JP2009116176A - Camera module and imaging equipment equipped therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera module where an optical lens and an imaging device are easily and accurately positioned, and to provide imaging equipment. <P>SOLUTION: The camera module 1 includes: the optical lenses 2, 2a and 2b and a fixed optical lens 16; the imaging device 14 where an image is formed with light passing through the lenses; a substrate 13 on which the imaging device 14 is arranged; a barrel 3 which holds the optical lenses 2, 2a and 2b; and an actuator 10 which moves the optical lenses 2, 2a and 2b by moving the barrel 3 in a direction toward the imaging device 14 from the optical lenses 2, 2a and 2b. The fixed optical lens 16 is provided on the substrate 13, and is arranged between the optical lenses 2, 2a and 2b and the imaging device 14. A positioning part 16a abutting on a tapered part 12a is formed at the outer periphery part of the fixed optical lens 16, and is made to abut on the actuator 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera module and an imaging device including the camera module.

  In recent years, an image pickup device (camera) incorporated in a portable electronic device has been improved in image quality, and the number of pixels of the image pickup element has been increased. In such portable electronic devices, there is a tendency to mount an autofocus function necessary for improving image quality on the imaging device.

  In an image sensor that obtains imaging information by receiving light from a lens, the lens is used to irradiate light within a predetermined range of light receiving area and to draw out the designed optical performance sufficiently to obtain a clear and unblurred image. Therefore, it is necessary to form an image with a good vertical accuracy with a good positional accuracy on a predetermined area of the imaging surface.

  However, if there is a relative position shift or optical axis shift between the lens and the imaging surface, the position of the light flux from the lens may be off the imaging surface, or vignetting or tilting of the captured image may occur. One side blur may occur. In order to prevent such a problem from occurring, the relative position between the lens and the image sensor and the perpendicularity between the optical axis and the imaging surface are accurately matched, and the back focus (the most imaged in the lens group) is obtained. It is necessary to accurately match the distance from the surface close to the surface to the imaging surface.

  As a conventional camera module, as shown in Patent Document 1, a configuration including an element fixing material in which a positioning hole for positioning with an imaging element is disclosed is disclosed. The positioning hole is configured so that a positioning convex portion formed on the lens holder for positioning the element fixing member and the lens holder can also be engaged. It is fixed to the element fixing material.

That is, according to the above configuration, the positioning hole of the element fixing material for positioning the relative position between the element fixing material and the imaging element can also be used as a positioning hole for positioning the relative position between the element fixing material and the lens holder. it can. Therefore, the lens held by the lens holder and the image sensor can be positioned relatively easily.
JP 2006-154319 A (published on June 15, 2006)

  By the way, as a structure of a camera module, the structure by which the structure by which the optical element was further arrange | positioned on an image pick-up element is employ | adopted can be considered. Such a configuration is preferable from the viewpoint that the distortion aberration and the incident angle can be corrected more satisfactorily.

  However, in the camera module in which an optical element is further arranged on the imaging element, there arises a problem that it is very difficult to position the lens and the optical element.

  That is, in the case of a camera module configuration in which no optical element is provided on the image sensor, the effective diameter of the lens relative to the image sensor is usually relatively large, 0.1 mm to 0.15 mm. However, in the case of a camera module configuration in which an optical element is provided on the image sensor, the effective diameter of the lens with respect to the image sensor is smaller, for example, 30 μm to 50 μm. If the lens is not accurately positioned with respect to the image sensor, the resolution of the image sensor may be adversely affected. Therefore, it is required to position the lens and the optical element with high accuracy.

  The camera module of Patent Document 1 does not assume that an optical element is disposed on a substrate, and a positioning member is formed on an element fixing material (element package). In such a configuration, the shape of the positioning member that can be formed is limited to a small-diameter hole or a convex shape because of the manufacturing method and the mold structure, and it is difficult to form an accurate shape or a complicated shape. In addition, it is very difficult to position the optical element and the lens with high accuracy.

  Camera modules mounted on mobile phone devices and small information terminals are being reduced in size year by year due to size restrictions in the housing. Further, in recent years, there has been a demand for higher pixels and higher functions of image pickup devices, and even small cameras mounted on mobile phones etc. have cameras with autofocus and zoom functions with 3 to 5 million pixels. Has appeared. In such a small and highly functional camera module, high-precision assembly between the lenses constituting the optical system and high-precision alignment between the optical system and the image sensor are essential. If the positioning member is not formed in an accurate shape or cannot sufficiently perform the positioning function, the desired imaging quality cannot be realized.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is a camera module that can easily and accurately position an optical lens and an imaging element in a camera module including an optical element on a substrate. And providing an imaging device.

  In order to solve the above problems, a camera module of the present invention holds an optical lens and an optical element, an imaging element that forms an image of light passing through the optical lens, a substrate on which the imaging element is disposed, and the optical lens. A camera module comprising: a holding member; and an actuator that moves the optical lens by moving the holding member along a direction from the optical lens to the imaging device, wherein the optical element is provided on the substrate. The positioning member is disposed between the optical lens and the imaging element, and a positioning member that contacts the actuator is formed on an outer periphery of the optical element, and the positioning member and the actuator are in contact with each other. Yes.

  According to the invention, the positioning member is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the optical element, and the actuator is in contact with the positioning member. That is, the optical element and the positioning member are integrally configured via the actuator. Moreover, since the actuator moves the holding member that holds the optical lens, the camera module can position the optical lens and the optical element with a simple configuration. Moreover, since the optical lens and the optical element are fixed via an actuator, the optical lens and the optical element can be easily and highly accurately positioned.

  In the camera module of the present invention, the positioning member is preferably made of a material that forms an optical element.

  According to the above configuration, since the positioning member and the optical element are made of the same material, it is easier to form the positioning member on the outer periphery of the optical element, and the placement accuracy of the optical element and the positioning member is increased. Can do.

  In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that the positioning member and the optical element are integrally formed.

  Thereby, since the positioning member and the optical element are integrated, the arrangement accuracy of the positioning member and the optical element can be further increased. Moreover, since both members are integrally formed, the manufacturing process can be simplified as compared with individual manufacturing.

  In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that the holding member is configured integrally with the actuator.

  Thereby, since the optical lens is directly moved by the actuator, the optical lens can be moved with higher accuracy.

  In the camera module of the present invention, it is preferable that at least three portions of the positioning member are in contact with the actuator.

  As a result, the angle of the actuator that moves the optical lens is tilted, that is, the occurrence of tilting of the actuator can be suppressed.

  Moreover, the imaging device of this invention is provided with the said camera module.

  For this reason, in the said imaging device, the camera module which can position an optical lens and an image pick-up element with high precision can be provided, and the imaging device which can implement | achieve desired high imaging quality can be provided.

  As described above, in the camera module of the present invention, the optical element is provided on the substrate, and is disposed between the optical lens and the imaging element, and a positioning member that is in contact with the actuator on the outer peripheral portion of the optical element. The positioning member and the actuator are in contact with each other.

  Therefore, since the optical lens and the optical element are fixed through the actuator, the optical lens and the optical element can be easily and accurately positioned.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. In the following description, various technically preferable limitations for carrying out the present invention are given, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and drawings.

  The camera module 1 can be provided, for example, in a mobile phone device or the like (mobile information terminal), and can be used for the purpose of imaging an imaging object.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a camera module 1 according to the present embodiment. The outline of the camera module 1 will be described. An optical lens 2, an optical lens 2 a, and an optical lens 2 b (hereinafter abbreviated as optical lenses 2 to 2 b as appropriate) are provided above a substrate 13 including an imaging device 14. The imaging element 14 is covered with a lid glass 15, and a fixed optical lens (optical element) 16 is provided on the lid glass 15.

  The side surfaces of the optical lenses 2, 2 a, and 2 b are held by a barrel (holding member) 3, and the barrel 3 and the holder (holding member) 4 provided in the actuator 10 have screw portions 3 a and The screw portion 4a is held by being screwed.

  The actuator 10 includes a holder 4, a coil 5 fixed to the outer periphery of the holder 4, a yoke 6 provided on the outer periphery of the coil 5, and a predetermined gap between the coil 5 and the coil 5. A magnet 7 is provided. Further, an upper spring 9 a is disposed on the upper side of the holder 4, an inner peripheral portion of the upper spring 9 a is fixed to the upper side surface of the holder 4, and an outer peripheral portion of the upper spring 9 a is fixed to the guide 8. On the other hand, a lower spring 9b is provided on the lower side of the holder 4, the inner peripheral portion of the lower spring 9b is fixed to the lower side surface of the holder 4, and the outer peripheral portion is fixed in a state of being sandwiched between the bases 11a. Yes.

  In the camera module 1, the path through which light passes from the center of the optical lenses 2 to 2b through the center of the fixed optical lens 16 to the image sensor 14 is an optical axis. Hereinafter, each member will be described.

  The optical lenses 2 to 2 b are portions that first receive the incidence of light from an object to be imaged by the camera module 1. Although a single optical lens may be used, it is preferable to provide a plurality of optical lenses as described above because various images can be formed. Moreover, the shape of the optical lenses 2 to 2b is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately selected according to a required design. For example, known optical lenses such as biconvex lenses, plano-convex lenses, convex meniscus lenses, biconcave lenses, plano-concave lenses, concave meniscus lenses, and aspherical lenses can be used. Since the optical lenses 2-2b are configured as lenses, glass, resin, or the like having translucency can be used as a material.

  The barrel 3 is a member for holding the optical lenses 2 to 2b. The barrel 3 only needs to be held by the holder 4 which is a part of the actuator 10, and the holding method is not particularly limited. In the camera module 1, the barrel 3 has a screw portion 3a, and the holder 4 has a screw portion 4a. The screw portion 3a and the screw portion 4a are screwed together to hold the barrel 3 and the holder 4. Yes. As another example, for example, the barrel 3 and the holder 4 may be configured to be held by an adhesive or the like, or may be configured to be fitted by an uneven portion or the like.

  Moreover, although the barrel 3 and the holder 4 are comprised as a separate member, it is preferable that the barrel 3 and the holder 4 are comprised as integral. By being configured as a single unit, a positional shift does not occur between the barrel 3 and the holder 4, and the optical lenses 2 to 2 b and the image sensor 14 can be positioned with higher accuracy. Furthermore, it is preferable that the barrel 3, the holder 4, and the actuator 10 are configured integrally. According to such a configuration, the optical lenses 2 to 2b can be directly moved by the actuator 10, so that the optical lens can be moved with higher accuracy.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the positioning part 16a and the actuator 10 are in contact with each other in at least three parts. Accordingly, the positioning unit 16a and the actuator 10 can be stably fixed, and the angle of the actuator 10 that moves the optical lens is tilted, that is, the occurrence of the tilt of the actuator 10 can be suppressed.

  The coil 5, the yoke 6 and the magnet 7 that constitute the actuator 10 constitute a magnetic circuit. That is, when a current is applied to the coil 5, an electromagnetic induction phenomenon occurs between the magnet 7 and the coil 5. Due to this electromagnetic induction phenomenon, thrust in the optical axis direction is generated with respect to the holder 4 fixed integrally to the coil 5. And by this thrust, the holder 4 comes to move to an optical axis direction. When the holder 4 moves in the optical axis direction, the holder 4 moves while deforming the upper spring 9a and the lower spring 9b.

  The lower cover 12 is formed in a shape that substantially covers the lower surface of the holder 4, the coil 5, and the magnet 7, and plays a role in preventing foreign matters such as dust or dust entering from the upper outside of the camera module 1 from entering the substrate 13. . In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, the yoke 6 is provided only on the outside of the magnet 7 as compared with the closed magnetic circuit in which the coil 5 and the magnet 7 are arranged to face each other and the yoke is configured in a U shape so as to sandwich them. In the open magnetic circuit, foreign matter is more likely to enter the camera module 1 and a problem arises, and countermeasures are required. The lower cover 12 is fixed to the base 11b in a state where the position and inclination are regulated with high accuracy. The lower cover 12 has a tapered portion 12a inclined upward on the inner peripheral side thereof.

  The base 11 b is a member that becomes a base of the actuator 10. A lower cover 12 is provided on the base 11b.

  The substrate 13 is a member for mounting the imaging element 14, the lid glass 15, the fixed optical lens 16, and the base 11a. As a material of the substrate 13, for example, ceramic or glass epoxy can be used.

  An image sensor 14 is provided at the center of the substrate 13. The imaging element 14 is a member formed in a short shape on the substrate 13 and plays a role of receiving light from the optical lenses 2 to 2 b and the fixed optical lens 16 and converting it into an electrical signal. In the camera module 1, the center of the image sensor 14 is set to be positioned at the center of the substrate 13. Specifically, the imaging device 14 can be configured using a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

  The lid glass 15 is provided so as to cover the image sensor 14. The lid glass 15 protects the image sensor 14 from moisture outside the image sensor 14, foreign matter (dust, chips), and the like. Specific examples of the material of the lid glass 15 include glass. The lid glass 15 may be provided with a functional film on one side or both sides as necessary. Examples of the functional film include an anti-reflection (AR) coating film and an IR (infra-red ray) cut film, but the functional film is not limited to this and is incident on the image sensor 14. A conventionally known functional film that has some effect on light can be employed.

  A fixed optical lens 16 is provided on the surface of the lid glass 15. The central portion of the fixed optical lens 16 has a convex flat lens shape, and its outer peripheral portion is a positioning portion (positioning member) 16a. The shape of the central lens portion is not particularly limited, and is similar to that of the optical lens 2, for example, a biconvex lens, a planoconvex lens, a convex meniscus lens, a biconcave lens, a planoconcave lens, a concave meniscus lens, and an aspheric lens. For example, the shape of a known optical lens can be used. Since the fixed optical lens 16 is configured as a lens, glass, resin, or the like having translucency can be used as a material.

  A positioning portion 16 a having the same central axis as the optical axis of the fixed optical lens 16 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed optical lens 16. The positioning portion 16a is a portion that comes into contact with the tapered portion 12a, and is provided with an inclination of the same angle as the tapered portion 12a. That is, the shape of the positioning portion 16a is not particularly limited as long as it can contact the tapered portion 12a, and can be selected as appropriate. For example, the positioning portion 16a and the tapered portion 12a are in contact with each other at the outer peripheral portion of the positioning portion 16a, but the tapered portion 12a is in contact with the positioning portion 16a at the inner peripheral portion of the positioning portion 16a. There may be.

  According to the above configuration, the position at which the tapered portion 12 a which is a part of the actuator 10 is fixed becomes the positioning portion 16 a of the fixed optical lens 16. As a result, the holder 4 which is a part of the actuator 10 is fixed to the barrel 3, and is further fixed to the fixed optical lens 16 via the positioning portion 16a. Therefore, the optical lenses 2 to 2b and the fixed optical lens are fixed. 16 is fixed via the actuator 10, and the optical lenses 2 to 2 b can be easily and highly accurately fixed to the image sensor 14. Accordingly, accurate positioning of the optical lenses 2 to 2b and the image sensor 14 is possible. Specifically, it is possible to easily and highly accurately position the imaging element 14 without adjusting the center position and inclination of the optical lenses 2 to 2b.

  Further, for example, the actuator 10 and the fixed optical lens 16 are directly fixed as compared with the case where the actuator 10 is fixed on the substrate 13, and the optical lens 2-2 b and the fixed optical lens 16 are interposed between them. Since the number of arranged members is small, it is possible to keep the positioning error within a very small range when positioning the optical lenses 2 to 2 b and the image sensor 14. Furthermore, since the positioning is performed by contacting the tapered portion 12a and the positioning portion 16a, there is an advantage that the present configuration for positioning can be easily manufactured.

  In the camera module 1, the positioning portion 16 a is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the fixed optical lens 16. However, the positioning portion 16 a is formed on the surface of the fixed optical lens 16 and the taper of the lower cover 12 within a range that does not hinder imaging. The same effect can be obtained by bringing the portion 12a into contact.

  Moreover, although the taper part 12a and the positioning part 16a are contact | abutting in the outer peripheral part of the positioning part 16a, the taper part 12a can also be made into the shape suitable for the positioning part 16a. That is, the taper portion 12a can be formed in a shape that follows the inclined shape of the positioning portion 16a, the top surface, and the inner peripheral portion, and the taper portion 12a and the positioning portion 16a come into contact with each other. The same effect can be obtained by this configuration.

  As shown in the camera module 1, it is preferable that the fixed optical lens 16 and the positioning portion 16a are integrally formed. According to said structure, since both members are united, the arrangement | positioning precision between both members can be improved more. Moreover, since both members are integrally formed, the manufacturing process can be simplified as compared with the case where they are individually manufactured. Moreover, the positioning part 16a is comprised with the material which comprises the fixed optical lens 16, and has become a preferable structure. Both members may be manufactured as separate members, but even in this case, both the members are made of the same material, so that both the members can be easily joined together with the positioning portion 16a. The arrangement accuracy with the taper portion 12a can be further increased. As a result, the optical lenses 2 to 2b and the image sensor 14 can be positioned with higher accuracy.

  Furthermore, the camera module 1 is preferably provided in an imaging device such as a digital still camera or a mobile phone device having a camera function. The camera module 1 is provided with the fixed optical lens 16 on the substrate 13 so that various aberrations can be corrected satisfactorily, and the optical lenses 2 to 2b and the image sensor 14 can be positioned with high accuracy. According to the imaging device including the camera module 1, it is possible to realize high imaging quality.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and the technical means disclosed in different embodiments can be appropriately combined. Such embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The camera module and the imaging device of the present invention can be applied to all devices such as a camera mounted on a portable electronic device, and the camera module and the imaging device can be increased in accuracy and cost.

It is sectional drawing which shows other embodiment of the camera module which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera module 2 * 2a * 2b Optical lens 3 Barrel (holding member)
3a, 4a Screw part 4 Holder (holding member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Coil 6 Yoke 7 Magnet 8 Guide 9a Upper spring 9b Lower spring 10 Actuator 11a Joint 11b Base 12 Lower cover 12a Tapered part 13 Board | substrate 14 Image pick-up element 15 Lid glass 16 Fixed optical lens 16a Positioning part (positioning member)

Claims (6)

An optical lens and an optical element, and an imaging element that forms an image of light passing through the optical lens and the optical element;
A substrate on which the imaging device is disposed;
A holding member for holding the optical lens;
A camera module comprising an actuator for moving the optical lens by moving the holding member along the direction from the optical lens to the imaging device,
The optical element is provided on the substrate and is disposed between the optical lens and the imaging element.
A positioning member that contacts the actuator is formed on the outer periphery of the optical element.
A camera module, wherein the positioning member and an actuator are in contact with each other.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the positioning member is made of a material that forms an optical element.   The camera module according to claim 2, wherein the positioning member and the optical element are integrally formed.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the holding member and the actuator are integrally formed.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein at least three portions of the positioning member are in contact with the actuator.   An imaging apparatus comprising the camera module according to claim 1.

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