Camera module
In a camera module, a lens for forming an image on an imaging element having a rectangular light receiving surface is formed in a shape obtained by removing a peripheral portion of a circular lens, such as a generally oval shape, and a cylindrical lens barrel coaxially holding the lens is formed in a shape conforming to that of the lens. A part of a focal adjustment actuator is disposed in a space created on a side of the lens barrel in correspondence with the removed portion of the lens, whereby reduction in size of the entirety of the camera module is promoted.
1. A camera module, comprising:
an imaging element having a rectangular light receiving surface;
a lens for forming an image on the imaging element;
a cylindrical lens barrel that coaxially holds the lens;
a spring member that elastically supports the lens barrel such that the lens barrel is movable relative to the imaging element at least in a direction along an optical axis of the lens; and
a focus adjustment actuator that moves the lens barrel along the optical axis against a spring force of the spring member,
wherein:
the lens is formed in a shape obtained by removing a peripheral portion of a circular lens, such that the lens has a reduced size in one direction perpendicular to the optical axis;
the lens barrel is formed in a shape conforming to that of the lens as viewed along the optical axis; and
a part of the focal adjustment actuator is disposed in a space created on a side of an outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel in correspondence with the removed portion of the lens.
2. The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the lens is cut along lines corresponding to a pair of longer sides of the rectangular light receiving surface.
3. The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein:
the focus adjustment actuator includes a focusing coil wound around the outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel and a permanent magnet disposed on a side of the outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel so as to face the focusing coil; and
at least part of the permanent magnet is disposed in the space.
4. The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein at least part of the spring member is disposed in the space as viewed along the optical axis.
5. The camera module according to claim 1 , further comprising a flat cable electrically connected to the focus adjustment actuator, the flat cable extending in the one direction perpendicular to the optical axis.