Patent ID: 12231759

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments are provided in the following description only as examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined in the following description would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is appreciated that the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “exterior”, and “interior” in the following description refer to the orientation or positioning relationship in the accompanying drawings for easy understanding of the present invention without limiting the actual location or orientation of the present invention. Therefore, the above terms should not be an actual location limitation of the elements of the present invention.

It is appreciated that the terms “one”, “a”, and “an” in the following description refer to “at least one” or “one or more” in the embodiment. In particular, the term “a” in one embodiment may refer to “one” while in another embodiment may refer to “more than one”. Therefore, the above terms should not be an actual numerical limitation of the elements of the present invention.

A conventional lens structure, especially being used in camera module, is commonly configured in a stable and uniform manner by stacking a plurality of lenses in a lens barrel. When there are not many lenses, such as two or three lenses, the assembling tolerance of the lens structure is relatively small. For the camera module with high pixel and high image quality, the number of lenses will be increased. In other words, the assembling tolerance of the lens structure is relatively high. Therefore, the conventional lens structure is not suitable for and not acceptable for the high performance camera module. Accordingly, the present invention provides a split lens which comprises a plurality of lens groups being assembled together, wherein each of the lens groups comprises a plurality of lenses assembled together. Therefore, each lens group is constructed to have less number of lenses to minimize the assembling tolerance of the split lens. On the other hand, the total number of lenses will be increased via the assembling of the lens groups. As a result, the split lens provides a higher pixel with less assembling tolerance by using Active Alignment (AA) method during the assembling process to assemble the multi-lens groups. The assembling tolerance between the lens groups will also be reduced to provide a better optical consistency of the split lens.

The present invention provides a split lens which comprises a plurality of lens groups, wherein each of the lens groups comprises a plurality of lenses. Accordingly, the lenses are assembled to form each lens group, wherein the lens groups are assembled together to form the split lens. During the assembling operation of each of the lens groups of the split lens, the relative positions of the lens groups are adjustable to minimize the overall assembling tolerance of the split lens so as to incorporate with the camera module with high resolution. Furthermore, the present invention further provides a light shielding element having an annular shape disposed between every two of the lens groups for blocking light entering through a gap between two lens groups so as to form a light path within the lens groups. The light shielding element is configured to incorporate with the split lens to adapt for the lens groups, so as to solve the existing problems of the lens spacer of difficult installation, instability and deformation. Furthermore, the light shielding element can be disposed above the lens at the bottom position of the lens group. Alternatively, the light shielding element can be disposed below the lens at the upper portion of the lens group. Furthermore, the light shielding element can be attached to the lens by coating, spraying silk screening, etc, such as applying black glue. For example, the light shielding element can be applied at a bottom surface of the lens at the bottom position of the upper lens group and/or at a top surface of the lens at the upper position of the bottom lens group, wherein the light shielding element is arranged for blocking stray light to the lens groups so as to form a predetermined light path of the lens groups. The light shielding element cooperates with the structure of the split lens to achieve the assembly of the independent and individual lens groups, and to prevent any interference of the side stray light of the entire split lens.

For easy understanding, the description and drawings disclose a simplest structure of the split lens which is constructed to have two lens groups as an example, wherein the two lens groups are a first lens group and a second lens group. It should be appreciated that the split lens may be constructed to have more than two lens groups, such as three or more, and it should not be limited in the present invention.

Accordingly, the split lens of the present invention comprises a first lens group10, a second lens group20, and at least a light shielding assembly30. The first lens group10comprises a first lens set11and a first lens barrel12, while the second lens group20comprises a second lens group21and a second lens barrel22. The first lens set11is mounted in the first lens barrel12. The second lens set21is mounted in the second lens barrel22. It is worth mentioning that the light shielding assembly30comprises a light blocking element32disposed between the first lens group10and the second lens group20to light-shield a connection between the first lens group10and the second lens group20for blocking the external light entering into the split lens and to form a predetermined light path between the first lens group10and the second lens group20. The first lens group10and the second lens group20are assembled together to form the split lens at a position that the first lens group10is located above the second lens group20, such that the first lens group10is embodied as an upper lens group while the second lens group20is embodied as a bottom lens group. Preferably, the first lens group10and the second lens group20are assembled to form the split lens with a stepping shape. It is appreciated that the first lens group10and the second lens group20are assembled to form a camera module. As shown inFIG.1, the first lens set11of the first lens group10further comprises a first lens111, a second lens112, and a third lens113. The second lens set21of the second lens group20further comprises a fourth lens211, a fifth lens212, and a sixth lens213. It should be understood that, in the preferred embodiment, the number of lenses in the first lens set11and the second lens set21should not be limited in the present invention, wherein the number of lenses can be varied according to the requirements of different camera modules. For easy understanding, the lenses in the split lens are named as the first lens111, the second lens112and the third lens113mounted in the first lens barrel12, wherein the first lens111and the third lens113are located at the upper and bottom positions respectively while the second lens112is located between the first lens111and the third lens113. The fourth lens211, the fifth lens212and the sixth lens213are mounted in the second lens barrel22, wherein the fourth lens211and the sixth lens213are located at the upper and bottom positions respectively while the fifth lens212is located between the fourth lens211and the sixth lens213.

It can be understood that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the split lens is constructed with two lens groups as an example. In other modified embodiments, the split lens may also include more than two lens groups. The light shielding element is disposed between two adjacent lens groups to prevent side light from entering the split lens.

Furthermore, according to the preferred embodiment, the light shielding element32is disposed at a top surface of the lens at an upper position of the bottom lens set. Particularly, the light shielding element32, having an annular shape, is attached to the top surface of the fourth lens211of the second lens group20, such that a peripheral edge portion of the fourth lens211is covered by the light shielding element32to form a light blocking portion so as to form a predetermined light path at a center portion of the fourth lens211. Therefore, the light from the first lens group10can pass through the center portion of the fourth lens211along the light path thereof. It is worth mentioning that since the light shielding element32is disposed at a position between the first lens group10and the second lens group20, the light shielding element32is able to block the light entering into a connection between the first lens group10and the second lens group20so as to prevent any light entering to the light path in the split lens. Preferably, the light shielding element32can be an adhesive layer, such as an adhesive layer formed by coating, spraying, silk screening, or the like, or an adhesive layer formed by pasting manner. Preferably, the light shielding element32can be a black rubber adhesive layer, such as a ring-shaped black rubber adhesive film.

It is worth mentioning that the split lens further comprises an optical component, such as a spacer, disposed between the first lens group10and the second lens group20of the split lens, such that the light path is formed between the first lens between the first lens group10and the second lens group20to prevent stray light. In other words, at least one optical component is formed between the lens at the bottom position (i.e. the third lens113) of the first lens group10and the lens at the upper position (i.e. the fourth lens211) of the second lens group20. However, the conventional spacer mounting method is to sandwich the spacer between two adjacent lenses, and the material is light and thin. Therefore, when the optical component is used as the conventional spacer, the bottom side of the first lens group10cannot provide any suitable mounting space for the spacer while the second lens group20also cannot provide any suitable mounting space for the spacer. In one embodiment as an example, the spacer can only coupled at the top surface of the fourth lens211, wherein a bottom side of the spacer is supported by the fourth lens211while a top side of the spacer cannot be fixed or retained, such that the conventional spacer is not fit for the split lens of the present invention. According to the preferred embodiment, the light shielding element32is attached to the lens at the bottom position (the third lens113) of the first lens group10or is attached to the lens at the upper position (the fourth lens211) of the second lens group20. Then, the predetermined light path is formed between the first lens group10and the second lens group20without incorporating with any conventional spacer in a clamping manner.

The lens at the bottom position of the first lens group10refers to the third lens113. The lenses can be mounted in the first lens barrel12by means of interference fit. Alternatively, the lenses can be mounted in the first lens barrel12by laser welding, ultrasonic welding or the like. In one embodiment, adhesive is applied at a peripheral edge of the lens to reinforce the position thereof. Particularly, the first lens barrel12further has a reinforcing groove formed at an inner side of a bottom portion thereof, wherein a bonding element41, such as adhesive, is received in the reinforcing groove to retain and fix the third lens113at the bottom portion of the first lens barrel12. The bonding element can be UV glue, thermosetting glue, UV thermosetting glue, and etc.

Preferably, in some embodiments, the reinforcing groove is symmetrically distributed between the inner side surface of the first lens barrel12and the third lens113to retain the third lens113in position by evenly distributing a holding force thereto so as to prevent any uneven deformation of the bonding element41. It is worth mentioning that the bonding element41may be thermally expanded its size, as an example, to create the uneven holding force to dislocate the third lens113.

The reinforcing groove can be configured in different shapes according to requirements, such as a wedge shape, a triangle shape, a trapezoid shape, a rectangular shape and the like. Two or more reinforcing grooves can be configured to space apart or to form a continuous connecting groove. In other words, the reinforcing grooves can form an integral annular groove that the integral annular groove can be configured to have different shapes and different cross sections.

Preferably, a depth of the reinforcing groove is smaller than a thickness of the peripheral edge of the third lens113to prevent any gap formed between the reinforcing groove and the top edge of the third lens113, such that the bonding element41can be filled in the gap into the interior of the reinforcing groove. Therefore, the bonding element41will not leak at the top edge of the third lens113.

In one embodiment and drawings thereof of the present invention, each of the reinforcing grooves has a trapezoidal cross section, wherein there are four reinforcing grooves symmetrically formed at the inner side of the lens barrel. In other embodiments of the present invention, the reinforcing groove and the corresponding bonding element41can be configured to have other shapes and other quantities, such as three, five, and five or above. It should not be limited in the present invention.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light shielding unit further comprises at least a spacing element31. In one embodiment, the spacing element31is a spacer. It is worth mentioning that the spacing element31has an annular shape and is made of opaque material. In other words, the spacing element31and the light shielding element32constitute a spacer assembly respectively disposed between adjacent lenses to form a predetermined light path for the split lens.

The light shielding element32is coated on the surface of the lens, wherein since the light shielding element32is made of opaque material, the light shielding element32will block the light from passing through the surface portion of the lens covered by the light shielding element32. In other words, the light shielding elements32are respectively disposed at the spaces between the lenses for ensuring optical spacing, effective optical aperture, and optical axis consistency between the lenses.

Particularly, in one embodiment, one of the spacing elements31is mounted between the first lens111and the second lens112. One of the spacing elements31is mounted between the second lens112and the third lens113. The light shielding element32is mounted between third lens113and the fourth lens211. One of the spacing elements31is mounted between the fourth lens211and the fifth lens212. One of the spacing elements31is mounted between the fifth lens212and the sixth lens213. Depending on the optical design and configuration of the lens, the distance between the lenses has different requirements. In one embodiment, the distance between the first lens111and the second lens112is separated by the spacing element31, wherein the distance between the first lens111and the second lens112can be effectively fixed. Likewise, the gap between the fifth lens212and the sixth lens213of the second lens group20is fixed by the corresponding spacing element31. For easy discrimination during the assembling operation, the light shielding element32is attached to the top surface of the fourth lens211by coating. It is worth mentioning that the coating area and thickness of each of the light shielding elements32are adjustable according to design requirements. Comparing to the conventional techniques, the assembling operation of the present invention minimizes different assembling parts and enhancing the stability of the lens installation. During the assembling process of the first lens group10, the first lens111, the spacing element31, the second lens112, and the third lens113are sequentially mounted at the first lens barrel12to form the first lens group10. During the assembling process of the second lens group20, it is only necessary to sequentially mount the fourth lens211, the fifth lens212, the spacing element31, and the sixth lens213to the second lens barrel22to form the second lens20. Therefore, at least one spacer in the conventional art will be reduced during the installation, such as the installation of the spacer between the third lens113and the fourth lens211. It can be understood that when the light shielding element32is attached to the surface of the lens, the light shielding element32can significantly simplify the installation complication of the lens group, reduce the separating distance between the lenses, and reduce the height of the lens group. Moreover, the reduction of assembling parts during installation is beneficial to minimize the tolerances and improve installation accuracy. Particularly, when the first lens group10and the second lens group20are assembled together, the spacing element31is not required between the third lens113and the fourth lens211, such that the installation of the first lens group10and the second lens group20is simplified. Moreover, the light shielding element32coated by the fourth lens211can meet the requirement for the optical design, and the mass production efficiency of the split lens is greatly promoted.

Certainly, in other embodiments, the light shielding element32may be disposed on a bottom surface of the third lens113so as to form the predetermined light path between the first lens group10and the second lens group20. It is worth mentioning that the spacing element31between the other lenses may also be replaced by the light shielding element32.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the split lens further has a retention portion. Accordingly, the first lens barrel12has a first retention portion120, and the second lens barrel22has a second retention portion220. The first retention portion120and the second retention portion220are connected to each other, such that the first lens barrel12and the second lens barrel22are assembled to form an integrated one piece lens structure. The first retention portion120is implemented as a bottom end portion of the first lens barrel12, and the second retention portion220is implemented as a top end portion of the second lens barrel22. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG.1, the first retention portion120is implemented as a bottom end portion of the first lens barrel12having an increased diameter thereat. Preferably, the optical axes of the lenses in the first lens barrel12and the second lens barrel22are uniform and coaxially aligned by the AA (Active Alignment) technique, thereby satisfying the optical design. In one embodiment, the first retention portion120further defines an inner retention surface121and an outer retention surface122, and the second retention portion220further defines an outer retention surface222, wherein the outer retention surface122is located at a lower edge of the first lens barrel12. In other words, the outer retention surface122is located on the bottom surface of the first lens barrel12, and the outer retention surface222of the second retention portion220is located at the upper edge of the second lens barrel22. In other words, the outer retention surface222is located on the top surface of the second lens barrel22. Thus, the outer retention surface122of the first retention portion120and the outer retention surface222of the second retention portion220can be connected by a connecting element42. Therefore, the first lens group10and the second lens group20are connected and fixed together. The first inner retention surface121is configured to fix the third lens113to the first lens barrel12. Preferably, the first retention portion120and the second retention portion220are connected together by using the connecting element42such as a UV thermosetting glue. The outer retention surface122of the first retention portion120and the outer retention surface222of the second retention portion220are correspondingly provided on the first lens barrel12and the second lens barrel22respectively. By alignedly assembling the outer retention surface122of the first retention portion120and the outer retention surface222of the second retention portion220, the first lens barrel12and the second lens barrel22are accurately assembled in the exact position.

As shown inFIG.2, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, a split lens according to a second embodiment illustrates a modification of the first embodiment, wherein the split lens of the second embodiment has the similar structural configuration of the first embodiment. Accordingly, the first lens set11A of the first lens group10A comprises a first lens111A, a second lens112A and a third lens113A. The second lens set21A of the second lens group20A comprises a fourth lens211A, a fifth lens212A and a sixth lens213A. The first lens111A, the second lens112A and the third lens113A are mounted in the first lens barrel12A. The fourth lens211A, the fifth lens212A and the sixth lens213A are mounted in the second lens barrel22A.

According to the second preferred embodiment, the split lens comprises four spacing elements31A. The light shielding element32A is disposed on a top surface of the fourth lens211A of the second lens group20A. In other words, the four spacing elements31A and one light shielding element32A constitute the light shielding assembly30A to collectively form a predetermined light path for the split lens. It is worth mentioning that each of the spacing elements31A has an annular shape and is made of opaque material. In other words, the spacing elements31A and the light shielding elements32A of the light shielding assembly30A are respectively placed at intervals of the lenses, thereby ensuring optical separation between the lenses, effective light aperture and consistency of the optical axis. One of the spacing elements31A of the light shielding assembly30A is disposed between the first lens111A and the second lens112A. One of the spacing elements31A is disposed between the second lens112A and the third lens113A. One of the spacing elements31A is disposed between the fourth lens211A and the fifth lens212A. One of the spacing elements31A is disposed between the fifth lens212A and the sixth lens213A. The light shielding element32A is disposed between the third lens113A and the fourth lens211A. Depending on the optical design of the lens configuration, the distance requirements between the lenses are different. In the second embodiment, the distance between the first lens111A and the second lens112A is separated by the corresponding spacing element31A, wherein the distance between the first lens111A and the second lens112A is fixed. Similarly, the spacing between the other lenses are also ensured by the spacing elements31A or the light shielding element32A.

In the second preferred embodiment, the assembling relationship between the first lens group10A and the second lens group20A is configured by connecting the first outer retention surface122A of the first lens barrel12A with the second retention portion222A of the second lens barrel22A. Preferably, the first outer retention surface122A is defined at an outer side of the bottom portion of the first lens barrel12A, and the second outer retention surface222A is defined at the top surface of the second lens barrel11A. Therefore, the outer retention surface122A of the first retention portion120A and the outer retention surface222A of the second retention portion220A can be connected by the connecting element42A in order to connect the first lens group10A and the second lens group20A with each other. In other words, the outer side surface of the first lens barrel12A of the first lens group10A and the top surface of the second lens barrel22A of the second lens group20A are mounted together by the connecting element42A. The first inner retention surface121A is configured to affix the third lens113A to the first lens barrel12A. Preferably, the connecting element42A for connecting the first retention portion120A and the second retention portion220A is UV thermosetting glue. According to the second embodiment, the peripheral edge of the first lens barrel11A is smaller than the second lens barrel22A, such that the first outer retention surface122A of the first lens barrel12A and the second retention portions222A of the second lens barrel22A are stably connected.

It is worth mentioning that when the light shielding element32C is configured to dispose between two adjacent lenses, the light shielding element32C can be attached at the bottom surface of the lens at the upper position, or at the top surface of the lens at the bottom position. For example, as shown inFIG.4A, one of the light shielding elements32C is configured to be disposed between the first lens111C and the second lens112C, wherein the light shielding element32C can be attached to the bottom surface of the first lens111C or attached to the top surface of the second lens112C. One of the light shielding elements32C is configured to dispose between the second lens112C and the third lens113C, wherein the light shielding element32can be attached to a bottom surface of the second lens112C or attached to a top surface of the third lens113C. One of the light shielding elements32C is configured to dispose between the fourth lens211C and the fifth lens212C, wherein the light shielding element32can be attached to the bottom surface of the fourth lens211C, or attached to the top surface of the fifth lens212C. One of the light shielding elements32C is configured to dispose between the fifth lens212C and the sixth lens213C, wherein the light shielding element32can be attached to a bottom surface of the fifth lens212C or attached a top surface of the sixth lens213C. As shown inFIG.4A, the light shielding elements32C are respectively disposed on the bottom surface of the first lens111C, the bottom surface of the second lens112C, the bottom surface of the third lens113C, the bottom surface of the fourth lens211C, and the bottom surface and the bottom surface of the fifth lens212C as an example. It should not be limited in the present invention and the shielding elements32C can be attached to different surfaces of the lens with different combinations.

FIG.3illustrates a split lens according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention similar to that of the first preferred embodiment. In other words, the first lens set11B of the first lens group10B comprises a first lens111B, a second lens112B, and a third lens113B. The second lens set21B of the second lens group20B comprises a fourth lens211B, a fifth lens212B, and a sixth lens213B. The first lens111B, the second lens112B, and the third lens113B are mounted in the first lens barrel12B. The fourth lens211B, the fifth lens212B, and the sixth lens213B are mounted in the second lens barrel22B.

According to the third preferred embodiment, the light shielding assembly30B preferably comprises four spacing elements31B and a light shielding element32B. It is worth mentioning that each of the spacing elements31B has an annular shape and is made of opaque material. The light shielding element32B is applied to the surface of the lens, such as by coating, wherein since the light shielding element32B is made of opaque material, the light shielding element32B will block the light from passing through the surface portion of the lens covered by the light shielding element32B. In other words, the spacing elements31B and the light shielding element32B of the light shielding assembly30B are respectively placed at intervals of the lenses to ensure optical spacing between the lenses, effective apertures, and optical axis uniformity. One of the spacing elements31B is disposed between the first lens111B and the second lens112B. One of the spacing elements31B is disposed between the second lens112B and the third lens113. The light shielding element32B is disposed between the third lens113and the fourth lens211B. One of the spacing elements31B is disposed between the fourth lens211B and the fifth lens212B. One of the spacing elements31B is disposed between the fifth lens212B and the sixth lenses213B. According to the optical design of the lens configuration, the distance requirements between the lenses can be different.

It is worth mentioning that the light shielding element32B is coated on the top surface of the fourth lens211B. The coating area and thickness of the light shielding element32B can be processed and configured according to the lens design requirements. Comparing to the conventional techniques, the present invention minimizes the assembling part between two lens groups. When assembling the first lens group10B, the first lens111B, one of the spacing elements31B, the second lens112B, another spacing element31B, and the third lens113B are sequentially mounted to the first lens barrel12B. When assembling the second lens group10B, the fourth lens211B, one of the spacing elements31B, the fifth lens212B, another spacing element31B, and the sixth lens213B are sequentially mounted in the second lens barrel22B. It can be seen that the installation of the spacer in the conventional technology is reduced. Furthermore, the use of the light shielding element32B can significantly reduce the assembling difficulty of the lens group. The light shielding element32B can be disposed on the top or bottom surface of the lens as desired for different optical designs. Accordingly, when the first lens group10B and the second lens group20B are assembled together, there is no need to consider other factors between the third lens113B and the fourth lens211B, such that the installation difficulty between the first lens group10B and the second lens group20B will be reduced. Moreover, the light shielding element32B having an annular shape is coated on the fourth lens211B to ensure the conditions required for optical design.

According to the third embodiment, preferably, the connection between the lens barrels is permanently coupled with each other to form the split lens. The outer retention surface122B is defined at an outer side of the bottom portion of the first lens barrel12B, and the outer retention surface222B of the second retention portion220B is defined at an inner side of the top portion of the second lens barrel22B. The second lens barrel22B further has a retention groove223B formed at an inner side thereof. Particularly, the retention groove223B is formed at a top portion of the second lens barrel22B, wherein the retention groove223B is formed with an annular shape. In other words, the retention groove223B is formed at an inner opening rim of the second lens barrel22B. The retention groove223B has an inner diameter gradually increased from the second lens group20B toward the first lens group10B. The diameter size of the retention groove223B is configured corresponding to the first outer retention surface122B of the first lens barrel12B, such that the first lens barrel12B fits in the second lens barrel22B to contact the first outer retention surface122B of the first barrel12B with the retention groove223B while the connecting element42B fills at the gap within the retention groove223B to mount the first outer retention surface122B of the first barrel12B. Accordingly, the outer retention surface122B of the first retention portion120B and the outer retention surface222B of the second retention portion220B can be connected by the connecting element42B in order to connect the first lens group10B and the second lens group20B with each other. Moreover, the formation of the retention groove223B can prevent excessive connecting element42B, such as liquid glue, from being excessively applied to enter into the interior of the second lens barrel22B. The formation of the retention groove223B will provide a positioning alignment to reduce the assembling time to mount the first outer retention surface122B at the second lens barrel22B, and to ensure an accuracy assembling position of the second lens group20B to the first group10B. In other words, the first lens barrel12B has a reduced bottom end diameter to fit at the top end of the second lens barrel22B, such that by applying the glue via active calibration process, no light can enter into the split lens through the side thereof.

It is worth mentioning that if the light shielding element32B is replaced by the conventional spacer, the diameter of the spacer is generally smaller than the diameter of the second lens barrel22B, wherein the spacer is retained and sandwiched between two adjacent lenses. When it cannot be clamped between two adjacent two lenses, it is necessary to clamp and fix between the fourth lens211B and the inner side of the outer retention surface222B of the second retention portion220B of the second lens barrel22B, so as to fit between two adjacent lenses. Since the outer retention surface222B can only provide a relatively small clamping and bearing area, the spacer cannot be stably fixed. Thus, the spacer is easy to be deformed. Therefore, when the second lens group20B is assembled in an upside down position, the spacer is easily deformed. When any external force is applied to the spacer, such as during the cleaning process, the spacer is easy to fall off. According to the present invention, the light shielding element32B is attached to the top surface of the fourth lens222B, such that the outer retention surface222B is not required to provide the mounting abutment surface, and is more suitable for being altered and configured in the structure of the split lens.

Preferably, through the active calibration technique, the lenses in the first lens barrel12B and the second lens barrel22B are ensured to have a uniform optical axes are uniform to enhance the optical design. When the first lens group10B and the second lens group20B are assembled together, the outer retention surface122B of the first retention portion120B and the outer retention surface222B of the second retention portion220B are directly assembled correspondingly. The first lens barrel12B and the second lens barrel22B can be accurately assembled in an exact position with each other and affixed by a glue connection in the retention groove223B.

FIG.4illustrates a split lens according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the split lens of the fourth embodiment is constructed to have two lens groups as an example. The first lens set11C of the first lens group10C comprises a first lens111C, a second lens112C, and a third lens113C. The second lens set21C of the second lens group20C comprises a fourth lens211C, a fifth lens212C and a sixth lens213C. The first lens111C, the second lens112C and the third lens113C are mounted in the first lens barrel12C. The fourth lens211C, the fifth lens212C and the sixth lens213C are mounted in the second lens barrel22C.

According to the fourth embodiment, the light shielding assembly30C comprises five shielding elements32A. It is worth mentioning that the light shielding elements32C are coated on the bottom surfaces of the lenses, wherein each of the light shielding elements32C is made of an opaque material to prevent light from passing through the surface portion of the lens covered by the light shielding element32C. In other words, the light shielding elements32C are respectively disposed at intervals of the lenses for ensuring an optical separation between the lenses, effective light aperture and consistency of the optical axis. Accordingly, the first light shielding element32C is disposed between the first lens111C and the second lens112C. The second light shielding element32C is disposed between the second lens112C and the third lens113C. The third light shielding element32C is disposed between the third lens113C and the fourth lens211C. The fourth light shielding element32C is disposed between the fourth lens211C and the fifth lens212C. The fifth light shielding element32C is disposed between the fifth lens212C and the sixth lens213C. Therefore, when the lenses are mounted to the lens barrels, the mounting direction can be directly guided and determined based on the positions of the light shielding elements32C. Moreover, the light shielding element32C fulfills the requirement of the light passing aperture between the lenses according to the optical design of the lens structure.

Accordingly, the coating area and thickness of each of the light shielding elements32C are adjustable according to design requirements. Comparing to the conventional techniques, the assembling operation of the two lens groups minimizes any assembling part therebetween. When the first lens group10C is assembled, the first lens111C, the second lens112C, and the third lens113C are configured to be sequentially mounted to the first lens barrel12C. When the second lens group20C is assembled, the fourth lens211C, the fifth lens212C, and the sixth lens213C are configured to be sequentially mounted to the second lens barrel22C. The installation of the spacer in the conventional technology is omitted. It can be seen that the use of the light shielding element32C can significantly simplify the mounting process and reduce the mounting difficulty of the lens groups. Moreover, the amount of the light shielding element32C applied to the bottom surface of the lens is less than the amount of the light shielding element32C applied to the top surface of the lens. However, the light shielding effect of the light shielding element32C is the same between the top and bottom surfaces of the lens. Thus, when the first lens group10C and the second lens group20C are assembled together, there is no need to consider other factors between the lenses, such that the installation between the first lens group10C and the second lens group20C is easier. Moreover, the light shielding element32C coated at the third lens113C can fulfill the conditional requirement for the optical design, and the production difficulty level and cost will effectively reduce.

According to the fourth embodiment, the assembling relationship between the first lens group10C and the second lens group20C is configured by connecting the outer retention surface122C of the first lens barrel12C and the outer retention surface222C of the second lens barrel22C. It is worth mentioning that the outer retention surface122C is extended at an outer surface of the first lens barrel12C to form a protrusion at a bottom lateral side of the retention portion120C of the first lens barrel12C corresponding to the second outer retention surface222C. In the fourth embodiment, the first retention portion120C is not extended at the bottom end portion of the first lens barrel12C but is protruded from the outer side of the first lens barrel12C.

Preferably, the outer retention surface122C is configured to protrude on the first retention portion120C of the first lens barrel12C, wherein the outer retention surface222C is configured at the top surface of the second lens barrel11C, such that the first lens barrel12C is supported by the second outer retention surface222C. Accordingly, the outer retention surface122C of the first retention portion120C and the outer retention surface222C of the second retention portion220C are connected by the connecting element42C in order to connect the first lens group10C and the second lens group20C with each other. Accordingly, the first inner retention surface121C is configured to affix the third lens113C to the first lens barrel12C. In the fourth embodiment, the periphery of the first lens barrel11C is smaller than the periphery of the second lens barrel22C, such that the first outer retention surface122C of the first lens barrel12C is stably supported by the second retention portion220C of the second lens barrel22C. The first outer retention surface122C of the first lens barrel12C is configured to shorten the width of the first lens barrel12C as a whole comparing to the first preferred embodiment.

FIG.4Billustrates an alternative mode of the split lens according to the fourth preferred embodiment. In this alternative mode, the light shielding element32C is disposed on the bottom surface of the third lens113C, while the spacing elements31C are disposed at other positions, such as between the first lens111C and the second lens112C, between the second lens112C and the third lens113C, between the fourth lens211C and the fifth lens212C, and between the fifth lens212C and the sixth lens213C.

As shown inFIGS.5and6, a split lens of a fifth embodiment illustrates another modification of the first embodiment. The first lens set11D of the first lens group10D comprises a first lens111D, a second lens112D, and a third lens113D. The second lens set21D of the second lens group20D comprises a fourth lens211D, a fifth lens212D and a sixth lens213D. Accordingly, it should be understood that the number of lenses in the first lens group11D and the second lens group21D should not limit in the present invention, and the number of lenses can be varied according to the requirements of different camera modules. For easy understanding, the first lens111D, the second lens112D, and the third lens113D are mounted in the first lens barrel12D, while the fourth lens211D, the fifth lens212D and the sixth lens213D are mounted in the second barrel22D.

In addition, the light shielding assembly30D further comprises at least one spacing structure. In the fifth embodiment, the spacing structure preferably comprises four spacing elements31D and one light shielding element32D. It is worth mentioning that each of the spacing elements31D has an annular shape and is made of opaque material. The light shielding element32D, having an annular shape and is made of opaque material, is coated on the surface of the lens to prevent light from passing through the surface portion of the lens covered by the light shielding element32D. In other words, the spacing elements31D and the light shielding element32D of the light shielding assembly30D are respectively disposed at intervals of the lenses for ensuring optical separation between the lenses, effective light aperture and consistency of the optical axis. Accordingly, one of spacing elements31D is disposed between the first lens111D and the second lens112D. One of spacing elements31D is disposed between the second lens112D and the third lens11D3. The light shielding element32D is disposed between the third lens113D and the fourth lens211D. One of spacing elements31D is disposed between the fourth lens211D and the fifth lens212D. One of spacing elements31D is disposed between the fifth lens212D and the sixth lens213D. Depending on the optical design and configuration of the lens, the distance between the lenses has different requirements. According to the fifth embodiment, the distance between the first lens111D and the second lens112D is separated by the spacing element31D, wherein the distance between the first lens111D and the second lens112D can be effectively fixed. Likewise, the spacing elements31D further retain and ensure the distance between the second lens112D and the third lens113D of the first lens group10D, the distance between the fourth lens211D and the fifth lens212D of the second lens group20D, and the distance between the fifth lens212D and the sixth lens213D. For easy discrimination during the assembling operation, the light shielding element32D is attached to the top surface of the fourth lens211D by coating. It is worth mentioning that the coating area and thickness of each of the light shielding elements32D are adjustable according to design requirements. Comparing to the conventional techniques, the assembling operation of the present invention minimizes different assembling parts. During the assembling process of the first lens group10D, the first lens111D, the spacing element31D, the second lens112D, another spacing element31D, and the third lens113D are sequentially mounted at the first lens barrel12D to form the first lens group10D. During the assembling process of the second lens group20D, it is only necessary to sequentially mount the fourth lens211D, the spacing element31D, the fifth lens212D, another spacing element31D, and the sixth lens213D to the second lens barrel22D to form the second lens20D. Therefore, the spacer in the conventional art will be reduced during the installation. It can be understood that when the light shielding element32D is attached to the surface of the lens, the light shielding element32D can significantly simplify the installation complication of the lens group, reduce the separating distance between the lenses, and reduce the height of the lens group. Moreover, the reduction of assembling parts during installation will beneficial to minimize the tolerances and improve installation accuracy. Particularly, when the first lens group10D and the second lens group20D are assembled together, no component such spacer or the spacing element31, is required between the third lens113D and the fourth lens211D, such that the installation of the first lens group10D and the second lens group20D will be simplified. Moreover, the light shielding element32D coated by the fourth lens211D can meet the requirement for the optical design, and the mass production efficiency of the split lens is greatly promoted.

Furthermore, the split lens further comprises a retention portion. Accordingly, the first lens barrel12D has a first retention portion120D, and the second lens barrel22D has a second retention portion220D. The first retention portion120D and the second retention portion220D are connected to each other, such that the first lens barrel12D and the second lens barrel22D are assembled to form an integrated one-piece lens structure. Preferably, the optical axes of the lenses in the first lens barrel12D and the second lens barrel22D are uniform and coaxially aligned by the AA (Active Alignment) technique, thereby satisfying the optical design. In the fifth embodiment, the first retention portion120D further defines an inner retention surface121D and an outer retention surface122D. The second retention portion220D further defines an outer retention surface222D and a retention groove223D. The first inner retention surface121D is configured to affix the third lens113D to the first lens barrel12D. It is worth mentioning that the first retention portion120D is extended from an outer surface the first lens barrel12D to protrude from the bottom side thereof, wherein the first retention portion120D is protruded from the first lens barrel12D to receive at the retention groove223D of the second lens barrel22D. According to the fifth embodiment, the assembling relationship between the first lens group10D and the second lens group20D is configured by connecting the first outer retention surface122D of the first lens barrel12D with the second retention portion222D of the second lens barrel22D. Preferably, the first outer retention surface122D is defined at an outer side of the first lens barrel12D and protruded from the bottom portion thereof, and the retention groove223D is defined at the top surface of the second lens barrel11A, so as to affix the first lens barrel12D at the second outer retention surface222D. Accordingly, the outer retention surface122D of the first retention portion120D and the outer retention surface222D of the second retention portion220D can be connected by the connecting element42D in order to connect the first lens group10D and the second lens group20D with each other. Particularly, the first retention portion122D is securely affixed in the retention groove223D by using a connecting glue, in order to directly affix the outer retention surface122D of the first retention portion120D to the retention groove223D of the second retention portion220D. Therefore, the first lens barrel12D and the second lens barrel22D can be accurately assembled in an exact position with each other. Preferably, the connecting element42D for connecting the first retention portion120D and the second retention portion220D is UV thermosetting glue.

Therefore, the outer retention surface122D of the first retention portion120D and the retention groove223D of the second retention portion220D are connected by the connecting element42D so as to connect the first lens group10D and the second lens group20D together. Accordingly, the first inner fixing surface121D is configured to affix the third lens113D at the first lens barrel12D. In the fifth embodiment, the periphery of the first lens barrel11D is smaller than the periphery of the second lens barrel22D, such that the first outer retention surface122D of the first barrel12D is stably supported by the second retention portion222D of the retention lens barrel22D. The first outer retention surface122D of the first lens barrel12D is configured to shorten the width of the first lens barrel12D as a whole comparing to the first preferred embodiment. Moreover, the retention groove223D can prevent excessive connection element42D, such as liquid glue, from entering the interior of the first barrel12D and the second barrel22D. The formation of the retention groove223D will provide a positioning alignment to reduce the assembling time to mount the first outer retention surface122D at the second lens barrel22D, and to ensure an accuracy assembling position of the second lens group20D to the first group10D.

As shown inFIG.6, during the assembling operation, the first lens111D, the spacing element31D, the second lens112D, another spacing element31D, and the third lens113D are firstly mounted to the first lens barrel12D. When assembling the second lens group20D, the fourth lens211D, the spacing element31D, the fifth lens212D, another spacing element31D, and the sixth lens213D are sequentially mounted to the second lens barrel22D. When assembling the first lens group10D with the second lens group20D, the first retention portion122D is affixed at the retention groove223D by applying the connecting element42D thereat. Therefore, the outer retention surface122D of the first retention portion120D can be directly engaged with the retention groove223D of the second retention portion220D, such that the first lens barrel12D and the second lens barrel22D can be accurately assembled in an exact position with each other. Then, the first lens group10D and the second lens group20D can be finally assembled after the active calibration.

FIG.7illustrates a camera module incorporating with the split lens, wherein the camera module is an auto focus camera module as an example. The camera module comprises the split lens1, a driver2, a circuit board3, a base unit4, and a photosensitive unit5, wherein the split lens1is mounted to the driver2for providing an autofocus feature. The driver2and the photosensitive unit5are electrically connected to the circuit board3respectively. The base unit4is configured for supporting the driver2and accommodating the photosensitive unit5. Accordingly, an image is formed via a photoelectric conversion when light passes through the split lens1to the photosensitive unit5. Correspondingly, a filter6, such as an infrared filter or a blue glass filter, can be disposed between the split lens1and the photosensitive unit5for filtering the light before entering to the photosensitive unit5.

During the assembling process, in addition to the first lens group of the split lens1, other components of the camera module are assembled. Then, through the active calibration process, the installation position of the first lens group can be accurately determined and fixed to form the camera module. Particularly, the photosensitive unit5is electrically connected to the circuit board3. The base unit4is mounted or integrally formed on the circuit board3. The driver2is mounted to the base unit4and is electrically connected to the circuit board3. Accordingly, the second lens group of the split lens1is mounted to the driver2, and then the first lens group is pre-assembled with the second lens group. Through the active calibration process, the imaging quality is analyzed to determine possible errors such as offset or tilt position of the first lens group. Thus, once the position of the first lens group is controllably adjusted to obtain a desired imaging quality of the camera module, the first lens group and the second lens group are assembled together.

Through the active calibration process, the connecting element may be applied to complete the pre-assembling of the first lens group and the second lens group. After the position of the first lens group is determined and set, the connecting element is completely cured, such as solidified, to complete the connection between the first lens group and the second lens group. Alternatively, after determining the position of the first lens group, the connecting element is applied and fully cured, such that the first lens group and the second lens group are formed to be an integrated one piece lens structure.

FIG.8illustrates another type of camera module incorporating with the split lens, wherein the camera module is a fixed focus camera module as an example. The camera module comprises the split lens1, a circuit board3, a light reflective mount6, and a photosensitive unit5. The split lens1is mounted to the light reflective mount6having a mirror surface. The photosensitive unit5is electrically connected to the circuit board3. The light reflective mount6is configured for supporting the split lens1and accommodating the photosensitive unit5. Accordingly, an image is formed via a photoelectric conversion when light passes through the split lens1to the photosensitive unit5. Correspondingly, a filter6, such as an infrared filter or a blue glass filter, can be disposed between the split lens1and the photosensitive unit5for filtering the light before entering to the photosensitive unit5. Similarly, the first lens group of the split lens1can be assembled with the second lens group by the active calibration process to form an integral lens structure so as to form the camera module.

As shown inFIG.9, the camera module100can be applied to an electronic apparatus200, such as not limited to a smart phone, a wearable device, a computer device, a television, a vehicle, a camera, a monitoring device, and the like. The electronic apparatus200comprises an electronic device body201. The camera module100is mounted on the electronic device body201and connected to the control board thereof, wherein the camera module100cooperates with the electronic device body201to complete image collection and reproduction.

One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting. It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.