I lllll llllllll II llllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111111111111111111
`US 20130077183Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`An et al.
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2013/0077183 Al
`Mar. 28, 2013
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) CAMERA MODULE
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Myoung Jin An, Seoul (KR); Seung
`Man Jeong, Seoul (KR)
`
`(73) Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD., Seoul (KR)
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/605,480
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Sep.6,2012
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Sep.28,2011
`
`(KR) ........................ 10-2011-0098609
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`G02B 7102
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`USPC .. .. ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... 359/819
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Disclosed is a camera module. The camera module includes a
`lens barrel; a first lens unit having a first outer peripheral
`shape in the lens barrel; a second lens unit having a second
`outer peripheral shape in the lens barrel; and a housing
`coupled with the lens barrel.
`
`210
`~
`211
`212
`
`100
`
`120
`
`~-230
`
`~-240
`
`~-~_(140
`
`250
`
`220
`
`300
`
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 28, 2013 Sheet 1 of 6
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`US 2013/0077183 Al
`
`210~200
`230
`240
`
`~220
`
`Q
`
`500
`
`~410
`
`FIG.1
`
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 28, 2013 Sheet 2 of 6
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`US 2013/0077183 Al
`
`130
`
`120
`
`FIG. 2
`
`300
`
`FIG. 3
`
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 28, 2013 Sheet 3 of 6
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`US 2013/0077183 Al
`
`210
`~
`211
`212
`
`100
`
`120
`
`~--225
`
`~....__,..-7f--......._ /"7--+-.,.--;r--
`
`X __..-~------'i""'1=r"-'. : ]130
`
`300
`
`241
`
`220
`
`232
`
`FIG. 4
`
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 28, 2013 Sheet 4 of 6
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`US 2013/0077183 Al
`
`213
`233
`""-------'-----"~ 2 43
`
`200 (
`
`FIG. 5
`
`FIG. 6
`
`210
`
`230
`240
`
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 28, 2013 Sheet 5 of 6
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`US 2013/0077183 Al
`
`220
`
`~ 200
`
`230
`
`FIG. 7
`
`120
`
`255
`
`~220
`
`210
`230
`240
`
`FIG. 8
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 28, 2013 Sheet 6 of 6
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`US 2013/0077183 Al
`
`210
`
`~
`
`211
`
`212
`
`250
`
`220
`
`300
`
`FIG. 9
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`US 2013/0077183 Al
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`Mar. 28, 2013
`
`1
`
`CAMERA MODULE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
`§119 of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0098609,
`filed Sep. 28, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference
`in its entirety.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0002] The embodiment relates to a camera module.
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`
`[0003] Recently, a camera module has been installed in a
`mobile communication terminal, an information technology
`(IT) device, such as a PDA or an MP3 player, a vehicle, and an
`endoscope. As the technology has been developed toward the
`high-pixel camera module from the conventional VGA cam(cid:173)
`era equipped with 0.3 mega pixels, the camera module has
`been manufactured in a small size with a slim structure
`according to targets to which the camera module is installed.
`In addition, the camera module has been equipped with vari(cid:173)
`ous additional functions, such as auto-focusing or optical
`zoom functions, at the low manufacturing cost.
`[0004] Meanwhile, the camera module manufactured in
`these days is equipped with an image sensor module, which is
`manufactured through a COB (chip of board) scheme, a COF
`(chip of flexible) scheme or a CSP (chip scale package)
`scheme, and is usually connected to a main substrate through
`an electric connection unit, such as a PCB (printed circuit
`board) or an FPCB (flexible printed circuit board).
`[0005] However, users recently request the camera module,
`which can be directly mounted on the main substrate similar
`to a general passive element, in such a manner that the manu(cid:173)
`facturing process for the camera module can be simplified
`while reducing the manufacturing cost.
`[0006] The camera module is generally manufactured by
`attaching an image sensor, such as a CCD or a CMOS, to a
`substrate through the COB scheme or the COF scheme. An
`image of a subject is focused by the image sensor and the
`focused image is stored as data in a memory, which is
`installed inside or outside the camera module. In addition, the
`stored data are converted into electric signals and the electric
`signals are displayed as images through a display medium,
`such as an LCD or a PC monitor provided in a device.
`[0007] A camera module according to the related art
`includes a housing, an image sensor supported on a bottom of
`the housing to convert an image signal received through a lens
`into an electric signal, a lens group to focus an image signal of
`a subject to the image sensor, and a barrel in which the lens
`group are stacked. The housing, the lens group and the barrel
`are sequentially coupled with each other.
`[0008]
`In addition, an FPCB mounted thereon with chip
`components, which are electric components serving as a con(cid:173)
`denser and a resistor to drive the image sensor including a
`CCD or a CMOS, is electrically connected to the bottom of
`the housing.
`[0009]
`In the camera module having the above structure
`according to the related art, in a state that a plurality of circuit
`components have been mounted on the FPCB, an ACF ( aniso(cid:173)
`tropic conductive film) is inserted between the substrate and
`the image sensor, and heat and pressure are applied thereto in
`such a manner that the substrate, the image sensor and the
`
`ACF are fixedly bonded and electrically connected with each
`other and an IR cut-off filter is attached to an opposite side.
`[001 OJ
`In addition, in a state that the barrel provided therein
`with a plurality of lens groups is temporally screw-coupled
`with the housing, as described above, the assembled FPCB is
`fixedly bonded to the bottom of the housing by an adhesive.
`[0011] Meanwhile, after the FPCB, to which the image
`sensor is attached, has been fixedly bonded to the housing
`coupled with the barrel, a focus adjustment is carried out with
`respect to a subject (resolution chart) located in front of the
`barrel and spaced apart from the barrel by a predetermined
`distance. At this time, the focus adjustment of the camera
`module can be achieved between the lens group and the image
`sensor while adjusting the vertical displacement by rotating
`the barrel screw-coupled with the housing.
`
`DISCLOSURE
`
`Technical Problem
`
`[0012] The embodiment provides a camera module having
`a smaller size and improved performance.
`
`Technical Solution
`
`[0013] A camera module according to the embodiment
`includes a lens barrel; a first lens unit having a first outer
`peripheral shape in the lens barrel; a second lens unit having
`a second outer peripheral shape in the lens barrel; and a
`housing coupled with the lens barrel.
`
`Advantageous Effects
`
`[0014]
`In the camera module according to the embodiment,
`lens units having outer peripheral shapes different from each
`other are disposed in the lens barrel. Especially, according to
`the camera module of the embodiment, lens units having
`sizes, outer peripheral shapes and performances different
`from each other can be disposed in the lens barrel.
`[0015] For instance, the lens units, which may not require
`the high performance, can be formed by forming a plurality of
`substrates, laminating the substrates and cutting the sub(cid:173)
`strates at a time. Thus, lens units having polygonal outer
`peripheral shapes can be formed.
`[0016]
`In addition, the lens units, which may require the
`high performance, can be formed by processing the lens units
`such that the lens units may have the desired outer peripheral
`shapes. Thus, lens units having circular shapes can be formed.
`[0017] That is, since the lens units requiring the high per(cid:173)
`formance may occupy a relatively large area, the lens units are
`processed to have the circular outer peripheral shapes and
`disposed in the cylindrical lens barrel. Therefore, the high(cid:173)
`performance lens units can be aligned in the lens barrel while
`maximizing the space utilization in the lens barrel.
`[0018]
`In addition, the lens units, which may not require the
`high performance, have the polygonal outer peripheral shapes
`such that the lens units can be manufactured in mass produc(cid:173)
`tion. Since these lens units may not occupy the large area, the
`lens units can be readily aligned in the lens barrel.
`[0019]
`In other words, according to the camera module of
`the embodiment, the lens units can be disposed in the lens
`barrel by varying the outer peripheral shapes of the lens units
`according to the performance thereof. Thus, the camera mod(cid:173)
`ule according to the embodiment can maximize the space
`utilization in the lens barrel based on the performance and
`manufacturability of the lens units.
`
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`2
`
`[0020] Therefore, the camera module according to the
`embodiment can be readily manufactured with small size and
`improved performance.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a
`camera module according to the embodiment;
`[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a lower portion
`of a lens barrel;
`[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a lens assem(cid:173)
`bly and a second lens unit assembled with a lens barrel;
`[0024] FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a camera module
`according to the embodiment;
`[0025] FIGS. 5 and 6 are sectional views showing a proce(cid:173)
`dure for manufacturing a lens assembly;
`[0026] FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a lens barrel, a
`lens assembly and a second lens unit according to another
`embodiment;
`[0027] FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a second lens unit
`and a lens assembly according to another embodiment; and
`[0028] FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a lens barrel, a
`lens assembly, a second lens unit and a fourth lens according
`to still another embodiment.
`
`BEST MODE FOR INVENTION
`
`[0029]
`In the description of the embodiments, it will be
`understood that when each lens, unit, part, hole, protrusion,
`groove or layer is referred to as being "on" or "under" another
`lens, unit, part, hole, protrusion, groove or layer, it can be
`"directly" or "indirectly" on the other lens, unit, part, hole,
`protrusion, groove or layer or one or more intervening layers
`may also be present. Such a position has been described with
`reference to the drawings. The thickness and size of each
`layer shown in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted or
`schematically drawn for the purpose of convenience or clar(cid:173)
`ity. In addition, the size of elements does not utterly reflect an
`actual size.
`[0030] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a
`camera module according to the embodiment, FIG. 2 is a
`perspective view showing a lower portion of a lens barrel,
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a lens assembly and a
`second lens unit assembled with a lens barrel, FIG. 4 is a
`sectional view showing a camera module according to the
`embodiment, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are sectional views showing
`a procedure for manufacturing a lens assembly.
`[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the camera module
`according to the embodiment includes a lens barrel 100, a lens
`assembly 200, a second lens unit 220, a fixing unit 300, a
`housing 400, an IR cut-off filter unit 500 and a sensor unit
`600.
`[0032] The lens barrel 100 receives the lens assembly 200
`and the second lens unit 220 therein.
`[0033] The lens barrel 100 has a first receiving groove 120
`for receiving the lens assembly 200. The first receiving
`groove 120 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the
`lens assembly 200. When viewed from the bottom, the first
`receiving groove 120 may have a polygonal shape. In detail,
`when viewed from the bottom, the first receiving groove 120
`may have a quadrangular shape. That is, the first receiving
`groove 120 may have a quadrangular outer peripheral shape.
`In more detail, when viewed from the bottom, the first receiv-
`
`ing groove 120 may have a rectangular shape. Further, when
`viewed from the bottom, the first receiving groove 120 may
`have a square shape.
`[0034]
`In addition, the lens barrel 100 has a second receiv(cid:173)
`ing groove 130 for receiving the second lens unit 220. The
`second receiving groove 13 0 may have a shape corresponding
`to a shape of the second lens unit 220. When viewed from the
`bottom, the second receiving groove 130 may have a circular
`shape. In detail, the second receiving groove 130 may have a
`circular outer peripheral shape.
`[0035] The first and second receiving grooves 120 and 130
`are connected with each other. The first and second receiving
`grooves 120 and 130 are directly connected with each other.
`In detail, the first receiving groove 120 is disposed closer to an
`object as compared with the second receiving groove 130.
`That is, the first receiving groove 120 is formed over the
`second receiving groove 130.
`[0036] The first receiving groove 120 may have a surface
`area smaller than a surface area of the second receiving
`groove 130. That is, an outer peripheral portion of the first
`receiving groove 120 is disposed within an outer peripheral
`portion of the second receiving groove 130. Thus, a step
`difference is formed between the first and second receiving
`grooves 120 and 130. In detail, the step difference is formed
`between an inner surface of the first receiving groove 120 and
`an inner surface of the second receiving groove 130.
`[0037] The lens barrel 100 may have a cylindrical shape.
`That is, the lens barrel 100 may have a circular outer periph(cid:173)
`eral shape.
`[0038] The lens barrel 100 may be coupled with the hous(cid:173)
`ing 400. In detail, the lens barrel 100 may be screw-coupled
`with the housing 400. A male screw part 110 is formed on an
`outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel 100. The male
`screw part 110 of the lens barrel 100 is screw-coupled with a
`female screw part 410 of the housing 400. That is, the male
`screw part 110 of the lens barrel 100 is coupled with the
`female screw part 410 of the housing 400 in a male-female
`combination. An interval between the second lens unit 220
`and the sensor unit 600 can be adjusted by using the male
`screw part 110 and the female screw part 410. That is, the
`interval between the second lens unit 220 and the sensor unit
`600 can be adjusted by rotating the lens barrel 100. Thus, the
`position of the sensor unit 600 can be adjusted such that the
`sensor unit 600 is located in the whole focal length of the lens
`assembly 200 and the second lens unit 220. That is, the focus
`among the lens assembly 200, the second lens unit 220 and
`the sensor unit 600 can be adjusted through the coupling of
`the lens barrel 100 and the housing 600.
`[0039]
`In addition, the lens barrel 100 includes a light inci(cid:173)
`dent groove, which is open upward (toward an object). The
`light incident groove exposes the lens assembly 200. An
`image is incident into the lens assembly 200 through the light
`incident groove.
`[0040] The lens assembly 200 is disposed in the lens barrel
`100. In detail, the lens assembly 200 is disposed in the first
`receiving groove 120. The lens assembly 200 is inserted into
`the first receiving groove 120. The lens assembly 200 has a
`first outer peripheral shape. In detail, the lens assembly 200
`has a polygonal outer peripheral shape. In more detail, the
`lens assembly 200 has a polygonal shape when viewed from
`the top. In addition, the lens assembly 200 may have a qua(cid:173)
`drangular shape when viewed from the top. In detail, the lens
`assembly 200 may have a square shape when viewed from the
`top.
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`3
`
`[0041] The lens assembly 200 includes a plurality of lens
`units. For instance, the lens assembly 200 may include a first
`lens unit 210, a third lens unit 230 and a fourth lens unit 240.
`The fourth lens unit 240, the third lens unit 230 and the first
`lens unit 210 are sequentially laminated.
`[0042] The first lens unit 210 includes a first lens 211 and a
`first support part 212. The first lens 211 includes a curved
`surface. The first support part 212 extends in the lateral direc(cid:173)
`tion from the first lens 211. The first lens 211 may be inte(cid:173)
`grally formed with the first support part 212. The first support
`part 212 is formed with a guide groove for fixing the second
`lens unit 220 in a desired position.
`[0043] The third lens unit 230 is disposed under the first
`lens unit 210. In detail, the third lens unit 230 is disposed
`between the first lens unit 210 and the second lens unit 220.
`The third lens unit 230 includes a third lens 231 and a third
`support part 232. The third lens 231 includes a curved surface.
`The third support part 232 extends in the lateral direction
`from the third lens 231. The third lens 231 may be integrally
`formed with the third support part 232. The third support part
`232 is formed with a guide groove for fixing the fourth lens
`unit 240 in a desired position. In addition, the third support
`part 232 is formed on a top surface thereof with a guide
`protrusion fixed to the first lens unit 210.
`[0044] The fourth lens unit 240 is disposed under the third
`lens unit 230. In detail, the fourth lens unit 240 is disposed
`between the third lens unit 230 and the second lens unit 220.
`The fourth lens unit 240 includes a fourth lens 241 and a
`fourth support part 242. The fourth lens 241 includes a curved
`surface. The fourth support part 242 extends in the lateral
`direction from the fourth lens 241. The fourth lens 241 may be
`integrally formed with the fourth support part 242. The fourth
`support part 242 is formed on a top surface thereof with a
`guide protrusion fixed to the third lens unit 230.
`[0045] Although it has been described that the lens assem(cid:173)
`bly 200 includes three lens units, the embodiment is not
`limited thereto. That is, the lens assembly 200 may include
`one or two lens units or at least four lens units.
`[0046]
`In addition, the lens assembly 200 may include
`polymer. That is, the lens assembly 200 can be formed by
`using the polymer. In detail, the first lens unit 210, the second
`lens unit 220 and the third lens unit 230 may include trans(cid:173)
`parent polymer, such as acryl resin. The lens assembly 200
`can be formed through the following process.
`[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of lens array sub(cid:173)
`strates 213, 233 and 243 are sequentially laminated. The lens
`array substrates 213, 233 and243 include a plurality oflenses.
`For instance, the fourth lens array substrate 243, the third lens
`array substrate 233 and the first lens array substrate 213 are
`sequentially laminated.
`[0048] Referring to FIG. 6, the first lens array substrate 213,
`the third lens array substrate 233 and the fourth lens array
`substrate 243 are simultaneously cut in a state that they are
`laminated. Thus, a plurality of lens assemblies 200 can be
`formed at a time. Thus, the first lens unit 210, the second lens
`unit 230 and the fourth lens unit 240 may have the same outer
`peripheral shape. That is, all of the first lens unit 210, the
`second lens unit 230 and the fourth lens unit 240 may have the
`first outer peripheral shape. In addition, the lens assemblies
`200 may have the quadrangular shape when viewed from the
`top.
`[0049] That is, since the lens assembly 200 is formed
`through the lamination and cutting processes, the lens assem(cid:173)
`bly 200 inevitably has the polygonal outer peripheral shape.
`
`[0050] The second lens unit 220 is disposed in the second
`receiving groove 130. The second lens unit 220 is located far
`away from the object as compared with the lens assembly
`200. That is, the second lens unit 220 is disposed under the
`lens assembly 200.
`[0051] The second lens unit 220 has a second outer periph(cid:173)
`eral shape different from the first second outer peripheral
`shape. In detail, the second lens unit 220 may have a circular
`shape. That is, the second lens unit 220 may have a circular
`outer peripheral shape. In addition, the second lens unit 220
`may have a meniscus shape.
`[0052] The second lens unit 220 may have a surface area
`larger than a surface area of the lens assembly 200. That is, the
`second lens unit 220 may have a surface area larger than a
`surface area of the first lens unit 210, the third lens unit 230,
`and the fourth lens unit 240.
`[0053] The second lens unit 220 includes glass or transpar(cid:173)
`ent polymer. That is, glass or polymer can be used as an
`example ofa material for the second lens unit 220. Especially,
`the glass may be used as a material for the second lens unit
`220.
`[0054]
`In addition, although not shown in the drawings, a
`fifth lens unit may be disposed between the lens assembly 200
`and the second lens unit 220. The fifth lens unit may have an
`outer peripheral shape the same as that of the second lens unit
`220.
`[0055] A spacer 225 may be disposed between the second
`lens unit 220 and the lens assembly 200. The second lens unit
`220 is spaced apart from the lens assembly 200 by the spacer
`225. The spacer 225 may have a ring shape.
`[0056] The fixing unit 300 fixes the lens assembly 200 and
`the second lens unit 220 to the lens barrel 100. The fixing unit
`300 is bonded to the lens barrel 100 and the second lens unit
`220. In detail, the fixing unit 300 is bonded to bottom surfaces
`of the lens barrel 100 and the second lens unit 220. In more
`detail, the fixing unit 300 is directly bonded to the bottom
`surfaces of the lens barrel 100 and the second lens unit 220.
`[0057] The fixing unit 300 may have a dot shape. In detail,
`a plurality of fixing units 300 can be provided in the form of
`dots while being spaced apart from each other. The fixing unit
`300 may be disposed at an edge of the bottom surface of the
`lens assembly 200.
`[0058] The fixing unit 300 may include polymer having
`superior adhesive property, such as epoxy resin. The fixing
`unit 300 is bonded only to the outer peripheral portion of the
`second lens unit 220. Thus, the fixing unit 300 may not
`interfere with the light incident into the lens assembly 200.
`[0059]
`In addition, since the fixing unit 300 has the dot
`shape, the fixing unit 300 can simply and easily fix the lens
`assembly 200 and the second lens unit 220 to the lens barrel
`100. That is, after a resin composition has been coated on a
`region between the lens assembly 200 and the lens barrel 100,
`the resin composition is cured. Thus, the fixing unit 300 can
`be formed through a simple process.
`[0060] The housing 400 receives the sensor unit 600 and the
`IR cut-offfilterunit 500. The housing 400 is coupled with the
`lens barrel 100. In detail, the housing 400 is screw-coupled
`with the lens barrel 100. As described above, the female screw
`part 410 of the housing 400 is screw-coupled with the male
`screw part 110 of the lens barrel 100.
`[0061] The housing 400 may be formed by using plastic.
`The housing 400 may have a cylindrical shape. In addition,
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`4
`
`the housing includes a receiving groove 420 for receiving the
`IR cut-off filter unit 500 and a receiving groove 430 for
`receiving the sensor unit 600.
`[0062] The IR cut-off filter unit 500 is disposed in the
`housing 400. The IR cut-off filter unit 500 filters the incident
`infrared ray. The IR cut-off filter unit 500 may block the light
`having excessive long wavelength incident into the sensor
`unit 600.
`[0063] The IR cut-off filter unit 500 can be formed by
`alternately depositing titanium oxide and silicon oxide on
`optical glass. In order to block the infrared ray, the thickness
`of the titanium oxide and silicon oxide can be property
`adjusted.
`[0064] The sensorunit 600 is accommodated in the housing
`400. The sensor unit 600 may include a CCD image sensor or
`a CMOS image sensor. In addition, the sensor unit 400 further
`includes a circuit board connected to the image sensor. The
`sensor unit 600 converts incident images into electric signals.
`[0065]
`In the camera module according to the embodiment,
`lens units having outer peripheral shapes different from each
`other are arranged in the lens barrel 100. Especially, accord(cid:173)
`ing to the camera module of the embodiment, lens units
`having sizes, outer peripheral shapes and performances dif(cid:173)
`ferent from each other can be arranged in the lens barrel 100.
`[0066] For instance, the lens assembly 200 may not require
`the high performance. That is, the lens assembly 200 may
`include lenses having small sizes. Thus, even if the lens
`assembly 200 has the polygonal outer peripheral shape
`through the lamination and cutting processes, since the lens
`assembly 200 has the small-size lenses, the lens assembly 200
`having the small size can be arranged in the lens barrel 100.
`[0067]
`In contrast, the second lens unit 220 may require the
`high performance. Thus, the lens of the second lens unit 220
`may have a large size. In this regard, the second lens unit 220
`may be processed such that the second lens unit 220 may have
`the circular outer peripheral shape. In this case, the second
`lens unit 330 having the circular outer peripheral shape is
`disposed in the cylindrical lens barrel 100. Thus, the second
`lens unit 220 can be arranged in the lens barrel 100 while
`maximizing the space utilization.
`[0068] That is, the lens assembly 200 has the polygonal
`outer peripheral shape suitable for the mass production, but
`the lens assembly 200 does not occupy the large area, so the
`lens assembly 200 can be readily arranged in the lens barrel
`100. In addition, since the second lens unit 220 has a large
`surface area, the second lens unit 220 is formed with the
`circular outer peripheral shape to maximize the space utiliza(cid:173)
`tion.
`[0069] That is, according to the camera module of the
`embodiment, the lens units can be disposed in the lens barrel
`100 by varying the outer peripheral shapes of the lens units
`according to the performance thereof. Thus, the camera mod(cid:173)
`ule according to the embodiment can maximize the space
`utilization in the lens barrel 100 based on the performance and
`manufacturability of the lens units.
`[0070] Therefore, the camera module according to the
`embodiment can be readily manufactured with small size and
`improved performance.
`[0071] FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a lens barrel, a
`lens assembly and a second lens unit according to another
`embodiment and FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a second
`lens unit and a lens assembly according to another embodi(cid:173)
`ment. The description about the camera module according to
`
`the previous embodiment will be basically incorporated
`herein by reference except for the modified parts.
`[0072] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the second lens unit 220
`is disposed closer to the object as compared with the lens
`assembly 200. That is, the second lens unit 220 is disposed on
`the lens assembly 200.
`[0073] The second lens unit 220 is disposed in the second
`receiving groove 130 of the lens barrel and the lens assembly
`is disposed in the first receiving groove 120 of the lens barrel
`100. At this time, the second receiving groove 13 0 is disposed
`closer to the object as compared with the first receiving
`groove 120. That is, the second receiving groove 130 is
`formed over the first receiving groove 120.
`[007 4] The second lens unit 220 may have the circular outer
`peripheral shape and the lens assembly 200 may have the
`polygonal outer peripheral shape. In addition, the second lens
`unit 220 has the surface area smaller than the surface area of
`the lens assembly 200. That is, the outer peripheral portion of
`the second lens unit 220 is disposed within the outer periph(cid:173)
`eral portion of the lens assembly 200.
`In addition, a part of the second lens unit 220 may
`[0075]
`protrude from the lens barrel 100 toward the object. In detail,
`the lens of the second lens unit 220 protrudes from the lens
`barrel 100.
`[0076] Thus, the camera module according to the present
`embodiment may have the wide angle of view. If the camera
`module according to the present embodiment is employed in
`the vehicle, the wide viewing angle can be ensured.
`[0077] FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a lens barrel, a
`lens assembly, a second lens unit and a fourth lens according
`to still another embodiment. The description about the cam(cid:173)
`era module according to the previous embodiments will be
`basically incorporated herein by reference except for the
`modified parts.
`[0078] Referring to FIG. 9, the fifth lens unit 250 is dis(cid:173)
`posed between the lens assembly 200 and the second lens unit
`220. The fifth lens unit 250 may have an outer peripheral
`shape different from the first outer peripheral shape of the lens
`assembly 200. In addition, the fifth lens unit 250 may have an
`outer peripheral shape different from that of the second lens
`unit 220.
`[0079] Further, the fifth lens unit 250 is disposed in a third
`receiving groove 140 of the lens barrel 100. The lens assem(cid:173)
`bly 200 is disposed in the first receiving groove 120 of the lens
`barrel 100. The second lens unit 220 is disposed in the second
`receiving groove 130 of the lens barrel 100.
`[0080] The third receiving groove 140 is disposed between
`the first and second receiving grooves 120and130. The third
`receiving groove 140 is connected to the first and second
`receiving grooves 120 and 130. A step difference is formed
`between an inner surface of the first receiving groove 120 and
`an inner surface of the third receiving groove 140 and a step
`difference is formed between an inner surface of the second
`receiving groove 13 0 and the inner surface of the third receiv(cid:173)
`ing groove 140.
`[0081] As described above, according to the camera mod(cid:173)
`ule of the embodiments, the lens units having various outer
`peripheral shapes can be effectively disposed in the lens bar(cid:173)
`rel 100.
`[0082] Any reference in this specification to "one embodi(cid:173)
`ment," "an embodiment," "example embodiment," etc.,
`means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic
`described in connection with the embodiment is included in at
`least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of
`
`Apple v. Corephotonics
`
`Page 11 of 12
`
`Apple Ex. 1017
`
`

`

`US 2013/0077183 Al
`
`Mar. 28, 2013
`
`5
`
`such phrases in various places in the specification are not
`necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further,
`when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
`described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted
`that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effects
`such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with
`other ones of the embodiments.
`[0083] Although a preferred embodiment of the disclosure
`has been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in
`the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions
`and substitutions are possible, without departing from the
`scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accom(cid:173)
`panying claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A camera module comprising:
`a lens barrel;
`a first lens unit having a first outer peripheral shape in the
`lens barrel;
`a second lens unit having a second outer peripheral shape in
`the lens barrel; and
`a housing coupled with the lens barrel.
`2. The camera module of claim 1, wherein the first outer
`peripheral shape includes a polygonal shape and the second
`outer peripheral shape includes a circular shape.
`3. The camera module of claim 1, further comprising a
`third lens unit interposed between the first and second lens
`units and having the first outer peripheral shape.
`4. The camera module of claim 3, wherein the first outer
`peripheral shape includes a polygonal shape and the second
`outer peripheral shape includes a circular shape.
`5. The camera module of claim 3, further comprising a
`fourth lens unit interposed between the third and second lens
`units and having the first outer peripheral shape.
`6. The camera module of claim 5, wherein the first outer
`peripheral shape includes a polygonal shape and the second
`ou