Camera module comprising lens assembly

Abstract

A camera module comprising a lens assembly according to the present invention comprises a lens part and a barrel part coupled to the lens part. The lens part comprises a transmission part through which light is transmitted and a body part disposed on the outer side of the transmission part, wherein the body part comprises a gate protruding in the direction away from the transmission part, the peripheral portion of the body part includes a first region and a second region having different curvatures, and the gate is disposed in any one of the first region and the second region.

Description

Camera module including lens assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera module including a lens assembly.

[0002] A camera is a device that captures images or videos of a subject, and is installed in portable devices, drones, vehicles, etc.

[0003] A camera device or camera module may have an image stabilization (IS) function that compensates for or prevents shaking caused by the user's movements to improve the quality of the image, an auto focusing (AF) function that automatically adjusts the distance between the image sensor and the lens to align the focal length of the lens, and a zooming function that increases or decreases the magnification of a distant subject to take pictures using a zoom lens.

[0004] For this purpose, the camera module must have a lens section that transmits light. Since lenses, which are generally made of glass, are easily broken by impact, the lens section can be manufactured using a plastic injection process to prevent this.

[0005] However, when manufacturing a lens part through a plastic injection process, a gate is formed according to the injection port of the casting mold due to the characteristics of the injection process, and there is a problem that the lens part and barrel part can only be combined in a fixed arrangement depending on the arrangement of the gate, making it somewhat difficult to combine, and a means to solve this is required.

[0006] The present invention is an invention devised to solve the problems of the above-described prior art, and has as its object the task of facilitating the joining of a barrel portion with a gate formed in a lens portion manufactured through an injection process.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described object, a lens assembly includes a lens portion and a barrel portion coupled to the lens portion, the lens portion includes a transmission portion through which light is transmitted and a body portion disposed outside the transmission portion, the body portion includes a gate protruding in a direction away from the transmission portion, an outer surface of the body portion includes a first region and a second region having different curvatures, and the gate is disposed in at least one of the first region and the second region.

[0009] Here, the lens portion is arranged on the inside of the barrel portion, and at least one of the first region or the second region of the body portion can be in contact with the barrel portion.

[0010] In addition, the first region and the second region may be provided in multiple numbers, and the first region and the second region may be sequentially arranged in the circumferential direction of the body portion.

[0011] At this time, the barrel portion includes a first side portion and a second side portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction, and a third side portion and a fourth side portion spaced apart from each other in a second direction, wherein the first direction is a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction.

[0012] Additionally, the third side and the fourth side are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction toward the center in the first direction, and the distance between the first side and the second side may be different from the distance between the third side and the fourth side.

[0013] Here, the second region may be positioned to face the third side or the fourth side.

[0014] Meanwhile, when a gate is arranged in any one of the second regions, a first distance from an end of the gate to the second region facing the gate and a second distance between the opposite second region where the gate is not arranged may be the same.

[0015] Additionally, the gate is disposed in one of the first region and the second region, one of the gates is disposed to face the third side or the fourth side, and one of the gates can be spaced apart from the third side or the fourth side.

[0016] Meanwhile, a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a frame and a first actuator and a second actuator arranged in an optical axis direction inside the frame, and the second actuator includes a plurality of lens assemblies, at least one of the plurality of lens assemblies includes a lens portion and a barrel portion coupled to the lens portion, the lens portion includes a transmission portion through which light transmits and a body portion arranged on an outer side of the transmission portion, the body portion includes a gate protruding in a direction away from the transmission portion, and a peripheral portion of the body portion includes a first region and a second region having different curvatures, and the gate is arranged in at least one of the first region and the second region.

[0017] Here, the lens portion is arranged on the inside of the barrel portion, and at least one of the first region or the second region of the body portion can be in contact with the barrel portion.

[0018] In addition, the first region and the second region may be provided in multiple numbers, and the first region and the second region may be sequentially arranged in the circumferential direction of the body portion.

[0019] At this time, the barrel portion includes a first side portion and a second side portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction, and a third side portion and a fourth side portion spaced apart from each other in a second direction, wherein the first direction is a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction.

[0020] In addition, the barrel portions are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction toward the center in the first direction, and the distance between the first side portion and the second side portion may be different from the distance between the third side portion and the fourth side portion.

[0021] Here, the second region may be positioned to face the third side or the fourth side.

[0022] Meanwhile, when a gate is arranged in any one of the second regions, a first distance from an end of the gate to the second region facing the gate and a second distance between the opposite second region where the gate is not arranged may be the same.

[0023] Additionally, the gate is disposed in one of the first region and the second region, one of the gates is disposed to face the third side or the fourth side, and one of the gates can be spaced apart from the third side or the fourth side.

[0024] A camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem may have the effect of facilitating coupling with a barrel portion by a gate formed in a lens portion manufactured through an injection process.

[0025] That is, the lens portion arranged on the inside of the barrel portion may have the effect of being easily combined with the inside of the barrel portion according to rotation, rather than having only a preset arrangement form.

[0026] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0027] In addition, the effects of the present invention may be described in more detail in the detailed description of the present invention, and may not necessarily be limited to what is presented above.

[0028] The summary set forth above, as well as the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present application described below, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0029] For the purpose of illustrating the present invention, preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings.

[0030] However, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise arrangements and means illustrated.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the appearance of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a camera actuator of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2;

[0034] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second camera actuator of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a second lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a third lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a second lens assembly and a third lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a first lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a lens section of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a gate of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a barrel portion of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating first to fourth side portions and first and second regions of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating the side distance of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0044] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a case where two gates of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention are arranged.

[0045] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0046] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "second," "first," etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a second component may be referred to as "first component," and similarly, a first component may also be referred to as "second component." The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related items described herein or any of multiple related items described herein.

[0047] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0048] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0051] Additionally, in this specification, a camera actuator is described as a device that moves a lens, but includes concepts that either include a lens or do not include a lens. Hereinafter, the first and second camera actuators are each described as concepts that include a lens. Furthermore, a camera actuator that moves a lens may also be referred to as a "lens moving device" or a "lens driving device."

[0052] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which the purpose of the present invention can be specifically realized, will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0053] First, before describing a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, reference may be made to FIGS. 1 to 3 to generally describe examples and configurations in which the present invention is specifically utilized.

[0054] Specifically, FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an appearance of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a camera actuator of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a cross-section of FIG. 2 of a camera module including a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a camera module (1000) according to an embodiment may be composed of a cover (CV), a first camera actuator (1100), a second camera actuator (1200), and a circuit board (1300). Here, the first camera actuator (1100) may be used interchangeably as a first actuator, and the second camera actuator (1200) may be used interchangeably as a second actuator.

[0056] The cover (CV) can cover the first camera actuator (1100) and the second camera actuator (1200). The cover (CV) can improve the bonding force between the first camera actuator (1100) and the second camera actuator (1200).

[0057] Furthermore, the cover (CV) may be made of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves. Accordingly, the first camera actuator (1100) and the second camera actuator (1200) within the cover (CV) can be easily protected.

[0058] And the first camera actuator (1100) may be an OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) actuator. For example, the first camera actuator (1100) may move an optical element in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (axis of incident light).

[0059] The first camera actuator (1100) may include a fixed focal length lens arranged in a predetermined barrel (not shown). The fixed focal length lens may also be referred to as a “single focal length lens” or “single lens.”

[0060] The first camera actuator (1100) can change the path of light. In an embodiment, the first camera actuator (1100) can change the path of light vertically through an internal optical element (e.g., a prism or mirror). For example, the optical element can change the light from the first direction to the optical axis direction. By this configuration, even if the thickness of the mobile terminal is reduced, a lens configuration larger than the thickness of the mobile terminal can be placed within the mobile terminal through the change of the path of light, thereby performing magnification, auto-focusing (AF), zoom, and OIS functions.

[0061] However, it is not limited thereto, and the first camera actuator (1100) can change the optical path vertically or at a predetermined angle multiple times.

[0062] The second camera actuator (1200) may be positioned behind the first camera actuator (1100). The second camera actuator (1200) may be coupled to the first camera actuator (1100). The coupling between the two may be achieved in various ways.

[0063] Additionally, the second camera actuator (1200) may be a zoom actuator or an auto focus (AF) actuator. For example, the second camera actuator (1200) may support one or more lenses and move the lenses according to a control signal from a predetermined control unit to perform an auto focus function or a zoom function.

[0064] And one or more lenses can move independently or individually along the optical axis.

[0065] The circuit board (1300) may be placed at the rear end of the second camera actuator (1200). The circuit board (1300) may be electrically connected to the second camera actuator (1200) and the first camera actuator (1100). In addition, there may be a plurality of circuit boards (1300).

[0066] A camera module according to an embodiment may be comprised of a single or multiple camera modules. For example, the multiple camera modules may include a first camera module and a second camera module.

[0067] A single camera module may include one or more actuators. For example, a single camera module may include a first camera actuator (1100) and a second camera actuator (1200). Furthermore, the term "camera module" may be used interchangeably with various terms such as "camera device" and "imaging device."

[0068] The camera module is placed in a predetermined case (not shown) and may include an actuator (not shown) capable of driving the lens unit. This will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings below.

[0069] The actuator may be a voice coil motor, a micro actuator, a silicon actuator, etc., and may be applied in various ways such as electrostatic, thermal, bimorph, and electrostatic force methods, but is not limited thereto. In addition, in this specification, the camera actuator may be referred to as an actuator, etc. In addition, a camera module composed of a plurality of camera modules may be mounted in various electronic devices such as a mobile terminal. Furthermore, the actuator may be a device that moves or tilts a lens or an optical member. However, below, the actuator is described as a concept including a lens or an optical member. Furthermore, the actuator may be called a 'lens transport device', 'lens transport device', 'optical member transport device', 'optical member moving device', etc.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, a camera module according to an embodiment may include a first camera actuator (1100) having an OIS function and a second camera actuator (1200) having a zooming function and an AF function.

[0071] Light can be incident into the camera module or the first camera actuator through an opening area located on the upper surface of the first camera actuator (1100). That is, the light is incident into the interior of the first camera actuator (1100) along the optical axis direction, and the optical path can be changed vertically through the optical member. Then, the light can pass through the second camera actuator (1200) and be incident on the image sensor (IS) located at one end of the second camera actuator (1200) (PATH).

[0072] Additionally, in the present specification, the inner side may be a direction toward the first camera actuator in the cover (CV), and the outer side may be a direction opposite to the inner side. For example, the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator may be located inside the cover (CV), and the cover (CV) may be located outside the first camera actuator or the second camera actuator.

[0073] A camera module according to an embodiment can improve the spatial limitations of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator by changing the optical path. The camera module according to the embodiment can expand the optical path while minimizing the thickness of the camera module in response to the change in the optical path. Furthermore, it should be understood that the second camera actuator can control focus, etc. in the expanded optical path to provide a high range of magnification.

[0074] In addition, the camera module according to the embodiment can implement OIS by controlling the optical path through the first camera actuator, thereby minimizing the occurrence of decenter or tilt phenomena and producing the best optical characteristics.

[0075] Furthermore, the second camera actuator (1200) may include an optical system and a lens driving unit. For example, the second camera actuator (1200) may be configured with at least one of the first lens assembly (200), the second lens assembly (300), and the third lens assembly (400). This will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings below.

[0076] Additionally, the second camera actuator (1200) is equipped with a coil and a magnet to perform a high-magnification zooming function and an autofocus function.

[0077] For example, the second lens assembly (300) and the third lens assembly (400) may be moving lenses that move through coils, magnets, and guide pins, and the first lens assembly (200) may be a fixed lens, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first lens assembly (200) may perform the function of a focalizer that focuses light at a specific location, and the distance to the subject or the image distance may change significantly depending on the movement of the second lens assembly (300), resulting in a large change in magnification. In addition, the second lens assembly (300), which is a variable magnifier, may play an important role in the change in the focal length or magnification of the optical system. Meanwhile, the image focus formed by the second lens assembly (300), which is a variable magnifier, may have a slight difference depending on the location. Accordingly, the third lens assembly (400) may perform a position compensation function for the image formed by the variable magnifier. For example, the third lens assembly (400) can perform a compensator function that accurately focuses the point imaged by the second lens assembly (300), which is a variable, on the actual image sensor location.

[0078] And the second lens assembly (300) and the third lens assembly (400) can be driven by electromagnetic force due to the interaction between the coil and the magnet. The above-described content can be applied to the lens assembly described later. In addition, the second lens assembly (300) and the third lens assembly (400) can move along the optical axis direction. And the second lens assembly (300) to the third lens assembly (400) can move in the optical axis direction independently or dependently.

[0079] Furthermore, the first lens assembly (200) may be positioned at the front end of the second lens assembly (300) or the rear end of the third lens assembly (400). That is, the first lens assembly (200) may be positioned adjacent to the first camera actuator or adjacent to the image sensor. In addition, the first lens assembly (200) may be in a fixed state.

[0080] In the present invention, the second lens assembly (300) and the third lens assembly (400) can move along the optical axis direction. In addition, the first lens assembly (200) can be positioned at the front end of the second lens assembly (300) or the rear end of the third lens assembly (400). In addition, the first lens assembly (200) may not move in the optical axis direction. That is, the first lens assembly (200) can be a fixed part. In addition, the second and third lens assemblies can be movable parts.

[0081] Meanwhile, when an actuator for OIS and an actuator for AF / Zoom are arranged according to an embodiment of the present invention, magnetic interference with the magnet for AF / Zoom can be prevented when the OIS is driven. Since the magnet of the first camera actuator (1100) is arranged separately from the second camera actuator (1200), magnetic interference between the first camera actuator (1100) and the second camera actuator (1200) can be prevented. In this specification, OIS can be used interchangeably with terms such as shake correction, optical image stabilization, optical image correction, and shake correction.

[0082] Before describing a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention will be described based on a first lens assembly (200) arranged in a second camera actuator (1200). This is only a limited description to help a sufficient understanding of the invention, and the present invention may not necessarily be limited to the illustrated second camera actuator (1200) and first lens assembly (200).

[0083] In addition, in the detailed description of the present invention, the background and the arrangement relationship specifically combined with each other are mentioned to help a sufficient understanding of the invention, but they are not necessarily limited thereto, and may be intended to help an understanding of the first lens assembly (200) described in detail through the drawings described later.

[0084] Refer to FIGS. 4 to 7 for a general description of the second camera actuator (1200).

[0085] Specifically, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second camera actuator of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a second lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a third lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a second lens assembly and a third lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] First, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a second camera actuator (1200) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a frame (100), a second lens assembly (300) and a third lens assembly (400) arranged inside the frame (100) and moving in the optical axis direction, and a first lens assembly (200) arranged relatively close to an object in the upper portion of the frame (100) in the optical axis direction, i.e., in the direction from the object toward the second lens assembly (300).

[0087] Here, the frame (100) can form the exterior of the second camera actuator (1200), and the first lens assembly (200), the second lens assembly (300), and the third lens assembly (400) can be sequentially arranged along the optical axis direction.

[0088] Additionally, based on FIG. 4, the first lens assembly (200) may be placed on the upper side of the frame (100), and the second lens assembly (300) and the third lens assembly (400) may be placed on the inner side of the frame (100).

[0089] To explain this in more detail, the first lens assembly (200), the second lens assembly (300), and the third lens assembly (400) can be sequentially arranged in the optical axis direction.

[0090] A cover base (500) may be placed between the first lens assembly (200) and the second lens assembly (300).

[0091] Here, the first lens assembly (200) may be mounted on the cover base (500), and a separate adhesive member may be disposed, and the adhesive member may be epoxy.

[0092] At this time, epoxy is mentioned as an example of an adhesive material to help understanding, and may not necessarily be limited to what is mentioned.

[0093] Meanwhile, the first driving unit (320) and the second driving unit (420) can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction based on the optical axis direction.

[0094] Here, the first driving unit (320) and the second driving unit (420) are arranged in the second direction with the second lens assembly (300) and the third lens assembly (400) interposed therebetween, and the first driving unit (320) and the second driving unit (420) will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings to be described later.

[0095] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the second lens assembly (300) may include a second lens portion (310) and a first barrel portion (350) that surrounds the second lens portion (310) and extends toward the first side, and the third lens assembly (400) may include a third lens portion (410) and a second barrel portion (450) that surrounds the third lens portion (410) and extends toward the second side.

[0096] Here, the first side and the second side may mean one side and the other side with respect to the frame (100) in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, the second direction may mean a direction toward both sides of the frame (100), the optical axis direction may mean a height direction of the frame (100), and the second direction and the first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may mean a direction toward the front and back of the frame (100).

[0097] That is, the second direction may include both directions from the first side to the second side and from the second side to the first side with respect to the frame (100), and the first direction may also mean both directions from the front to the back and from the back to the front with respect to the frame (100).

[0098] This can be more clearly understood through the optical axis direction, first direction, and second direction described in the drawing.

[0099] At this time, the first barrel part (350) and the second barrel part (450) will be described in more detail through the drawings described later.

[0100] Meanwhile, the second camera actuator (1200) according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes, in addition to the first lens assembly (200), the frame (100), the second lens assembly (300), and the third lens assembly (400), a first driving unit (320) disposed on the first side of the frame (100) and driving the second lens assembly (300), a second driving unit (420) disposed on the second side of the frame (100) and driving the third lens assembly (400), and a control unit (600) controlling the first driving unit (320) and the second driving unit (420).

[0101] Here, the first driving unit (320) is arranged on the first side and may include a first magnet (M1) and a first coil to drive the second lens assembly (300) on the first side through electromagnetic interaction.

[0102] That is, when electricity flows through the first coil, an electromagnetic interaction occurs with the first magnet (M1), and accordingly, the second lens assembly (300) can move along the optical axis direction.

[0103] In addition, the second driving unit (420) is disposed on the second side and may include a second magnet (M2) and a second coil to drive the third lens assembly (400) on the second side through electromagnetic interaction.

[0104] That is, when electricity flows through the second coil, an electromagnetic interaction occurs with the second magnet (M2), and accordingly, the third lens assembly (400) can move along the optical axis direction.

[0105] Here, the first magnet (M1) may be placed between the first coil and the first barrel portion (350), and the second magnet (M2) may be placed between the second coil and the second barrel portion (450).

[0106] At this time, the first coil can be formed to have a first hollow (321a) defined by the inner diameter, and the second coil can be formed to have a second hollow defined by the inner diameter.

[0107] Meanwhile, the control unit (600) is arranged to overlap with the first coil in the optical axis direction, and may be arranged to overlap with the second coil in the second direction from the first side toward the second side.

[0108] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5 to explain the second lens assembly (300) in more detail, as shown in FIG. 5, the second lens assembly (300) includes the second lens unit (310) and the first barrel unit (350) as described above, and the second lens assembly (300) can be driven by the first driving unit (320).

[0109] Here, the second lens assembly (300) may include the second lens portion (310) and the first barrel portion (350) as described above, and the second lens assembly (300) may have a first magnet (M1) disposed between the first barrel portion (350) and the first coil (321, 322).

[0110] Here, the first barrel portion (350) may include a first grip portion formed in a shape that surrounds the second lens portion (310).

[0111] At this time, the first grip portion and the first barrel portion (350) may mean the barrel of the second lens assembly (300).

[0112] In addition, the first barrel portion (350) may be extended from the second lens portion (310), i.e., the first grip portion, toward the first coil while becoming wider, and may be extended toward the first coil while being relatively inclined toward the lower side of the second lens portion (310).

[0113] Additionally, the first barrel portion (350) may have a first recessed space (351) that is recessed from the first side toward the second side so that a first magnet (M1) is placed.

[0114] Here, a first ledge (352) may be formed on the upper part of the first barrel part (350) and the upper part of the first magnet (M1) to prevent the second lens part (310) from moving in the optical axis direction and colliding with the first lens assembly (200).

[0115] At this time, the first chin (352) protrudes relatively higher than the second lens unit (310) in the optical axis direction, thereby preventing damage to the second lens unit (310) due to a collision between the first lens assembly (200) and the second lens unit (310).

[0116] In addition, a first hall sensor (340) is placed in the first hollow (321a) of the first coil unit, and as the second lens assembly (300) moves in the optical axis direction, the second lens assembly (300) and the first hall sensor (340) can overlap in the second direction.

[0117] Meanwhile, the third lens assembly (400) may include a third lens unit (410), as illustrated in FIG. 6, and a second barrel unit (450) surrounding the third lens unit (410) and extending toward the second driving unit (420).

[0118] In addition, the second barrel portion (450) may include a second grip portion that surrounds the third lens portion (410) similarly to the first barrel portion (350), and the second barrel portion (450) may extend from the second grip portion toward the second driving portion (420), but may extend relatively long and inclined on the upper side in the optical axis direction.

[0119] Here, the second grip part and the second barrel part (450) may mean the barrel of the third lens assembly (400) similarly to the first grip part and the first barrel part (350).

[0120] In addition, the second barrel portion (450) has a second sunken space (451) formed that is sunken toward the first side, so that a second magnet (M2) can be positioned on the second sunken space (451).

[0121] As a result, the second magnet (M2) can be positioned between the second coil and the second barrel portion (450) in the second direction.

[0122] Here, a second jaw (452) may be formed on the upper part of the second barrel part (450) and the upper part of the second magnet (M2) to prevent the third lens part (410) from moving in the optical axis direction and colliding with the second lens assembly (300).

[0123] At this time, the bottom surface of the second barrel portion (450) facing the second jaw (452) is in contact with the stopper to prevent collision with the bottom surface of the frame (100), and the second jaw (452) is in contact with the stopper in the optical axis direction to prevent collision with the second lens assembly (300).

[0124] In addition, a second Hall sensor (440) may be placed in the second hollow (422a) of the second coil, and the third lens assembly (400) may overlap the second Hall sensor (440) in the second direction as it moves in the optical axis direction.

[0125] Meanwhile, an embodiment of the present invention may include a first substrate (710), a second substrate (720), and a third substrate (730) as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0126] Here, a first driving unit (320) for driving a second lens assembly (300), specifically, a first coil and a control unit (600), can be placed on the first substrate (710).

[0127] Additionally, a second driving unit (420) for driving a third lens assembly (400), specifically, a second coil, is disposed on the second substrate (720), and the first substrate (710) and the second substrate (720) can be connected by a third substrate (730).

[0128] Here, the first substrate (710) and the second substrate (720) may take the form of being inserted into the frame (100), and a slit may be formed in the frame (100) into which the first substrate (710) and the second substrate (720) are inserted.

[0129] At this time, the first substrate (710) and the second substrate (720) can be placed inside the frame (100) through the slit.

[0130] In addition, the third substrate (730) can extend from the first substrate (710) to the second substrate (720) while wrapping the outer side of the frame (100) in the second direction, thereby connecting the first substrate (710) and the second substrate (720), and a signal of the control unit (600) can be transmitted to the second coil through the third substrate (730).

[0131] Meanwhile, reference may be made to FIGS. 8 to 14 to explain the first lens assembly (200) of the present invention.

[0132] Specifically, FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a first lens assembly of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a lens portion of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a gate of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a barrel portion of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating first to fourth side portions and first and second regions of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a side distance of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a case where two gates of a camera module including a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged.

[0133] First, the description is limited to the first lens assembly (200) through the drawings shown in FIGS. 8 to 14, but the second lens assembly (300) and the third lens assembly may also be provided depending on the designer's intention. The present invention is described limited to the first lens assembly (200) to help with clear understanding, but may not necessarily be limited thereto.

[0134] In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first lens unit (210), the second lens unit (310), and the third lens unit (410) are described separately, but in order to determine the exact reference object in describing each lens unit, they are referred to as the first lens unit (210), the second lens unit (310), and the third lens unit (410), and may not be limited to the first to third divisions.

[0135] In addition, in the same manner, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first barrel portion (220), the second barrel portion (350), and the third barrel portion (450) are described separately, but in order to determine the exact reference object when describing each barrel portion, they are referred to as the first barrel portion (220), the second barrel portion (350), and the third barrel portion (450), and may not be limited to the first to third divisions.

[0136] However, as described above, in order to exemplarily explain the first lens assembly (200), the first lens unit (210), and the first barrel unit (220) according to the embodiment of the present invention, each lens unit and barrel unit will be described in detail.

[0137] First, the first lens assembly (200) according to the embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a first lens unit (210) and a first barrel unit (220) coupled with the first lens unit (210).

[0138] In addition, the first lens part (210) is placed on the inside of the first barrel part (220), and the first barrel part (220) may have a hole formed in which the first lens part (210) is placed.

[0139] In addition, a plurality of first lens parts (210) may be arranged in the optical axis direction on the inside of the first barrel part (220), and at least one of them may include a light-transmitting transmission part (211) and a body part (212) arranged on the outside of the transmission part (211). At this time, the description will be made based on one of the plurality of first lens parts (210).

[0140] In addition, the body part (222) corresponds to a portion extending from the outer circumference of the transmission part (211), and the transmission part (211) may mean a lens through which light passes.

[0141] Here, the body part (212) includes a gate (213) protruding in a direction away from the transmission part (211) as illustrated in FIG. 9, and the outer surface of the body part (212) includes a first region (212a) and a second region (212b) having different curvatures, and the gate (213) can be arranged in at least one of the first region (212a) and the second region (212b).

[0142] That is, in FIG. 9, the gate (213) is illustrated as being placed in the second region (212b), but it may also be placed in the first region (212a), and is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0143] At this time, the gate (213) may correspond to a design configuration that is formed outside of the injection molding process in which the injection molding material is poured into the injection molding port during the injection process and solidified, and the injection mold is removed to take out the solidified material, thereby protruding along the injection molding port portion.

[0144] The first lens unit (210) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured by a plastic injection process, and accordingly, the gate (213) can be placed in either the first region (212a) or the second region (212b) of the body unit (212).

[0145] At this time, since the gate (213) corresponds to a design configuration generated during the injection molding process, it interferes with the assembly process, and to prevent this, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first region (212a) and the second region (212b) are formed separately, thereby having the effect of preventing misalignment due to the gate (213).

[0146] This will be explained in more detail through the drawings that will be described later.

[0147] Meanwhile, the first region (212a) and the second region (212b) have different curvatures, and the first region (212a) may be arranged in a pair facing in the first direction and a pair facing in the second direction. Here, the first direction corresponds to the left-right direction based on Fig. 9, which is perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction, and may correspond to the up-down direction based on Fig. 9.

[0148] The first and second directions described above can be confirmed through the drawings described above, so a more detailed description will be omitted.

[0149] Here, the first region (212a) and the second region (212b) are arranged in a pair facing in the first direction and a pair facing in the second direction, so that a plurality of first regions (212a) are provided, and the second region (212b) is arranged between adjacent first regions (212a), so that a plurality of second regions (212b) can also be provided.

[0150] Preferably, four first regions (212a) are formed, and four second regions (212b) can also be formed, with one pair of the first regions (212a) being spaced apart in the first direction and another pair being spaced apart in the second direction, and the second regions (212b) being arranged between adjacent first regions (212a).

[0151] In addition, the first region (212a) and the second region (212b) may be sequentially arranged in the circumferential direction of the body portion (212), and the first region (212a) may mean an outer surface of the body portion (212) parallel to the first direction or the second direction, and the second region (212b) may mean an outer surface of the body portion (212) other than the first region (212a).

[0152] Additionally, the gate (213) can be placed in either the first region (212a) or the second region (212b) depending on the injection process.

[0153] If a plurality of gates (213) are provided, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, they may be respectively arranged in the first region (212a) and the second region (212b), or, although not shown, they may be arranged only in the second region (212b). Before explaining each of them, the cases where they are arranged only in the second region (212b), the cases where they are arranged only in the first region (212a), and the cases where they are arranged in the first region (212a) and the second region (212b) will be explained later through the drawings.

[0154] At this time, when a plurality of gates (213) are arranged as in Fig. 10, the gate (213) arranged in the first region (212a) is defined as the first gate (213a), and the gate (213) arranged in the second region (212b) is defined as the second gate (213b) to be described separately.

[0155] Meanwhile, the first barrel portion (220) according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a first side portion (221) and a second side portion (222) spaced apart from each other in the first direction, as illustrated in FIG. 11, and a third side portion (223) and a fourth side portion (224) spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0156] At this time, the first distance (221a) between the inner surfaces of the first side (221) and the second side (222) may be the same in the second direction, and the second distance (222a) between the inner surfaces of the third side (223) and the fourth side (224) may be different in the first direction.

[0157] Specifically, the third side (223) and the fourth side (224) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the center in the second direction in the first direction. More specifically, the second distance (222a) between the inner surfaces of the third side (223) and the fourth side (224) may be in the form of an arc in which the second distance (222a) decreases toward the first side (221) or the second side (222), and increases toward the center point between the first side (221) and the second side (222).

[0158] At this time, the first region (212a) is arranged to face the first side (221), the second side (222), the third side (223), and the fourth side (224), respectively, and the second region (212b) can be arranged to face the third side (223) or the fourth side (224).

[0159] Meanwhile, when the gate (213) is placed in the first region (212a) as illustrated in FIG. 11, the first region (212a) where the gate (213) is placed can be placed to face the third side (223) or the fourth side (224).

[0160] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the first region (212a) facing the first side (221) and the second side (222) may not have a gate (213) disposed therein, and the first region (212a) facing the third side (223) or the fourth side (224) may have a gate (213) disposed therein.

[0161] This is formed in a similar shape to the first barrel portion (220) in terms of the shape of the general first lens portion (210), and when the gate (213) is arranged, there is a problem that the combination is not easy even if the exact arrangement relationship is maintained, and since the first lens portion (210) must always be combined with the first barrel portion (220) in the same shape, there may be a problem that the ease of combination is low.

[0162] However, the first lens unit (210) according to the embodiment of the present invention may have an advantage in that the first barrel unit (220) and the first lens unit (210) can be combined by rotating the first area (212a) in which the first area (212a) is spaced apart from the third side (223) and the fourth side (224) and the gate (213) is arranged in a direction facing the third side (223) or the fourth side (224), and the combination is possible regardless of the arrangement of the gate (213).

[0163] Meanwhile, when the gate (213) is positioned in a direction facing the fourth side (224) as illustrated in FIG. 13, the gate (213) and the fourth side (224) may also be spaced apart, thereby allowing the first lens portion (210) to be easily coupled to the first barrel portion (220).

[0164] Here, when the distance between the fourth side (224) and the gate (213) is defined as the side distance (d), the distance between the opposing first region (212a) and the third side (223) may be relatively larger than the side distance (d). In addition, the side distance (d) may differ in the optical axis direction depending on the shape of the first barrel portion (220).

[0165] That is, the shape of the first barrel portion (220) may take a shape in which the distance between the center of the third side portion (223) and the center of the fourth side portion (224) in the optical axis direction gradually increases, but it may not necessarily be limited thereto.

[0166] Meanwhile, when the gate (213) is placed only in the first region (212a), it is placed in a direction facing the third side (223) or the fourth side (224) as described above, and when the gate (213) is placed in the facing first region (212a), each gate (213) can be placed to face the third side (223) and the fourth side (224), respectively.

[0167] However, when the gate (213) is arranged in the second region (212b), the gate (213) arranged in the second region (212b) is arranged in a direction facing the third side (223) or the fourth side (224), so that the distance between the third side (223) and the fourth side (224) is variable, so there may be an advantage in that the first lens part (210) and the first barrel part (220) can be easily combined regardless of the arrangement of the gate (213).

[0168] If the gates (213) are respectively arranged in the first region (212a) and the second region (212b) as illustrated in FIG. 14, the first gate (213a) arranged in the first region (212a) is arranged in a direction facing the third side (223) or the fourth side (224), and the second gate (213b) arranged in the second region (212b) may not be interfered with in assembly due to the arc shape of the third side (223) and the fourth side (224) as described above.

[0169] However, when the second gate (213b) is arranged in the second region (212b), the distance between the second regions (212b) is somewhat reduced due to the characteristics of the injection process, and the distance between the second regions (212b) where the gate (213) is not arranged can be arranged to be the same as the distance between the second regions (212b) facing the end of the gate (213).

[0170] That is, one of the second regions (212b) can take a distorted shape toward the transmission portion (211), so that the second region (212b) where the second gate (213b) is placed can be coupled without interference with the coupling while facing the third side (223) or the fourth side (224).

[0171] To look at this in more detail, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a gate (213) is arranged in the second region (212b), and when the gate (213) is arranged in one of the plurality of second regions (212b), the radial width of the body portion (212) of the second region (212b) where the gate (213) is not arranged may be relatively larger than the radial width of the body portion (212) of the second region (212b) where the gate (213) is arranged.

[0172] That is, based on the outer surface of the penetration portion (211), the width of the body portion (212) corresponding to the second region (212b) in the radial direction may protrude more in the radial direction than the second region (212b) of the body portion (212) where the gate (213) is arranged due to the injection process.

[0173] As described above, since the injection port of the casting mold faces upward due to the characteristics of the injection process, the outer surface of the body portion (212) corresponding to the second region (212b) where the gate (213) is formed relatively by gravity may take on a pressed shape, but this is only an exemplary description and is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0174] As a result, the present invention has been described based on the first lens assembly (200), but if necessary, the first lens portion (210), the first barrel portion (220), and the gate (213) may be arranged in the second lens assembly (300) and the third lens assembly (400), or the gate (213) may not be arranged in any one of the first lens assembly (200) to the third lens assembly (400).

[0175] In addition, in the detailed description of the present invention, the gate (213) is described based on the first lens portion (210) and the first barrel portion (220), but this is limited to the first lens portion (210) and the first barrel portion (220) to help a clear understanding of the invention, and the second lens assembly (300) and the third lens assembly (400) may also be the same.

[0176] Having described preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope thereof, in addition to the embodiments described above.

[0177] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be considered as illustrative rather than restrictive, and accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the above description but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Lens section; and Includes a barrel portion coupled to the lens portion, The above lens part, a transmitting portion through which light passes; and It includes a body part arranged on the outside of the above-mentioned penetration part, The above body part includes a gate protruding in a direction away from the transmission part, The outer surface of the body portion includes a first region and a second region having different curvatures, A lens assembly wherein the gate is disposed in at least one of the first region and the second region.

2. In paragraph 1, The above lens portion is arranged on the inside of the barrel portion, A lens assembly in which at least one of the first region or the second region of the body portion is in contact with the barrel portion.

3. In paragraph 2, The first region and the second region are provided in multiple numbers, A lens assembly in which the first region and the second region are sequentially arranged in the circumferential direction of the body portion.

4. In paragraph 3, The above barrel part, a first side and a second side spaced apart from each other in the first direction; and including a third side and a fourth side spaced apart from each other in the second direction, The above first direction is a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, A lens assembly wherein the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction.

5. In paragraph 4, The above third and fourth sides are, are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction toward the center in the first direction, A lens assembly wherein the distance between the first side and the second side is different from the distance between the third side and the fourth side.

6. In paragraph 5, A lens assembly in which the second region is positioned to face the third side or the fourth side.

7. In paragraph 3, If a gate is placed in any of the above second areas, A first distance from the end of the gate to a second area opposite the gate, The second distance between the opposing second areas where the gate is not arranged is the same lens assembly.

8. In paragraph 4, If the above gate is placed in any one of the plurality of first regions, One of the above is positioned to face the third side or the fourth side, A lens assembly wherein either of the above is spaced apart from the third side or the fourth side.

9. Frame; and It includes a first actuator and a second actuator arranged in the optical axis direction inside the frame, The second actuator is, Contains multiple lens assemblies, Any one or more of the above lens assemblies, Lens section; and Includes a barrel portion coupled to the lens portion, The above lens part, a transmitting portion through which light passes; and It includes a body part arranged on the outside of the above-mentioned penetration part, The above body part includes a gate protruding in a direction away from the transmission part, The circumference of the above body portion includes a first region and a second region having different curvatures, A camera module in which the gate is arranged in at least one of the first region and the second region.

10. In paragraph 9, The above gate is a camera module spaced apart from the inner surface of the barrel portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

Images