KR102105467B1 - Electronic device having camera device - Google Patents

Abstract

The camera device according to the present invention includes a first lens unit for condensing light incident from the front, a rear of the first lens unit, a liquid lens unit for controlling a light path of light by adjusting a curvature according to an electric signal, the liquid A second lens unit disposed behind the lens unit, an image sensor for light passing through the second lens unit, and a flexible printed circuit board for transmitting the electrical signal to the liquid lens unit, wherein the liquid lens unit includes the image It includes a first region through which the light formed on the sensor is transmitted and a second region surrounding the first region, and the flexible printed circuit board is overlapped in the thickness direction with the liquid lens portion so as to be disposed in the second region. It is possible to provide a structure of a camera device in which the direction thickness is reduced.

Description

Electronic device having a camera device {ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING CAMERA DEVICE}

The present invention relates to an electronic device having a camera device having a reduced width.

Terminals can be divided into mobile terminals (mobile / portable terminals) and stationary terminals according to their mobility. Again, the mobile terminal may be divided into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mounted terminal according to whether the user can carry it directly.

The functions of mobile terminals are diversifying. For example, there are functions for data and voice communication, photo and video shooting through a camera, voice recording, music file playback through a speaker system, and output of an image or video to the display. In some terminals, an electronic game play function is added or a multimedia player function is performed. In particular, recent mobile terminals can receive multicast signals that provide visual content such as broadcast and video or television programs.

As the function is diversified, such a terminal is a multimedia player type having multiple functions such as taking a picture or a video, playing a music or video file, receiving a game, or broadcasting. Is being implemented.

In order to support and increase the function of such a terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural part and / or software part of the terminal.

In recent years, as various functions of electronic devices such as mobile terminals and fixed terminals have been developed, technical research has been conducted to minimize the area occupied by the bezel in order to increase the area of the display unit. However, since a large number of electronic components are disposed in the bezel portion, there is a limit to the reduction of the bezel portion as long as their volume is maintained.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems, and an object thereof is to provide a camera device having a shape deformed to be disposed in a reduced bezel part and an electronic device having the same.

According to one aspect of the present invention to achieve the above or other object, a portion of the liquid lens that is not used for image formation is utilized as a support region for other parts.

As an example of this, the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed at a first lens unit for condensing light incident from the front, behind a first lens unit, and adjusting a curvature according to an electric signal to speculate the light. A liquid lens unit for controlling a furnace, a second lens unit disposed behind the liquid lens unit, an image sensor where light passing through the second lens unit is formed, and a flexible printed circuit board for transmitting the electrical signal to the liquid lens unit The liquid lens unit includes a first region through which light formed on the image sensor passes and a second region surrounding the first region, wherein the flexible printed circuit board is disposed in the second region. It may overlap the lens portion in the thickness direction. According to this structure, the width occupied by the flexible printed circuit board can be reduced, so that the lateral thickness of the camera device can be minimized.

In one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board may be formed to surround the first region.

In one embodiment, the liquid lens unit has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the flexible printed circuit board may be stacked on an upper surface or a lower surface.

In one embodiment, the camera device may further include a masking portion formed on the flexible printed circuit board so as to surround the first region.

According to an aspect of the present invention to achieve the above or other object, the camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a lens assembly including a liquid lens unit for controlling the optical path of light incident from the front according to the applied electrical signal , An image sensor overlapping the lens assembly and forming an image using light passing through the lens assembly, and a flexible printed circuit board transmitting the electrical signal to the liquid lens unit, wherein the liquid lens unit is the image sensor It includes a first region through which light is formed and a second region surrounding the first region, and the flexible printed circuit board may overlap the liquid lens part in a thickness direction so as to be disposed in the second region.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit, a bezel unit surrounding the display unit, and a camera device disposed on the bezel unit, and the camera The device forms an external appearance of the camera device, a lens cover having a pair of flat surfaces facing each other, disposed inside the lens cover, and controls an optical path of light incident from the front according to an applied electrical signal It includes a lens assembly including a liquid lens unit, an image sensor overlapping the lens assembly and forming an image using light passing through the lens assembly, and a flexible printed circuit board for transmitting the electrical signal to the liquid lens unit. , The liquid lens unit includes a first region through which light formed on the image sensor is transmitted and a second region surrounding the first region, and the flexible printed circuit board and the liquid lens unit are disposed in the second region. Overlapping in the thickness direction, one of the pair of flat surfaces facing each other may be disposed adjacent to the display unit.

The effects of the camera device and the electronic device having the same according to the present invention will be described below.

According to the present invention, since the flexible printed circuit board for applying an electrical signal to the liquid lens portion is disposed to overlap the liquid lens portion in the thickness direction, it is possible to reduce the width of the camera device.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, since the outer surface of the camera device is formed in a flat surface, a space between the outer surface of the display unit and the terminal body and the camera device is minimized, thereby reducing the thickness of the bezel.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage that a camera device in which flare is reduced by a masking unit formed on the flexible printed circuit board can be provided.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, and thus, it should be understood that specific embodiments such as detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present invention are given as examples only.

1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal related to the present invention.
1B and 1C are conceptual views of an example of a mobile terminal related to the present invention viewed from different directions.
2A is a view of the camera device as viewed from one direction.
Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view of the camera device of Figure 2a cut with AA.
3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a liquid lens.
4A is a plan view showing a liquid lens unit on which the flexible printed circuit board of the present invention is disposed.
4B is a side view of the liquid lens unit on which the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 4B is disposed.
5A and 5B are conceptual views illustrating an example of a liquid lens unit on which the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 4A is disposed.
6A, 6B, and 6C are conceptual views illustrating another example of a liquid lens unit on which the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 4A is disposed.
7 is a conceptual view showing a modified example of the liquid lens unit in which the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 4A is disposed;
8A and 8B are conceptual views illustrating another modification of the liquid lens unit on which the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 4A is disposed.
9 is a conceptual diagram showing an infrared cut filter according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or similar elements are assigned the same reference numbers regardless of the reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "modules" and "parts" for components used in the following description are given or mixed only considering the ease of writing the specification, and do not have meanings or roles distinguished from each other in themselves. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of related known technologies are omitted when it is determined that the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification may be obscured. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical spirit disclosed in the specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all modifications included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention , It should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Mobile terminals described herein include mobile phones, smart phones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation, and slate PCs. , Tablet PC (tablet PC), ultrabook (ultrabook), wearable device (wearable device, for example, a watch-type terminal (smartwatch), glass-type terminal (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display), etc. may be included have.

However, a configuration according to the embodiment described in the present specification can be easily recognized by those skilled in the art that the configuration may be applied to a fixed terminal such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, and a digital signage, except when applicable only to a mobile terminal. will be. That is, although the mobile terminal is mainly described in this specification, it is described as an example of an electronic device including a fixed terminal.

1A to 1C, FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal related to the present invention, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of an example of a mobile terminal related to the present invention viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a control unit 180, and a power supply unit 190 ) And the like. The components shown in FIG. 1A are not essential for implementing a mobile terminal, so the mobile terminal described herein may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

More specifically, the wireless communication unit 110 among the components, between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or the mobile terminal 100 and an external server It may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between. In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules connecting the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short-range communication module 114, and a location information module 115. .

The input unit 120 may include a camera 121 for inputting a video signal or a video input unit, a microphone for inputting an audio signal (microphone 122), or an audio input unit, a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user, for example , A touch key, a mechanical key, and the like. The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed by a user's control command.

The sensing unit 140 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 includes a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and gravity G-sensor, gyroscope sensor, motion sensor, RGB sensor, infrared sensor (IR sensor), fingerprint scan sensor, ultrasonic sensor , Optical sensor (e.g., camera (see 121)), microphone (see 122), battery gauge, environmental sensor (e.g. barometer, hygrometer, thermometer, radioactivity sensor, Thermal sensor, gas sensor, and the like), and a chemical sensor (eg, an electronic nose, a health care sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in this specification may combine and use information sensed by at least two or more of these sensors.

The output unit 150 is for generating output related to vision, hearing, or tactile sense, and includes at least one of a display unit 151, an audio output unit 152, a hap tip module 153, and an optical output unit 154 can do. The display unit 151 may form a mutual layer structure with the touch sensor or may be integrally formed, thereby realizing a touch screen. The touch screen may function as a user input unit 123 that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user, and at the same time, provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage with various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 connects a device equipped with a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, and an identification module. It may include at least one of a port, an audio input / output (I / O) port, a video input / output (I / O) port, and an earphone port. In the mobile terminal 100, in response to an external device being connected to the interface unit 160, appropriate control related to the connected external device may be performed.

In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100. The memory 170 may store a number of application programs or applications that are driven in the mobile terminal 100 and data and instructions for the operation of the mobile terminal 100. At least some of these applications can be downloaded from external servers via wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, an incoming call, a calling function, a message reception, and a calling function). Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170 and installed on the mobile terminal 100 to be driven by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.

In addition to the operations related to the application program, the controller 180 generally controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. The controller 180 may provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the above-described components or by driving an application program stored in the memory 170.

In addition, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components discussed with reference to FIG. 1A to drive an application program stored in the memory 170. Furthermore, the controller 180 may operate by combining at least two or more of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 for driving the application program.

Under the control of the controller 180, the power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power to supply power to each component included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the components may operate in cooperation with each other to implement an operation, control, or control method of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments described below. In addition, the operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 170.

Hereinafter, before looking at various embodiments implemented through the mobile terminal 100 described above, the components listed above will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1A.

First, referring to the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast reception module 111 of the wireless communication unit 110 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. Two or more broadcast receiving modules may be provided to the mobile terminal 100 for simultaneous broadcast reception or switching of broadcast channels for at least two broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 includes technology standards or communication methods for mobile communication (eg, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Code Division Multi Access 2000 (CDMA2000), EV -Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only (DO), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced) transmits and receives wireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network constructed according to (Long Term Evolution-Advanced).

The wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text / multimedia message.

The wireless Internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built in or external to the mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies.

Wireless Internet technologies include, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World) Interoperability for Microwave Access (HSDPA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), and the wireless Internet module ( 113) transmits and receives data according to at least one wireless Internet technology in a range including the Internet technology not listed above.

In view of the wireless Internet access through WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A, etc., through the mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module 113 that performs wireless Internet access through the mobile communication network ) May be understood as a type of the mobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is for short-range communication, Bluetooth ™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), by using at least one of Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technology, it can support short-range communication. The short-range communication module 114 may be provided between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or through the mobile terminal 100 through wireless area networks. ) And other mobile terminals (100, or an external server) is located between the network can support wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication network may be wireless personal area networks.

Here, the other mobile terminal 100 is a wearable device capable of exchanging data with (or interlocking with) the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention (eg, a smartwatch), smart glasses (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display). The short-range communication module 114 may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal 100 around the mobile terminal 100. Furthermore, when the sensed wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 may include at least a portion of data processed by the mobile terminal 100, the short-range communication module ( 114) to the wearable device. Therefore, the user of the wearable device can use data processed by the mobile terminal 100 through the wearable device. For example, according to this, the user performs a phone call through the wearable device when a call is received by the mobile terminal 100 or, when a message is received by the mobile terminal 100, the received message through the wearable device It is possible to check the message.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location (or current location) of a mobile terminal, and examples thereof include a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) module. For example, if the mobile terminal utilizes a GPS module, the location of the mobile terminal can be obtained by using a signal from a GPS satellite. As another example, if the mobile terminal utilizes a Wi-Fi module, the location of the mobile terminal may be obtained based on information of a Wi-Fi module and a wireless access point (AP) that transmits or receives a wireless signal. If necessary, the location information module 115 may perform any function of other modules of the wireless communication unit 110 in order to obtain data regarding the location of the mobile terminal by substitution or additionally. The location information module 115 is a module used to acquire the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or acquires the location of the mobile terminal.

Next, the input unit 120 is for input of image information (or signals), audio information (or signals), data, or information input from a user. For input of image information, the mobile terminal 100 is one Alternatively, a plurality of cameras 121 may be provided. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving pictures obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a shooting mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170. Meanwhile, the plurality of cameras 121 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be arranged to form a matrix structure, and through the camera 121 forming the matrix structure, various angles or focuses may be applied to the mobile terminal 100. A plurality of image information may be input. Also, the plurality of cameras 121 may be arranged in a stereo structure to acquire left and right images for realizing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 processes external sound signals as electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be used in various ways according to a function (or a running application program) being performed by the mobile terminal 100. Meanwhile, various noise reduction algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal may be implemented in the microphone 122.

The user input unit 123 is for receiving information from the user. When information is input through the user input unit 123, the controller 180 may control the operation of the mobile terminal 100 to correspond to the input information. . The user input unit 123 is a mechanical input means (or a mechanical key, for example, a button located on the front, rear or side of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch, a jog wheel, Jog switch, etc.) and a touch input means. As an example, the touch-type input means is made of a virtual key, a soft key or a visual key displayed on the touch screen through software processing, or a part other than the touch screen It may be made of a touch key (touch key) disposed on. Meanwhile, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed on the touch screen while having various forms, for example, a graphic, text, icon, video, or the like. It can be made of a combination of.

Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 senses at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information, and generates a sensing signal corresponding thereto. The controller 180 may control driving or operation of the mobile terminal 100 based on the sensing signal, or perform data processing, function, or operation related to an application program installed in the mobile terminal 100. Representative sensors among various sensors that may be included in the sensing unit 140 will be described in more detail.

First, the proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object in the vicinity using mechanical force or infrared light without mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 may be provided with the proximity sensor 141 in the inner region of the mobile terminal or the proximity of the touch screen surrounded by the touch screen.

Examples of the proximity sensor 141 include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive type proximity sensor, a magnetic type proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. When the touch screen is capacitive, the proximity sensor 141 may be configured to detect the proximity of the object with a change in electric field according to the proximity of the conductive object. In this case, the touch screen (or touch sensor) itself may be classified as a proximity sensor.

On the other hand, for convenience of description, the act of allowing the object to be recognized as being located on the touch screen without being touched on the touch screen is called a "proximity touch", and the touch The act of actually touching an object on the screen is called "contact touch". The location where an object is in close touch on the touch screen means a location where the object is vertically corresponding to the touch screen when the object is touched in close proximity. The proximity sensor 141 may detect a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (eg, proximity touch distance, proximity touch direction, proximity touch speed, proximity touch time, proximity touch position, proximity touch movement state, etc.). have. Meanwhile, as described above, the controller 180 processes data (or information) corresponding to the proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern detected through the proximity sensor 141, and further, visual information corresponding to the processed data. It can be output on the touch screen. Furthermore, the controller 180 may control the mobile terminal 100 such that different operations or data (or information) are processed according to whether a touch on the same point on the touch screen is a proximity touch or a touch touch. .

The touch sensor uses a touch (or touch input) applied to the touch screen (or the display unit 151) using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistive film method, a capacitive method, an infrared method, an ultrasonic method, and a magnetic field method. Detect.

As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied to a specific part of the touch screen or capacitance generated in the specific part into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a location, an area, a pressure when a touch is touched, a capacitance when a touch object is touched on the touch screen, and the like. Here, the touch object is an object that applies a touch to the touch sensor, and may be, for example, a finger, a touch pen or a stylus pen, a pointer, and the like.

As such, when there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the signal (s) corresponding to the touch is sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal (s) and then transmits corresponding data to the controller 180. Accordingly, the control unit 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 has been touched, and the like. Here, the touch controller may be a separate component from the controller 180 or may be the controller 180 itself.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may perform different controls or perform the same control according to the type of the touch object that touches the touch screen (or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen). Whether to perform different control or the same control according to the type of the touch object, it may be determined according to the current operating state of the mobile terminal 100 or an application program being executed.

On the other hand, the touch sensors and proximity sensors described above are independently or in combination, such as short (or tap) touch on the touch screen, long touch, multi touch, drag touch ), Flick touch, pinch-in touch, pinch-out touch, swipe touch, hovering touch, etc. You can sense the touch.

The ultrasonic sensor may recognize location information of a sensing target using ultrasonic waves. Meanwhile, the control unit 180 may calculate the position of the wave generating source through information sensed by the optical sensor and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The position of the wave generator can be calculated by using a property in which light is much faster than ultrasonic waves, that is, a time when light reaches the optical sensor is much faster than a time when ultrasonic waves reach the ultrasonic sensor. More specifically, the position of the wave generator may be calculated by using a time difference from the time at which the ultrasound reaches the light as a reference signal.

On the other hand, the camera 121, which is considered as the configuration of the input unit 120, includes at least one of a camera sensor (eg, CCD, CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensor), and a laser sensor.

The camera 121 and the laser sensor are combined with each other to detect a touch of a sensing target for a 3D stereoscopic image. The photo sensor may be stacked on a display element, which is configured to scan the movement of the sensing object close to the touch screen. More specifically, the photo sensor mounts photo diodes and TRs (transistors) in rows / columns to scan the contents placed on the photo sensor using electrical signals that change according to the amount of light applied to the photo diode. That is, the photo sensor performs coordinate calculation of the sensing object according to the change amount of light, and through this, location information of the sensing object may be obtained.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the mobile terminal 100, or user interface (UI) or graphical user interface (GUI) information according to the execution screen information. .

In addition, the display unit 151 may be configured as a stereoscopic display unit for displaying a stereoscopic image.

A three-dimensional display method such as a stereoscopic method (glasses method), an auto stereoscopic method (glasses-free method), or a projection method (holographic method) may be applied to the stereoscopic display unit.

The audio output unit 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 170 in a call signal reception, call mode or recording mode, voice recognition mode, broadcast reception mode, or the like. The sound output unit 152 may also output sound signals related to functions (eg, call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output unit 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The haptic module 153 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A typical example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 may be vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibration generated in the haptic module 153 may be controlled by a user's selection or setting of a control unit. For example, the haptic module 153 may synthesize different vibrations and output them sequentially or sequentially.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 153 is used for stimulation such as pin arrangement that vertically moves with respect to the contact skin surface, jet or suction power of air through a jet or intake, grazing on the skin surface, contact with an electrode, and electrostatic force. Various tactile effects can be generated, such as an effect and an effect of reproducing a feeling of cold and warm using an element capable of absorbing heat or generating heat.

The haptic module 153 may not only deliver a tactile effect through direct contact, but may also be implemented so that the user can feel the tactile effect through muscle sensations such as fingers or arms. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided according to a configuration aspect of the mobile terminal 100.

The light output unit 154 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event using the light of the light source of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events generated in the mobile terminal 100 may include receiving messages, receiving call signals, missed calls, alarms, schedule notifications, receiving emails, and receiving information through applications.

The signal output from the light output unit 154 is implemented as the mobile terminal emits light of a single color or a plurality of colors to the front or rear. The signal output may be terminated by the mobile terminal detecting the user's event confirmation.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 receives data from an external device, receives power, transfers it to each component inside the mobile terminal 100, or allows data inside the mobile terminal 100 to be transmitted to the external device. For example, a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module (port), audio I / O (Input / Output) port, video I / O (Input / Output) port, earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 160.

On the other hand, the identification module is a chip that stores various information for authenticating the usage rights of the mobile terminal 100, a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), universal user authentication It may include a module (universal subscriber identity module; USIM). The device provided with the identification module (hereinafter referred to as 'identification device') may be manufactured in a smart card format. Accordingly, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through the interface unit 160.

In addition, when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, the interface unit 160 becomes a passage through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100 or is input by the user from the cradle. Various command signals may be passages to the mobile terminal 100. Various command signals or power inputted from the cradle may be operated as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal 100 is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180, and may temporarily store input / output data (eg, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). The memory 170 may store data related to various patterns of vibration and sound output when a touch is input on the touch screen.

The memory 170 is a flash memory type, hard disk type, solid state disk type, SDD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), multimedia card micro type (multim edia card micro) type), card type memory (eg SD or XD memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable EEPROM and a storage medium of at least one type of read-only memory (PROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may be operated in connection with a web storage performing a storage function of the memory 170 on the Internet.

On the other hand, as described above, the controller 180 controls the operation related to the application program and the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100 in general. For example, when the state of the mobile terminal satisfies a set condition, the controller 180 may execute or release a lock state that restricts input of a user's control command to applications.

In addition, the controller 180 performs control and processing related to voice calls, data communication, video calls, etc., or performs pattern recognition processing capable of recognizing handwriting input or drawing input on the touch screen as text and images, respectively. Can be. Furthermore, in order to implement various embodiments described below on the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 may control any one or a combination of the above-described components.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power required for the operation of each component. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery made to be rechargeable, and may be detachably coupled to a terminal body for charging and the like.

Further, the power supply unit 190 may include a connection port, and the connection port may be configured as an example of the interface 160 to which an external charger that supplies power for charging the battery is electrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured to charge the battery wirelessly without using the connection port. In this case, the power supply unit 190 uses one or more of an inductive coupling method based on a magnetic induction phenomenon from an external wireless power transmission device or a magnetic resonance coupling method based on an electromagnetic resonance phenomenon. Power can be delivered.

Meanwhile, various embodiments below may be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or a similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

1B and 1C, the disclosed mobile terminal 100 has a bar-shaped terminal body. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various structures such as a watch type, a clip type, a glass type, or a folder type, a flip type, a slide type, a swing type, and a swivel type in which two or more bodies are coupled to move relative to each other . It will be related to a specific type of mobile terminal, but the description of a specific type of mobile terminal can be generally applied to other types of mobile terminals.

Here, the terminal body may be understood as a concept of referring to the mobile terminal 100 as at least one aggregate.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a case (for example, a frame, a housing, a cover, etc.) forming an exterior. As illustrated, the mobile terminal 100 may include a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are disposed in the inner space formed by the combination of the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one middle case may be additionally disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

A display unit 151 is disposed on the front of the terminal body to output information. As illustrated, the window 151a of the display unit 151 is mounted on the front case 101 to form the front surface of the terminal body together with the front case 101.

In some cases, electronic components may also be mounted on the rear case 102. Electronic components that can be mounted on the rear case 102 include a removable battery, an identification module, and a memory card. In this case, a rear cover 103 for covering the mounted electronic component may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore, when the rear cover 103 is separated from the rear case 102, the electronic components mounted on the rear case 102 are exposed to the outside.

As shown, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102, a part of the side surface of the rear case 102 may be exposed. In some cases, the rear case 102 may be completely covered by the rear cover 103 during the coupling. Meanwhile, an opening for exposing the camera 121b or the sound output unit 152b to the outside may be provided in the rear cover 103.

These cases (101, 102, 103) may be formed by injection of synthetic resin or may be formed of metal, for example, stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

The mobile terminal 100 may be configured such that one case provides the interior space, unlike the above example, in which a plurality of cases provide an interior space accommodating various electronic components. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 of a uni-body in which synthetic resin or metal extends from the side to the rear may be implemented.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a waterproof portion (not shown) to prevent water from entering the terminal body. For example, the waterproof portion is provided between the window 151a and the front case 101, between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rear case 102 and the rear cover 103, the combination of these It may include a waterproof member for sealing the interior space of the city.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a display unit 151, first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, a light output unit 154, the first and second units Cameras 121a and 121b, first and second operation units 123a and 123b, a microphone 122, and an interface unit 160 may be provided.

Hereinafter, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, a display unit 151, a first sound output unit 152a, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, and an optical output unit on the front surface of the terminal body ( 154), the first camera (121a) and the first operation unit (123a) is disposed, the second operation unit (123b), the microphone 122 and the interface unit 160 is disposed on the side of the terminal body, the terminal body The mobile terminal 100 in which the second sound output unit 152b and the second camera 121b are disposed on the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 will be described as an example.

However, these configurations are not limited to this arrangement. These configurations may be excluded or replaced as necessary, or may be disposed on other sides. For example, the first operation unit 123a may not be provided on the front of the terminal body, and the second sound output unit 152b may be provided on the side of the terminal body rather than the rear of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the mobile terminal 100, or user interface (UI) or graphical user interface (GUI) information according to the execution screen information. .

The display unit 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and a flexible display (flexible). display), a three-dimensional display (3D display), an electronic ink display (e-ink display).

Also, two or more display units 151 may be present depending on the implementation form of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, a plurality of display units may be spaced apart from one surface or integrally disposed in the mobile terminal 100, or may be respectively disposed on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch on the display unit 151 so that a control command can be input by a touch method. Using this, when a touch is made to the display unit 151, the touch sensor detects the touch, and the controller 180 can be configured to generate a control command corresponding to the touch based on the touch. The content input by the touch method may be a letter or a number, or an instruction or designable menu item in various modes.

On the other hand, the touch sensor is composed of a film having a touch pattern, is disposed between the display (not shown) on the back surface of the window 151a and the window 151a, or a metal wire patterned directly on the back surface of the window 151a. It may be. Alternatively, the touch sensor may be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on the substrate of the display, or may be provided inside the display.

As such, the display unit 151 may form a touch screen together with a touch sensor, and in this case, the touch screen may function as a user input unit 123 (see FIG. 1A). In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a.

The first sound output unit 152a may be implemented as a receiver that delivers a call sound to the user's ear, and the second sound output unit 152b is a loud speaker that outputs various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds. ).

An acoustic hole for emitting sound generated from the first sound output unit 152a may be formed in the window 151a of the display unit 151. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sound may be configured to be emitted along an assembly gap between structures (for example, a gap between the window 151a and the front case 101). In this case, the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 may be simpler because the holes formed independently for the sound output are not visible or hidden.

The light output unit 154 is configured to output light to notify when an event occurs. Examples of the event include message reception, call signal reception, missed calls, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, information reception through an application, and the like. The control unit 180 may control the light output unit 154 so that the output of light is terminated when the user's event confirmation is detected.

The first camera 121a processes an image frame of a still image or video obtained by an image sensor in a shooting mode or a video call mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151, and may be stored in the memory 170.

The first and second operation units 123a and 123b are examples of the user input unit 123 operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and may also be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion. have. The first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates the device with a tactile feeling, such as touch, push, scroll, and the like. Also, the first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may be employed in such a way that the user operates without a tactile feeling through a proximity touch, a hovering touch, or the like.

In this figure, the first operation unit 123a is illustrated as a touch key, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first operation unit 123a may be a mechanical key or a combination of a touch key and a push key.

Contents input by the first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 123a receives commands such as a menu, home key, cancel, search, etc., and the second operation unit 123b is output from the first or second sound output units 152a, 152b. Commands such as adjusting the volume of the sound and switching to the touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 may be received.

Meanwhile, as another example of the user input unit 123 on the rear surface of the terminal body, a rear input unit (not shown) may be provided. The rear input unit is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and the input content may be variously set. For example, commands such as power on / off, start, end, scroll, etc., control the volume of sound output from the first and second sound output units 152a, 152b, and touch recognition mode of the display unit 151. You can receive commands such as conversion of. The rear input unit may be implemented in a form capable of input by touch input, push input, or a combination thereof.

The rear input unit may be disposed to overlap the front display unit 151 in the thickness direction of the terminal body. For example, when the user holds the terminal body with one hand, the rear input unit may be disposed on the rear upper portion of the terminal body so as to be easily operated using the index finger. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and the position of the rear input unit may be changed.

As described above, when the rear input unit is provided on the rear of the terminal body, a new type of user interface using the rear input unit may be implemented. In addition, when the touch screen or rear input unit described above replaces at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a provided on the front surface of the terminal body, when the first operation unit 123a is not disposed on the front surface of the terminal body, The display unit 151 may be configured as a larger screen.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a fingerprint recognition sensor for recognizing a user's fingerprint, and the controller 180 may use fingerprint information detected through the fingerprint recognition sensor as an authentication means. The fingerprint recognition sensor may be embedded in the display unit 151 or the user input unit 123.

The microphone 122 is configured to receive a user's voice, other sounds, and the like. The microphone 122 may be provided at a plurality of locations and configured to receive stereo sound.

The interface unit 160 is a passage through which the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to an external device. For example, the interface unit 160 is a connection terminal for connection with other devices (eg, earphones, external speakers), a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA Port), a Bluetooth port (Bluetooth) Port, Wireless LAN Port, etc.], or at least one of a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of a socket that accommodates an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM) or a memory card for storing information.

A second camera 121b may be disposed on the rear side of the terminal body. In this case, the second camera 121b has a shooting direction substantially opposite to the first camera 121a.

The second camera 121b may include a plurality of lenses arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may be arranged in a matrix format. Such a camera may be referred to as an 'array camera'. When the second camera 121b is configured as an array camera, images may be captured in a variety of ways using a plurality of lenses, and better quality images may be obtained.

The flash 124 may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. When the flash 124 photographs the subject with the second camera 121b, the light is directed toward the subject.

A second sound output unit 152b may be additionally disposed on the terminal body. The second sound output unit 152b may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 152a, or may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

The terminal body may be provided with at least one antenna for wireless communication. The antenna may be built in the terminal body or may be formed in the case. For example, the antenna forming part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1A) may be configured to be pulled out from the terminal body. Alternatively, the antenna may be formed of a film type and attached to the inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case including a conductive material may be configured to function as an antenna.

The terminal body is provided with a power supply unit 190 (see FIG. 1A) for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery 191 built in the terminal body or configured to be detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The battery 191 may be configured to receive power through a power cable connected to the interface unit 160. Also, the battery 191 may be configured to be wirelessly charged through a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).

Meanwhile, in this drawing, the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102 so as to cover the battery 191 to limit the detachment of the battery 191, and is configured to protect the battery 191 from external shocks and foreign objects. For example. When the battery 191 is configured to be detachably attached to the terminal body, the rear cover 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

An accessory that protects the appearance or assists or expands the function of the mobile terminal 100 may be added to the mobile terminal 100. An example of such an accessory is a cover or pouch that covers or accommodates at least one side of the mobile terminal 100. The cover or pouch may be configured to expand the function of the mobile terminal 100 in conjunction with the display unit 151. Another example of an accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending a touch input to a touch screen.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a main body of the mobile terminal 100 is formed to surround an edge of the display unit 151 and to form an edge of the mobile terminal 100. No image is output on the bezel part, and various electronic components and circuits are disposed inside the bezel part. The camera device 200 according to the present invention is disposed under the bezel part.

The camera device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which the width of the camera device 200 is reduced in order to be disposed on a bezel part having a predetermined width. As the width of the camera device is reduced, the space around the camera device is minimized to reduce the thickness of the bezel portion. Hereinafter, the camera device 200 having the reduced width structure will be described in more detail.

2A is a view of the camera device viewed from one direction, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the camera device of FIG. 2A taken along line A-A.

2A and 2B, a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lens cover 210, a lens assembly 220, 230, 240, an image sensor 260, a masking unit 270, and infrared blocking Filter 280 may be included. However, only the lens cover 210, the lens assembly 220, 230, 240, the image sensor 260, the masking unit 270, and the infrared cut filter 280 can be combined to configure the camera device. For example, a camera device without a masking unit and an infrared cut-off filter is possible, if necessary.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the lens cover 210 forms an external appearance of the camera device 200 and forms an internal space for accommodating the lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240.

The outer surface of the lens cover 210 includes a pair of flat surfaces 213b facing each other on the side surface. The pair of flat surfaces 213b are formed flat, and are connected by a pair of opposing curved surfaces 213c.

That is, the outer surface of the lens cover 210 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a portion of the lens cover 210 may be cut. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the exterior of the lens cover may be formed in a rectangular shape. A first portion 211 to be described later may be protruded on the top surface 213a of the lens cover.

In the lens cover 210, lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240 composed of a plurality of lenses are disposed in an inner space. The lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240 are made of a plurality of lenses having different diameters, and are stacked in one direction in the inner space of the lens cover 210.

The plurality of lenses may be formed to have different diameters, respectively. The inner circumferential surface of the lens cover 210 is formed to have different diameters so that a plurality of lenses having different diameters can be fitted respectively. That is, the inner circumferential surface of the lens cover 210 may be stepped.

The lens assembly 220, 230, and 240 composed of a plurality of lenses may include a first lens unit 220, a liquid lens unit 230, and a second lens unit 240, as will be described later. The lens cover 210 includes a first portion 211 in which the first lens unit 220 is disposed, a second portion in which the liquid lens unit 230, the second lens unit 240, and the image sensor 260 are disposed ( 212). The first portion 211 is formed to protrude from the upper surface 213a of the lens cover 210, and may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the first portion 211 may be formed smaller than the minimum diameter of the second portion 212.

Also, the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 may be integrally formed. In general, the lens assembly of the camera device is combined by stacking a plurality of holders in which lenses are mounted in one direction. In the camera device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the lens cover 210 is integrally formed, and the lenses are formed to be fitted therein. According to this structure, the process of joining the lens holders can be omitted, and the process can be simplified, and the possibility of foreign matter being introduced can be reduced.

The lens cover 210 is formed with an opening hole 214 to allow light to pass forward. Specifically, the opening hole 214 is formed at the center of the front surface of the first portion 211. The light incident through the aperture hole 214 sequentially passes through the lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240 to form an image on the image sensor.

Hereinafter, the lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240 and the image sensor 260 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240 may include a first lens unit 220, a liquid lens unit 230, and a second lens unit 240. The lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240 are arranged in the order of the first lens unit 220, the liquid lens unit 230, and the second lens unit 240 in the inner space of the lens cover 210.

The first lens unit 220 is made to condense light incident from the front, and may be made of at least one lens, and two or more lenses 221, 222, and 223 are aligned with respect to the central axis. An optical system can be formed.

The second lens unit 240 is configured to image the light passing through the liquid lens unit 230 on the image sensor. In addition, the second lens unit 240 may also be made of at least one or more lenses, and two or more lenses 241, 242, 243, and 244 may be aligned with respect to the central axis to form an optical system.

The first lens unit 220 and the second lens unit 240 may form a light incident from the outside onto the image sensor 260 together with the liquid lens unit 230 to be described later. The image sensor 260 is disposed at the rear of the second lens unit 240, and uses light that has sequentially passed through the first lens unit 220, the liquid lens unit 230, and the second lens unit 240. Form an image.

The image sensor 260 is formed such that the horizontal and vertical lengths have a specific ratio. The specific ratio can be 4: 3 or 16: 9. In the image sensor, the length of the first direction d1 and the length of the second direction d2 crossing the first direction d1 are formed differently. For example, the image sensor 260 may have a length in the first direction d1 longer than a length in the second direction d2.

The image sensor 260 is configured such that the entire area overlaps the lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240. That is, the edge of the image sensor 260 may be formed smaller than the minimum diameter of the lens assembly (220, 230, 240).

On the other hand, since the inclination angle of the incident light varies depending on the distance, the lens assembly 220, 230, 240 is made to adjust the focal length. In the camera device 200 according to the present invention, the focal length may be adjusted by the liquid lens unit 230.

Hereinafter, the liquid lens unit 230 will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 2A again, the liquid lens unit 230 is disposed between the first lens unit 220 and the second lens unit 240. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and either the first lens unit 220 or the second lens unit 240 may be omitted, and the liquid lens unit 230 may include the first lens unit 220 and the second lens unit. 240 may be disposed in front or rear.

In addition, the liquid lens unit 230 may be supported by a support unit formed to protrude along the circumferential direction from the inner circumferential surface of the lens cover 210.

3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a liquid lens. Hereinafter, the structure of the liquid lens unit 230 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The liquid lens unit 230 may include a lower plate 231 and an upper plate 232.

The lower plate 231 and the upper plate 232 are spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the liquid lens part to form a space in which the liquid 235 serving as a lens is filled. The lower plate 231 and the upper plate 232 may be made of a transparent member to allow light to pass therethrough. For example, the lower plate 231 and the upper plate 232 may be formed of a glass material. In this embodiment, the case where the lower plate 231 and the upper plate 232 are flat plates is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the lower plate 231 and the upper plate 232 may be a member whose outer surface and inner surface are curved, or may be made of a flexible material to be a shape-changeable member.

The liquid lens unit 230 may include a chamber 233. The chamber 233 is formed on the upper portion of the lower plate 231. The chamber 233 has a hollow formed therein, and the hollow is formed to increase in diameter from bottom to top. That is, the hollow may be formed to be inclined upward.

Spacers 236 and 237 are disposed above the chamber 233. The spacers 236 and 237 include a conductive portion 236 made of metal and an insulating portion 237. The insulating portion 237 is disposed between the conductive portion 236 and the chamber.

An upper plate 232 is disposed on the spacers 236 and 237. Accordingly, the receiving space in which the liquid 235 is accommodated may be a space in which the liquid lens unit 230 is limited to the lower plate 231, the chamber 233, the spacers 236 and 237 and the upper plate 232. .

The liquid 235 may include a conductive liquid 235b and a non-conductive liquid 235a. The conductive liquid 235b and the non-conductive liquid 235a are formed to form a boundary without mixing with each other. For example, the conductive liquid 235b may be water, and the non-conductive liquid 235a may be oil.

In addition, an electrode 234 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 233. The electrode 234 is disposed to cover the inner circumferential surface of the chamber. Depending on the electrical signal applied to the electrode 234, for example, a driving voltage, the electrode 234 may adjust the surface tension of the conductive liquid 235b.

As the surface tension of the conductive liquid changes, the interface between the conductive liquid and the non-conductive liquid is deformed so that the focal length of the liquid lens unit can be adjusted.

According to the control of the focal length of the liquid lens unit, the camera device provided with the liquid lens unit 300 may perform auto-focusing, optical image stabilization, and the like.

The electric signal, that is, the driving voltage is transmitted by the flexible printed circuit board 250, and according to the present invention, the flexible printed circuit board 250 is formed to overlap the liquid lens unit 230 in the thickness direction.

4A is a plan view showing a liquid lens unit in which the flexible printed circuit board of the present invention is disposed, and FIG. 4B is a side view of a liquid lens unit in which the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 4A is disposed.

Referring to the drawings, the liquid lens unit 230 includes lens regions S1 and S2 and a body region S3. The lens regions S1 and S2 are regions corresponding to the liquid portion, and light passing through the first lens unit 220 is transmitted. The body region S3 surrounds the lens region and may be formed in a rectangular shape.

The lens regions S1 and S2 may have a circular shape. The lens regions S1 and S2 are divided into a first region S1 through which light formed on the image sensor is transmitted and a second region S2 that does not contribute to image formation on the image sensor.

The first region S1 is formed to correspond to the image sensor. That is, the first region S1 may be formed in a rectangular shape. The second region S2 is formed to surround the first region S1.

According to the present invention, the flexible printed circuit board 250 is disposed in the second region S2 that does not contribute to image formation, thereby reducing the lateral thickness of the camera module. That is, the flexible printed circuit board 250 may overlap the liquid lens unit 230 in the thickness direction so as to be disposed in the second region S2.

Referring to the drawings, the flexible printed circuit board 250 is stacked on the liquid lens unit 230. That is, the liquid lens unit 230 may be disposed on the upper plate 232 or the lower plate 231. In this case, the flexible printed circuit board 250 overlaps the body region S3.

The flexible printed circuit board 250 may extend along the edge of the liquid lens unit 230 while overlapping the body region S3. Accordingly, the flexible printed circuit board 250 may be formed to surround the first region S1. At this time, since the flexible printed circuit board 250 extends to a predetermined width, it may be disposed in the second region S2 that does not contribute to image formation.

In other words, the flexible printed circuit board is formed to penetrate through the center portion to correspond to the first region S1, and may be disposed to cover the liquid lens unit 230. In this case, the pierced portion may be formed larger than the area of the first region S1. In addition, the pierced portion may be formed to cover at least a portion of the body region S3 and the second region S2.

The flexible printed circuit board 250 is configured to control the curvature of the liquid lens unit by applying an electrical signal to the liquid lens unit 230. The flexible printed circuit board 250 may include a first flexible printed circuit board 250a that applies a driving voltage and a second flexible printed circuit board 250b that applies a common voltage.

The first flexible printed circuit board 250a may be disposed on the liquid lens unit 230. Specifically, the first flexible printed circuit board 250a may be stacked on the top plate 232. In this case, the first flexible printed circuit board 250a may be adhered to the top plate 232 using an adhesive or the like.

The second flexible printed circuit board 250b is disposed under the liquid lens unit 230. Like the first flexible printed circuit board 250a, the second flexible printed circuit board 250b may be laminated to the lower plate 231, and may be adhered using an adhesive or the like.

By this structure, the flexible printed circuit board 250 is overlapped in the thickness direction of the liquid lens unit 230, thereby reducing the width of the lens assembly. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the lateral thickness of the camera device 200, thereby reducing the overall volume of the camera device 200.

5A and 5B are conceptual views illustrating an example of a liquid lens unit in which the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 4A is disposed. Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The flexible printed circuit board 250 is electrically connected to the control unit, and transmits an electrical signal from the control unit to the liquid lens unit 230. The flexible printed circuit board 250 may include an extension portion 253 extending in one portion to be connected to the control unit.

That is, the flexible printed circuit board 250 may be formed of stacked portions 251 and 252 stacked on the liquid lens unit 230 and extensions 253 extending from the stacked portions 251 and 252. The extension 253 may extend in the first direction d1.

Referring to the drawings, the flexible printed circuit board 250 includes a node portion 255 and a conductive pattern 254.

The node unit 255 may apply a voltage to the electrode 234 to adjust the curvature of the liquid lens unit 230. The node unit 255 may include a plurality of nodes 255a, 255b, 255c, and 255d. The plurality of nodes 255a, 255b, 255c, and 255d may be formed at corners of an upper or lower surface of the liquid lens unit 230, respectively. Each of the plurality of nodes 255a, 255b, 255c, and 255d may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern 254 to receive an electrical signal.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, a plurality of nodes 255a, 255b, 255c, and 255d may be connected by a single conductive pattern 254. The conductive patterns 254 and 454 may branch at one point and extend along the extension portion 253 to be connected to the control unit.

In this case, since the same electric signal may be applied to each of the plurality of nodes 255a, 255b, 255c, and 255d, the camera device 200 may perform an auto focusing function.

Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the plurality of nodes 355a, 355b, 355c, and 355d may be electrically connected to the plurality of conductive patterns 354a, 354b, 354c, and 354d, respectively.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a plurality of conductive patterns 354a, 354b, 354c, and 354d are formed on the flexible printed circuit board 350, and the plurality of conductive patterns 354a, 354b, 354c, and 354d prevent short circuits. In order to be separated from each other at predetermined intervals. In this case, the width of the flexible printed circuit board is increased. However, when simply increasing the width of the flexible printed circuit board, there is a problem of invading the first region or increasing the flare phenomenon by scattering light.

In the case of the present embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board 350 may include an extension 356 so as to form the plurality of conductive patterns 354a, 354b, 354c, and 354d while solving the above-described problems.

The extension 356 extends toward the center from the corners of the stacked portions 351 and 352 so that the overlapping portions of the stacked parts 351 and 352 and the body region S3 are increased. Accordingly, the width of the corner portion of the flexible printed circuit board 350 may increase.

In addition, the extension 353 extends in the second direction d2, so that the width can be increased.

The plurality of conductive patterns 354a, 354b, 354c, and 354d may extend in the first direction d1 toward the extension portion 353. The first and fourth conductive patterns 354a and 354d are arranged to be biased toward the first and fourth nodes 355a and 355d from the extension 353, and the second and third conductive patterns 354b and 354c are The extension 353 may be disposed to bias toward the second and third nodes 355b and 355c.

In this case, the first and second conductive patterns 354a and 354b may extend through the first and second extensions 356a and 356b, respectively.

With the above structure, the first to fourth nodes 355a, 355b, 355c, and 355d can be controlled, respectively. Accordingly, while limiting the width of the flexible printed circuit board 350 to be increased, the camera apparatus 200 can also perform an image stabilization function as well as an autofocusing function.

6A, 6B, and 6C are conceptual views illustrating another example of a liquid lens unit on which the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 4A is disposed.

The same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components as the above-described embodiment, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

Unlike the above-described embodiments, the node unit 455 may include eight nodes 455a ', 455a', 455b ', 455b' 455c ', 455c' 455d ', and 455d ".

Referring to FIG. 6A, nodes 455a ', 455a', 455b ', 455b' 455c ', 455c' 455d ', and 455d' may be arranged in pairs at corners of the flexible circuit board 450. Further, as in the embodiment disclosed in 5a, it may be electrically connected by one conductive pattern 454. With this structure, the liquid lens unit 430 can be more precisely controlled.

Referring to FIG. 6B, a plurality of extensions 553 may be formed. More specifically, the extension 553 includes first and second extensions 553a and 553b. The first and second extension parts 553a and 553b may extend side by side along the first direction d1. In this case, the first and second extensions 553a and 553b may be biased to one side and the other side, respectively, to be spaced apart from each other.

Referring to FIG. 6C, a plurality of extension parts 653 may extend in opposite directions. The extension portion 653 includes first to fourth extension portions 653a, 653b, 653c, and 653d. The first and second extension portions 653a and 653b may extend in one direction from either side of the liquid lens portion. The third and fourth extension parts 653c and 653d may extend in the opposite direction to the one direction from the other side of the liquid lens part.

In addition, the first and second extension portions 653a and 653b and the third and fourth extension portions 653c and 653d may be formed to be spaced apart from each other.

7 is a conceptual view showing a modification of the liquid lens unit on which the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 4A is disposed.

Unlike the above-described embodiments, the present embodiment may extend the extension portion 753 in a second direction d2 intersecting the first direction d1. Since the length of the first direction d1 of the image sensor is longer than the length of the second direction d1, the stacked portion 752 extending along the first direction d1 of the flexible printed circuit board 750 is in the second direction. A width may be formed larger than the stacked portion 751 extending along (d2).

Accordingly, the conductive patterns 754a, 754b, 754c, and 754d may be formed to gather toward the extension portion 753 formed in the middle.

When the extended portion 753 of the flexible printed circuit board is assembled to the lens cover, it is disposed in a curved state toward the inside of the lens cover. In this case, due to the thickness of the flexible printed circuit board, the lateral thickness of the camera device increases.

8A and 8B are conceptual views illustrating another modification of the liquid lens unit on which the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 4A is disposed.

In the present embodiment, the liquid lens unit 830 may form a recessed portion 838 in which the extension portions 853a and 853b are disposed. The recessed portion 838 may be formed by being recessed from any one side of the liquid lens portion 830. The recess portion 838 extends in the vertical direction. The extension portions 853a and 853b may be bent and disposed on the recess portion 838. The extensions 853a and 853b may be connected to an electronic circuit disposed at the bottom of the camera device.

The recessed portions 838a and 838b may be formed in a pair, and may be biased toward one side and the other side of the liquid lens portion 830 to correspond to the extended portions 853a and 853b, respectively. The width of the recessed portions 838a and 838b may be formed larger than the width of the extended portions 853a and 853b. In addition, grooves corresponding to the recessed portions 838a and 838b may be formed on both sides of each of the extended portions 853a and 853b.

According to this structure, it is possible to suppress an increase in the lateral thickness of the camera device, which is increased due to the thickness of the flexible printed circuit board.

Referring again to FIG. 2A, the camera device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a masking unit 270 to prevent a flare shape. The camera device 200 is configured such that light incident therein is refracted by the lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240 to form an image sensor.

However, at least a part of the incident light is scattered by the internal structure, and the phenomenon that the scattered light is incident on the image sensor occurs. This phenomenon is called a flare phenomenon, and the camera device 100 according to the present invention includes a masking unit 270 to reduce this flare phenomenon.

The masking unit 270 is made of black color and can absorb scattered light. Referring to the drawings, the masking unit 270 may be formed on the flexible printed circuit board 250 disposed to surround the first region S1. The masking unit 270 may be formed in a tape form of black color, and may be adhered to the flexible printed circuit board 250. The masking unit 270 may be stacked on the first and second flexible printed circuit boards 250a and 250b, respectively.

In addition, the flexible printed circuit board 250 may be formed in a black color to form a masking unit 270. That is, the flexible printed circuit board 250 may be integrally formed with the masking unit 270.

By the above structure, it is possible to reduce the phenomenon that light scattered by the internal structure of the camera device is incident on the image sensor.

However, light passing through the liquid lens unit 230 may pass through the second lens unit 240 and be scattered again. A masking area may be formed in the infrared cut filter 280 according to the present invention.

9 is a view showing an infrared cut filter according to the present invention.

Referring again to FIG. 2A, the camera device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes an infrared cut filter 280. The infrared cut filter 280 may be disposed between the second lens unit 240 and the image sensor 260.

The infrared cut filter 280 is formed in a flat plate shape, and may be formed of a transmissive region 281 formed to correspond to an image sensor and a masking region 282 formed to surround the transmissive region 281. The masking area 282 may be formed in a black color like the masking part 270 described above.

By the masking area 282 of the infrared cut filter 280 disposed in the second lens unit 240 and the image sensor 260, flare generated by light scattered inside the camera device may be reduced.

The present invention described above can be embodied as computer readable codes on a medium on which a program is recorded. The computer-readable medium includes all types of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable media include a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state disk (SSD), silicon disk drive (SDD), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device. This includes, and is also implemented in the form of a carrier wave (eg, transmission over the Internet). In addition, the computer may include a control unit 180 of the terminal. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the invention are included in the scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

A first lens unit for condensing light incident from the front;
A liquid lens unit disposed behind the first lens unit and controlling a light path of light by adjusting a curvature according to an electrical signal;
A second lens unit disposed behind the liquid lens unit;
An image sensor in which light passing through the second lens unit is formed; And
A flexible printed circuit board for transmitting the electrical signal to the liquid lens unit,
The liquid lens unit includes a first region and a second region through which light passing through the first lens unit is transmitted,
The first region is made to transmit light formed on the image sensor,
The second region surrounds the first region, and is made to not contribute to image formation of light to the image sensor.
The flexible printed circuit board is a camera device, characterized in that it overlaps the liquid lens portion so as to be disposed in the second region in the thickness direction. According to claim 1,
The flexible printed circuit board is a camera device characterized in that it is formed to surround the first region. According to claim 1,
The liquid lens unit has an upper surface and a lower surface,
The flexible printed circuit board is a camera device characterized in that it is laminated on the upper or lower surface. According to claim 3,
The flexible printed circuit board includes first and second flexible printed circuit boards,
The first flexible printed circuit board is laminated on the upper surface, the second flexible printed circuit board is a camera device, characterized in that laminated on the lower surface. According to claim 2,
And a masking portion formed on the flexible printed circuit board to surround the first region. The method of claim 5,
The flexible printed circuit board is a camera device, characterized in that formed integrally with the masking portion. According to claim 1,
And an extension part branched from the flexible printed circuit board and connected to a control unit. The method of claim 5,
The flexible printed circuit board includes a node portion for applying an electrical signal to the liquid lens portion and a conductive pattern electrically connected to the node portion,
The node unit is composed of a plurality of nodes, each of which is disposed in the corner of the liquid lens camera device. The method of claim 8,
The plurality of nodes are electrically connected to the camera device by a single conductive pattern. The method of claim 8,
The conductive pattern is composed of a plurality of electrically connected to the plurality of nodes,
The flexible printed circuit board has an extended portion extending from the corner,
At least a portion of the conductive pattern passes through the expansion unit, characterized in that the camera device. The method of claim 10,
The extension unit is composed of a plurality, the plurality of extension unit is a camera device, characterized in that extending in parallel in the same direction. The method of claim 10,
The extension unit is composed of a plurality, the plurality of extension unit is a camera device, characterized in that extending in opposite directions. The method of claim 7,
The liquid lens portion includes a recess portion recessed from one side,
The extension unit is arranged in the groove, the camera device. According to claim 1,
It further includes an infrared cut filter,
The infrared ray blocking filter is divided into a transmission region corresponding to an image sensor and a region in which a masking unit is formed to surround the transmission region. Display unit;
A bezel part surrounding the display part; And
It includes a camera device disposed on the bezel portion,
The camera device,
A lens cover that forms the exterior of the camera device and has a pair of flat surfaces facing each other;
A lens assembly disposed inside the lens cover and including a liquid lens unit controlling an optical path of light incident from the front according to an applied electrical signal;
An image sensor overlapping the lens assembly and forming an image using light passing through the lens assembly; And
And a flexible printed circuit board for transmitting the electrical signal to the liquid lens unit,
The liquid lens unit includes a first region and a second region through which light passing through the first lens unit is transmitted,
The first region is made to transmit light formed on the image sensor,
The second region surrounds the first region, and is made to not contribute to image formation of the light to the image sensor.
The flexible printed circuit board overlaps the liquid lens portion in a thickness direction to be disposed in the second region,
An electronic device, characterized in that one of the pair of flat surfaces facing each other is disposed adjacent to the display unit. delete The method of claim 15,
The liquid lens unit has an upper surface and a lower surface,
The flexible printed circuit board includes first and second flexible printed circuit boards,
The first flexible printed circuit board is laminated on the upper surface, the second flexible printed circuit board is characterized in that the electronic device is laminated on the lower surface. The method of claim 15,
The lens assembly includes a plurality of lenses formed of different diameters,
An electronic device characterized in that the inner peripheral surface of the lens cover is stepped so that the plurality of lenses can be fitted. The method of claim 15,
An electronic device further comprising a support portion projecting along the circumferential direction from the inner circumferential surface of the lens cover to support the liquid lens portion. The method of claim 15,
The lens assembly further includes a first lens unit and a second lens unit,
The lens cover includes a first portion in which the first lens portion is accommodated, a second portion in which the liquid lens portion and the second lens portion are accommodated,
The electronic device, characterized in that the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed.

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