KR20200086129A - Iris diaphragm, lens assembly including the same, and camera module including the assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment provides an aperture, which comprises: a first light-transmitting first plate having a receiving groove formed around an optical axis; a light-transmitting second plate disposed on the first plate; a light-shielding first liquid and a light-transmitting second liquid accommodated in a cavity defined by the receiving groove and the second plate, and disposed in contact with each other; a first electrode electrically connected with the first liquid; and a second electrode penetrating the first plate, disposed around the optical axis, and defining the maximum aperture size.

Description

Aperture, lens assembly including the same, and camera module including the lens assembly {Iris diaphragm, lens assembly including the same, and camera module including the assembly}

The embodiment relates to an aperture, a lens assembly including the same, and a camera module including the lens assembly.

In general, the aperture is a component of a camera module that performs a role corresponding to the pupil of the eye, and serves to change the effective diameter of the lens by being located close to the lens.

As the pupil of the eye becomes larger, the light enters a lot, and when the pupil becomes smaller, the aperture also determines the amount of light that enters the lens (or enters the lens) as if the pupil diminishes. Since the existing diaphragm operates mechanically, it requires an actuator, and there is a problem in that the overall volume is large.

An embodiment provides an aperture using a light-transmitting liquid and a light-shielding liquid, a lens assembly including the same, and a camera module including the lens assembly.

The diaphragm according to an embodiment includes a light transmitting first plate having a receiving groove formed around an optical axis; A second translucent plate disposed on the first plate; A first light-shielding liquid and a second light-transmitting liquid accommodated in the cavity defined by the receiving groove and the second plate and disposed in contact with each other; A first electrode electrically connected to the first liquid; And a second electrode penetrating the first plate and disposed around the optical axis to define a maximum aperture size of the aperture.

For example, the first plate may include a first region to which a bottom surface of the receiving groove belongs; And a second region surrounding the first region and belonging to a side of the receiving groove.

For example, the second region may have a cross-sectional shape that restricts the second liquid from flowing upward of the first plate.

For example, the second region may have a round cross-sectional shape.

For example, the depth of the receiving groove may be as follows.

Here, h represents the depth of the receiving groove, T represents the thickness of the first plate.

For example, the second electrode may include a 2-1 electrode disposed on a portion of the first region; A 2-2 electrode disposed on a part of the second region and connected to the 2-1 electrode; And a second-3 electrode penetrating the first plate and connected to the second-1 and second-2 electrodes, respectively.

For example, the first electrode may be disposed between the first plate and the second plate.

For example, the first electrode may include a first-first electrode disposed on the first plate; And a 1-2 electrode connected to the 1-1 electrode, disposed on the second plate, and protruding toward the cavity to contact the first liquid.

For example, the first electrode may further include a first electrode bridge connecting the first-first electrode and the first-second electrode.

For example, the first plate protrudes the outermost side more than the second plate, and a part of the first-first electrode may be disposed on the protruded outermost side of the first plate.

For example, the first electrode may penetrate the second plate and be electrically connected to the first liquid.

For example, the aperture may further include a plate bridge coupling the first plate and the second plate.

For example, the shortest first separation distance between the first electrode and the optical axis may be smaller than the shortest second separation distance between the edge of the receiving groove and the optical axis.

For example, the shortest first separation distance between the first electrode and the optical axis may be greater than the shortest third separation distance between the second electrode and the optical axis.

For example, the second plate includes a third region overlapping an area between an end close to the optical axis and an edge of the receiving groove among both ends of the second electrode, and the first electrode is the third Can be placed in an area.

Lens assembly according to another embodiment, the aperture; And at least one lens aligned with the aperture and the optical axis.

For example, the at least one lens may include a plurality of lenses, and the aperture may be disposed between at least one of the plurality of lenses, over the plurality of lenses, and below the plurality of lenses.

The camera module according to another embodiment of the lens assembly; And receiving the light passing through the aperture of the aperture and the at least one lens to generate image data, and may include an image sensor aligned with the optical axis.

In the case of an aperture according to an embodiment, a lens assembly including the same, and a camera module including the lens assembly, the second region of the first plate has a cross-sectional shape that restricts the flow of the second liquid to the upper side of the first plate By doing so, the performance of the aperture can be improved.

In addition, since the plate in which the first plate is separated into two in the aperture according to the embodiment performs an integrated role, the airtightness is improved, and the operation of depositing or bonding the second electrode is unnecessary, simplifying the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost This can be reduced.

In addition, in the case of the aperture according to the embodiment, since a part of the second electrode penetrates the first plate and the first electrode penetrates the second plate, the airtightness is higher, and the operation of depositing and bonding the electrode is not required at all No, the manufacturing process can be further simplified and manufacturing costs can be further reduced.

In addition, in the case of the diaphragm according to the embodiment in which the first electrode penetrates the second plate, since the outermost portion of the first plate does not need to protrude more than the outermost portion of the second plate, the chamfering process is not required, so the manufacturing process is not required. It can be further simplified and manufacturing costs can be further reduced.

1A to 1D respectively show a combined cross-sectional view, an exploded cross-sectional view, a top view, and a bottom view of an aperture according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion'A' shown in FIG. 1A.
3 is a view for explaining the operation of the aperture shown in FIG. 1A.
4 is a plan view of the aperture shown in FIGS. 1A and 3.
5A and 5B respectively show a combined cross-sectional view and an exploded cross-section of an aperture according to another embodiment.
6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion'B' shown in FIG. 5A.
7 is a view for explaining the operation of the aperture shown in FIG. 5A.
8 is a plan view of the aperture shown in FIGS. 5A and 7.
9 is a block diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited to some embodiments described, but may be implemented in various different forms, and within the technical spirit of the present invention, one or more of its components between embodiments may be selectively selected. It can be used by bonding and substitution. In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms), unless specifically defined and described, can be generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It can be interpreted as meaning, and commonly used terms, such as predefined terms, may interpret the meaning in consideration of the contextual meaning of the related technology.

In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In the present specification, a singular form may also include a plural form unless specifically stated in the phrase, and is combined with A, B, C when described as “at least one (or more than one) of A and B, C”. It can contain one or more of all possible combinations.

In addition, in describing components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the component from other components, and the term is not limited to the nature, order, or order of the component.

And, when a component is described as being'connected','coupled' or'connected' to another component, the component is not only directly connected, coupled or connected to the other component, but also to the component It may also include the case of'connected','coupled' or'connected' due to another component between the other components.

In addition, when described as being formed or disposed in the "top (top) or bottom (bottom)" of each component, the top (top) or bottom (bottom) is one as well as when the two components are in direct contact with each other It also includes a case in which another component described above is formed or disposed between two components. In addition, when expressed as “up (up) or down (down)”, it may include the meaning of the downward direction as well as the upward direction based on one component.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the aperture (100:100A, 100B) according to the embodiment will be described as follows. For convenience, the aperture (100:100A, 100B) using the Cartesian coordinate system (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis), a lens assembly 500 including the same, and a camera module 1000 including the lens assembly are described, Of course, this can be explained by other coordinate systems. Further, according to the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are orthogonal to each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may cross each other.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the aperture 100A according to an embodiment will be described as follows with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1A to 1D respectively show a combined cross-sectional view, an exploded cross-sectional view, a top view, and a bottom view of an aperture 100A according to an embodiment. For convenience of description, the illustration of the first and second liquids LQ1 and LQ2 and the driver 140 in FIG. 1B is omitted, and FIGS. 1C and 1D show only the first and second electrodes E1 and E2.

1A and 1B, the aperture 100A according to an embodiment includes liquids LQ1 and LQ2, first and second plates P1 and P2, a driving unit 140, and a first electrode (or common) Electrode) (E1) and a second electrode (or individual electrodes) (E2). In addition, the aperture 100A may further include an insulating layer 150.

First, the first plate P1 may include a receiving groove CH formed around the optical axis LX. The first plate P1 may include a first surface P1S1 and a second surface P1S2 opposite to the first surface P1S1.

In addition, the first plate P1 may include a first region A1 and a second region A2. The first area A1 is defined as an area to which the bottom surface of the receiving groove CH belongs, and the second area A2 is defined as an area surrounding the first area A1 and the side of the receiving groove CH belongs to. Can be.

In addition, the second region A2 may have a cross-sectional shape that limits the flow of the second liquid LQ2 to the upper side of the first plate P1. For example, the second region A2 may have a round cross-sectional shape, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

When power is supplied to the iris 100A, the position of the edge Q2E of the bottom surface of the second liquid LQ2 may be varied. 1A and 1B, if the second region A2 does not have a cross-sectional shape that restricts the flow of the second liquid LQ2 to the upper side of the first plate P1, FIG. 1A Edge (Q2E) of the bottom surface of the second liquid (LQ2) shown in may flow to the upper side of the first plate (P1). As described above, when the second liquid LQ2 flows to the upper side of the first plate P1, the performance of the aperture may be deteriorated.

However, in the case of the aperture 100A according to the embodiment, the second region A2 in the first plate P1 has a cross-sectional shape that limits the flow of the second liquid LQ2 to the upper side of the first plate P1. For example, it may have a round cross-sectional shape. For example, when power is supplied to the iris 100A, because the second region A2 has a round cross-sectional shape, the second liquid LQ2 shown in FIG. 1A is above the first plate P1. The flow may be limited. That is, the round cross-sectional shape of the second region A2 may serve as a kind of stopper limiting the flow of the second liquid LQ2 to the upper side of the first plate P1. That is, since the round cross-sectional shape of the second region A2 serves to confine the bottom surface of the second liquid LQ2 in the receiving groove CH, the second liquid LQ2 is the first plate P1. The flow to the upper side is limited, so the performance of the aperture 100A can be improved.

In general, the liquids LQ1 and LQ2 may expand when the iris 100A is operated. In this case, when the depth h of the receiving groove CE approximates the second thickness T2 of the first plate P1, when the first and second liquids LQ1 and LQ2 expand, the first plate The second region A1 of (P1) is thin and may be damaged. In addition, when the depth of the receiving groove CE is too small, in order to secure a space for accommodating the first and second liquids LQ1 and LQ2, a direction parallel to the optical axis LX (for example, in the z-axis direction) The width of the first plate P1 may be increased in a vertical direction (for example, in the x-axis or y-axis direction.) In consideration of this, the depth h of the receiving groove CH is expressed by Equation 1 below. It can be the same.

Here, T2 represents the second thickness T2 of the first plate P1, and may be 0.145 mm or more and 0.3 mm or less.

For example, the depth h of the receiving groove CH may be 80 μm or more, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

In addition, the first plate P1 may be formed such that the outermost side protrudes more outward than the second plate P2. As will be described later, the first electrode E1 is formed on the outermost side of the protruding first plate P1 to connect the driving power, so that the driving voltage can be easily applied to the aperture 100A.

Meanwhile, the second plate P2 may be disposed on the first plate P1. For example, the second plate P2 may be disposed on the first surface P1S1 of the first plate P1 and the receiving groove CH.

If, when the light is incident in the -z axis direction, the second plate P2 may have a configuration that allows the light to proceed to the cavity, and the first plate P1 allows the light passing through the cavity to be emitted. It can have a configuration. Alternatively, when light is incident in the +z-axis direction, the first plate P1 has a configuration that allows light to proceed to the interior of the cavity, and the second plate P2 allows light passing through the cavity to be emitted. It can have a configuration.

For convenience of explanation, the first surface P1S1 of the first plate P1 and the surfaces opposite to the first and second liquids LQ1 and LQ2 (for example, the bottom surface) are removed from the second plate P2. It is called one surface P2S1, and the surface opposite to the first surface P2S1 is referred to as a second surface P2S2.

Further, according to an embodiment, the first surface P2S1 of the second plate P2 may be a flat surface. That is, the first thickness T1 of the second plate P2 in the direction parallel to the optical axis LX (eg, the z-axis direction) may be constant over the entire second plate P2. Through this, the second plate P2 can be used for the aperture without additional processing.

For example, the first thickness T1 may be 0.1 mm or more and 0.145 mm or less, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

When the liquids LQ1 and LQ2 expand during the operation of the iris 100A, the second plate P2 may also expand by the expanded liquids LQ1 and LQ2. At this time, when the first thickness T1 in the second plate P2 is not constant, the thinner thickness in the second plate P2 may be broken when the liquids LQ1 and LQ2 expand. However, as in the embodiment, when the entire first thickness T1 of the second plate P2 is constant, when the liquids LQ1 and LQ2 expand, such breakage may be prevented or the probability of breakage may be reduced. .

Each of the first and second plates P1 and P2 may be made of a light-transmissive material. Light may be incident in the +z-axis direction from the outside to the aperture 100A, or light may be incident in the -z-axis direction. Therefore, each of the first and second plates P1 and P2 is made of glass, which is a light-transmitting material, so that light can be easily transmitted, but the embodiment is specific to the first and second plates P1 and P2 It is not limited to materials.

Further, the first and second plates P1 and P2 may be formed of the same material, for example, glass for convenience of processing.

Meanwhile, the first and second liquids LQ1 and LQ2 may be filled, received, or disposed in the cavity. The cavity may be defined by the receiving groove CH of the first plate P1 and the first surface P2S1 of the second plate P2. That is, a space in which the first and second liquids LQ1 and LQ2 are filled, accommodated, or disposed may correspond to a cavity.

The first liquid LQ1 may have light blocking properties to block light, and the second liquid LQ2 may have light transmission properties to transmit light. The first liquid LQ1 is in electrical contact with the first electrode E1 and may have conductivity, and the second liquid LQ2 is disposed on the bottom surface of the receiving groove CH and is non-conductive (or insulating liquid). Can have For example, the first liquid LQ1 may be black water having electrical conductivity and light-shielding property, and the second liquid LQ2 may have electrical non-conductive light-transmitting oil ( oil). For example, the second liquid LQ2 may be a phenyl-based silicone oil. For example, the first liquid LQ1 may have a light-shielding property and conductivity, and may be a liquid that can be moved together with the second liquid LQ2 by a driving power source, and the second liquid LQ2 must have light-transmitting properties. You just need to be able.

The first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 do not mix with each other, and an interface BO may be formed at a portion where the first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 contact. The first liquid LQ1 may be disposed on or next to the second liquid LQ2, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

Further, in order to facilitate the performance and optical design of the aperture 100A, the refractive index of the second liquid LQ2 may be 0.9 to 1.1 times the refractive index of the second plate P2. Through this, loss of light passing through the aperture 100A can be minimized.

The first electrode E1 may be electrically connected to the first liquid LQ1.

According to an embodiment, a part of the first electrode E1 of the aperture 100A may be disposed between the first plate P1 and the second plate P2. In addition, the other portion of the first electrode E1 may protrude toward the cavity from between the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 to contact the first liquid LQ1. In the embodiment, a part of the first electrode E1 protrudes toward the cavity, so that the first electrode E1 and the first liquid LQ1 can be electrically connected to each other stably. To this end, the shortest separation distance between the first electrode E1 and the optical axis LX (hereinafter referred to as'first-first separation distance') D11 is the edge of the receiving groove CH (ie, the first It may be smaller than the shortest separation distance between the end (P1S1E of the first surface (P1S1) of the plate P1) and the optical axis (LX) (hereinafter referred to as'second separation distance') (D2).

The first electrode E1 may include first-first and first-second electrodes E11 and E12.

The first-first electrode E11 may be disposed on the first surface P1S1 of the first plate P1. The 1-2 electrode E12 may be disposed on the first surface P2S1 of the second plate P2. In particular, the 1-2 electrode E12 protrudes toward the cavity to contact the first liquid LQ1.

If the first-second electrode E12 does not protrude toward the cavity, a recess (not shown) that allows electrical contact between the first electrode E1 and the first liquid LQ1 is provided on the second plate P2. ). However, in the case of the embodiment, since the first-second electrode E12 protrudes toward the cavity and can be in electrical contact with the first liquid LQ1, the entire agent of the second plate P2 is not required to form a recess. 1 The thickness T1 can be kept constant so that even when the liquids LQ1 and LQ2 expand during driving, damage to the second plate P2 can be prevented.

In addition, the 1-2 electrode E12 may be electrically connected to the 1-1 electrode E11. To this end, the first electrode E1 may further include an electrode bridge E1B. The electrode bridge E1B serves to electrically connect the first-first electrode E11 and the first-second electrode E12.

Meanwhile, a part of the second electrode E2 penetrates the first plate P1, and the other part of the second electrode E2 protrudes toward the optical axis LX and may be disposed around the optical axis LX.

The second electrode E2 may include the 2-1 electrode E21 and the 2-3 electrode E23. Also, the second electrode E2 may further include a second-2 electrode E22.

The 2-1 electrode E21 may be disposed on a portion of the first region A1 of the first plate P1. The 2-1 electrode E21 may protrude toward the cavity and be disposed around the optical axis LX in the first region A1. The material of the 2-1 electrode E21 may not have light transmission properties but may have light transmission properties.

If the shortest separation distance (hereinafter referred to as'third separation distance') D3 between the 2-1 electrode E21 and the optical axis LX is greater than the first-first separation distance D11, the first The area through which light is transmitted by the 1-2 electrode E12 is reduced, so the role of the aperture may not be properly performed. Therefore, the third separation distance D3 may be smaller than the first-first separation distance D11.

In addition, since the 2-1 electrode E21 is disposed, the maximum size of the opening OP passing through the aperture 100A can be defined, and thus the manufacturing efficiency of the camera module including the aperture can be increased.

The 2-2 electrode E22 is electrically connected to the 2-1 electrode E21 and may be disposed on at least a portion of the second area A2 of the first plate P1. When the 2-2 electrode E22 is disposed on the side of the receiving groove CH, the distribution area of the second electrode E2 is widened, so that the first and second electrodes E1 and E2 from the driving unit 140 are expanded. When the driving voltage is applied, the interface BO is better flowed to increase the efficiency of the aperture 100A.

Also, the 2-3 electrode E23 may penetrate the first plate P1 and be electrically connected to the 2-1 and 2-2 electrodes E21 and E22, respectively. To this end, the first plate P1 may include a first through hole TH1 through which the 2-3 electrode E23 penetrates.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion'A' shown in FIG. 1A.

Referring to FIG. 2, the first-first electrode E11 is disposed on the first surface P1S1 of the first plate P1, and the first-second electrode E12 is the first of the second plate P2. It may be disposed on the surface (P2S1). At this time, the electrode bridge EB1 is disposed between a part of the first-first electrode E11 and a part of the first-second electrode E12, so that the first-first electrode E11 and the first-second electrode E12 ) Can be electrically connected to each other. The electrode bridge EB1 may be formed by irradiating a laser.

Also, an air layer (or a vacuum layer) 192 may be disposed between the first-first electrode E11 and the first-second electrode E12. In addition, a first plate bridge 196 that penetrates the first-first and first-second electrodes E11 and E12 and connects the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 to each other may be further disposed. . The first plate bridge 196 can also be formed by irradiating a laser. Through this, the electrode bridge EB1 and the first plate bridge 196 can be formed in the same process, thereby improving process efficiency, and by forming the first plate bridge 196, the intensity of the aperture can be improved. .

At this time, the manufacturing method of the aperture according to the embodiment will be briefly described as follows.

First, the first-first electrode E11 is formed on the first surface P1S1, the first plate P1 having the receiving groove CH is prepared, and the 1-2 electrode on the first surface P2S1 The second plate P2 on which (E12) is formed is prepared.

Then, after filling the liquid (LQ1, LQ2) in the receiving groove (CH) and seating the second plate (P2) on the first plate (P1), penetrate the second plate (P2) having a translucent laser Investigate. Through this process, the electrode bridges EB1 are formed in the regions where the first-first and first-second electrodes E11 and E12 are formed, and the first-first and first-second electrodes E11 and E12 are formed. The first plate bridge 196 may be formed in an area that is not.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the first plate P1 may be formed such that the outermost side protrudes more to the outside than the second plate P2. Through this, the driving power may be connected to the first-first electrode E11 disposed on the first surface P1S1 of the protruding first plate P1. That is, the driving power sources V1 and V2 may be directly applied to the first-first electrode E11 and the second-third electrode E23, respectively. In this case, the first-second electrode E12 is supplied with the power supply V1 from the first-first electrode E11 via the electrode bridge EB1, and the second-first and second-second electrodes E21, E22) may receive power V2 through the second-third electrode E23.

Each of the first and second electrodes E1 and E2 may be made of a conductive material, for example, made of metal, and specifically, chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al) ), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo). Gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys of at least one metal.

In addition, when power is supplied and the end Q2E of the bottom surface of the second liquid LQ2 is furthest away from the optical axis LX, the edge of the bottom surface of the second liquid LQ2 from the optical axis LX ( The width W up to Q2E) may be greater than the third separation distance D3. This is because when the width W is smaller than the third separation distance D3, it may be difficult to control the maximum opening of the aperture 100A. In this case, the 2-1 electrode E21 may define the maximum opening size of the aperture 100A.

Meanwhile, the insulating layer 150 may be disposed between the first and second liquids LQ1 and LQ2 and the second electrode E2. Accordingly, the contact between the second electrode E2 and the first liquid LQ1 and the contact between the second electrode E2 and the second liquid LQ2 may be blocked by the insulating layer 150. Through this, the lifetimes of the electrodes E2 and the liquids LQ1 and LQ2 can be extended.

The insulating layer 150 may be disposed on the bottom surface and side of the receiving groove CH of the first plate P1 to isolate the second electrode E2 from the first and second liquids LQ1 and LQ2. . That is, the insulating layer 150 may be disposed on the first and second regions A1 and A2 in the first plate P1.

The insulating layer 150 may be made of a material having electrical insulating properties, for example, may be made of a parylene C coating agent, and may further include a white dye. The frequency of light reflection from the insulating layer 150 may be increased by using a white dye.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1A again, the driving unit 140 applies a driving voltage to the first and second electrodes E1 and E2, so that the interface BO of the first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 is applied. You can let it flow. In this case, the driving voltage may be a voltage difference between the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2.

Alternatively, although not shown, the first voltage V1 output from the driving unit 140 is applied to the first-first electrode E11 through the first connection substrate (not shown), and is output from the driving unit 140. The second voltage V2 may be applied to the second-3 electrode E23 through the second connection substrate (not shown). At this time, the interface BO of the first and second liquids LQ1 and LQ2 may flow in the cavity according to the driving voltage output from the driving unit 140. For example, when a driving voltage is applied from the driving unit 140 to the first and second electrodes E1 and E2, the interface BO may flow by an electrowetting method. According to the electrowetting method, the driving unit 140 applies a positive voltage as the first voltage V1 to the first electrode E1 and a reference voltage (eg, ground voltage) as the second voltage V2. When applied to the second electrode E2, + charges accumulate in the first liquid LQ1 near the interface BO, and are applied to the insulating layer 150 at the boundary between the insulating layer 150 and the second liquid LQ2. -As charges collect, the interface (BO) can flow.

The first connection board described above may be implemented as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The second connection substrate may be implemented as an FPCB or a single metal substrate (conductive metal plate).

As described above, if the driving voltage output from the driving unit 140 can be supplied to the first and second electrodes E1 and E2, respectively, the aperture 100A according to the embodiment is specific to the first and second connecting substrates. It is not limited to the location, number and shape.

When the driving voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes E1 and E2, the interface BO between the first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 is deformed to transmit light at the aperture 100A. The size of the opening OP may be changed (or adjusted). Hereinafter, changes in the opening OP will be described as follows.

Hereinafter, the operation of the iris 100A illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B having the above-described configuration will be described as follows with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3 is a view for explaining the operation of the aperture 100A shown in FIG. 1A. Except that the shapes of the interfaces BO of the two different liquids LQ1 and LQ2 are different, the aperture 100A illustrated in FIG. 3 is the same as the aperture 100A illustrated in FIG. 1A, so the same reference numerals are used. And duplicate description is omitted. That is, FIG. 1A corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the aperture 100A when a driving voltage is not applied to the aperture 100A, and FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional shape of the aperture 100A when a driving voltage is applied to the aperture 100A. May correspond to

4 is a plan view of the aperture 100A illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 3.

The aperture 100A according to the above-described embodiment serves to control the amount of light incident from the camera module.

For example, when light is incident in the -z axis direction, light incident through the opening OP in the aperture 100A shown in FIG. 1A is transmitted through the second liquid LQ2 and the first plate P1. Will be released. As described above, the opening OP is a space that allows light to pass through the aperture 100A, and as the size of the opening OP increases, the amount of light passing through the aperture 100A may increase. That is, the opening OP is defined as an area through which light can pass without being blocked by the light-shielding first liquid LQ1. The opening OP may be round or oval. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the planar shape of the opening OP may be circular, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The area of the second liquid LQ2 contacting the first surface P2S1 of the second plate P2 according to the level of the driving voltage applied from the driving unit 140 to the first and second electrodes E1 and E2 is an optical axis. The size of the opening OP may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing based on the (LX).

First, the point where the interface BO between the first and second liquids LQ1 and LQ2 contacts the insulating layer 150 is defined as a first contact point, and the interface BO between the first and second liquids LQ1 and LQ2 ) Defines a point where the first surface P2S1 of the second plate P2 abuts as the second contact point, and the coordinate in the y-axis direction of the point where the optical axis LX is disposed is '0' (ie, y=0 ). Further, a distance at which the first contact moves is referred to as a'first distance', and a distance at which the second contact moves is referred to as a'second distance'.

At this time, as the driving voltage is applied from the driving unit 140 to the first and second electrodes E1 and E2, the first contact (y=y111) illustrated in FIG. 1A is in the -y-axis direction (or +y-axis). Direction). In addition, when a driving voltage is applied from the driving unit 140 to the first and second electrodes E1 and E2 to move the position of the first contact, the position of the second contact may also move. That is, the second contact (y=y121) illustrated in FIG. 1A may move in the +y-axis direction (or -y-axis direction). As such, the first contact point and the second contact point move in opposite directions, but the first and second distances may be the same.

In addition, when the point at which the first contact point can move maximum in the +y-axis direction is a point shown in FIG. 3 (y=y311), the 2-1 electrode E21 points toward the optical axis LX ( y=y311). In this way, the length L of the 2-1 electrode E21 may be determined according to the maximum movement distance of the first contact in the +y axis direction. Therefore, the length L of the 2-1 electrode E21 may define the maximum opening MOP of the opening OP of the aperture 100A. In other words, the second contact moves from the point shown in FIG. 3 (y=321) in the -y-axis direction, so that more light than the width of the maximum opening (MOP) passes through the second liquid (P2) ( LQ2), even if the 2-1 electrode (E21) has a light-shielding property, the amount of light that can pass through the aperture (100A) is the maximum opening (MOP) defined by the 2-1 electrode (E21) It is determined by the size of the. As such, the maximum amount of light that light can pass through the aperture 100A according to the embodiment may be determined by the maximum aperture (MOP). To this end, the 2-1 electrode E21 may be formed of a material having light blocking properties.

When the electrode is formed of a material having light-shielding property instead of a light-transmitting material (for example, ITO), manufacturing cost can be lowered and process efficiency can be brought in when forming the electrode. In addition, when the second electrode E2 made of a translucent material (for example, ITO) is formed on the front surface of the bottom surface of the receiving groove CH, the light transmittance of the ITO is only 90%, so the aperture 100A Light transmittance passing through may decrease. However, when defining the maximum opening (MOP) by the 2-1 electrode (E21) made of a material having a light-shielding property, light only needs to pass through the first plate (P1). In this case, when the first plate P1 is implemented with glass having a transmittance of 99% or more, the aperture 100A according to the embodiment may have excellent light transmittance.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the second contact is located at the point (y=y121) shown in FIG. 1A, the second contact is the point at which the second contact is shown in FIG. 3 (y=y321) than the amount of light passing through the iris 100A. When placed in the larger amount of light passing through the aperture (100A). In addition, when the second contact is positioned as shown in FIG. 1A, the aperture value f of the aperture 100A may be close to infinity (f=∽), and when the second contact is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 3. The aperture value f of the aperture 100A may be flattened to ø2.0. According to the aperture index F of the aperture 100A, the thickness of the first plate P1, the thickness of the second electrode E2, and the like may be determined, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the aperture 100B according to another embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

5A and 5B show a cross-sectional view and an exploded cross-sectional view of the aperture 100B according to another embodiment, respectively. For convenience of description, illustration of the first and second liquids LQ1 and LQ2 and the driving unit 140 in FIG. 5B is omitted.

5A and 5B, the aperture 100B according to another embodiment includes liquids LQ1 and LQ2, first and second plates P1 and P2, a driving unit 140, and a first electrode (or common) Electrode) (E1) and a second electrode (or individual electrodes) (E2). In addition, the aperture 100B may further include an insulating layer 150.

Except that the shapes of the first electrode E1, the first plate P1, and the second plate P2 are different, the aperture 100B illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B is the aperture illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Since it is the same as (100A), the same reference numerals are used for the same parts, duplicate descriptions are omitted, and only the other parts are examined. That is, the liquids LQ1 and LQ2 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the insulating layer 150 and the second electrode E2 are the liquids LQ1 and LQ2 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and the insulating layer 150. And the second electrode E2, respectively.

In addition, the first plate P1 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B is formed so that the outermost side protrudes more outward than the second plate P2, whereas the first plate P1 illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B is formed. The outermost side does not protrude more than the second plate P2. Except for this, since the first plate P1 illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B is the same as the first plate P1 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a duplicate description of the first plate P1 is omitted. do.

In addition, the second plate P2 illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B includes a through hole TH2, unlike the second plate P2 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Except for this, since the second plate P2 illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B is the same as the second plate P2 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, redundant description of the second plate P2 is omitted. do.

The first electrode E1 may be electrically connected to the first liquid LQ1, which is the same as the first electrode E1 of FIG. 1A.

According to another embodiment, the first electrode E1 of the aperture 100B may penetrate the second plate P2 to contact the liquid LQ1. To this end, the second plate P2 may include a through hole TH2 through which the first electrode E1 passes.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first electrode E1 penetrates the second plate P2 and protrudes toward the cavity, so that the first electrode E1 and the first liquid LQ1 can be electrically connected to each other stably. The shortest separation distance between the first electrode E1 and the optical axis LX (hereinafter referred to as “first-second separation distance”) D12 may be smaller than the second separation distance D2. If the first-second separation distance D12 is greater than the second separation distance D2, the first electrode E1 has the first surface P2S1 and the first plate P1 of the second plate P2. Since it is disposed between the first surfaces P1S1 of, the first electrode E1 cannot be electrically connected to the first liquid LQ1. Therefore, since the first-2 separation distance D12 is smaller than the second separation distance D2, the first electrode E1 may be electrically connected to the first liquid LQ1.

In addition, when the first-first separation distance D11 is smaller than the third separation distance D3, the first electrode E1 is disposed on a path through which the light passes in the aperture 100B, and may interfere with the progress of light. have. To prevent this, the first-first separation distance D11 may be greater than the third separation distance D3.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 5B, among both ends of the second electrode E2, an end close to the optical axis LX and an edge of the receiving groove CH (that is, the first surface of the first plate P1) The first electrode E1 may be disposed in the third region A3 of the second plate P2 overlapping the region between the ends P1S1E of the P1S1).

In the case of the aperture 100A shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first surface P1S1 of the first plate P1 and the first surface P2S1 of the second plate P2 are as shown in FIG. 2. , It may be connected to each other by the first plate bridge 196 and the electrode bridge (EB1). This is because the first-first and first-second electrodes E11 and E12 are disposed between the first surface P1S1 of the first plate P1 and the first surface P2S1 of the second plate P2. It may be possible.

However, in the case of the aperture 100B shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first-to-first surface P1S1 of the first plate P1 and the first surface P2S1 of the second plate P2 are 1-1. And the 1-2 electrodes E11 and E12 are not disposed. In this case, the state in which the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 are combined will be described as follows.

6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion'B' shown in FIG. 5A.

Referring to FIG. 6, the aperture 100B may further include a second plate bridge 160 coupling (or connecting) the first plate P1 and the second plate P2 to each other. The second plate bridge 160 may be formed by irradiating a laser. By forming the second plate bridge 160, it is possible to improve the strength of the aperture 100B.

Also, an air layer (or a vacuum layer) 162 may be disposed between the first surface P1S1 of the first plate P1 and the first surface P2S1 of the second plate P2. At this time, the manufacturing method of the aperture 100B according to the embodiment will be briefly described as follows.

First, a first plate P1 having a receiving groove CH is prepared by chemically etching the first plate P1.

Then, while filling the liquid (LQ1, LQ2) in the receiving groove (CH) of the first plate (P1), the second plate (P2) is seated on the first plate (P1).

Thereafter, when irradiating the laser beam through the second plate P2 having light transmittance, the second plate bridge 162 may be formed while combining the first plate P1 and the second plate P2.

Meanwhile, as in FIG. 1A, referring to FIG. 5A, the driving unit 140 applies a driving voltage to the first and second electrodes E1 and E2 to interface the first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 ( BO) to flow.

Although not shown, the first voltage V1 output from the driving unit 140 may be applied to the first electrode E1 through the first connection substrate (not shown).

Hereinafter, the operation of the iris 100B illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B having the above-described configuration will be described as follows with reference to the accompanying drawings.

7 is a view for explaining the operation of the iris 100B shown in FIG. 5A. Except that the shapes of the interfaces BO of the two different liquids LQ1 and LQ2 are different, the aperture 100B illustrated in FIG. 7 is the same as the aperture 100B illustrated in FIG. 5A, so the same reference numerals are used. And duplicate description is omitted. That is, FIG. 5A corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the aperture 100B when a driving voltage is not applied to the aperture 100B, and FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional shape of the aperture 100B when a driving voltage is applied to the aperture 100B. May correspond to

8 is a plan view of the aperture 100B shown in FIGS. 5A and 7.

The aperture 100B according to the above-described embodiment serves to adjust the amount of light incident from the camera module.

For example, when light is incident in the -z axis direction, light incident through the opening OP in the aperture 100B shown in FIG. 5A is transmitted through the second liquid LQ2 and the first plate P1. Will be released. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the planar shape of the opening OP of the aperture 100B may be circular, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

At this time, as the driving voltage is applied from the driving unit 140 to the first and second electrodes E1 and E2, the first contact (y=y112) illustrated in FIG. 5A is in the -y-axis direction (or +y-axis). Direction). In addition, when a driving voltage is applied from the driving unit 140 to the first and second electrodes E1 and E2 to move the position of the first contact, the position of the second contact may also move. That is, the second contact (y=y122) illustrated in FIG. 5A may move in the +y-axis direction (or -y-axis direction). As such, the first contact point and the second contact point move in opposite directions, but the first and second distances may be the same.

In addition, when the point at which the first contact point can move maximum in the +y-axis direction is a point shown in FIG. 7 (y=y312), the 2-1 electrode E21 points toward the optical axis LX ( y=y312). In this way, the length L of the 2-1 electrode E21 may be determined according to the maximum movement distance of the first contact in the +y axis direction. Therefore, the length L of the 2-1 electrode E21 may define the maximum opening MOP of the opening OP of the aperture 100B. Incidentally, the second contact moves from the point (y=322) shown in FIG. 7 in the -y-axis direction so that more light than the width of the maximum opening (MOP) passes through the second liquid (P2) ( LQ2), even if the 2-1 electrode (E21) has a light-shielding property, the amount of light that can pass through the aperture (100B) is the maximum opening (MOP) defined by the 2-1 electrode (E21) It is determined by the size of the. As such, the maximum amount of light that can pass through the light at the aperture 100B according to the embodiment may be determined by the maximum aperture (MOP). To this end, the 2-1 electrode E21 may be formed of a material having light blocking properties.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the second contact is located at the point (y=y122) shown in FIG. 5A, the second contact is the point at which the second contact is shown in FIG. 7 (y=y322) than the amount of light passing through the iris 100B. When located at the larger amount of light passing through the aperture (100B). In addition, when the second contact is positioned as shown in FIG. 5A, the aperture value f of the aperture 100B may be close to infinity (f=∽), and when the second contact is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 7. The aperture value f of the aperture 100B may be flattened to ø2.0.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the lens assembly and the camera module according to the embodiment including the aforementioned apertures 100A and 100B will be described as follows with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9 is a block diagram of a camera module 1000A according to an embodiment.

The camera module 1000A according to an embodiment may include an image sensor 400 and a lens assembly 500.

The lens assembly 500 according to the embodiment may include at least one lens and an aperture 100. Here, the aperture 100 may be any one of the apertures 100A and 100B illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 5A.

At least one lens may be aligned with the aperture 100 and the optical axis LX. For example, at least one lens may include a plurality of lenses, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The plurality of lenses may include a first lens unit 200 and a second lens unit 300. Each of the first and second lens units 200 and 300 may include at least one lens. At least one of the first or second lens units 200 and 300 may be omitted.

Each of the plurality of lenses may be a solid lens or a liquid lens, and the lens assembly 500 according to the embodiment is not limited to a specific shape of the lens.

In the case of FIG. 9, the aperture 100 is illustrated as being disposed between the first lens unit 200 and the second lens unit 300, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, according to another embodiment, the aperture 100 may be disposed above the first lens unit 200 or may be disposed below the second lens unit 300. As such, the aperture 100 may be disposed between a plurality of lenses, on a plurality of lenses, and under a plurality of lenses. In addition, the aperture 100 may also serve as any one of the plurality of lenses.

In addition, the image sensor 400 may generate image data by receiving the aperture of the aperture 100 (eg, the OP or MOP shown in FIG. 1A or 5A) and at least one lens. . To this end, the image sensor 400 may be aligned with the aperture 100 and at least one lens (eg, 200 and 300 shown in FIG. 9) and an optical axis LX.

In the case of the embodiment, when each of the first and second plates P1 and P2 is made of glass, the light transmittance of the glass may be higher than that of the transparent electrode layer. For example, the light transmittance of the glass can be up to 99%. Therefore, the apertures 100: 100A and 100B according to the embodiment may have excellent light transmittance. Incidentally, when the second electrode (E2) made of a light-transmitting material (for example, ITO) is formed in a path through which light passes, the light transmittance passing through the aperture may drop because the light transmittance of ITO is only 90%. have. However, as in the embodiment, when defining the maximum opening (MOP) by the 2-1 electrode (E21) of a light-shielding material, the light only needs to pass through the first plate (P1). At this time, when implementing the first plate (P1) with a glass having a transmittance of 99% or more, the aperture 100 according to the embodiment may have excellent light transmittance.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9, since the aperture 100 can serve as a target lens among any of a plurality of lenses, the number of lenses included in the lens assembly 500 can be reduced. Therefore, the size of the lens assembly 500 can be reduced.

In addition, since the apertures 100A and 100B according to the embodiment do not implement a mechanical aperture and use liquid, they have more opening and closing stages than a mechanical aperture having two opening and closing stages, so that opening and closing can be continuously controlled. In addition, in the case of a mechanical diaphragm, a magnet actuator is required for driving, and light leakage may occur between blades, resulting in deterioration of image quality. However, in the case of the embodiment, no actuator is required and light leakage does not occur.

In addition, in the case of a mechanical diaphragm, since a transparent electrode is formed in an area through which light is transmitted, transmittance is lowered due to the arrangement of the transparent electrode, whereas the apertures 100A and 100B of the embodiment do not use a transparent electrode, so the transmittance is not lowered .

In addition, unlike a mechanical aperture using a blade, since the aperture 100A, 100B according to an embodiment uses a liquid, it can be implemented with a thickness of 400 µm or less and the overall size can be reduced. For this reason, the camera module 1000 using the apertures 100A and 100B of the embodiment can be made slim.

In addition, the aperture according to the comparative example includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and an intermediate plate. It is assumed that the top plate corresponds to the second plate of the apertures 100A and 100B according to the embodiment. At this time, two different liquids LQ1 and LQ2 are accommodated in the cavity formed by the bottom surface of the hollow plate and the top plate formed on the optical axis in the intermediate plate and the top surface of the bottom plate. In the case of this comparative example, since more plates are combined to accommodate the liquid than in the example, airtightness is reduced.

On the other hand, since the first plate (P1) in the aperture (100A, 100B) according to the embodiment performs the role of integrating the intermediate plate and the bottom plate, airtightness can be improved.

In addition, in the case of the comparative example, the lower surface of the intermediate plate and the upper surface of the bottom plate are joined by a metal bridge as shown in FIG. 1B. To this end, a second electrode must be deposited on each of the lower surface of the intermediate plate and the upper surface of the bottom plate, and the second electrode is bonded to form a metal bridge. On the other hand, in the case of the apertures 100A and 100B according to the embodiment, since the first plate P1 plays the role of integrating the intermediate plate and the bottom plate, the operation of depositing or bonding the second electrode is unnecessary, making the manufacturing process It can be simplified and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

In addition, in the case of the aperture 100A illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, only a portion E23 of the second electrode E2 penetrates the first plate P1, whereas the aperture 100B illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In the case of ), not only part of the second electrode E2 but also the entirety of the first electrode E1 penetrates the second plate P2. Therefore, the airtightness of the aperture 100B shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is higher than that of the aperture 100A shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In addition, in the case of the aperture 100B shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the operation of depositing and bonding the electrode is not required at all, so the manufacturing process can be further simplified and the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

In addition, in the case of the aperture 100A shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the edge of the first electrode E1 has a chamfered shape EC. The first-first electrode E11 disposed on the outermost first surface P1S1 of the first plate P1 protruding more than the outermost portion of the second plate P2 may be exposed through the chamfered portion. . Therefore, this chamfering process is required when manufacturing the iris 100A shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. However, in the case of the aperture 100B shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, since the first electrode E1 penetrates through the second plate P2, the first plate P1 is greater than the outermost of the second plate P2. The outermost part of the need not protrude more. Therefore, since the chamfering process is not required when manufacturing the iris 100B shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the manufacturing process may be further simplified and manufacturing costs may be further reduced.

Meanwhile, an optical device may be implemented using the camera module 1000A including the apertures 100: 100A and 100B according to the above-described embodiment. Here, the optical device may include a device capable of processing or analyzing an optical signal. Examples of the optical device may include a camera/video device, a telescope device, a microscope device, an interferometer device, a photometer device, a polarimeter device, a spectrometer device, a reflectometer device, an autocollimator device, a lens meter device, etc., and may include a lens assembly. This embodiment can be applied to a possible optical device.

Further, the optical device may be implemented as a portable device such as a smart phone, a notebook computer, and a tablet computer. These optical devices include a camera module 1000A, a display unit (not shown) that outputs an image, a battery (not shown) that supplies power to the camera module 1000A, a camera module 1000A, and a display unit and a battery. It may include a body housing. The optical device may further include a communication module capable of communicating with other devices and a memory unit capable of storing data. The communication module and the memory unit may also be mounted in the body housing.

The various embodiments described above may be combined with each other as long as they do not depart from the object of the present invention and do not conflict with each other. In addition, among the various embodiments described above, when a component of one embodiment is not described in detail, a description of a component having the same reference number in another embodiment may be applied.

The embodiments have been mainly described above, but this is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are not exemplified above in the range that does not depart from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. It will be appreciated that various modifications and applications are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiment can be implemented by modification. And differences related to these modifications and applications should be construed as being included in the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

100, 100A, 100B: aperture P1: first plate
P2: Second plate P3: Third plate
140: driving unit 150: insulating layer
200: first lens unit 300: second lens unit
400: image sensor 500: lens assembly

Claims (14)

A first translucent plate having a receiving groove formed around an optical axis;
A second translucent plate disposed on the first plate;
A first light-shielding liquid and a second light-transmitting liquid accommodated in the cavity defined by the receiving groove and the second plate and disposed in contact with each other;
A first electrode electrically connected to the first liquid; And
An aperture including a second electrode passing through the first plate and disposed around the optical axis to define a maximum aperture size of the aperture. The method of claim 1, wherein the first plate
A first region to which the bottom surface of the receiving groove belongs; And
Aperture surrounding the first region and including a second region to which the side of the receiving groove belongs. According to claim 1, The depth of the receiving groove is the following aperture.

(Here, h represents the depth of the receiving groove, T represents the thickness of the first plate.) The method of claim 2, wherein the second electrode
A 2-1 electrode disposed on a part of the first region;
A 2-2 electrode disposed on a part of the second region and connected to the 2-1 electrode; And
Aperture including a second-3 electrode penetrating the first plate and connected to the second-1 and second-2 electrodes, respectively. According to claim 1,
The first electrode is an aperture disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The method of claim 5, wherein the first electrode
A first-first electrode disposed on the first plate; And
An aperture connected to the first-first electrode, disposed on the second plate, and including a 1-2 electrode protruding toward the cavity to contact the first liquid. The method of claim 6, wherein the first electrode
An aperture further comprising a first electrode bridge connecting the first-first electrode and the first-second electrode. The aperture of claim 6, wherein the first plate further protrudes from the outermost side of the second plate, and a portion of the first-first electrode is disposed on the protruded outermost side of the first plate. According to claim 1,
The first electrode is an aperture through the second plate and electrically connected to the first liquid. The method of claim 9,
Aperture further comprising a plate bridge for coupling the first plate and the second plate. The method of claim 9,
The shortest first separation distance between the first electrode and the optical axis is smaller than the shortest second separation distance between the edge of the receiving groove and the optical axis. The method of claim 9,
The shortest first separation distance between the first electrode and the optical axis is greater than the shortest third separation distance between the second electrode and the optical axis. The aperture according to claim 1; And
A lens assembly comprising at least one lens aligned with the aperture and the optical axis. The lens assembly according to claim 13; And
A camera module including an image sensor aligned with the optical axis to generate image data by receiving light passing through the aperture of the aperture and the at least one lens.

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