Spacer and lens module using same and method of assembling lens modules

Abstract

A spacer (20), configured to be disposed between two lenses (12, 13) of a lens module (10) in order to separate the two lenses by a predetermined distance, includes a through hole (22) penetrating therethrough for permitting light to pass therethrough, and an upper surface (201) configured for receiving adhesive thereon. The upper surface has a slot (23) defined therein around the through hole. The slot is configured for receiving excess adhesive. A lens module using the spacer and a method of assembling the lens module are also provided.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present spacer, lens module using the spacer and method of assembling the lens module can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the spacer, lens module using the spacer and method of assembling the lens module. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a lens module having a spacer according to a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, perspective view of a glue dispenser used in assembling the lens module, according to another preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the lens module in a state when the glue dispenser of FIG. 3 dispenses glue on the spacer.

Claims

1. A spacer configured to be disposed between two lenses of a lens module in order to separate the two lenses by a predetermined distance, the spacer comprising: a through hole penetrating the spacer for permitting light to pass therethrough; andan upper surface configured for receiving adhesive thereon, the upper surface having a slot defined around the through hole, the slot being configured for receiving excess adhesive.

2. A lens module comprising: a barrel including a cylindrical wall and a stopper ring, the stopper ring extending inwardly of the cylindrical wall;at least two lenses received in the barrel and supported by the stopper ring;at least one spacer, each spacer being respectively sandwiched between two adjacent lenses, each spacer having a through hole penetrating therethrough and having an upper surface, the through hole being configured for permitting light to pass therethrough, and the upper surface having a slot defined therein around the through hole; andan adhesive applied to an outer circumference of the upper surface of each spacer to adhere the lens to the spacer and the barrel.

3. The lens module as claimed in claim 2, wherein each lens comprises an optical portion and a base portion, the optical portion being configured for forming an image, the base portion being adhered to the spacer and the barrel, the optical portion being formed in a middle portion of the base portion.

4. The lens module as claimed in claim 2, wherein the adhesive applied to the spacer includes a plurality of adhesive dots disposed along the outer circumference of the upper surface of the spacer, the adhesive dots comprising approximately equal amounts of adhesive and being equally spaced relative to one another.

5. The lens module as claimed in claim 2, wherein the adhesive applied to the spacer includes a plurality of adhesive strips extending along an outer circumference of the upper surface of the spacer, the adhesive strips comprising approximately equal amounts of adhesive and being equally spaced relative to one another.

6. A method of assembling a lens module comprising the steps of: providing a barrel;placing a first lens into the barrel;inserting a spacer into the barrel and onto the first lens, the spacer having a through hole defined therethrough and an upper surface thereof, the upper surface being distanced apart from the first lens, the upper surface having a slot around the through hole;synchronously dispensing a plurality of adhesive dots on an outer circumference of the upper surface of the spacer; andmounting a second lens onto the upper surface of the spacer and thereby attaching the second lens to the spacer and the barrel, via the adhesive dots.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the adhesive dots are dispensed using a glue dispenser, the glue dispenser comprises a cylindrical dispensing portion, the dispensing portion has a diameter approximately equal to an inner diameter of the barrel, the dispensing portion having defined therein a main flow passage, a plurality of feed flow passages, and a plurality of output ports, the main flow passage, the feed flow passages, and the output ports being cooperatively used to transport adhesive material to respective locations of the adhesive dots, the output ports being respectively defined in a joint of a sidewall and a lower side of the dispensing portion, along an outer circumference of the lower side.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lower side of the dispensing portion includes an annular ring projecting therefrom, the annular ring mating with the slot of the spacer.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the output ports of the dispensing portion are equally spaced relative to each adjacent output port.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the main flow passage extends perpendicularly toward the lower surface, the feed flow passages communicate with the main flow passage, and the feed flow passages radially extend to the joint of the sidewall and the lower wall and communicate with ambient air at the output ports.

11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the dispenser further includes a piston portion, the piston portion movably engaging with and sealing the main flow passage.