KR20190067685A - Electronic device having camera device - Google Patents

Abstract

A camera device according to the present invention comprises: a first lens unit concentrating light incident from a front side; a liquid lens unit disposed on a rear side of the first lens unit and controlling an optical path of light by adjusting a curvature of the liquid lens unit according to an electrical signal; a second lens unit disposed on a rear side of the liquid lens unit; an image sensor on which light passing through the second lens unit forms an image; and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) transferring the electrical signal to the liquid lens unit. Further, the liquid lens unit includes a first region allowing light, which is to form the image on the image sensor, to be transmitted therethrough and a second region surrounding the first region. In addition, the FPCB is disposed in the second region and overlaps the liquid lens unit in a thickness direction, thereby reducing its lateral thickness.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING CAMERA DEVICE &

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

A terminal can be divided into a mobile terminal (mobile / portable terminal) and a stationary terminal according to whether the terminal can be moved. The mobile terminal can be divided into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mounted terminal according to whether the user can directly carry the mobile terminal.

The functions of mobile terminals are diversified. For example, there are data and voice communication, photographing and video shooting through a camera, voice recording, music file playback through a speaker system, and outputting an image or video on a display unit. Some terminals are equipped with an electronic game play function or a multimedia player function. In particular, modern mobile terminals can receive multicast signals that provide visual content such as broadcast and video or television programs.

Such a terminal has various functions, for example, in the form of a multimedia device having multiple functions such as photographing and photographing of a moving picture, reproduction of a music or video file, reception of a game and broadcasting, etc. .

In order to support and enhance the functionality of such terminals, it may be considered to improve the structural and / or software parts of the terminal.

In recent years, as various functions of electronic devices such as mobile terminals and fixed terminals have been developed, technical studies are being conducted to minimize the area occupied by the bezel in order to enlarge the area of the display portion. However, since a plurality of electronic components are disposed in the bezel, there is a limit to the reduction in size of the bezel as long as the volume is maintained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-described problems and other problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a camera device whose shape is deformed to be disposed on a reduced bezel and an electronic device having the camera device.

According to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above or other objects, a portion not used for image formation in a liquid lens is utilized as a support region of another component.

As such, the electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a first lens unit for condensing light incident from the front side, a second lens unit disposed behind the first lens unit, A second lens unit disposed behind the liquid lens unit, an image sensor for forming light passing through the second lens unit, and a flexible printed circuit board for transmitting the electric signal to the liquid lens unit, Wherein the liquid lens portion includes a first region through which light that is imaged on the image sensor passes and a second region that surrounds the first region, And can be overlapped with the lens portion in the thickness direction. With this structure, the width occupied by the flexible printed circuit board can be reduced, so that the lateral thickness of the camera apparatus can be minimized.

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

In one embodiment, the liquid lens portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and the flexible printed circuit board may be laminated on an upper surface or a lower surface.

In one embodiment, the camera device may further include a masking part formed on the flexible printed circuit board to surround the first area.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera apparatus including a lens assembly including a liquid lens unit for controlling an optical path of light incident from a front according to an applied electric signal, An image sensor that overlaps with the lens assembly and forms an image using light passing through the lens assembly, and a flexible printed circuit board that transmits the electric signal to the liquid lens unit, And a second area surrounding the first area, wherein the flexible printed circuit board may be overlapped with the liquid lens part in the thickness direction so as to be disposed in the second area.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device including a display unit, a bezel unit surrounding the display unit, and a camera device disposed on the bezel unit, The apparatus includes a lens cover which forms an outer appearance of the camera apparatus and has a pair of flat surfaces facing each other, a lens cover disposed inside the lens cover, and controlling an optical path of light incident from the front according to an applied electric signal An image sensor which overlaps with the lens assembly and forms an image using light passing through the lens assembly, and a flexible printed circuit board that transmits the electric signal to the liquid lens unit, , Wherein the liquid lens unit has a first region through which light that is imaged on the image sensor is transmitted, Wherein the flexible printed circuit board is overlapped with the liquid lens part in a thickness direction so as to be disposed in the second area, and one of a pair of flat surfaces facing each other is arranged on the display part As shown in FIG.

Effects of the camera device and the electronic device having the camera device according to the present invention will be described as follows.

According to the present invention, since the flexible printed circuit board for applying an electric signal to the liquid lens unit is disposed in the liquid lens unit so as to overlap in the thickness direction, the width of the camera apparatus can be reduced.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since the outer surface of the camera device is formed in a flat surface, the 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 embodiment of the present invention, there is an advantage that a camera device in which a flare phenomenon is reduced by a masking part 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. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, such as the preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

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

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar elements, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffix "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role. In the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description of related arts will be omitted when it is determined that the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein may be blurred. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. , ≪ / RTI > equivalents, and alternatives.

The mobile terminal described in this specification includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, a slate PC A tablet PC, an ultrabook, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, a smart glass, and a head mounted display (HMD). have.

However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the configuration according to the embodiments described herein may be applied to fixed terminals such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, a digital signage, and the like, will be. That is, the mobile terminal will be mainly described in this specification, but this is described as an example of an electronic device including a fixed terminal.

1A to 1C are block diagrams for explaining a mobile terminal according to the present invention, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual diagrams showing an example of a mobile terminal according to the present invention in 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 that the mobile terminal described herein may have more or fewer components than the components listed above.

The wireless communication unit 110 may be connected between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100 or between the mobile terminal 100 and the external server 100. [ Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > wireless < / RTI > In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for 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 distance communication module 114, and a location information module 115 .

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 or an image input unit for inputting a video signal, a microphone 122 for inputting an audio signal, an audio input unit, a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user 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 at least one sensor 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 may include a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, A G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared sensor, a finger scan sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, A microphone 226, a battery gauge, an environmental sensor (for example, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, A thermal sensor, a gas sensor, etc.), a chemical sensor (e.g., an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in the present specification can combine and utilize information sensed by at least two of the sensors.

The output unit 150 includes at least one of a display unit 151, an acoustic output unit 152, a haptic tip module 153, and a light output unit 154 to generate an output related to visual, auditory, can do. The display unit 151 may have a mutual layer structure with the touch sensor or may be integrally formed to realize 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 may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a path to various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 is connected to a device having a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, And may include at least one of a port, an audio I / O port, a video I / O port, and an earphone port. In the mobile terminal 100, corresponding to the connection of the external device to the interface unit 160, it is possible to perform appropriate control related to the connected external device.

In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100. The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs or applications running on the mobile terminal 100, data for operation of the mobile terminal 100, and commands. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Also, at least a part of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of shipment for the basic functions (e.g., telephone call receiving function, message receiving function, and calling function) of the mobile terminal 100. Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170, installed on the mobile terminal 100, and may be operated by the control unit 180 to perform the operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.

In addition to the operations related to the application program, the control unit 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. The control unit 180 may process or process signals, data, information, and the like input or output through the above-mentioned components, or may drive an application program stored in the memory 170 to provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user.

In addition, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1A in order to drive an application program stored in the memory 170. FIG. In addition, the controller 180 may operate at least two of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 in combination with each other for driving the application program.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power to the components included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, which may be an internal battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the components may operate in cooperation with one another to implement a method of operation, control, or control 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, the various components of the mobile terminal 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1A.

First, referring to the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast receiving module 111 of the wireless communication unit 110 receives broadcast signals 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 broadcast channel switching for at least two broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 may be a mobile communication module or a mobile communication module such as a mobile communication module or a mobile communication module that uses technology standards or a communication method (e.g., Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Code Division Multi Access 2000 (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution And an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network established according to a long term evolution (AR), a long term evolution (AR), or the like.

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

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

Wireless Internet technologies include, for example, wireless LAN (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro Interoperability for Microwave Access, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) 113 transmit and receive data according to at least one wireless Internet technology, including Internet technologies not listed above.

The wireless Internet module 113 for performing a wireless Internet connection through the mobile communication network can be used for wireless Internet access by WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE or LTE- May be understood as a kind of the mobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is for short-range communication, and includes Bluetooth ™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB) (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technology. The short-range communication module 114 is connected to the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system through the wireless area networks, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or between the mobile terminal 100 ) And the other mobile terminal 100 (or the external server). The short-range wireless communication network may be a short-range wireless personal area network.

Here, the other mobile terminal 100 may be a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, a smart glass, etc.) capable of interchanging data with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention (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. [ If the detected wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the control unit 180 may transmit at least a part of the data processed by the mobile terminal 100 to the short- 114 to the wearable device. Therefore, the user of the wearable device can use the data processed by the mobile terminal 100 through the wearable device. For example, according to this, when a telephone is received in the mobile terminal 100, the user performs a telephone conversation via the wearable device, or when a message is received in the mobile terminal 100, It is possible to check the message.

The position information module 115 is a module for obtaining the position (or current position) of the mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) module. For example, when the mobile terminal utilizes the GPS module, it can acquire the position of the mobile terminal by using a signal transmitted from the GPS satellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal utilizes the Wi-Fi module, it can acquire the position of the mobile terminal based on information of a wireless access point (AP) that transmits or receives the wireless signal with the Wi-Fi module. Optionally, the location information module 115 may perform any of the other functions of the wireless communication unit 110 to obtain data relating to the location of the mobile terminal, in addition or alternatively. The location information module 115 is a module used to obtain the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or obtains the location of the mobile terminal.

Next, the input unit 120 is for inputting image information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or information input from a user. For inputting image information, Or a plurality of cameras 121 may be provided. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor in the video communication mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170. [ A plurality of cameras 121 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be arranged to have a matrix structure and various angles or foci may be provided to the mobile terminal 100 through the camera 121 having the matrix structure A plurality of pieces of image information can be input. In addition, the plurality of cameras 121 may be arranged in a stereo structure to acquire a left image and a right image for realizing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 processes the external acoustic signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data can be utilized variously according to a function (or a running application program) being executed in the mobile terminal 100. Meanwhile, the microphone 122 may be implemented with various noise reduction algorithms for eliminating noise generated in receiving an external sound signal.

The user input unit 123 is for receiving information from a user and when the information is inputted through the user input unit 123, the control unit 180 can control the operation of the mobile terminal 100 to correspond to the input information . The user input unit 123 may include a mechanical input means (or a mechanical key such as a button located on the front, rear or side of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch, a jog wheel, Jog switches, etc.) and touch-type input means. For example, the touch-type input means may comprise a virtual key, a soft key or a visual key displayed on the touch screen through software processing, And a touch key disposed on the touch panel. Meanwhile, the virtual key or the visual key can be displayed on a touch screen having various forms, for example, a graphic, a text, an icon, a video, As shown in FIG.

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 corresponding sensing signal. The control unit 180 may control the driving or operation of the mobile terminal 100 or may perform data processing, function or operation related to the application program installed in the mobile terminal 100 based on the sensing signal. 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 of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface, or the presence of an object in the vicinity of the detection surface, without mechanical contact by using electromagnetic force or infrared rays. The proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in the inner area of the mobile terminal or in proximity to the touch screen, which is covered 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 proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. In the case where the touch screen is electrostatic, the proximity sensor 141 can be configured to detect the proximity of the object with a change of the electric field along the proximity of the object having conductivity. In this case, the touch screen (or touch sensor) itself may be classified as a proximity sensor.

On the other hand, for convenience of explanation, the act of recognizing that the object is located on the touch screen in proximity with no object touching the touch screen is referred to as "proximity touch & The act of actually touching an object on the screen is called a "contact touch. &Quot; The position at which the object is closely touched on the touch screen means a position where the object corresponds to the touch screen vertically when the object is touched. The proximity sensor 141 can detect a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, have. Meanwhile, the control unit 180 processes data (or information) corresponding to the proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern sensed through the proximity sensor 141 as described above, and further provides visual information corresponding to the processed data It can be output on the touch screen. Furthermore, the control unit 180 can control the mobile terminal 100 such that different operations or data (or information) are processed according to whether the touch to 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) by using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistance film type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, an ultrasonic type, Detection.

For example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in a pressure applied to a specific portion of the touch screen or a capacitance generated in a specific portion to an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a position, an area, a pressure at the time of touch, a capacitance at the time of touch, and the like where a touch object touching the touch screen is touched on the touch sensor. Here, the touch object may be a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like as an object to which a touch is applied to the touch sensor.

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

On the other hand, the control unit 180 may perform different controls or perform the same control according to the type of the touch object touching the touch screen (or a touch key provided on the touch screen). Whether to perform different controls or to perform the same control according to the type of the touch object may be determined according to the current state of the mobile terminal 100 or an application program being executed.

On the other hand, the touch sensors and the proximity sensors discussed above can be used independently or in combination to provide a short touch (touch), a long touch, a multi touch, a drag touch ), Flick touch, pinch-in touch, pinch-out touch, swipe touch, hovering touch, and the like. Touch can be sensed.

The ultrasonic sensor can recognize the position information of the object to be sensed by using ultrasonic waves. Meanwhile, the controller 180 can calculate the position of the wave generating source through the information sensed by the optical sensor and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The position of the wave source can be calculated using the fact that the light is much faster than the ultrasonic wave, that is, the time when the light reaches the optical sensor is much faster than the time the ultrasonic wave reaches the ultrasonic sensor. More specifically, the position of the wave generating source can be calculated using the time difference with the time when the ultrasonic wave reaches the reference signal.

The camera 121 includes at least one of a camera sensor (for example, a CCD, a CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or an image sensor), and a laser sensor.

The camera 121 and the laser sensor may be combined with each other to sense a touch of the sensing object with respect to the three-dimensional stereoscopic image. The photosensor can be laminated to the display element, which is adapted to scan the movement of the object to be detected proximate to the touch screen. More specifically, the photosensor mounts photo diodes and TRs (Transistors) in a row / column and scans the contents loaded on the photosensor using an electrical signal that varies according to the amount of light applied to the photo diode. That is, the photo sensor performs coordinate calculation of the object to be sensed according to the amount of change of light, and position information of the object to be sensed can be obtained through the calculation.

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 UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) 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.

In the stereoscopic display unit, a three-dimensional display system such as a stereoscopic system (glasses system), an autostereoscopic system (no-glasses system), and a projection system (holographic system) can be applied.

The sound 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 mode, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, The sound output unit 152 also outputs sound signals related to functions (e.g., call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. [ The audio 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 haptic effect generated by the haptic module 153 may be vibration. The intensity and pattern of the vibration generated in the haptic module 153 can be controlled by the user's selection or the setting of the control unit. For example, the haptic module 153 may synthesize and output different vibrations or sequentially output the vibrations.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 153 may be configured to perform various functions such as a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to the contact skin surface, a spraying force or suction force of the air through the injection port or the suction port, a touch on the skin surface, And various tactile effects such as an effect of reproducing a cold sensation using an endothermic or exothermic element can be generated.

The haptic module 153 can transmit the tactile effect through the direct contact, and the tactile effect can be felt by the user through the muscles of the finger or arm. The haptic module 153 may include two or more haptic modules 153 according to the configuration 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 that occur in the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signal reception, missed call, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, information reception through an application, and the like.

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 surface. The signal output may be terminated by the mobile terminal detecting the event confirmation of the user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a path for communication with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 receives data from an external device or supplies power to each component in the mobile terminal 100 or transmits data in the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, a port for connecting a device equipped with a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, an audio I / O port, a video I / O port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 160.

The identification module is a chip for storing various information for authenticating the use right of the mobile terminal 100 and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM) A universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. Devices with identification modules (hereinafter referred to as "identification devices") can be manufactured in a smart card format. Accordingly, the identification device can be connected to the terminal 100 through the interface unit 160. [

The interface unit 160 may be a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, And various command signals may be transmitted to the mobile terminal 100. The various command signals or the power source input from the cradle may be operated as a signal 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 temporarily store input / output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving picture, etc.). The memory 170 may store data related to vibration and sound of various patterns outputted when a touch is input on the touch screen.

The memory 170 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk type, an SDD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), a multimedial card micro type a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable memory (EEPROM) read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs the storage function of the memory 170 on the Internet.

Meanwhile, as described above, the control unit 180 controls the operations related to the application program and the general operation of the mobile terminal 100. [ For example, when the state of the mobile terminal meets a set condition, the control unit 180 can execute or release a lock state for restricting input of a user's control command to applications.

In addition, the control unit 180 performs control and processing related to voice communication, data communication, video call, or the like, or performs pattern recognition processing to recognize handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively . Further, the controller 180 may control any one or a plurality of the above-described components in order to implement various embodiments described below on the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power necessary for operation of the respective components. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, the battery may be an internal battery configured to be chargeable, and may be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging or the like.

In addition, the power supply unit 190 may include a connection port, and the connection port may be configured as an example of an interface 160 through which an external charger for supplying power for charging the battery is electrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured to charge the battery in a wireless manner without using the connection port. In this case, the power supply unit 190 may use at least one of an inductive coupling method based on a magnetic induction phenomenon from an external wireless power transmission apparatus and a magnetic resonance coupling method based on an electromagnetic resonance phenomenon Power can be delivered.

In the following, various embodiments may be embodied in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the disclosed mobile terminal 100 includes a bar-shaped terminal body. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to various structures such as a folder type, a flip type, a slide type, a swing type, and a swivel type in which a watch type, a clip type, a glass type or two or more bodies are relatively movably coupled . A description of a particular type of mobile terminal, although relevant to a particular type of mobile terminal, is generally applicable to other types of mobile terminals.

Here, the terminal body can 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, and the like) that forms an appearance. As shown, 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 a front surface of the terminal body to output information. The window 151a of the display unit 151 may be mounted on the front case 101 to form a 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 parts that can be mounted on the rear case 102 include detachable batteries, an identification module, a memory card, and the like. In this case, a rear cover 103 for covering the mounted electronic components can be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore, when the rear cover 103 is separated from the rear case 102, the electronic parts 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 side portion of the rear case 102 can be exposed. In some cases, the rear case 102 may be completely covered by the rear cover 103 during the engagement. Meanwhile, the rear cover 103 may be provided with an opening for exposing the camera 121b and the sound output unit 152b to the outside.

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

The mobile terminal 100 may be configured such that one case provides the internal space, unlike the above example in which a plurality of cases provide an internal space for accommodating various electronic components. In this case, a unibody mobile terminal 100 in which synthetic resin or metal is connected from the side to the rear side can be realized.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproof unit (not shown) for preventing water from penetrating into 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, And a waterproof member for sealing the inside space of the oven.

The mobile terminal 100 is provided with 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, Cameras 121a and 121b, first and second operation units 123a and 123b, a microphone 122, an interface unit 160, and the like.

1B and 1C, a display unit 151, a first sound output unit 152a, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, an optical output unit (not shown) A second operation unit 123b, a microphone 122 and an interface unit 160 are disposed on a side surface of the terminal body, And a mobile terminal 100 having a second sound output unit 152b and a second camera 121b disposed on a rear surface thereof.

However, these configurations are not limited to this arrangement. These configurations may be excluded or replaced as needed, or placed on different planes. For example, the first operation unit 123a may not be provided on the front surface of the terminal body, and the second sound output unit 152b may be provided on the side surface of the terminal body rather than the rear surface 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 UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to the execution screen information .

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

In addition, the display unit 151 may exist in two or more depending on the embodiment of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a plurality of display portions spaced apart from each other or disposed integrally with one another, or may be disposed on different surfaces, respectively.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch with respect to the display unit 151 so that a control command can be received by a touch method. When a touch is made to the display unit 151, the touch sensor senses the touch, and the control unit 180 generates 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, an instruction in various modes, a menu item which can be designated, and the like.

The touch sensor may be a film having a touch pattern and disposed between the window 151a and a display (not shown) on the rear surface of the window 151a, or may be a metal wire . Alternatively, the touch sensor may be formed integrally with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display or inside the display.

In this way, the display unit 151 can form a touch screen together with the touch sensor. In this case, the touch screen can 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 for transmitting a call sound to a user's ear and the second sound output unit 152b may be implemented as a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds. ). ≪ / RTI >

The window 151a of the display unit 151 may be provided with an acoustic hole for emitting the sound generated from the first acoustic output unit 152a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sound may be configured to be emitted along an assembly gap (for example, a gap between the window 151a and the front case 101) between the structures. In this case, the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 can be made more simple because the hole formed independently for the apparent acoustic output is hidden or hidden.

The optical output unit 154 is configured to output light for notifying the occurrence of an event. Examples of the event include a message reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notification, an email reception, and reception of information through an application. The control unit 180 may control the light output unit 154 to terminate the light output when the event confirmation of the user is detected.

The first camera 121a processes an image frame of a still image or a moving image obtained by the image sensor in the photographing mode or the video communication mode. The processed image frame can be displayed on the display unit 151 and can be stored in the memory 170. [

The first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion as an example of a user input unit 123 operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100 have. The first and second operation units 123a and 123b can be employed in any manner as long as the user is in a tactile manner such as touch, push, scroll, or the like. In addition, the first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be employed in a manner that the user operates the apparatus without touching the user through a proximity touch, a hovering touch, or the like.

In this figure, the first operation unit 123a is 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 touch key.

The contents input by the first and second operation units 123a and 123b can be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 123a receives a command such as a menu, a home key, a cancellation, a search, and the like, and the second operation unit 123b receives a command from the first or second sound output unit 152a or 152b The size of the sound, and the change of the display unit 151 to the touch recognition mode.

On the other hand, a rear input unit (not shown) may be provided on the rear surface of the terminal body as another example of the user input unit 123. The rear input unit is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and input contents may be variously set. For example, commands such as power on / off, start, end, scrolling, and the like, the size adjustment of the sound output from the first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, And the like can be inputted. The rear input unit may be implemented as a touch input, a push input, or a combination thereof.

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

When a rear input unit is provided on the rear surface of the terminal body, a new type of user interface using the rear input unit can be realized. When the first operation unit 123a is not disposed on the front surface of the terminal body in place of at least a part of the functions of the first operation unit 123a provided 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 the fingerprint of the user, and the controller 180 may use the fingerprint information sensed through the fingerprint recognition sensor as 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 the user's voice, other sounds, and the like. The microphone 122 may be provided at a plurality of locations to receive stereophonic sound.

The interface unit 160 is a path through which the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to an external device. For example, the interface unit 160 may include a connection terminal for connection with another device (for example, an earphone or an external speaker), a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA Port), a Bluetooth port A wireless LAN port, or the like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented as a socket for receiving an external card such as a SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) or a UIM (User Identity Module) or a memory card for storing information.

And a second camera 121b may be disposed on a rear surface of the terminal body. In this case, the second camera 121b has a photographing direction which is substantially opposite to that of 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 form. Such a camera can be named an 'array camera'. When the second camera 121b is configured as an array camera, images can be taken in various ways using a plurality of lenses, and a better quality image can be obtained.

The flash 124 may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. The flash 124 shines light toward the subject when the subject is photographed by the second camera 121b.

And a second sound output unit 152b may be additionally disposed in the terminal body. The second sound output unit 152b may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 152a and may be used for implementing a speakerphone mode in a call.

The terminal body may be provided with at least one antenna for wireless communication. The antenna may be embedded in the terminal body or formed in the case. For example, an antenna constituting a part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1A) may be configured to be able to be drawn out from the terminal body. Alternatively, the antenna may be formed in 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 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. In addition, the battery 191 may be configured to be wirelessly chargeable through a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).

The rear cover 103 is configured to be coupled to the rear case 102 so as to cover the battery 191 to restrict the release of the battery 191 and to protect the battery 191 from external impact and foreign matter . When the battery 191 is detachably attached to the terminal body, the rear cover 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

The mobile terminal 100 may be provided with an accessory that protects the appearance or supports or expands the function of the mobile terminal 100. [ One 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 interlock with the display unit 151 to expand the function of the mobile terminal 100. Another example of an accessory is a touch pen for supplementing or extending a touch input to the touch screen.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a main body of a mobile terminal 100 includes a bezel which surrounds an edge of the display unit 151 and forms an edge of the mobile terminal 100. No images are output on the bezel, and various electronic components and circuits are placed inside the bezel. The camera device 200 according to the present invention is disposed below the bezel.

The camera device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which the camera device 200 has a reduced width so as to be disposed in a bezel portion 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.

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

2A and 2B, a camera apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a lens cover 210, lens assemblies 220, 230 and 240, an image sensor 260, a masking unit 270, Filter 280 may be included. However, only a part of the lens cover 210, the lens assemblies 220, 230 and 240, the image sensor 260, the masking part 270 and the IR cut filter 280 may constitute the camera device. For example, a camera device without a masking portion and an infrared cut filter may be used as needed.

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

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

That is, the outer surface of the lens cover 210 has a cylindrical shape, and a part of the lens cover 210 may be cut. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the outer appearance of the lens cover may be formed in a rectangular shape. A first portion 211, which will be described later, may protrude from the top surface 213a of the lens cover.

In the lens cover 210, lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240 including a plurality of lenses are disposed in an inner space. The lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240 are formed 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 a different diameter 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 assemblies 220, 230, and 240 including a plurality of lenses may include a first lens unit 220, a liquid lens unit 230, and a second lens unit 240, as described later. The lens cover 210 includes a first portion 211 in which the first lens portion 220 is disposed and a second portion in which the liquid lens portion 230, the second lens portion 240, and the image sensor 260 are disposed. 212). The first portion 211 protrudes from the upper end surface 213a of the lens cover 210 and may have a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the first portion 211 may be smaller than the minimum diameter of the second portion 212.

Also, the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 may be integrally formed. Generally, a lens assembly of a camera apparatus is combined by stacking a plurality of holders mounted with a lens in one direction. The camera device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed such that a lens cover 210 is integrally formed and each lens can be fitted therein. According to such a structure, the process of joining the lens holders can be omitted, the process can be simplified, and the possibility that foreign substances are introduced can be reduced.

The lens cover 210 is formed with an opening hole 214 through which light can pass forward. Specifically, the aperture 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 disposed 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 configured to condense the light incident from the front side and may be formed of at least one or more lenses, and two or more lenses 221, 222, and 223 are aligned with respect to the center 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 onto the image sensor. Also, the second lens unit 240 may include at least one lens, and two or more lenses 241, 242, 243, and 244 may be aligned with respect to the center axis to form an optical system.

The first lens unit 220 and the second lens unit 240 together with the liquid lens unit 230 to be described later can image the light incident from the outside onto the image sensor 260. The image sensor 260 is disposed behind 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 To form an image.

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

The entire area of the image sensor 260 is overlapped with the lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240. That is, the edge of the image sensor 260 may be formed to be smaller than the minimum diameter of the lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240.

Meanwhile, since the incidence angle of incident light changes according to the distance, the lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240 can adjust the focal length. In the camera device 200 according to the present invention, the focal length adjustment can be made by the liquid lens portion 230.

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

Referring again to FIG. 2A, the liquid lens unit 230 is disposed between the first lens unit 220 and the second lens unit 240. Either the first lens unit 220 or the second lens unit 240 may be omitted and the liquid lens unit 230 may be disposed between the first lens unit 220 and the second lens unit 240. However, Or may be disposed at the front or rear of the body 240.

In addition, the liquid lens unit 230 may be supported by a support portion protruding along the circumferential direction on 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 bottom plate 231 and a top 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 portion to form a space for filling the liquid 235 serving as a lens. The lower plate 231 and the upper plate 232 may be made of a transparent member so that light can be transmitted. For example, the bottom plate 231 and the top plate 232 may be formed of a glass material. In this embodiment, the case where the bottom plate 231 and the top plate 232 are flat plates is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the bottom plate 231 and the top plate 232 may be a curved outer surface or an inner surface, or may be a flexible member made of 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 is formed with a hollow therein, and the hollow is formed to increase in diameter from the lower part to the upper part. That is, the hollow may be formed with an upward slope.

Spacers 236 and 237 are disposed on the upper portion of 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 above the spacers 236 and 237. The accommodation space in which the liquid 235 is accommodated can be a space defined by the lower plate 231, the chamber 233, the spacers 236 and 237 and the upper plate 232 in the liquid lens portion 230 .

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

An electrode 234 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber 233. The electrode 234 is disposed so as to cover the inner peripheral surface of the chamber. The electrode 234 can adjust the surface tension of the conductive liquid 235b according to an electric signal applied to the electrode 234, for example, a driving voltage.

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

According to the focal length control of the liquid lens unit, the camera device having the liquid lens unit 300 can perform auto focussing, optical image stabilization, and the like.

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

FIG. 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 the liquid lens unit in which the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG.

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 correspond to the liquid portion, and light that has passed through the first lens portion 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 be circular. The lens regions S1 and S2 are divided into a first region S1 through which light that is imaged on the image sensor is transmitted and a second region S2 that does not contribute to image formation of light with respect to the image sensor.

The first area 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 area 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 area S2.

Referring to the drawing, the flexible printed circuit board 250 is laminated on the liquid lens portion 230. That is, on the top plate 232 or the bottom plate 231 of the liquid lens unit 230. 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 portion 230 in a state of overlapping with 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 is extended to a predetermined width, it can be disposed in the second area S2 that does not contribute to the image formation of the image.

In other words, the flexible printed circuit board may be disposed so as to cover the liquid lens portion 230 so as to penetrate so that the central portion corresponds to the first region S1. In this case, the penetrated portion may be formed larger than the area of the first region S1. In addition, the penetrated portion may be formed to cover at least a part 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 portion by applying an electric signal to the liquid lens portion 230. The flexible printed circuit board 250 may include a first flexible printed circuit board 250a for applying a driving voltage and a second flexible printed circuit board 250b for applying a common voltage.

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

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

With this structure, the flexible printed circuit board 250 is overlapped in the thickness direction of the liquid lens portion 230, thereby reducing the width of the lens assembly. Accordingly, the lateral thickness of the camera device 200 can be reduced, thereby reducing the total volume of the camera device 200. [

5A and 5B are conceptual diagrams showing 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 to transmit the electric signal of the control unit to the liquid lens unit 230. The flexible printed circuit board 250 may have an extension 253 extending in one part to be connected to the control unit.

That is, the flexible printed circuit board 250 may be composed of the lamination portions 251 and 252 stacked on the liquid lens portion 230 and the extension portion 253 extended from the lamination 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 can adjust the curvature of the liquid lens unit 230 by applying a voltage to the electrode 234. [ 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 the 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 electric signal.

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

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

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.

A plurality of conductive patterns 354a, 354b, 354c and 354d are formed on the flexible printed circuit board 350 and a plurality of conductive patterns 354a, 354b, 354c and 354d are formed on the flexible printed circuit board 350, And are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals. In this case, the width of the flexible printed circuit board is increased. However, when the width of the flexible printed circuit board is simply increased, there arises a problem of invading the first region or increasing the flare phenomenon by scattering light.

In this embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board 350 may include an extension portion 356 so that a plurality of conductive patterns 354a, 354b, 354c, and 354d can be formed while eliminating the above-described problems.

The extension portion 356 extends from the corner of the lamination portions 351 and 352 toward the central portion so that the overlapping portions of the lamination portions 351 and 352 and the body region S3 are increased. Thus, the width of the corner portion of the flexible printed circuit board 350 can be increased.

Further, the extending portion 353 may extend in the second direction d2, and the width may be increased.

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

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

With this structure, the first to fourth nodes 355a, 355b, 355c, and 355d can be controlled respectively. Accordingly, while the width of the flexible printed circuit board 350 is prevented from being increased, the camera device 200 can perform the camera shake correction function in addition to the auto focusing function.

6A, 6B, and 6C are conceptual diagrams showing another example of the liquid lens portion in which the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 4A is disposed.

The same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components to those of the above-described embodiment, and a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the node unit 455 may be composed of eight nodes 455a ', 455a', 455b ', 455b' 455c ', 455c' '455d', and 455d ', unlike the embodiments described above.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the nodes 455a ', 455a', 455b ', 455b' 455c ', 455c' 455d ', and 455d' may be disposed at the corners of the flexible circuit board 450, respectively. Also, they can be electrically connected by one conductive pattern 454, as in the embodiment disclosed in 5a. With this structure, it is possible to control the liquid lens portion 430 more finely.

Referring to FIG. 6B, the extension portion 553 may be formed of a plurality of protrusions. More specifically, the extension 553 includes first and second extensions 553a and 553b. The first and second extension portions 553a and 553b may extend in parallel along the first direction d1. In this case, the first and second extended portions 553a and 553b may be formed at one side and the other side so as to be spaced apart from each other.

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

The first and second extension portions 653a and 653b and the third and fourth extension portions 653c and 653d may be spaced apart from each other.

FIG. 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.

Unlike the embodiments described above, the extension 753 may extend in a second direction d2 that intersects the first direction d1. The length of the image sensor in the first direction d1 is longer than the length of the second direction d1 so that the laminated portion 752 extending along the first direction d1 of the flexible printed circuit board 750 is extended in the second direction d1, may be formed to have a larger width than the laminated portion 751 extending along the second direction d2.

Accordingly, the conductive patterns 754a, 754b, 754c, and 754d may be formed so as to converge toward the extended portion 753 formed in the center.

When the extension portion 753 of the flexible printed circuit board is assembled to the lens cover, the flexible printed circuit board is bent in a downward direction from 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 apparatus is increased.

8A and 8B are conceptual diagrams showing another modified example of the liquid lens portion in which the flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 4A is disposed.

In the case of the present embodiment, the liquid lens portion 830 can form a recess portion 838 in which the extending portions 853a and 853b are disposed. The recess portion 838 may be formed by being recessed at 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 in the recess portion 838. [ The extension portions 853a and 853b may be connected to an electronic circuit disposed at the lower end of the camera apparatus.

The recess portions 838a and 838b may be formed as a pair and may be formed to be inclined to one side and the other side from the side surface of the liquid lens portion 830 so as to correspond to the extending portions 853a and 853b. The width of the recessed portions 838a and 838b may be 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 the extending portions 853a and 853b, respectively.

With 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 exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a masking portion 270 to prevent a flare shape. The camera apparatus 200 is constructed such that light incident thereon is refracted by the lens assemblies 220, 230, and 240 to form an image on the image sensor.

However, at least a part of the incident light is scattered by the internal structure, and scattered light enters the image sensor. This phenomenon is referred to as a flare phenomenon, and the camera apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes a masking unit 270 to reduce such flare phenomenon.

The masking portion 270 is made of black so that it can absorb scattered light. Referring to the drawing, the masking portion 270 may be formed on a flexible printed circuit board 250 arranged to surround the first region S1. The masking portion 270 may have a black color tape shape and may be adhered to the flexible printed circuit board 250. The masking portions 270 may be stacked on the first and second flexible printed circuit boards 250a and 250b, respectively.

In addition, since the flexible printed circuit board 250 is formed in a black color, the masking portion 270 can be formed. That is, the flexible printed circuit board 250 may be formed integrally with the masking portion 270.

With this structure, it is possible to reduce the phenomenon that light that is scattered by the internal structure of the camera device and deviates from the intended refraction path is incident on the image sensor.

However, the light passing through the liquid lens unit 230 passes through the second lens unit 240 and can be scattered again. A masking region may be formed in the infrared cutoff 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 exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes an infrared cutoff filter 280. The infrared cutoff filter 280 may be disposed between the second lens unit 240 and the image sensor 260.

The infrared cutoff filter 280 may be formed in a flat plate shape and may include a transmissive area 281 formed to correspond to the image sensor and a masked area 282 formed to surround the transmissive area 281. The masking region 282 may be formed in a black color like the masking portion 270 described above.

The flare phenomenon caused by the light scattered in the camera device can be reduced by the masking area 282 of the infrared ray cutoff filter 280 disposed in the second lens unit 240 and the image sensor 260.

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 kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of the computer readable medium include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), a silicon disk drive (SDD), a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, , And may also be implemented in the form of a carrier wave (e.g., transmission over the Internet). Also, the computer may include a control unit 180 of the terminal. Accordingly, the above description should not be construed in a limiting sense in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

A first lens unit for condensing light incident from a front side;
A liquid lens unit disposed behind the first lens unit and controlling an optical path of light by adjusting a curvature according to an electric signal;
A second lens unit disposed behind the liquid lens unit;
An image sensor in which light passing through the second lens unit is imaged; And
And a flexible printed circuit board for transmitting the electric signal to the liquid lens unit,
Wherein the liquid lens portion includes a first region through which light that is imaged on the image sensor passes, and a second region that surrounds the first region,
Wherein the flexible printed circuit board is overlapped with the liquid lens part in the thickness direction so as to be disposed in the second area. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the flexible printed circuit board is formed to surround the first area. The method according to claim 1,
The liquid lens unit has an upper surface and a lower surface,
Wherein the flexible printed circuit board is laminated on an upper surface or a lower surface. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the flexible printed circuit board includes first and second flexible printed circuit boards,
Wherein the first flexible printed circuit board is laminated on the upper surface, and the second flexible printed circuit board is laminated on the lower surface. 3. The method of claim 2,
Further comprising a masking portion formed on the flexible printed circuit board to surround the first region. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the flexible printed circuit board is formed integrally with the masking portion. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising an extension connected to the control unit by branching from the flexible printed circuit board. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the flexible printed circuit board includes a node portion for applying an electric signal to the liquid lens portion and a conductive pattern electrically connected to the node portion,
Wherein the node unit comprises a plurality of nodes and is disposed at a corner of the liquid lens unit, respectively. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the plurality of nodes are electrically connected by a single conductive pattern. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the conductive pattern is electrically connected to the plurality of nodes,
The flexible printed circuit board having an extension extending from a corner,
Wherein at least a portion of the conductive pattern passes over the extension. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the extension part comprises a plurality of extension parts, and the plurality of extension parts extend in parallel in the same direction. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the extension part comprises a plurality of extension parts, and the plurality of extension parts extend in directions opposite to each other. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the liquid lens portion has a recessed portion which is recessed at one side,
And the extension is disposed in the groove. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising an infrared cut filter,
Wherein the IR cut filter is divided into a transmission region corresponding to the image sensor and an area having a masking portion to surround the transmission region. A display unit;
A bezel portion surrounding the display portion; And
And a camera device disposed on the bezel portion,
The camera device includes:
A lens cover forming an outer surface of the camera device and having a pair of flat surfaces facing each other;
A lens assembly disposed in the lens cover and including a liquid lens unit for controlling an optical path of light incident from the front according to an applied electric signal;
An image sensor that overlaps with the lens assembly and forms an image using light passing through the lens assembly; And
And a flexible printed circuit board for transmitting the electric signal to the liquid lens unit,
Wherein the liquid lens portion includes a first region through which light that is imaged on the image sensor passes, and a second region that surrounds the first region,
Wherein the flexible printed circuit board is overlapped with the liquid lens part in the thickness direction so as to be disposed in the second area,
Wherein one of the pair of opposed flat surfaces is disposed adjacent to the display portion. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the flexible printed circuit board is disposed so as to cover the liquid lens portion, and the central portion penetrates to correspond to the first region. 17. The method of claim 16,
The liquid lens portion has an upper surface and a lower surface,
Wherein the flexible printed circuit board includes first and second flexible printed circuit boards,
Wherein the first flexible printed circuit board is stacked on the upper surface, and the second flexible printed circuit board is stacked on the lower surface. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the lens assembly includes a plurality of lenses having different diameters,
Wherein an inner circumferential surface of the lens cover is stepped so that the plurality of lenses can be fitted. 16. The method of claim 15,
Further comprising a support portion projecting along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the lens cover to support the liquid lens portion. 16. The method of claim 15,
The lens assembly may further include a first lens unit and a second lens unit,
Wherein the lens cover includes a first portion in which a first lens portion is accommodated, a second portion in which a liquid lens portion and a second lens portion are accommodated,
Wherein the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed.

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