Optical lens structure, camera module, and manufacturing method therefor

Abstract

The optical lens structure disclosed in an embodiment of the invention comprises: a transparent body having a plurality of lenses aligned on an optical axis from an object side toward a sensor side; and a space region disposed within the transparent body and disposed between the plurality of lenses, wherein an object-side upper surface and a sensor-side lower surface of the transparent body are lens surfaces, an object-side surface and a sensor-side surface of the space region are lens surfaces, and the lens surfaces may each have any one of a convex surface, a concave surface, or a flat surface on the optical axis.

Description

Optical lens structure, camera module and manufacturing method thereof

[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to an optical lens structure and a camera module. Embodiments of the invention relate to an optical lens structure and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0002] Lenses used in cameras are manufactured by injection molding or surface-processing individual lenses using plastic or glass materials. These individual lenses are individually aligned along the optical axis and then fixed, or aligned lenses or groups of lenses are used to provide a continuous zoom optical system. When these lenses are assembled and aligned along the optical axis, optical axis misalignment can occur due to processing and assembly tolerances. Furthermore, when continuous zoom lenses are assembled separately as a moving group and then aligned, the optical axes of the moving groups of lenses can become misaligned, and injection molding tolerances can cause problems with the rail guides that guide the movement.

[0003] Embodiments of the invention provide an optical lens structure and a camera module having a plurality of lenses as one body. Embodiments of the invention provide an optical lens structure and a camera module in which a plurality of lens groups are formed of a single material. Embodiments of the invention provide an optical lens structure and a camera module in which each of the plurality of lens groups is formed as one body and is formed of the same material or different materials.

[0004] Embodiments of the invention provide a method for manufacturing an optical lens structure that forms a space region between a plurality of lenses to provide a lens group as an integral unit. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a camera module is provided in which a plurality of lens groups are each formed as an integral unit and stacked in the direction of an optical axis.

[0005] An optical lens structure according to an embodiment of the invention comprises: a transparent body having a plurality of lenses aligned along an optical axis from an object side toward a sensor side; and a space region disposed within the transparent body and between the plurality of lenses, wherein an upper surface on the object side and a lower surface on the sensor side of the transparent body are lens surfaces, and an object-side surface and a sensor-side surface of the space region are lens surfaces, and the lens surfaces may have any one of a convex surface, a concave surface, or a flat surface on the optical axis.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the invention, the transparent body may be made of glass or crystal. The distance from the optical axis of the transparent body may be the optical axis distance of the plurality of lenses. The number of the space regions may be one or two or more, and the number of the plurality of lenses may be one more than the number of the space regions. The space regions may have an inlet and an outlet connected to the outside.

[0007] A camera module according to an embodiment of the invention includes a first lens structure having a first lens group having a plurality of lenses and a space area between lenses of the first lens group; a plurality of first guide grooves arranged in an optical axis direction on an outer side of the first lens structure; at least one magnet arranged on an outer side of the first lens structure; and a housing or a second lens structure having a second guide groove arranged on an outer side of the first lens structure and facing the first guide groove, wherein the housing or the second lens structure may include a coil facing the magnet.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, the second lens structure may have a second lens group having a plurality of lenses aligned with the optical axis of the first lens structure, and a space area between the lenses of the second lens group. The second guide groove is arranged in the second lens structure, and the second lens structure includes a guide protrusion protruding outward from the first lens structure on an upper periphery, and the second guide groove may extend in the direction of the optical axis on the inside of the guide protrusion.

[0009] A method for manufacturing an optical lens structure according to an embodiment of the invention may include the steps of loading a lens structure into an insertion hole of a clamp facing a laser device; irradiating a laser beam generated from a laser module of the laser device toward the lens structure; and irradiating the laser beam from a long distance to a short distance of the lens structure to process a plurality of lens surfaces and a space area between the plurality of lens surfaces.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, a step may be included of forming an inlet and an outlet respectively connected to the space region by irradiating the laser beam. The laser module irradiates a green wavelength laser beam, and the space region and the lens surfaces may be processed in the order of an etching process, a washing process, and a drying process.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention, since lenses having multiple lenses are not individually injected, the tolerances associated with the injection of individual lenses can be reduced, the number of processes can be reduced, and the tolerances associated with the assembly of lenses can be reduced. Furthermore, the quality of a lens structure having lenses as one unit can be improved.

[0012] The invention can reduce the optical axis distance or thickness of a lens structure having multiple lenses, thereby facilitating the implementation of a zoom lens optical system. Furthermore, by reducing the optical axis distance or thickness due to the lens structure, the problem of the lenses protruding outside the camera can be minimized. Furthermore, by aligning the lens structures having multiple lenses as one or more, optical axis misalignment within the camera module can be minimized. Furthermore, the space and deformation between the AF (Auto Focusing) lens structures or the assemblies of a zoom lens group can be minimized.

[0013] Embodiments of the invention can improve the reliability of a camera module having an optical lens structure.

[0014] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings showing a manufacturing process of an optical lens structure according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing an optical lens structure according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 5a is a drawing showing an example of an etching process of a lens surface of an optical lens structure manufactured according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 5b is a drawing showing an example of a water washing process of a lens surface of an optical lens structure manufactured in Fig. 5a.

[0018] Fig. 5c is a drawing showing an example of a lens drying process of the optical lens structure manufactured in Fig. 5b.

[0019] Figures 6 (a) and (b) are other examples of lens structures manufactured according to embodiments of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example of combining multiple lens structures according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Figures 8 (a) and (b) are examples of side cross-sectional views of the first lens structure of Figure 7 viewed from different directions.

[0022] Figures 9 (a) and (b) are examples of side cross-sectional views of the second lens structure of Figure 7 viewed from different directions.

[0023] Fig. 10 is an example of a combined plan view of a plurality of lens structures of Fig. 7.

[0024] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing another shape of the second lens structure of Fig. 10.

[0025] Fig. 12 is another example of a lens structure according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figures 13 and 14 are examples of lens deformation of a lens structure according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a lens structure according to an embodiment of the invention viewed from different directions.

[0028] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a lens structure according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 17 is an example of a side cross-sectional view of a camera module having a lens structure according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Fig. 18 is an example of a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which the camera module or lens structure of the invention is applied.

[0031] Fig. 19 is an example of a vehicle to which the camera module or lens structure of the invention is applied.

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033] 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 and used. In addition, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention can be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and the meaning of commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, can be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the related technology. In addition, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for the purpose of describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated in the phrase, and when it is described as "A and (or at least one (or more than one) of B, C," it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C. In addition, when describing components of embodiments of the present invention, 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 the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not determined by the terms. In addition, when it is described that a component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' to another component, the component may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, coupled, or connected 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.Additionally, when it is 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 it is expressed as "above" or "below", it can include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction based on one component.

[0034] An optical lens structure or lens structure according to an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. FIGS. 1 to 3 are drawings showing a manufacturing process of an optical lens structure according to an embodiment of the invention, and FIGS. 5a to 5c are drawings showing post-processes of the optical lens structure manufactured by FIG. 3, such as an etching process, a washing process, and a drying process.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the laser equipment (10) and the clamp (20) are placed opposite each other (FIG. 1 (a)), and the lens structure (100) is inserted into the insertion hole (21) in the clamp (20) and then fixed (FIG. 1 (b)). The laser equipment (10) has a laser module (11) and can irradiate a laser beam toward the lens structure (100) fixed to the clamp (20).

[0036] The above laser module (11) is a module that irradiates a green wavelength, and the laser beam is a green laser wavelength, and may have a range of 520 nm to 570 nm, for example, 532 nm ± 5 mm. The laser equipment (10) may include a lens processing device using a scanner, for example, a galvanometer-scanner, and a mirror device, for example, a DMD (Digital micro-mirror device). The laser equipment (10) is a device that processes the inside or surface of a lens structure (100) using the laser module (11). Since the laser beam is used, the generated heat can be minimized. The lens structure (100) may include a glass material or a crystal material as a transparent lens material, and may be provided in a cylindrical shape. As another example, the lens structure (100) may include an oval-shaped column or a polygonal column.

[0037]

[0038] As shown in (a)(b) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the laser module (11) irradiates a laser beam into the inside of the lens structure (100) to form a plurality of space regions (101, 102). The space regions (101, 102) are formed sequentially from a long distance to a short distance. The plurality of space regions (101, 102) are air regions for forming a lens surface from a long distance lens surface to a short distance lens surface. This can prevent light scattering by the processed lens surface. The laser module (11) forms a first space region (101) at a long distance within the lens structure (100). As shown in FIG. 4, the first space region (101) may have a first surface (S1) at the lower side and a second surface (S2) at the upper side. After forming the first space area (101), a second space area (102) at a short distance is formed.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 4, in order to form the first space area (101), the first surface (S1) is processed based on the radius of curvature of the lower first surface (S1) and the thickness (T1) of the first lens (L1), and at this time, the focus position of the laser beam is changed in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis (Z1) and irradiated to form the first surface (S1). In addition, the first surface (S1) may be the object-side surface of the first lens (L1) on the optical axis (Z1). The object-side surface is the surface of each lens that is closer to the object, and the sensor-side surface is the surface of each lens that is closer to the image sensor. The laser beam is irradiated to the first space area (101) to form the second surface (S2). The second surface (S2) is the sensor-side surface of the second lens (L2) and is a surface that faces the first surface (S1). In order to form the second surface (S2), the second surface (S2) is processed along the distance (G1) in the optical axis direction between the first surface (S1) and the second surface (S2) and the radius of curvature of the second surface (S2). The effective radius of the first surface (S1) and the effective radius of the second surface (S2) may be the same as or different from each other. That is, the lengths of the effective radii of the first space area (101) on the first surface (S1) and the second surface (S2) may be different.

[0040]

[0041] After forming the second surface (S2) of the second lens (L2), the third surface (S3) of the second lens (L2) is formed. In order to form the second lens (102), the third surface (S3) is processed in consideration of the thickness (T2) in the direction of the optical axis between the second surface (S2) and the third surface (S3) and the radius of curvature of the third surface (S3). After processing the third surface (S3), the second space area (102) is formed, thereby forming the fourth surface (S4). The second space area (102) may include the third surface (S3) and the fourth surface (S4) that are opposite to each other. The effective radii of the third surface (S3) and the fourth surface (S4) may be the same as or different from each other. When processing the fourth surface (S4) and the upper surface (Sb) of the third lens (L3), the thickness (T3), effective length, and radius of curvature of the third lens (L3) are taken into consideration. The fourth surface (S3) of the third lens (L3) faces the third surface (S3) of the second lens (L2), and the second space area (102) has a distance (G2) in the optical axis direction between the second lens (L2) and the third lens (L3).

[0042] The lower surface (Sa) of the lens structure (100) is the sensor-side surface and may be the sensor-side surface of the first lens (L1), and may be manufactured in advance or processed by the irradiation process of the laser module (11). The upper surface (Sb) of the lens structure (100) is the object-side surface and may be the object-side surface of the third lens (L3), and may be manufactured in advance or manufactured by the irradiation process of the laser module (11). That is, the upper surface (Sb) and the lower surface (Sa) of the lens structure (100) are the object-side surface and the sensor-side surface of the lens structure (100), and may be provided in the shape of the object-side surface and the shape of the sensor-side surface of a lens group. That is, one lens structure can be defined as one lens group. In addition, the optical axis distance (GD1) between the first to third lenses (L1, L2, L3) is the optical axis distance of the lens group. The first to third lenses (L1, L2, L3) within the lens structure (100) may be made of the same material and may have the same refractive index and the same Abbe number. That is, the material of the lens structure (100) may include a glass material or a crystal material.

[0043]

[0044] The shape of each of the first to fourth surfaces (S1, S2, S3, S4) of the first and second lenses (L1, L2) can be processed into a convex surface or a concave surface by the laser beam. In addition, when irradiating the lens surfaces, the thickness, effective length, and radius of curvature of each lens are also considered during processing, so that a lens group having a plurality of lenses can be provided.

[0045] Since the lens surfaces are processed using the laser beam within the lens structure (100), the lens structure (100) may have a plurality of lenses as an integral unit. In addition, the lens structure (100) may have one or a plurality of space areas (101, 102). For example, if there is one space area within the lens structure (100), it is placed between two lenses, and if there are two space areas, it is placed between three lenses, respectively. Therefore, the number of space areas within the lens structure may be one less than the number of lenses.

[0046] The body (111) of the above lens structure (100) can connect the non-effective areas, for example, flange areas, of adjacent lenses (L1, L2, L3). The outer surface of the body (111) can be provided in a circular shape having the same diameter on the outer side of each lens or in a circular shape having different diameters.

[0047] The body (111) of the lens structure (100) includes an inlet (P1) and an outlet (P2) connected to each of the plurality of space areas (101, 102), and can communicate with the outside. The inlet (P1) is processed using a laser beam, and may be arranged one or more times in each of the space areas (101, 102). The outlet (P2) is processed using a laser beam, and may be arranged one or more times in each of the space areas (101, 102). In each of the space areas (101, 102), the inlet (P1) may be arranged at the same height as or higher than the position of the outlet (P2). The inlet (P1) and the outlet (P2) may be set to an optimal position through which a liquid or air flow can flow. The shapes of the above inlet (P1) and outlet (P2) can be provided as a polygonal shape having a circle, an ellipse, a trapezoid or a rhombus.

[0048] The lens material having the above lenses can be defined as a lens structure or a lens group. Therefore, by providing the lenses of the lens group as an integral part within the body (111), the optical axis distance of the lens group can be reduced. In addition, the assembly tolerance, optical axis misalignment, or manufacturing tolerance of the lenses of the lens group can be reduced. The overall optical axis distance of a camera module having such a lens structure can be reduced, and the problem of a part of the camera module protruding outside of a coupling target can be reduced. The invention can reduce the optical axis misalignment between lenses within the lens group to 3 μm or less.

[0049]

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5a, an etching process, i.e., a wet etching process, is performed on the surface exposed to the space areas (101, 102) of the lens structure (100). A flow connection part (39) is bonded or tightly attached to the side surface and the inlet (P1) of the lens structure (100), and then positioned inside an etching tank (30) containing an etching liquid (31). An etching liquid (31) containing hydrofluoric acid or ammonium hydrogen fluoride is stored in the etching tank (30), and the lens surfaces are etched using the etching equipment (33, 35, 37). Here, the lens surface may be a rough lens surface processed by the laser beam. To this end, a connecting pipe (32) is connected to the etching tank (30) and each piece of equipment (33, 35, 37), and a filter (33) removes impurities from the etching liquid passing through the etching tank (30), and the etching liquid passing through the filter (33) has foreign substances removed, its pressure is regulated through a pressure regulator (35), and is provided to a flow connection part (39) through a spray nozzle (37). The etching liquid passing through the flow connection part (39) is injected into the space area (101, 102) to treat the rough surface of the lens surface, and is discharged and circulated to the etching tank.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 5b, a washing process is performed on the space areas (101, 102) of the lens structure (100). A flow connection (39) is connected to the lens structure (100), and the washing liquid (41), i.e., water, city water, or washing solution (e.g., deionized water) in the reservoir (40), passes through a pipe (42) to a filter (43), and is then sprayed through a pressure regulator (45). The washing liquid, the pressure of which is controlled by the pressure regulator (45), flows into the space areas (101, 102) through the flow connection (39) and the inlet (P1) via the spray nozzle (47), washes the lens surface, and is discharged through the outlet (P2), thereby removing the etching liquid (or chemical liquid) attached to the lens surface.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 5c, a drying process is performed on the space areas (101, 102) of the lens structure (100). A drying device (57) is connected to the flow connection part (39) of the lens structure (100), and drying air is supplied by a pump (55), and the cleaning liquid is dried by hot air drying and a cooling gun through the drying device (57). That is, drying can be performed by cooling air and then jetting by hot air. When this drying process is completed, the final lens structure or lens group can be provided. Through the surface treatment process, washing, and drying process of the lens surface, the lenses within the lens structure can have distortion-free characteristics.

[0053]

[0054] As shown in (a)(b) of FIG. 6, the lens structure (100) may include a guide protrusion (112) protruding on the lower periphery of the body (111), or may include a guide protrusion (113) protruding on the upper periphery. That is, the lens structure (100) may have a groove or a protrusion on the outer surface of the effective area of ​​the lenses, toward the object side, or toward the sensor side.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the lens structures (100) can be stacked in the direction of the optical axis (Z1), and the lens structure close to the object is defined as the first lens structure (100), and the lens structure arranged on the sensor side of the first lens structure (100) is defined as the second lens structure (100A). That is, the first lens structure (100) and the second lens structure (100A) can be stacked in the direction of the optical axis from the object side toward the image sensor.

[0056] The first lens structure (100) has a plurality of space areas (103) therein, and lenses (L11) are arranged on each of the object side and the sensor side of the plurality of space areas (103). The second lens structure (100A) has a plurality of space areas (104) therein, and lenses (L12) are arranged on each of the object side and the sensor side of the plurality of space areas (104). The first lens structure (100) is mounted in the storage area (125) of the second lens structure (100A), and the second lens structure (100A) may have a guide protrusion (111B) protruding from the upper periphery of the body (111A). The guide protrusion (111B) of the second lens structure (100A) may be accommodated so as to face the outer surface of the first lens structure (100). The invention can also provide a structure capable of combining different lens structures.

[0057] The first lens structure (100) has first guide grooves (161, 162) extending in the optical axis direction on both sides of the body, and the guide protrusion (111B) of the second lens structure (100A) has second guide grooves (151, 152) extending in the optical axis direction on the inside, and the second guide grooves (151, 152) can correspond to the first guide grooves (161, 162).

[0058] A plurality of ball members (171) are arranged between the first guide grooves (161, 162) of the first lens structure (100) and the second guide grooves (151, 152) of the second lens structure (100A), and the ball members (171) guide movement of the first lens structure (100) and / or the second lens structure (100A) in the optical axis direction. Hereinafter, an example of movement of the first lens structure (100) will be described. Since the guide grooves (151, 152, 161, 162) are integrally processed into the lens structure (100, 100A), the straightness of movement along the guide grooves can be improved, and the problem of the guide grooves being warped during manufacturing due to the injection process can be prevented. As another example, the second guide groove (151, 152) may be provided in a housing (200) facing the outside of the first lens structure (100).

[0059] In order to move the first lens structure (100), a magnet (173, 174) is mounted in the outer storage groove (163, 164) of the first lens structure (100), and one or two or more magnets (173, 174) may be arranged. A coil (175, 176) may be arranged in the storage area (153, 154) corresponding to the magnet (173, 174) on the inner side of the second lens structure (100A) or the housing (200). When power is supplied to the coil (175, 176), the first lens structure (100) may be moved up or down in the optical axis direction by the electromagnetic force generated between the coil (175, 176) and the magnet (173, 174). The above magnets (173, 174) may be unipolar or bipolar magnets. A yoke (not shown) may be further arranged outside the coil.

[0060] The coil (175, 176) may be attached to the inside of the housing (200) and may be placed in the receiving area (153, 154) of the second lens structure (100A). The receiving area (153, 154) may be an open area. As another example, the second lens structure (100A) may be provided without the guide protrusion in the area where the coil (175, 176) is placed, in which case the magnet (173, 174) on the outer surface of the first lens structure (100) and the coil (175, 176) placed in the housing (200) may face each other. The number of pairs of coils and magnets may be one or two or more, and may be defined as an actuator for AF (Auto focus). In addition, a Hall sensor for position sensing may be further provided on the inside of the coil.

[0061]

[0062] As shown in Fig. 10, the outer shape of the second lens structure (100A) may be circular. As shown in Fig. 11, the inner surface of the guide protrusion (111B) of the second lens structure (100A) may be circular and the outer surface may be polygonal. The housing (200) disclosed above may be coupled to the outer surface of the second lens structure (100A), and a substrate (not shown) that supports the coil (175, 176) and supplies power to the coil (175, 176) may be provided.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 12, the lens structure (100C) may have a space region (105) therein and may include an object-side lens (L22) and a sensor-side lens (L21). The object-side lens (L22) may include a Fresnel lens or a condenser lens. The Fresnel lens or condenser lens may include patterns having a concentric shape and may condense incident light. The lens structure (100C) may be applied to a transmitting optical system or a receiving optical system. As another example, the Fresnel lens or condenser lens may be provided to the sensor-side lens. The surface shape and pattern of the Fresnel lens may be manufactured by forming a pattern and a convex curve using the laser beam, and then using an etching process, a washing process, and a drying process. The sensor-side lens (L21) may have a meniscus shape convex toward the object or a meniscus shape convex toward the sensor.

[0064]

[0065] As shown in Fig. 13, the lens structure (100D) can provide a shape in which the object-side surface (Sb) is convex on the optical axis and the sensor-side surface (Sa) is concave on the optical axis. As another example, the lens structure (100D) can provide a shape in which the object-side surface is concave on the optical axis and the sensor-side surface is convex on the optical axis. The second lens (L2) arranged between the internal space regions (101, 102) of the lens structure (100D) can be a bi-concave lens or a bi-convex lens. A light-shielding film (117) is coated on the outer surface of the effective area of ​​the lens structure (100D), and the light-shielding film (117) is coated in black on the outer side surface and the upper and lower outer surfaces of each lens (L1, L2, L3) to block light incident through an unnecessary path. Accordingly, the occurrence of flare on the image sensor can be suppressed. The above-mentioned shade film (117) can cover the inlet (P1) and outlet (P2).

[0066]

[0067] As shown in Fig. 14, the lens structure (100) may have an object-side surface (Sb) convex on the optical axis, and a sensor-side surface (Sa) may be flat or convex. The first surface (S1) of the first lens (L1) of the lens structure (100) may have a critical point in the region between the optical axis and the edge. The critical point may be a point where the slope value of the tangent line passing through the lens surface increases and decreases, or a point where the slope value decreases and then increases. That is, the first surface (S1) having the critical point may be provided by irradiating the laser beam. The lens surface having the critical point may refract incident light into various regions.

[0068] (a)(b) of FIG. 15 shows that the lens structure (100D) may include lenses having different lengths in the first and second directions (X, Y) orthogonal to the optical axis (Z1). For example, the object-side lens (L3) may have different lengths in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). That is, the object-side lens (L3) may be provided as a de-cut lens. For such a de-cut lens, the shape of the lens structure (100D) may have an upper diameter and a lower diameter that are different in the first and second directions. For example, the lens structure (100D) may have an upper diameter in the first direction (X) smaller than an upper diameter in the second direction (Y).

[0069] As shown in Fig. 16, after loading the lens structure into the clamp (ST1), a laser beam is irradiated onto the lens forming surface inside the lens structure using a laser device (ST2). The laser beam is irradiated in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the optical axis to form a lens surface. In addition, the lens surface of the object-side lens of the lens surface is also formed in the same manner as described above. When forming the lens surface, the processing is performed by considering the thickness of each lens, the radius of curvature of each lens, the effective length of each lens, and the spacing between adjacent lenses. That is, by controlling the focal depth of the laser beam, the processing is performed sequentially from the lens or lens surface at a long distance to the lens or lens surface at a close distance (ST3). Thereafter, the processed lens surfaces are wet-etched (ST4), and after the wet-etching, a water-rinsing process is performed on the surfaces of the lens surfaces (ST5), and after the water-rinsing process, a drying process is performed (ST6). The lens structure that has undergone these processes can be provided as a single lens group.

[0070]

[0071] As shown in FIG. 17, a camera module according to an embodiment may include a housing (200), a reflective member (210), a first lens structure (200A) having a first lens group (LG1), a second lens structure (200B) having a second lens group (LG2), and a third lens structure (200C) having a third lens group (LG3). The housing (200) may protect the outer sides of the first to third lens structures (200A, 200B, 200C) and may include one or more actuators therein for moving at least one lens structure in the optical axis direction. The housing (200) may be made of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves. The housing (200) may be made of a metal material. The first to third lens structures (200A, 200B, 200C) may be aligned with a first axis or an optical axis (Z1). In addition, since each lens group (LG1, LG2, LG3) is equipped with two or more lenses as an integral unit, the optical axis distance of the lens group can be reduced, and the optical axis misalignment within the lens group can be reduced, thereby suppressing the occurrence of distortion.

[0072] The housing (200) has an object-side opening that is open on the upper surface, and the object-side opening can face the incident side of the reflective member (210). The housing (200) has a sensor-side opening on the sensor side, and the sensor-side opening can face the image sensor of the sensor assembly (240). The housing (200) can include a second axis (Z2) passing through the object-side opening and a first axis (Z1) passing through the sensor-side opening, and the first and second axes (Z1, Z2) can be orthogonal to each other. A filter (245) can be coupled to the sensor side of the housing (200).

[0073] And the reflective member (210) can perform the OIS function by the OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) actuator and can vertically change the path of light. The reflective member (210) can be, for example, a prism or a mirror. For example, the reflective member (200) can change the light from the second axis (Z2) to the first axis (Z1). By this configuration, even if the thickness of the mobile terminal or electronic device is reduced, a lens configuration larger than the thickness of the mobile terminal can be placed inside the mobile terminal through the change of the light path, so that magnification, auto focusing (AF), zoom, and OIS functions can be performed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the reflective member (210) can be rotated, moved, or tilted.

[0074]

[0075] The first lens structure (200A) may be positioned closest to an object or may be positioned between the reflective member (210) and the second lens structure (200B). The first lens structure (200A) may be fixed in position and may have one or more lenses inside. The body (211) of the first lens structure (200A) may have a plurality of space areas (205). The second lens structure (200B) may be positioned between the second lens structure (200B) and the third lens structure (200C). The second lens structure (200B) may move in the optical axis direction or return to its original position so that its position changes depending on the wide mode, intermediate mode, and telephoto mode, and may have a plurality of lenses inside. The body (212) of the second lens structure (200B) may have a space area (206). The third lens structure (200C) is positioned between the second lens structure (200B) and the sensor assembly (240) or the optical filter (245). The third lens structure (200C) may be fixed in position or may move in the optical axis direction depending on the wide mode, intermediate mode, and telephoto mode, and may have a plurality of lenses therein. The body (212) of the third lens structure (200C) may have a space area (207).

[0076] The guide protrusion (215) of the third lens structure (200C) may have the second lens structure (200B) mounted on the internal mounting area (215A), and may be moved in the optical axis direction by the ball member (171) and the actuator disclosed in FIG. 7. The guide protrusion (215) and the second lens structure (200B) may have a guide groove in which the ball member is mounted in an area facing each other, and may have an actuator in another area. The invention can stack one lens structure with another plastic lens or glass lens inside a camera module. In addition, the invention can separate two lens structures from each other, and then combine one or more lenses (plastic or glass lenses) between the two lens structures. Alternatively, when one lens structure is provided in the camera module, the lens structure may be arranged in an area closest to the object, in an area closest to the image sensor, or between different lenses or different lens groups.

[0077]

[0078] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied. As illustrated in Fig. 18, the mobile terminal (1500) of the embodiment may include a camera module (1000), a flash module (1530), and an autofocus device (1510) provided on the rear. The camera module (1000) may include an image capturing function and an autofocus function. For example, the camera module (1000) may include an autofocus function using an image. The camera module (1000) processes image frames of still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor in a shooting mode or a video call mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on a predetermined display unit and stored in a memory. A camera (not shown) may also be arranged on the front of the mobile terminal body. For example, the camera module (1000) may include a first camera module (1000A) and a second camera module (1000B), and OIS may be implemented together with AF or zoom functions by the first camera module (1000A).

[0079] The flash module (1530) may include a light-emitting element that emits light therein. The flash module (1530) may be operated by the camera operation of the mobile terminal or by the control of the user. The auto-focus device (1510) may include one of the packages of surface-emitting laser elements as a light-emitting unit. The auto-focus device (1510) may include an auto-focus function using a laser. The auto-focus device (1510) may be mainly used in conditions where the auto-focus function using the image of the camera module (1000) is degraded, for example, in a close range of 10 m or less or in a dark environment. The auto-focus device (1510) may include a light-emitting unit including a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) semiconductor element, and a light-receiving unit that converts light energy into electrical energy, such as a photodiode.

[0080] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied, and is an exterior view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle driving assistance device to which a camera module is applied.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 19, the vehicle (700) of the embodiment may be equipped with wheels (13FL, 13RL) that rotate by a power source and a predetermined sensor. The sensor may be a camera sensor (2000), but is not limited thereto. The camera (2000) may be a camera sensor to which a camera module (1000) according to the embodiment is applied. The vehicle (700) of the embodiment may obtain image information through the camera sensor (2000) that captures a front image or a surrounding image, and may determine a lane non-identification situation using the image information and generate a virtual lane when the lane is not identified. For example, the camera sensor (2000) may capture the front of the vehicle (700) to obtain a front image, and a processor (not shown) may analyze an object included in the front image to obtain image information. For example, if objects such as a center divider, curb, or street tree, which correspond to a lane, adjacent vehicle, traffic obstruction, or indirect road marking, are captured in an image captured by a camera sensor (2000), the processor can detect these objects and include them in the image information. At this time, the processor can obtain distance information to the object detected through the camera sensor (2000) to further supplement the image information. The image information may be information about the object captured in the image. The camera sensor (2000) may include an image sensor and an image processing module.

[0082] The camera sensor (2000) can process still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD). The image processing module can process the still images or moving images obtained through the image sensor, extract necessary information, and transmit the extracted information to the processor. At this time, the camera sensor (2000) may include a stereo camera to improve the measurement accuracy of the object and secure more information such as the distance between the vehicle (700) and the object, but is not limited thereto. The lens structure or camera module according to an embodiment of the invention can be applied to an optical system, an optical system capable of continuous zoom, a mobile device, an AR, a VR, a vehicle, a camcorder, or a drone.

[0083] Although the above description focuses on examples, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art 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 construed as being included within the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A transparent body having a plurality of lenses aligned along the optical axis from the object side toward the sensor side; and It is disposed within the above transparent body and includes a space area disposed between the plurality of lenses, The upper surface on the object side and the lower surface on the sensor side of the above transparent body are lens surfaces, The object side and sensor side of the above space area are lens sides, An optical lens structure in which the above lens surface has one of a convex surface, a concave surface, or a flat surface on the optical axis.

2. In paragraph 1, The above transparent body is an optical lens structure made of glass or crystal material.

3. In paragraph 1, An optical lens structure in which the distance from the optical axis of the above transparent body is the optical axis distance of the plurality of lenses.

4. In paragraph 1, The above space area is one or more than two, The above plurality of lenses is an optical lens structure having one more than the number of space areas.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above space region is an optical lens structure having an inlet and an outlet connected to the outside.

6. A first lens group having a plurality of lenses and a first lens structure having a space area between the lenses of the first lens group; A plurality of first guide grooves arranged in the direction of the optical axis on the outer side of the first lens structure; At least one magnet arranged on the outside of the first lens structure; A housing or a second lens structure is disposed on the outside of the first lens structure and has a second guide groove opposite to the first guide groove, A camera module in which the housing or second lens structure has a coil facing the magnet.

7. In paragraph 6, A camera module, wherein the second lens structure has a second lens group having a plurality of lenses aligned with the optical axis of the first lens structure and a space area between the lenses of the second lens group.

8. In paragraph 6 or 7, The second guide groove is arranged in the second lens structure, The second lens structure includes a guide protrusion protruding outward from the first lens structure on the upper periphery, A camera module wherein the second guide groove extends in the direction of the optical axis on the inner side of the guide protrusion.

9. Step of loading the lens structure into the insertion hole of the clamp facing the laser equipment; A step of irradiating a laser beam generated from a laser module of the above laser equipment toward the lens structure; A method for manufacturing an optical lens structure, comprising the step of irradiating the laser beam from a long distance to a short distance of the lens structure to process a plurality of lens surfaces and a space area between the plurality of lens surfaces.

10. In paragraph 9, A method for manufacturing an optical lens structure, comprising a step of forming an inlet and an outlet respectively connected to the space region by irradiating the laser beam.

11. In paragraph 9 or 10, The above laser module irradiates a green wavelength laser beam, A method for manufacturing an optical lens structure, wherein the above space area and the above lens surfaces are processed in the order of an etching process, a washing process, and a drying process.

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