Lens module and camera device

Abstract

The present embodiment relates to a lens module comprising: a barrel; a first lens and a second lens disposed in the barrel; and a first spacer disposed between the first lens and the second lens, wherein the first spacer is in contact with the first lens and the second lens, the second lens includes a second lens portion through which light passes and a second peripheral portion disposed outside the second lens portion, the second peripheral portion of the second lens includes a first region in contact with the first spacer and a second region not in contact with the first spacer, the second region of the second lens is disposed outside the first region, and the first spacer includes a recessed portion forming a gap between the first spacer and the second region of the second lens in the optical axis direction.

Description

Lens module and camera device

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a lens module and a camera device.

[0002] With the advancement of autonomous driving technology enhancing driver safety and convenience, and as the focus on driver assistance systems intensifies, the number of cameras installed in vehicles is increasing. Automotive cameras require a certain level of performance over a wide temperature range. Therefore, while glass lenses with a low coefficient of thermal expansion are advantageous for automotive cameras, research is being conducted on hybrid lenses that combine the advantages of glass and plastic lenses due to their high manufacturing costs and limitations in manufacturing tolerances. To secure cost competitiveness and the reliability of hybrid lenses, temperature compensation design technology is necessary, requiring the development of optical and mechanical structures.

[0003] (Patent Document 1) KR 10-2439903 B1

[0004] The present embodiment aims to provide a lens module that maintains performance above a certain level over a wide temperature range.

[0005] More specifically, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the plastic lens is greater than that of the barrel, so in a high-temperature environment, the lens expands more than the barrel, causing lateral stress in the lens, which may result in deformation of the lens. In this embodiment, we aim to provide a lens module that includes a spacer supporting the lenses so that changes in the air gap with high sensitivity among a plurality of air gaps are minimized.

[0006] In addition, in a low-temperature environment, the lens may shrink significantly more than the barrel, causing a gap to form between the lenses. In this embodiment, we aim to provide a lens module in which the amount of change in the relatively insensitive air gap is increased by applying an elastic element to the relatively insensitive air gap among a plurality of air gaps, thereby minimizing the amount of change in other air gaps.

[0007] A lens module according to the present embodiment includes a barrel; a first lens and a second lens disposed within the barrel; and a first spacer disposed between the first lens and the second lens, wherein the first spacer is in contact with the first lens and the second lens, and the second lens includes a second lens portion through which light passes and a second peripheral portion disposed outside the second lens portion, wherein the second peripheral portion of the second lens includes a first area in contact with the first spacer and a second area not in contact with the first spacer, and the second area of ​​the second lens is disposed outside the first area, and the first spacer may include a recess that forms a gap between the first spacer and the second area of ​​the second lens in the direction of the optical axis.

[0008] The first spacer includes a lower surface that contacts the second lens and an outer surface that contacts the barrel, and the recessed portion of the first spacer may be formed by recessing the edge portion of the first spacer where the lower surface of the first spacer and the outer surface of the first spacer meet.

[0009] In the direction of the optical axis, the distance between the second region of the second lens and the first spacer may be greater than the distance between the first lens and the second lens.

[0010] In a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the width of the first spacer in contact with the second lens may be smaller than the width of the recess of the first spacer.

[0011] The second region of the second lens may overlap with the first spacer in the direction of the optical axis.

[0012] The first lens comprises a first lens portion through which light passes and a first peripheral portion disposed on the outer side of the first lens portion, and the lower surface of the first peripheral portion of the first lens comprises a first region and a second region disposed on the outer side of the first region, and the second region of the first lens may be disposed higher than the first region of the first lens.

[0013] The first spacer can be in contact with the second region of the first lens and spaced apart from the first region of the first lens.

[0014] The first spacer can be in contact with the first region of the first lens and spaced apart from the second region of the first lens.

[0015] The second region of the first lens may overlap with the second region of the second lens in the direction of the optical axis.

[0016] In a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the width of the second region of the second lens may be larger than the width of the second region of the first lens.

[0017] The coefficient of thermal expansion of the above lens may be greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the above barrel.

[0018] The first lens includes a contact area that contacts the first spacer, and the shortest distance between the first area of ​​the second lens and the optical axis may be shorter than the shortest distance between the contact area of ​​the first lens and the optical axis.

[0019] The lens module comprises a third lens and a fourth lens disposed within the barrel; a second spacer disposed between the third lens and the fourth lens; and an elastic body disposed between the fourth lens and the second spacer, wherein the second spacer may include a recess where the elastic body is disposed.

[0020] At room temperature, the second spacer is in contact with the first region of the fourth lens, and when the temperature is lowered, a gap may be formed between the second spacer and the first region of the fourth lens by the elastic force of the elastic body.

[0021] A camera device according to the present embodiment may include the lens module; and an image sensor that receives light passing through the lens module.

[0022] Through this embodiment, the lens module of a vehicle camera device can maintain performance above a certain level over a wide temperature range.

[0023] More specifically, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the plastic lens is greater than that of the barrel, so in a high-temperature environment, the lens expands more than the barrel, causing lateral stress in the lens and potentially leading to deformation of the lens. Through this embodiment, changes in the air gap with high sensitivity among the plurality of air gaps can be minimized. Therefore, optical performance can be maintained even in a high-temperature environment.

[0024] In addition, in a low-temperature environment, the lens may shrink significantly more than the barrel, causing a gap to form between the lenses. Through this embodiment, the amount of change in the air gap with relatively low sensitivity among the plurality of air gaps can be increased, thereby minimizing the amount of change in other air gaps. Through this, optical performance can be maintained even in a low-temperature environment.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 1.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a spacer and related configuration of a lens module according to a first modified example.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a spacer and related configuration of a lens module according to a second modified example.

[0029] Figure 5(a) is a part of a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to the present embodiment, and (b) is a graph of the amount of change in air gap according to the air gap in the present embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 (a) is a part of a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to the first modified example, and (b) is a graph of the amount of change in air gap according to the first modified example.

[0031] Figure 7 (a) is a part of a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to the second modified example, and (b) is a graph of the amount of change in air gap according to the air gap in the second modified example.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a spacer and related configuration of a lens module according to a third modified example.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a spacer and related configuration of a lens module according to the fourth modified example.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a spacer and related configuration of a lens module according to the fifth modified example.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a spacer and related configuration of a lens module according to the 6th modified example.

[0036] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating the shape of the elastic body and related components of the lens module according to the present embodiment.

[0037] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the change in the state where the temperature is lowered in Figure 12.

[0038] Figure 14 (a) is a graph of the change in air gap by air gap in a comparative example where no elastic material is applied, (b) is a graph of the change in air gap by air gap when an elastic material is applied to the fourth air gap, and (c) is a graph of the change in air gap by air gap when an elastic material is applied to the seventh air gap.

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] 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.

[0041] In addition, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) may be interpreted in a meaning that is generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention 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.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The 'Optical Axis direction' used below is defined as the direction of the optical axis of the lens. The optical axis direction may be the z-axis direction. Directions perpendicular to the optical axis may include the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.

[0048] In the following description, one of the lenses among "First Lens (210)", "Second Lens (220)", "Third Lens (230)", "Fourth Lens (240)", "Fifth Lens (250)", "Sixth Lens (260)", "Seventh Lens (270)", and "Eighth Lens (280)" may be referred to as "First Lens", another as "Second Lens", another as "Third Lens", another as "Fourth Lens", another as "Fifth Lens", another as "Sixth Lens", another as "Seventh Lens", and another as "Eighth Lens". That is, in the following description, they are referred to and described sequentially as "First to Eighth Lenses" from the object side to the upper side, but when referring to some of the lenses among "First to Eighth Lenses," for example, when referring to "Sixth Lens (260)", it may be referred to as "First Lens".

[0049] In the following, each of the "first to eighth lenses (210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280)" may include a "lens portion" and a "peripheral portion." At this time, to distinguish the "lens portion" and the "peripheral portion" for each lens, terms such as "first lens portion," "second lens portion," "first peripheral portion," "second peripheral portion," etc., may be used. For example, the lens portion of the sixth lens (260) may be referred to as the first lens portion.

[0050] In the following description, one of the "first spacer (310)," "second spacer (320)," "third spacer (330)," and "fourth spacer (340)" may be referred to as the "first spacer," another as the "second spacer," another as the "third spacer," and another as the "fourth spacer." That is, in the following description, as in the description of the lens, the "first to fourth spacers" are referred to and described sequentially from the object side to the upper side, but when referring to some of the "first to fourth spacers," for example, when referring to the "third spacer (330)," it may be referred to as the "first spacer."

[0051]

[0052] Hereinafter, the configuration of a camera device according to the present embodiment and variations will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1.

[0054] The camera device may include a camera module. The camera device may include a lens drive unit. The camera device may include an image sensor drive unit. The camera device may include a voice coil motor. The camera device may include an autofocus (AF) actuator. The camera device may include an optical image stabilization (OIS) actuator. The camera device

[0055] The camera device may be a vehicle camera device. The camera device may be installed in a vehicle. The camera device may be positioned in a vehicle. The camera device may be fixed to a vehicle. The camera device may be coupled to a vehicle.

[0056] The camera device may include an image sensor. The image sensor may receive light that has passed through a lens module. The image sensor may convert light incident on an effective image area of ​​the image sensor into an electrical signal. The image sensor may include one or more of a CCD (charge coupled device), a MOS (metal oxide semiconductor), a CPD, and a CID.

[0057] A camera device may include a lens module. The lens module may be a combination of a lens and a barrel. The lens module may be a lens assembly. The lens module may be a lens device. The lens module may be a lens structure. The lens module may be a lens system. The lens module may include an imaging lens.

[0058] The lens module may include a barrel (100). The barrel (100) may accommodate a lens (200) inside. The barrel (100) may fix the lens (200). The barrel (100) may accommodate a plurality of lenses inside. The barrel (100) may fix the plurality of lenses so that they do not move.

[0059] The barrel (100) may include a body (110). The body (110) may be formed to surround the periphery of the lens (200). The body (110) may form a space inside. A plurality of lenses may be accommodated in the space inside the body (110).

[0060] The barrel (100) may include a cover (120). The cover (120) may be coupled to the upper part of the body (110). The cover (120) may cover the upper part of the body (110). The cover (120) may be coupled to the body (110) to prevent the first lens (210) from coming off. The first to eighth lenses (210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280) may be laminated inside the body (110), and the cover (120) may be coupled to the first lens (210).

[0061] A waterproof member (150) may be disposed between the first lens (210) and the cover (120). The waterproof member (150) may be an O-ring. The waterproof member (150) may be an elastic body. The waterproof member (150) may be formed of rubber. The waterproof member (150) may be disposed between the body (110) and the first lens (210). The waterproof member (150) may be disposed between the body (110) and the cover (120). The waterproof member (150) may prevent moisture from entering between the cover (120) and the first lens (210). The waterproof member (150) may prevent moisture from entering between the body (110) and the cover (120).

[0062] The first lens (210) may include a first groove in which a waterproof member (150) is disposed. The first lens (210) may include a second groove in which a part of the cover (120) is disposed. The first groove and the second groove of the first lens (210) may be connected. Alternatively, the first groove and the second groove of the first lens (210) may be formed as a single groove.

[0063] The barrel (100) may be formed of plastic. The lens (200) may be formed of plastic. However, the barrel (100) may be formed of a different plastic than the lens (200). The barrel (100) may be formed of a different material than the lens (200). The coefficient of thermal expansion of the barrel (100) may be different from the coefficient of thermal expansion of the lens (200).

[0064] The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the plastic lens (200) may be 60 to 70 * E-06 ℃-1, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the plastic barrel (100) may be 30 to 50 * E-06 ℃-1. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the plastic lens (200) may be greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the plastic barrel (100). The coefficient of thermal expansion of the lens (200) may be greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the barrel (100).

[0065] Due to the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion, in a high-temperature environment, the lens (200) expands more than the barrel (100), and a force is applied in the transverse direction relative to the optical axis by the barrel (100), causing stress, and as a result, deformation occurs in the lens (200), and the shape and air gap of the lens (200) may change.

[0066] There may be a sensitive surface, which is a location where the focal point of the lens (200) changes significantly when the air gap between the lenses (200) widens, and a desensitized surface, which is a location where it does not change significantly. In this embodiment, a structure may be included that minimizes the amount of change at the sensitive surface in a high-temperature environment and maximizes the amount of change at the desensitized surface in a low-temperature environment.

[0067] The lens module may include a lens (200). The lens (200) may include a plurality of lenses. The lens (200) may include a plurality of lenses positioned on an optical axis. The lens (200) may include a plurality of lenses aligned on an optical axis.

[0068] The first to eighth lenses (210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280) can be arranged sequentially from the object side to the upper side.

[0069] The lens module may include a first lens (210). The lens (200) may include the first lens (210). The first lens (210) may be placed within the barrel (100). The first lens (210) may be accommodated in the barrel (100). The first lens (210) may be fixed to the barrel (100). The first lens (210) may be coupled to the barrel (100). The first lens (210) may be formed of glass. As a variation, the first lens (210) may be formed of plastic. The first lens (210) may be placed on the second lens (220).

[0070] The first lens (210) may include a lens portion which is an effective area through which light passes. The first lens (210) may include a peripheral portion which is an ineffective area extending outward from the lens portion.

[0071] The lens module may include a second lens (220). The lens (200) may include the second lens (220). The second lens (220) may be placed within the barrel (100). The second lens (220) may be accommodated in the barrel (100). The second lens (220) may be fixed to the barrel (100). The second lens (220) may be coupled to the barrel (100). The second lens (220) may be formed of glass. As a variation, the second lens (220) may be formed of plastic. The second lens (220) may be placed between the first lens (210) and the third lens (230).

[0072] The second lens (220) may include a lens portion which is an effective area through which light passes. The second lens (220) may include a peripheral portion which is an ineffective area extending outward from the lens portion.

[0073] The lens module may include a third lens (230). The lens (200) may include the third lens (230). The third lens (230) may be placed within the barrel (100). The third lens (230) may be accommodated in the barrel (100). The third lens (230) may be fixed to the barrel (100). The third lens (230) may be coupled to the barrel (100). The third lens (230) may be formed of glass. As a variation, the third lens (230) may be formed of plastic. The third lens (230) may be placed between the second lens (220) and the fourth lens (240).

[0074] The third lens (230) may include a lens portion which is an effective area through which light passes. The third lens (230) may include a peripheral portion which is an ineffective area extending outward from the lens portion.

[0075] The lens module may include a fourth lens (240). The lens (200) may include the fourth lens (240). The fourth lens (240) may be placed within the barrel (100). The fourth lens (240) may be accommodated in the barrel (100). The fourth lens (240) may be fixed to the barrel (100). The fourth lens (240) may be coupled to the barrel (100). The fourth lens (240) may be formed of plastic. The fourth lens (240) may be placed between the third lens (230) and the fifth lens (250).

[0076] The fourth lens (240) may include a lens portion which is an effective area through which light passes. The fourth lens (240) may include a peripheral portion which is an ineffective area extending outward from the lens portion.

[0077] The lens module may include a fifth lens (250). The lens (200) may include the fifth lens (250). The fifth lens (250) may be placed within the barrel (100). The fifth lens (250) may be accommodated in the barrel (100). The fifth lens (250) may be fixed to the barrel (100). The fifth lens (250) may be coupled to the barrel (100). The fifth lens (250) may be formed of plastic. The fifth lens (250) may be placed between the fourth lens (240) and the sixth lens (260).

[0078] The fifth lens (250) may include a lens portion which is an effective area through which light passes. The fifth lens (250) may include a peripheral portion which is an ineffective area extending outward from the lens portion.

[0079] The lens module may include a sixth lens (260). The lens (200) may include the sixth lens (260). The sixth lens (260) may be placed within the barrel (100). The sixth lens (260) may be accommodated in the barrel (100). The sixth lens (260) may be fixed to the barrel (100). The sixth lens (260) may be coupled to the barrel (100). The sixth lens (260) may be formed of plastic. The sixth lens (260) may be placed between the fifth lens (250) and the seventh lens (270).

[0080] The sixth lens (260) may include a lens portion (261). Light may pass through the lens portion (261). The lens portion (261) may be positioned on the optical axis. The lens portion (261) may be an effective area of ​​the lens. The lens portion (261) may be an area within the effective aperture of the lens.

[0081] The sixth lens (260) may include a peripheral portion (262). The peripheral portion (262) may be positioned outside the lens portion (261). The peripheral portion (262) may extend outward from the lens portion (261). Light may not pass through the peripheral portion (262). The peripheral portion (262) may be an ineffective area of ​​the lens. The peripheral portion (262) may be an area outside the effective aperture of the lens.

[0082] The lower surface of the peripheral portion (262) of the sixth lens (260) may include a first region and a second region positioned further outward than the first region. At this time, the second region of the sixth lens (260) may be positioned higher than the first region of the sixth lens (260). In this embodiment, the third spacer (330) may be in contact with the second region of the sixth lens (260) and spaced apart from the first region of the sixth lens (260). The second region of the sixth lens (260) may overlap with the second region of the seventh lens (270) in the direction of the optical axis. At this time, the second region of the seventh lens (270) may be an area of ​​the peripheral portion (272) of the seventh lens (270) that is not in contact with the third spacer (330). In a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the width of the second region of the seventh lens (270) may be larger than the width of the second region of the sixth lens (260).

[0083] The lens module may include a seventh lens (270). The lens (200) may include the seventh lens (270). The seventh lens (270) may be placed within the barrel (100). The seventh lens (270) may be accommodated in the barrel (100). The seventh lens (270) may be fixed to the barrel (100). The seventh lens (270) may be coupled to the barrel (100). The seventh lens (270) may be formed of plastic. The seventh lens (270) may be placed between the sixth lens (260) and the eighth lens (280).

[0084] The seventh lens (270) may include a lens portion (271). Light may pass through the lens portion (271). The lens portion (271) may be positioned on the optical axis. The lens portion (271) may be an effective area of ​​the lens. The lens portion (271) may be an area within the effective aperture of the lens.

[0085] The seventh lens (270) may include a peripheral portion (272). The peripheral portion (272) may be positioned outside the lens portion (271). The peripheral portion (272) may extend outward from the lens portion (271). Light may not pass through the peripheral portion (272). The peripheral portion (272) may be an ineffective area of ​​the lens. The peripheral portion (272) may be an area outside the effective aperture of the lens.

[0086] The peripheral portion (272) of the seventh lens (270) may include a first area in contact with the third spacer (330) and a second area not in contact with the third spacer (330). In this case, the second area of ​​the seventh lens (270) may be positioned further outward than the first area.

[0087] The lens module may include an eighth lens (280). The lens (200) may include the eighth lens (280). The eighth lens (280) may be placed within the barrel (100). The eighth lens (280) may be accommodated in the barrel (100). The eighth lens (280) may be fixed to the barrel (100). The eighth lens (280) may be coupled to the barrel (100). The eighth lens (280) may be formed of plastic. The eighth lens (280) may be placed below the seventh lens (270). The eighth lens (280) may be placed between the seventh lens (270) and the image sensor.

[0088] The eighth lens (280) may include a lens portion which is an effective area through which light passes. The eighth lens (280) may include a peripheral portion which is an ineffective area extending outward from the lens portion.

[0089] The lens module may include an aperture (290). The aperture (290) may be placed within the barrel (100). The aperture (290) may be accommodated in the barrel (100). The aperture (290) may be fixed to the barrel (100). The aperture (290) may be coupled to the barrel (100). The aperture (290) may be placed between lenses. In this embodiment, the aperture (290) may be placed between the second lens (220) and the third lens (230). The aperture (290) may include a fixed aperture. As a variation, the aperture (290) may include a variable aperture. The lens module may include a magnet and a coil that drive the aperture (290).

[0090] An air gap may be formed between the lenses. A first air gap (see Air 1 in FIG. 1) may be formed between the first lens (210) and the second lens (220). A second air gap (see Air 2 in FIG. 1) may be formed between the second lens (220) and the third lens (230). A third air gap (see Air 3 in FIG. 1) may be formed between the third lens (230) and the fourth lens (240). A fourth air gap (see Air 4 in FIG. 1) may be formed between the fourth lens (240) and the fifth lens (250). A fifth air gap (see Air 5 in FIG. 1) may be formed between the fifth lens (250) and the sixth lens (260). A sixth air gap (see Air 6 in FIG. 1) may be formed between the sixth lens (260) and the seventh lens (270). A seventh air gap (see Air 7 in FIG. 1) may be formed between the seventh lens (270) and the eighth lens (280).

[0091] The lens module may include a spacer (300). The spacer (300) may maintain a gap between the lenses. The spacer (300) may be placed between the lenses. The spacer (300) may be placed between the lens (200) and the barrel (100). The spacer (300) may secure the lens (200). The spacer (300) may press the lens (200).

[0092] Although not shown, a spacer may also be placed between the first lens (210) and the second lens (220).

[0093] A spacer may be placed between the second lens (220) and the aperture (290). A spacer may be placed between the aperture (290) and the third lens (230). A spacer may be placed between the third lens (230) and the fourth lens (240). The spacer between the third lens (230) and the fourth lens (240) may be formed integrally with the barrel (100).

[0094] The lens module may include a first spacer (310). The spacer (300) may include the first spacer (310). The first spacer (310) may be placed between the fourth lens (240) and the fifth lens (250). The first spacer (310) may be in contact with the fourth lens (240) and the fifth lens (250). The first spacer (310) may maintain a fourth air gap (see Air 4 in FIG. 1) between the fourth lens (240) and the fifth lens (250).

[0095] The lens module may include a second spacer (320). The spacer (300) may include the second spacer (320). The second spacer (320) may be placed between the fifth lens (250) and the sixth lens (260). The second spacer (320) may be in contact with the fifth lens (250) and the sixth lens (260). The second spacer (320) may maintain a fifth air gap (see Air 5 in FIG. 1) between the fifth lens (250) and the sixth lens (260).

[0096] The lens module may include a third spacer (330). The spacer (300) may include the third spacer (330). The third spacer (330) may be placed between the sixth lens (260) and the seventh lens (270). The third spacer (330) may be in contact with the sixth lens (260) and the seventh lens (270). The third spacer (330) may maintain a sixth air gap (see Air 6 in FIG. 1) between the sixth lens (260) and the seventh lens (270).

[0097] The third spacer (330) may include a recess (334). The recess (334) may form a gap between the third spacer (330) and the second region of the seventh lens (270) in the direction of the optical axis. The recess (334) may include a groove. The recess (334) may include a recess. The recess (334) may include two mutually orthogonal surfaces.

[0098] The second region of the seventh lens (270) may overlap with the third spacer (330) in the direction of the optical axis. A portion of the third spacer (330) may be placed on the upper side of the second region of the seventh lens (270). In the direction of the optical axis, the second region of the seventh lens (270), the third spacer (330), and the sixth lens (260) may be stacked sequentially. At this time, a gap may be formed between the second region of the seventh lens (270) and the third spacer (330). In the direction of the optical axis, a portion of the third spacer (330) may be placed between the second region of the seventh lens (270) and the sixth lens (260).

[0099] The third spacer (330) may include a lower surface that contacts the seventh lens (270) and an outer surface that contacts the barrel (100). The recessed portion (334) of the third spacer (330) may be formed by recessing the edge portion of the third spacer (330) where the lower surface of the third spacer (330) and the outer surface of the third spacer (330) meet.

[0100] In the direction of the optical axis, the distance between the second region of the seventh lens (270) and the third spacer (330) (see D1 in FIG. 2) may be greater than the distance between the sixth lens (260) and the seventh lens (270) (see D2 in FIG. 2).

[0101] In a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the width of the third spacer (330) in contact with the seventh lens (270) (see W1 in FIG. 2) may be smaller than the width of the recess (334) of the third spacer (330) (see W2 in FIG. 2).

[0102] The sixth lens (260) may include a contact area that contacts the third spacer (330). At this time, the shortest distance between the first area of ​​the seventh lens (270) and the optical axis may be shorter than the shortest distance between the contact area of ​​the sixth lens (260) and the optical axis. The first area of ​​the seventh lens (270) may be the area of ​​the seventh lens (270) that contacts the third spacer (330). In other words, the contact area between the third spacer (330) and the seventh lens (270) may be positioned closer to the optical axis than the contact area between the third spacer (330) and the sixth lens (260).

[0103] Due to the recess (334) of the third spacer (330), the point where the third spacer (330) and the seventh lens (270) come into contact, that is, the point of application of the force where the third spacer (330) presses the upper surface of the seventh lens (270), can be brought closer to the optical axis. Through this, the phenomenon of the seventh lens (270) being deformed to move closer to the sixth lens (260) upward can be minimized.

[0104] The third spacer (330) may include a body portion (331). The body portion (331) may be positioned between the sixth lens (260) and the seventh lens (270). The third spacer (330) may include a lower protrusion (332). The lower protrusion (332) may protrude downward from the body portion (331). The lower protrusion (332) may come into contact with the seventh lens (270). The lower protrusion (332) may be formed only in a portion of the body portion (331). A depression (334) may be formed by the lower protrusion (332) and the area of ​​the lower surface of the body portion (331) where the lower protrusion (332) is not formed.

[0105] The third spacer (330) may include an upper protrusion (333). The upper protrusion (333) may protrude upward from the body portion (331). The upper protrusion (333) may come into contact with the sixth lens (260). The sixth lens (260) may include a recess (263) formed in a part of the peripheral portion (262) of the sixth lens (260). The upper protrusion (333) of the third spacer (330) may be placed in the recess (263) of the sixth lens (260). The upper protrusion (333) of the third spacer (330) may be inserted into the recess (263) of the sixth lens (260).

[0106] The lens module may include a fourth spacer (340). The spacer (300) may include the fourth spacer (340). The fourth spacer (340) may be placed between the seventh lens (270) and the eighth lens (280). The fourth spacer (340) may be in contact with the seventh lens (270) and the eighth lens (280). The fourth spacer (340) may maintain a seventh air gap (see Air 7 in FIG. 1) between the seventh lens (270) and the eighth lens (280).

[0107] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a spacer and related configuration of a lens module according to a first modified example.

[0108] The lens module according to the first variation may include a third spacer (330a). The third spacer (330a) may include a body portion (331a). The body portion (331a) may be positioned between the sixth lens (260) and the seventh lens (270). The third spacer (330a) may include a lower protrusion (332a). The lower protrusion (332a) may protrude downward from the body portion (331a). The lower protrusion (332a) may come into contact with the seventh lens (270). The lower protrusion (332a) may be formed only in a part of the body portion (331a). A recess (334a) may be formed by the lower protrusion (332a) and the area of ​​the lower surface of the body portion (331a) where the lower protrusion (332a) is not formed.

[0109] In the first variation, the upper protrusion (333) of the present embodiment may be omitted. In this case, the body portion (331a) of the third spacer (330a) may come into contact with the sixth lens (260).

[0110] The lower surface of the peripheral portion (262) of the sixth lens (260) may include a first region and a second region positioned further outward than the first region. In this case, the second region of the sixth lens (260) may be positioned higher than the first region of the sixth lens (260). In the first variation, the third spacer (330a) may be in contact with the first region of the sixth lens (260) and spaced apart from the second region of the sixth lens (260).

[0111] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a spacer and related configuration of a lens module according to a second modified example.

[0112] The lens module according to the second variation may include a third spacer (330b). The third spacer (330b) may include a body portion (331b). The body portion (331b) may be positioned between the sixth lens (260) and the seventh lens (270).

[0113] In the second variation, the lower protrusion (332) and the recess (334) of the present embodiment may be omitted. At this time, the lower surface of the body portion (331b) of the third spacer (330b) may come into contact with the seventh lens (270).

[0114] The third spacer (330b) may include an upper protrusion (333b). The upper protrusion (333b) may protrude upward from the body portion (331b). The upper protrusion (333b) may come into contact with the sixth lens (260). The sixth lens (260) may include a recess (263) formed in a part of the peripheral portion (262) of the sixth lens (260). The upper protrusion (333b) of the third spacer (330b) may be placed in the recess (263) of the sixth lens (260). The upper protrusion (333b) of the third spacer (330b) may be inserted into the recess (263) of the sixth lens (260).

[0115] Figure 5(a) is a part of a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to the present embodiment, and (b) is a graph of the amount of change in air gap according to the air gap in the present embodiment.

[0116] In this embodiment, it can be seen that the change in air gap at high temperature relative to room temperature is -4.46 µm at the 6th air gap (Air6). This can be confirmed to be a smaller value than the 3rd air gap (Air3), which is -10.18 µm. Here, high temperature may refer to the case where the change in front focal length (FFL) is -19.947 µm.

[0117] Figure 6 (a) is a part of a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to the first modified example, and (b) is a graph of the amount of change in air gap according to the first modified example.

[0118] In the first variation, it can be seen that the change in air gap at high temperature relative to room temperature is +1.66 µm for the 6th air gap (Air6). This confirms that it is a smaller value than the 3rd air gap (Air3), which is -10.48 µm. Here, high temperature may imply that the change in front focal length (FFL) is -20.17 µm.

[0119] Figure 7 (a) is a part of a cross-sectional view of a lens module according to the second modified example, and (b) is a graph of the amount of change in air gap according to the air gap in the second modified example.

[0120] In the second variation, it can be seen that the change in air gap at high temperature relative to room temperature is -8.06 µm for the 6th air gap (Air6). This confirms that it is a smaller value than the 3rd air gap (Air3), which is -10.10 µm. Here, high temperature may imply that the change in front focal length (FFL) is -19.99 µm.

[0121] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a spacer and related configuration of a lens module according to a third modified example.

[0122] The lens module according to the third variant may include a third spacer (330c). The third spacer (330c) may include a body portion (331c). The body portion (331c) may be positioned between the sixth lens (260) and the seventh lens (270). The third spacer (330c) may include a lower protrusion (332c). The lower protrusion (332c) may protrude downward from the body portion (331c). The lower protrusion (332c) may come into contact with the seventh lens (270). The lower protrusion (332c) may be formed only in a portion of the body portion (331c).

[0123] The third spacer (330c) may include an upper protrusion (333c). The upper protrusion (333c) may protrude upward from the body portion (331c). The upper protrusion (333c) may come into contact with the sixth lens (260). The sixth lens (260) may include a recess (263) formed in a part of the peripheral portion (262) of the sixth lens (260). The upper protrusion (333c) of the third spacer (330c) may be placed in the recess (263) of the sixth lens (260). The upper protrusion (333c) of the third spacer (330c) may be inserted into the recess (263) of the sixth lens (260).

[0124] The body part (331c) can be spaced apart from the sixth lens (260) and the seventh lens (270).

[0125] In the third variation, the lower protrusion (332c) and the upper protrusion (333c) may overlap each other in the direction of the optical axis. In the third variation, the recess (334) of the present embodiment may be omitted.

[0126] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a spacer and related configuration of a lens module according to the fourth modified example.

[0127] The lens module according to the fourth variation may include a third spacer (330d). The third spacer (330d) may include a body portion (331d). The body portion (331d) may be positioned between the sixth lens (260) and the seventh lens (270). In the fourth variation, the lower protrusion (332) and the upper protrusion (333) of the present embodiment may be omitted. At this time, the upper surface of the body portion (331d) may contact the sixth lens (260), and the lower surface of the body portion (331d) may contact the seventh lens (270).

[0128] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a spacer and related configuration of a lens module according to the fifth modified example.

[0129] The lens module according to the fifth variation may include a third spacer (330e). The third spacer (330e) may include a body portion (331e). The body portion (331e) may be positioned between the sixth lens (260) and the seventh lens (270). The third spacer (330e) may include a lower protrusion (332e). The lower protrusion (332e) may protrude downward from the body portion (331e). The lower protrusion (332e) may come into contact with the seventh lens (270). The lower protrusion (332e) may be formed only in a portion of the body portion (331e). The lower surface of the body portion (331e) may be spaced apart from the seventh lens (270).

[0130] In the fifth variation, the upper protrusion (333) of the present embodiment may be omitted. At this time, the upper surface of the body portion (331e) may come into contact with the sixth lens (260).

[0131] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating the shape of a spacer and related configuration of a lens module according to the 6th modified example.

[0132] The lens module according to the sixth variation may include a third spacer (330f). The third spacer (330f) may include a body portion (331f). The body portion (331f) may be positioned between the sixth lens (260) and the seventh lens (270).

[0133] The third spacer (330f) may include an upper protrusion (333f). The upper protrusion (333f) may protrude upward from the body portion (331f). The upper protrusion (333f) may come into contact with the sixth lens (260). The sixth lens (260) may include a recess (263) formed in a part of the peripheral portion (262) of the sixth lens (260). The upper protrusion (333f) of the third spacer (330f) may be placed in the recess (263) of the sixth lens (260). The upper protrusion (333c) of the third spacer (330f) may be inserted into the recess (263) of the sixth lens (260). The upper surface of the body portion (331f) may be spaced apart from the sixth lens (260).

[0134] In the sixth variation, the lower protrusion (332) of the present embodiment may be omitted. At this time, the lower surface of the body portion (331f) may come into contact with the seventh lens (270).

[0135] In this invention, changes in air gaps can be adjusted to target values ​​through various types of spacers as described above. This allows camera performance to be maintained in high-temperature environments. Since the manufacturing cost of spacers is generally lower than that of lenses, cost savings can also be expected.

[0136] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating the shape of the elastic body and related components of the lens module according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating the change in FIG. 12 when the temperature is lowered. FIG. 14 (a) is a graph of the change in air gap by air gap in a comparative example in which an elastic body is not applied, (b) is a graph of the change in air gap by air gap when an elastic body is applied to the fourth air gap, and (c) is a graph of the change in air gap by air gap when an elastic body is applied to the seventh air gap.

[0137] The lens module may include an elastic body (400). The elastic body (400) may be placed between the fifth lens (250) and the first spacer (310). At this time, the first spacer (310) may include a recess (311) in which the elastic body (400) is placed. The elastic body (400) may be an O-ring. The elastic body (400) may be formed of rubber.

[0138] At room temperature, the first spacer (310) may come into contact with the first region of the fifth lens (250). However, when the temperature is lowered, more specifically when the temperature becomes below a certain temperature, a gap may be formed between the first spacer (310) and the first region of the fifth lens (250) by the elastic force of the elastic body (400) (see gap in FIG. 13).

[0139] When the temperature decreases, the lens contracts more than the barrel (100), and consequently, the gap between the lenses increases. In this embodiment, an elastic body (400) can be placed in the fourth air gap (Air 4), that is, between the fourth lens (240) and the fifth lens (250), so that the change in the fourth air gap (Air 4), which is a relatively insensitive part, increases. In this case, the elastic body (400) can cause the first spacer (310) and the fifth lens (250) to separate through elasticity. Accordingly, a gap can be formed between the first spacer (310) and the fifth lens (250) at low temperatures. At this time, for example, the low temperature may be -40℃.

[0140] According to FIG. 14 (a), it can be seen that when the elastic body (400) is not applied, the change in the fourth air gap is 0.28 µm. According to FIG. 14 (b), when the elastic body (400) is placed in the fourth air gap, that is, between the fourth lens (240) and the fifth lens (250), it can be seen that the change in the fourth air gap is 24.74 µm. According to FIG. 14 (c), when the elastic body (400) is placed in the seventh air gap, that is, between the seventh lens (270) and the eighth lens (280), it can be seen that the change in the seventh air gap is 15.28 µm.

[0141] That is, in the comparative example, the change in the air gap of the third air gap (Air 3) was the largest, but when the elastic body (400) is placed, it can be confirmed that the change in the air gap where the elastic body (400) is placed becomes the largest. Through this, it is possible to induce the change in the air gap to be the largest in the insensitive side at low temperatures. According to the present embodiment, it may be possible to control the air gap in a low-temperature environment depending on the application location of the O-ring. Therefore, camera performance can be maintained even in a low-temperature environment.

[0142]

[0143] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. Barrel; A first lens and a second lens disposed within the above barrel; and It includes a first spacer disposed between the first lens and the second lens, and The first spacer is in contact with the first lens and the second lens, and The second lens comprises a second lens portion through which light passes and a second peripheral portion disposed on the outer side of the second lens portion. The second peripheral portion of the second lens comprises a first region in contact with the first spacer and a second region not in contact with the first spacer. The second region of the second lens is positioned further outward than the first region, and A lens module comprising a first spacer that includes a recess forming a gap between the first spacer and the second region of the second lens in the direction of the optical axis.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first spacer includes a lower surface that contacts the second lens and an outer surface that contacts the barrel. A lens module formed by indenting the edge portion of the first spacer where the lower surface of the first spacer and the outer surface of the first spacer meet.

3. In Paragraph 1, A lens module in which, in the direction of the optical axis, the separation distance between the second region of the second lens and the first spacer is greater than the separation distance between the first lens and the second lens.

4. In Paragraph 1, A lens module in which the width of the first spacer in contact with the second lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is smaller than the width of the recess of the first spacer.

5. In Paragraph 1, The second region of the second lens is a lens module that overlaps with the first spacer in the direction of the optical axis.

6. In Paragraph 1, The first lens comprises a first lens portion through which light passes and a first peripheral portion disposed on the outside of the first lens portion, and The lower surface of the first peripheral portion of the first lens comprises a first region and a second region disposed outside the first region, and A lens module in which the second region of the first lens is positioned higher than the first region of the first lens.

7. In Paragraph 6, The first spacer is a lens module that is in contact with the second region of the first lens and is spaced apart from the first region of the first lens.

8. In Paragraph 6, The first spacer is a lens module that is in contact with the first region of the first lens and is spaced apart from the second region of the first lens.

9. In Paragraph 6, The second region of the first lens is a lens module that overlaps with the second region of the second lens in the direction of the optical axis.

10. In Paragraph 6, A lens module in which the width of the second region of the second lens is larger than the width of the second region of the first lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Images