KR20230111556A - Camera module including shock reducing structure and electronic apparatus including camera module thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A camera module including a shock absorbing member and an electronic device including the camera module are disclosed. A camera module according to an embodiment may include a frame, at least one impact mitigation member, and a lens assembly. As the lens assembly moves, a structure for preventing or at least partially absorbing an impact between the lens assembly and other components while contacting a fixing unit is proposed.
In addition to this, various embodiments identified through the specification are possible.

Description

A camera module having a shock mitigation structure and an electronic device including the camera module

Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a camera module and an electronic device including the camera module.

A camera module, which is a device for taking a picture or video of a subject, may be mounted in various devices such as a smart phone or a tablet PC as well as a digital camera.

The camera module may include a structure for moving at least one lens included in the camera module in order to obtain a desired picture or video. For example, the camera module may implement an auto focus function or a zoom function by moving a lens module including at least one lens in the direction of an optical axis of the lens, or shift or tilt the lens module to implement an optical image stabilization (OIS) function to compensate for shaking of the camera module.

The camera module may include an image sensor that converts light formed through the moved lens module into an electrical signal. The electronic device may generate a photo or video based on a signal output from an image sensor of the camera module.

Since the lens module is configured to be movable within the camera module, noise or vibration may be generated while the lens module is moved within the camera module and impact occurs to other structures within the camera module. Alternatively, damage may occur to devices within the camera module due to impact.

In addition, when a structure for alleviating the impact is disposed within the camera module, the size of the camera module may increase. Due to the increase in the size of the camera module, when the camera module is disposed in a device having a small thickness, such as a smart phone, there is a problem in that a portion of the camera module protrudes from the exterior of the housing of the device.

A camera module according to an embodiment accommodates a frame, at least one impact mitigation member having one end fixed to the frame, and at least one lens, and a lens assembly arranged to be movable in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction within the frame. The lens assembly may include a first fixing part formed on one side and a second fixing part disposed spaced apart from the first fixing part in the first direction. At least a portion of the at least one shock absorbing member may be disposed between the first fixing part and the second fixing part, and may come into contact with the first fixing part as the lens assembly moves in the first direction. Alternatively, at least one shock absorbing member may be disposed to contact the second fixing part as the lens assembly moves in the second direction.

A camera module according to an embodiment may include a frame, a lens assembly accommodating at least one lens and including a recess or an opening formed at one side thereof, an actuator for moving the lens assembly in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the at least one lens, and an impact absorbing member protruding from the frame into the recess or the opening and having at least a portion accommodated in the recess or opening. The shock absorbing member may be configured to contact one side of the recess or the opening by the movement of the lens assembly.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may include a camera module, a memory for storing instructions, and a processor for controlling an operation of the camera module by executing the instructions. The camera module may include a frame, at least one shock absorbing member having one end fixed to the frame, a lens assembly that accommodates at least one lens and is movable in a first direction within the frame or in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and an actuator that moves the lens assembly under the control of the processor.

The lens assembly may include a first fixing part formed on one side and a second fixing part disposed spaced apart from the first fixing part in the first direction. At least a portion of the at least one shock absorbing member may be disposed between the first fixing part and the second fixing part. The at least one shock absorbing member contacts the first fixing part as the lens assembly moves in the first direction in a state in which power is not supplied to the actuator, or the lens assembly moves in the second direction. It may be arranged to contact the second fixing part.

According to various embodiments disclosed in this document, a camera module and an electronic device including an impact mitigating member mitigating an impact generated by movement of a lens module within a camera module and an electronic device may be provided.

In addition, according to various embodiments, a camera module and an electronic device capable of reducing the degree of protrusion to the outside of the device by not increasing the size of the camera module (eg, the height of the entire camera module compared to the height of the lens barrel) while including the shock absorbing member can be provided.

Effects obtainable in the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

In addition to this, various effects identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a lens assembly, a frame, and an impact mitigation member included in a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment.
2 is a perspective view illustrating a coupled state of a lens assembly, a frame, and an impact mitigation member included in a camera module according to an embodiment.
3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a lens assembly, a frame, and an impact mitigation member included in a camera module according to an embodiment are combined, viewed from different directions.
4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating contact between an impact mitigation member and a fixing unit according to movement of a lens assembly included in a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment.
5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operation of moving a lens assembly of a camera module in a first direction according to an exemplary embodiment.
6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operation of moving a lens assembly of a camera module in a second direction according to an exemplary embodiment.
7 is a side view illustrating a position of an impact absorbing member according to an exemplary embodiment.
8 is a side view illustrating a position of an impact absorbing member according to another embodiment.
9 is a diagram illustrating an impact relieving member according to an exemplary embodiment.
10 is a diagram illustrating an impact absorbing member according to another embodiment.
11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device that may include a camera module according to an embodiment.
In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar elements.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments, and includes various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a lens assembly 110, a frame 140, and a shock absorbing member 160 included in a camera module 130 according to an exemplary embodiment. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a coupled state of the lens assembly 110, the frame 140, and the shock absorbing member 160 included in the camera module 130 according to an embodiment. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a coupled state of the lens assembly 110, the frame 140, and the shock absorbing member 160 included in the camera module 130 according to an embodiment.

In this document, the lens assembly 110 refers to a unit of components integrally coupled with a lens barrel accommodating at least one lens 114 and moving together. The camera module 130 according to an embodiment may include a driving unit for moving the lens assembly 110 . According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the camera module 130 may include an actuator 111 . The actuator 111 may include at least one magnet. The actuator 111 may move the lens assembly 110 using magnetic force generated by a magnet. The actuator 111 may include an auto focus actuator that moves the lens assembly to perform an auto focus (AF) function. The camera module 130 may further include an OIS actuator 112 for performing optical image stabilization (OIS). However, it is not limited to the configuration of the actuator of FIGS. 1 to 3 .

The lens assembly 110 according to one embodiment may be accommodated in the frame 140 . When power is supplied to the actuator 111 , the lens assembly 110 may move while being accommodated in the frame 140 . For example, when an electronic device including the camera module 130 (e.g., the electronic device 100 of FIG. 11) executes an autofocus function, the electronic device may move the lens assembly in a first direction (e.g., +z-axis direction) or a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., -z-axis direction) by controlling power supplied to the actuator 111 so that light forms an image on an image sensor.

The camera module 130 according to an embodiment may control power supplied to the camera module 130 according to whether a camera function of an electronic device including the camera module 130 (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 11 ) is executed. When the camera function is not executed, the electronic device may prevent power from being supplied to the camera module 130 . In this case, since the actuator 111 of the camera module 130 is also deactivated, the lens assembly 110 may move within the frame 140 when the electronic device moves. If the lens assembly 110 moves while the actuator 111 is inactive, the lens assembly 110 may collide with other parts of the camera module 130 . When the lens assembly 110 collides with other components, noise and vibration may be induced. If the amount of impact generated by the collision is large, damage may occur to the lens assembly 110 or other components.

When a shock absorber having a sufficient size is attached to a position where the lens assembly 110 and other parts come into contact to reduce the amount of impact due to collision, the optical axis of the lens assembly 110 or the camera module 130 may increase in height due to the size of the shock absorber. When the height of the lens assembly 110 or the camera module 130 in the optical axis direction increases, the degree to which at least a portion of the camera module 130 protrudes from the exterior of the electronic device including the camera module 130 increases. Accordingly, the camera module 130 according to an embodiment may include an impact mitigation member 160 disposed in the opening 120 formed on one side of the lens assembly. The opening 120 has a shape for accommodating the shock absorbing member 160 and is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the opening 120 may be replaced in the form of a recess.

According to one embodiment, the shock absorbing member of the shock absorbing member 160 may be disposed in the opening 120 of the lens assembly 110 through the opening 150 formed in the frame 140 . The camera module 130 according to an embodiment may include at least one impact mitigation member 160 . The at least one shock absorbing member 160 may include at least one of a structure or material for absorbing shock when a collision with another component occurs.

1 illustrates a camera module 130 including a first shock absorbing member 161 and a second shock absorbing member 162 having different shapes, but this is for convenience of explanation, and is not limited thereto. The camera module 130 according to various embodiments may include a plurality of shock absorbing members having the same shape.

1 illustrates that the shock absorbing member 160 includes a first shock absorbing member 161 and a second shock absorbing member 162, but is not limited thereto. The camera module 130 according to various embodiments may include one shock absorbing member or a plurality of shock absorbing members.

The opening 150 formed in the frame 140 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the shock absorbing member 160 to be inserted. Referring to FIG. 1 , when the shape of the shock absorbing member 160 is the shape of the first shock absorbing member 161 , the opening 150 may be formed in the shape of the first opening 151 . When the shape of the shock absorbing member 160 is the shape of the second shock absorbing member 162 , the opening 150 may be formed in the shape of the second opening 152 .

The opening 120 formed in the lens assembly 110 may be formed so that the shock absorbing member 160 contacts one side of the opening 120 as the lens assembly 110 moves within the frame 140 . Accordingly, the size or shape of the opening 120 may be determined according to at least one of the size or shape of the shock absorbing member 160. For example, when the shock absorbing member 160 has the shape of the first shock absorbing member 161, the opening 120 may be formed in the shape of the first opening 121. When the shock absorbing member 160 has the shape of the second shock absorbing member 162 , the opening 120 may be formed in the shape of the second opening 122 .

4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating contact between the shock absorbing member 160 and the fixing parts 311 and 312 according to the movement of the lens assembly 110 included in the camera module 130 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view showing at least a portion of the A-A' section of the camera module 130 of FIG. 2 .

The lens assembly 110 of the camera module 130 according to an embodiment may include a first fixing part 311 and a second fixing part 312 spaced apart from the first fixing part 311 . For example, the first fixing part 311 may include a surface facing the first direction 321 among surfaces forming the opening 120 . The second fixing part 312 may include a surface facing the second direction 322 among surfaces forming the opening 120 .

The lens assembly 110 of the camera module 130 according to an embodiment may move in a first direction 321 or a second direction 322 opposite to the first direction within the frame 140 . For example, the first direction 321 and the second direction 322 may be directions parallel to the optical axis of the lenses included in the lens assembly 110 (the z-axis direction in FIG. 4 ). However, it is not limited to this.

In the state shown in (b) of FIG. 4, when the lens assembly 110 of the camera module 130 according to an embodiment moves in the first direction 321, the first fixing part 311 moves along the moving direction of the lens assembly 110, and as shown in (a) of FIG. 4, the first fixing part 311 may contact the shock absorbing member 160. The movement speed of the lens assembly 110 in the first direction 321 may decrease due to compression or deformation of the shock absorbing member 160 caused by contact between the first fixing part 311 and the shock absorbing member 160. Accordingly, the amount of impact generated when the lens assembly 110 moves in the first direction 321 and collides with another component may be reduced.

In the state shown in (b) of FIG. 4, when the lens assembly 110 of the camera module 130 according to an embodiment moves in the second direction 322, the second fixing part 312 moves along the moving direction of the lens assembly 110, and as shown in (c) of FIG. 4, the second fixing part 312 may contact the shock absorbing member 160. The movement speed of the lens assembly 110 in the second direction 322 may decrease due to compression or deformation of the shock absorbing member 160 caused by contact between the second fixing part 312 and the shock absorbing member 160. Accordingly, the amount of impact generated when the lens assembly 110 moves in the second direction 322 and collides with another component may be reduced.

The shock absorbing member 160 according to an embodiment may contact the fixing parts 311 and 312 before the lens assembly 110 contacts other parts located in the moving direction.

5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operation in which the lens assembly 110 of the camera module 130 moves in a first direction 321 according to an embodiment.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 5 , the lens assembly 110 may move in a first direction 321 so that the shock absorbing member 160 may contact the first fixing part 311 within the opening 120 . When the shock absorbing member 160 contacts the first fixing part 311 , the lens assembly 110 may be in a state in which it does not contact other components located in the first direction 321 . Other components may be rigid bodies included in the electronic device 100 or the camera module 130 . For example, another component may be a cover 410 coupled to the top of the frame 140 and covering at least a portion of the lens assembly.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 5 , when the lens assembly 110 further moves in the first direction 321 after the shock absorbing member 160 contacts the first fixing part 311, at least a part 420 of the lens assembly 110 may come into contact with another part 410. While at least a portion 165 of the shock absorbing member 160 is deformed while the lens assembly 110 moves from the state shown in (a) of FIG. 5 to the state shown in (b) of FIG. For example, when the shock absorbing member 160 includes a cantilever structure having one end fixed to the frame 140, the cantilever structure is deformed to reduce the moving speed of the lens assembly 110. Alternatively, the moving speed of the lens assembly 110 may be reduced while the shock absorbing member 160 is deformed and/or compressed. For example, the cushioning material may include an elastomer whose shape is deformed when an impact is applied. In this document, the term that the cantilever-type structure is fixed to the frame 140 includes a structure in which the cantilever is directly fixed to the frame 140 as well as a structure extending from one end of the cantilever is fixed to the frame 140.

According to one embodiment, the camera module 130 may move the lens assembly 110 to the state shown in FIG. 5(b) in order to perform a focus adjustment function. In order for the lens assembly 110 to move to the state shown in FIG. 5 (b) according to the operation of the actuator 111 of the camera module 130, at least a portion 165 of the shock absorbing member 160 is deformed. The shock absorbing member 160 may be configured so that the resistance applied to the first fixing part 311 is smaller than the driving force generated by the actuator 111. For example, the thickness or material hardness of the shock absorbing member 160 may be determined based on the driving force generated by the actuator 111 .

6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operation in which the lens assembly 110 of the camera module 130 moves in a second direction 322 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 6 , the lens assembly 110 may move in the second direction 322 so that the shock absorbing member 160 may contact the second fixing part 312 within the opening 120 . When the shock absorbing member 160 contacts the second fixing part 312 , the lens assembly 110 may be in a state in which it does not contact other components located in the second direction 322 . Other components may be rigid bodies included in the electronic device 100 or the camera module 130 . For example, the other part may be a part forming at least a part of the bottom surface 510 of the frame 140 .

Referring to (b) of FIG. 6 , when the lens assembly 110 further moves in the second direction 322 after the shock absorbing member 160 contacts the second fixing part 312, at least a part 420 of the lens assembly 110 may come into contact with another part 510. While the lens assembly 110 moves from the state shown in (a) of FIG. 6 to the state shown in (b) of FIG. 6, at least a portion 165 of the shock absorbing member 160 is deformed. The moving speed of the lens assembly 110 can be reduced. For example, when the shock absorbing member 160 includes a cantilever-shaped structure having one end fixed to the frame 140, the cantilever-shaped structure may be deformed to reduce the moving speed of the lens assembly 110.

According to one embodiment, the camera module 130 may move the lens assembly 110 to the state shown in FIG. 6(b) in order to perform a focus control function. In order for the lens assembly 110 to move to the state shown in FIG. 6 (b) according to the operation of the actuator 111 of the camera module 130, at least a portion 165 of the shock absorbing member 160 is deformed. The shock absorbing member 160 may be configured so that the resistance applied to the second fixing part 312 is smaller than the driving force generated by the actuator 111.

7 is a side view illustrating a position of an impact relieving member 160 according to an exemplary embodiment.

The OIS actuator 112 of the camera module 130 according to an embodiment may include at least one magnet 611.

The shock absorbing member 160 according to an embodiment may be disposed spaced apart from the position where the magnet 611 is disposed. According to an embodiment, the first shock absorbing member 161 may be spaced apart from a position where the magnet 611 is disposed in a third direction (x-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis. The camera module 130 according to an embodiment may further include a second shock absorbing member 613 disposed spaced apart from a position where the magnet 611 is disposed in a fourth direction (−x-axis direction) opposite to the third direction.

In the shock absorbing member 160 according to an embodiment, a height 660 of the shock absorbing member 160 in a direction parallel to the optical axis (z-axis direction) may overlap at least a portion of a height 613 of the magnet 611 in a direction parallel to the optical axis. In the present specification, that the height of the shock absorbing member 160 overlaps with the height of the magnet 611 may mean a case where the height of at least a portion of the region where the shock absorbing member 160 is disposed overlaps with at least a portion of the height of the region where the magnet 611 is disposed and a case where the height of the center of the shock absorbing member 160 is included within the height of the region where the magnet 611 is disposed. According to an embodiment, a height 661 of the first shock absorbing member 161 may overlap at least a portion of the height 613 of the magnet 611 . According to an embodiment, a height 662 of the second shock absorbing member 162 may overlap at least a portion of the height 613 of the magnet 611 .

According to an embodiment, the shock absorbing member 160 may be disposed such that the height of the portion of the shock absorbing member 160 contacting the first fixing part (311 in FIG. 4 ) in the optical axis direction and the height of the portion of the shock absorbing member 160 in contact with the second fixing portion (312 in FIG. 4 ) in the optical axis direction are located within the height 613 of the magnet 611. The portion of the shock absorbing member 160 positioned within the opening (120 in FIG. 1 ) of the lens assembly is located within the range of the height 613 of the magnet 611, so that the lens assembly 110 and the frame 140 may not increase in height by the shock absorbing member 160.

8 is a side view illustrating a position of an impact absorbing member 160 according to another embodiment.

The actuator 111 according to an embodiment may include at least one magnet 711. The shock absorbing member 160 according to an embodiment may be disposed on a surface opposite to the surface on which the actuator 111 is disposed with respect to the camera module 130 . However, it is not limited thereto, and the shock mitigating member 130 may be disposed in the direction in which the actuator 111 is disposed.

Referring to FIG. 8 , when the camera module is viewed from the direction in which the actuator 111 is disposed, the impact mitigation member 160 according to an embodiment may be disposed spaced apart from a position where the magnet 711 is disposed. According to an embodiment, the first shock absorbing member 161 may be spaced apart from a position where the magnet 711 is disposed in a third direction (x-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis. The camera module 130 according to an embodiment may further include a second shock absorbing member 713 disposed spaced apart from a position where the magnet 711 is disposed in a fourth direction (−x-axis direction) opposite to the third direction.

In the shock absorbing member 160 according to an embodiment, a height 760 in a direction parallel to the optical axis (z-axis direction) of the shock absorbing member 160 may overlap at least a portion of a height 713 of the magnet 711 in a direction parallel to the optical axis. In the present specification, that the height of the shock absorbing member 160 overlaps with the height of the magnet 711 may mean a case where the height of at least a portion of the region where the shock absorbing member 160 is disposed overlaps with at least a portion of the height of the region where the magnet 711 is disposed and a case where the height of the center of the shock absorbing member 160 is included within the height of the magnet 711. According to an embodiment, a height 761 of the first shock absorbing member 161 may overlap at least a portion of the height 713 of the magnet 711 . According to an embodiment, a height 762 of the second shock absorbing member 162 may overlap at least a portion of a height 713 of the magnet 711 .

According to an embodiment, the shock absorbing member 160 may be disposed such that the height of the portion of the shock absorbing member 160 contacting the first fixing portion (311 in FIG. 4 ) in the optical axis direction and the height of the portion of the shock absorbing member 160 in contact with the second fixing portion (312 in FIG. 4 ) in the optical axis direction are located within the height 713 of the magnet 711. The height of the magnet 711 may be a minimum height that should be formed in the lens assembly to provide an actuator. Therefore, since the portion of the shock absorbing member 160 positioned within the opening (120 in FIG. 1 ) of the lens assembly is located within the range of the height 713 of the magnet 711, the height of the combination of the lens assembly 110 and the frame 140 may not increase by the shock absorbing member 160.

9 is a diagram illustrating an impact relieving member 161 according to an exemplary embodiment. 9(a) is a side view illustrating the impact relieving member 161 . 9(b) is a perspective view illustrating the impact relieving member 161 . 9(c) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the impact relieving member 161 is disposed within the camera module.

The shock absorbing member 161 according to an embodiment may include a cantilever 710 having one end fixed to the frame ( 140 in FIG. 1 ) and elastic members 721 and 723 disposed at the other end of the cantilever 710 . The cantilever 710 may include a plate having elasticity so as to be bent when the shock absorbing member 161 contacts the fixing parts 311 and 312 . The elastic members 721 and 723 may include at least one of a first elastic member 723 extending from one surface of the cantilever 710 in a direction toward the first fixing part 311 or a second elastic member 721 extending in a direction from the other surface of the cantilever 710 toward the second fixing part 312. The elastic members 721 and 723 may include a material capable of absorbing shock while being compressed when in contact with the fixing parts 311 and 312 . For example, the elastic members 721 and 723 may include at least one of an elastomer and a sponge.

The shock absorbing member 161 according to an embodiment may include a connection part 730 for fixing one end of the cantilever 710 to the frame ( 140 in FIG. 1 ). For example, the connecting portion 730 may include a plate extending from one end of the cantilever 710 . As the connecting portion 730 is fixed to the frame ( 140 in FIG. 1 ), one end of the cantilever 710 may be fixed to the frame ( 140 in FIG. 1 ).

The first elastic member 723 may contact the first fixing part 311 by the movement of the lens assembly ( 110 in FIG. 1 ) of the camera module according to an embodiment. Alternatively, the second elastic member 721 may contact the second fixing part 312 by the movement of the lens assembly ( 110 in FIG. 1 ).

10 is a diagram illustrating an impact absorbing member 162 according to another embodiment. 10(a) is a side view illustrating the shock absorbing member 162. As shown in FIG. 10(b) is a perspective view illustrating the impact relieving member 162 . 10(c) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the shock absorbing member 162 is disposed within the camera module.

The impact mitigation member 162 according to an embodiment may include an elastic body 820 having one end fixed to the plate 830 and extending from one end fixed to the plate in the direction of the lens assembly ( 110 in FIG. 1 ). The plate 830 may be fixed to the frame ( 140 in FIG. 1 ). The elastic body 820 may include a material capable of absorbing shock while being deformed and/or compressed when in contact with the fixing parts 311 and 312 . For example, the elastic body 820 may include at least one of an elastomer and a sponge.

One surface of the elastic body 820 of the lens assembly (110 in FIG. 1) may contact one side within the opening (122 in FIG. 1) by the movement of the lens assembly (110 in FIG. 1) of the camera module according to an embodiment. When one surface of the elastic body 820 contacts one side within the opening (122 in FIG. 1 ), the elastic body 820 may absorb impact while being deformed and compressed.

11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device 100 that may include a camera module according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11 , a display 910 may be disposed on the front of the electronic device 100 according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the display 910 may occupy most of the front surface of the electronic device 100 . A display 910 and a bezel 920 area surrounding at least some edges of the display 910 may be disposed on the front surface of the electronic device 100 . In the example of FIG. 11 , the display 910 may include a flat area 911 and a curved area 912 extending from the flat area 911 toward the side of the electronic device 100. Although the curved area 912 is shown only on one side (eg, the left side) in FIG. 11 , it can be understood that the curved area is formed on the opposite side as well. Also, the illustrated electronic device 100 of FIG. 11 is an example, and various embodiments are possible. For example, the display 910 of the electronic device 100 may include only the flat area 911 without the curved area 912 or may include the curved area 912 only on one edge instead of both sides. Also, in one embodiment, the curved area extends to the rear surface of the electronic device 100, and the electronic device 100 may include an additional flat area.

In one embodiment, a fingerprint sensor 941 for recognizing a user's fingerprint may be included in the first area 940 of the display 910 . Since the fingerprint sensor 941 is disposed below the display 910, it may not be recognized by the user or may be difficult to be recognized. In addition to the fingerprint sensor 941 , a sensor for additional user/biometric authentication may be disposed in a partial area of the display 910 . In another embodiment, a sensor for user/biometric authentication may be disposed in one area of the bezel 920 . For example, an IR sensor for iris authentication may be exposed through one area of the display 910 or through one area of the bezel 920 .

In one embodiment, a front camera 931 may be disposed on the front of the electronic device 100 . In the embodiment of FIG. 11 , the front camera 931 is shown as being exposed through one area of the display 910, but in another embodiment, the front camera 931 may be exposed through the bezel 920.

In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include one or more front cameras 931 . For example, the electronic device 100 may include two front cameras such as a first front camera and a second front camera. In one embodiment, the first front camera and the second front camera may be cameras of the same type having the same specifications (eg, pixels), but the first front camera and the second front camera may be implemented as cameras having different specifications. The electronic device 100 may support functions related to dual cameras (eg, 3D shooting, auto focus, etc.) through two front cameras.

In one embodiment, a rear camera 932 may be disposed on a rear surface of the electronic device 100 . The rear camera 932 may be exposed through the camera area 930 of the rear cover 960 . In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a plurality of rear cameras disposed in the camera area 930 . For example, the electronic device 100 may include two or more rear cameras. For example, the electronic device 100 may include a first rear camera, a second rear camera, and a third rear camera. The first rear camera, the second rear camera, and the third rear camera may have different specifications. For example, the first rear camera, the second rear camera, and/or the third rear camera's FOV, pixels, aperture, optical zoom/digital zoom support, image stabilization function support, and the type and arrangement of lens sets included in each camera may be different from each other. For example, the first rear camera may be a general camera, the second rear camera may be a wide camera, and the third rear camera may be a telephoto camera. In this document, descriptions of functions or characteristics of the front camera may be applied to the rear camera, and vice versa.

In one embodiment, various types of hardware or sensors that assist shooting, such as a flash 945, may be additionally disposed in the camera area 930. For example, a distance sensor (eg, a TOF sensor) for detecting a distance between a subject and the electronic device 100 may be further included.

In one embodiment, at least one physical key may be disposed on a side surface of the electronic device 100 . For example, a first function key 951 for turning on/off the display 910 or turning on/off power of the electronic device 100 may be disposed on the right edge of the electronic device 100 based on the front surface. In an embodiment, a second function key 952 for controlling the volume or screen brightness of the electronic device 100 may be disposed at the left edge of the electronic device 100 based on the front surface. In addition to this, additional buttons or keys may also be disposed on the front or rear of the electronic device 100. For example, a physical button or touch button mapped to a specific function may be disposed in a lower area of the front bezel 920 .

The electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to one example, and the type of device to which the technical concept disclosed in this document is applied is not limited. The technical idea disclosed in this document is applicable to various user devices having a first camera module facing a first direction and a second camera module facing a direction different from the first direction. For example, the technical concept disclosed in this document may be applied to a foldable electronic device capable of horizontally or vertically folding by employing the flexible display 910 and a hinge structure, or a tablet or laptop computer. In addition, the present technical idea can be applied even when the first camera module and the second camera module facing the same direction can be arranged to face different directions through rotation, folding, or deformation of the device.

A camera module according to an embodiment accommodates a frame, at least one impact mitigation member having one end fixed to the frame, and at least one lens, and a lens assembly arranged to be movable in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction within the frame.

The lens assembly may include a first fixing part formed on one side and a second fixing part disposed spaced apart from the first fixing part in the first direction.

At least a portion of the at least one shock absorbing member may be disposed between the first fixing part and the second fixing part, and may come into contact with the first fixing part as the lens assembly moves in the first direction. Alternatively, at least one shock absorbing member may be disposed to contact the second fixing part as the lens assembly moves in the second direction.

The camera module according to an embodiment may further include an actuator including a magnet for moving the lens assembly. At least one shock absorbing member may be disposed such that a height of the at least one lens in a direction parallel to an optical axis overlaps at least a portion of the magnet.

In the camera module according to an embodiment, at least one impact relieving member moves as power is supplied to the actuator so that at least a portion of the lens assembly is bent by the driving force of the actuator in a state in which the lens assembly moves and is in contact with the first fixing part or the second fixing part.

The camera module according to an embodiment may include a first shock absorbing member disposed so that at least one shock absorbing member is spaced apart from the magnet in a third direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

The camera module according to an embodiment may further include a second shock absorbing member disposed so that at least one shock absorbing member is spaced apart from the magnet in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction.

The camera module according to an embodiment may further include a third fixing part for limiting the movement of the lens assembly by contacting the frame as the lens assembly moves in the first direction or the second direction. As the shock absorbing member moves in the first direction or the second direction, the lens assembly may contact the first fixing part or the second fixing part before contacting the third fixing part.

The camera module according to an embodiment may include a cantilever having one end fixed to the frame and an elastic member disposed at the other end of the cantilever.

In the camera module according to an embodiment, the cantilever may include a plate having elasticity. The elastic member may include a protruding shape extending from both sides of the plate in the first direction and the second direction.

In the camera module according to an embodiment, the plate may be formed of a metal material and the elastic member may be formed of an elastomer.

In the camera module according to an embodiment, the elastic member may be configured to contact or be separated from the first fixing part or the second fixing part as the lens assembly moves.

The camera module according to an embodiment may include an elastic body having one end of the shock absorbing member fixed to the plate and extending from one end of the shock absorbing member fixed to the plate toward the lens assembly.

A camera module according to an embodiment may include a frame, a lens assembly accommodating at least one lens and including a recess or an opening formed at one side thereof, an actuator for moving the lens assembly in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the at least one lens, and an impact absorbing member protruding from the frame into the recess or the opening and having at least a portion accommodated in the recess or opening. The shock absorbing member may be configured to contact one side of the recess or the opening by the movement of the lens assembly.

In the camera module according to an embodiment, the impact mitigation member may be disposed so that at least a portion of the height of the at least one lens in a direction parallel to the optical axis overlaps the actuator.

The camera module according to an embodiment may further include a fixing unit that limits a movement range of the lens assembly by contacting the lens carrier by movement of the lens assembly. The shock absorbing member may be configured to contact one side of the recess or the opening before the lens assembly contacts the fixing part.

The camera module according to an embodiment may include a cantilever-shaped plate having one end fixed to the frame and an elastic member coupled to the other end.

The shock absorbing member of the camera module according to an embodiment may be configured such that the elastic member contacts one side of the recess or the opening by movement of the lens assembly.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may include a camera module, a memory for storing instructions, and a processor for controlling an operation of the camera module by executing the instructions. The camera module may include a frame, at least one shock absorbing member having one end fixed to the frame, a lens assembly that accommodates at least one lens and is movable in a first direction within the frame or in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and an actuator that moves the lens assembly under the control of the processor.

The lens assembly may include a first fixing part formed on one side and a second fixing part disposed spaced apart from the first fixing part in the first direction. At least a portion of the at least one shock absorbing member may be disposed between the first fixing part and the second fixing part. The at least one shock absorbing member contacts the first fixing part as the lens assembly moves in the first direction in a state in which power is not supplied to the actuator, or the lens assembly moves in the second direction. It may be arranged to contact the second fixing part.

An actuator of an electronic device according to an embodiment may include a magnet. At least one shock absorbing member may be disposed such that a height of the at least one lens in a direction parallel to an optical axis overlaps at least a portion of the magnet.

An impact absorbing member of an electronic device according to an embodiment may include a cantilever having one end fixed to the frame and an elastic member disposed at the other end of the cantilever.

The cantilever of the electronic device according to an embodiment may include a plate having elasticity. The elastic member may include a protruding shape extending from both sides of the plate in the first direction and the second direction.

Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be devices of various types. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (eg, a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. An electronic device according to an embodiment of this document is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

Various embodiments of this document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numbers may be used for like or related elements. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of items, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "secondary" may be used simply to distinguish a corresponding component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in other respects (eg, importance or order). When a (e.g., a first) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., a second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as, for example, logic, logical blocks, parts, or circuits. A module may be an integrally constructed component or a minimal unit of components or a portion thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of this document are stored in a storage medium (eg, internal memory (#36) or external memory (#38)) readable by a machine (eg, electronic device (#01)). It can be implemented as software (eg, program (#40)) including one or more instructions. For example, a processor (eg, processor #20) of a device (eg, electronic device #01) may call at least one command among one or more instructions stored from a storage medium and execute it. This enables the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one command invoked. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic wave), and this term does not distinguish between the case where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and the case where it is temporarily stored.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be included and provided in a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. A computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (eg, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed (eg, downloaded or uploaded) online, through an application store (eg, Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (eg, smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a device-readable storage medium such as a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server's memory.

According to various embodiments, each component (eg, module or program) of the above-described components may include a single object or a plurality of objects, and some of the multiple objects may be separately disposed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations among the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of components (eg modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by a corresponding component of the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, may be omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims (20)

In the camera module,
frame;
at least one shock absorbing member having one end fixed to the frame; and
A lens assembly configured to accommodate at least one lens and to be movable in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction within the frame;
The lens assembly includes a first fixing part formed on one side and a second fixing part disposed spaced apart from the first fixing part in the first direction,
At least a portion of the at least one shock absorbing member is disposed between the first fixing part and the second fixing part so that the lens assembly contacts the first fixing part as the lens assembly moves in the first direction, or the lens assembly is disposed to contact the second fixing part as the second direction moves. The method of claim 1,
The camera module further includes an actuator including a magnet for moving the lens assembly,
The at least one shock absorbing member is disposed such that a height in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the at least one lens overlaps at least a portion of the magnet. The method of claim 2,
The at least one shock absorbing member is configured to be bent at least in part by the driving force of the actuator in a state in which the lens assembly moves and contacts the first fixing part or the second fixing part as power is supplied to the actuator. A camera module. The method of claim 2,
The at least one shock absorbing member includes a first shock absorbing member disposed spaced apart from the magnet in a third direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the camera module. The method of claim 4,
The at least one shock absorbing member further includes a second shock absorbing member disposed spaced apart from the magnet in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, the camera module. The method of claim 1,
The frame further includes a third fixing part for limiting the movement of the lens assembly by contacting the lens assembly as it moves in the first direction or the second direction,
The camera module, wherein the shock absorbing member is disposed to contact the first fixing part or the second fixing part before the lens assembly contacts the third fixing part as the shock absorbing member moves in the first direction or the second direction. The method of claim 1,
The impact mitigation member,
A cantilever having one end fixed to the frame, and
A camera module comprising an elastic member disposed on the other end of the cantilever. The method of claim 7,
The cantilever includes a plate having elasticity,
The elastic member includes a protruding shape extending in the first direction and the second direction from both sides of the plate, the camera module. The method of claim 8,
The plate is formed of a metal material,
The elastic member is formed of an elastomer, the camera module. The method of claim 8,
The elastic member, as the lens assembly moves, contact or spaced apart from the first fixing part or the second fixing part, camera module. The method of claim 1,
The impact mitigation member,
A camera module comprising an elastic body having one end fixed to the plate and extending in the direction of the lens assembly from one end fixed to the plate. In the camera module,
frame;
a lens assembly accommodating at least one lens and including a recess or opening formed on one side;
an actuator for moving the lens assembly in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the at least one lens; and
a shock absorbing member protruding from the frame into the recess or the opening and receiving at least a portion of the shock absorbing member in the recess or the opening;
The shock absorbing member contacts one side of the recess or the opening by the movement of the lens assembly, the camera module. The method of claim 12,
The shock absorbing member is disposed such that a height in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the at least one lens overlaps at least a portion of the actuator. The method of claim 12,
Further comprising a fixing unit for limiting the movement range of the lens assembly by contacting the lens carrier by the movement of the lens assembly,
The shock absorbing member contacts one side of the recess or the opening before the lens assembly contacts the fixing portion, the camera module. The method of claim 12,
The impact mitigation member,
A camera module comprising a cantilever-shaped plate having one end fixed to the frame and having an elastic member coupled to the other end. The method of claim 15
The impact mitigation member,
The elastic member contacts one side of the recess or the opening by the movement of the lens assembly, the camera module. In electronic devices,
camera module;
memory for storing instructions; and
And a processor for controlling the operation of the camera module by executing the instructions,
The camera module,
frame,
At least one shock absorbing member having one end fixed to the frame;
A lens assembly that accommodates at least one lens and is disposed to be movable in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction within the frame, and
An actuator for moving the lens assembly under the control of the processor,
The lens assembly includes a first fixing part formed on one side and a second fixing part disposed spaced apart from the first fixing part in the first direction,
At least a portion of the at least one shock absorbing member is disposed between the first fixing part and the second fixing part, and is disposed to contact the first fixing part as the lens assembly moves in the first direction in a state in which power is not supplied to the actuator, or to contact the second fixing part as the lens assembly moves in the second direction. The method of claim 17
The actuator includes a magnet,
The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein a height of the at least one shock absorbing member in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the at least one lens overlaps at least a portion of the magnet. The method of claim 17
The impact mitigation member,
A cantilever having one end fixed to the frame, and
An electronic device comprising an elastic member disposed at the other end of the cantilever. The method of claim 19
The cantilever includes a plate having elasticity,
The electronic device, wherein the elastic member includes a protruding shape extending from both sides of the plate in the first direction and the second direction.

Images