Camera module

Abstract

A camera module according to the present embodiment includes: an optical path control member; a first lens barrel disposed on an object side of the optical path control member; and a second lens barrel disposed on a sensor side of the optical path control member, wherein: the first lens barrel includes a first opening on the object side and a second opening on the sensor side, the first and second openings being formed through the first lens barrel along a first axis direction; and the second opening includes a first engagement step extending in a second axis direction perpendicular to the first axis direction.

Description

Camera module

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

[0002] Recently, cameras have been standardly adopted in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops, and features such as autofocus (AF), optical image stabilization (OIS), and zoom are being added to cameras for mobile devices.

[0003] However, there is a problem in that the structure of the camera module becomes complex and its size increases in order to implement various functions, which ultimately leads to an increase in the size of the portable electronic device equipped with the camera module.

[0004] In addition, to implement autofocus and optical zoom functions, a distance of at least a certain length must be secured to allow the lens to move along the optical axis; however, there is a problem in that implementing such a structure is difficult due to the miniaturization of camera modules.

[0005] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a camera module.

[0006] To solve the above technical problem, a camera module according to the present embodiment comprises: an optical path control member; a first lens barrel disposed on the object side of the optical path control member; and a second lens barrel disposed on the sensor side of the optical path control member, wherein the first lens barrel includes a first opening on the object side and a second opening on the sensor side that penetrate along a first axis direction, and the second opening includes a first stopper extending in a second axis direction perpendicular to the first axis direction.

[0007] The first lens barrel may include a curved portion connecting the outer surface and the first locking projection.

[0008] The second lens barrel includes a third opening on the object side and a fourth opening on the sensor side that penetrate along the second axis direction, and the diameter of the third opening may be larger than the diameter of the fourth opening.

[0009] The outer surface of the second lens barrel may have a shape that narrows obliquely from the third opening to the fourth opening.

[0010] The diameter of the plurality of lenses disposed within the second lens barrel may increase from the third opening to the fourth opening.

[0011] The fourth opening of the second lens barrel may include a second stopper extending in the direction of the first axis.

[0012] The apparatus includes a first actuator for moving the optical path control member; and a second actuator for moving the second lens barrel, wherein the second actuator includes a housing in which the second lens barrel is disposed, and the first actuator includes a coupling member that is coupled to the housing of the second actuator.

[0013] The above coupling member includes an avoidance portion extending in the direction of the second axis, and a gap may be formed between the avoidance portion and the first lens barrel.

[0014] The housing of the second actuator may include a recess that is recessed in a shape corresponding to the avoidance portion of the coupling member.

[0015] The above coupling member includes a coupling portion that is coupled to both ends of the housing of the first actuator, and the avoidance portion of the coupling member may be formed in a ring shape by extending from the coupling portion in the direction of the second axis.

[0016] According to these embodiments, in a structure where the lens barrel and the prism drive OIS together, interference between the components during tilting can be prevented and flare of light incident on the prism can be reduced.

[0017] In addition, forming the lens barrel to match the lens shape can be advantageous for the injection molding of the lens.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement structure of the first lens barrel, the first light path control member, the second lens barrel, the second light path control member, and the image sensor of a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the second lens barrel of the camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a top view of a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first actuator of the camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the state excluding the first lens barrel in Figure 5.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal with a camera module applied according to the present embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 9 is an exterior view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle driving assistance device having a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[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] In the description of the invention, "object side" may refer to a surface of the lens facing the object side with respect to the optical axis (OA), and "sensor side" may refer to a surface of the lens facing the imaging surface (image sensor) with respect to the optical axis. "Object side" may be the "object side," and "sensor side" may be the "image side." One surface of the lens being convex may refer to a convex shape in the optical axis or paraxial region, and one surface of the lens being concave may refer to a concave shape in the optical axis or paraxial region. The radius of curvature, center thickness, and optical axis spacing between lenses listed in the lens data table may refer to values ​​(unit, mm) in the optical axis. The vertical direction may refer to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the end of the lens or lens surface may refer to the end of the effective area of ​​the 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 paraxial region refers to a very narrow region near the optical axis, and is a region where the distance of light rays from the optical axis (OA) is almost zero. Hereinafter, the term optical axis may include the center of each lens or a very narrow region near the optical axis.

[0036] The optical axis (OA) may refer to the central axis on the path of light where light incident from the first axis direction (x-axis direction) is bent in the second axis direction (y-axis direction) by a prism lens.

[0037]

[0038] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement structure of a first lens barrel, a first light path control member, a second lens barrel, a second light path control member, and an image sensor of a camera module according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the second lens barrel of the camera module according to the present embodiment; FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the camera module according to the present embodiment; FIG. 4 is a top view of the camera module according to the present embodiment; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first actuator of the camera module according to the present embodiment; FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the state excluding the first lens barrel in FIG. 5; and FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The camera module according to the present embodiment includes an optical path control member, a first lens barrel (100), and a second lens barrel (300), and may include an image sensor (400), a first actuator (1100), and a second actuator (1200).

[0040] The optical path control member may include a first optical path control member (231) and a second optical path control member (232). The first optical path control member (231) may be positioned between the first lens barrel (100) and the second lens barrel (300). The second optical path control member (232) may be positioned between the second lens barrel (300) and the image sensor (400).

[0041] The optical path control member may be a prism lens. The optical path control member may be a mirror. The optical path control member can change the path of light incident from the outside. For example, the optical path control member can change the optical path by 90°.

[0042] The first light path control member (231) can change the path of light to the second axis direction (y-axis direction) by reflecting light incident in the first axis direction (x-axis direction). The second light path control member (232) can change the path of light to the first axis direction (x-axis direction) by reflecting light incident in the second axis direction (y-axis direction).

[0043] The optical path control member can reduce the length in the first axis direction (x-axis direction) and the length in the second axis direction (y-axis direction) of the camera module. The optical path control member includes an incident surface where light is incident, a reflective surface that reflects the incident light, and an exit surface that emits the reflected light. For example, the reflective surface has an angle of inclination of 45° with respect to the incident surface and serves to reflect the main ray of the incident light at 90° to the exit surface.

[0044] If the camera module does not include an optical path control member, a plurality of lenses within an optical device including the camera module may be arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the optical device where light is incident.

[0045] Accordingly, multiple lenses have a high height in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the optical device where light is incident, and it may be difficult to form the optical device with an ultra-thin thickness. The optical path control member can refract light incident on one surface of the optical device to change the optical path in a direction parallel to one surface of the optical device. That is, multiple lenses included in the camera module can be arranged to extend in a direction parallel to the surface of the optical device where light is incident, and the optical device can be formed with a thin thickness.

[0046] A driving member (not shown) may be connected to an optical path control member. The driving member may include at least one actuator. The driving member may be a first actuator (1100). For example, the driving member may include at least one of a VCM (Voice Coil Motor), a piezoelectric device, a shape memory alloy, or a MEMS device as the actuator. The driving member may move the optical path control member using the driving force of the actuator. For example, the first actuator (1100) may drive the first optical path control member (231) and the first lens barrel (100) together via OIS. The first actuator (1100) can rotate the first optical path control member (231) and the first lens barrel (100) by yaw, roll, or pitch, or move them in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0047]

[0048]

[0049] The camera module (1520) includes a detection unit (not shown) that detects shaking, and the detection unit can detect rotation and position changes applied to the camera module (1520). The detection unit may include at least one of a sensor that detects changes in angular velocity, for example, a gyro sensor, and an acceleration sensor that detects changes in acceleration.

[0050] The camera module (1520) can control the movement of the optical path control member by means of a control signal. Specifically, if shaking occurs in the camera module (1520), information regarding the shaking, such as the degree of rotation and position change of the sensors, can be detected, and correction for the shaking can be performed.

[0051] Accordingly, the camera module (1520) according to the embodiment can effectively correct shaking caused by rotation and shaking caused by changes in position when photographing a subject located at infinity or macro distance. Therefore, the camera module (1520) can have improved optical characteristics.

[0052] The image sensor (400) can detect light. The image sensor (400) can detect light that has passed sequentially through a plurality of lenses, for example, first to seventh lenses (201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207). The image sensor (400) may include a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS), etc.

[0053]

[0054] The first lens barrel (100) may be positioned on the object side of the first light path control member (231). A first lens group (LG1) may be positioned inside the first lens barrel (100). The first lens group (LG1) may include at least one lens. For example, the first lens group (LG1) may include a first lens (201) and a second lens (202). A first spacer (211) may be positioned between the first lens (201) and the second lens (202). The first spacer (211) may maintain a set distance between the first lens (201) and the second lens (202).

[0055] If sufficient spacing is ensured between adjacent lenses, the path of light directly reflected from one lens surface to another is lengthened, and flare can be prevented because the intensity of the reflected light is weakened or the light path is changed. In addition, in the case of black-treated spacers, they can absorb or block light reflected between lenses, which can be more effective in preventing flare.

[0056] The first lens barrel (100) may include a first opening (101) on the object side and a second opening (102) on the sensor side that penetrate along the first axis direction (x-axis direction). The diameter of the first opening (101) may be larger than the diameter of the second opening (102). A first lens group (LG1) may be inserted and positioned through the first opening (101). After the first lens group (LG1) is inserted through the first opening (101), a first retainer (121) may be positioned on the object side of the first lens (201) and on the first opening (101). This allows the position of the first lens group (LG1) positioned inside the first lens barrel (100) to be fixed.

[0057] The second opening (102) may include a first stopper (105) extending in a second axis direction (y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first axis direction (x-axis direction). The first stopper (105) may be formed by extending toward the center of the second opening (102). The first stopper (105) can prevent the first lens group (LG1) placed inside the first lens barrel (100) from moving out. The inner surface of the first stopper (105) and the sensor side of the second lens (202) may come into contact. The first stopper (105) may overlap with the first lens group (LG1) in the first axis direction (x-axis direction).

[0058] By forming the first stopper (105) of the first lens barrel (100) in the second opening (102), the first stopper (105) can physically block the light reflected between the second lens (202) and the first light path control member (231), thereby reducing flare.

[0059] Additionally, the first retainer (121) is configured to fix the position of the lens after the lens is placed inside the first lens barrel (100). When the first retainer (121) is assembled to the sensor side of the second lens (202), there is a problem that assembly is difficult due to a lack of space between the first light path control member (231) and the first lens barrel (100). When the first retainer (121) is assembled to the object side of the first lens (201), interference between the first retainer (121) and the first light path control member (231) can be prevented, and the first retainer (121) can be assembled to the first lens barrel (100) even after the first lens barrel (100) is placed on the first actuator (1100). Furthermore, the weight can be reduced compared to the first lens barrel (110) according to another embodiment of the present invention described later.

[0060] The first lens barrel (100) may include a curved portion (104) connecting the outer surface (103) and the first locking projection (105). The curved portion (104) may be a chamfered outer edge area of ​​the first lens barrel (100). The curved portion (104) may have a shape that sinks inward as it moves toward the second opening (102). The curved portion (104) can prevent interference between the first lens barrel (100) and the first actuator (1100) during the OIS tilt operation described later, and can prevent interference between the first lens barrel (100) and the second actuator (1200) during AF operation.

[0061]

[0062] The second lens barrel (300) may be positioned on the sensor side of the first light path control member (231). A second lens group (LG2) may be positioned inside the second lens barrel (300). The second lens group (LG2) may include at least one lens. For example, the second lens group (LG2) may include a third lens (203), a fourth lens (204), a fifth lens (205), a sixth lens (206), and a seventh lens (207).

[0063] A second spacer (212) may be placed between the third lens (203) and the fourth lens (204), a third spacer (213) may be placed between the fourth lens (204) and the fifth lens (205), and a fourth spacer (214) may be placed between the fifth lens (205) and the sixth lens (206). The second spacer (212), the third spacer (213), and the fourth spacer (214) can maintain a set distance between two adjacent lenses and prevent flare.

[0064] The second lens barrel (300) may include a third opening (301) on the object side and a fourth opening (302) on the sensor side that penetrate along the second axis direction (y-axis direction). The diameter of the third opening (301) may be larger than the diameter of the fourth opening (302). The second lens group (LG2) may be inserted and positioned through the third opening (301). After the second lens group (LG2) is inserted through the third opening (301), a second retainer (222) may be positioned on the object side of the third lens (203) and on the third opening (301). Through this, the position of the second lens group (LG2) positioned inside the second lens barrel (300) can be fixed.

[0065] The fourth opening (302) may include a second stopper (304) extending in the first axis direction (x-axis direction). The second stopper (302) may be formed by extending toward the center of the fourth opening (302). The second stopper (302) can prevent the second lens group (LG2) placed inside the second lens barrel (300) from moving out. The inner surface of the second stopper (302) and the sensor side of the seventh lens (207) may come into contact. The second stopper (302) may overlap with the second lens group (LG2) in the second axis direction (y-axis direction).

[0066] Each of the plurality of lenses included in the first lens group (LG1) and the second lens group (LG2) may include an effective region and an ineffective region. The effective region may refer to the optical region of the lens through which light incident on each lens passes to reach a final focal plane, such as an image sensor. That is, the effective region may be a region where the incident light is refracted to realize optical characteristics.

[0067] The non-effective region refers to the peripheral area of ​​a lens where light incident on each lens does not reach the final focal plane, such as an image sensor, and may signify a part that is not optically used. The non-effective region may be located around the perimeter of the effective region. The non-effective region may be an area unrelated to optical characteristics. Additionally, the non-effective region may be an area fixed to a lens barrel or similar structure that accommodates the lens. The non-effective region may be referred to as a flange.

[0068] The second lens group (LG2) may have a smaller effective diameter (or diameter) as it moves from the object side to the sensor side. Here, the effective diameter of the lens may refer to the diameter of the area actually used optically within the total diameter of the lens. In other words, the effective diameter of the lens may refer to the maximum diameter of the effective area of ​​the lens through which light rays contributing to image formation can pass.

[0069] The third lens (203), which is positioned closest to the object side in the second lens group (LG2), acts as an aperture, so the center thickness of the lens is relatively large and the effective diameter may be large. The seventh lens (207), which is positioned closest to the sensor side in the second lens group (LG2), has a larger diameter relative to the effective diameter and the thickness of the flange portion in the optical axis direction may be thin. Due to the characteristics of injection molding, the aperture size of the second lens barrel (300) decreases as it goes from the third lens (203) to the seventh lens (207), and the shape that wraps around the sensor side of the seventh lens (207) is advantageous in terms of reliability.

[0070] Area A of FIG. 2 illustrates a side cross-section of a conventional lens barrel. Referring to Area A of FIG. 2, the overall shape of the lens barrel can be formed as a straight line along the second axis direction (y-axis direction), regardless of the lens shape included in the second lens group (LG2). That is, the lens placed in the conventional lens barrel has a problem of being vulnerable to injection molding because the flange portion must be extended further, and there is a problem of the overall weight increasing because the diameter of the lens must be increased.

[0071] In order to solve this problem, the outer surface (303) of the second lens barrel (300) may have a shape that narrows obliquely from the third opening (301) to the fourth opening (302) along the second axis direction (y-axis direction). Through this, the length of the flange portion of the lens included in the second lens group (LG2) is reduced compared to the existing lens barrel, which is advantageous for injection molding, and the second lens barrel (300) is formed to fit the shape of the second lens group (LG2), in which the effective diameter becomes smaller towards the sensor side, thereby reducing the overall weight.

[0072]

[0073] The camera module (1000) may include a single or multiple actuators. The camera module (1000) may include a first actuator (1100) and a second actuator (1200).

[0074] The first actuator (1100) may be an actuator that performs an OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) function. The first actuator (1100) can implement OIS by controlling the optical path, thereby minimizing the occurrence of decent or tilt phenomena and producing optimal optical characteristics. The first actuator (1100) can drive the first optical path control member (231) and the first lens barrel (100) together for OIS. The first actuator (1100) can rotate the first optical path control member (231) and the first lens barrel (100) by yaw, roll, or pitch, or move them in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0075] The second actuator (1200) may be an actuator that performs a zooming function and an AF (Auto Focusing) function. The second actuator (1200) may move the second lens barrel (300) in the direction of the optical axis (OA). The second actuator (1200) may move the lens according to a control signal from a predetermined control unit to perform an auto-focusing function or a zoom function.

[0076] The first actuator (1100) may include a housing (1101), a mover (1102) disposed within the housing (1101), and a driving unit for moving the mover (1102). A first optical path control member (231) may be disposed on the mover (1102). For example, the driving unit may include a coil disposed on the mover (1102) and a magnet disposed on the housing (1101), and the mover (1102) may be moved by the electromagnetic interaction between the coil and the magnet. A guide member for guiding the movement of the mover (1102) may be disposed between the housing (1101) and the mover (1102).

[0077] The first actuator (1100) may include a coupling member (1110) that is coupled to the housing (1101). The coupling member (1110) may be a member that combines the first actuator (1100) and the second actuator (1200). An adhesive member for coupling with the second actuator (1200) may be disposed on one side of the coupling member (1110).

[0078] The coupling member (1110) can be coupled with the housing (1101) of the first actuator (1100). A first optical path control member (231) can be disposed inside the housing (1101) of the first actuator (1100). The coupling member (1110) can be coupled with the housing (1210) of the second actuator (1200). A second lens barrel (300) can be disposed inside the housing (1210) of the second actuator (1200). The coupling member (1110) can be disposed between the first actuator (1100) and the second actuator (1200). A connecting member (1110) may be disposed between the housing (1101) of the first actuator (1100) and the housing (1210) of the second actuator (1200). The housing (1101) of the first actuator (1100) may be referred to as the first housing, and the housing (1210) of the second actuator (1200) may be referred to as the second housing.

[0079] The coupling member (1110) may include a coupling portion (1111) that is coupled to the housing (1101) of the first actuator (1100). The coupling member (1110) may include an avoidance portion (1112) that extends in the second axis direction (y-axis direction). The coupling portion (1111) is coupled to both ends of the housing (1101), and the avoidance portion (1112) may be formed in an annular or ring shape by extending from the coupling portion (1111) in the second axis direction (y-axis direction) and the third axis direction (z-axis direction). The avoidance portion (1112) may be formed in a 'U' shape.

[0080] The avoidance portion (1112) may include a first area (1112a) extending in the second axis direction (y-axis direction) from one of the two connecting portions (1111), a second area (1112b) extending in the third axis direction (z-axis direction) from the first area (1112a), and a third area (1112c) extending in the second axis direction (y-axis direction) from the remaining connecting portion (1111).

[0081] A gap (g) may be formed between the avoidance portion (1112) and the first lens barrel (100). Specifically, a gap (g) may be formed between the second region (1112b) of the avoidance portion (1112) and the first lens barrel (100). The avoidance portion (1112) may be formed in a position facing the first lens barrel (100) in the second axis direction (y-axis direction). Referring to region B of FIG. 3, since a gap (g) is formed between the avoidance portion (1112) and the first lens barrel (100), interference between the second actuator (1200) and the first lens barrel (100) can be prevented when the first optical path control member (231) and the first lens barrel (100) rotate yaw, roll, or pitch or move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis for OIS driving.

[0082] The housing (1210) of the second actuator (1200) may include a recessed portion that is recessed in a shape corresponding to the coupling member (1110). The recessed portion may have a shape that is recessed in two stages. The recessed portion may include a first recessed portion (1211) that is recessed in a shape corresponding to the coupling portion (1111) of the coupling member (1110). The first recessed portion (1211) is an area for the coupling portion (1111) to be placed, and may be formed by being recessed by a thickness in the second axis direction (y-axis direction) of the coupling portion (1111). The recessed portion may include a second recessed portion (1212) that is recessed in a shape corresponding to the avoidance portion (1112) of the coupling member (1110). The second recessed portion (1212) is an area for the avoidance portion (1112) to be placed, and can be formed as a recess to surround the first area (1112a) and the second area (1112b) of the avoidance portion (1112).

[0083]

[0084] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Descriptions of each component shown in FIG. 7 that overlap with those described in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 are omitted.

[0085] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first lens barrel (110) of the camera module may include a first opening (111) on the object side and a second opening (112) on the sensor side that penetrate along the first axis direction (x-axis direction). The diameter of the first opening (111) may be smaller than the diameter of the second opening (112). A first lens group (LG1) may be inserted and positioned through the second opening (112).

[0086] The lenses included in the first lens group (LG1) placed in the first lens barrel (110) may have a diameter that increases from the object side to the sensor side. The effective diameter (or diameter) of the first lens (201) may be smaller than the effective diameter (or diameter) of the second lens (202). When the effective diameter of the lens placed on the object side of the first light path control member (231) is large, the light can be collected well from the lens and then incident on the first light path control member (231), resulting in excellent optical performance characteristics. The outer surface (113) of the first lens barrel (110) may have a shape in which the cross-section in the second axis direction (y-axis direction) widens as it goes from the object side to the sensor side. The outer surface (113) of the first lens barrel (110) may include a stepped region.

[0087] After the first lens group (LG1) is inserted through the first opening (111), a retainer (not shown) is placed on the sensor side of the second lens (202) and the second opening (112), and an adhesive member may be placed between the second opening (1120) and the retainer. This allows the position of the first lens group (LG1) placed inside the first lens barrel (110) to be fixed. When the retainer is placed on the side of the second opening (112), the adhesive member (e.g., epoxy) is not exposed to the outside from the object side of the first lens barrel (110), which may be advantageous in terms of aesthetics and reliability.

[0088] The first opening (111) may include a third stopper (114) extending in a second axis direction (y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first axis direction (x-axis direction). The third stopper (114) may be formed by extending toward the center of the first opening (111). The third stopper (114) can prevent the first lens group (LG1) placed inside the first lens barrel (110) from moving out. The inner surface of the third stopper (114) and the object side of the first lens (201) may come into contact. The third stopper (114) may overlap with the first lens group (LG1) in the first axis direction (x-axis direction).

[0089]

[0090] FIG. 8 is an example of a portable terminal including a camera module according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the portable terminal (1500) may include a camera module (1520), a flash module (1530), and an autofocus device (1510) provided on one side or the rear side. Here, the autofocus device (1510) may include a surface-emitting laser element and a light receiver disclosed above as a light-emitting layer.

[0091] The flash module (1530) may include an emitter that emits light inside it. The flash module (1530) may be operated by the camera operation of the mobile terminal or by the control of the user. The camera module (1520) may include an image capturing function and an autofocus function. For example, the camera module (1520) may include an autofocus function using an image.

[0092] The autofocus device (1510) may include an autofocus function using a laser. The autofocus device (1510) may be primarily used under conditions where the autofocus function using the image of the camera module (1520) is degraded. Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, at least one additional camera module may be disposed on the front of the mobile terminal (1500). At least one of the camera modules within the mobile terminal may have the tele-type folded optical system disclosed above.

[0093] An optical system or camera module according to an embodiment of the invention, and a lens assembly according to various embodiments, may be applied to an electronic device employing an image sensor, for example. A lens assembly according to an exemplary embodiment may be applied to various electronic devices such as digital cameras, interchangeable lens cameras, video cameras, mobile phone cameras, cameras for small mobile devices, VR, AR, drones, or manned / unmanned aircraft.

[0094]

[0095] FIG. 9 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. 9, a vehicle camera system according to an embodiment of the invention 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 generate a front image of the vehicle or an interior image of the vehicle by photographing the front of the vehicle and / or the driver. The image generation unit (11) may generate an image of the vehicle's surroundings by photographing the vehicle's surroundings in one or more directions as well as the front of the vehicle using the camera module (31). Here, the front image and the surrounding image may be digital images and may include color images, black and white images, and infrared images. Additionally, the front image and the surrounding image may include still images and video 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 generating unit (12) may include at least one radar or / and camera placed on the vehicle and generates first detection information by detecting the front of the vehicle. Specifically, the first information generating unit (12) is placed on the vehicle and generates first detection information by detecting the position and speed of vehicles located in front of the vehicle, the presence and location of pedestrians, etc.

[0096] By using the first detection information generated by the first information generation unit (12), the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle in front can be controlled to be maintained at a constant level, and the stability of vehicle operation can be enhanced in specific cases that are pre-set, such as when the driver wants to change the driving lane of the vehicle or when reverse parking. The first information generation unit (12) provides the first detection information to the control unit (14). The second information generation unit (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) generates second detection information by detecting each side of the vehicle based on the front image generated by the image generation unit (11) and the first detection information generated by the first information generation unit (12). Specifically, the second information generation unit (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) may include at least one radar or / and camera placed on the vehicle, and may detect the position and speed of vehicles located on the side of the vehicle or capture images. Here, the second information generating unit (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) can be positioned at both front corners, side mirrors, and the rear center and both rear corners of the vehicle, respectively.

[0097] At least one information generating unit among such vehicle camera systems may be equipped with an optical system and a camera module having the same as described in the embodiment disclosed above, and may provide to or process information obtained through the front, rear, each side, or corner area of ​​the vehicle to protect the vehicle and objects from autonomous driving or surrounding safety.

[0098] The optical system of the camera module according to an embodiment of the invention can be mounted in multiple units within a vehicle to comply with safety regulations, enhance autonomous driving functions, and increase convenience. Furthermore, the optical system of the camera module is applied within the vehicle as a component for control, such as a Lane Keeping Assistance System (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and Driver Monitoring System (DMS). Such a vehicle camera module can achieve stable optical performance even with changes in ambient temperature and provides a cost-competitive module, thereby ensuring the reliability of vehicle components.

[0099] Those skilled in the art related to the embodiments described above will understand that they may be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the description. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, not by the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of equivalence should be interpreted as being included in the invention.

Claims

Optical path control member; A first lens barrel disposed on the object side of the above-mentioned optical path control member; and It includes a second lens barrel disposed on the sensor side of the above-mentioned optical path control member, and The first lens barrel includes a first opening on the object side and a second opening on the sensor side that penetrate along the first axis direction, and The above second opening is a camera module including a first stopper extending in a second axis direction perpendicular to the first axis direction. In paragraph 1, The above first lens barrel is a camera module including a curved portion connecting the outer surface and the first locking projection. In paragraph 1, The second lens barrel includes a third opening on the object side and a fourth opening on the sensor side that penetrate along the second axis direction, and A camera module in which the diameter of the third opening is larger than the diameter of the fourth opening. In paragraph 3, A camera module having an outer surface of the second lens barrel that converges obliquely from the third opening to the fourth opening. In paragraph 3, A camera module in which the diameter of a plurality of lenses disposed within the second lens barrel increases from the third aperture to the fourth aperture. In paragraph 3, The camera module wherein the fourth opening of the second lens barrel includes a second stopper extending in the direction of the first axis. In paragraph 1, A first actuator that moves the above optical path control member; A second actuator for moving the second lens barrel; and It includes a coupling member disposed between the first actuator and the second actuator, and The above first actuator is a camera module comprising a first housing in which the optical path control member is disposed therein. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned coupling member includes a coupling portion that is coupled to the first housing, and an avoidance portion that extends in the second axis direction and the third axis direction, and The above third axis direction is perpendicular to the above first axis direction and the above second axis direction, and A camera module in which a gap is formed between the above-mentioned avoidance portion and the above-mentioned first lens barrel. In paragraph 8, The second actuator includes a second housing in which the second lens barrel is disposed. The second housing of the second actuator comprises a camera module including a first recessed portion that is recessed in a shape corresponding to the coupling portion of the coupling member and a second recessed portion that is recessed in a shape corresponding to the avoidance portion of the coupling member. In paragraph 8, The camera module comprising the avoidance portion of the above-mentioned coupling member, the first region extending in the direction of the second axis from the coupling portion, the second region extending in the direction of the third axis from the first region, and the third region extending in the direction of the second axis from the second region.

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