WO2020149573A1

WO2020149573A1 - Lens assembly and camera module comprising same

Info

Publication number: WO2020149573A1
Application number: PCT/KR2020/000390
Authority: WO
Inventors: 최용복; 백정식; 송윤상
Original assignee: 엘지이노텍(주)
Priority date: 2019-01-17
Filing date: 2020-01-09
Publication date: 2020-07-23
Also published as: KR20200089481A

Abstract

A lens assembly of an embodiment comprises: a holder including a first sidewall having a first opening, a second sidewall having a second opening facing the first opening in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis direction, and a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall which face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction; and a liquid lens part disposed in the holder, wherein the liquid lens part includes: a liquid lens; a first connecting substrate disposed above the liquid lens; and a second connecting substrate disposed below the liquid lens, the third sidewall includes a first inner portion, the fourth sidewall includes a second inner portion facing the first inner portion, the second connecting substrate includes protrusion portions protruding toward the first inner portion to contact the first inner portion, and the other side of the second connecting substrate is disposed facing the second inner portion.

Description

Lens assembly and camera module including same

An embodiment relates to a lens assembly and a camera module including the same.

Users of portable devices desire high-resolution, small-sized, and optical imaging functions. For example, the various shooting functions include at least one of an optical zoom function (zoom-in/zoom-out), an auto-focusing (AF) function, or an image stabilization or image stabilization (OIS) function. Can mean

In the conventional case, in order to implement the various shooting functions described above, a method of combining a plurality of lenses and directly moving the combined lenses was used. However, if the number of lenses is increased as described above, the size of the optical device may be increased.

The auto focus and image stabilization functions are fixed to the lens holder, and multiple lenses aligned with the optical axis are performed by moving or tilting in the vertical direction of the optical axis or optical axis, and for this purpose, driving a lens assembly composed of a plurality of lenses A separate lens driving device is required. However, the lens driving device has high power consumption, and there is a problem in that the overall size of the existing camera module is increased, such as adding a cover glass separately from the camera module to protect it. In order to solve this, studies have been conducted on a liquid lens unit that performs autofocus and image stabilization functions by electrically adjusting the curvatures of the interfaces of two liquids.

The solid lens unit may be disposed above or below the liquid lens unit, and the solid lens unit and the liquid lens unit may be arranged to be aligned with the optical axis LX through active alignment (AA). The active alignment may mean an operation of matching the optical axes of the solid lens unit and the liquid lens unit for better image acquisition. Various studies are being conducted to reduce the time and cost required for such an active alignment.

The embodiment provides a lens assembly capable of quickly performing an active alignment at a low cost and a camera module including the same.

The technical problem to be solved in the embodiment is not limited to the technical problem mentioned above, and another technical problem not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the following description. Will be able to.

The lens assembly according to an embodiment includes a first sidewall having a first opening, a second sidewall having a second opening facing the first opening in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, the optical axis direction and the first A holder including a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall facing each other in a second direction perpendicular to the direction; And a liquid lens portion disposed in the holder, wherein the liquid lens portion is a liquid lens; A first connecting substrate disposed on the liquid lens; And a second connection substrate disposed under the liquid lens, the third sidewall including a first inner portion, and the fourth sidewall including a second inner portion facing the first inner portion, and the second The connecting substrate may include a protrusion protruding toward the first inner portion and contacting the first inner portion, and the other side of the second connecting substrate may be disposed to face the second inner portion.

For example, the liquid lens unit is inserted into the holder through the first opening, and the first connecting substrate includes a first side portion adjacent to the first opening and having a receiving groove, wherein the second connecting substrate is The second side adjacent to the first opening protrudes in a direction parallel to the optical axis direction and may include a stopper accommodated in the receiving groove.

For example, the protrusions are spaced apart from each other, protrude toward the first inner portion, and may include a plurality of protrusions having different heights.

For example, the plurality of protrusions may include a first protrusion located closer to the first opening than the second opening; And a second protrusion located closer to the second opening than the first opening.

For example, the first height of the first protrusion may be greater than the second height of the second protrusion.

For example, the width between the first inner portion and the second inner portion may be narrower toward the second opening from the first opening into which the liquid lens portion is inserted.

For example, the liquid lens includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and the first connecting substrate includes a first body; And a metal plate disposed under the first body and electrically connected to the first electrode.

For example, the second connecting substrate may include a second body having a frame shape forming a hollow accommodating the liquid lens; And a circuit pattern disposed on the second body and electrically connected to the second electrode.

For example, the second connecting substrate further includes a plurality of engaging projections projecting toward the first connecting substrate in the optical axis direction on the second body, and the first connecting substrate is positioned at a position corresponding to the engaging projections. It may be arranged to further include a plurality of engaging grooves to allow the engagement with the engaging projection.

For example, the lens assembly may further include at least one solid lens unit disposed in the optical axis direction at least one of above or below the liquid lens unit.

Camera module according to another embodiment, the main substrate; The lens assembly disposed on the main substrate; And an image sensor disposed between the lens assembly and the main substrate and aligned with the liquid lens in an optical axis.

For example, the metal plate of the first connection substrate is bent toward the main substrate to electrically connect the first electrode and the main substrate, and the circuit pattern of the second connection substrate is toward the main substrate It can be bent to electrically connect the second electrode and the main substrate.

The lens assembly and the camera module including the same according to the embodiment may perform alignment in the first direction crossing the optical axis between the liquid lens part and the first and second lens parts by combining the stopper and the receiving groove, and the optical axis And alignment in the second direction, each intersecting the first direction, by contact between the protrusion and the first inner surface of the holder, and surface contact between the other side of the second connecting substrate and the first inner surface of the holder, No expensive equipment required,

Since a member such as a spacer for active alignment is not required, the manufacturing process of the liquid lens unit can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The self-aligning alignment is realized by inserting the second connecting substrate accommodating the liquid lens unit into the holder without needing to perform the active alignment while holding the spacer with the gripper, so the time for performing the active alignment is very short,

Since the first connecting substrate and the second connecting substrate are combined to fix the liquid lens, the liquid lens may be strong from external impact.

In addition, the effects obtainable in the present embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. There will be.

1 is a schematic side view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

2 is an exploded perspective view according to an embodiment of the camera module shown in FIG. 1.

3A is an exploded perspective view of the liquid lens unit illustrated in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a combined perspective view of the liquid lens unit illustrated in FIG. 3A.

4 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the liquid lens unit shown in FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B.

5(a) and 5(b) are views for explaining a liquid lens whose interface is adjusted in response to a driving voltage.

6A to 6D show various views of the holder according to the embodiment.

7 shows a perspective view in which a liquid lens part is inserted and disposed in a holder.

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 described embodiments, and may be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of 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, the singular form may also include the 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 not only when two components are in direct contact with each other, but also one 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.

The variable lens may be a variable focus lens. Also, the variable lens may be a lens whose focus is adjusted. The variable lens may be at least one of a liquid lens, a polymer lens, a liquid crystal lens, a VCM type, and an SMA type. The liquid lens may include a liquid lens including one liquid and a liquid lens including two liquids. The liquid lens including one liquid may change the focus by adjusting the membrane disposed at a position corresponding to the liquid, and for example, the focus may be changed by pressing the membrane by the electromagnetic force of the magnet and the coil. The liquid lens including two liquids may control the interface formed by the conductive liquid and the non-conductive liquid by using a voltage applied to the liquid lens, including the conductive liquid and the non-conductive liquid. The polymer lens can change the focus of the polymer material through a driving unit such as a piezo. The liquid crystal lens can change the focus by controlling the liquid crystal by electromagnetic force. The VCM type can change the focus by adjusting the solid lens or the lens assembly including the solid lens through an electromagnetic force between the magnet and the coil. The SMA type may use a shape memory alloy to control a solid lens or a lens assembly including the solid lens to change focus.

Hereinafter, the lens assembly according to the embodiment and the variable lens included in the camera module including the same will be described as a liquid lens. However, the lens assembly according to the embodiment and the camera module including the variable lens may include variable lenses other than the liquid lens. It may include.

Hereinafter, a lens assembly according to an embodiment and a camera module including the same will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience, a lens assembly and a camera module including the same are described using a Cartesian coordinate system (x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis), but it is needless to say that 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, a camera module 100 according to an embodiment will be described as follows with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a schematic side view of a camera module 100 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the camera module 100 may include a lens assembly 22, a control circuit 24 and an image sensor 26.

First, the lens assembly 22 may include a plurality of lens units and a holder accommodating the plurality of lens units. As described later, the plurality of lens units may include a liquid lens unit, and may further include at least one of a first lens unit or a second lens unit.

The control circuit 24 serves to supply a driving voltage (or an operating voltage) to the liquid lens unit.

The image sensor 26 is disposed under the lens assembly 22 to perform a function of converting light passing through the lens assembly 22 into image data.

The above-described control circuit 24 and the image sensor 26 may be disposed on one printed circuit board (PCB), but this is only one example and the embodiment is not limited thereto.

When the camera module 100 according to the embodiment is applied to an optical device (Optical Device, Optical Instrument), the configuration of the control circuit 24 may be designed differently according to specifications required by the optical device. In particular, the control circuit 24 may be implemented as a single chip, thereby reducing the intensity of the driving voltage applied to the lens assembly 22. Through this, the size of the optical device mounted on the portable device can be further reduced.

2 is an exploded perspective view according to an embodiment of the camera module 100 shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, the camera module 100 may include a lens assembly, a main substrate 150 and an image sensor 182. Also, the camera module 100 may further include a first cover 170. In addition, the camera module 100 may further include a sensor base 178 and a filter 176 as shown in FIG. 2, and unlike the sensor base 178 and a filter 176 as shown in FIG. 2. It may not be included. Also, the camera module 100 may further include a circuit cover 154.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the

components

110, 130, 154, 176, and 178 of the camera module 100 shown in FIG. 2 may be omitted. Alternatively, other components that play the same role as the

components

110, 130, 154, 176, and 178 illustrated in FIG. 2 may be further included in the camera module 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, the lens assembly may include at least one of the first lens unit 110, the holder 120, the second lens unit 130, and the liquid lens unit 140, illustrated in FIG. 1 It may correspond to the lens assembly 22. The lens assembly may be disposed on the main substrate 150.

In order to distinguish the liquid lens unit 140 from the lens assembly, the first lens unit 110 and the second lens unit 130 may be referred to as'first solid lens unit' and'second solid lens unit', respectively.

The first lens unit 110 is disposed on the upper side of the lens assembly, and may be a region where light is incident from the outside of the lens assembly. That is, the first lens unit 110 may be disposed on the liquid lens unit 140 in the holder 120. The first lens unit 110 may be embodied as one lens, or may be embodied as two or more lenses that are aligned with respect to the central axis to form an optical system. Here, the central axis means the optical axis (LX) of the optical system formed by the first lens unit 110, the liquid lens unit 140, and the second lens unit 130 included in the camera module 100. It may mean, or may mean an axis parallel to the optical axis LX. The optical axis LX may correspond to the optical axis of the image sensor 182. That is, the first lens unit 110, the liquid lens unit 140, the second lens unit 130, and the image sensor 182 are arranged in an optical axis LX through active alignment (AA). Can be. The optical axis of each of the first lens unit 110, the second lens unit 130, and the liquid lens unit 140 is aligned through active alignment, and the axis between the image sensor 182 and the

lens units

110, 130, 140 Or, by adjusting the distance relationship, a better image can be obtained.

In addition, an exposure lens may be disposed on an image side of the first lens unit 110. Here, the exposure lens may mean the outermost lens among the lenses included in the first lens unit 110. That is, since the lens located on the uppermost side of the first lens unit 110 protrudes upward, it is possible to perform the function of the exposure lens.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the liquid lens unit 140 included in the camera module 100 according to the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3A shows an exploded perspective view of the liquid lens unit 140 shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B shows a combined perspective view of the liquid lens unit 140 shown in FIG. 3A.

4 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment 140A of the liquid lens unit 140 shown in FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B.

The

liquid lens units

140 and 140A illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, and 4 include a first connecting substrate 141, a liquid lens (or liquid lens body) 142, and a second connecting substrate 144 ).

The first connection substrate 141 electrically connects the plurality of first electrodes included in the liquid lens 142 to the main substrate 150 and may be disposed on the liquid lens 142. In addition, the first connection substrate 141 is a plurality of first electrodes (E1:E11, E12, E13, E14) of the liquid lens 120 and each electrode pad (not shown) formed on the main substrate 150 to each other It can be electrically connected. To this end, after the liquid lens unit 140 is inserted into the inner space of the holder 120, the first connecting substrate 141 also moves the main substrate 150 as if the second connecting substrate 144 is bent. Bending in the -z-axis direction toward the plurality of first electrodes (E1:E11, E12, E13, E14) can be electrically connected to the electrode pad through a conductive epoxy (conductive epoxy).

The second connection substrate 144 electrically connects the second electrodes E2:E21, E22, E23, and E24 included in the liquid lens 142 to the main substrate 150, and is disposed under the liquid lens 142. Can be. To this end, after the liquid lens unit 140 is inserted into the inner space of the holder 120, the second connecting substrate 144 is bent toward the main substrate 150 in the -z-axis direction as shown in the plurality The second electrode (E2: E21, E22, E23, E24) of the electrode pad can be electrically connected through a conductive epoxy.

The liquid lens 142 includes a plurality of different types of liquids LQ1 and LQ2, the first to

third plates

147, 145, and 146, the first and second electrodes E1 and E2, and the insulating layer 148. It may include. Although not shown, the liquid lens 142 may further include an optical layer.

The plurality of liquids LQ1 and LQ2 are accommodated in a cavity (CA), and may include a first liquid LQ1 having conductivity and a second liquid (or insulating liquid) LQ2 having nonconductivity. . The first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 do not mix with each other, and an interface BO may be formed at a contact portion between the first and second liquids LQ1 and LQ2. For example, the first liquid LQ1 may be disposed on the second liquid LQ2, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. In addition, in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid lens 142, the edges of the first and second liquids LQ2 and LQ1 may be thinner than the center portion.

The second liquid LQ2 may be made of a material having non-conductivity, such as oil, and the first liquid LQ1 may be made of a material having conductivity.

The inner surface of the first plate 147 may form a side wall i of the cavity CA. The first plate 147 may include upper and lower openings having a predetermined inclined surface. That is, the cavity CA may be defined as an area surrounded by an inner inclined surface of the first plate 147, a third opening on the second plate 145 side, and a fourth opening on the third plate 146 side.

The diameter of the wider opening among the third and fourth openings may vary according to a field of view (FOV) required by the liquid lens 142 or a role that the liquid lens 142 should play in the camera module 100. The interface BO formed by the two liquids may move along the inclined surface of the cavity CA by the driving voltage.

The opening area in the direction in which light enters the cavity CA may be smaller than the opening area in the opposite direction. Alternatively, the liquid lens 142 may be implemented such that the inclined direction of the cavity CA is opposite. In addition, when the liquid lens 142 is disposed such that the inclined direction of the cavity CA is opposite, all or part of the arrangement of the components included in the liquid lens 142 is changed together according to the inclined direction of the liquid lens 142 Alternatively, only the inclined direction of the cavity CA may be changed, and the arrangement of the remaining components may not be changed.

The first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 may be filled, accommodated, or disposed in the cavity CA of the first plate 147. In addition, the cavity CA is a portion through which light passing through the first lens unit 110 passes. Therefore, the first plate 147 may be made of a transparent material, or may contain impurities so that light is not easily transmitted.

First and second electrodes E1 and E2 may be disposed on one surface and the other surface of the first plate 147, respectively. The plurality of second electrodes E2 are spaced apart from the first electrode E1 and may be disposed on one surface (eg, an upper surface, side surfaces, and lower surfaces) of the first plate 147. The first electrode E1 is disposed on at least a portion of the other surface (eg, an upper surface) of the first plate 147 and may directly contact the first liquid LQ1.

3A, the plurality of first electrodes E11, E12, E13, and E14 correspond to a common electrode that is integrally connected by one metal plate 141b to be described later, and the plurality of second electrodes E21, E22, E23, E24) may correspond to individual electrodes that can be electrically separated from each other. The second electrode E2 is illustrated as having four individual electrodes E21, E22, E23, and E24, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the second electrode E2 may include fewer or more than four individual electrodes. A portion of the first electrode E1 disposed on the other surface of the first plate 147 may be exposed to the first liquid LQ1 having conductivity.

Each of the first and second electrodes E1 and E2 may be made of a conductive material.

Also, the second plate 145 may be disposed on one surface of the second electrode E2. That is, the second plate 145 may be disposed under the first plate 147. Specifically, the second plate 145 may be disposed under the second electrode E2 and under the cavity CA.

The third plate 146 may be disposed on one surface of the first electrode E1. That is, the third plate 146 may be disposed on the first plate 147. Specifically, the third plate 146 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first electrode E1 and the cavity CA.

The second plate 145 and the third plate 146 may be disposed to face each other with the first plate 147 therebetween. Also, at least one of the second plate 145 or the third plate 146 may be omitted.

At least one of the second or

third plates

145 and 146 may have a rectangular planar shape. The third plate 146 may abut and adhere to the first plate 147 in the bonding region around the edge.

Each of the second and

third plates

145 and 146 is an area through which light passes, and may be made of a translucent material. For example, each of the second and

third plates

145 and 146 may be made of glass, and may be formed of the same material for convenience of processing.

The third plate 146 may have a configuration that allows light incident from the first lens unit 110 to proceed into the cavity CA of the first plate 145. The second plate 145 may have a configuration that allows light passing through the cavity CA of the first plate 147 to proceed to the second lens unit 130. The third plate 146 may directly contact the first liquid LQ1.

Alternatively, on the contrary, the second plate 145 may have a configuration that allows light incident from the first lens unit 110 to proceed into the cavity CA of the first plate 147. The third plate 146 may have a configuration that allows light passing through the cavity CA of the first plate 147 to proceed to the second lens unit 130.

The insulating layer 148 may be disposed while covering a portion of the upper surface of the second plate 145 in the lower region of the cavity CA. That is, the insulating layer 148 may be disposed between the second liquid LQ2 and the second plate 145. In addition, the insulating layer 148 may be disposed while covering a part of the second electrode E2 forming the sidewall of the cavity CA. In addition, the insulating layer 148 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first plate 147 while covering a portion of the first electrode E1 and the first plate 147 and the second electrode E2. Due to this, 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 148.

The insulating layer 148 covers one electrode (eg, the second electrode E2) of the first and second electrodes E1 and E2, and the other electrode (eg, the first electrode E1). )) to expose a portion of the first liquid (LQ1) having conductivity so that electrical energy is applied.

The first connection substrate 141 and the second connection substrate 144 described above serve to supply voltage to the liquid lens 142. To this end, the first electrode E1 may be electrically connected to the first connection substrate 141, and the plurality of second electrodes E2 may be electrically connected to the second connection substrate 144.

When a driving voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes E1 and E2 through the first connecting substrate 141 and the second connecting substrate 144, between the first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 Deformation of the interface BO of at least one of the shape or focal length, such as the curvature of the liquid lens 142, may be changed (or adjusted). For example, the focal length of the liquid lens 142 may be adjusted while at least one of the curvature or inclination of the interface BO formed in the liquid lens 142 changes in response to the driving voltage. When the deformation of the interface BO and the radius of curvature are controlled, the liquid lens 142, the lens assembly including the liquid lens 142, the camera module 100, and the optical device have an auto-focusing function (AF). , An image stabilization or image stabilization (OIS) function may be performed.

The first connection substrate 141 may transfer one common voltage to the liquid lens 142, and the second connection substrate 144 may transfer four different voltages to the liquid lens 142. The common voltage may include a DC voltage or an AC voltage, and when the common voltage is applied in the form of a pulse, the width or duty cycle of the pulse may be constant. The individual voltages supplied through the second connection substrate 144 may be applied to the plurality of second electrodes E2:E21, E22, E23, E24 exposed at each edge of the liquid lens 142.

5A and 5B are views for explaining the liquid lens 142 whose interface is adjusted in response to the driving voltage. Specifically, Figure 5 (a) shows a perspective view of the liquid lens 142 according to the embodiment, Figure 5 (b) shows an equivalent circuit of the liquid lens 142. Here, since the liquid lens 142 is the same as the liquid lens 142 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the same reference numerals are used.

Referring first to FIG. 5(a), the liquid lens 142 whose shape of the interface BO is adjusted in response to the driving voltage is disposed in four different directions with the same angular distance, and the plurality of second electrodes E2 :E21, E22, E23, E24) and the driving voltage may be applied through the first electrode E1. When a driving voltage is applied through one of the plurality of second electrodes E2:E21, E22, E23, and E24 and the first electrode E1, the first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid disposed in the cavity CA The shape of the interface BO of (LQ2) may be deformed. The degree and shape of deformation of the interface BO of the first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 may be controlled by a controller described below to implement at least one of an AF function or an OIS function.

In addition, referring to FIG. 5 (b), the liquid lens 142 has one side of the 142, the individual voltage from the second electrode (E2: E21, E22, E23, E24) through the second connecting substrate 144 And the other side of the 142 may be described as a plurality of capacitors 143 receiving a common voltage from the first electrode E1 through the first connection substrate 141.

Meanwhile, the second lens unit 130 may be disposed under the liquid lens unit 140 inside the holder 120. The second lens unit 130 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first lens unit 110 in the optical axis direction (eg, the z-axis direction).

Light incident on the first lens unit 110 from the outside of the camera module 100 may pass through the liquid lens unit 140 and enter the second lens unit 130. The second lens unit 130 may be implemented as a single lens, or may be implemented as two or more lenses that are aligned with respect to a central axis to form an optical system.

Unlike the liquid lens unit 140, each of the first lens unit 110 and the second lens unit 130 is a solid lens, and may be implemented as glass or plastic, but an embodiment includes the first lens unit 110 and It is not limited to the specific material of each of the second lens units 130 or the existence of the first and

second lens units

110 and 130.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the holder 120 included in the camera module 100 according to the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6A to 6D show various views of the holder 120 according to the embodiment. That is, FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of the holder 120 shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 6B shows a plan view of the holder 120 shown in FIG. 6A, and FIG. 6C shows the interior of the holder 120 shown in FIG. 6A It is a diagram showing the structure, and FIG. 6D shows an inner plan view of the holder 120 to which the second connecting substrate 144 is coupled. For convenience, the illustration of the liquid lens 142 in FIG. 6D is omitted.

The holder 120 illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6D may include first and second holes H1 and H2 and first to fourth sidewalls. The first and second holes H1 and H2 are formed on the upper and lower portions of the holder 120, respectively, to open the upper and lower portions of the holder 120, respectively. Here, the first hole H1 and the second hole H2 may be through holes. The first lens unit 110 may be accommodated, mounted, seated, contacted, fixed, temporarily fixed, supported, combined, or disposed in the first hole H1 formed inside the holder 120, and the second lens unit The 130 may be accommodated, mounted, seated, contacted, fixed, temporarily fixed, supported, coupled, or disposed in the second hole H2 formed inside the holder 120.

In addition, the first and second side walls of the holder 120 are perpendicular to the optical axis (LX) direction (eg, z-axis direction) (hereinafter referred to as a “first direction”, for example, x-axis direction). , And the third and fourth sidewalls face each other in a direction perpendicular to each of the optical axis (LX) direction and the first direction (hereinafter referred to as a'second direction', for example, the y-axis direction). Can be deployed.

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the first sidewall in the holder 120 includes a first opening OP1, and the second sidewall has a second opening OP2 having the same or similar shape as the first opening OP1. It may include. Accordingly, the first opening OP1 disposed on the first sidewall and the second opening OP2 disposed on the second sidewall may be disposed to face each other in the first direction.

The inner space of the holder 120 in which the liquid lens unit 140 is to be disposed may be opened by the first and second openings OP1 and OP2. At this time, the liquid lens unit 140 is inserted through the first or second openings OP1 and OP2 to be mounted, seated, contacted, fixed, temporarily fixed, supported, combined, or disposed in the inner space of the holder 120 Can. For example, the liquid lens unit 140 may be inserted into the inner space of the holder 120 through the first opening OP1.

As such, the liquid lens unit 140 may be inserted into the space inside the holder 120 through the first or second openings OP1 and OP2, so that the first of the holder 120 is based on the optical axis LX direction. Alternatively, the size of each of the second openings OP1 and OP2 may be equal to or less than a cross-sectional area in the y-axis and z-axis directions of the liquid lens unit 140. For example, the height H corresponding to the size of each of the first and second openings OP1 and OP2 in the direction of the optical axis LX may be greater than the thickness TO of the liquid lens unit 140. At this time, the difference between the height (H) and the thickness (TO) may be very small.

7 shows a perspective view in which the liquid lens unit 140 is inserted and disposed in the holder 120. The camera module illustrated in FIG. 7 does not include the sensor base 178 and the filter 176. For ease of understanding, FIG. 7( a) projects the holder 120 to show the components disposed inside the holder 120.

In addition, referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the liquid lens unit 140 is disposed in the inner space of the holder 120, and at least a portion is disposed in the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2 again, the first cover 170 is disposed to surround the holder 120 and the liquid lens unit 140 to protect them 120 and 140 from external impact. In particular, by arranging the first cover 170, a plurality of lenses forming an optical system can be protected from external impact.

In addition, so that the first lens unit 110 disposed in the holder 120 may be exposed to external light, the first cover 170 may include an upper opening 170H formed on an upper surface of the 170. have. In addition, a window made of a light-transmitting material may be disposed in the upper opening 170H, thereby preventing foreign matter, such as dust or moisture, from entering the camera module 100. In addition, the first cover 170 may be disposed to cover the upper surface of the holder 120 and the first to fourth sidewalls.

The filter 176 may filter light corresponding to a specific wavelength range for light passing through the first lens unit 110, the liquid lens unit 140, and the second lens unit 130. For example, the filter 176 may be an infrared (IR) blocking filter or an ultraviolet (UV) blocking filter, but embodiments are not limited thereto. To this end, a filter 176 may be disposed between the lens assembly and image sensor 182. The filter 176 may be disposed inside the sensor base 178. The sensor base 178 is disposed under the lens assembly and may be attached to the main substrate 150. The sensor base 178 may surround the image sensor 182 and protect the image sensor 182 from external foreign matter or impact.

Also, the camera module 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 may not include the sensor base 178 and the filter 176.

The main substrate 150 is disposed under the lens assembly, and an image sensor 182 can be mounted, seated, contacted, fixed, temporarily fixed, supported, coupled, or accommodated in a groove, circuit element 151, or connector ( Alternatively, an FPCB) 152 and a connector 153 may be included.

The circuit element 151 of the main substrate 150 may constitute a control module that controls the liquid lens unit 140 and the image sensor 182. The circuit element 151 may include at least one of a passive element and an active element, and may have various widths and heights. A plurality of circuit elements 151 may be provided and may protrude to the outside while having a height higher than that of the main substrate 150. The main substrate 150 may include a holder region in which the holder 120 is disposed and an element region in which a plurality of circuit elements 151 are disposed. Some of the plurality of circuit elements 151 may cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) or noise. In particular, the power inductor 151-1 of the plurality of circuit elements 151 may cause more EMI than other elements. As such, in order to block EMI or noise, the circuit cover 154 may be disposed to cover the circuit element 151 disposed in the element area of the main substrate 150. When the circuit cover 154 is disposed to cover the circuit element 151, the circuit element 151 disposed on the main substrate 150 may be protected from external impact.

The main substrate 150 may be implemented as a Rigid Flexible Printed Circuit Board (RFPCB) including the FPCB 152. The FPCB 152 may be bent as required by the space where the camera module 100 is mounted.

The image sensor 182 is disposed between the lens assembly and the main substrate 150 to image light passing through the first lens unit 110, the liquid lens unit 140, and the second lens unit 130 of the lens assembly. It can perform the function of converting to data. More specifically, the image sensor 182 may convert light into an analog signal through a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, and synthesize digital signals corresponding to the analog signals to generate image data.

The connector 153 may electrically connect the main board 150 to a power source external to the camera module 100 or other devices (for example, an application processor).

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing the camera module 100 according to the embodiment will be briefly described.

First, after the liquid lens 142 is disposed in the hollow 144H of the second connecting substrate 144, the first connecting substrate 141 is coupled to the second connecting substrate 144 to connect the liquid lens unit 140. To manufacture.

Thereafter, until the stopper 144s is accommodated in the receiving groove 141h, the liquid lens unit 140 is inserted into the first or second openings OP1 and OP2 of the holder 120.

Thereafter, the lens assembly and the image sensor 182 are actively aligned, and the main substrate 150 and the lens assembly are combined.

Hereinafter, the active alignment of the camera module according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3A and 3B, the first and second connecting

substrates

141 and 144 will be described as follows.

The first connection substrate 141 may include a first body 141a and a metal plate 141b. The first body 141a may be made of an insulating material. The first body 141a and the metal plate 141b may have a kind of frame shape with a hollow formed in the middle.

The metal plate 141b is disposed under the first body 141a and may be electrically connected to the first electrodes E11, E12, E13, and E14 of the liquid lens 142. To this end, the metal plate 141b protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 190 of the 141b toward the first electrodes E11, E12, E13, and E14 formed on the upper portion of the liquid lens 142, the first electrode E11, E12, E13, E14) may include a first connection 192 that is electrically connected. To electrically connect the first electrodes E11, E12, E13, and E14 to the main substrate 150, the metal plate 141b may be bent toward the main substrate 150. To this end, the first connection portion 192 may be made of a material having electrical conductivity.

The second connection substrate 144 may include a second body 144a and a circuit pattern 144b. The second body 144a may have a frame shape forming a hollow 144H accommodating the liquid lens 142.

The second body 144a is implemented in a frame shape to surround the liquid lens 142, so that the liquid lens 142 can be protected from external impact. In addition, a hollow 144H may be formed in the center of the second body 144a so that the liquid lens 142 can be mounted, seated, contacted, fixed, temporarily fixed, supported, coupled, or disposed.

The circuit pattern 144b is disposed on the second body 144a and may be electrically connected to the second electrodes E2:E21, E22, E23, and E24. To this end, the circuit pattern 144b may include a connection line 194 and a second connection portion 198. The connection portion 198 may protrude toward the hollow 144H from the inner circumferential surface 196 of the second body 144a and be electrically connected to the second electrodes E21, E22, E23, and E24. The circuit pattern 144b is bent toward the main substrate 150 to electrically connect the second electrodes E21, E22, E23, and E24 to the main substrate 150 through the second connection portion 198 and the connection line 194. Can be connected. To this end, the second connection portion 198 may be made of a material having electrical conductivity.

As such, the second connection substrate 144 may be implemented as a type of MID (Molded Interconnection Device) type in which a circuit pattern 144b made of a metal material having electrical conductivity is formed on a second body 144a made of plastic. have.

In addition, the first connecting substrate 141 and the second connecting substrate 144 may be coupled to each other to cover the upper, lower, and side portions of the liquid lens 142. To this end, the first connecting substrate 141 may include a plurality of engaging grooves (not shown), and the second connecting substrate 144 may include a plurality of engaging projections P1 to P4.

The plurality of engaging protrusions P1 to P4 may protrude toward the plurality of engaging grooves in the optical axis direction on the frame-shaped second body 144a. The engaging grooves are disposed at positions corresponding to the engaging projections P1 to P4 to engage the engaging projections P1 to P4. In the case of FIG. 3A, since the second connecting substrate 144 includes four engaging protrusions P1 to P4, the first connecting substrate 141 may also include four engaging grooves.

Also, in the case of FIG. 3A, four engaging projections P1 to P4 are shown, but the embodiment is not limited to a specific number and arrangement position of engaging projections. According to another embodiment, the number of engaging projections may be more or less than four. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the first connection substrate 141 may have a coupling protrusion, and the second connection substrate 144 may have a coupling groove. Alternatively, the first connection substrate 141 and the second connection substrate 144 may be coupled to each other by an adhesive member (not shown) without coupling protrusions and coupling grooves. As such, the embodiment is not limited to a specific combination of the first connection substrate 141 and the second connection substrate 144.

In addition, the first connection substrate 141 may further include a receiving groove 141h, and the second connection substrate 144 may further include a stopper 144s. If, when the liquid lens unit 140 is inserted (or inserted) into the holder 120 through the first opening OP1, the receiving groove 141h is the first opening OP1 in the first connecting substrate 141 ), the stopper 144s may be formed on the second side adjacent to the first opening OP1 in the second connection substrate 144. Alternatively, when the liquid lens unit 140 is inserted (or inserted) into the holder 120 through the second opening OP2, the receiving groove 141h is the second opening OP2 in the first connecting substrate 141. ), the stopper 144s may be formed on the fourth side adjacent to the second opening OP2 in the second connecting substrate 144. The stopper 144s at the second or fourth side of the second connection substrate 144 protrudes in a direction parallel to the optical axis direction (eg, +z-axis direction) and may be accommodated in the receiving groove 141h.

The liquid lens unit 140 is inserted into (or inserted into) the holder 120 in the x-axis direction through the first or second openings OP1 and OP2 until the stopper 144s is accommodated in the receiving groove 141h. Can be. As such, when the liquid lens unit 140 is inserted into the holder 120, when the stopper 144s formed in the second connecting substrate 144 is received in the receiving groove 141h formed in the first connecting substrate 141 , Active alignment in the x-axis direction between the liquid lens unit 140 and the first and

second lens units

110 and 130 may be realized.

Also, referring to FIGS. 6B to 6D, the third sidewall may include a first inner portion 122a and the fourth sidewall may include a second inner portion 124. Accordingly, the first and second

inner portions

122a and 124 may respectively intersect with the optical axis direction (eg, z-axis direction) and the first direction (eg, x-axis direction), respectively. y-axis direction). 3A and 3B, the second connection substrate 144 may include a protrusion protruding toward the first inner portion 122a of the holder 120 and contacting the first inner portion 122a. The other side S2 of the one side S1 on which the protrusion is formed on the second connection substrate 144 may be disposed in surface contact with the second inner portion 124 of the holder 120. The other side S2 of the second connection substrate 144 may be disposed to face the second inner portion 124.

In addition, the protrusions are spaced apart from each other, and projecting toward the first inner portion 122a may include a plurality of protrusions 144P1 and 144P2 having different heights. 3A, 3B and 6B, two protrusions 144P1 and 144P2 are illustrated, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the number of protrusions may be three or more.

If the liquid lens unit 140 is inserted (or inserted) into the holder 120 through the first opening OP1, the first protrusion 144P1 may have a first opening OP1 than the second opening OP2. ), and the second protrusion 144P2 may be positioned closer to the second opening OP2 than the first opening OP1. In this case, the first height at which the first protrusion 144P1 protrudes toward the first inner portion 122a may be greater than the second height at which the second protrusion 144P2 protrudes toward the first inner portion 122a. 6D, the first and second protrusions 144P1 and 144P2 may have a height difference ΔH. In this case, as illustrated in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the first inner portion 122b may have a gradient and the second inner portion 124 may have a flat shape on a plane. That is, the width between the first inner portion 122b and the second inner portion 124 becomes narrower toward the second opening OP2 from the first opening OP1 into which the liquid lens unit 140 is inserted (or inserted). Can. That is, the first width W1 between the first inner portion 122b and the second inner portion 124 in the first opening OP1 is the first inner portion 122b and the second inner portion 124 in the second opening OP2. ) May be greater than the second width W2.

Referring to FIG. 6D, the protrusions 144P1 and 144P2 protruding from one side S1 of the second connection substrate 144 and the first inner surface 122b make contact without space, and the second connection substrate 144 The other side S2 and the second inner surface 124 make surface contact without any space. When the second connecting substrate 144 is inserted into the holder 120, the other side S2 of the second connecting substrate 144 is sliding while in contact with the second inner surface 124, and the protrusions 144P1, 144P2 are The shape may change while contacting the first inner surface 122b. As such, the protrusions 144P1 and 144P2 of the second connection substrate 144 contact the first

inner portions

122a and 122b of the holder 120, and the other side S2 of the second connection substrate 144 is the holder 120 ), the liquid lens 142 and the first and

second lens units

110 and 130 accommodated in the hollow 144H of the second connecting substrate 144 are disposed in contact with the second inner portion 124 of the second connecting substrate 144. Active alignment may be performed in two directions (eg, the y-axis direction).

If the first inner portion 122b does not have a gradient like the second inner portion 124 and there is no height difference ΔH between the first and second protrusions 144P1 and 144P2, the liquid lens portion 140 is the holder 120 ) Is inserted (or inserted) into the first opening OP1, and the shapes of the first and second protrusions 144P1 and 144P2 are continuously changed until the insertion (or insertion) is stopped by the stopper 144s. Active alignment in the y-axis direction cannot be performed properly.

If the first inner portion 122b has a gradient, but there is no height difference ΔH between the first and second protrusions 144P1 and 144P2, after insertion, the second opening OP2 is more than the first opening OP1. The shape of the second protruding portion 144P2 that is positioned closely is excessively deformed, so that the pressure when the liquid lens portion 140 is inserted into the holder 120 may be increased. Thus, as in the embodiment, when the first inner portion (122b) has a gradient (ΔH) of the first and second protrusions (144P1, 144P2) when having a gradient, the liquid lens unit 140 is the holder 120 ) Can be inserted smoothly.

In addition, when the first angle θ1 in which the first inner surface 122b is inclined and the second angle θ2 due to the height difference ΔH between the first and second protrusions 144P1 and 144P2 are the same, the liquid When the lens unit 140 is inserted into the holder 120, the shapes of the first and second protrusions 144P1 and 144P2 are changed to be the same, so that the active alignment in the y-axis direction can be uniformly performed.

Here, the second angle θ2 may mean an angle formed by a virtual line segment connecting one side of the second connection substrate 144 and the top surfaces of the first and second protrusions 144P1 and 144P2.

In addition, after the active alignment is performed between the image sensor 182 mounted on the main substrate 150 and the first and

second lens units

110 and 130 mounted on the holder 120, the liquid lens unit 140 ) Is inserted into the holder 120 as described above, the liquid lens unit 140 may be actively aligned with the image sensors 182 as well as the first and

second lens units

110 and 130.

In the case of the camera module according to the comparative example, in order to perform active alignment between the liquid lens unit 140 and the first and

second lens units

110 and 130, the liquid lens unit 120 uses a spacer (not shown). It can contain. This is because the gripper must hold the spacer of the liquid lens unit 140 in order to perform active alignment. As described above, in the case of the camera module 100 according to the comparative example, expensive gripper equipment is required to perform active alignment, and it takes at least 50 seconds to perform active alignment, and the liquid lens unit 140 Requires a spacer, which increases the manufacturing cost and complicates the manufacturing process.

However, according to an embodiment, the active alignment in the x-axis direction between the liquid lens unit 140 and the first and

second lens units

110 and 130 is performed by the stopper 144s and the receiving groove 141h. The active alignment in the y-axis direction may include contact between the protrusions 144P1 and 144P2 and the first

inner surfaces

122a and 122b of the holder 120 and the other side S2 and the holder of the second connecting substrate 144 It may be performed by the contact between the first inner surface (122a, 122b) of (120). Therefore, according to the embodiment, expensive equipment such as a gripper for performing active alignment is not required. In addition, since the liquid lens unit 140 does not require a spacer, the manufacturing process is simplified and manufacturing costs can be reduced. In addition, when the second connecting substrate 144 in which the liquid lens unit 140 is accommodated is inserted into the holder 120 without aligning the optical axis with the gripper holding the spacer, active alignment is realized. The time to perform phosphorus can be very short, for example about 3 seconds.

In addition, since the first connecting substrate 141 and the second connecting substrate 144 are coupled to fix the liquid lens 142, it can be resistant to external shocks.

Meanwhile, an optical device may be implemented using the camera module 100 including the lens assembly 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 100, a display unit (not shown) for outputting an image, a battery (not shown) for supplying power to the camera module 100, a camera module 100, a display unit and a battery mounted thereon. 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 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.

Modes for carrying out the invention have been fully explained in the above-described "Best Mode for Invention".

Lens assembly according to an embodiment and a camera module including the same are 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, and a smartphone , Notebook computers, tablet computers, and the like.

Claims

A first sidewall having a first opening, a second sidewall having a second opening facing the first opening in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, each other in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction A holder comprising facing third and fourth sidewalls; And

It includes a liquid lens portion disposed in the holder,

The liquid lens unit

Liquid lenses;

A first connecting substrate disposed on the liquid lens; And

A second connecting substrate disposed under the liquid lens,

The third side wall includes a first inner portion,

The fourth sidewall includes a second inner portion facing the first inner portion,

The second connection substrate includes a protrusion protruding toward the first inner portion and contacting the first inner portion,

The other side of the second connecting substrate is a lens assembly disposed facing the second inner portion.
According to claim 1, The liquid lens portion is inserted into the holder through the first opening,

The first connecting substrate includes a first side portion adjacent to the first opening and having a receiving groove,

The second connecting substrate protrudes in a direction parallel to the optical axis direction at a second side adjacent to the first opening and includes a stopper accommodated in the receiving groove.
According to claim 2, The protrusion is

Lens assembly comprising a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other and projecting toward the first inner portion and having different heights.
The method of claim 3, wherein the plurality of protrusions

A first protrusion located closer to the first opening than to the second opening; And

A lens assembly including a second protrusion located closer to the second opening than the first opening.
The lens assembly of claim 4, wherein a first height of the first protrusion is greater than a second height of the second protrusion.
The lens assembly of claim 1, wherein a width between the first inner portion and the second inner portion becomes narrower from the first opening into which the liquid lens portion is inserted to the second opening.
The method of claim 2, wherein the liquid lens comprises a first electrode and a second electrode,

The first connecting substrate

A first body; And

A lens assembly disposed under the first body and including a metal plate electrically connected to the first electrode.
The method of claim 7, wherein the second connecting substrate

A second body having a frame shape forming a hollow accommodating the liquid lens; And

A lens assembly disposed on the second body and including a circuit pattern electrically connected to the second electrode.
The method of claim 8, wherein the second connecting substrate further comprises a plurality of engaging projections projecting toward the first connecting substrate in the optical axis direction on the second body,

The first connecting substrate is disposed at a position corresponding to the engaging projection further comprises a plurality of engaging grooves to allow the engaging with the engaging projection.
Main substrate;

The lens assembly according to claim 1 disposed on the main substrate; And

A camera module disposed between the lens assembly and the main substrate and including an image sensor aligned with the liquid lens in an optical axis.