module, a second optical module, and a third optical module arranged sequentially along a light propagation path within the internal space of the housing; and a fourth optical module disposed in the housing and receiving light that has passed through the third optical module; wherein the first optical module, the second optical module, and the third optical module are arranged in an overlapping manner in a first direction, and the first optical module, the second optical module, the third optical module, and the fourth optical module may be arranged in the housing to satisfy the following conditional expression: d1 > d2 (wherein, d1 is a second directional distance from the center of an optical member provided in the first optical module to the outermost end of an optical member provided in the first optical module, and d2 is a second directional distance from the center of an optical member provided in the fourth optical module to the outermost end of an optical member provided in the first optical module, and the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera module. Background Technology

[0002] Camera modules equipped in mobile devices are continuously evolving to achieve performance comparable to conventional cameras. In particular, as the frequency of capturing videos and photos using mobile devices increases, the demand for camera modules capable of providing high zoom magnification is gradually growing.

[0003] To meet these requirements, a reflective member is applied to mobile cameras to change the path of light, and furthermore, a structure is proposed in which a lens is additionally placed in front of the reflective member to further improve camera performance.

[0004] For example, since the reflective material bends the path of light, it is advantageous for reducing the thickness of the camera module by allowing lenses to be stacked in a direction other than the thickness direction of the mobile device.

[0005] Meanwhile, recently there has been an increasing demand for camera modules that maintain high performance while reducing not only the thickness but also the length, resulting in an overall more compact size. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a camera module having improved performance while having an overall compact size. means of solving the problem

[0007] A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing having an internal space; a first optical module, a second optical module, and a third optical module arranged sequentially along a light propagation path within the internal space of the housing; and a fourth optical module disposed in the housing and receiving light that has passed through the third optical module; wherein the first optical module, the second optical module, and the third optical module are arranged in an overlapping manner in a first direction, and the first optical module, the second optical module, the third optical module, and the fourth optical module may be arranged in the housing to satisfy the following conditional expression: d1 > d2 (wherein, d1 is a second directional distance from the center of an optical member provided in the first optical module to the outermost end of an optical member provided in the first optical module, and d2 is a second directional distance from the center of an optical member provided in the fourth optical module to the outermost end of an optical member provided in the first optical module, and the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction).

[0008] A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing having a length in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first optical module disposed in a first space of the housing; a second optical module disposed in a second space of the housing; and a third optical module disposed in a third space of the housing; wherein the first space, the second space, and the third space are arranged in order along the first direction and may each have different lengths in the second direction.

[0009] A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a first lens portion comprising one or more lenses arranged along a first optical axis direction; a first reflective member spaced apart from the first lens portion in the direction of the first optical axis; a second lens portion spaced apart from the first reflective member in the direction of the second optical axis and comprising one or more lenses arranged along the direction of the second optical axis; a second reflective member spaced apart from the second lens portion in the direction of the second optical axis and comprising a plurality of reflective surfaces; and an image sensor facing the second reflective member. Effects of the invention

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention can simultaneously achieve miniaturization and high performance of the camera module. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module (first embodiment) according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a camera module according to the present invention with the shield can removed. FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a camera module according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a housing according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first optical module according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a first optical module according to the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of I-I' in Figure 5. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of II-II' of Figure 5. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a second optical module according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third optical module according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a third optical module according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the third space of the housing according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the AF driving view of the third optical module according to the present invention. FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of a camera module (second embodiment) according to the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a camera module (third embodiment) according to the present invention. FIGS. 16a to 16c are drawings showing modified embodiments of the third optical module of the camera module of FIG. 15. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this specification, and therefore the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings.

[0013] In this specification, terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but are not intended to limit said components and are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0014] Additionally, in this specification, the term "comprising" means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module (first embodiment) according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the camera module according to the present invention with the shield can removed, and FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the camera module according to the present invention.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the camera module (100) according to the present invention may have a structure in which the path of light is changed two or more times.

[0017] According to the present invention, the camera module (100) may include two or more reflective members (P1, P2) to change the path of light two or more times. Since the camera module (100) according to the present invention is not formed long in a specific direction and has a compact shape, space can be utilized efficiently while preventing unnecessary size increase of the camera module (100). At the same time, high magnification performance can be achieved by securing a sufficient Total Track Length (TTL).

[0018] A camera module (100) may include a housing (110) and a shield can (120) that form an exterior. The housing (110) has an internal space in which optical elements are placed, and the shield can (120) may be coupled to the housing (110) to cover the internal space. The shield can (120) includes an opening (121), and external light may be incident on the camera module (100) through the opening (121).

[0019] A camera module (100) may include a plurality of optical modules disposed in a housing (110). A first optical module (130), a second optical module (140), a third optical module (150), and a fourth optical module (160) may be disposed in the housing (110) along a path of light propagation. The first optical module (130), the second optical module (140), the third optical module (150), and the fourth optical module (160) may each include one or more optical members.

[0020] The first optical module (130) may be exposed to the outside through the opening (121) of the shield can (120). External light may be incident on the first optical module (130). The direction of incidence may be parallel to the first optical axis (C1). The first optical module (130) may include a first reflective member as an optical member. For example, the first reflective member may be a first prism (P1). The first prism (P1) may reflect and refract light incident in a direction parallel to the first optical axis (C1) in a direction parallel to the second optical axis (C2). The second optical axis (C2) may be approximately perpendicular to the first optical axis (C1).

[0021] The second optical module (140) may be spaced apart from the first optical module (130) in a direction parallel to the second optical axis (C2). Light emitted from the first optical module (130) in a direction parallel to the second optical axis (C2) may be incident on the second optical module (140). The second optical module (140) may include one or more lenses (L2) as optical members. One or more lenses (L2) may be arranged in a direction parallel to the second optical axis (C2).

[0022] The third optical module (150) may be spaced apart in a direction parallel to the second optical module (140) and the second optical axis (C2). Light emitted from the second optical module (140) in a direction parallel to the second optical axis (C2) may be incident on the third optical module (150). The third optical module (150) may include a second reflective member as an optical member. For example, the second reflective member may be a second prism (P2) comprising a plurality of reflective surfaces. The second prism (P2) may include a first reflective surface (RS1) and a second reflective surface (RS2) that are obliquely opposite each other. The first reflective surface (RS1) and the second reflective surface (RS2) may be spaced apart in the direction of the third optical axis (C3). Light emitted from the second optical module (140) is incident on the first reflective surface (RS1), and the first reflective surface (RS1) can reflect and refract the light incident in a direction parallel to the second optical axis (C2) in a direction parallel to the third optical axis (C3). The third optical axis (C3) can be approximately perpendicular to the second optical axis (C2). The light reflected and refracted from the first reflective surface (RS1) is incident on the second reflective surface (RS2), and can be reflected and refracted again in the direction of the fourth optical axis (C4) from the second reflective surface (RS2). The fourth optical axis (C4) can be approximately parallel to the second optical axis (C2).

[0023] The fourth optical module (160) may be spaced apart from the third optical module (150) in a direction parallel to the fourth optical axis (C4). Light emitted from the third optical module (150) in a direction parallel to the fourth optical axis (C4) may be incident on the fourth optical module (160). The fourth optical module (160) may include an image sensor (161). The image sensor (161) is positioned so that its imaging surface faces the second reflective surface (RS2), and light incident on the imaging surface may be converted into an electrical signal and output as an image signal.

[0024] According to the present invention, the first optical module (130), the second optical module (140), and the third optical module (150) are superimposed in the internal space of the housing (110) in a direction parallel to the second optical axis (C2) (hereinafter, the first direction), and the first optical module (130) can satisfy the following condition equation.

[0025] d1 > d2

[0026] d1: Second direction distance from the center of the optical member provided in the first optical module (130) to the outermost end of the optical member provided in the first optical module (130).

[0027] d2: Second direction distance from the center of the optical member provided in the fourth optical module (160) to the outermost end of the optical member provided in the first optical module (130).

[0028] In the definitions of d1 and d2, the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and may be a direction parallel to the direction of the third optical axis (C3). Additionally, since the optical member provided in the first optical module (130) is the first prism (P1) and the optical member provided in the fourth optical module (160) is the image sensor (161), d1 may mean the distance in the second direction from the center of the first prism (P1) (the point where the first optical axis (C1) and the second optical axis (C2) intersect) to the outermost end of the first prism (P1), and d2 may mean the distance in the second direction from the center of the image sensor (161) to the outermost end of the first prism (P1). Furthermore, d1 may be half the length of the major axis of the first prism (P1).

[0029] In addition, according to the present invention, the first optical module (130), the second optical module (140), and the third optical module (150) may further satisfy the following condition equation.

[0030] d3 > 0

[0031] d3: A second directional distance from the optical axis shared by the first optical module (130), the second optical module (140), and the third optical module (150) to the center of the optical member provided in the fourth optical module (160).

[0032] In the definition of d3, the first optical module (130), the second optical module (140), and the third optical module (150) share a second optical axis (C2), and since the optical member provided in the fourth optical module (160) is an image sensor (161), d3 may mean a second directional distance from the second optical axis (C2) to the center of the image sensor (161).

[0033] The embodiments described in this specification may satisfy all of the above condition expressions.

[0034] Below, the camera module (100) according to the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a housing according to the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, the internal space of the housing (110) may include a first space (111) where a first optical module (130) is placed, a second space (112) where a second optical module (140) is placed, and a third space (113) where a third optical module (150) is placed.

[0037] The first space (111), the second space (112), and the third space (113) are arranged in order along the first direction, and the housing (110) may have a length in the first direction.

[0038] Meanwhile, the first space (111), the second space (112), and the third space (113) may have different lengths in the second direction. The length of the housing (110) in the second direction may be determined by the size of the optical member provided in the first optical module (130), the second optical module (140), and the third optical module (150). The length of the housing (110) in the second direction may be reduced once and increased once along the first direction. For example, the housing (110) may have a minimum length in the second direction in the second space (112) where the second optical module (140) is placed, and a maximum length in the second direction in the third space (113) where the third optical module (150) is placed. Accordingly, the second direction length of the housing (110) can be reduced in the portion extending from the first space (111) to the second space (112), and then increased again in the portion extending from the second space (112) to the third space (113).

[0039] The fourth optical module (hereinafter, image sensor module) (160) may be placed on one side of the housing (110) defining the third space (113) and may be placed parallel to the second space (112) in the second direction.

[0040] A substrate (170) may be attached to the outside of the housing (110). For example, the substrate (170) may be formed to be bent in some parts and may be placed across several sides of the housing (110). A driving coil and a position sensor, etc., which will be described later, may be placed on the substrate (170). The driving coil and the position sensor, etc., may be placed in the housing (110) while placed on the substrate (170) and may be exposed to the internal space through through holes provided in the housing (110). However, the shape of the aforementioned substrate (170) is merely exemplary and may be changed to a different shape depending on the location where the driving coil and the position sensor, etc. are placed.

[0041] A plurality of dampers (DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4) may be disposed on the bottom surface of the housing (110). The plurality of dampers (DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4) may be provided integrally with a plate disposed on the bottom surface of the housing (110). The plurality of dampers (DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4) have a shape that protrudes toward the first optical module (130) from the bottom surface of the housing (110) and may serve to mitigate collisions and noise between the first optical module (130) and the housing (110) that may occur due to driving and / or external impact. Additionally, they may also serve to limit the rotation range of the first optical module (130).

[0042] Similarly, a first stopper (ST1) may be coupled to the housing (110). The first stopper (ST1) may be positioned to face the first optical module (130) in the direction of the first optical axis (C1) and the direction of the second optical axis (C2). The first stopper (ST1) can prevent the first optical module (130) from moving out of the first space (111) when an external impact is applied, and can prevent the first optical module (130) from colliding directly with the shield can (120) and the housing (110).

[0043] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first optical module according to the present invention, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a first optical module according to the present invention, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along I-I' of FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along II-II' of FIG. 5.

[0044] The first optical module (130) may include a first prism (P1) as an optical element. In one embodiment, the first prism (P1) may be a power prism in which the incident surface (Psi1) and the exit surface (PSe1) of the prism have curvature in the paraxial region (or at least one of the incident surface and the exit surface may have curvature in the paraxial region), as shown in FIG. 7, etc. The first prism (P1) can change light incident in the direction of the first optical axis (C1) to the direction of the second optical axis (C2).

[0045] The first optical module (130) may include a reflector holder (131) in which a first prism (P1) is disposed and in which a reflector holder (131) is disposed and a rotation guide (133) in which the reflector holder (131) is disposed.

[0046] The first optical module (130) can be rotated around an axis parallel to the second optical axis (C2) (hereinafter, the first rotation axis (RA1)) and an axis parallel to the third optical axis (C3) (hereinafter, the second rotation axis (RA2)). For example, the reflector holder (131) can be rotated relative to the rotation guide (133) around the first rotation axis (RA1), and the rotation guide (133) can be rotated relative to the housing (110) around the second rotation axis (RA2). Since the reflector holder (131) is placed on the rotation guide (133), it can be rotated together with the rotation guide (133).

[0047] A first ball member (B1) may be disposed between the reflector holder (131) and the rotation guide (133). The first ball member (B1) may include two ball members spaced apart in the direction of the first rotation axis (RA1), and the first rotation axis (RA1) may pass through the two ball members. A receiving groove is formed in each of the reflector holder (131) and the rotation guide (133), and the first ball member (B1) may be disposed in the receiving groove. At this time, the first ball member (B1) may maintain a state in which its position is fixed by the receiving groove. The first ball member (B1) may form the first rotation axis (RA1) by rotating in place by the driving force generated by the driving unit to be described later.

[0048] A second ball member (B2) may be disposed between the rotation guide (133) and the housing (110). The second ball member (B2) may include two ball members spaced apart in the direction of the second rotation axis (RA2), and the second rotation axis (RA2) may pass through the two ball members. A receiving groove is formed in each of the rotation guide (133) and the housing (110), and the second ball member (B2) may be disposed in the receiving groove. The receiving groove formed in the housing (110) may be formed in a protrusion (111a) protruding in the direction of the first optical axis (C1) from the bottom surface of the housing (110). The second ball member (B2) may maintain a fixed position by the receiving groove. The second ball member (B2) may form the second rotation axis (RA2) by rotating in place by the driving force generated by the driving unit to be described later.

[0049] The first optical module (130) may include a first driving unit that generates a driving force rotating around a first rotation axis (RA1) and a second rotation axis (RA2). The first driving unit may include a driving magnet (132a) and a driving coil (132b) arranged facing each other. The driving magnet (132a) may be placed on two sides of the reflector holder (131) that are parallel to each other, and the driving coil (132b) may be placed on two sides of the housing (110) that face each of the two sides of the reflector holder (131) while placed on the substrate (170).

[0050] One side of the driving magnet (132a) facing the driving coil (132b) may be provided with an N pole (or S pole), a neutral region, and an S pole (or N pole) along the direction of the first optical axis (C1). When power is applied to the driving coil (132b), the driving magnet (132a) and the driving coil (132b) can generate a driving force in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which they face each other. For example, the driving magnet (132a) and the driving coil (132b) may face each other in the direction of the third optical axis (C3) and generate a driving force in the direction of the first optical axis (C1). At this time, depending on the direction of the current applied to the two driving coils (132b), the reflector holder (131) may rotate around the first rotation axis (RA1) or the second rotation axis (RA2).

[0051] A first damper (DP1) and a second damper (DP2) may be disposed on the bottom surface of the first space (111) of the housing (110). The first damper (DP1) and the second damper (DP2) may be spaced apart in the direction of the third optical axis (C3) with the first rotation axis (RA1) in between. The reflector holder (131) may come into contact with the first damper (DP1) or the second damper (DP2) disposed in the housing (110) while in a state of maximum rotation around the first rotation axis (RA1).

[0052] Additionally, a third damper (DP3) and a fourth damper (DP4) may be disposed on the bottom surface of the first space (111) of the housing (110). The third damper (DP3) and the fourth damper (DP4) may be spaced apart in the direction of the second optical axis (C2) with the second rotation axis (RA2) in between. The reflector holder (131) and the rotation guide (133) may come into contact with the third damper (DP3) or the fourth damper (DP4) disposed in the housing (110) while in a state of maximum rotation around the second rotation axis (RA2). For example, the rotation guide (133) may come into contact with the third damper (DP3), and the reflector holder (131) may come into contact with the fourth damper (DP4).

[0053] The reflective member holder (131) can be pulled toward the opposing member, the rotation guide (133). To this end, a first magnetic member (135a) may be disposed in the reflective member holder (131), and a second magnetic member (135b) may be disposed in the rotation guide (133). For example, the first magnetic member (135a) disposed in the reflective member holder (131) may be a pulling magnet, and the second magnetic member (135b) disposed in the rotation guide (133) may be a pulling yoke. The second magnetic member (135b) may be a part of an insert member disposed inside the rotation guide (133).

[0054] The first magnetic member (135a) and the second magnetic member (135b) may be arranged to face each other in the direction of the first optical axis (C1). The first magnetic member (135a) and the second magnetic member (135b) may generate an attractive force in the direction of the first optical axis (C1), which is the direction facing each other. The reflector holder (131) may be supported in the direction of the first optical axis (C1) on the rotation guide (133) by the attractive force generated by the first magnetic member (135a) and the second magnetic member (135b). Additionally, the first ball member (B1) can stably support the rotation of the reflector holder (131) by the aforementioned attractive force.

[0055] The rotation guide (133) can be pulled toward the housing (110), which is the counterpart member. To this end, a third magnetic member (136a) may be disposed in the rotation guide (133), and a fourth magnetic member (136b) may be disposed in the housing (110). For example, the third magnetic member (136a) disposed in the rotation guide (133) may be a pulling magnet, and the fourth magnetic member (136b) disposed in the housing (110) may be a pulling yoke. The fourth magnetic member (136b) may be a part of an insert member disposed inside the housing (110).

[0056] The third magnetic member (136a) and the fourth magnetic member (136b) may be arranged to face each other in the direction of the first optical axis (C1). The third magnetic member (136a) and the fourth magnetic member (136b) may generate an attractive force in the direction of the first optical axis (C1), which is the direction facing each other. The rotation guide (133) may be supported in the direction of the first optical axis (C1) on the housing (110) by the attractive force generated by the third magnetic member (136a) and the fourth magnetic member (136b). Additionally, the second ball member (B2) can stably support the rotation of the rotation guide (133) by the said attractive force.

[0057] The first optical module (130) may include a sensing unit that detects the position of a reflective member holder (131). The sensing unit may include a sensing magnet (134a) and a position sensor (134b) positioned facing each other. The sensing magnet (134a) may be positioned on one side between two parallel sides of the reflective member holder (131), and the position sensor (134b) may be positioned on one side of the housing (110) facing one side of the reflective member holder (131) while positioned on the substrate (170). The sensing magnet (134a) and the position sensor (134b) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0058] One side of the sensing magnet (134a) facing the position sensor (134b) may be provided with a North pole (or South pole), a neutral region, and a South pole (or North pole) along the direction of the first optical axis (C1). The position sensor (134b) may be positioned to face the neutral region of the sensing magnet (134a). The position sensor (134b) can detect the position of the reflective member holder (131) by detecting the magnetic field of the sensing magnet (134a) that changes according to the rotation of the reflective member holder (131). For example, the position sensor (134b) may be provided as a Hall sensor.

[0059] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a second optical module according to the present invention.

[0060] The second optical module (140) may include one or more lenses (hereinafter referred to as the second lens portion) (L2) arranged in the direction of the second optical axis (C2) as optical members. In one embodiment, the second lens portion (L2) may include a D-cut lens. The D-cut lens may include a pair of arc portions facing each other and a pair of straight portions extending between the pair of arc portions. The distance from the center of the D-cut lens to the pair of arc portions may be the major axis, and the distance from the center of the D-cut lens to the pair of straight portions may be the minor axis.

[0061] The second optical module (140) may include a lens barrel (141) disposed in the second space (112) of the housing (110) and having a second lens portion (L2) mounted along the direction of the second optical axis (C2). The lens barrel (141) may have a shape corresponding to the second lens portion (L2). For example, the lens barrel (141) may have a length in the direction of the second optical axis (C2), and the cross-section cut in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the second optical axis (C2) may have a shape including a pair of arc portions facing each other and a pair of straight portions extending between the pair of arc portions.

[0062] The second optical module (140) can be fixedly coupled to the housing (110). For example, the lens barrel (141) may include a plurality of coupling protrusions (141a) extending in the longitudinal direction from the outer surface corresponding to a pair of arc portions of the lens barrel (141). The plurality of coupling protrusions (141a) can be coupled to a plurality of coupling grooves (112a) formed in the second space (112) of the housing (110) through an adhesive.

[0063] In another embodiment of the present invention, the second optical module (140) may be moved relative to the housing (110) in place of the third optical module (150) to be described later. This will be explained later.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third optical module according to the present invention, FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a third optical module according to the present invention, FIG. 12 is a plan view of a third space of a housing according to the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the AF driving appearance of a third optical module according to the present invention.

[0065] The third optical module (150) may include a second prism (P2) as an optical member. In one embodiment, the second prism (P2) may include a first reflective surface (RS1) and a second reflective surface (RS2) that are obliquely opposite each other, as shown in FIG. 11, etc. The first reflective surface (RS1) and the second reflective surface (RS2) are spaced apart in the direction of the third optical axis (C3), and the second prism (P2) may have a length in the direction of the third optical axis (C3).

[0066] The second prism (P2) can change the path of light twice. For example, light incident in the direction of the second optical axis (C2) can be changed in the direction of the third optical axis (C3) at the first reflective surface (RS1) and then changed again in the direction of the fourth optical axis (C4) at the second reflective surface (RS2). At this time, the direction of the second optical axis (C2), which is the direction in which light is incident on the second prism (P2), and the direction of the fourth optical axis (C4), which is the direction in which light is emitted from the second prism (P2), can be parallel to each other. Therefore, the incident surface and the exit surface of the second prism (P2) can be arranged parallel to each other and can be spaced apart in the direction of the third optical axis (C3), which is the length direction of the second prism (P2). The incident surface of the second prism (P2) may be positioned obliquely to the first reflective surface (RS1) and facing the second optical module (140) in the direction of the second optical axis (C2). The exit surface of the second prism (P2) may be positioned obliquely to the second reflective surface (RS2) and facing the imaging surface of the image sensor (161) in the direction of the fourth optical axis (C4).

[0067] The third optical module (150) may include a carrier (153) in which a second prism (P2) is disposed and which is placed in the third space (113) of the housing (110), and a cover (151) which is coupled to the open top (based on the drawing) of the carrier (153).

[0068] The carrier (153) may be extended in the longitudinal direction of the second prism (P2), that is, in the direction of the third optical axis (C3). Additionally, the carrier (153) may have a shape open in the direction of the first optical axis (C1) and the direction of the second optical axis (C2). The carrier (153) may have a shape open toward the shield can (120), and the cover (151) may be coupled to the carrier (153) to cover the second prism (P2) while the second prism (P2) is seated on the carrier (153). That is, the cover (151) may be positioned between the second prism (P2) and the shield can (120). Additionally, the carrier (153) may have a shape open toward the side facing the second optical module (140) and the fourth optical module (160). Accordingly, light passing through the second lens part (L2) of the second optical module (140) is incident on the second prism (P2), and light emitted from the second prism (P2) can be incident on the image sensor (161).

[0069] The third optical module (150) can be moved in a direction parallel to the second optical axis (C2). For example, the carrier (153) can be moved relative to the housing (110) in the direction of the second optical axis (C2).

[0070] A third ball member (B3) may be disposed between the carrier (153) and the housing (110). The third ball member (B3) may include three ball members. Of the three ball members, two ball members may be disposed on one side in the longitudinal direction of the carrier (153), and one ball member may be disposed on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the carrier (153). Guide grooves are formed in the carrier (153) and the housing (110), respectively, and the third ball member (B3) may be disposed in the guide grooves. The guide grooves may have a length in the direction of the second optical axis (C2). The third ball member (B3) may roll along the guide grooves in the direction of the second optical axis (C2) by a driving force generated by a driving unit to be described later.

[0071] The third optical module (150) may include a second driving unit that generates a driving force for moving in the direction of the second optical axis (C2). The second driving unit may include a driving magnet (152a) and a driving coil (152b) arranged facing each other. The driving magnet (152a) may be placed on the bottom surface of the carrier (153), and the driving coil (152b) may be placed on the bottom surface of the housing (110) while being placed on the substrate (170). For example, the driving coil (152b) may include two coils arranged along the longitudinal direction of the driving magnet (152a).

[0072] One side of the driving magnet (152a) facing the driving coil (152b) may be provided with an N pole (or S pole), a neutral region, and an S pole (or N pole) along the direction of the second optical axis (C2). When power is applied to the driving coil (152b), the driving magnet (152a) and the driving coil (152b) can generate a driving force in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which they face each other. For example, the driving magnet (152a) and the driving coil (152b) may face each other in the direction of the first optical axis (C1) and generate a driving force in the direction of the second optical axis (C2).

[0073] When the second prism (P2) moves in the direction of the second optical axis (C2), the paths of the light reflected from the first reflective surface (RS1) and the light reflected from the second reflective surface (RS2) change together, so the amount of movement is amplified. Therefore, the focal length can be adjusted with a relatively small amount of movement, and the driving space required for focus adjustment is reduced, so the camera module (100) can be miniaturized.

[0074] A second stopper (ST2) may be coupled to the housing (110). The second stopper (ST2) may be positioned to face the carrier (153) in the direction of the second optical axis (C2). The second stopper (ST2) may be spaced apart in the direction of the second optical axis (C2) with the carrier (153) in between. The carrier (153) may come into contact with the second stopper (ST2) when it is moved to its maximum extent in the direction of the second optical axis (C2). The second stopper (ST2) may limit the range of movement of the carrier (153) and prevent collision between the carrier (153) and the housing (110).

[0075] The carrier (153) can be pulled toward the housing (110), which is the counterpart member. To this end, a yoke (155) may be positioned on the bottom surface of the housing (110) so as to face the driving magnet (152a) of the carrier (153). For example, the yoke (155) may be positioned on the outer surface of the substrate (170) on which the driving coil (152b) is positioned.

[0076] The driving magnet (152a) and the yoke (155) can be arranged to face each other in the direction of the first optical axis (C1). The driving magnet (152a) and the yoke (155) can generate an attractive force in the direction of the first optical axis (C1), which is the direction facing each other. The carrier (153) can be supported in the housing (110) in the direction of the first optical axis (C1) by the attractive force generated by the driving magnet (152a) and the yoke (155). Additionally, the third ball member (B3) can stably support the movement of the carrier (153) by the said attractive force.

[0077] The third optical module (150) may further include a position sensor (154b) for detecting the position of the carrier (153). The position sensor (154b) may be placed on the substrate (170) together with the driving coil (152b) and placed in the housing (110). The position sensor (154b) may be positioned to face the neutral region of the driving magnet (152a). For example, the position sensor (154b) may be provided as a Hall sensor.

[0078] Hereinafter, camera modules (200, 300) according to other embodiments of the present invention will be described. Descriptions that overlap with the aforementioned camera module (100) will be omitted.

[0079] FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of a camera module (second embodiment) according to the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 14, the first optical module may include a first prism (P1) as an optical element and one or more lenses (hereinafter referred to as the first lens unit) (L1) disposed on the object side of the first prism (P1). The one or more lenses included in the first lens unit (L1) are disposed along the direction of the first optical axis (C1), and the first lens unit (L1) and the first prism (P1) may also be disposed along the first optical axis (C1). Light incident on the camera module (200) may be refracted by the first lens unit (L1) and then incident on the first prism (P1). The first prism (P1) does not need to have a separate refractive power, and the incident surface and the exit surface of the first prism (P1) may be flat.

[0081] When viewing the first optical module from the direction of the first optical axis (C1), the diameter of the first lens part (L1) or the length of the major axis of the first lens part (L1) when the first lens part (L1) includes a D-cut lens may be longer than the length of the major axis of the first prism (P1). Therefore, since the maximum outer diameter of the first lens (L1) is greater than the length of the major axis of the first prism (P1), d1 and d2 in the aforementioned conditional equation can be defined based on the first lens part (L1).

[0082] Meanwhile, since the light rays are converged by the first lens part (L1) positioned on the object side of the first prism (P1), the size of the second lens part (L2) positioned after the first prism (P1) and the lens barrel (241) equipped with the second lens part (L2) can be further reduced.

[0083] The first lens part (L1) may rotate around the first rotation axis (RA1) and the second rotation axis (RA2) together with the first prism (P1), or it may be a fixed member fixedly disposed in the housing (210).

[0084] The carrier (253) on which the second prism (P2) is placed may have an asymmetric shape with respect to the second optical axis (C2). The carrier (253) may include an extension (253a) that extends in the direction of the second optical axis (C2). The extension (253a) may be placed in the space secured between the lens barrel (241) and the housing (210). That is, the extension (253a) may be placed in the space where the second optical module of the housing (210) is placed, so as to be overlapped with the lens barrel (241) in the direction of the third optical axis (C3), and the length of the first direction of the housing (210) may be further reduced.

[0085] One of the third ball members (B3) that support the movement of the carrier (253) in the direction of the second optical axis (C2) may be placed in the extension (253a). Accordingly, the area of ​​the support region formed by the third ball member (B3) becomes larger, so the movement of the carrier (253) can be supported more stably.

[0086] The driving magnet (252a) and the driving coil (252b) may be disposed on one side of the carrier (253) including the extension (253a) and on one side of the housing (210) facing it. The driving coil (252b) is disposed on the substrate (270) and is disposed on the housing (210), and a position sensor (254b) may be disposed on the substrate (270) together with the driving coil (252b). A pulling magnet (255a) may be separately disposed on the bottom surface of the carrier (253). The pulling magnet (255a) may be disposed inside the support area connected to the third ball member (B3).

[0087] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a camera module (third embodiment) according to the present invention.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 15, when focusing, the second optical module can be moved in the direction of the second optical axis (C2) instead of the third optical module. That is, the second lens part (L2) is a moving member that moves relative to the housing (310), and the second prism (P2) may be a fixed member that is fixedly positioned in the housing (310).

[0089] Meanwhile, as the second prism (P2) is fixedly positioned in the housing (310) and the movement space of the second frame (P2) becomes unnecessary, the two corners of the housing (310) formed by the meeting of the sides defining the third space may be modified to have a shape corresponding to the second prism (P2). For example, the corner portions of the sides of the housing (310) defining the third space may have a cut shape, and the housing (310) may include surfaces parallel to the first reflective surface (RS1) and the second reflective surface (RS2) of the second prism (P2). Accordingly, the volume of the housing (310) may be further reduced.

[0090] The second optical module may include a carrier (343) that is moved relative to the housing (310) in the direction of the second optical axis (C2) and has a lens barrel (341) disposed therein. A third ball member (B3) may be disposed between the carrier (343) and the housing (310). The third ball member (B3) may include three ball members, two of which may support one side of the carrier (343) with respect to the second optical axis (C2), and the remaining one ball member may support the other side of the carrier (343).

[0091] The carrier (343) may have an asymmetric shape with respect to the second optical axis (C2). One side of the carrier (343) may include an extension (343a) that extends in the direction of the second optical axis (C2). Accordingly, the side of the carrier (343) where two ball members are placed may have a longer length in the direction of the second optical axis (C2) than the other side of the carrier (343) where one ball member is placed. One of the two ball members placed on one side of the carrier (343) may be placed on the extension (343a), and the carrier (343) can be driven stably.

[0092] The driving magnet (342a) and the driving coil (342b) may be disposed on one side of the carrier (343) including the extension (343a) and on one side of the housing (310) facing it. The driving coil (342b) is disposed on the substrate (370) and placed in the housing (310), and a position sensor (344b) may be disposed on the substrate (370) together with the driving coil (342b). A pulling magnet (346a) may be separately disposed on the bottom surface of the carrier (343). The pulling magnet (346a) may be disposed inside the support area connected to the third ball member (B3).

[0093] FIGS. 16a to 16c are drawings showing modified embodiments of the third optical module of the camera module of FIG. 15.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 15, in a camera module structure where the second optical module drives AF and the third optical module is a fixed member, the third optical module can be modified as shown in FIG. 16a to FIG. 16c.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 16a through 16c, the first reflective surface (RS1) and the second reflective surface (RS2) of the second prism (P2) have an orientation different from that shown in FIG. 15, etc., and the position of the image sensor module (360) may be changed. However, even in this case, the first optical module (330), the second optical module (340), the third optical module (350), and the fourth optical module (360) may be arranged to satisfy the conditions described above.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 16a, the second prism (P2) may be provided as a slanted prism. In the slanted prism, the first reflective surface (RS1) may be positioned at an angle different from 45 degrees with respect to the second optical axis (C2), and the second reflective surface (RS2) may be positioned at an angle different from 45 degrees with respect to the third optical axis (C3). The path of light changed from the first reflective surface (RS1) (direction of the third optical axis (C3)) and the path of light changed from the second reflective surface (RS2) (direction of the fourth optical axis (C4)) may not be perpendicular to the direction of the second optical axis (C2). Light reflected from the second reflective surface (RS2) may be emitted through the first reflective surface (RS1). That is, the first reflective surface (RS1) may also function as an emission surface, and the image sensor module (360) may be positioned parallel to the first reflective surface (RS1). Referring to FIGS. 16b and 16c, the light path changed at the first reflective surface (RS1) (direction of the third optical axis (C3)) and the light path changed at the second reflective surface (RS2) (direction of the fourth optical axis (C4)) are perpendicular to each other, and the light path changed at the second reflective surface (RS2) (direction of the fourth optical axis (C4)) may be parallel to the direction of the first optical axis (C1). Accordingly, the image sensor module (360) may be placed on the bottom surface or the top surface of the housing (310).

[0097] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art with ordinary knowledge of the present invention may make various modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications should also be considered to be within the scope of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0098] 100: Camera module 110: Housing 120: Shield Can 130: First optical module 140: Second optical module 150: Third optical module 160: 4th Optical Module 161: Image sensor 170: Substrate

Claims

Claim 1 A camera module comprising: a housing having an internal space; a first optical module, a second optical module, and a third optical module arranged sequentially along a light propagation path within the internal space of the housing; and a fourth optical module disposed in the housing and receiving light that has passed through the third optical module; wherein the first optical module, the second optical module, and the third optical module are arranged in an overlapping manner in a first direction, and the first optical module, the second optical module, the third optical module, and the fourth optical module are arranged in the housing to satisfy the following condition: d1 > d2 (wherein, d1 is a second direction distance from the center of an optical member provided in the first optical module to the outermost end of an optical member provided in the first optical module, and d2 is the second direction distance from the center of an optical member provided in the fourth optical module to the outermost end of an optical member provided in the first optical module, and the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction). Claim 2 A camera module according to claim 1, wherein the first optical module includes a first reflective member that changes the propagation direction of light incident in a direction parallel to a first optical axis to a direction parallel to a second optical axis, the second optical module includes one or more lenses arranged in a direction parallel to the second optical axis, and the third optical module includes a second reflective member that changes the propagation direction of light incident in a direction parallel to the second optical axis multiple times, and the first direction is a direction parallel to the second optical axis. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the camera module, wherein the first optical module, the second optical module, the third optical module, and the fourth optical module further satisfy the following condition: d3 > 0 (wherein d3 is the second direction distance from the second optical axis to the center of the optical member provided in the fourth optical module). Claim 4 A camera module according to paragraph 2, wherein the first reflective member has a short axis parallel to the first direction and a long axis parallel to the second direction, and the outermost end of the optical member provided in the first optical module is one end in the long axis direction of the first reflective member. Claim 5 In claim 4, the first reflective member comprises: an incident surface into which light is incident; an exit surface into which light is emitted; and a reflective surface that reflects light incident on the incident surface toward the exit surface; wherein at least one of the incident surface and the exit surface has curvature in a paraxial region, a camera module. Claim 6 A camera module according to paragraph 2, wherein the first optical module comprises one or more lenses arranged in a direction parallel to the first optical axis and disposed on the object side of the first reflective member, and the outermost end of the optical member provided in the first optical module is one end of the lens having the maximum outer diameter among the one or more lenses. Claim 7 A camera module according to claim 2, wherein the second reflective member comprises: a first reflective surface that reflects light incident in a direction parallel to the second optical axis in a direction parallel to the third optical axis; and a second reflective surface that reflects light incident in a direction parallel to the third optical axis in a direction parallel to the fourth optical axis. Claim 8 A camera module according to claim 1, wherein the second reflective member comprises a reflective surface having an angle other than 45 degrees with respect to the second optical axis. Claim 9 A camera module according to paragraph 2, wherein the first optical module is rotatably provided with respect to the housing with respect to a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis perpendicular to each other, and the second optical module or the third optical module is movably provided with respect to the housing in a direction parallel to the second optical axis. Claim 10 In claim 9, the camera module, wherein the first rotation axis is parallel to the second optical axis. Claim 11 A camera module according to claim 10, wherein the first optical module comprises: a reflector holder on which the first reflector is disposed; and a rotation guide on which the reflector holder is disposed; wherein a first ball member is disposed spaced apart in the direction of the first rotation axis between the reflector holder and the rotation guide, and a second ball member is disposed spaced apart in the direction of the second rotation axis between the rotation guide and the housing. Claim 12 In claim 9, the camera module comprises: a carrier on which an optical member is mounted; and a plurality of ball members disposed between the carrier and the housing and guiding movement in a direction parallel to the second optical axis. Claim 13 A camera module according to claim 12, wherein one side of the carrier extends in a direction parallel to the second optical axis more than the other side of the carrier, and the plurality of ball members are divided and arranged on one side and the other side of the carrier, and the number of ball members arranged on one side of the carrier is greater than the number of ball members arranged on the other side of the carrier. Claim 14 A camera module according to claim 12, wherein the second optical module is moved in a direction parallel to the second optical axis, and the housing includes a surface parallel to the reflective surface of the second reflective member. Claim 15 A camera module comprising: a housing having a length in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first optical module disposed in a first space of the housing; a second optical module disposed in a second space of the housing; and a third optical module disposed in a third space of the housing; wherein the first space, the second space, and the third space are arranged sequentially along the first direction and each have a different length in the second direction. Claim 16 A camera module according to claim 15, wherein among the first space, the second space and the third space, the second space has a minimum length in the second direction and the third space has a maximum length in the third direction. Claim 17 In claim 15, an image sensor module comprising an image sensor disposed in the housing to face the third optical module; wherein the first optical module, the second optical module, the third optical module, and the image sensor module are disposed in the housing to satisfy the following condition: d1 > d2 (wherein, d1 is a second directional distance from the center of an optical member provided in the first optical module to the outermost end of an optical member provided in the first optical module, and d2 is the second directional distance from the center of the image sensor to the outermost end of an optical member provided in the first optical module). Claim 18 A camera module according to claim 17, wherein the first optical module includes a first reflective member that changes the propagation direction of light incident in a direction parallel to the first optical axis to a direction parallel to the second optical axis, and the light emitted from the first optical module passes through the second optical module and the third optical module in sequence. Claim 19 In paragraph 18, the camera module, the first optical module, the second optical module, the third optical module, and the image sensor module further satisfy the following condition: d3 > 0 (wherein d3 is the second direction distance from the second optical axis to the center of the image sensor). Claim 20 A camera module according to claim 18, wherein the first optical module further comprises a first lens portion disposed on the object side of the first reflective member, and the maximum outer diameter of the first lens portion is greater than the longitudinal length of the first reflective member. Claim 21 A camera module according to claim 18, wherein the third optical module comprises: a first reflective surface that changes the propagation direction of light incident in a direction parallel to the second optical axis to a direction parallel to the third optical axis; and a second reflective surface spaced apart from the first reflective surface in the direction of the third optical axis and changing the propagation direction of light incident in a direction parallel to the third optical axis to a direction parallel to the fourth optical axis. Claim 22 A camera module comprising: a first lens portion including one or more lenses arranged along a first optical axis direction; a first reflector member spaced apart from the first lens portion in the direction of the first optical axis; a second lens portion spaced apart from the first reflector member in the direction of the second optical axis and including one or more lenses arranged along the direction of the second optical axis; a second reflector member spaced apart from the second lens portion in the direction of the second optical axis and including a plurality of reflective surfaces; and an image sensor facing the second reflector member. Claim 23 In claim 22, the first reflective member is provided to be rotatable about a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis perpendicular to each other, and either of the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis is parallel to the direction of the second optical axis, a camera module. Claim 24 In paragraph 23, the camera module wherein the first lens portion rotates together with the first reflective member around the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. Claim 25 In claim 22, the camera module wherein the second reflective member comprises a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface spaced apart in a third optical axis direction perpendicular to the second optical axis direction. Claim 26 A camera module according to claim 22, wherein either of the second lens part and the second reflective member is configured to be movable in the direction of the second optical axis.

Images