LENS ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING SAME

A lens assembly is provided. The lens assembly includes lenses arranged along a direction of a first optical axis from an object side, an image sensor receiving light guided through the lenses, the image sensor includes an imaging surface inclined with respect to the first optical axis, a first optical member disposed between the lenses and the image sensor, the first optical member receiving light incident through the lenses in a direction of the first optical axis and emitting the light along a direction of a second optical axis crossing the first optical axis, and a second optical member disposed between the first optical member and the image sensor, the second optical member receiving light through the first optical member in the direction of the second optical axis and emitting the light to the image sensor along a direction of a third optical axis crossing the second optical axis.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to an electronic device, for example, a lens assembly and an electronic device including the same.

BACKGROUND ART

Typically, an electronic device may mean a device that performs a predetermined function according to a program provided therein (e.g., an electronic scheduler, a portable multimedia reproducer, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet personal computer (PC), an image/sound device, a desktop/laptop PC, and/or a vehicle navigation system), as well as a home appliance. The above-mentioned electronic devices may output, for example, information stored therein as sound or an image. With an increase of a degree of integration of the electronic devices and the generalization of ultra-high-speed and high-capacity wireless communication, recently, a single electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal, may be provided with various functions. For example, various functions, such as an entertainment function such as a game, a multimedia function such as music/video playback, a communication and security function for mobile banking or the like, and/or a schedule management or e-wallet function, are integrated in a single electronic device, in addition to a communication function.

With the development of digital camera manufacturing technology, electronic devices equipped with downsized and lightened camera modules have been commercialized. As an electronic device that is generally carried at all times (e.g., a mobile communication terminal) is equipped with a camera module, it becomes possible for a user to easily utilize various functions such as video call and/or augmented reality as well as to take a picture or video.

In recent years, electronic devices including a plurality of cameras have been distributed. An electronic device may include, for example, a camera module including a wide-angle camera and a telephoto camera. The electronic device may acquire a wide-angle image by photographing a wide-range scene around the electronic device by using the wide-angle camera, or may acquire a telephoto image by photographing a scene corresponding to a location relatively far from the electronic device by using the telephoto camera. In this way, by including a plurality of camera modules and/or lens assemblies, downsized electronic devices such as smartphones are making inroads into the compact camera market, and are expected to replace high-performance cameras such as single-lens reflex cameras in the future.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Technical Solution

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a lens assembly is provided. The lens assembly includes at least two lenses arranged along a direction of a first optical axis from an object side, an image sensor configured to receive light guided and/or focused through the at least two lenses, wherein the image sensor includes an imaging surface disposed to be inclined with respect to the first optical axis, a first optical member disposed between the at least two lenses and the image sensor, wherein the first optical member is configured to receive light incident through the at least two lenses in a direction of the first optical axis and to emit the light along a direction of a second optical axis crossing the first optical axis, and a second optical member disposed between the first optical member and the image sensor, wherein the second optical member is configured to receive light incident through the first optical member in the direction of the second optical axis and to emit the light to the image sensor along a direction of a third optical axis crossing the second optical axis. In an embodiment, the lens assembly may satisfy a conditional expression “0.1<=TTL/f<=0.35”, wherein “TTL” is a length from an object-side surface of a first lens on the object side to a sensor-side surface of a first lens on the image sensor side, “f” is a focal length of the lens assembly. In an embodiment, the lens assembly may satisfy a conditional expression “15<=Ang-min<=40,” wherein “Ang-min” is the smallest angle among angles formed by two adjacent surfaces of the second optical member.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a lens assembly and a processor configured to acquire an image by receiving external light by using the lens assembly. In an embodiment, the lens assembly may include at least two lenses arranged along a direction of a first optical axis from an object side, an image sensor configured to receive light guided and/or focused through the at least two lenses, wherein the image sensor includes an imaging surface disposed to be inclined with respect to the first optical axis, a first optical member disposed between the at least two lenses and the image sensor, wherein the first optical member is configured to receive light incident through the at least two lenses in a direction of the first optical axis and to emit the light along a direction of a second optical axis crossing the first optical axis, and a second optical member disposed between the first optical member and the image sensor, wherein the second optical member is configured to receive light incident through the first optical member in the direction of the second optical axis and to emit the light to the image sensor along a direction of a third optical axis crossing the second optical axis. In an embodiment, the lens assembly may satisfy a conditional expression “0.1<=TTL/f<=0.35”, wherein “TTL” is a length from an object-side surface of a first lens on the object side to a sensor-side surface of a first lens on the image sensor side, “f” is a focal length of the lens assembly. In an embodiment, the lens assembly described above may satisfy a conditional expression “5<=FoV<=35,” wherein “FoV” is the field of view of the lens assembly.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As electronic devices become smaller and lighter, the electronic devices may be more convenient to carry. In an environment where a display is enlarged so that a larger screen can be enjoyed even in a portable electronic device, the electronic device may be downsized and lightened by reducing the thickness thereof. In a downsized electronic device, it may be difficult to mount a lens assembly having good optical performance. For example, the larger the number or size of lenses, the easier it is to secure the optical performance of a lens assembly. However, in a downsized electronic device, the degree of freedom in design may be reduced in the arrangement of the lens(es) or an image sensor.

An embodiment of the disclosure is for solving at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and providing at least the following advantages, and is able to provide a lens assembly having improved degree of freedom in design and/or an electronic device including the same.

An embodiment of the disclosure is able to provide a lens assembly that is capable of being easily disposed in a narrow space and/or an electronic device including the same.

The technical problems to be addressed by the disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems, which are not described above, may be clearly understood from the following description by a person ordinarily skilled in the related art, to which the disclosure belongs.

Embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented as software (e.g., the program) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory136or an external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

In the following detailed description, a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and/or a thickness direction of an electronic device may be referred to, wherein the length direction may be defined as the “Y-axis direction”, the width direction may be defined as the “X-axis direction”, and/or the thickness direction may be defined as the “Z-axis direction”. In an embodiment, “negative/positive (−/+)” may be referred to together with the Cartesian coordinate system illustrated in the drawings regarding the directions in which components are oriented. For example, the front surface of an electronic device and/or a housing may be defined as a “surface facing the +Z direction,” and the rear surface may be defined as a “surface facing the −Z direction.” In an embodiment, a side surface of the electronic device and/or the housing may include an area facing the +X direction, an area facing the +Y direction, an area facing the −X direction, and/or an area facing the −Y direction. In an embodiment, the “X-axis direction” may include both the “−X direction” and the “+X direction.” It is noted that these are based on the Cartesian coordinate system described in the drawings for the sake of brevity of description, and the descriptions of these directions or components do not limit various embodiment(s) of the disclosure.

FIG.2is a perspective view illustrating the front surface of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.3is a perspective view illustrating the rear surface of the electronic device ofFIG.2according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, an electronic device200according to an embodiment may include a housing210including a first surface (or a front surface)210A, a second surface (or a rear surface)210B, and a side surface210C surrounding the space between the first surface210A and the second surface210B. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the term “housing” may refer to a structure defining some of the first surface210A, the second surface210B, and the side surface210C ofFIG.2. According to another embodiment, at least a portion of the first surface210A may be configured with a substantially transparent front surface plate202(e.g., a glass plate and/or a polymer plate including various coating layers). The second surface210B may be configured with a substantially opaque rear surface plate211. The rear surface plate211may be made of, for example, coated and/or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), and/or magnesium), or a combination of two or more of these materials. The side surface210C may be configured with a side surface structure (or a “side surface bezel structure”)218coupled to the front surface plate202and the rear surface plate211and including metal and/or polymer. In another embodiment, the rear surface plate211and the side surface structure218may be configured integrally with each other, and may include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front surface plate202may include two first areas210D, which are bent from the first surface210A toward the rear surface plate211and extend seamlessly, at the opposite long edges thereof. In the illustrated embodiment (seeFIG.3), the rear surface plate211may include, at the opposite long edges thereof, two second areas210E, which are bent from the second surface210B toward the front surface plate202and extend seamlessly. In an embodiment, the front surface plate202(or the rear surface plate211) may include only one of the first areas210D (or the second areas210E). In an embodiment, some of the first areas210D and/or the second areas210E may not be included. In the above-described embodiments, when viewed from a side of the electronic device200, the side surface structure218may have a first thickness (or width) at the side surface side, at which the first areas210D and/or the second areas210E are not included, and may have a second thickness, which is smaller than the first thickness at the side surface side at which the first areas210D and/or the second areas210E are included.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device200may include at least one of a display201, audio modules203,207, and214, sensor modules204,216, and219, camera modules205,212, and213, key input devices217, light-emitting elements206, and connector holes208and209. In another embodiment, at least one of the components (e.g., the key input devices217and/or the light-emitting elements206) may be omitted from the electronic device200, or other components may be additionally included in the electronic device200.

The display201may be visually exposed through a substantial portion of, for example, the front surface plate202. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the display201may be visually exposed through the front surface plate202defining the first surface210A and the first areas210D of the side surface210C. In another embodiment, the edges of the display201may be configured to be substantially the same as the shape of the periphery of the front surface plate202adjacent thereto. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the distance between the periphery of the display201and the periphery of the front surface plate202may be substantially constant in order to enlarge the visually exposed area of the display201.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), recesses and/or openings may be provided in a portion of the screen display area of the display201, and one or more of the audio module214, the sensor modules204, the camera modules205, and the light-emitting elements206, which are aligned with the recesses or the openings, may be included. In an embodiment (not illustrated), the rear surface of the screen display area of the display201may include at least one of the audio modules214, the sensor modules204, the camera modules205, the fingerprint sensor (i.e., fourth sensor module216), and the light-emitting elements206. In an embodiment (not illustrated), the display201may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch-sensitive circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring a touch intensity (pressure), and/or a digitizer configured to detect an electromagnetic field-type stylus pen. In another embodiment, at least some of the sensor modules204and219and/or at least some of the key input devices217may be disposed in the first areas210D and/or the second areas210E.

The audio modules203,207, and214may include a microphone hole203and speaker holes207and214. The microphone hole203may include a microphone disposed therein to acquire external sound, and in an embodiment, a plurality of microphones may be disposed therein to be able to detect the direction of sound. The speaker holes207and214may include an external speaker hole207and a call receiver hole (i.e., speaker hole214). In another embodiment, while implementing the speaker holes207and214and the microphone hole203as a single hole, or without the speaker holes207and214, a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be included.

The sensor modules204,216, and219may generate electrical signals or data values corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device200and/or an external environmental state. The sensor modules204,216, and219may include, for example, a first sensor module204(e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (not illustrated) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface210A of the housing210, and/or a third sensor module219(e.g., an HRM sensor), and/or a fourth sensor module216(e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface210B of the housing210. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed not only on the first surface210A (e.g., the display201) of the housing210, but also on the second surface210B. The electronic device200may further include the sensor module176ofFIG.1, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and/or an illuminance sensor.

The camera modules205,212, and213may include a first camera device205disposed on the first surface210A of the electronic device200, a second camera device212disposed on the second surface210B, and/or a flash213. The camera devices205and212may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash213may include, for example, a light-emitting diode and/or a xenon lamp. In another embodiment, two or more lenses (e.g., an infrared camera lens, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device200.

The key input devices217may be disposed on the side surface210C of the housing210. In another embodiment, the electronic device200may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices217, and a key input device217not included in the electronic device200may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on the display201. In another embodiment, the key input devices may include a sensor module216disposed on the second surface210B of the housing210.

The light-emitting elements206may be disposed, for example, on the first surface210A of the housing210. The light-emitting elements206provides, for example, the state information of the electronic device200in an optical form. In an embodiment, the light-emitting elements206may provide a light source that is interlocked with, for example, the operation of the camera module205. The light-emitting elements206may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

The connector holes208and209may include a first connector hole208, which is capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting/receiving power and/or data to/from an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole209, which is capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., an earphone jack) for transmitting/receiving an audio signal to/from an external electronic device.

FIG.4is an exploded perspective view illustrating the electronic device illustrated inFIG.2according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.4, an electronic device300(e.g., the electronic device200inFIG.2or3) may include a side surface structure310(e.g., the side surface structure218inFIG.2), a first support member311(e.g., the bracket), a front surface plate320(e.g., the front surface plate202inFIG.2), a display330(e.g., the display201inFIG.2), a printed circuit board340(e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), a printed board assembly (PBA), a flexible PCB (FPCB), and/or a rigid-flexible PCB (RFPCB)), a battery350, a second support member360(e.g., a rear case), an antenna370, and a rear surface plate380(e.g., the rear surface plate211inFIG.3). In an embodiment, in the electronic device300, at least one of the components (e.g., the first support member311and/or the second support member360) may be omitted, or other components may be additionally included. At least one of the components of the electronic device300may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device200ofFIG.2or3, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

The first support member311may be disposed inside the electronic device300, and may be connected to the side surface structure310or may be configured integrally with the side surface structure310. The first support member311may be made of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. The display330may be coupled to one surface of the first support member311, and the printed circuit board340may be coupled to the other surface of the first support member311. On the printed circuit board340, a processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted. The processor may include at least one of, for example, a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processor, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory.

The interface may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface electrically and/or physically connects, for example, the electronic device300to an external electronic device, and may include a USB connector, an SD card/an MMC connector, and/or an audio connector.

The battery350is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device300, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, and/or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery350may be disposed on substantially the same plane as, for example, the printed circuit board340. The battery350may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device300, or may be detachably disposed on the electronic device300.

The antenna370may be disposed between the rear surface plate380and the battery350. The antenna370may include, for example, a near-field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. For example, the antenna370performs short-range communication with an external device or may transmit/receive power required for charging to/from an external device in a wireless manner. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be configured by a portion of the side surface structure310and/or a portion of the first support member311, or a combination thereof.

In the following detailed description, reference may be made to the electronic devices101,102,104,200, and300of the preceding embodiments, and the same reference numerals in the drawings are given for components that may be easily understood through the preceding embodiments or omitted, and a detailed description thereof may also be omitted.

FIG.5is a plan view exemplifying the rear surface of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101,102,104,200, or300inFIGS.1to4) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.6is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device taken along line A-A′ ofFIG.5according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.7is a configuration view illustrating an optical path of a lens assembly in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, the electronic device400according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a camera window385disposed on one surface (e.g., the second surface210B inFIG.3). In an embodiment, the camera window385may be a portion of the rear surface plate380. In another embodiment, the camera window385may be coupled to the rear surface plate380via a decorative member389, wherein, when viewed from the outside, the decorative member389may be exposed in the form of wrapping the periphery of the camera window385. According to another embodiment, the camera window385may include a plurality of transparent areas387, and the electronic device400may receive external light or transmit light to the outside through at least one of the transparent areas387. For example, the electronic device400may include at least one lens assembly500(e.g., the camera module180,205,212, or213inFIGS.1to3) disposed to correspond to at least some of the transparent areas387and at least one light source (e.g., an infrared light source) disposed to correspond to other ones of the transparent areas387. In an embodiment, the lens assembly500and/or the light source may receive external light or emit light to the outside of the electronic device400through any one of the transparent areas387. In another embodiment, the electronic device400and/or the lens assembly500may further include a camera support member381. The camera support member381may allow at least one of the lens assembly500and/or other lens assemblies (e.g., a wide-angle camera, an ultra-wide-angle camera, and/or a macro camera) adjacent to the lens assembly500to be disposed or fixed inside the rear surface plate380or the camera window385. In another embodiment, the camera support member381may be substantially a portion of the first support member311and/or the second support member360ofFIG.4.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device400may include at least one of a lens assembly500and/or a wide-angle camera, an ultra-wide-angle camera, a macro camera, a telephoto camera, or an infrared photodiode as a light-receiving element, and may include a flash (e.g., the flash213inFIG.3) or an infrared laser diode as a light source and/or a light-emitting element. In another embodiment, the electronic device400may emit an infrared laser toward a subject by using an infrared laser diode and an infrared photodiode and may receive the infrared laser reflected by the subject to detect a distance and/or depth to the subject. In another embodiment, the electronic device400may photograph a subject by using any one camera or two or more of the cameras in combination, and may provide illumination toward the subject by using a flash, if necessary.

According to another embodiment, among the cameras, the wide-angle camera, the ultra-wide-angle camera, and/or the close-up camera may have a smaller length in the optical axis direction of the lens(es) when compared to the telephoto camera (e.g., the lens assembly500). For example, in the telephoto camera (e.g., the lens assembly500) having a relatively large focal length, the total track length of the lens(es)423a,423b, and423cis larger than those of other cameras. The “total track length” may mean a distance from the object-side surface of the first lens on the object side to the imaging surface of the image sensor411. As in another embodiment to be described later (e.g., the lens assembly600inFIG.8), when another optical member(s) (e.g., a mirror and/or a prism) is(are) disposed between the lens(es) and the image sensor, the “total track length” may be the distance from the object-side surface of the first lens on the object side to the sensor-side surface of the first lens on the image sensor side. In an embodiment, the wide-angle camera, the ultra-wide-angle camera, and/or the close-up camera may have substantially little effect on the thickness of the electronic device400even if the lens(es) is(are) arranged along the thickness (e.g., the thickness measured in the Z-axis direction ofFIG.4or6) direction of the electronic device400. For example, a wide-angle camera, an ultra-wide-angle camera, and/or a close-up camera may be disposed in the electronic device400in the state in which a direction in which light is incident from the outside into the electronic device400is substantially the same as the optical axis direction of the lens(es). In another embodiment, when compared to a wide-angle camera, an ultra-wide-angle camera, and/or a close-up camera, the lens assembly500(e.g., a telephoto camera) has a smaller field of view, but may be useful for photographing a subject from a farther distance, and may include more lenses421a,421b,423a,423b, and423c. For example, when the lens(es)423a,423b, and423cof the lens assembly500is arranged in the thickness direction of the electronic device400(e.g., the Z-axis direction), the thickness of the electronic device400increases, or the lens assembly500may substantially protrude to the outside of the electronic device400. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the lens assembly500may include at least one refractive member413or415that reflects and/or refracts incident light IL in different directions. In implementing a telephoto function, the lenses423a,423b, and423cmay be arranged to move forward or backward in the incident direction of light or the traveling direction of reflected or refracted light, thereby suppressing or reducing the increase of the thickness of the electronic device400.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, the folded camera (e.g., the lens assembly500) may include a first refractive member413, a second refractive member415, an image sensor411, and/or at least one lens system (e.g., the second lens group423including the second lenses423a,423b, and423cand/or the dummy member423d). In another embodiment, the at least one optical member may guide or focus, to the second refractive member415, light RL1reflected and/or refracted by the first refractive member413, and may block the light RL1reflected and/or refracted by the first refractive member413from being directly incident on the image sensor411.

According to another embodiment, the first refractive member413may include, for example, a prism and/or a mirror. For example, the first refractive member413is configured as a prism including at least one mirror. For example, the first refractive member413is configured as a prism having at least one surface including a mirror. In another embodiment, the first refractive member413may reflect and/or refract light IL, which is incident in a first direction D1, in a second direction D2crossing the first direction D1. The first direction D1may mean, for example, the direction in which light IL is incident on the electronic device400and/or the lens assembly500from the outside through any one of the transparent areas387ofFIG.5when photographing a subject. In another embodiment, the first direction D1may mean a photographing direction, a direction toward a subject, a direction toward which the lens assembly500is directed, and/or a direction parallel thereto. In another embodiment, the first direction D1may be parallel to the thickness direction of the electronic device400and/or the Z-axis direction.

According to another embodiment, the second refractive member415may include, for example, a prism and/or a mirror. For example, the second refractive member415is configured as a prism including at least one mirror. For example, the second refractive member415is configured as a prism having at least one surface including a mirror. In another embodiment, the second refractive member415may reflect and/or refract light RL1, which is reflected and/or refracted by the first refractive member413and is incident in the second direction D2, in the third direction D3crossing the second direction D2. In another embodiment, the third direction D3may be substantially perpendicular to the second direction D2. For example, the third direction D3means a direction parallel to the Z-axis direction. However, an embodiment of the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the third direction D3may be a direction inclined with respect to the second direction D2or the X-Y plane according to the arrangement of the lens assembly500and/or the second refractive member415in the electronic device400and the specifications of the same. In another embodiment, the third direction D3may be substantially parallel to the first direction D1.

According to another embodiment, the image sensor411may be configured to detect the light RL2, which is reflected and/or refracted by the second refractive member415and is incident along the third direction D3. For example, the light IL incident from the outside is detected by the image sensor411via the first refractive member413and the second refractive member415, and the electronic device400and/or the lens assembly500may acquire a subject image based on a signal and/or information detected by the image sensor411. In another embodiment, the image sensor411may be disposed substantially parallel to the X-Y plane. For example, when the lens assembly500has an optical image stabilization function of a structure that shifts the image sensor411, the image sensor411moves horizontally in a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1and/or the third direction D3.

According to another embodiment, in performing the optical image stabilization function, the image sensor411may be shifted in the length direction of the electronic device400(e.g., the Y-axis direction) and/or the width direction of the electronic device400(e.g., the X-axis direction). For example, by disposing the image sensor411on a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1and/or the third direction D3, it is easy to increase the size of the image sensor411in an electronic device having a small thickness (e.g., a thickness within about 10 mm) and/or to secure a space for the optical image stabilization operation. In another embodiment, when the lens assembly500is used as a telephoto camera, the quality of a captured image may be further enhanced by being provided with the optical image stabilization function. In another embodiment, when the image sensor411is enlarged, the performance of the lens assembly500may be further enhanced.

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly500may further include a lens system (e.g., a first lens group421including one or more lenses421aand421b) configured to guide and/or focus the light IL, which is incident in the first direction D1, to the first refractive member413. In another embodiment, the first lens group421and/or the first lens (e.g., the first lens421a) disposed on the object side in the lens assembly500may have a positive refractive power. For example, by configuring the first lens421ato focus and/or align the light IL, which is incident from the outside, to the first refractive member413, the optical system from the first lens421ato the image sensor411is downsized. According to another embodiment, the first lens group421may further include an additional first lens(es) 42 lb in order to focus and/or align light incident from the outside.

According to another embodiment, the second lens group423may include a dummy member423dand a light blocking member425. The dummy member423dmay have, for example, a cylinder shape disposed inside the lens assembly500and/or the electronic device400and extending along the second direction D2, and may transmit the light RL1, which travels along the second direction D2. In another embodiment, the dummy member423dmay be one lens having a positive and/or negative refractive power. In another embodiment, the dummy member423dmay be a component integrated with any one of the second lenses423a,423b, and423cand/or the second refractive member415.

According to another embodiment, the light blocking member425may be provided and/or disposed on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the dummy member423d, and may absorb, scatter, or reflect light. The light blocking member425may be provided by performing, for example, etching or black lacquer processing, and/or printing and/or depositing a reflective layer on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the dummy member423d. In another embodiment, some of the light reflected and/or refracted by the first refractive member413may be absorbed, scattered, and/or reflected by the light blocking member425. In another embodiment, the light blocking member425may substantially block the light, which is reflected and/or refracted by the first refractive member413, from being direct incident into the image sensor411without passing through the second lens group423and/or the second refractive member415. For example, the light sequentially passing through the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and/or the third direction D3in the lens assembly500(e.g., the light following the paths indicated by “IL,” “RL1,” and “RL2” inFIG.7) is incident on the image sensor411, and light traveling along another path may be substantially blocked from being incident into the image sensor411.

According to another embodiment, at least one of the second lenses423a,423b, and423cmay move forward and backward between the first refractive member413and the second refractive member415along substantially the same axis as the second direction D2. For example, the electronic device400and/or the lens assembly500moves the at least one of the second lens423a,423b, and423cforward and backward about an axis substantially the same as the second direction D2, thereby executing focal length adjustment and/or focus adjustment. A downsized electronic device such as a smartphone may have a thickness of about 10 mm, and in this case, a range in which the lens is movable forward and backward in the thickness direction may be limited.

According to an embodiment, the second direction D2may be substantially parallel to the length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction inFIG.4), the width direction (e.g., the X-axis direction ofFIG.4), and/or the X-Y plane, and the range in which at least one of the second lenses423a,423b, and423cis move forward and backward may be large, compared to a general wide-angle camera that moves forward and backward in the Z-axis direction for focus adjustment. For example, since at least one of the second lens423a,423b, and423cmoves forward and backward along an axis substantially the same as the second direction D2, the telephoto performance is improved in the lens assembly500, and thus the degree of freedom in design in securing a space for forward and backward movement for focal length adjustment and/or focus adjustment may be improved.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device400and/or the lens assembly500may further include an infrared blocking filter419. In another embodiment, the infrared blocking filter419may suppress or substantially block infrared or near-infrared wavelength band light from being incident into the image sensor411, and may be disposed at any position in the optical path between the first lens421aand the image sensor411. In another embodiment, by disposing the infrared blocking filter419at a position close to the image sensor411(e.g., between the image sensor411and the second refractive member415), it is possible to suppress and/or prevent the infrared blocking filter419from being visually exposed to the outside. In another embodiment, the first refractive member413, the second refractive member415, and/or the at least one optical member (e.g., the second lens group423) may include an infrared blocking coating layer, in which case the infrared blocking filter419may be omitted. In another embodiment, the infrared blocking coating layer may be provided on at least one of the image sensor-side surface and the object-side surface of the dummy member423dand/or the second refractive member415. Accordingly, the image sensor411may detect light that substantially passes through the infrared blocking filter419(or the infrared blocking coating layer). The refractive members413and415of the disclosure may be selectively designed according to the structure of the lens assembly500. For example, in an embodiment, the refractive member (e.g., the second refractive member415inFIG.6) has a triangular prism shape. In another embodiment, the refractive member (e.g., the second refractive member415inFIG.7) may have a trapezoidal columnar shape. The shapes of the refractive members413and415are not limited to the structures illustrated in this disclosure. For example, when the refractive members413and415reflect, refract, or transmit light, the refractive members413and415may have a shape other than the triangular prism shape or the trapezoidal columnar shape. In another embodiment, the types of refractive members413and415to be disposed may be determined in various ways. For example, the refractive member (e.g., the second refractive member415ofFIG.6) to be disposed is a prism. For example, the refractive member (e.g., the second refractive member415ofFIG.7) to be disposed is a mirror. For example, the refractive members413and415includes a substantially transparent material. For example, the refractive members413and415is made of glass.

FIG.8is a view illustrating a lens assembly600(e.g., the camera module180,205,212, or213inFIGS.1to3or the lens assembly500inFIG.6) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.9is a view illustrating a second optical member R2of the lens assembly ofFIG.8according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.10is a graph showing spherical aberration of the lens assembly ofFIG.8according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.11is a graph showing astigmatism of the lens assembly ofFIG.8according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.12is a graph showing distortion rate of the lens assembly ofFIG.8according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.10is a graph showing spherical aberration of the lens assembly600according to an embodiment of the disclosure, in which the horizontal axis represents a longitudinal spherical aberration coefficient, and the vertical axis represents a normalized distance from an optical axis. A change in longitudinal spherical aberration according to a wavelength of light is illustrated inFIG.10. Longitudinal spherical aberration is indicated for light having each of wavelengths of, for example, 656.3000 (nanometer (NM)), 587.6000 (NM), 546.1000 (NM), 536.1000 (NM), and 435.8000 (NM).FIG.11is a graph showing astigmatism (astigmatic field curves) of the lens assembly600according to one of embodiments of the disclosure for light having a wavelength of 546.1000 (NM), in which “x” illustrates a sagittal plane, and “y” illustrates a tangential plane (meridional plane).FIG.12is a graph showing distortion rate of the lens assembly600according to an embodiment of the disclosure, for light having a wavelength of 546.1000 (NM). In the following description, the lens assembly(ies)600has a structure including optical members R1and R2disposed between lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4and the image sensor (I). It is noted that, depending on the number of times light is reflected and/or refracted by the optical members R1and R2, the negative and the positive may be reversed in the graphs of spherical aberration, astigmatism, and/or distortion rate. In describing the embodiment(s) of the disclosure, optical data such as “total track length” or “focal length” may illustrate values in the state in which the optical members R1and R2are not included. For example, the first optical member R1and/or the second optical member R2may change the light traveling path by performing reflection and/or refraction, and may not substantially affect the optical performance (e.g., focal length, F-number and/or field of view) of the lens assembly600.

Referring toFIGS.8and9, the lens assembly600(e.g., the camera module180,205,212, or213inFIGS.1to3and/or the lens assembly500inFIG.6) may include at least two lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4, an image sensor I, and a plurality of optical members R1and R2disposed between the image sensor I and the at least two lenses (hereinafter, “lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4”). InFIG.8, “S2” may denote the object-side surface of the first lens L1among the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4, and “S3” may denote the sensor-side surface of the first lens L1. When “sto” is added to a reference number indicating a lens surface, it may indicate that an aperture is implemented on the corresponding lens surface. For example, in the lens assembly600ofFIG.8, a diaphragm is disposed on the object-side surface of the first lens L1. In an embodiment, “S4” may denote the object-side surface of the second lens L2among the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4, and “S5” may denote the sensor-side surface of the second lens L2. In another embodiment, “S6” may denote the object-side surface of the third lens L3among the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4, and “S7” may denote the sensor-side surface of the third lens L3. In another embodiment, “S8” may denote the object-side surface of the fourth lens L4among the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4, and “S9” may denote the sensor-side surface of the fourth lens L4. Tables 2, 5, 8, 11, and 14 regarding lens data will be reviewed below, but reference numerals of lens surfaces not indicated in the drawings may be presented, and reference numerals “S10 to S15” in the tables regarding lens data may refer to the surface(s) of the first optical member R1and/or the second optical member R2.

According to another embodiment, the plurality of optical members R1and R2may reflect, refract, and/or guide the light, which is incident in one direction (e.g., in the direction of a second optical axis O2), in another direction (e.g., in the direction of a third optical axis O3). For example, among the plurality of optical members R1and R2, the first optical member R1(e.g., the first reflection surface RF) reflects, refracts, and/or guides the light, which is incident through the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4, to the second optical member R2. In another embodiment, the second optical member R2may guide the light, which is incident through the first optical member R1, to the image sensor I. According to another embodiment, the lens assembly600may further include an infrared blocking layer IFL. For example, the infrared blocking layer IFL is disposed on one of an incidence surface F1and an emission surface F2of the second optical member R2. In an embodiment, the infrared blocking layer IFL may be provided on one of the surfaces of the first optical member R1or a surface of one of the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4. According to another embodiment, as illustrated in a lens assembly700ofFIG.13, an infrared blocking filter IF may be provided in addition to the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4or the optical members R1and R2. In another embodiment, when the infrared blocking filter IF is additionally provided, no infrared blocking layer IFL may be disposed on the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4and/or the optical members R1and R2.

According to another embodiment, at least two (e.g., four) lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4may be sequentially arranged along the direction of the first optical axis O1from the object OB side. In another embodiment, the first optical axis O1may be disposed to be substantially parallel to the front surface (e.g., the first surface210A inFIG.2) and/or the rear surface (e.g., the second surface210B inFIG.3) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101,200,300, or400inFIGS.1to6). For example, even if the thickness of the electronic device400is reduced, the degree of freedom in design is high in the number and arrangement of lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4. According to another embodiment, the electronic device400(e.g., the processor120inFIG.1) and/or the lens assembly600may cause at least one of the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4to move forward and backward along the direction of the first optical axis O1. For example, by moving at least one of the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4along the direction of the first optical axis O1, the focal length adjustment and/or the focus adjustment is performed. In another embodiment, the electronic device400(e.g., the processor120inFIG.1) and/or the lens assembly600may perform an optical image stabilization operation by causing at least one of the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4to move in a plane perpendicular to the first optical axis O1. From the description “move in a plane perpendicular to the first optical axis O1,” it may be understood that the lens(es) L1, L2, L3, and L4moves along at least two directions perpendicular to the first optical axis O1. The “at least two directions” may be, for example, directions perpendicular to each other.

According to another embodiment, the image sensor I may be configured to cause the lens assembly600and/or the electronic device400including the same to acquire an image of a subject by receiving light guided and/or focused light through the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4. For example, the second optical axis O2is disposed to be substantially parallel to the front surface (e.g., the first surface210A inFIG.2) and/or the rear surface (e.g., the second surface210B inFIG.3) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101,200,300, or400inFIGS.2to6). In another embodiment, the imaging surface img of the image sensor I may be disposed in a direction crossing the first optical axis O1. For example, the imaging surface img of the image sensor I may form an acute angle and/or an obtuse angle with the first optical axis O1. In another embodiment, from the description “the imaging surface img may be disposed in a direction crossing the first optical axis O1,” it may be understood that the imaging surface img is disposed to be inclined with respect to the X axis, the Y axis and/or the Z axis ofFIGS.2to6. In another embodiment, since the image sensor I may be disposed in various directions with respect to the alignment directions of the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4, the degree of freedom in design may be enhanced in manufacturing the lens assembly600and/or the electronic device400including the same.

According to another embodiment, the optical members R1and R2may reflect and/or refract light incident thereon to change the traveling direction of the light. For example, by disposing the optical members R1and R2between the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4and the image sensor I, the degree of freedom in design may be enhanced in laying out the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4and the image sensor I. Of the optical members R1and R2, the first optical member R1may be disposed between the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4and the image sensor I, and may receive light incident through the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4in the direction of the first optical axis O1. In another embodiment, the first optical member R1may reflect and/or refract light incident through the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4in the direction of the first optical axis O1, thereby emitting the light along the direction of the second optical axis O2crossing the first optical axis O1. In the illustrated embodiment, the second optical axis O2is exemplified for convenience of description, and the embodiment(s) of the disclosure are not limited thereto. The second optical axis O2may be defined differently depending on an embodiment and/or the structure of the lens assembly600to be actually manufactured. In another embodiment, the first optical member R1may include a mirror and/or a prism.

It is noted that, although the first optical member R1and the second optical member R2are exemplified as independent components in a disclosed embodiment, the embodiment(s) of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the first optical member R1and the second optical member R2is integrally configured. In an embodiment, the emission surface of the first optical member R1and the incidence surface F1of the second optical member R2may be configured in a combined form. For example, an integrally configured optical member (not illustrated) includes a mirror and/or a prism. For example, the integrally configured optical member (not illustrated) is configured as a prism including at least one mirror. For example, an integrally configured optical member (not illustrated) is configured as a prism in which one surface includes a mirror and at least a portion of another surface includes a mirror.

According to another embodiment, among the plurality of optical members R1and R2, the first optical member R1may be disposed between the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4and the second optical member R2. In another embodiment, the first optical member R1may reflect and/or refract light incident through the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4in the direction of the first optical axis O1, thereby emitting the light along the direction of the second optical axis O2substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis O1. According to another embodiment, the angle at which the second optical axis O2is inclined with respect to the first optical axis O1may be implemented to be about 80 degrees or more and about 100 degrees or less.

According to another embodiment, among the plurality of optical members R1and R2, the second optical member R2may be disposed between the first optical member R1and the image sensor I. For example, the second optical member R2receives light incident through the first optical member R1in the direction of the second optical axis O2and may emit the light to the image sensor I along the direction of the third optical axis O3crossing the second optical axis O2. In another embodiment, the third optical axis O3may be disposed to be inclined at an angle other than perpendicular to the first optical axis O1. In another embodiment, the third optical axis O3may be disposed to be inclined at an angle other than perpendicular to the second optical axis O2. In another embodiment, the third optical axis O3may be disposed to be substantially parallel to the first optical axis O1and to be inclined at an angle other than perpendicular to the second optical axis O2. In this way, the angles at which the optical axes O1, O2, and O3are inclined with respect to each other may be designed in various ways depending on embodiments. For example, the relative arrangement of the optical axes O1, O2, and O3may vary depending on the relative arrangement of the imaging surface img with respect to the first optical axis O1, or the structure of the lens assembly600and/or the electronic device400to be actually manufactured.

According to another embodiment, the second optical member R2may include a prism. In an embodiment, the second optical member R2may include a first surface (e.g., the incidence surface F1) facing the first optical member R1. For example, the incidence surface F1is perpendicular to the second optical axis O2. Note, however, that the embodiment(s) of the disclosure are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the second optical member R2may include a second surface (e.g., the emission surface F2) facing the image sensor I. For example, the emission surface F2is connected to the incidence surface F1in an inclined state to form a first angle Ang-p1with respect to the incidence surface F1. In another embodiment, the emission surface F2may provide a total internal reflection environment for incident light (e.g., the light incident on the incidence surface F1along the direction of the second optical axis O2). For example, the emission surface F2may reflect (or refract) incident light by being inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the second optical axis O2. Conditions for the inclination angle of the emission surface F2with respect to the second optical axis O2will be reviewed with reference to Equation 2 to be described below. As described above, the emission surface F2may at least partially function as a reflector inside the second optical member. In another embodiment, the second optical member R2may include a second reflection surface F3interconnecting the emission surface F2and the incidence surface F1. For example, the second reflection surface F3is connected to the emission surface F2in the state of forming a second angle Ang-p2, and may be connected to the incidence surface F1in the state of forming a third angle Ang-p3. In another embodiment, when the second reflection surface F3is disposed substantially parallel to the second optical axis O2, the inclination angle of the emission surface F2with respect to the second optical axis O2may be defined as the second angle Ang-p2.

According to another embodiment, the light reflected by the emission surface F2inside the second optical member R2may be emitted to the outside through the emission surface F2after being reflected (or refracted) again by the second reflection surface F3. For example, when the incidence angle is smaller than a predetermined angle, the emission surface F2may provide a total internal reflection environment, and when the incidence angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the emission surface F2may transmit light. In this way, light incident on the second optical member R2may be reflected at least twice and emitted to the image sensor I through the emission surface F2. In another embodiment, when the lens assembly600has a structure including an infrared blocking layer IFL, the infrared blocking layer IFL may be disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the second optical member R2(e.g., the incidence surface F1and/or the emission surface F2). The position and size of the infrared blocking layer IFL may be variously selected in consideration of the path of light passing through the second optical member R2. In another embodiment, the infrared blocking layer IFL may be disposed on at least one of the incidence surface F1and the emission surface F2.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device400(e.g., the processor120inFIG.1) and/or the lens assembly600may execute optical image stabilization by rotating or tilting at least one of the optical members R1and R2(e.g., the first optical member R1) with respect to the first optical axis O1. The “tilting operation” may include, for example, an operation of rotating the first optical member R1around an arbitrary axis crossing the first optical axis O1. The central axis of the tilting operation may be variously configured depending on the structure of the lens assembly600and/or the electronic device400to be actually manufactured.

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly600may further include another optical member (e.g., the first refractive member413inFIG.6) disposed on the object OB side rather than the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4. For example, a direction in which light is incident to the electronic device400and/or the lens assembly600is different from that of the first optical axis O1. As described above, when the components described above and/or to be described below regarding the lens assembly600ofFIG.8are satisfied, other components of the embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., the first lens group421, the first refractive member413, the dummy member423d, and/or the light blocking member425inFIG.6) may be selectively combined to implement additional embodiments.

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly described above and/or to be described below (e.g., the lens assembly600,700,800,900,1000, or1100inFIGS.8,13,17,21and/or25) may satisfy the condition of Equation 1 below.

“TTL” is a length from the object-side surface S2 of the first lens on the object OB side (e.g., the first lens L1) among the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4and the sensor-side surface S9 of the first lens on the image sensor I side (e.g., the fourth lens L4), and may be understood as a “total track length.” In a structure in which the optical members R1and R2, which change the light traveling path between the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4and the image sensor I are not arranged, the “total track length” may be understood as the distance from the object-side surface of the first lens on the object OB side to the imaging surface of the image sensor. In Equation 1, “f” may be a focal length (e.g., an effective focal length) of the lens assembly600. When the condition of Equation 1 is not satisfied, for example, when the value of Equation 1 is smaller than the total track length becomes smaller, and thus it may be difficult to arrange the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4and to secure good optical performance. When the value of Equation 1 is greater than 0.35, the total track length increases, and thus it may be difficult to mount the lens assembly600in a downsized electronic device.

According to another embodiment, the lens assemblies600,700,800,900,1000, and1100described above and/or to be described below may satisfy the condition of Equation 2 below.

“Ang-min” is the smallest angle among the angles formed by two adjacent surfaces of the second optical member R2(e.g., the first angle Ang-p1, the second angle Ang-p2, and/or the third angle Ang-p3). In the embodiment ofFIG.8and/or the embodiment ofFIG.9, the second angle Ang-p2may be the “Ang-min” in Equation 2. When the angle value of Equation 2 is smaller than 15 degrees, the size of the second optical member R2increases, which may make downsizing difficult. In an embodiment, when the value of Equation 2 is greater than 40 degrees, reflection performance of the emission surface F2inside the second optical member R2may be lowered. For example, when the condition of Equation 2 is satisfied, the emission surface F2inside the second optical member R2totally reflects light incident along the direction of the second optical axis O2. According to another embodiment, in the second optical member R2, when the third angle Ang-p3is a right angle and the second angle Ang-p2is “Ang-min,” the second angle Ang-p3may be implemented as an angle of about 25 degrees or more and about 35 degrees or less. According to another embodiment, the third angle Ang-p3of the second optical member R2may be implemented as an angle of about 75 degrees or more and about 105 degrees or less.

According to another embodiment, the lens assemblies600,700,800,900,1000, and1100described above and/or to be described below may satisfy the condition of Equation 3 below.

Here, “f1” may be the focal length (e.g., effective focal length) of the first lens on the object OB side (e.g., the first lens L1), and “f2” may be the focal length of the second lens on the object OB side (e.g., the second lens L2). When the condition of Equation 3 is satisfied, it may be easy to correct aberration in the lens assembly600, and the lens assembly600may be downsized. For example, when the value of Equation 3 is greater than −0.1, it may be difficult to correct chromatic aberration or spherical aberration. In another embodiment, when the value of Equation 3 is smaller than −2, the power of the first lens L1is lowered, so the total track length may be increased.

According to another embodiment, the lens assemblies600,700,800,900,1000, and1100described above and/or to be described below may satisfy the conditions of the following Equation 4 regarding the Abbe number of the first lens (e.g., the first lens L1) on the object side OB, Vd-1.

When the value of Equation 4 is greater than 95, the possibility of damage to the first lens L1due to an external impact or scratches may increase, and when the value of Equation 4 is less than 25, it may be difficult to correct chromatic aberration.

According to another embodiment, the lens assemblies600,700,800,900,1000, and1100described above and/or to be described below may satisfy the condition of Equation 5 below.

Here, “t-L1” may be the thickness of the first lens on the object side OB (e.g., the first lens L1), and “TTL” may be the length from the object-side surface S2 of the first lens L1and the sensor-side surface S9 of the first lens on the image sensor I side (e.g., the fourth lens L4). When the value of Equation 5 is greater than 0.5, the thickness of the first lens L1increases and it is difficult to secure the thicknesses of the remaining lenses L2, L3, and L4or the intervals between the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4. Thus, it may be difficult to secure good performance of the lens assembly600. In another embodiment, when the value of Equation 5 is less than 0.1, the thickness of the first lens L1is reduced, and thus it may be difficult to secure a suitable refractive power or to manufacture the first lens L1in a designed shape.

According to another embodiment, the lens assemblies600,700,800,900,1000, and1100described above and/or described below may satisfy the condition of the following Equation 6 regarding a field of view (FoV).

When the condition of Equation 6 is satisfied, the lens assembly600may be easily downsized while providing a space for arranging the plurality of optical members R1and R2. For example, when the field of view is less than 5 degrees, the focal length of the lens assembly600becomes long, which may make downsizing difficult. In an embodiment, when the field of view is greater than 35 degrees, the interval between the lens(es) L1, L2, L3, and L4and the image sensor I is reduced, and thus it may be difficult to dispose the first optical member R1and/or the second optical member R1.

As described in Table 1, the lens assemblies600,700,800,900,1000, and1100of the embodiments described above or to be described below may satisfy the condition(s) presented through the equations described above. In Table 1, the smallest angle Ang-min in Equation 2 may be exemplified as the second angle Ang-p2in the second optical member R2of each embodiment.

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly600may have a focal length of approximately 9.73 mm, an F-number of 3.475, a total track length of 2.6 mm, an image height of 2.28 mm, and/or a field of view (FoV) of 25.96 degrees. The total track length may be understood as, for example, the distance from the object-side surface S2 of the first lens L1to the sensor-side surface S9 of the fourth lens L4, and the image height is the maximum distance from the optical axis O3to the edge of the imaging surface (img), and may be understood, for example, as half of the diagonal length of the imaging surface (img). The lens assembly600may satisfy at least some of the conditions presented through the above-described Equations, and may be manufactured in the specifications exemplified in Table 2 below.

In Table 2, a lens surface marked with “sto” may function as an aperture, and an aspherical lens surface may be marked with a symbol “*”. Like “S1” and/or “S10 to S18”, the surfaces described in Table 2 but not described in the drawings may be the surfaces of a cover window (e.g., the camera window385inFIG.5or6), mechanical structures referred to in arrangement design of the lens L1, L2, L3, and L4or optical members R1and R2, and/or the optical members R1and R2. Although not directly described in the drawings, the surfaces described in Table 2 are located on, for example, the path along which external light reaches to the image sensor I, but may not substantially affect the optical performance of the lens assembly600. In the disclosed embodiment(s), the refraction mode in Table 2 exemplifies whether light beam traveling is refracted (refraction), reflected (reflection), or reflected by total internal reflection (TIR). Since a light beam traveling direction is changed when reflection occurs by the optical members R1and R2, in the graphs ofFIGS.10and11related to spherical aberration and/or astigmatism according to the number of reflections, “+” and “−” may be reversed.

In the following Tables 3 and 4, the aspherical surface coefficients of the first to fourth lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4are described, and the definition of the aspherical surface may be calculated through Equation 7 below:

Here, “z” may mean a distance from the apex of a lens(es) L1, L2, L3, or L4in the direction of the optical axis (e.g., the first optical axis O1), “y” may mean a distance in a direction perpendicular to the first optical axis O1, “C” may mean a reciprocal of the radius of curvature at the apex of the lens(es) L1, L2, L3, or L4, “K” may mean a conic constant, and “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” “E,” “F,” “G,” “H,” and “J” may mean aspherical surface coefficients, respectively. The radius of curvature (Radius) may represent, for example, a value indicating the degree of curvature in each point of a curved surface or curved line.

In embodiments described below, reference numerals for optical axes, lenses, and/or lens surfaces may be omitted from the drawings for brevity of the drawings. Reference numerals omitted in the drawings will be easily understood by those skilled in the art by further referring toFIG.8or through lens data and drawings presented in each embodiment.

FIG.13is a view illustrating a lens assembly (e.g., the camera module180,205,212, or213inFIGS.1to3or the lens assembly500inFIG.6) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.14is a graph showing spherical aberration of the lens assembly \ ofFIG.13according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.15is a graph showing astigmatism of the lens assembly ofFIG.13according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.16is a graph showing distortion rate of the lens assembly ofFIG.13according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.13to16, a lens assembly700may have a focal length of about 9.73 mm, an F-number of 3.475, a total track length of 2.6 mm, an image height of 2.28 mm, and/or a field of view of 26.01 degrees. The total track length may be understood as, for example, the distance from the object-side surface S2 of the first lens L1to the sensor-side surface S9 of the fourth lens L4, and the image height is the maximum distance from the optical axis O3to the edge of the imaging surface (img), and may be understood, for example, as half of the diagonal length of the imaging surface (img). The lens assembly700may be manufactured with the specifications exemplified in the following Table 5 while satisfying at least some of the conditions presented through the above-described equations, and the aspherical surface coefficients of Tables 6 and 7.

According to an embodiment, the lens assembly700may further include an infrared blocking filter IF disposed between the image sensor I and the second optical member R2. When the lens assembly700includes an infrared blocking filter IF disposed in addition to the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4or the optical members R1and R2, the infrared blocking layer (e.g., the infrared blocking layer IFL inFIG.9) may be omitted from the surface of each of the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4or each of the optical members R1and R2.

FIG.17is a view illustrating a lens assembly (e.g., the camera module180,205,212, or213inFIGS.1to3and/or the lens assembly500inFIG.6) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.18is a graph showing spherical aberration of the lens assembly ofFIG.17according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.19is a graph showing astigmatism of the lens assembly ofFIG.17according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.20is a graph showing distortion rate of the lens assembly ofFIG.17according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.17to20, a lens assembly800may have a focal length of about 9.75 mm, an F-number of 3.533, a total track length of 2.6 mm, an image height of 2.28 mm, and/or a field of view of 26.01 degrees. The total track length may be understood as, for example, the distance from the object-side surface S2 of the first lens L1to the sensor-side surface S9 of the fourth lens L4, and the image height is the maximum distance from the optical axis O3to the edge of the imaging surface (img), and may be understood, for example, as half of the diagonal length of the imaging surface (img). The lens assembly800may be manufactured with the specifications exemplified in the following Table 8 while satisfying at least some of the conditions presented through the above-described equations, and the aspherical surface coefficients of Tables 9 and 10.

FIG.21is a view illustrating a lens assembly (e.g., the camera module180,205,212, or213inFIGS.1to3or the lens assembly500inFIG.6) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.22is a graph showing spherical aberration of the lens assembly ofFIG.21according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.23is a graph showing astigmatism of the lens assembly ofFIG.21according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.24is a graph showing distortion rate of the lens assembly ofFIG.21according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.21to24, a lens assembly900may have a focal length of about 9.68 mm, an F-number of 2.881, a total track length of 2.66 mm, an image height of 2.28 mm, and/or a field of view of 26.29 degrees. The total track length may be understood as, for example, the distance from the object-side surface S2 of the first lens L1to the sensor-side surface S9 of the fourth lens L4, and the image height is the maximum distance from the optical axis O3to the edge of the imaging surface (img), and may be understood, for example, as half of the diagonal length of the imaging surface (img). The lens assembly900may be manufactured with the specifications exemplified in the following Table 11 while satisfying at least some of the conditions presented through the above-described equations, and the aspherical surface coefficients of Tables 12 and 13.

FIG.25is a view illustrating a lens assembly (e.g., the camera module180,205,212, or213inFIGS.1to3or the lens assembly500inFIG.6) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.26is a graph showing spherical aberration of the lens assembly ofFIG.25according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.27is a graph showing astigmatism of the lens assembly ofFIG.25according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.28is a graph showing distortion rate of the lens assembly ofFIG.25according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.25to28, a lens assembly1000may have a focal length of about 9.68 mm, an F-number of 2.847, a total track length of 2.587 mm, an image height of 2.28 mm, and/or a field of view of 26.39 degrees. The total track length may be understood as, for example, the distance from the object-side surface S2 of the first lens L1to the sensor-side surface S9 of the fourth lens L4, and the image height is the maximum distance from the optical axis O3to the edge of the imaging surface (img), and may be understood, for example, as half of the diagonal length of the imaging surface (img). The lens assembly1000may be manufactured with the specifications exemplified in the following Table 14 while satisfying at least some of the conditions presented through the above-described equations, and the aspherical surface coefficients of Tables 15 and 16.

FIG.29is a view illustrating a lens assembly1100(e.g., the camera module180,205,212, or213inFIGS.1to3or the lens assembly500inFIG.6) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.30is a graph showing spherical aberration of the lens assembly1100ofFIG.29according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.31is a graph showing astigmatism of the lens assembly1100ofFIG.29according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.32is a graph showing distortion rate of the lens assembly1100ofFIG.29according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.29to32, a lens assembly1100may have a focal length of about 16.79 mm, an F-number of 2.872, a total track length of 3.700 mm, an image height of 2.8 mm, and/or a field of view of 18.79 degrees. The total track length may be understood as, for example, the distance from the object-side surface S2 of the first lens L1to the sensor-side surface S9 of the fourth lens L4, and the image height is the maximum distance from the optical axis O3to the edge of the imaging surface (img), and may be understood, for example, as half of the diagonal length of the imaging surface (img). The lens assembly1100may be manufactured with the specifications exemplified in the following Table 17 while satisfying at least some of the conditions presented through the above-described equations, and the aspherical surface coefficients of Table 18.

A lens assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure (e.g., the camera module180,205,212, or213inFIGS.1to3, or the lens assembly500,600,700,800,900,1000, or1100inFIG.6,8,13,17,21, or25) may include an optical member (e.g., the optical members R1and R2inFIG.8) that reflect and/or refract incident light, which may make it possible to freely design a light traveling path leading to the image sensor (e.g., the image sensor I inFIG.8). For example, the arrangement direction of the imaging surface (e.g., the imaging surface img inFIG.8) of the image sensor I may be variously designed with respect to the arrangement of lenses (e.g., lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4inFIG.8). Accordingly, it is easy to mount a lens assembly having high optical performance in a downsized and lightened electronic device such as a smartphone (e.g., the electronic device101,102,104,200,300, or400inFIGS.1to6). In an embodiment, by disposing an additional optical member (e.g., the first refractive member413inFIG.6) in front of the arrangement of lenses, it is possible to arrange lenses in the length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction inFIG.5) and/or the width direction (e.g., the X-axis direction ofFIG.5) of the electronic device. For example, in the number and arrangement of lenses, a degree of freedom in design may be enhanced in a downsized electronic device. In an embodiment, when lenses are arranged in the length direction or the width direction of the electronic device, it may be easy to secure a space for the forward and backward movement of the lenses in the direction of the optical axis (e.g., the first optical axis O1inFIG.8). For example, by securing an environment capable of implementing a focal length adjustment operation and/or a focus adjustment operation, it may be easy to improve optical performance (e.g., telephoto performance) of the lens assembly.

Effects that are capable of being obtained by the disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not described above may be clearly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art to which the disclosure belongs based on the following description.

As described above, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a lens assembly (e.g., the camera module180,205,212, or213inFIGS.1to3, or the lens assembly500,600,700,800,900,1000, or1100inFIGS.6,8,13,17,21, and25) may include at least two lenses (e.g., the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4inFIGS.8,13,17,21, and25) arranged along the direction of a first optical axis (e.g., the optical axis O1inFIG.8) from an object (e.g., the object OB inFIG.8) side, an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor I inFIGS.8,13,17,21, and25) configured to receive light guided and/or focused through the at least two lenses, wherein the image sensor includes an imaging surface (e.g., the imaging surface img inFIG.8) disposed to be inclined with respect to the first optical axis, a first optical member (e.g., the first optical member R1inFIGS.8,13,17,21, and25) disposed between the at least two lenses and the image sensor, wherein the first optical member is configured to receive light incident through the at least two lenses in a direction of the first optical axis and to emit the light along a direction of a second optical axis (e.g., the second optical axis O2inFIG.8) crossing the first optical axis, and a second optical member (e.g., the second optical member R2inFIGS.8,13,17,21, and25) disposed between the first optical member and the image sensor, wherein the second optical member is configured to receive light incident through the first optical member in the direction of the second optical axis and to emit the light to the image sensor along the direction of a third optical axis (e.g., the third optical axis O3inFIG.8) crossing the second optical axis. In an embodiment, the lens assembly may satisfy a conditional expression “0.1<=TTL/f<=0.35”, wherein “TTL” is a length from an object-side surface (e.g., the surface indicated by “S2” inFIG.8) of the first lens (e.g., the first lens L1inFIGS.8,13,17,21, and25) on the object side to a sensor-side surface S9 of the first lens (e.g., the fourth lens L4inFIGS.8,13,17,21, and25) on the image sensor side, and “f” is a focal length of the lens assembly. In an embodiment, the lens assembly may satisfy a conditional expression “15<=Ang-min<=40”, wherein “Ang-min” is the smallest angle among angles formed by two adjacent surfaces (e.g., adjacent two surfaces among the incidence surface F1, the emission surface F2, and/or the second reflection surface F3inFIG.9) of the second optical member.

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly described above may satisfy a conditional expression “−2<=f1/f2<=−0.1”, wherein “f1” is the focal length of the first lens on the object side, and “f2” is the focal length of the second lens on the object side (e.g., the second lens L2ofFIGS.8,13,17,21, and25).

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly described above may satisfy a conditional expression “25<=Vd-1<=95,” wherein “Vd-1” is the Abbe number of the first lens on the object side.

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly described above may satisfy a conditional expression “0.1<=t-L1/TTL<=0.5,” wherein “t-L1” is the thickness of the first lens on the object side.

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly described above may satisfy a conditional expression “5<=FoV<=35,” wherein “FoV” is the field of view of the lens assembly.

According to another embodiment, the first optical member may include a mirror and/or a prism, and the second optical member may include a prism.

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly described above may be configured to execute focal length adjustment and/or focus adjustment by moving at least one of the at least two lenses along the direction of the first optical axis.

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly described above may be configured to execute optical image stabilization by moving at least one of the at least two lenses in a plane perpendicular to the first optical axis.

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly described above may be configured to execute optical image stabilization by rotating and/or tilting the first optical member with respect to the first optical axis.

According to another embodiment, the third optical axis may cross and/or be parallel to the first optical axis.

According to another embodiment, the second optical member may include an incidence surface facing the first optical member (e.g., the incidence surface F1inFIG.9) and an emission surface facing the image sensor (e.g., the emission surface F2inFIG.9), and between the incidence surface and the emission surface, the second optical member is configured to reflect and/or refract light incident on the incidence surface, at least twice.

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly described above may further include an infrared blocking layer (e.g., the infrared blocking layer IFL inFIG.9) disposed on at least one of the incidence surface and/or the emission surface.

According to another embodiment, the second optical member may further include a reflection surface (e.g., the second reflection surface F3inFIG.9) disposed to be inclined with respect to the emission surface, the emission surface and the reflection surface may be configured to reflect or refract light incident on the incidence surface inside the second optical member, and the light reflected and/or refracted at least twice inside the second optical member may be guided or emitted to the image sensor through the emission surface.

According to another embodiment, among a first angle between the incidence surface and the emission surface (e.g., the first angle Ang-p1inFIG.9), a second angle between the emission surface and the reflection surface (e.g., the second angle Ang-p2inFIG.9), and a third angle between the reflection surface and the incidence surface (e.g., the third angle Ang-p3inFIG.9), the second angle may be the smallest and may be 15 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

According to another embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101,102,104,200,300, or400ofFIGS.1to6) may include a lens assembly (e.g., the camera module180,205,212, or213inFIGS.1to3, or the lens assembly500,600,700,800,900,1000, or1100inFIGS.6,8,13,17,21, and25), and a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) configured to acquire an image by receiving external light by using the lens assembly. In another embodiment, the lens assembly may include at least two lenses (e.g., the lenses L1, L2, L3, and L4inFIGS.8,13,17,21, and25) arranged along the direction of a first optical axis (e.g., the first optical axis O1inFIG.8) from an object (e.g., the object OB inFIG.8) side, an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor I inFIGS.8,13,17,21, and25) configured to receive light guided and/or focused through the at least two lenses, wherein the image sensor includes an imaging surface (e.g., the imaging surface img inFIG.8) disposed to be inclined with respect to the first optical axis, a first optical member (e.g., the first optical member R1inFIGS.8,13,17,21, and25) disposed between the at least two lenses and the image sensor, wherein the first optical member is configured to receive light incident through the at least two lenses in a direction of the first optical axis and to emit the light along a direction of a second optical axis (e.g., the second optical axis O2inFIG.8) crossing the first optical axis, and a second optical member (e.g., the second optical member R2inFIGS.8,13,17,21, and25) disposed between the first optical member and the image sensor, wherein the second optical member is configured to receive light incident through the first optical member in the direction of the second optical axis and to emit the light to the image sensor along the direction of a third optical axis (e.g., the third optical axis O3inFIG.8) crossing the second optical axis. In another embodiment, the lens assembly may satisfy a conditional expression “0.1<=TTL/f<=0.35”, wherein “TTL” is a length from an object-side surface (e.g., the surface indicated by “S2” inFIG.8) of the first lens (e.g., the first lens L1inFIGS.8,13,17,21, and25) on the object side to a sensor-side surface (e.g., the surface indicated by “S9” inFIG.8) of the first lens (e.g., the fourth lens L4inFIGS.13,17,21, and25) on the image sensor side, and “f” is a focal length of the lens assembly. In another embodiment, the lens assembly described above may satisfy a conditional expression “5<=FoV<=35,” wherein “FoV” is the field of view of the lens assembly.

According to another embodiment, the second optical member may include an incidence surface facing the first optical member (e.g., the incidence surface F1inFIG.9), an emission surface facing the image sensor (e.g., the emission surface F2inFIG.9), and a reflection surface (e.g., the second reflection surface F3inFIG.9) disposed to be inclined with respect to the emission surface, and between the incidence surface and the emission surface, the second optical member may be configured to reflect and/or refract light incident on the incidence surface, at least twice.

According to another embodiment, among a first angle between the incidence surface and the emission surface (e.g., the first angle Ang-p1inFIG.9), a second angle between the emission surface and the reflection surface (e.g., the second angle Ang-p2inFIG.9), and a third angle between the reflection surface and the incidence surface (e.g., the third angle Ang-p3inFIG.9), the second angle may be the smallest and may be 15 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly described above may satisfy a conditional expression “−2<=f1/f2<=−0.1”, wherein “f1” is the focal length of the first lens on the object side, and “f2” is the focal length of the second lens on the object side (e.g., the second lens L2ofFIGS.8,13,17,21, and25).

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly described above may satisfy a conditional expression “25<=Vd-1<=95,” wherein “Vd-1” is the Abbe number of the first lens on the object side.

According to another embodiment, the lens assembly described above may satisfy a conditional expression “0.1<=t-L1/TTL<=0.5,” wherein “t-L1” is the thickness of the first lens on the object side.