Camera module

Abstract

A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a lens barrel; a plurality of lenses disposed in the lens barrel; and a spacer disposed between adjacent lenses from among the plurality of lenses, wherein the inner surface of the spacer includes a pattern part and an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to an optical axis.

Description

Camera module

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera module applicable to various lenses.

[0002] Camera modules perform the function of capturing objects and saving them as images or videos, and are installed in various applications. In particular, camera modules are manufactured in ultra-compact sizes and are applied not only to portable devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops, but also to drones and vehicles, providing a wide range of functions.

[0003] For example, the optical system of a camera module may include an imaging lens that forms an image and an image sensor that converts the formed image into an electrical signal. In this case, the camera module can perform an autofocus (AF) function that aligns the focal length of the lens by automatically adjusting the distance between the image sensor and the imaging lens, and can perform a zooming function of zooming up or zooming out by increasing or decreasing the magnification of a distant object through a zoom lens. Additionally, the camera module employs image stabilization (IS) technology to correct or prevent image shaking caused by camera movement resulting from unstable fixed devices or user movements.

[0004] Such a camera module may include a lens barrel comprising a plurality of imaging lenses for high-resolution implementation. Additionally, at least one spacer may be disposed between the plurality of imaging lenses to maintain a gap between the lenses. The spacer may be located in an area corresponding to an ineffective area of ​​the imaging lens that is irrelevant to the optical characteristics incident between the plurality of imaging lenses.

[0005] These spacers are generally manufactured through mechanical processes such as grinding or cutting, press processing, or injection molding, and an opening is formed in an area corresponding to the effective area of ​​the imaging lens. At this time, the upper and lower parts of the formed opening have corresponding shapes, and the imaging lenses placed on the upper and lower parts of the opening, respectively, have shapes corresponding to the upper and lower parts of the opening, respectively. As a result, the size of the effective diameter of the imaging lens is reduced, which may cause light loss and lead to a problem of degraded optical characteristics.

[0006] In addition, as the upper and lower parts of the opening have corresponding shapes, there is a problem in that the degree of freedom of the shape of the imaging lenses placed at the upper and lower parts of the spacer is reduced.

[0007] Therefore, a new lens spacer capable of solving the aforementioned problem and a camera module including the same are required.

[0008] The present embodiment aims to provide a camera module that reduces flare and has improved optical characteristics.

[0009] To solve the above technical problem, a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a lens barrel; a plurality of lenses disposed within the lens barrel; and a spacer disposed between adjacent lenses among the plurality of lenses, wherein the inner surface of the spacer comprises an inclined surface inclined with respect to the optical axis and a pattern portion.

[0010] The inner surface of the spacer includes a first surface and a second surface, a third surface opposite the first surface, and a fourth surface opposite the second surface, and the inner surface of the spacer may include a first pattern portion between the first surface and the second surface, a second pattern portion between the second surface and the third surface, a third pattern portion between the third surface and the fourth surface, and a fourth pattern portion between the fourth surface and the first surface.

[0011] The above first to fourth pattern sections may be formed by alternating ridges and valleys.

[0012] The above-mentioned ridge may be formed with two inclined surfaces protruding from the valleys on both sides.

[0013] The angle formed by the two inclined surfaces protruding from the valleys on both sides of the above-mentioned ridge can satisfy between 55 and 75 degrees.

[0014] The length from one side of the above-mentioned valley to the crest protruding in a vertical direction can satisfy 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0015] To solve the above technical problem, a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a first surface and a second surface; and an inner surface and an outer surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein the inner surface comprises a first surface and a second surface, a third surface opposite to the first surface, and a fourth surface opposite to the second surface, wherein the inner surface comprises a first pattern portion between the first surface and the second surface, a second pattern portion between the second surface and the third surface, a third pattern portion between the third surface and the fourth surface, and a fourth pattern portion between the fourth surface and the first surface, wherein the first to fourth pattern portions are formed by alternating crests and valleys.

[0016] The above-mentioned ridge may be formed with two inclined surfaces protruding from the valleys on both sides.

[0017] The angle formed by the two inclined surfaces protruding from the valleys on both sides of the above-mentioned ridge can satisfy between 55 and 75 degrees.

[0018] The length from one side of the above-mentioned valley to the crest protruding in a vertical direction can satisfy 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0019] The lens spacer of the camera module according to the present embodiment can have a flare reduction effect by forming a pattern on the shape of the inner surface.

[0020] In addition, the camera module can be miniaturized by applying a spacer applicable to D-cut lenses.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to the present embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a top view of a spacer according to the present embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a spacer according to the present embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of area A of Figure 3.

[0025] FIGS. 5 and 6 are drawings for explaining the pattern portion of a spacer according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of area B of Figure 6.

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted.

[0029] In addition, terms used in this embodiment (including technical and scientific terms) may be interpreted in a sense that is generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. Terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in advance, may be interpreted in consideration of their meaning in the context of the relevant technology.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms used in this embodiment are for the purpose of describing the embodiment and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0031] In this specification, the singular form may include the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text, and when described as "at least one of A and B and C (or more than one)," it may include one or more of all combinations that can be formed from A, B, and C.

[0032] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the present embodiment. These terms are used merely to distinguish the components from other components and are not intended to limit the essence, order, or sequence of the components.

[0033] And, where it is stated that a component is 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' to another component, this may include not only cases where the component is directly 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' to the other component, but also cases where it is 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' due to another component located between the component and the other component.

[0034] Furthermore, when described as being formed or placed "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or placed between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as "above" or "below," it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to a single component.

[0035]

[0036] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a top view of a spacer according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a spacer according to the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 to 6 are drawings for explaining the pattern portion of a spacer according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of area B of FIG. 6.

[0037] The lens module may include a lens barrel (30) and a plurality of lenses (20). A plurality of lenses (20) may be arranged inside the lens barrel (30). The lens module may include a spacer (10) placed between the lenses. The lenses may be placed at a position corresponding to an image sensor.

[0038] Each of the plurality of lenses (20) may include an effective region and a non-effective region. The effective region may be a region through which light incident on each of the plurality of lenses passes. That is, the effective region may be a region where the incident light is refracted to realize optical characteristics.

[0039] The non-effective area may be placed around the effective area. The non-effective area may be an area where light is not incident. That is, the non-effective area may be an area unrelated to optical properties. Additionally, the non-effective area may be an area fixed to the lens barrel (30) and spacer (10) that accommodate the lens.

[0040] At least one of the multiple lenses (20) may have a D-cut technique applied to it. When the D-cut technique is applied, the height of the entire optical system may be reduced by cutting off a portion of the lens's effective diameter or rib. Here, the height of the entire optical system may refer to the length in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, rather than the TTL. The shape of the lens may be non-circular.

[0041] A D-cut technique may be applied to the spacer (10) according to the present embodiment to correspond to the lens shape. The spacer (10) may have a non-circular shape. At least one of the one surface and the other surface of the spacer (10) may face the ineffective area of ​​the lens (20). At least one of the one surface and the other surface of the spacer (10) may contact the ineffective area of ​​the lens (20). The spacer (10) may include an inner surface and an outer surface connecting the one surface and the other surface.

[0042] The inner surface of the spacer (10) may include an inclined surface and a pattern portion inclined with respect to the optical axis. The inner surface of the spacer (10) may include a first surface (S1) and a second surface (S2), a third surface (S3) opposite the first surface (S1), and a fourth surface (S4) opposite the second surface (S2). The first to fourth surfaces (S4) of the spacer (10) may be inclined with respect to the optical axis. The first to fourth surfaces (S4) of the spacer (10) may be inclined with respect to either one surface or the other surface.

[0043] The inner surface of the spacer (10) may include a first pattern section (P1) between the first surface (S1) and the second surface (S2), a second pattern section (P2) between the second surface (S2) and the third surface (S3), a third pattern section (P3) between the third surface (S3) and the fourth surface (S4), and a fourth pattern section (P4) between the fourth surface (S4) and the first surface (S1). The first to fourth pattern sections (P1, P2, P3, P4) of the spacer (10) may be formed in the corner portions of the spacer (10).

[0044] The first to fourth pattern sections (P1, P2, P3, P4) of the spacer (10) may be inclined with respect to the optical axis. The first to fourth pattern sections (P1, P2, P3, P4) of the spacer (10) may be inclined with respect to either one side or the other side. In the direction of rotation with respect to the optical axis, the length of each of the first to fourth sides (S1, S2, S3, S4) of the spacer (10) may be greater than the length of the first to fourth pattern sections (P1, P2, P3, P4).

[0045] The first to fourth pattern portions (P1, P2, P3, P4) on the inner surface of the spacer (10) may be formed by alternating protrusions (12) and depressions. The first to fourth pattern portions (P1, P2, P3, P4) may be formed by alternating ridges (15) and valleys (11). A ridge (15) may refer to the outermost end of a protrusion (12), and a valley (11) may refer to the outermost end of a depression. The ridges (15) and valleys (11) may be formed as flat surfaces. The ridges (15) and valleys (11) may include flat areas. The ridges (15) and valleys (11) may not include flat areas.

[0046] The crest (15) and the valley (11) can be formed by extending from one side of the spacer (10) in the direction of the other side. The maximum length (H) of the crest (15) extended from one side of the spacer (10) in the direction of the other side can be 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, and preferably about 0.4 mm. When the above conditions are satisfied, the pattern portion of the spacer (10) can have a flare reduction effect.

[0047] The ridge (15) may be formed by two inclined surfaces (13, 14) protruding from the valleys (11) on both sides of the ridge (15). The length (I) from one side of the valley (11) to the ridge (15) protruding in a vertical direction may be 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, and preferably about 0.135 mm. The angle (J) formed by the two inclined surfaces protruding from the valleys (11) on both sides of the ridge (15) may be 55 to 75 degrees, and preferably about 60 to about 70 degrees. When the above conditions are satisfied, a large amount of light reflection occurs due to the pattern part, which can reduce the flare intensity of the light path and withstand injection pressure, which can be advantageous in terms of manufacturing.

[0048] The ridge (15) can form two inclined surfaces and a curved surface protruding from the valleys on both sides. The radius of curvature of the curved surface (R) can be 0.005 mm to 0.02 mm. When the above conditions are satisfied, a lot of light reflection occurs due to the pattern part, which can reduce the flare intensity of the light path. If the lower limit of the above conditions is less than the lower limit, there is a problem that manufacturing is impossible, and if the upper limit of the above conditions is exceeded, there is a problem that light is not scattered and flare is not reduced.

[0049] With respect to the optical axis (O), the angle (G) formed by two adjacent crests (15) can be 1 to 1.8 degrees, and preferably about 1.2 degrees. Here, the optical axis (O) may coincide with the center of the opening of the spacer (10). The angle (G) formed by two adjacent crests (15) with respect to the optical axis (O) may be referred to as the pitch angle. When the above conditions are satisfied, the number of pattern parts and the pitch angle can be integerized, and the processing of the pattern parts and the flare influence can be optimized.

[0050]

[0051] 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 only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment may be combined or modified and implemented in other embodiments by a person skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, details regarding such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0052] Furthermore, although the invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, this is merely illustrative and does not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified and implemented. Differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Lens barrel; A plurality of lenses disposed within the lens barrel; and It includes a spacer disposed between adjacent lenses among the plurality of lenses mentioned above, and The inner surface of the above spacer is a camera module including an inclined surface and a pattern portion inclined with respect to the optical axis.

2. In Paragraph 1, The inner surface of the spacer includes a first surface and a second surface, a third surface opposite the first surface, and a fourth surface opposite the second surface. The inner surface of the spacer comprises a first pattern portion between the first surface and the second surface, a second pattern portion between the second surface and the third surface, a third pattern portion between the third surface and the fourth surface, and a fourth pattern portion between the fourth surface and the first surface, forming a camera module.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above first to fourth pattern sections are a camera module formed by alternating crests and valleys.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above-mentioned ridge is a camera module formed by two inclined surfaces protruding from the valleys on both sides.

5. In Paragraph 3, A camera module in which the angle formed by two inclined surfaces protruding from the grooves on both sides of the above-mentioned ridge satisfies 55 to 75 degrees.

6. In Paragraph 3, A camera module in which the length from one side of the above-mentioned valley to the above-mentioned crest protruding in a vertical direction is 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm.

7. One side and the other side; and It includes an inner surface and an outer surface connecting the above-mentioned one surface and the other surface, and The above inner surface includes a first surface and a second surface, a third surface opposite the first surface, and a fourth surface opposite the second surface, and The inner surface includes a first pattern portion between the first surface and the second surface, a second pattern portion between the second surface and the third surface, a third pattern portion between the third surface and the fourth surface, and a fourth pattern portion between the fourth surface and the first surface. The above first to fourth pattern portions are spacers formed by alternating crests and valleys.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned floor is a spacer formed by two inclined surfaces protruding from the valleys on both sides.

9. In Paragraph 7, A spacer in which the angle formed by two inclined surfaces protruding from the valleys on both sides of the above-mentioned floor satisfies 55 to 75 degrees.

10. In Paragraph 7, A spacer satisfying a length of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm to the crest protruding vertically from one side of the above-mentioned valley.

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