Lens module and camera module comprising same

Abstract

A lens module according to the present embodiment comprises: a lens barrel in which a plurality of lenses are disposed; and an inner barrel disposed inside the lens barrel, wherein the plurality of lenses include a first lens group disposed on one side of the inner barrel and a second lens group disposed on the other side of the inner barrel, and the inner barrel is movably disposed in the optical axis direction

Description

Lens module and camera module equipped therewith

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens module and a camera module having the same.

[0002] ADAS (Advanced Driving Assistance System) is an advanced driver assistance system that assists the driver in driving. It consists of sensing the situation ahead, judging the situation based on the sensed results, and controlling the vehicle's behavior based on the situation judgment. For example, ADAS sensor devices detect a vehicle ahead and recognize lanes. After the target lane, target speed, and forward target are determined, the vehicle's ESC (Electrical Stability Control), EMS (Engine Management System), and MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) are controlled. Representative examples of ADAS can be implemented as automatic parking systems, low-speed city driving assistance systems, and blind spot warning systems.

[0003] Sensor devices for detecting the situation ahead in ADAS include GPS sensors, laser scanners, forward radar, Lidar, etc., and the most representative one is a camera for taking pictures of the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle.

[0004] Recently, research on sensing systems that monitor the vehicle's surroundings has been accelerating to ensure driver safety and convenience. These systems are used for a variety of purposes, from detecting objects around the vehicle to preventing collisions with objects the driver may not be aware of to detecting empty spaces and enabling automated parking. They also provide essential data for automated vehicle control. These sensing systems typically utilize radar signals and cameras.

[0005] Automotive camera modules are embedded in front and rear surveillance cameras and dash cams, and are used to capture images and videos of subjects. Because they are exposed to the elements, camera modules are susceptible to moisture and temperature degradation, which can degrade image quality. In particular, camera modules have issues with their optical properties changing depending on ambient temperature and lens material.

[0006] The present embodiment seeks to provide a lens module and a camera module having the same.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problem, a lens module according to the present embodiment includes a lens barrel having a plurality of lenses arranged inside; and an inner barrel arranged inside the lens barrel, wherein the plurality of lenses include a first lens group arranged on one side of the inner barrel and a second lens group arranged on the other side of the inner barrel, and the inner barrel is arranged to be movable in the direction of the optical axis.

[0008] The above first lens group may be made of a first material, and the above second lens group may be made of a second material.

[0009] The inner barrel may be arranged to surround the lens that is closest to the second lens group among the lenses included in the first lens group.

[0010] A spacer may be placed on the object side of the inner barrel, and a first separation space may be formed between the object side of the inner barrel and the spacer.

[0011] The above lens barrel includes an inner surface that contacts the inner barrel and a step surface connected to the inner surface, and a second separation space can be formed between the object side of the lens arranged on the sensor side of the inner barrel and the step surface.

[0012] Among the plurality of lenses, the effective diameter of the lens placed on the object side of the inner barrel may be the smallest.

[0013] Among the above plurality of lenses, the lens with the smallest effective diameter may have a biconvex shape.

[0014] A sealing member may be placed between two adjacent lenses included in the second lens group.

[0015] Two spacers may be placed between two lenses having the largest gap between adjacent lenses among the plurality of lenses in the optical axis direction.

[0016] The lens barrel may include a wing member arranged on the outer surface thereof, and the wing member may include a body portion and a wing portion protruding from the body portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0017] The inner surface of the wing member includes a groove that is formed to be sunken, and an opening at one end of the wing member may have an inclined surface formed on the inner side.

[0018] The plurality of lenses may include first to eighth lenses, the first lens group may include the first to third lenses, the second lens group may include the fourth to eighth lenses, the first lens group may be made of glass, and the second lens group may be made of plastic.

[0019] The inner barrel is arranged to surround the third lens, and the effective diameter of the third lens among the first to eighth lenses may be the smallest.

[0020] The average effective diameter value of the first lens group may be smaller than the average effective diameter value of the second lens group.

[0021] In order to solve the above technical problem, a camera module according to the present embodiment includes a lens module; an image sensor that receives light incident from the plurality of lenses; and a substrate on which the image sensor is disposed.

[0022] According to the present embodiment, a camera module capable of maintaining resolution despite temperature changes can be provided by sequentially stacking lenses of different materials within a lens barrel. In other words, stress and decentering of lenses, such as plastic lenses, that expand due to temperature changes can be minimized.

[0023] In addition, by including an inner barrel that can move in the direction of the optical axis within the lens barrel, a camera module that can maintain the resolution of the optical system and suppress deformation of the lenses according to temperature changes can be provided.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to the present embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a lens portion arranged in a lens module according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of area A of Figure 2.

[0027] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 7 is an example of a vehicle having a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0031] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] However, the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to some of the embodiments described, but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, one or more of the components between the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted for use.

[0033] In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this embodiment may be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

[0034] Additionally, the terms used in this embodiment are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0035] In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase, and when it is described as “A and / or at least one (or more) of B, C”, it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, C.

[0036] Additionally, in describing the components of this embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0037] And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' to another component, it may include not only cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' directly to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

[0038] Additionally, when described as being formed or arranged "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Furthermore, when expressed as "above" or "below," the meaning may include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

[0039] In the description of the invention, the "object side" may mean a surface of the lens facing the object side with respect to the optical axis (OA), and the "sensor side" may mean a surface of the lens facing the imaging surface (image sensor) with respect to the optical axis. The "object side" may be the "object side," and the "sensor side" may be the "image side." A convex surface of a lens may mean a convex shape in the optical axis or the paraxial region, and a concave surface of a lens may mean a concave shape in the optical axis or the paraxial region. The radius of curvature, the center thickness, and the optical axis spacing between lenses described in the table for lens data may mean values ​​(unit: mm) in the optical axis. The vertical direction may mean a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the end of a lens or lens surface may mean the end of an effective area of ​​a lens through which incident light passes. The size of the effective diameter of the lens surface may have a measurement error of up to ±0.4 mm depending on the measurement method, etc. The above-mentioned near-axis region refers to a very narrow region near the optical axis, and is a region where the distance that a light ray falls from the optical axis (OA) is almost 0. Hereinafter, the meaning of the optical axis may include the center of each lens or a very narrow region near the optical axis.

[0040]

[0041] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to the present embodiment.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, a lens module according to the present embodiment may include a lens unit having a plurality of lenses (101 to 108: 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108), a lens barrel (200) having a plurality of lenses (101 to 108) stacked therein, an inner barrel (210) disposed between the lens barrel (200) and the plurality of lenses (101 to 108), and a plurality of spacers (111 to 116: 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116) disposed between flange portions of adjacent lenses. In addition, the camera module according to the present embodiment may include a lens module, an image sensor (600), a filter (700), and a substrate on which the image sensor (600) is disposed.

[0043] The lens barrel (200) can be penetrated from one end to the other end. The lens barrel (200) has a first opening on one end and a second opening on the other end, and the first opening and the second opening can be connected to each other. The lens barrel (200) can be made of a metal or non-metal material, and for example, can be made of a plastic material.

[0044] The lens barrel (200) has a plurality of lenses combined inside, and some of the plurality of lenses (101 to 108) can be combined through the first opening of the lens barrel (200), and the remaining plurality of lenses (101 to 108) can be combined through the second opening of the lens barrel (200).

[0045] For example, the first to third lenses (101-103) may be coupled through the first opening of the lens barrel (200), and the fourth to eighth lenses (104-108) may be coupled through the first opening of the lens barrel (200). The first to third lenses (101-103) may be referred to as a first lens group (LG1), and the fourth to eighth lenses (104-108) may be referred to as a second lens group (LG2). The first lens group (LG1) may be a first material, and the second lens group (LG2) may be a second material. Here, the first material and the second material may be different materials, the first material may be a glass material, and the second material may be a plastic material.

[0046] The plurality of lenses arranged adjacent to the object side of the lens unit may be continuously arranged glass lenses, and the plurality of lenses arranged adjacent to the sensor side may be continuously arranged plastic lenses.

[0047] Specifically, the first to third lenses (101-103) may be made of glass, and the fourth to eighth lenses (104-108) may be made of plastic. The first lens (101) may be made of a glass mold. The fourth lens (104) may be changed to a glass material and applied. Since the refractive index of a plastic lens varies, it is difficult to reduce chromatic aberration. Therefore, the refractive index of a glass lens disposed adjacent to the object side may be designed to have a high refractive index, thereby reducing chromatic aberration in the lens portion.

[0048] By incorporating more plastic lenses into the lens unit, the weight of the camera module can be reduced. Manufacturing costs can also be reduced. Furthermore, the degradation of optical properties due to temperature changes can be suppressed. Furthermore, various types of plastic lenses can replace glass lenses. Furthermore, polishing and machining of lens surfaces, such as aspherical or free-form surfaces, can be facilitated.

[0049] Each of the lenses may include an effective area and an ineffective area. The effective area is an area through which light incident on each of the lenses passes. In other words, the effective area may be defined as an effective area or effective diameter in which the incident light is refracted to implement optical characteristics. The ineffective area may be arranged around the periphery of the effective area and may be defined as a flange portion. The ineffective area may be an area in which effective light is not incident on a plurality of lenses. In other words, the ineffective area may be an area unrelated to the optical characteristics. In addition, the end of the ineffective area may be an area fixed to a structure that accommodates the lens.

[0050] A plurality of spacers (111 to 116) may be arranged between the flange portions of adjacent lenses. The plurality of spacers (111 to 116) may have a ring shape. At least one of the plurality of spacers (111 to 116) may have a chamfered surface. Through this, the plurality of spacers (111 to 116) may be easily inserted into the lens barrel (200).

[0051] The plurality of spacers (111-116) may be made of a metal material, and may be formed of, for example, lead-free brass. When the plurality of spacers (111-116) are made of a metal material, even if a plastic lens is deformed at high temperatures, the effect on adjacent lenses can be minimized, and the reliability of optical characteristics can be prevented from deteriorating due to temperature changes.

[0052] The plurality of spacers (111 to 116) may include first to sixth spacers. The first spacer (111) and the second spacer (112) may be arranged between the second lens (102) and the third lens (103). The third spacer (113) may be arranged between the fourth lens (104) and the fifth lens (105). The fourth spacer (114) may be arranged between the fifth lens (105) and the sixth lens (106). The fifth spacer (115) may be arranged between the sixth lens (106) and the seventh lens (107). The sixth spacer (116) may be arranged between the seventh lens (107) and the eighth lens (108).

[0053] Two spacers may be sequentially arranged between two lenses having the largest distance between adjacent lenses among the plurality of lenses (101 to 108). For example, the distance between the second lens (102) and the third lens (103) may be the largest among the distances between adjacent lenses in the optical axis direction, and two spacers may be sequentially arranged between the second lens (102) and the third lens (103).

[0054] The first spacer (111) and the second spacer (112) that are arranged sequentially may include a first inclined surface (P1) and a second inclined surface (P2) that face each other, respectively. An area protruding inwardly from the first inclined surface (P1) may contact the second lens (102). An area protruding inwardly from the second inclined surface (P2) may contact the third lens (103). Referring to Fig. 1, the cross sections of the first spacer (111) and the second spacer (112) may be formed in a V shape. Through this, it is possible to sufficiently secure a gap between the second lens (102) and the third lens (103) while preventing the occurrence of flare.

[0055] An aperture (not shown) may be placed between the first spacer (111) and the second spacer (112). The aperture (STOP) can control the amount of light incident on the lens unit. The aperture (STOP) may be placed on the sensor side of the second lens (102). The aperture (STOP) may be positioned closer to the object side than the sensor side, thereby reducing the effective diameter of the first lens (101).

[0056] The aperture may be a first spacer (111) arranged on the periphery between the second lens (102) and the third lens (103). Alternatively, the aperture may be a second spacer (112) arranged on the periphery between the second lens (102) and the third lens (103). A light-blocking material coated on the surface of the first spacer (111) or the second spacer (112) may function as an aperture. In a variation, the periphery of the sensor-side surface of the second lens (102) or the periphery of the object-side surface of the third lens (103) may be coated with a light-blocking material to function as an aperture that controls the amount of light.

[0057] The image sensor (600) may be arranged on the optical axes of the plurality of lenses (101 to 108) or may be arranged on an axis orthogonal to the optical axes of the plurality of lenses (101 to 108). In this case, a reflective member such as a prism may be arranged between the plurality of lenses (101 to 108) and the image sensor (600). The image sensor (600) may perform a function of converting light passing through the plurality of lenses (101 to 108) into image data. The image sensor (600) may be any one of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), a CPD, and a CID. When there are multiple image sensors (600), one may be a color (RGB) sensor, and the other may be a black and white sensor.

[0058] The image sensor (600) may be placed on a substrate (not shown). The image sensor (600) may be placed between the last lens of the lens unit and the substrate. The image sensor (600) may be mounted, settled, contacted, fixed, temporarily fixed, supported, or coupled to the surface of the substrate. In another example, a groove or hole (not shown) capable of accommodating the image sensor (600) may be formed in the substrate. The embodiment is not limited to a specific form in which the image sensor (600) is placed on the substrate. The substrate may be a rigid PCB or FPCB.

[0059] The camera module may include a cover glass and a filter (700) positioned between the last lens of the plurality of lenses (101 to 108) and the image sensor (600). The filter (700) may be positioned between the plurality of lenses (101 to 108) and the image sensor (600). The filter (700) may filter light corresponding to a specific wavelength range of light passing through the lenses. The filter (700) may be an infrared (IR) blocking filter that blocks infrared rays or an ultraviolet (UV) blocking filter that blocks ultraviolet rays, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The filter (700) may be positioned on the image sensor (600).

[0060]

[0061] An inner barrel (210) may be placed within the lens barrel (200). A glass lens may be placed on one side of the inner barrel (210), and a plastic lens may be placed on the other side. A first lens group (LG1) may be placed on one side of the inner barrel (210), and a second lens group (LG2) may be placed on the other side. The inner barrel (210) may be placed between the first lens group (LG1) and the second lens group (LG2). The inner barrel (210) may be placed to surround the third lens (103).

[0062] The inner barrel (210) may be made of the same material as the lens barrel (200). The inner barrel (210) may be made of a metal material or a non-metal material, for example, a plastic material.

[0063] When the inner barrel (210) is placed within the lens barrel (200), physical interference between the plastic lens, which changes shape according to temperature change, and the glass lens, which changes shape less according to temperature change, can be minimized, thereby minimizing changes in lens performance according to temperature change. In addition, the assembly process can be simplified by assembling lenses of the same material in the same direction.

[0064] The outer surface of the inner barrel (210) may be arranged to be in contact with the inner surface of the lens barrel (200). The inner barrel (210) may be arranged to be movable in the optical axis direction (z-axis) while in contact with the inner surface of the lens barrel (200). The object-side surface of the inner barrel (210) may be arranged to face the second spacer (112), and the sensor-side surface of the inner barrel (210) may be arranged to face the fourth lens (104).

[0065] A first separation space (L1) may be formed between the object side of the inner barrel (210) and the sensor side of the second spacer (112). The sensor side of the inner barrel (210) and the object side of the fourth lens (104) may be arranged to be in contact. The lens barrel (200) may include a step surface (202) connected to the inner surface that is in contact with the inner barrel (210). The step surface (202) may be arranged to face the object side surface (S7) of the fourth lens (104). A second separation space (L2) may be formed between the step surface (202) and the object side surface (S7) of the fourth lens (104).

[0066] When the second lens group (LG2) made of plastic expands at high temperatures, the inner barrel (210) can move toward the object side along the optical axis direction. That is, as the first separation space (L1) and the second separation space (L2) become smaller, the inner barrel (210) can move toward the object side. Accordingly, the gap between the lenses can be changed, but the change in the radius of curvature can be prevented. In addition, since the metal spacer is less deformed at high temperatures than the plastic lens, the gap and relative positions between the lenses included in the second lens group (LG2) can be fixed. In addition, the temperature compensation design of the entire optical system can minimize the deterioration of optical performance.

[0067] A sealing member (402) may be placed between two adjacent lenses included in the second lens group (LG2). When a plastic lens expands at high temperature, the sealing member (402) may be placed between lenses that have a small decrease in optical characteristics due to movement in the direction of the optical axis. Here, a lens having a small decrease in optical characteristics may mean a lens that has a small sensitivity to a change in the optical axis distance between adjacent lenses. In other words, it may mean that the optical performance decreases little as the optical axis distance between adjacent lenses changes.

[0068] If the positions where the central ray (CL) passes between adjacent lenses are most similar, the sensitivity to changes in the optical axis spacing may be low. The smaller the spacing between the positions where the central ray (CL) passes between adjacent lenses in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction (x-axis), the lower the sensitivity to changes in the optical axis spacing. Here, the central ray (CL) may refer to a ray of light incident on the lens portion that is incident at the point where the image sensor (600) and the optical axis (OA) meet.

[0069] For example, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a lens having low sensitivity to changes in the optical axis spacing may be between the fourth lens (104) and the fifth lens (105). The point where the central ray (CL) passes on the sensor side (S8) of the fourth lens (104) is B1, and the point where the central ray (CL) passes on the object side (S9) of the fifth lens (105) is B2. Among the spacing between points where the central ray (CL) passes in adjacent lenses in the direction (x-axis) perpendicular to the optical axis direction (z-axis), the spacing (H) between B1 and B2 may be the smallest.

[0070] That is, the position between the fourth lens (104) and the fifth lens (105) is the position with the least sensitivity to changes in the optical axis spacing, and when the sealing member (402) is placed between the fourth lens (104) and the fifth lens (105), the optical performance degradation due to changes in the optical axis spacing due to expansion of the plastic lens at high temperatures is small. The sealing member (402) may be placed between the third spacer (113) placed on the sensor side of the fourth lens (104) and the fifth lens (105).

[0071] Therefore, if a sealing member is placed between lens surfaces that have low sensitivity to changes in the optical axis spacing, the sealing member is compressed as the plastic lens expands at high temperatures, and then when the plastic lens contracts due to a change from high temperature to low temperature, the sealing member expands to fill the gap between the lenses, so that the lens position changes are not large.

[0072]

[0073] The effective diameter may decrease from the first lens (101) to the second lens (102) and may increase from the fourth lens (104) to the fifth lens (105). Here, the effective diameter of each lens may mean the average of the effective diameter value of the object-side surface of the lens and the effective diameter value of the sensor-side surface of the lens. The average effective diameter value of the object-side and sensor-side surfaces of each lens may decrease from the first lens (101) to the second lens (102) and may increase from the fourth lens (104) to the fifth lens (105).

[0074] At least one of the glass lenses in the lens section may have a convex shape on both sides. The third lens (103) may have a convex shape on both sides. Through this, the glass lens placed on the object side can effectively collect and transmit light to the plastic lens placed on the sensor side.

[0075] The average effective diameter of the object-side and sensor-side of each glass lens positioned closer to the object than the plastic lens may be smaller than the average effective diameter of the object-side and sensor-side of each plastic lens. Alternatively, the effective diameter of the glass lens positioned closer to the object than the plastic lens may be the smallest in the lens section.

[0076] For example, when the fourth to eighth lenses (104 to 108) are made of plastic and the third lens (103) is made of glass, the average effective diameter of the object-side and sensor-side surfaces of the third lens (103) may be smaller than the average of the effective diameters of the object-side and sensor-side surfaces of the fourth to eighth lenses (104 to 108). In addition, the average effective diameter of the object-side and sensor-side surfaces of the third lens (103) may have the smallest effective diameter in the lens unit. Among the first to eighth lenses (101 to 108), the effective diameter of the lens made of glass that is arranged most adjacent to the lens made of plastic may be the smallest.

[0077]

[0078] A first retainer (310) may be coupled to one end of the lens barrel (200). Screw threads may be formed on the outer surface of the lens barrel (200) for coupling with the first retainer (310). Screw threads may be formed on the inner surface of the first retainer (310) for coupling with the lens barrel (200). The first retainer (310) may be coupled to the lens barrel (200) by any one of a force-fit method, adhesive decoration, and screw coupling.

[0079] The first retainer (310) may be formed to surround a portion of the first lens (101) that is positioned closest to the object side of the lens barrel (200) and the lens barrel (200). The first retainer (310) may prevent foreign substances from entering the lens barrel (200). The first retainer (310) may press the first lens group (LG1) positioned in the lens barrel (200) inwardly to fix the position with respect to the lens barrel (200). A sealing member (401) may be positioned between the first retainer (310) and the first lens (101) or between the first retainer (310) and the lens barrel (200) to prevent buffering or the inflow of external foreign substances. In addition, the sealing member (401) may serve to fix the position to compensate for thermal expansion of the lens.

[0080] The opening at the other end of the first retainer (310) may have a first inclined surface (311) formed on the inside. The first inclined surface (311) may be arranged to face the outer surface of the lens barrel (200). A first gap (G1) may be formed between the first retainer (310) and the lens barrel (200) by the first inclined surface (311) of the first retainer (310). An adhesive member may be arranged in the first gap (G1) to couple the first retainer (310) and the lens barrel (200) and fix their positions.

[0081]

[0082] A second retainer (320) may be coupled to the other end of the lens barrel (200). Screw threads may be formed on the outer surface of the lens barrel (200) for coupling with the second retainer (320). Screw threads may be formed on the inner surface of the second retainer (320) for coupling with the lens barrel (200).

[0083] When screw threads are formed on the inner surface of the lens barrel (200) and the outer surface of the second retainer (320), scratches and screw thread damage may occur during the lens assembly process due to the screw threads formed on the inner surface of the lens barrel (200). Therefore, forming screw threads on the outer surface of the lens barrel (200) and the inner surface of the second retainer (320) may be more advantageous than forming screw threads on the inner surface of the lens barrel (200) and the outer surface of the second retainer (320). The second retainer (320) may be coupled to the lens barrel (200) by any one of a force-fit method, adhesive decoration, and screw coupling.

[0084] One end of the second retainer (320) can be in contact with the protrusion (201) of the lens barrel (200). The thickness of the protrusion (201) of the lens barrel (200) in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis (z-axis) (x-axis) can be greater than the thickness of the area where the screw threads are formed on the lens barrel (200). The protrusion (201) of the lens barrel (200) can serve to guide the position when the second retainer (320) is coupled. In addition, a large step can be prevented from being formed between the outer surface of the lens barrel (200) and the outer surface of the second retainer (320).

[0085] The second retainer (320) may be formed to surround a portion of the eighth lens (108) that is positioned closest to the sensor side of the lens barrel (200) and the lens barrel (200). The second retainer (320) may prevent foreign substances from entering the lens barrel (200). The second retainer (320) may press the second lens group (LG2) positioned in the lens barrel (200) inward to fix the position with respect to the lens barrel (200). A sealing member (not shown) may be positioned between the second retainer (320) and the eighth lens (108) or between the second retainer (320) and the lens barrel (200) to prevent buffering or the entry of external foreign substances.

[0086] A wing member (500) may be arranged on the outer surface of the lens barrel (200). The wing member (500) may include a body portion (501) and a wing portion (502) that protrudes from the body portion (501) in a direction (x-axis) perpendicular to the optical axis (z-axis). The wing portion (502) may serve as a guide for fixing the position of the lens barrel (200) when it is coupled to a lens holder or bobbin.

[0087] If the lens barrel (200) and the wing member (500) are not separated into separate components and are manufactured as a single injection molded product, the thickness of the flesh in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis may increase, resulting in an injection defect, and a defect in which the flesh shrinks in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis may occur.

[0088] The wing portion (502) may be formed closer to the other end of the wing member (500) than to one end. The wing portion (502) may be formed at the other end of the wing member (500). The other end of the wing member (500) may be arranged to contact the protrusion (201) of the lens barrel (200). The protrusion (201) of the lens barrel (200) may serve to guide the position when the wing member (500) is coupled.

[0089] The wing member (500) may include a groove (503) formed in a recessed shape on the inner surface. The groove (503) of the wing member (500) may be formed in a recessed shape by being connected to an opening at the other end of the wing member (500). The groove (503) of the wing member (500) may serve as a guide to facilitate coupling with the lens barrel (200).

[0090] One end of the opening of the wing member (500) may have a second inclined surface (504) formed on the inner side. The second inclined surface (504) may be arranged to face the outer surface of the lens barrel (200). A second gap (G2) may be formed between the wing member (500) and the lens barrel (200) by the second inclined surface (504) of the wing member (500). An adhesive material may be arranged in the second gap (G2) to couple the wing member (500) and the lens barrel (200) and fix their positions. The second gap (G2) may be arranged to face the first gap (G1). This may simplify the manufacturing process when injecting the adhesive material into the first gap (G1) and the second gap (G2).

[0091]

[0092] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Below, any description overlapping with the configuration described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 will be omitted.

[0093] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a lens barrel (200) of a lens module may include a partition wall (204) that protrudes inward from an inner surface. The partition wall (204) may be formed to protrude in a direction (x-axis) perpendicular to the optical axis direction (z-axis) from the inner surface of the lens barrel (200). The partition wall (204) may be formed to surround any one of a plurality of lenses. The partition wall (204) may be formed to surround the third lens (103). The partition wall (204) may be formed with a step. The partition wall (204) may be formed with a two-layer step structure.

[0094] A first separation space (L1) may be formed between the partition wall (204) and the second spacer (112). A first separation space (L1) may be formed between the object side of the partition wall (204) and the sensor side of the second spacer (112). A second separation space (L2) may be formed between the partition wall (204) and the fourth lens (104). A second separation space (L2) may be formed between the sensor side of the partition wall (204) and the object side of the fourth lens (104).

[0095] When the second lens group (LG2) made of plastic material expands at high temperatures, the second lens group (LG2) may move toward the object side along the optical axis, thereby reducing the first separation space (L1) or the second separation space (L2). This allows the spacing between the lenses to change, but prevents changes in the radius of curvature. In addition, the temperature compensation design of the entire optical system can minimize degradation of optical performance.

[0096] Since the lens barrel (200) has a partition wall (204) formed on the inside, the first to third lenses (101 to 103) made of glass can be inserted and placed through an opening at one end of the lens barrel (200), and the fourth to eighth lenses (104 to 108) made of plastic can be inserted and placed through an opening at the other end of the lens barrel (200).

[0097] When a plastic lens expands at high temperatures, interference with a glass lens can be prevented by a partition wall (204) on the inside of the lens barrel (200). In addition, the inner diameter tolerance of the lens barrel can be easily managed according to the characteristics of the lens material. For example, the outer diameter tolerance management level of a glass lens and a plastic lens can satisfy 5 um to 10 um. In addition, since a partition wall (204) is formed on the inside of the lens barrel (200), when the first retainer (310) and the sealing member (401) are arranged, assembly can be performed with strong force.

[0098] The lens barrel (200) may include a wing portion (203) that protrudes outward from the outer surface. The wing portion (203) may be formed to protrude in a direction (x-axis) perpendicular to the optical axis direction (z-axis) from the outer surface of the lens barrel (200). The wing portion (203) may serve as a guide to fix the position of the lens barrel (200) when it is coupled to a lens holder or bobbin.

[0099]

[0100] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Below, any description overlapping with the configuration described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 will be omitted.

[0101] A lens barrel of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a first lens barrel (220) and a second lens barrel (230). A first lens group (LG1) may be arranged inside the first lens barrel (220). A second lens group (LG2) may be arranged inside the second lens barrel (230). The lenses arranged in the first lens barrel (220) and the lenses arranged in the second lens barrel (230) may be made of different materials. First to third lenses (101 to 103) made of glass may be arranged inside the first lens barrel (220), and fourth to eighth lenses (104 to 108) made of plastic may be arranged inside the second lens barrel (230).

[0102] The first lens barrel (220) may include one end of an opening in which the first lens (101), the first retainer (301), and the sealing member (401) are arranged, and the other end of an opening (221) in which the third lens (103) is arranged. The second lens barrel (230) may include one end of an opening (231) in which the fourth lens (104) is adjacently arranged, and the other end of an opening in which the second retainer (320) is arranged.

[0103] The opening (221) at the other end of the first lens barrel (220) may be inserted and arranged inside the opening (231) at one end of the second lens barrel (230). The diameter of the opening (221) at the other end of the first lens barrel (220) may be smaller than the diameter of the opening (231) at one end of the second lens barrel (230). The outer surface of the opening (221) at the other end of the first lens barrel (220) may be arranged to face the inner surface of the opening (231) at one end of the second lens barrel (230). The outer surface of the opening (221) at the other end of the first lens barrel (220) may be arranged to contact the inner surface of the opening (231) at one end of the second lens barrel (230).

[0104] The first lens barrel (220) and the second lens barrel (230) can be manufactured using a double injection process. Different materials can be injected simultaneously or sequentially to inject the first lens barrel (220) and the second lens barrel (230). Specifically, the first material can be injected into the mold to inject one lens barrel, and the second material can be injected into the mold to inject the remaining lens barrels.

[0105] The first lens barrel (220) and the second lens barrel (230) can be manufactured using an insert injection process. For example, if the first lens barrel (220) is made of a metal material, the first lens barrel (220) can be manufactured through a turning process, and then the first lens barrel (220) can be placed in a plastic mold and the second lens barrel (230) can be injected. Conversely, the second lens barrel (230) can be formed of a metal material and the first lens barrel (220) can be formed of a plastic material.

[0106] When the first lens barrel (220) and the second lens barrel (230) are manufactured by a double injection process or an insert injection process, the concentricity tolerance of the first lens barrel (220) and the second lens barrel (230) can be managed small because the concentricity is managed within the mold. In addition, since the materials of the first lens barrel (220) and the second lens barrel (230) can be applied differently, a material that can minimize stress due to temperature and assembly stress can be applied.

[0107]

[0108] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Below, any description overlapping with the configuration described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 will be omitted.

[0109] The lens module illustrated in FIG. 6 is identical in shape and structure to the lens module illustrated in FIG. 5, but may differ in manufacturing method. In the lens module illustrated in FIG. 5, the first lens barrel (220) and the second lens barrel (230) are manufactured by a double injection or insert injection process, whereas in the lens module illustrated in FIG. 6, the first lens barrel (220) and the second lens barrel (230) may be manufactured separately and then assembled by an AA (Active Align) process.

[0110] The opening (221) at the other end of the first lens barrel (220) can be coupled to the inner side of the opening (231) at one end of the second lens barrel (230). Screw threads are formed on the outer surface of the opening (221) at the other end of the first lens barrel (220) and the inner surface of the opening (9231) at one end of the second lens barrel (230) so that they can be coupled to each other. The first lens barrel (220) and the second lens barrel (230) can be fixedly coupled with an adhesive member. When the opening (221) at the other end of the first lens barrel (220) and the opening (231) at one end of the second lens barrel (230) are coupled, an adhesive member is disposed on the contacting surfaces so that the first lens barrel (220) and the second lens barrel (230) can be coupled.

[0111] When manufacturing the first lens barrel (220) and the second lens barrel (230) separately, the size of each can be reduced, and the manufacturing tolerance can be managed small by simplifying the shape. In addition, the concentricity of the first lens barrel (220) and the second lens barrel (230) can be managed up to 1 um using dedicated AA equipment. In addition, since the materials of the first lens barrel (220) and the second lens barrel (230) can be applied differently, a material that can minimize stress due to temperature and assembly stress can be applied.

[0112]

[0113] Fig. 7 is an example of a plan view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to the present embodiment is applied. Referring to Fig. 7, the vehicle camera system according to the present embodiment includes an image generation unit (11), a first information generation unit (12), a second information generation unit (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26), and a control unit (14). The image generation unit (11) may include at least one camera module (31) disposed in the vehicle, and may capture images of the front of the vehicle and / or the driver to generate a front image or an interior image of the vehicle. The image generation unit (11) may capture images of the surroundings of the vehicle in one or more directions as well as the front of the vehicle using the camera module (31), to generate an image of the surroundings of the vehicle. Here, the front image and the surrounding images may be digital images, and may include color images, black and white images, infrared images, etc. In addition, the front image and the surrounding images may include still images and moving images. The image generation unit (11) provides the driver image, the front image, and the surrounding image to the control unit (14). Next, the first information generation unit (12) may include at least one radar and / or camera placed in the vehicle, and detects the front of the vehicle to generate first detection information. Specifically, the first information generation unit (12) is placed in the vehicle, and detects the position and speed of vehicles located in front of the vehicle, the presence and position of pedestrians, etc. to generate first detection information.

[0114] By using the first detection information generated by the first information generating unit (12), the distance between the own vehicle and the vehicle in front can be controlled to be maintained at a constant level, and the stability of vehicle operation can be improved in specific preset cases, such as when the driver wants to change the driving lane of the own vehicle or when backing up. The first information generating unit (12) provides the first detection information to the control unit (14). The second information generating unit (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) detects each side of the own vehicle based on the front image generated by the image generating unit (11) and the first detection information generated by the first information generating unit (12), and generates second detection information. Specifically, the second information generating unit (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) may include at least one radar and / or camera disposed in the own vehicle, and may detect the position and speed of vehicles located on the side of the own vehicle or capture images. Here, the second information generation units (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) can be placed at the front two corners, side mirrors, and rear center and rear two corners of the vehicle, respectively.

[0115] At least one information generating unit of these vehicle camera systems may be equipped with an optical system and a camera module having the same as described in the embodiments disclosed above, and may provide or process information acquired through the front, rear, each side or corner area of ​​the vehicle to a user to enable autonomous driving or to protect the vehicle and objects from surrounding safety.

[0116] The optical system of the camera module according to an embodiment of the invention can be installed in multiple units within a vehicle to enhance safety regulations, autonomous driving functions, and convenience. Furthermore, the optical system of the camera module is used as a component for controlling systems such as the Lane Keeping Assistance System (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and Driver Monitoring System (DMS). These vehicle camera modules can achieve stable optical performance even under ambient temperature changes and offer competitive pricing, thereby ensuring the reliability of vehicle components.

[0117]

[0118] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the embodiments above are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to just one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment can be combined or modified in other embodiments by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Therefore, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0119] In addition, although the above description focuses on examples, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. In addition, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lens barrel having multiple lenses arranged inside; and Including an inner barrel arranged on the inside of the lens barrel, The above plurality of lenses include a first lens group arranged on one side of the inner barrel and a second lens group arranged on the other side of the inner barrel, The above inner barrel is a lens module arranged to be movable in the direction of the optical axis.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first lens group is made of the first material, The above second lens group is a lens module made of a second material.

3. In paragraph 1, The inner barrel is a lens module arranged to surround the lens that is arranged closest to the second lens group among the lenses included in the first lens group.

4. In paragraph 1, A spacer is placed on the object side of the inner barrel, A lens module in which a first separation space is formed between the object side of the inner barrel and the spacer.

5. In paragraph 1, The above lens barrel includes an inner surface that contacts the inner barrel and a step surface connected to the inner surface, A lens module in which a second separation space is formed between the object side of the lens placed on the sensor side of the inner barrel and the step surface.

6. In paragraph 1, A lens module having the smallest effective diameter of the lens positioned on the object side of the inner barrel among the plurality of lenses.

7. In paragraph 1, A lens module in which the lens with the smallest effective diameter among the above plurality of lenses has a convex shape on both sides.

8. In paragraph 1, A lens module in which a sealing member is placed between two adjacent lenses included in the second lens group.

9. In paragraph 1, A lens module in which two spacers are placed between two lenses having the largest gap between adjacent lenses among the plurality of lenses in the optical axis direction.

10. In paragraph 1, Including a wing member arranged on the outer surface of the lens barrel, The above wing member is a lens module including a body part and a wing part protruding from the body part in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

Images