Camera module and electronic device including the same

Abstract

A camera module according to one embodiment includes a camera housing, a lens assembly partially accommodated within the camera housing and including a lens - the lens assembly configured to move within the camera housing in an optical axis direction of the lens - and a stopper member coupled to the interior of the camera housing and at least partially limiting a range of movement of the lens assembly in the optical axis direction, the stopper member including a first stopper member limiting a range of movement of the lens assembly in a first optical axis direction and a second stopper member limiting a range of movement of the lens assembly in a second optical axis direction opposite to the first optical axis direction, the first stopper member and the second stopper member being configured to provide damping when the lens assembly contacts the first stopper member and the second stopper member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a camera module and an electronic device including the same.

Background Art

[0002] A mobile electronic device such as a smartphone can include a camera module. The camera module can include a lens, a lens barrel surrounding the lens, and an image sensor. The camera module can receive light reflected from an external subject. The light reflected from the subject can enter the inside of the lens barrel, pass through the lens, and reach the image sensor. The image sensor can convert the received optical signal into a related electrical signal.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The camera module can provide an auto focus (AF) function of adjusting the focus by moving the lens in the optical axis direction. The focus adjustment function can be performed automatically using a sensor or by user selection.

[0004] When the electronic device and / or the camera module is in a power-off state, the lens assembly including the lens cannot maintain a fixed position and may move inside the camera housing. When the lens assembly moves, the risk of lens damage can be increased, causing a deterioration in image quality.

[0005] According to an embodiment disclosed in this document, there is provided a camera module and an electronic device including the same that can limit the movement range of the lens assembly and reduce noise caused by collision of components of the camera module when the camera module and / or the electronic device is in a power-off state.

[0006] The technical problems that this document seeks to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and any other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A camera module according to one embodiment of this document includes a camera housing, a lens assembly including a lens, at least part of which is housed inside the camera housing—the lens assembly is configured to move in the optical axis direction of the lens inside the camera housing—and a stopper member coupled inside the camera housing, at least part of which restricts the range of movement of the lens assembly in the optical axis direction, wherein the stopper member includes a first stopper member that restricts the range of movement of the lens assembly in the first optical axis direction and a second stopper member that restricts the range of movement of the lens assembly in the second optical axis direction opposite to the first optical axis direction, and the first and second stopper members can be configured to provide damping when the lens assembly contacts the first and second stopper members.

[0008] A camera module according to one embodiment disclosed herein may include a camera housing including a light-receiving region into which external light is incident—an image sensor disposed on one side of the camera housing—a lens assembly housed inside the camera housing and including a lens—the lens assembly configured to move within the optical axis direction of the lens within the camera housing—a first reflective member housed inside the camera housing and configured to cause the external light incident through the light-receiving region to incident on the lens—a second reflective member disposed inside the camera housing opposite the first reflective member across the lens assembly and configured to cause the external light that has passed through the lens to incident on the image sensor—a support member coupled to the lens assembly so as to move with the lens assembly and extending toward the second reflective member—and a damping member disposed on the side wall of the camera housing and configured to contact a portion of the support member as the lens assembly moves in the optical axis direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed herein can prevent damage to the camera module by limiting the range of motion of the lens assembly when no power is applied to the electronic device or camera module.

[0010] Furthermore, in the various embodiments of the electronic devices disclosed in this document, the structure that limits the range of motion of the lens assembly is configured to include a stopper and / or damper, thereby absorbing or dissipating the impact caused by collisions of camera module components and reducing noise.

[0011] Furthermore, various other effects can be conveyed, directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0012] To gain a more complete understanding of the contents disclosed in this document and their effects, please refer to the following explanation provided with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a rear perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a disassembled perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment. [Figure 6a] This figure shows a stopper member for a camera module according to one embodiment. [Figure 6b] This figure shows a stopper member for a camera module according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows the operation of the lens assembly and stopper member of a camera module according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the operation of the lens assembly and stopper member of a camera module according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the rotational movement of a reflective member assembly of a camera module according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows a reflective member assembly, guide structure, and second drive member of a camera module according to one embodiment. [Figure 11a] This figure shows a reflective member assembly, guide structure, and second stopper member of a camera module according to one embodiment. [Figure 11b] This figure shows a reflective member assembly and a second stopper member of a camera module according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows a camera module according to one embodiment. [Figure 13a] This figure shows a support member and a damping member for a camera module according to one embodiment. [Figure 13b]A diagram showing a support member and a damping member of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] A diagram showing the operation of a support member and a damping member of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] A diagram showing the position of a sub-magnet of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] A diagram showing the operation of a sub-magnet of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] A perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] A diagram showing the position of a sub-magnet of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] A block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments. [Figure 20] A block diagram illustrating a camera module according to various embodiments.

[0014] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals can be used for the same or similar components.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] The FIGS. 1 to 20 discussed below and the various embodiments used to explain the principles of the present invention in this patent document are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present invention can be implemented in any system or device with appropriate arrangements.

[0016] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an electronic device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of an electronic device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0018] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an electronic device 100 according to one embodiment may include a housing 110 that includes a first surface (or front surface) 110A, a second surface (or rear surface) 110B, and a third surface (or side surface) 110C that encloses the space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B.

[0019] In other embodiments, the housing 110 may refer to a structure that forms part of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the third surface 110C.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first surface 110A may be formed by a front plate 102 that is at least partially substantially transparent (e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate including various coating layers). The second surface 110B may be formed by a substantially opaque rear plate 111. The rear plate 111 may be formed by, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. The third surface 110C may be formed by a side bezel structure (or side member) 118 that is coupled to the front plate 102 and the rear plate 111 and includes metal and / or polymer.

[0021] In other embodiments, the rear plate 111 and the side bezel structure 118 can be formed integrally and may include the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate 102 may include two first regions 110D that are distorted and seamlessly extend toward the rear plate 111 from a portion of the first surface 110A. The first regions 110D may be located at both ends of the long edge of the front plate 102.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the rear plate 111 may include two second regions 110E that are distorted and seamlessly extend toward the front plate 102 from a portion of the second surface 110B. The second regions 110E may be included at both ends of the long edge of the rear plate 111.

[0024] In other embodiments, the front plate 102 (or rear plate 111) may include only one of the first region 110D (or second region 110E). Also in other embodiments, the front plate 102 (or rear plate 111) may not include a portion of the first region 110D (or second region 110E).

[0025] In one embodiment, the side bezel structure 118, when viewed from the side of the electronic device 100, may have a first thickness (or width) in the side direction that does not include the first region 110D or the second region 110E (e.g., the short side), and a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness in the side direction that includes the first region 110D or the second region 110E (e.g., the long side).

[0026] In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include at least one of the following: a display 101, audio modules 103, 104, 107 (e.g., audio module 570 in Figure 19), a sensor module (not shown) (e.g., sensor module 576 in Figure 19), camera modules 105, 112, 113 (e.g., camera module 580 in Figure 19), a key input device 117 (e.g., input device 550 in Figure 19), a light-emitting element (not shown), and a connector hole 108 (e.g., connecting terminal 578 in Figure 19). In other embodiments, the electronic device 100 may omit at least one of the above components (e.g., a key input device 117 or a light-emitting element (not shown)), or may further include other components.

[0027] In one embodiment, the display 101 can be visually exposed through a substantial portion of the front plate 102. For example, at least a portion of the display 101 can be visually exposed through the front plate 102, which includes a first surface 110A and a first area 110D of the third surface 110C. The display 101 can be positioned on the back of the front plate 102.

[0028] In one embodiment, the corners of the display 101 can be formed to be substantially the same as the shape of the adjacent outer edge of the front plate 102. In another embodiment, in order to ensure a visually exposed area of ​​the display 101, the distance between the outer edge of the display 101 and the outer edge of the front plate 102 can be formed to be substantially the same.

[0029] In one embodiment, the surface (or front plate 102) of the housing 110 may include a screen display area that is formed as the display 101 becomes visually exposed. For example, the screen display area may include a first surface 110A and a first side area 110D.

[0030] In other embodiments, the screen display areas 110A and 110D may include a sensing area (not shown) configured to acquire the user's biometric information. Here, "screen display areas 110A and 110D include a sensing area" can be understood as at least a portion of the sensing area overlapping with the screen display areas 110A and 110D. For example, the sensing area (not shown) may mean an area that, like other areas of the screen display areas 110A and 110D, can display visual information by the display 101 and can also acquire the user's biometric information (e.g., fingerprints).

[0031] In one embodiment, the screen display areas 110A and 110D of the display 101 may include areas in which a first camera module 105 (e.g., a punch-hole camera) can be visually exposed. For example, at least a portion of the edges of the area in which the first camera module 105 is visually exposed may be surrounded by the screen display areas 110A and 110D. In various embodiments, the first camera module 105 may include a plurality of camera modules (e.g., camera module 580 in Figure 19).

[0032] In various embodiments, the display 101 can be configured such that at least one of the following is located behind the screen display areas 110A and 110D: an audio module (not shown), a sensor module (not shown), a camera module (e.g., a first camera module 105), and a light-emitting element (not shown). For example, the electronic device 100 can be configured such that the first camera module 105 (e.g., an under-display camera (UDC)) is located on the back (e.g., the -z-axis direction) of the first surface 110A (e.g., the front) and / or side surface 110C (e.g., at least one surface of the first area 110D). For example, the first camera module 105 can be located below the display 101 and may not be visually exposed to the screen display areas 110A and 110D.

[0033] In other embodiments (not shown), the display 101 may be coupled to or adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer for detecting a magnetic field stylus pen.

[0034] In one embodiment, the audio modules 103, 104, and 107 may include microphone holes 103 and 104 and a speaker hole 107.

[0035] In one embodiment, the microphone holes 103 and 104 may include a first microphone hole 103 formed in a portion of the third surface 110C and a second microphone hole 104 formed in a portion of the second surface 110B. Microphones (not shown) for acquiring external sounds may be placed inside the microphone holes 103 and 104. The microphones may include multiple microphones to sense the direction of sound.

[0036] In one embodiment, a second microphone hole 104 formed in a portion of the second surface 110B can be positioned adjacent to camera modules 105, 112, and 113. For example, the second microphone hole 104 can acquire sound when camera modules 105, 112, and 113 are running, or when other functions are running.

[0037] In one embodiment, the speaker hole 107 may include an external speaker hole 107 and a call receiver hole (not shown). The external speaker hole 107 may be formed in a portion of the third surface 110C of the electronic device 100. In another embodiment, the external speaker hole 107 may be realized in a single hole with the microphone hole 103. Although not shown, a call receiver hole (not shown) may be formed in another portion of the third surface 110C. For example, the call receiver hole may be formed in another portion of the third surface 110C (e.g., a portion facing the +y axis) opposite to the portion of the third surface 110C in which the external speaker hole 107 is formed (e.g., a portion facing the -y axis). Depending on the various embodiments, the call receiver hole may not be formed in a portion of the third surface 110C, but rather in a separation space between the front plate 102 (or display 101) and the side bezel structure 118.

[0038] In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include at least one speaker (not shown) configured to output sound to the outside of the housing 110 through an external speaker hole 107 or a call receiver hole (not shown). Depending on the various embodiments, the speaker may include a piezo speaker in which the speaker hole 107 is omitted.

[0039] In one embodiment, a sensor module (not shown) can generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to the internal operating state of the electronic device 100 or the external environmental state. For example, the sensor module may include at least one of the following: proximity sensor, HRM sensor, fingerprint sensor, gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, barometric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, acceleration sensor, grip sensor, color sensor, IR (infrared) sensor, biosensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor.

[0040] In one embodiment, the camera modules 105, 112, and 113 may include a first camera module 105 (e.g., a punch-hole camera) exposed from a first surface 110A of the electronic device 100, a second camera module 112 exposed from a second surface 110B, and / or a flash 113.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first camera module 105 can be visually exposed through a portion of the screen display areas 110A and 110D of the display 101. For example, the first camera module 105 can be visually exposed to a portion of the screen display areas 110A and 110D through an opening (not shown) formed in a portion of the display 101. In another example, the first camera module 105 (e.g., an under-display camera) can be positioned on the back of the display 101 and not visually exposed to the screen display areas 110A and 110D.

[0042] In one embodiment, the second camera module 112 may include multiple cameras (e.g., dual cameras, triple cameras, or quad cameras). However, the second camera module 112 is not necessarily limited to including multiple cameras, and may include a single camera.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first camera module 105 and the second camera module 112 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash 113 may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In another embodiment, two or more lenses (infrared camera, wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and an image sensor may be arranged on one side of the electronic device 100.

[0044] In one embodiment, the key input device 117 may be located on the third surface 110C) of the housing 110 (e.g., the first region 110D and / or the second region 110E). In other embodiments, the electronic device 100 may not include some or all of the key input device 117, and the not included key input device 117 may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys on the display 101. In other embodiments, the key input device may include a sensor module (not shown) that forms a sensing region (not shown) included in the screen display regions 110A, 110D.

[0045] In one embodiment, the connector hole 108 can accommodate a connector. The connector hole 108 can be located on the third surface 110C of the housing 110. For example, the connector hole 108 can be located on the third surface 110C adjacent to at least a portion of an audio module (e.g., a microphone hole 103 and a speaker hole 107). In another embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first connector hole 108 that can accommodate a connector for sending / receiving power and / or data to / from an external electronic device (e.g., a USB connector) and / or a second connector hole (not shown) that can accommodate a connector for sending / receiving audio signals to / from an external electronic device (e.g., an earphone jack).

[0046] In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a light-emitting element (not shown). For example, the light-emitting element (not shown) may be positioned on the first surface 110A of the housing 110. The light-emitting element (not shown) may provide state information of the electronic device 100 in the form of light. In another embodiment, the light-emitting element (not shown) may provide a light source that is synchronized with the operation of the first camera module 105. For example, the light-emitting element (not shown) may include an LED, an IR LED, and / or a xenon lamp.

[0047] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0048] Referring to Figure 3, an electronic device 100 according to one embodiment may include a front plate 120 (e.g., front plate 102 in Figure 1), a display 130 (e.g., display 101 in Figure 1), a side member 140 (e.g., side bezel structure 118 in Figure 1), a printed circuit board 150, a rear case 160, a battery 170, a rear plate 180 (e.g., rear plate 111 in Figure 2), and an antenna (not shown).

[0049] In various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may omit at least some of the components (e.g., the rear case 160) or may include other components. Some of the components of the electronic device 100 shown in Figure 3 may be the same as or similar to some of the components of the electronic device shown in Figures 1 and 2 (e.g., the electronic device 100 in Figures 1 and 2), and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0050] In one embodiment, the front plate 120 and the display 130 can be coupled to the side member 140. For example, with reference to Figure 3, the front plate 120 and the display 130 can be positioned below the side member 140. The front plate 120 and the display 130 can be positioned in the +z axis direction from the side member 140. For example, the display 130 can be coupled below the side member 140, and the front plate 120 can be coupled below the display 130. The front plate 120 can form part of the outer surface (or appearance) of the electronic device 100. The display 130 can be positioned between the front plate 120 and the side member 140 so as to be located inside the electronic device 100.

[0051] In one embodiment, the side member 140 can be positioned between the display 130 and the rear plate 180. For example, the side member 140 can be configured to surround the space between the rear plate 180 and the display 130.

[0052] In one embodiment, the side member 140 may include a frame structure 141 that forms part of the side of the electronic device 100 (e.g., the third surface 110C in Figure 1) and a plate structure 142 that extends inward from the frame structure 141.

[0053] In one embodiment, the plate structure 142 can be positioned inside the frame structure 141 so as to be surrounded by the frame structure 141. The plate structure 142 can be connected to the frame structure 141 or formed integrally with the frame structure 141. The plate structure 142 can be formed from a metallic material and / or a non-metallic (e.g., polymer) material. In one embodiment, the plate structure 142 can support other components included in the electronic device 100. For example, at least one of the following can be arranged on the plate structure 142: a display 130, a printed circuit board 150, a rear case 160, and a battery 170. For example, the plate structure 142 can have the display 130 bonded to one side (e.g., the side facing the +z axis) and the printed circuit board 150 bonded to the opposite side of the same side (e.g., the side facing the -z axis).

[0054] In one embodiment, the rear case 160 can be positioned between the rear plate 180 and the plate structure 142. The rear case 160 can be coupled to the side member 140 so as to overlap at least a portion of the printed circuit board 150. For example, the rear case 160 can face the plate structure 142 with the printed circuit board 150 in between.

[0055] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board 150 may be equipped with a processor (e.g., processor 520 in Figure 19), memory (e.g., memory 530 in Figure 19), and / or an interface (e.g., interface 577 in Figure 19). The processor may include one or more of the following: a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. The memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The interface may include, for example, HDMI (registered trademark) high definition multimedia interface, a USB (universal serial bus) interface, an SD card interface, and / or an audio interface. The interface may allow the electronic device 100 to be electrically or physically connected to an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card / MMC connector, or an audio connector.

[0056] In one embodiment, the battery 170 (e.g., battery 589 in Figure 19) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 100. For example, the battery 170 may include a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery 170 may be arranged substantially coplanar with the printed circuit board 150. The battery 170 may be integrally arranged inside the electronic device 100, or it may be detachably arranged from the electronic device 100.

[0057] In one embodiment, an antenna (not shown) (e.g., antenna module 597 in Figure 19) can be positioned between the rear plate 180 and the battery 170. The antenna (not shown) may include, for example, an NFC (near-field communication) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or an MST (magnetic secure transmission) antenna. The antenna (not shown) may, for example, communicate with an external device over short distances or wirelessly transmit and receive power necessary for charging.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first camera module 105 may be positioned on at least a portion of the side member 140 (e.g., plate structure 142) so that the lens can receive external light through a portion of the front plate 120 (e.g., front surface 110A in Figure 1). For example, the lens of the first camera module 105 may be visually exposed to a portion of the front plate 120 (e.g., camera area 137).

[0059] In one embodiment, the second camera module 112 can be positioned on the printed circuit board 150 such that its lens can receive external light through a camera area 184 on the rear plate 180 of the electronic device 100 (e.g., rear plate 110B in Figure 2). For example, the lens of the second camera module 112 can be visually exposed to the camera area 184. In one embodiment, the second camera module 112 can be positioned in at least a portion of the internal space formed in the housing of the electronic device 100 (e.g., housing 110 in Figures 1 and 2) and can be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 150 via a connecting member (e.g., a connector).

[0060] In one embodiment, the camera region 184 can be formed on the surface of the rear plate 180 (e.g., rear surface 110B in Figure 2). In one embodiment, the camera region 184 can be formed to be at least partially transparent so that external light can enter the lens of the second camera module 112. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the camera region 184 can protrude to a predetermined height from the surface of the rear plate 180. However, it is not limited to this, and the camera region 184 can also form a plane substantially identical to the surface of the rear plate 180.

[0061] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the camera module 200 according to one embodiment. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module 200 according to one embodiment.

[0062] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, a camera module 200 according to one embodiment (e.g., the first camera module 105 or the second camera module 112 in Figures 1 to 3) may include a camera housing 210, a lens assembly 220, a reflective member assembly 230, a guide structure 250, a stopper member 240, a first drive member 260, a second drive member 270, a sensor assembly 283, a second reflective member 291, and a flexible substrate 292.

[0063] In one embodiment, the camera housing 210 can form at least a portion of the external appearance of the camera module 200. For example, the surface of the camera housing 210 can form the outer surface or outer edge of the camera module 200. Other components of the camera module 200 can be housed inside the camera housing 210.

[0064] In one embodiment, the camera housing 210 may include a first housing 210-1 and a second housing 210-2 coupled to the first housing 210-1. For example, the first housing 210-1 may be a lower housing or frame, and the second housing 210-2 may be an upper housing or cover. The camera housing 210 may be configured to provide a predetermined space inside which other components of the camera module 200 can be accommodated by the coupling of the first housing 210-1 and the second housing 210-2. For example, the first housing 210-1 may form the lower surface of the camera module 200 (e.g., the surface facing the -z axis), and the second housing 210-2 may form the upper surface (e.g., the surface facing the +z axis) and side surfaces (e.g., the surfaces facing the x and y axes) of the camera module 200.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first housing 210-1 can form a space in which other components of the camera module 200 can be accommodated together with the second housing 210-2. The first housing 210-1 can be formed in a form with an open top, and can form an accommodation space in which a lens assembly 220, a reflector assembly 230, a second reflector 291 and / or a guide structure 250 are arranged inside. For example, the accommodation space of the first housing 210-1 can mean a predetermined space enclosed by the bottom (e.g., base 212) and sides (e.g., side walls 213, 214, 215, 216) of the first housing 210-1. At least a portion of the accommodation space can be covered by the second housing 210-2.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first housing 210-1 can support or connect to other components of the camera module 200. For example, the first housing 210-1 may be configured such that a lens assembly 220, a reflector assembly 230, a second reflector 291, and a guide structure 250 are arranged in the housing space of the first housing 210-1, and a flexible substrate 292, a sensor assembly 283, and a stopper member 240 are arranged on the side walls 213, 214, 215, and 216 of the first housing 210-1. For example, the guide structure 250, the reflector assembly 230 (or the first reflector 231), the lens assembly 220, and the second reflector 291 may be arranged sequentially along the first optical axis in the housing space.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first housing 210-1 may include a base 212 that forms the bottom surface (e.g., the surface facing the z-axis) of the first housing 210-1 (or the camera module 200), and a plurality of side walls 213, 214, 215, 216 extending from the edge of the base 212 in a direction perpendicular to the base 212 (e.g., in the +z-axis direction).

[0068] In one embodiment, a lens assembly 220 can be positioned on the base 212 so as to be movable in the optical axis L direction. For example, a plurality of first balls 229 can be positioned between the lens carrier 222 of the lens assembly 220 and the base 212 to guide the movement of the lens assembly 220. In one embodiment, a first recess 217 can be formed in the base 212 in which the plurality of first balls 229 are positioned. For example, the first recess 217 can be formed by recessing a portion of the base 212 in the -z-axis direction. The first recess 217 can be formed in a shape that extends for a predetermined length in the optical axis L direction (e.g., x-axis direction). For example, the number of first recesses 217 can correspond to the number of first balls 229. The plurality of first balls 229 can be configured to roll in the space between the lens carrier 222 and the base 212. For example, the multiple first balls 229 can rotate while moving linearly in the optical axis L direction between the lens carrier 222 and the base 212, or rotate in their initial positions, as the lens carrier 222 moves in the optical axis L direction.

[0069] In various embodiments, the camera module 200 can be configured to provide an autofocus function (AF) by using a first drive member 260 to move the lens assembly 220 in the direction of the optical axis L.

[0070] In one embodiment, the multiple side walls 213, 214, 215, 216 may include a first side wall 213 parallel to the optical axis L, a second side wall 214 facing the first side wall 213 and parallel to the optical axis L, a third side wall 215 facing the second optical axis direction (e.g., the +x axis direction) and connecting the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214, and a fourth side wall 216 facing the first optical axis direction (e.g., the -x axis direction) and connecting the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214. For example, the third side wall 215 can connect one end of the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214 (e.g., the end in the direction of the second optical axis or the end in the direction of the +x axis), and the fourth side wall 216 can connect the other end of the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214 (e.g., the end in the direction of the first optical axis or the end in the direction of the -x axis). For example, the third side wall 215 and the fourth side wall 216 can be substantially perpendicular to the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214.

[0071] In one embodiment, the first housing 210-1 can be configured such that a flexible substrate 292 and coils 261, 271, 273 are arranged on at least a portion of the multiple side walls 213, 214, 215, 216. For example, at least a portion of the multiple side walls 213, 214, 215, 216 can be surrounded by a flexible substrate 292, and coils 261, 271, 273 can be arranged on at least a portion of the flexible substrate 292.

[0072] In one embodiment, at least portions of the first side wall 213, the second side wall 214, and the third side wall 215 among the plurality of side walls 213, 214, 215, and 216 can be surrounded by a flexible substrate 292. Opening regions 2131, 2132, 2141, 2142, and 2151 can be formed in the first side wall 213, the second side wall 214, and the third side wall 215 so that a plurality of coils 261, 271, and 273 can be arranged. The plurality of coils 261, 271, and 273 can be positioned in the housing space of the first housing 210-1 through the opening regions so as to face the corresponding plurality of magnets 262, 272, and 274, respectively. For example, the first side wall 213 can have a first opening region 2131 where the first coil 261 is located and a second opening region 2132 where the second coil 271 is located. A third opening region 2141 where the first coil 261 is located and a fourth opening region 2142 where the second coil 271 is located can be formed in the second side wall 214. A fifth opening region 2151 where the third coil 273 is located can be formed in the third side wall 215.

[0073] In one embodiment, a sensor assembly 283 can be positioned on the second side wall 214 of the first housing 210-1. For example, a sixth opening region 2143 can be formed on the second side wall 214, and the sensor assembly 283 can be positioned on the second side wall 214 such that the image sensor 281 is aligned with the sixth opening region 2143. For example, the sensor assembly 283 can be positioned on the outer surface of the second side wall 214 (e.g., the surface facing the -y axis) such that the image sensor 281 faces the sixth opening region 2143. When the second side wall 214 is viewed from the front with reference to Figure 5 (e.g., when the second side wall 214 is viewed in the -y axis direction), the image sensor 281 can partially overlap with the sixth opening region 2143. According to one embodiment, external light that has passed through the first reflective member 231 and the lens unit 221 can be refracted and / or reflected by the second reflective member 291 and then incident on the image sensor 281 through the sixth aperture region 2143.

[0074] In one embodiment, the second housing 210-2 can be coupled to the upper part (e.g., in the +z axis direction) of the first housing 210-1. The second housing 210-2 can be formed in such a way that it can cover at least a portion of the first housing 210-1. For example, the second housing 210-2 can cover the housing space by coupling to the upper part of the first housing 210-1.

[0075] In one embodiment, a light-receiving area 211 can be formed in the second housing 210-2, in which the first reflective member 231 is visually exposed. For example, the light-receiving area 211 can be formed in a portion of the upper surface 210a of the second housing 210-2 (e.g., the surface facing the +z axis). For example, the light-receiving area 211 may include an opening (or through-hole) formed in the upper surface of the second housing 210-2, or it may include a transparent area. External light can travel into the camera housing 210 through the light-receiving area 211. External light can be incident on the first reflective member 231 located inside the camera housing 210 through the light-receiving area 211. For example, the light-receiving area 211 may overlap with the first reflective member 231 so that external light can be incident on the first reflective member 231. As illustrated in Figure 4, at least a portion of the first reflective member 231 can be visually exposed to the outside of the camera housing 210 through the light-receiving area 211. For example, when viewing the upper surface 210a of the second housing 210-2 from above, at least a portion of the first reflective member 231 can overlap with the light-receiving area 211.

[0076] In one embodiment, the lens assembly 220 can be located inside the camera housing 210. The lens assembly 220 can be configured to move within the camera housing 210 in the direction of the optical axis L of the lens. For example, the lens assembly 220 can move linearly in the direction of a first optical axis or a second optical axis within the housing space of the first housing 210-1. In one embodiment, the optical axis L of the lens can be defined as a virtual axis extending in the direction in which external light passes through the lens. For example, the optical axis L can substantially extend in the x-axis direction.

[0077] In one embodiment, the lens assembly 220 may include a lens unit 221 and a lens carrier 222 in which at least a portion of the lens unit 221 is housed. The lens unit 221 may include one or more lenses, at least a portion of which may be housed in the lens carrier 222. The lens unit 221 may be movable together with the lens carrier 222. The lens carrier 222 may be positioned to be movable in the optical axis L direction within the housing space of the first housing 210-1 (e.g., base 212). A first magnet 262 may be positioned in the lens carrier 222, which electromagnetically interacts with a first coil 261. For example, the lens carrier 222 may be configured to move in the optical axis L direction by an electromagnetic force generated between the first coil 261 and the first magnet 262. In another example, the lens carrier 222 may also move in the optical axis direction of the camera housing 210 when no power is applied to the camera module 200.

[0078] In one embodiment, the reflective member assembly 230 can be located inside the camera housing 210. For example, the reflective member assembly 230 can be positioned in the second optical axis direction with respect to the lens assembly 220. The reflective member assembly 230 can be configured to reflect or refract external light incident through the light-receiving region 211. For example, light incident on the reflective member assembly 230 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L (e.g., the z-axis direction) through the light-receiving region 211 can be reflected and / or refracted by the first reflective member 231 and incident on the lens unit 221 along the optical axis L.

[0079] In one embodiment, the reflector assembly 230 may include a first reflector 231 and a holder 232 that houses at least a portion of the first reflector 231. The first reflector 231 can reflect and / or refract external light so that it enters the lens assembly 220. For example, the first reflector 231 may include a mirror or prism having an inclined surface. The first reflector 231 can be positioned in the holder 232. For example, the first reflector 231 may be coupled to the holder 232 so as to move or rotate with the holder 232.

[0080] In one embodiment, the holder 232 can be configured to rotate around a virtual axis of rotation relative to the first housing 210-1. The virtual axis of rotation can be substantially perpendicular to the optical axis L. For example, the holder 232 can rotate within a predetermined range around a virtual first axis of rotation substantially parallel to the z-axis (e.g., the first axis of rotation R1 in Figure 9). The holder 232 can also rotate within a predetermined range around a virtual second axis of rotation substantially parallel to the y-axis (e.g., the second axis of rotation R2 in Figure 9).

[0081] In one embodiment, a guide structure 250 for guiding the rotation of the reflective member assembly 230 can be coupled to the holder 232.

[0082] In one embodiment, the guide structure 250 may include a first guide member 251 coupled to a holder 232 and a second guide member 252 coupled to the first guide member 251. For example, the holder 232 may be rotatably coupled to the first guide member 251 about an axis of rotation (e.g., the first axis of rotation R1 in Figure 9). For example, the first guide member 251 may be rotatably coupled to the second guide member 252 about an axis of rotation (e.g., the second axis of rotation R2 in Figure 9). The holder 232 may be coupled so as to rotate together with the first guide member 251 when the first guide member 251 rotates relative to the second guide member 252. For example, the reflector assembly 230 may rotate relative to the first guide member 251 when rotating about the first axis of rotation R1, and may rotate together with the first guide member 251 relative to the second guide member 252 when rotating about the second axis of rotation R2. The relationship between the reflective member assembly 230 and the guide structure 250 will be explained below with reference to Figures 9 to 11.

[0083] In one embodiment, a second magnet 272 that electromagnetically interacts with a second coil 271 may be arranged in the holder 232. For example, the holder 232 may be configured to rotate about an axis of rotation parallel to the z-axis due to the electromagnetic force generated between the second coil 271 and the second magnet 272. A third magnet 274 that electromagnetically interacts with a third coil 273 may be arranged in the first guide member 251. For example, the first guide member 251 may be configured to rotate about an axis of rotation parallel to the y-axis due to the electromagnetic force generated between the third coil 273 and the third magnet 274.

[0084] In various embodiments, the camera module 200 can provide an optical image stabilizer (OIS) in response to external noise (e.g., camera shake) applied to the camera module 200 by using a second drive member 270 to rotate the reflective member assembly 230 around a rotation axis perpendicular to the optical axis L. For example, the camera module 200 can compensate for image blur by rotating the first reflective member 231 within a predetermined range to change the angle of propagation of light incident toward the lens assembly 220.

[0085] In one embodiment, the stopper member 240 can restrict the range of movement of the lens assembly 220 in the optical axis direction. For example, the stopper member 240 can restrict the movement of the lens assembly 220 in the optical axis direction by contacting the lens assembly 220 with at least a portion of it. The stopper member 240 can be configured to provide damping with respect to the movement of the lens assembly 220 in the optical axis direction. For example, the stopper member 240 can be formed of a material that is at least partly elastic so that it can absorb and / or mitigate impact when it comes into contact with the lens assembly 220. The stopper member 240 can perform a damping action by restricting the range of movement of the lens assembly 220 and by providing a damping force when it comes into contact with the lens assembly 220.

[0086] In one embodiment, the stopper member 240 may include a first stopper member 241 that restricts the movement of the lens assembly 220 in the first optical axis direction, and a second stopper member 242 that restricts the movement of the lens assembly 220 in the second optical axis direction. The first stopper member 241 may be coupled to the first side wall 213 of the first housing 210-1. The second stopper member 242 may be coupled to the first side wall 213 and / or the second side wall 214 of the first housing 210-1. For example, the first stopper member 241 may be configured to contact the lens assembly 220 when the lens assembly 220 moves by a specified distance in the first optical axis direction. The second stopper member 242 may be configured to contact the lens assembly 220 when the lens assembly 220 moves by a specified distance in the second optical axis direction. The first stopper member 241 can provide damping when the lens assembly 220 moves in the first optical axis direction and makes contact (or collision), and the second stopper member 242 can provide damping when the lens assembly 220 moves in the second optical axis direction and makes contact (or collision). The shape and function of the stopper members 240 will be described below with reference to Figures 6a to 8.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first drive member 260 can provide a driving force for moving the lens assembly 220 in the optical axis L direction. The first drive member 260 may include a first coil 261 located in either the camera housing 210 (e.g., first housing 210-1) or the lens assembly 220, and a first magnet 262 located in the other of the camera housing 210 or the lens assembly 220. According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the first coil 261 may be located in the side wall of the first housing 210-1 (e.g., first side wall 213 and second side wall 214), and the first magnet 262 may be located in the lens carrier 222 so as to face the first coil 261. However, the position of the first drive member 260 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the first coil 261 may be located in the lens carrier 222 and the first magnet 262 may be located in the first housing 210-1.

[0088] In one embodiment, the camera module 200 can control the position of the lens assembly 220 in the optical axis L direction by controlling the current flowing through the first coil 261. For example, the first magnet 262 and the first coil 261 can interact electromagnetically. For example, the first coil 261 can be located inside the magnetic field formed by the first magnet 262. In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 520 in Figure 19 and / or image signal processor 660 in Figure 20) can control the direction and / or intensity of the current passing through the first coil 261. An electromagnetic force (e.g., Lorentz force) can be applied to the first magnet 262 corresponding to the direction of the current passing through the first coil 261. The electromagnetic force can cause the lens assembly 220 to move in the optical axis L direction of the lens. In one embodiment, the second reflective member 291 and the image sensor 281 are fixedly positioned in the first housing 210-1, and the lens assembly 220 can move in the optical axis L direction between the reflective member assembly 230 and the second reflective member 291. This allows the distance between the lens assembly 220 and the second reflective member 291 to change, thereby changing the distance traveled by the light that passes through the lens, is reflected by the second reflective member 291, and proceeds to the image sensor 281.

[0089] In one embodiment, the second drive member 270 can provide a driving force to rotate the reflector assembly 230 about a rotation axis perpendicular to the optical axis L. For example, the second drive member 270 may include a second magnet 272 and a second coil 271 for rotating the reflector assembly 230 about a rotation axis parallel to the z-axis, and a third magnet 274 and a third coil 273 for rotating the reflector assembly 230 about a rotation axis parallel to the y-axis. For example, the second magnet 272 and the second coil 271 can interact electromagnetically. For example, the third magnet 274 and the third coil 273 can interact electromagnetically. The operation of the reflector assembly 230 rotating by the second drive member 270 will be described below with reference to Figures 9 to 11.

[0090] In one embodiment, the second coil 271 may be located in either the camera housing 210 (e.g., the first housing 210-1) or the reflector assembly 230, and the second magnet 272 may be located in the other of the camera housing 210 or the reflector assembly 230. In one embodiment, the third coil 273 may be located in either the camera housing 210 or the first guide member 251, and the third magnet 274 may be located in the other of the camera housing 210 or the first guide member 251. According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the second coil 271 and the third coil 273 may be located on the side walls of the first housing 210-1 (e.g., the first side wall 213, the second side wall 214, and the third side wall 215), the second magnet 272 may be located in the holder 232 facing the second coil 271, and the third magnet 274 may be located in the first guide member 251 facing the third coil 273. However, the position of the second drive member 270 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the second magnet 272 and the third magnet 274 may be located in the first housing 210-1, the second coil 271 may be located in the holder 232, and the third coil 273 may be located in the first guide member 251.

[0091] In one embodiment, the sensor assembly 283 may be positioned on the second side wall 214 of the first housing 210-1. The sensor assembly 283 may include an image sensor 281 and a sensor substrate 282 to which the image sensor 281 is electrically connected. The image sensor 281 may be aligned with a sixth aperture region 2143 formed in the second side wall 214 of the first housing 210-1 so that light reflected or refracted by the second reflective member 291 can be incident on it. For example, the image sensor 281 may be positioned to face one side of the second reflective member 291 via the sixth aperture region 2143. The image sensor 281 may be configured to receive light that has passed through a lens and been reflected by the second reflective member 291, and to generate an electrical signal based on the received optical signal. The sensor board 282 can be electrically connected to the connector 285, and the connector 285 can be electrically connected to the printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board 150 in Figure 3) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in Figures 1 to 3). For example, the sensor board 282 can be electrically connected to the connector 285 via a connecting member 284 (e.g., a flexible board or cable).

[0092] In one embodiment, the second reflective member 291 can alter the path of external light that has passed through the lens. The second reflective member 291 can be positioned in the first optical axis direction with respect to the lens assembly 220. For example, the second reflective member 291 can cause external light that has passed through the lens and is traveling in the first optical axis direction to be incident on the image sensor 281 by reflecting or refracting it in a direction perpendicular to the first optical axis direction (e.g., the -y axis direction). For example, the second reflective member 291 may include a mirror or prism with an inclined surface. In other embodiments, the camera module 200 may not include the second reflective member 291. If the second reflective member 291 is omitted, as in the other embodiments, the image sensor 281 can be repositioned so as to be aligned with the lens assembly 220 in the optical axis L direction.

[0093] In one embodiment, the flexible substrate 292 can enclose a portion of the side walls 213, 214, 215, and 216 of the first housing 210-1. A first coil 261, a second coil 271, and a third coil 273 can be arranged on the flexible substrate 292. For example, the flexible substrate 292 can enclose the first side wall 213, the second side wall 214, and the third side wall 215 of the first housing 210-1 such that the first coil 261 and the second coil 271 are located in the first side wall 213 (e.g., the first and second opening regions 2131 and 2132) and the second side wall 214 (e.g., the third and fourth opening regions 2142), and the third coil 273 is located in the third side wall 215 (e.g., the fifth opening region 2151). In one embodiment, the flexible substrate 292 can be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board 150 in Figure 3) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in Figures 1 to 3). The flexible substrate 292 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a rigid-flexible printed circuit board (RFPCB).

[0094] Figure 6a shows a stopper member 240 of a camera module 200 according to one embodiment. Figure 6b shows a stopper member 240 of a camera module 200 according to one embodiment.

[0095] Referring to Figures 6a and 6b, the stopper member 240 of the camera module 200 according to one embodiment may include a base portion 243 and stopper portions 244, 245, and 249 coupled to the base portion 243. The stopper portions 244, 245, and 249 may include a linear stopper 244, a buffer stopper 245, and a rotary stopper 249. For example, the first stopper member (e.g., the first stopper member 241 in Figure 5) and the second stopper member (e.g., the second stopper member 242 in Figure 5) may be formed in the same shape, and the components of the first stopper member 241 and the components of the second stopper member 242 may be identical to each other.

[0096] In one embodiment, the base portion 243 can be connected to the stopper portions 244, 245, and 249. The base portion 243 can be a portion that connects to the camera housing 210 so that the stopper member 240 is fixed to the camera housing (e.g., the camera housing 210 in Figures 4 and 5). For example, the base portion 243 can be fixedly connected to the first housing (e.g., the first camera housing 210-1 in Figures 4 and 5). In one embodiment, the base portion 243 can have a predetermined strength so as to stably support the stopper portions 244, 245, and 249 without deforming in shape or position when an external force or impact is applied to the stopper portions 244, 245, and 249. The base portion 243 can be formed from various materials having a strength of a predetermined level or higher. For example, the base portion 243 can be formed from SUS (steel use stainless), but the material of the base portion 243 is not limited to this and can be formed from various materials.

[0097] In one embodiment, the base portion 243 can be formed from a material that is relatively more rigid than the stopper portions 244, 245, and 249. For example, the base portion 243 can be formed from a hard material, while the stopper portions 244, 245, and 249 can be formed from a soft material. In various embodiments, the stopper member 240 can be realized such that the base portion 243 and the stopper portions 244, 245, and 249 are integrally formed by an insert injection process. However, the manufacturing process for the stopper member 240 is not limited to insert injection and can be manufactured by various manufacturing processes. As another example, the stopper member 240 can also be assembled as a single part by bonding and / or fitting the stopper portions 244, 245, and 249 to the base portion 243 after the base portion 243 and stopper portions 244, 245, and 249 have been manufactured by separate processes.

[0098] In one embodiment, the base portion 243 may include a first portion 243a that extends elongated in the optical axis L direction, a second portion 243b that extends substantially perpendicularly from one end of the first portion 243a in the long side direction (e.g., optical axis L direction), and a third portion 243c that extends substantially perpendicularly from one end of the first portion 243a in the short side direction. A rotation stopper 249 may be positioned in a portion of the first portion 243a. A linear stopper 244 and a buffer stopper 245 may be positioned in portions of the first portion 243a and the second portion 243b.

[0099] In one embodiment, the linear stopper 244 can be positioned on the first surface 2433 of the second portion 243b, and the buffer stopper 245 can be positioned on the second surface 2434 of the second portion 243b. For example, the first surface 2433 of the second portion 243b can be defined as the surface facing the rotary stopper 249, and the second surface 2434 of the second portion 243b can be defined as the surface facing the opposite side of the first surface 2433 of the second portion 243b. For example, the first surface 2433 of the second portion 243b can be interpreted as the surface facing the other end in the long-side direction of the first portion 243a. In various embodiments, the linear stopper 244 and the buffer stopper 245 can be integrally formed by an insert injection process, in which case they can be formed to penetrate at least a portion of the second portion 243b. However, the manufacturing method of the linear stopper 244 and the buffer stopper 245 is not limited to the above. In other examples, the linear stopper 244 and the buffer stopper 245 may be manufactured as separate parts and then bonded to the first surface 2433 and the second surface 2434 of the second part 243b, respectively. In various embodiments, the linear stopper 244 and the buffer stopper 245 may include elastic, flexible, or injection-molded materials. For example, the linear stopper 244 and the buffer stopper 245 may be formed from a variety of materials, including rubber, urethane, holon, and sponge. In various embodiments, the linear stopper 244 and the buffer stopper 245 may be formed from the same material or from different materials.

[0100] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the linear stopper 244 may be formed to penetrate a portion of the first portion 243a. For example, the linear stopper 244 may extend from a portion of the first surface 2431 of the first portion 243a in a direction that penetrates the first portion 243a and toward the second surface 2432 of the first portion 243a. For example, the linear stopper 244 may extend in substantially the same direction as the direction in which the second portion 243b extends from the first portion 243a.

[0101] In one embodiment, the linear stopper 244 may be configured to contact or separate from the lens assembly (e.g., the lens assembly 220 in Figure 5) as the lens assembly moves in the optical axis L direction. For example, by contacting the lens assembly 220, the linear stopper 244 can provide a function to restrict the movement of the lens assembly 220. Alternatively, the linear stopper 244 can provide a damper function that can absorb or dissipate impact when the lens assembly 220 contacts or collides with it. For example, the linear stopper 244 may be formed of an elastic or flexible material to provide a damper function.

[0102] In one embodiment, the linear stopper 244 may have a groove 248 formed in at least a portion of it. For example, the linear stopper 244 may be configured such that a portion (e.g., a flexible portion 246) moves (or elastically deforms) by the groove 248 toward or toward another portion (e.g., a fixed portion 247). In one embodiment, the linear stopper 244 may include a flexible portion 246 and a fixed portion 247 facing each other across the groove 248. For example, the fixed portion 247 may be fixed to the first surface 2433 of the second portion 243b, and the flexible portion 246 may be formed to extend from the fixed portion 247 and be separated from the fixed portion 247 by a predetermined distance. In various embodiments, the linear stopper 244 may be configured such that when an external force is applied to the flexible portion 246, the flexible portion 246 deforms toward the fixed portion 247, and when the external force is removed, it deforms toward the fixed portion 247. As a result, the linear stopper 244 can absorb and / or dissipate impact by deformation or movement of the linear stopper 244 (e.g., the flexible portion 246) when an external force is applied to the linear stopper 244.

[0103] In one embodiment, the rotation stopper 249 may be configured to prevent rotation of the lens assembly (e.g., the lens assembly 220 in Figure 5). The rotation stopper 249 may penetrate the first surface 2431 of the first portion 243a and extend toward the second surface 2432 of the first portion 243a. The rotation stopper 249 can restrict the rotation of the lens assembly 220 by contacting a portion of the lens assembly 220 when the lens assembly 220 rotates. The rotation stopper 249 may also be made of an elastic (or flexible) material to prevent damage when it comes into contact with the lens assembly 220. In various embodiments, the rotation stopper 249 may be made of substantially the same material as the linear stopper 244 or the buffer stopper 245.

[0104] The following describes, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the operation by which the stopper member 240 restricts the range of movement of the lens assembly 220 in the optical axis L direction, the operation by which rotation of the lens assembly 220 is prevented, and the operation by which shock (or noise) caused by the movement of the lens assembly 220 is absorbed and / or mitigated.

[0105] Figure 7 shows the operation of the lens assembly 220 and stopper members 241 and 242 of the camera module 200 according to one embodiment. Figure 8 shows the operation of the lens assembly 220 and stopper members 241 and 242 of the camera module 200 according to one embodiment.

[0106] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a camera module 200 according to one embodiment. For example, Figure 7 may be a diagram in which the second housing (e.g., the second housing 210-2 in Figures 4 and 5) and sensor assembly 283 of the camera module 200 are omitted. Figure 8 is a plan view of a camera module 200 according to one embodiment. For example, Figure 8 may be a view of the camera module 200 shown in Figure 7 in the -z axis direction.

[0107] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a camera module 200 according to one embodiment may include a first housing 210-1, a lens assembly 220, a reflective member assembly 230, stopper members 241 and 242, a sensor assembly 283, a second reflective member 291, and a flexible substrate 292. Some of the components of the camera module 200 shown in Figures 7 and 8 are the same as or similar to the components of the camera module 200 described with reference to Figures 4 to 6b, so redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0108] In one embodiment, the first housing 210-1 can house a reflective member assembly 230, a lens assembly 220, and a second reflective member 291. According to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the reflective member assembly 230, the lens assembly 220, and the second reflective member 291 can be arranged sequentially along the first optical axis direction inside the first housing 210-1. For example, the reflective member assembly 230 may be positioned along the second optical axis direction with respect to the lens assembly 220, and the second reflective member 291 may be positioned along the first optical axis direction with respect to the lens assembly 220.

[0109] In one embodiment, stopper members 241 and 242 can be attached to at least a portion of the side walls 213, 214, 215, and 216 of the first housing 210-1. The stopper members 241 and 242 can be attached to the side walls 213, 214, 215, and 216 of the first housing 210-1 that are parallel to the optical axis L (first side wall 213 and second side wall 214). For example, the stopper members 241 and 242 can be attached to the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214 of the first housing 210-1.

[0110] In one embodiment, the lens assembly 220 can be configured to move in the optical axis L direction. For example, the lens assembly 220 can move linearly in the first optical axis direction or the second optical axis direction. As the lens assembly 220 moves in the first optical axis direction, the distance between the lens assembly 220 and the second reflective member 291 in the optical axis L direction can be reduced. As the lens assembly 220 moves in the second optical axis direction, the distance between the lens assembly 220 and the reflective member assembly 230 in the optical axis L direction can be reduced.

[0111] In one embodiment, the lens assembly 220 may include a lens carrier 222, a lens unit 221 in which at least a portion is housed in the lens carrier 222, and a fixing member 223 coupled to the end of the lens carrier 222 in the direction of the first optical axis. The lens unit 221 and the fixing member 223 can move together with the lens carrier 222 in the optical axis L direction. In one embodiment, the fixing member 223 may include a coupling portion 224 coupled to the lens carrier 222 and an extension portion 225 extending from the coupling portion 224. For example, the extension portion 225 may extend from an edge region of the coupling portion 224 adjacent to the first side wall 213 of the first housing 210-1 toward the fourth side wall 216 of the first housing 201-1. The extension portion 225 may extend from the coupling portion 224 toward the first stopper member 241. For example, the extension portion 225 may extend by a specified length in the direction of the first optical axis. For example, the fixing member 223 may be a component to which a baffle (not shown) is attached. In various embodiments, the lens assembly 220 may not include the fixing member 223. Also, in various embodiments, the fixing member 223 may not include the extension portion 225.

[0112] In one embodiment, the lens assembly 220 may be configured to contact or separate from at least a portion of the stopper members 241, 242 (e.g., a linear stopper 244) as it moves in the optical axis L direction. For example, the lens assembly 220 may be configured such that when it moves in the first optical axis direction, the extended portion 225 of the fixing member 223 contacts the first stopper member 241, and when it moves in the second optical axis direction, the end of the lens carrier 222 in the second optical axis direction contacts the second stopper member 242.

[0113] According to the illustrated embodiment, the lens assembly 220 can be configured such that an extension 225 of the fixing member 223 contacts the first stopper member 241, thereby preventing contact and / or collision with the second reflector member 291 when the lens assembly 220 moves in the direction of the first optical axis. For example, the extension 225 of the fixing member 223 can contact or separate from the first stopper member 241 while moving in the optical axis L direction between one surface of the second reflector member 291 and the first side wall 213 of the first housing 210-1. However, the illustrated embodiment is illustrative, and in other embodiments, the camera module 200 may not include the second reflector member 291. In the other embodiments, the fixing member 223 or the extension 225 of the fixing member 223 may be omitted. For example, if the second reflective member 291 is not included, the lens assembly 220 may be configured such that the lens carrier 222 is in direct contact with the first stopper member 241, or the coupling portion 224 of the fixing member 223 is in contact with the first stopper member 241. For example, if the fixing member 223 or the extension portion 225 of the fixing member 223 is omitted, the first stopper member 241 may be coupled to the first side wall 213 so as to be located adjacent to the lens carrier 222 or the coupling portion 224 of the fixing member 223.

[0114] In one embodiment, stopper members 241 and 242 can be coupled to the side walls of the first housing 210-1 (e.g., the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214). For example, the stopper members 241 and 242 may include a first stopper member 241, at least a portion of which is located between the fourth side wall 216 of the first housing 210-1 and the lens assembly 220, and a second stopper member 242, at least a portion of which is located between the reflector assembly 230 and the lens assembly 220. In one embodiment, the first stopper member 241 can be coupled to the first side wall 213 of the first housing 210-1. The second stopper member 242 can be coupled to the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214 of the first housing 210-1. For example, the second stopper members 242 may consist of a pair that are symmetrical around the optical axis. However, the number of second stopper members 242 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In other examples, the second stopper member 242 may consist of only one, and may be positioned on only one of the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214.

[0115] In one embodiment, the first stopper member 241 and the second stopper member 242 can be formed to be substantially the same shape. For example, each of the first stopper member 241 and the second stopper member 242 may include a base portion 243 and a linear stopper 244, and a buffer stopper 245 and a rotary stopper 249.

[0116] Hereinafter, the base portion 243, linear stopper 244, buffer stopper 245, and rotary stopper 249 of the first stopper member 241 will refer to the first base portion, 1-1 stopper, 2-1 stopper, and 3-1 stopper, respectively, and the base portion 243, linear stopper 244, buffer stopper 245, and rotary stopper 249 of the second stopper member 242 will refer to the second base portion, 1-2 stopper, 2-2 stopper, and 3-2 stopper, respectively. The above-mentioned designations are for the purpose of distinguishing the components of the first stopper member 241 and the second stopper member 242, and do not imply that their shapes or functions are different.

[0117] In one embodiment, the first stopper member 241 may include a first base portion 243 fixedly coupled to the first housing 210-1, a first-first stopper 244 coupled to the first base portion 243, a second-first stopper 245, and a third-first stopper 249. For example, the first base portion 243 may be fitted and coupled to the first side wall 213 of the first housing 210-1. The first base portion 243 may include a first portion 243a and a second portion 243b extending substantially perpendicularly from the first portion 243a toward the bottom surface 212 of the first housing 210-1.

[0118] In one embodiment, the first stopper member 241 can be coupled to the first side wall 213 of the first housing 210-1 such that the 1-1 stopper 244 faces the lens assembly 220. For example, the first stopper member 241 can be coupled to the first side wall 213 such that the 1-1 stopper 244 faces in the direction of the second optical axis and the 2-1 stopper 245 faces in the direction of the first optical axis. For example, the 1-1 stopper 244 can face the lens assembly 220 in the optical axis L direction, and the 2-1 stopper 245 can face the fourth side wall 216 of the first housing 210-1 in the optical axis L direction.

[0119] In one embodiment, the 1-1 stopper 244 can be positioned in the first optical axis direction with respect to the lens assembly 220. For example, the 1-1 stopper 244 can be positioned in the first optical axis direction from the lens assembly 220 (or the extension 225 of the fixing member 223). This allows the 1-1 stopper 244 to limit the range of movement of the lens assembly 220 in the first optical axis direction. The 1-1 stopper 244 can contact the lens assembly 220 when the lens assembly 220 moves in the first optical axis direction and move away from the lens assembly 220 when the lens assembly 220 moves in the second optical axis direction.

[0120] In one embodiment, the first-1 stopper 244 may include a fixed portion 247 fixed to a second portion 243b of a first base portion 243, and a flexible portion 246 extending from the fixed portion 247. A groove 248 (or elastic groove) may be formed between the fixed portion 247 and the flexible portion 246. The flexible portion 246 may move or elastically deform in a direction that brings it closer to the fixed portion 247 as the lens assembly 220 moves in the first optical axis direction. For example, the spacing of the groove 248 may narrow as the lens assembly 220 moves in the first optical axis direction.

[0121] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, when the lens assembly 220 moves in the direction of the first optical axis, the extension portion 225 of the fixed member 223 comes into contact with the flexible portion 246, thereby pushing the flexible portion 246 in the direction of the first optical axis. The flexible portion 246 can elastically deform while at least a portion of it moves a specified distance in the direction of the first optical axis (e.g., the portion shown by the dotted line). As a result, the first-1 stopper 244 can act as a stopper to restrict the extension portion 225 of the fixed member 223 from moving any further in the direction of the first optical axis, and at the same time can absorb or dissipate (e.g., damper) the impact caused by the contact (collision) of the extension portion 225 of the fixed member 223, or reduce noise.

[0122] In one embodiment, the second-first stopper 245 can prevent damage to the first-first stopper 244 due to collision with the fourth side wall 216 of the first housing 210-1 when excessive impact is applied to it.

[0123] In one embodiment, the second stopper member 242 may include a second base portion 243 fixedly coupled to the first housing 210-1, a first-second stopper 244 coupled to the second base portion 243, a second-second stopper 245, and a third-second stopper 249. For example, the second base portion 243 may be fitted and coupled to the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214 of the first housing 210-1. The second base portion 243 may include a first portion 243a and a second portion 243b extending substantially perpendicularly from the first portion 243a toward the bottom surface 212 of the first housing 210-1.

[0124] In one embodiment, the second stopper member 242 can be coupled to the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214 of the first housing 210-1 such that the first-to-second stopper 244 faces the lens assembly 220. For example, the second stopper member 242 can be coupled to the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214 such that the first-to-second stopper 244 faces in the direction of the first optical axis and the second-to-second stopper 245 faces in the direction of the second optical axis. For example, the first-to-second stopper 244 can face the lens assembly 220 in the optical axis L direction, and the second-to-second stopper 245 can face the reflector member assembly 230 in the optical axis L direction.

[0125] In one embodiment, the first-second stopper 244 can be positioned in the second optical axis direction with respect to the lens assembly 220. For example, the first-second stopper 244 can be positioned in the second optical axis direction from the lens assembly 220 (or lens carrier 222). This allows the first-second stopper 244 to limit the range of movement of the lens assembly 220 in the second optical axis direction. The first-second stopper 244 can contact the lens assembly 220 when the lens assembly 220 moves in the second optical axis direction and move away from the lens assembly 220 when the lens assembly 220 moves in the first optical axis direction.

[0126] In one embodiment, the first-second stopper 244 may include a fixed portion 247 fixed to the second portion 243b of the second base portion 243, and a flexible portion 246 extending from the fixed portion 247. A groove 248 (or elastic groove) may be formed between the fixed portion 247 and the flexible portion 246. The flexible portion 246 may move or elastically deform in a direction that brings it closer to the fixed portion 247 as the lens assembly 220 moves in the second optical axis direction. For example, the spacing of the groove 248 may narrow as the lens assembly 220 moves in the second optical axis direction.

[0127] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, when the lens assembly 220 moves in the direction of the second optical axis, the lens carrier 222 can push the flexible portion 246 in the direction of the second optical axis by contacting it. The flexible portion 246 can elastically deform while at least a portion of it moves a specified distance in the direction of the second optical axis (e.g., the portion shown by the dotted line). As a result, the first-second stopper 244 can act as a stopper to restrict the lens carrier 222 from moving any further in the direction of the second optical axis, and at the same time can absorb or dissipate the impact caused by the contact (collision) of the lens carrier 222 (e.g., damper) or reduce noise.

[0128] In one embodiment, the second-second stopper 245 can be configured to contact the reflective member assembly 230 at least in part when the reflective member assembly 230 rotates, for the purpose of image stabilization. This allows the second-second stopper 245 to limit the rotation range of the reflective member assembly 230 or to prevent damage to the reflective member assembly 230. The relationship between the second-second stopper 245 of the second stopper member 242 and the reflective member assembly 230 will be described below with reference to Figures 11a and 11b.

[0129] In one embodiment, the rotation stopper 249 of the first stopper member 241 (hereinafter referred to as the 3-1 stopper) and the rotation stopper 249 of the second stopper member 242 (hereinafter referred to as the 3-2 stopper) can limit and / or prevent the rotation of the lens assembly 220. For example, the 3-1 stopper 249 and the 3-2 stopper 249 can prevent the lens assembly 220 from rotating around the optical axis L inside the first housing 210-1 by contacting the lens carrier 222.

[0130] In one embodiment, the third-first stopper 249 and the third-second stopper 249 can be separated from the lens assembly 220 by a predetermined distance, so that when the lens assembly 220 rotates around the optical axis L due to external impact or vibration, at least a portion of the third-first stopper 249 and the third-second stopper 249 can contact the lens assembly 220, thereby preventing excessive rotation of the lens assembly 220. For example, by separating the third-first stopper 249 and the third-second stopper 249 from the lens assembly 220 by a small distance, the rotation of the lens assembly 220 can be substantially limited. When the lens assembly 220 rotates clockwise around the optical axis L with respect to the drawing, the lens assembly 220 can contact the third-second stopper 249 of the second stopper member 242 located on the second side wall 214. Furthermore, when the lens assembly 220 rotates counterclockwise around the optical axis L, the lens assembly 220 can come into contact with the 3-1 stopper 249 of the first stopper member 241 and the 3-2 stopper 249 of the second stopper member 242 located on the first side wall 213.

[0131] As illustrated in Figure 8, the third-first stopper 249 and the third-second stopper 249 can be positioned so as to overlap the lens assembly 220 when the camera module 200 is viewed from above (e.g., in the -z-axis direction). For example, the third-first stopper 249 can overlap the extension 225 of the fixing member 223, and the third-second stopper 249 can overlap the lens carrier 222. In various embodiments, the third-first stopper 249 and the third-second stopper 249 can be configured to overlap the lens assembly 220 when the lens assembly 220 is moved to its maximum extent in the first optical axis direction or the second optical axis direction. This prevents rotation of the lens assembly 220 even when the lens assembly 220 is moved in the first optical axis direction or the second optical axis direction.

[0132] Referring to Figure 8, a camera module 200 according to one embodiment can be configured to include a first reflective member 231 and a second reflective member 291 so that the path of external light is altered at least once. For example, external light can enter the first reflective member 231 in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis L (e.g., the x-axis direction), be reflected or refracted by the first reflective member 231, and enter the lens unit 221 in the optical axis L direction. The light that has passed through the lens unit 221 can enter the image sensor 281 in a second direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis L direction and the first direction, be reflected or refracted by the second reflective member 291. However, the structure and configuration of the camera module 200 are not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and the camera module 200 may not include the second reflective member 291. If the second reflective member 291 is not included, the image sensor 281 can be partially aligned with the lens unit 221 in the optical axis L direction.

[0133] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a camera module 200 according to one embodiment can limit the range of movement of the lens assembly 220 in the optical axis L direction via a first stopper member 241 and a second stopper member 242, thereby mitigating shock and noise caused by the movement of the lens assembly 220. For example, the linear stoppers 244 of the first stopper member 241 and the second stopper member 242 can be configured to simultaneously perform the functions of a damper and a stopper. According to one embodiment, when the camera module 200 is not powered and the lens assembly 220 moves in the optical axis L direction due to the shaking of the camera module 200, excessive movement of the lens assembly 220 can be limited, and noise and vibration caused by collisions with other components can be improved.

[0134] Figure 9 shows the rotational operation of the reflective member assembly 230 of the camera module 200 according to one embodiment. Figure 10 shows the reflective member assembly 230, guide structure 250, and second drive member 270 of the camera module 200 according to one embodiment.

[0135] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a camera module 200 according to one embodiment can be configured to provide an image stabilization function (OIS) by rotating the reflective member assembly 230 within a predetermined range around a first rotation axis R1 or a second rotation axis R2.

[0136] A camera module 200 according to one embodiment may include a reflective member assembly 230, a guide structure 250, and a second drive member 270. The guide structure 250 can form rotation axes R1, R2 for the rotation of the reflective member assembly 230. The second drive member 270 can provide a driving force (e.g., electromagnetic force) for the rotation of the reflective member assembly 230.

[0137] In one embodiment, the reflective member assembly 230 may be configured to rotate within a specified range about a first rotation axis R1 perpendicular to the optical axis L (e.g., the x-axis). For example, the first rotation axis R1 may be parallel to the z-axis. In one embodiment, the reflective member assembly 230 may be configured to rotate within a specified range about a second rotation axis R2 perpendicular to the optical axis L and the first rotation axis R1, respectively. For example, the second rotation axis R2 may be parallel to the y-axis. For example, the rotation of the reflective member assembly 230 around the first rotation axis R1 can be understood as a yaw tilt drive or yawing motion. For example, the rotation of the reflective member assembly 230 around the second rotation axis R2 can be understood as a pitch tilt drive or pitching motion.

[0138] In one embodiment, the reflective member assembly 230 may include a first reflective member 231 and a holder 232 that houses at least a portion of the first reflective member 231. For example, the first reflective member 231 may be coupled to the holder 232 so as to rotate and / or move together with the holder 232. In one embodiment, at least a portion of a second drive member 270 (e.g., a second magnet 272) may be disposed in the holder 232. A first guide member 251 may be rotatably coupled to the holder 232 about a first rotation axis R1.

[0139] In one embodiment, the holder 232 may include edge portions 233, 234, and 235 that surround at least a portion of the first reflective member 231. For example, the edge portions of the holder 232 may include a first edge portion 233 and a second edge portion 234 that extend parallel to each other in the direction of the optical axis L, and a third edge portion 235 that connects the first edge portion 233 and the second edge portion 234 and is perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis L. For example, the first edge portion 233 and the second edge portion 234 may represent side walls that face in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L (e.g., the y-axis direction), and the third edge portion 235 may represent a side wall that faces in the direction of the second optical axis (e.g., the x-axis direction). Referring to Figure 5, the first edge portion 233 of the holder 232 can be oriented in the +y direction so as to face the first side wall 213 (e.g., the second opening region 2132) of the first housing (e.g., the first housing 210-1 in Figure 5), the second edge portion 234 can be oriented in the -y direction so as to face the second side wall 214 (e.g., the fourth opening region 2142) of the first housing 210-1, and the third edge portion 235 can be oriented in the +x direction so as to face the third side wall 215 (e.g., the fifth opening region 2151).

[0140] In one embodiment, a second magnet 272 can be positioned on the first edge portion 233 and the second edge portion 234 of the holder 232, respectively. A first guide member 251 can be rotatably coupled to the third edge portion 235 of the holder 232. In one embodiment, the holder 232 can be configured to rotate relative to the first guide member 251 about a first rotation axis R1. The holder 232 can be configured to rotate together with the first guide member 251 relative to the second guide member 252 about a second rotation axis R2.

[0141] In one embodiment, the guide structure 250 may include a first guide member 251 rotatably coupled to the holder 232 about a first rotation axis R1, and a second guide member 252 rotatably coupled to the first guide member 251 about a second rotation axis R2.

[0142] In one embodiment, the first guide member 251 can be positioned between the holder 232 and the second guide member 252. The first guide member 251 may include a first surface 253 facing the holder 232 and a second surface 254 facing the second guide member 252. For example, the first surface 253 may be a surface facing the first optical axis direction, and the second surface 254 may be a surface facing the second optical axis direction. In one embodiment, a third magnet 274 may be positioned on the second surface 254 of the first guide member 251.

[0143] In one embodiment, the first guide member 251 can be coupled to the third edge portion 235 of the holder 232. The first guide member 251 can be configured to rotate within a predetermined range about a first rotation axis R1 relative to the holder 232.

[0144] In one embodiment, the first rotation axis R1 can be formed by the first surface 253 of the first guide member 251 and the third edge portion 235 of the holder 232. For example, the first surface 253 of the first guide member 251 can be formed as a substantially arc-shaped surface, and a curved region 236 corresponding to the shape of the first surface 253 can be formed on the third edge portion 235 facing the first guide member 251. In one embodiment, the center of the arc of the first surface 253 can be defined as the first rotation axis R1. For example, the first surface 253 can be formed as a surface having a predetermined curvature, and the first rotation axis R1 can be understood as a virtual axis that penetrates the center of curvature of the surface in the z-axis direction.

[0145] In one embodiment, a plurality of second balls 257 can be arranged between the first surface 253 and the third edge portion 235 of the first guide member 251 to guide the rotation of the holder 232. For example, a second recess 2531 can be formed in the first surface 253 of the first guide member 251, in which at least some of the plurality of second balls 257 can be rotatably accommodated. A third recess 2361 can be formed in the curved surface region 236 of the third edge portion 235, overlapping the second recess 2531 in the optical axis L direction (e.g., x-axis direction). For example, the number of second recesses 2531 and third recesses 2361 can be formed in a number corresponding to the number of plurality of second balls 257. In one embodiment, the plurality of second balls 257 can be configured to roll in the space between the second recess 2531 and the third recess 2361. The plurality of second balls 257 can rotate at a designated position in the space or rotate while moving linearly.

[0146] In one embodiment, the first guide member 251 can be coupled with the second guide member 252. The first guide member 251 can be configured to rotate relative to the second guide member 252 about a second rotation axis R2. For example, when the first guide member 251 rotates about the second rotation axis R2, it can rotate together with the holder 232.

[0147] In one embodiment, the second guide member 252 can be positioned facing the second surface 254 of the first guide member 251. The second guide member 252 can be rotatably coupled to the first guide member 251 within a predetermined range about a second rotation axis R2. Figure 9 is a diagram in which the first housing (e.g., the first housing 210-1 in Figure 5) is omitted, but the second guide member 252 can be coupled to the third side wall of the first housing 210-1 (e.g., the third side wall 215 in Figure 5). For example, the second guide member 252 can be fixedly positioned on the third side wall 215 of the first housing 210-1, and both the first guide member 251 and the reflector assembly 230 can rotate relative to the second guide member 252.

[0148] In one embodiment, the second rotation axis R2 can be formed by the second surface 254 of the first guide member 251 and the second guide member 252. For example, the second guide member 252 may include a projection 256 projecting toward the second surface 254 of the first guide member 251, and an arc-shaped fourth recess 2561 may be formed in the projection 256. An arc-shaped fifth recess 2551 corresponding to the fourth recess 2561 may be formed in the edge portion 255 of the first guide member 251 facing the second guide member 252. In one embodiment, the center of the arc of the fourth recess 2561 or the fifth recess 2551 can be defined as the second rotation axis R2. For example, the fourth recess 2561 or the fifth recess 2551 may be formed by a curve having a predetermined curvature, and the second rotation axis R2 can be understood as a virtual axis passing through the center of curvature of the curve in the y-axis direction.

[0149] In one embodiment, a plurality of third balls 258 can be positioned between the protruding portion 256 of the second guide member 252 and the edge portion 255 of the first guide member 251 to guide the rotation of the first guide member 251. For example, the plurality of third balls 258 can be rotatably housed in a fourth recess 2561 and a fifth recess 2551. For example, the fourth recess 2561 of the second guide member 252 and the fifth recess 2551 of the first guide member 251 can be formed to overlap in the optical axis L direction (e.g., x-axis direction). For example, the number of second recesses 2531 and third recesses 2361 can be formed to correspond to the number of plurality of third balls 258. In one embodiment, the plurality of third balls 258 can be configured to roll in the space between the fourth recess 2561 and the fifth recess 2551. The plurality of third balls 258 can rotate at a designated position in the space or rotate while moving linearly.

[0150] In one embodiment, an opening 2521 can be formed in the central region of the second guide member 252. For example, the opening 2521 can overlap with a portion of the second surface 254 of the first guide member 251 when viewed in the optical axis L direction. The third coil 273 can face a third magnet 274 positioned on the second surface 254 of the first guide member 251 via the opening 2521. For example, the opening 2521 can overlap with a fifth opening region (e.g., fifth opening region 2151 in Figure 5) of the first housing (e.g., first housing 210-1 in Figure 5) when viewed in the optical axis L direction, so that the third coil 273 interacts with the third magnet 274.

[0151] In one embodiment, the second drive member 270 may include a second coil 271 and a second magnet 272 configured to rotate the reflector assembly 230 around a first rotation axis R1, and a third coil 273 and a third magnet 274 configured to rotate the reflector assembly 230 around a second rotation axis R2. For example, the second coil 271 and the second magnet 272 may interact electromagnetically. For example, the third coil 273 and the third magnet 274 may interact electromagnetically.

[0152] In one embodiment, the second magnet 272 can be positioned on the first edge portion 233 and the second edge portion 234 of the holder 232. The second coil 271 can be positioned on the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214 of the first housing (e.g., the first housing 210-1 in Figure 5) so as to face the second magnet 272. In Figure 9, although the first housing 201-1 is not shown, the second coil 271 can be positioned in the second opening region 2132 of the first side wall 213 and the fourth opening region 2142 of the second side wall 214. In one embodiment, the camera module 200 can rotate the reflector assembly 230 around the first rotation axis R1 by controlling the current flowing through the second coil 271. For example, the second coil 271 can be positioned inside the magnetic field formed by the second magnet 272. In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 520 in Figure 19 and / or image signal processor 660 in Figure 20) can control the direction and / or intensity of the current passing through the second coil 271. An electromagnetic force (e.g., Lorentz force) can be applied to the second magnet 272 in correspondence with the direction of the current passing through the second coil 271. The electromagnetic force allows the reflector assembly 230 to rotate about the first rotation axis R1.

[0153] In one embodiment, the third magnet 274 can be positioned on the second surface 254 of the first guide member 251. The third coil 273 can be positioned on the third side wall 215 of the first housing (e.g., the first housing 210-1 in Figure 5) so as to face the third magnet 274. In Figure 9, although the first housing 210-1 is not shown, the third coil 273 can be positioned in the fifth opening region 2151 of the third side wall 215. In one embodiment, the camera module 200 can rotate the first guide member 251 and the reflector member assembly 230 around the second rotation axis R2 by controlling the current flowing through the third coil 273. For example, the third coil 273 can be positioned inside the magnetic field formed by the third magnet 274. In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., the processor 520 in Figure 19 and / or the image signal processor 660 in Figure 20) can control the direction and / or intensity of the current passing through the third coil 273. An electromagnetic force (e.g., Lorentz force) can be applied to the third magnet 274 in accordance with the direction of the current passing through the third coil 273. This electromagnetic force allows the first guide member 251 and the reflector member assembly 230 to rotate around the second rotation axis R2.

[0154] Figure 11a shows a reflective member assembly 230, a guide structure 250, and a second stopper member 242 of a camera module 200 according to one embodiment. Figure 11b shows a reflective member assembly 230 and a second stopper member 242 of a camera module 200 according to one embodiment.

[0155] Referring to Figures 11a and 11b, a camera module 200 according to one embodiment may include a stopper structure that limits the rotation range of the reflective member assembly 230. For example, the stopper structure can guide the reflective member assembly 230 to rotate within a specified angle range, and if it exceeds the specified angle, the rotation of the reflective member assembly 230 can be limited by contact with the stopper structure.

[0156] A camera module 200 according to one embodiment may include a reflective member assembly 230, a first guide member 251, a second guide member 252, and a second stopper member 242. The stopper structure may include structures formed on the reflective member assembly 230 and the first guide member 251, and structures formed on the second guide member 252.

[0157] In one embodiment, projections 237 and 238 can be formed on the third edge portion 235 of the holder 232, projecting toward the first guide member 251. For example, the projections 237 and 238 may include a first projection 237 and a second projection 238 spaced apart from the first projection 237. The first projection 237 and the second projection 238 can limit the range of rotation of the reflective member assembly 230 by contacting the extensions 259a and 259b of the first guide member 251 when the reflective member assembly 230 (or the holder 232) rotates relative to the first guide member 251 around a first axis of rotation (e.g., the first axis of rotation R1 in Figure 9). In various embodiments, the first projection 237 and the second projection 238 may not be separated from each other but formed as a single part.

[0158] In one embodiment, extensions 259a and 259b can be formed on the upper edge of the first guide member 251 (e.g., the edge in the +z-axis direction) so as to surround at least a portion of the projections 237 and 238. For example, the extensions 259a and 259b may include a first extension 259a located adjacent to the first projection 237 and a second extension 259b located adjacent to the second projection 238. For example, the first projection 237 and the second projection 238 may be located inside the extensions 259a and 259b. For example, when viewing the reflective member assembly 230 and the first guide member 251 from above (viewed in the -z-axis direction), the first projection 237 and the second projection 238 may be arranged to be housed in the space formed by the extensions 259a and 259b. When the reflective member assembly 230 (or holder 232) rotates relative to the first guide member 251 around the first axis of rotation (e.g., the first axis of rotation R1 in Figure 9), the inner walls of the extensions 259a and 259b come into contact with the protrusions 237 and 238, thereby limiting the range of rotation of the reflective member assembly 230. For example, with reference to Figures 11a and 11b, when the reflective member assembly 230 rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle around the first axis of rotation R1, the second protrusion 238 can come into contact with the second extension 259b, and when it rotates counterclockwise by a predetermined angle, the first protrusion 237 can come into contact with the first extension 259a.

[0159] In one embodiment, bumper portions 259c and 259d can be formed on the vertical edges of the second guide member 252. For example, the bumper portions 259c and 259d may include a first bumper portion 259c located above the opening 2521 of the second guide member 252 (e.g., in the +z axis direction) and a second bumper portion 259d located below the opening 2521 (e.g., in the -z axis direction). The bumper portions 259c and 259d can restrict the range of rotation of the first guide member 251 by contacting a portion of the first guide member 251 when the first guide member 251 rotates around the second axis of rotation (e.g., the second axis of rotation R2 in Figure 9). In various embodiments, the bumper portions 259c and 259d may be made of an elastic or flexible material to absorb the impact caused by contact with the first guide member 251.

[0160] In one embodiment, the second stopper member 242 may be configured to limit the rotational range of the reflective member assembly 230 together with the stopper structure (e.g., primary stopper). For example, at least a portion of the second stopper member 242 may function as a secondary stopper for the rotational movement of the reflective member assembly 230.

[0161] In one embodiment, the second stopper member 242 can be configured such that the buffer stopper 245 is positioned adjacent to the edge portion of the holder 232 (e.g., the first edge portion 233 and the second edge portion 234). For example, stepped portions 239a and 239b can be formed on the edge portions 233 and 234 of the holder 232, on which at least a portion of the buffer stopper 245 is positioned. For example, the stepped portions 239a and 239b may include a first stepped portion 239b formed on the first edge portion 233 and a second stepped portion 239a formed on the second edge portion 234. For example, the stepped portions 239a and 239b can be formed by recessing at least a portion of the edge portions 233 and 234 and may extend over a long distance in the z-axis direction. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the buffer stopper 245 of the second stopper member 242 can be positioned on the stepped portions 239a and 239b. For example, as shown in Figure 11b, when the reflective member assembly 230 is viewed from above (e.g., in the -z-axis direction), the buffer stopper 245 can overlap with the first stepped portion 239b and the second stepped portion 239a.

[0162] In one embodiment, the second stopper member 242 can restrict rotation by contacting the holder 232 if the reflective member assembly 230 rotates beyond a specified angle. For example, the buffer stopper 245 can be configured to contact the inner surface of the first stepped portion 239b or the second stepped portion 239a in response to the rotation of the holder 232. In one embodiment, the second stopper member 242 can absorb impact and prevent damage by contacting the holder 232 when excessive movement occurs in the reflective member assembly 230 due to an external impact. For example, the buffer stopper 245 can be formed of an elastic or flexible material, thereby being configured to prevent damage when it collides with the holder 232.

[0163] Figure 12 shows a partial configuration of a camera module 300 according to one embodiment. Figure 13a shows the support member 340 and damping member 350 of the camera module 300 according to one embodiment. Figure 13b shows the support member 340 and damping member 350 of the camera module 300 according to one embodiment. Figure 14 shows the operation of the support member 340 and damping member 350 of the camera module 300 according to one embodiment.

[0164] Referring to Figures 12, 13a, and 13b, a camera module 300 according to one embodiment may include a camera housing 310 (e.g., camera housing 210 in Figures 4 and 5), a lens assembly 320 (e.g., lens assembly 220 in Figures 4 and 5), a reflective member assembly 330 (e.g., reflective member assembly 230 in Figures 4 and 5), a stopper member 370 (e.g., stopper member 240 in Figures 4 and 5), a support member 340, and a damping member 350.

[0165] Figures 12, 13a, and 13b illustrate a camera module 300 of another embodiment that includes a support member 340 and a damping member 350, but does not include the first stopper member (e.g., the first stopper member 241 in Figures 7 and 8) as shown in Figures 4 to 8.

[0166] Some of the components of the camera module 300 shown in Figures 12, 13a, and 13b are identical or similar to the components of the camera module 200 shown in Figures 4 to 8; therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below. The camera housing 310 shown in Figure 12 can be referred to as the first housing 310 (e.g., the first housing 210-1 in Figures 4 and 5), and Figure 12 can be a diagram in which the second housing (e.g., the second housing 210-2 in Figures 4 and 5) is omitted. The stopper member 370 shown in Figure 12 can be referred to as the second stopper member (e.g., the second stopper member 242 in Figures 7 and 8). For example, the position, shape, and / or function of the second stopper member 370 shown in Figure 12 can be the same as those described above with reference to Figures 6a to 11b.

[0167] In one embodiment, the first housing 310 may include a first side wall 312, a second side wall 313 parallel to the first side wall 312, a third side wall 314 connecting one end of the first side wall 312 and the second side wall 313, and a fourth side wall 315 connecting the other end of the first side wall 312 and the second side wall 313 and parallel to the third side wall 314. In one embodiment, the lens assembly 320 may include a lens unit 321 and a lens carrier 322 on which the lens unit 321 is arranged. In one embodiment, the reflective member assembly 330 may include a first reflective member 331 and a holder 332 that supports the first reflective member 331.

[0168] In one embodiment, the support member 340 can restrict the range of movement of the lens assembly 320 in the optical axis L direction by at least a portion of it contacting the damping member 350. The support member 340 can be configured to move together with the lens assembly 320 in the optical axis L direction. For example, the support member 340 can extend in the first optical axis direction from a portion of the lens carrier 322. In various embodiments, the support member 340 can be formed integrally with the lens carrier 322 or configured to be coupled to the lens carrier 322.

[0169] In one embodiment, the support member 340 can extend toward a second reflective member housing 316 in the housing space of the first housing 310, where a second reflective member (e.g., the second reflective member 291 in Figures 5, 7, and 8) is located. For example, the first housing 310 may include a second reflective member housing 316 formed between the fourth side wall 315 and the lens assembly 320, and the support member 340 and the damping member 350 may be located in the second reflective member housing 316. The second reflective member housing 316 may face the space in which the reflective member assembly 330 is located, with the lens assembly 320 in between. Although a second housing (e.g., the second housing 210-2 in Figures 4 and 5) is not shown in Figure 12, the second reflective member housing 316 may be located away from the light-receiving region (e.g., the light-receiving region 211 in Figures 4 and 5) formed in the second housing 210-2 in the direction of the first optical axis. This reduces the emission of noise caused by contact between the support member 340 and the damping member 350 to the outside of the camera housing 310 via the light-receiving area 211.

[0170] In one embodiment, the support member 340 may include a first portion 341 extending parallel to the optical axis L, a second portion 342 extending perpendicularly from the first optical axis end of the first portion 341, and a third portion 343 extending perpendicularly from the second optical axis end of the first portion 3412. The second portion 342 and the third portion 343 may extend perpendicularly with respect to an electronic device 100 whose front surface faces vertically (e.g., in the z-axis direction). For example, the second portion 342 and the third portion 343 may extend from the first portion 341 toward the base 311 of the first housing 310. In one embodiment, a first projection 344 may be formed on the second portion 342, and a second projection 345 facing the first projection 344 may be formed on the third portion 343. For example, the first projection 344 may project in the second optical axis direction from a portion of the second portion 342. The second protruding portion 345 can protrude in the direction of the first optical axis from a portion of the third portion 343. The first protruding portion 344 can be configured to contact the damping member 350 when the lens assembly 320 moves a predetermined distance in the direction of the second optical axis. The second protruding portion 345 can be configured to contact the damping member 350 when the lens assembly 320 moves a predetermined distance in the direction of the first optical axis.

[0171] In one embodiment, the damping member 350 may be configured to contact a first protruding portion 344 or a second protruding portion 345 of the support member 340 in response to the movement of the lens assembly 320. The damping member 350 may be formed of a material that can absorb impact when the first protruding portion 344 or the second protruding portion 345 makes contact. For example, the damping member 350 may be made of an elastic or flexible material. For example, the damping member 350 may be made of a spring, sponge, holon, rubber, or urethane.

[0172] In one embodiment, the damping member 350 can be positioned on the first side wall 312 of the first housing 310. For example, a damping member housing portion 317 can be formed in the first side wall 312 of the first housing 310, which accommodates the damping member 350. The damping member housing portion 317 can be formed in the center so that the damping member 350 can be housed inside, and openings 318 can be formed on both sides so that a first protruding portion 344 or a second protruding portion 345 contacts the damping member 350.

[0173] Referring to Figure 13a, the damping member 350 may include a sponge, holon, rubber, or urethane having a predetermined shape. For example, the damping member 350 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the damping member housing 317. At least a portion of the damping member 350 may be exposed through the opening 318 of the damping member housing 317. The first protruding portion 344 or the second protruding portion 345 may come into contact with the damping member 350 through the opening 318.

[0174] Referring to Figure 13b, the damping member 350 may include springs 351 and 352. For example, the damping member 350 may be configured such that one end is supported by a support wall 319 of the damping member housing 317. For example, the damping member 350 may include a first spring and a second spring, each with one end supported by a support wall 319. The first spring 351 may be positioned so that one end is supported by the support wall 319 and the other end faces the opening 318. The second spring 352 may be positioned so that one end is supported by the support wall 319 and the other end faces the opening 318. The first protruding portion 344 may contact the first spring 351 through the opening 318. The second protruding portion 345 may contact the second spring 352 through the opening 318.

[0175] The operation of the support member 340 and the damping member 350 will be described below with reference to Figure 14.

[0176] The damping member 350 shown in Figure 14 can be referred to as the damping member shown in Figure 13a, but the damping member 350 may include a spring as shown in Figure 13b.

[0177] Referring to Figure 14, in one embodiment, the camera module 300 can limit the range of movement of the lens assembly 320 in the optical axis L direction and absorb shocks and / or noise caused by the movement of the lens assembly 320, by having at least a portion of the support member 340 in contact with the damping member 350.

[0178] In one embodiment, when the lens assembly 320 moves in the direction of the first optical axis, the second protruding portion 345 of the support member 340 can come into contact with the damping member 350. For example, when the lens assembly 320 has moved a predetermined distance in the direction of the first optical axis, the second protruding portion 345 comes into contact with the damping member 350, thereby limiting the lens assembly 320 from moving any further in the direction of the first optical axis. The damping member 350 is formed of an elastic or flexible material so that it can absorb shock or noise when the second protruding portion 345 comes into contact with it.

[0179] In one embodiment, when the lens assembly 320 moves in the direction of the second optical axis, the first protruding portion 344 of the support member 340 can come into contact with the damping member 350. For example, when the lens assembly 320 has moved a predetermined distance in the direction of the second optical axis, the first protruding portion 344 comes into contact with the damping member 350, thereby limiting the lens assembly 320 from moving any further in the direction of the second optical axis. The damping member 350 is formed of an elastic or flexible material so that it can absorb shock or noise when the first protruding portion 344 comes into contact with it.

[0180] Referring to Figure 12, a camera module 300 according to one embodiment may further include a second stopper member 370 in addition to the support member 340 and the damping member 350. The second stopper member 370 (e.g., the linear stopper 244 of the second stopper member 242 in Figures 7 and 8), together with the support member 340 and the damping member 350, can prevent the lens assembly 320 from moving beyond a specified range in the second optical axis direction. A first reflecting member 331 is positioned in the second optical axis direction of the lens assembly 320, and if the lens assembly 320 moves excessively in the second optical axis direction, it may collide with the first reflecting member 331, potentially damaging it. According to one embodiment, the camera module 300 can be configured to first restrict the range of movement of the lens assembly 320 in the second optical axis direction via the support member 340 and the damping member 350, and secondarily restrict it via the second stopper member 370.

[0181] Figure 15 shows the position of the sub-magnet 293 of the camera module 200 according to one embodiment. Figure 16 shows the operation of the sub-magnet 293 of the camera module 200 according to one embodiment.

[0182] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, a camera module 200 according to one embodiment may include a first housing 210-1, a lens assembly 220, a reflector assembly 230, stopper members 241 and 242, a second reflector 291, and a sub-magnet 293.

[0183] Figures 15 and 16 show an embodiment of the camera module 200 shown in Figures 4 to 8, further including a sub-magnet 293 that generates a repulsive force with the first magnet 262 located in the lens assembly 220. Some of the components of the camera module 200 shown in Figures 15 and 16 are the same as or similar to the components of the camera module 200 in Figures 4 to 8, so redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0184] In one embodiment, a first magnet 262 may be positioned in the lens assembly 220 to provide a driving force for movement of the lens assembly 220 in the optical axis L direction. The first magnet 262 may be configured to interact electromagnetically with a first coil (e.g., the first coil 261 in Figure 5). Although not shown, the first coil 261 may be positioned in the first aperture region 2131 and the third aperture region 2141 of the first housing 210-1 so as to face the first magnet 262.

[0185] In one embodiment, the first magnet 262 can be positioned on a side surface (e.g., a surface facing the y-axis) of the lens carrier 222 so as to face a side wall (e.g., a first side wall 213 and a second side wall 214) of the first housing 210-1 parallel to the optical axis L. For example, the first magnet 262 may include a first side wall magnet 263 facing the first side wall 213 of the first housing 210-1 and a second side wall magnet 264 facing the second side wall 214 of the first housing 210-1. For example, the first side wall magnet 263 may partially overlap the first aperture region 2131 of the first side wall 213. For example, the second side wall magnet 264 may partially overlap the third aperture region 2141 of the second side wall 214.

[0186] In one embodiment, the first magnet 262 may include first regions 263a, 264a having a first polarity and second regions 263b, 264b having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. The first regions 263a, 264a and the second regions 263b, 264b can be arranged in the direction of the optical axis L. For example, the first regions 263a, 264a and the second regions 263b, 264b of the first magnet 262 can be arranged along the first optical axis direction. For example, the first sidewall magnet 263 may be configured such that the first region 263a has an N pole and the second region 263b, located in the first optical axis direction from the first region 263a, has an S pole. For example, the second sidewall magnet 264 may be configured such that the first region 264a has an S pole and the second region 264b, located in the first optical axis direction from the first region 264a, has an N pole. However, the polarity of the first regions 263a, 264a and the second regions 263b, 264b is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0187] In one embodiment, the sub-magnet 293 can interact with the first magnet 262 located on the lens assembly 220. For example, the sub-magnet 293 can be configured to slow down the movement speed of the lens assembly 220 as it moves by generating a repulsive force with the first magnet 262.

[0188] In one embodiment, the sub-magnet 293 can be positioned on the side wall of the first housing 210-1 facing the first magnet 262 (e.g., the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214). The sub-magnet 293 can penetrate at least a portion of the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214 so as to interact electromagnetically with the first magnet 262. For example, the sub-magnet 293 may include a first sub-magnet 294 having a first polarity and a second sub-magnet 295 positioned away from the first sub-magnet 294 in the optical axis L direction and having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity.

[0189] In one embodiment, the first sub-magnet 294 can be positioned in the second optical axis direction with respect to the first magnet 262, and the second sub-magnet 295 can be positioned in the first optical axis direction with respect to the first magnet 262. For example, the first sub-magnet 294 and the second sub-magnet 295 can be arranged along the optical axis L direction, straddling the first aperture region 2131 or the third aperture region 2141. In Figure 16, looking at the first side wall 213 or the second side wall 214 of the first housing 210-1, the first sub-magnet 294, the first regions 263a, 264a of the first magnet 262, the second regions 263b, 264b of the first magnet 262, and the second sub-magnet 295 can be arranged in the optical axis L direction. For example, the first sub-magnet 294, the first regions 263a and 264a of the first magnet 262, the second regions 263b and 264b of the first magnet 262, and the second sub-magnet 295 can be arranged sequentially along the first optical axis.

[0190] In one embodiment, the first sub-magnet 294 can interact with the first regions 263a and 264a of the first magnet 262, and the second sub-magnet 295 can interact with the second regions 263b and 264b of the first magnet 262. For example, the first sub-magnet 294 can be configured to have the same polarity as the first regions 263a and 264a of the first magnet 262 so as to generate a repulsive force with them. The second sub-magnet 295 can be configured to have the same polarity as the second regions 263b and 264b of the first magnet 262 so as to generate a repulsive force with them.

[0191] In one embodiment, the first sub-magnet 294 may include a first-first sub-magnet 294a located on the first side wall 213 and a first-second sub-magnet 294b located on the second side wall 214. In one embodiment, the second sub-magnet 295 may include a second-first sub-magnet 295a located on the first side wall 213 and a second-second sub-magnet 295b located on the second side wall 214. For example, the first-first sub-magnet 294a may have the same polarity (e.g., north pole) as the first region 263a of the first side wall magnet 263, and the first-second sub-magnet 294b may have the same polarity (e.g., south pole) as the first region 264a of the second side wall magnet 264. Furthermore, the second-first sub-magnet 295a may have the same polarity (e.g., south pole) as the second region 263b of the first sidewall magnet 263, and the second-second sub-magnet 295b may have the same polarity (e.g., north pole) as the second region 264b of the second sidewall magnet 264.

[0192] In one embodiment, as the lens assembly 220 moves in the first optical axis direction, a repulsive force can act between the second regions 263b, 264b of the first magnet 262 and the second sub-magnet 295 as they approach each other. The lens assembly 220 can have its speed in the first optical axis direction reduced by the application of a predetermined force in the second optical axis direction due to the repulsive force. When the lens assembly 220 moves beyond a specified distance in the first optical axis direction, the repulsive force reduces its speed before it contacts the first stopper member 241 (e.g., the linear stopper 244 of the first stopper member 241), thereby reducing impact and / or noise from contact.

[0193] In one embodiment, as the lens assembly 220 moves in the direction of the second optical axis, a repulsive force can act between the first regions 263a, 264a of the first magnet 262 and the first sub-magnet 294 as they approach each other. The repulsive force can reduce the speed at which the lens assembly 220 moves in the direction of the second optical axis by applying a predetermined force in the direction of the first optical axis. When the lens assembly 220 moves beyond a specified distance in the direction of the second optical axis, the repulsive force can reduce the impact and / or noise caused by contact (or collision) by reducing its speed before contact with the second stopper member 242 (e.g., the linear stopper 244 of the second stopper member 242).

[0194] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a camera module 400 according to one embodiment. Figure 18 is a diagram showing the position of the sub-magnet 470 of the camera module 400 according to one embodiment.

[0195] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate a camera module 400 having a different structure from the camera modules illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 (e.g., camera module 200 in Figures 15 and 16). For example, camera module 200 in Figures 15 and 16 can be a porged camera, where the direction in which external light enters the camera module 200 and the optical axis of the lens are positioned perpendicular to each other, while camera module 400 in Figures 17 and 18 can be a direct-angle camera, where the direction in which external light enters the camera module 400 and the optical axis of the lens are positioned parallel to each other.

[0196] Referring to Figure 17, a camera module 400 according to one embodiment may include a camera housing 410 (e.g., camera housing 210 in Figure 4) and a camera assembly 430 (e.g., lens assembly 220 in Figure 5) in which at least a portion is housed inside the camera housing 410.

[0197] In one embodiment, the camera housing 410 may include a base 411 and a cover 412 coupled to the base 411. The base 411, together with the cover 412, can form the internal space of the camera housing 410 in which the camera assembly 430 is housed. For example, the base 411 may form the lower surface of the camera module 400 (e.g., a plane facing the -z axis), and the cover 412 may form the upper surface of the camera module 400 (e.g., a plane facing the +z axis) and the sides surrounding the upper and lower surfaces. The cover 412 may have an opening 4121 in which at least a portion of the lens 431 and lens barrel 432 is exposed.

[0198] In various embodiments, an image sensor (not shown) and a circuit board (not shown) electrically connected to the image sensor may be disposed on the base 411 of the camera housing 410. In various embodiments, the image sensor may be positioned inside the camera housing 410 so as to be at least partially aligned with the optical axis L of the lens 431. For example, the image sensor can convert the optical signal received through the lens 431 into an electrical signal.

[0199] In one embodiment, the camera assembly 430 can be housed at least partially inside the camera housing 410. The camera assembly 430 can be configured to move within the camera housing 410 in the direction of the optical axis L of the lens. For example, in a Cartesian coordinate system, the camera assembly 430 can move linearly in the z-axis direction (e.g., the +z / -z axis direction) within the camera housing 410. In one embodiment, the camera module 400 can adjust the distance between the image sensor (not shown), which is fixedly positioned inside the camera housing 410, and the lens 431 included in the camera assembly 430 by moving the camera assembly 430 in the direction of the optical axis L (e.g., autofocus function (AF)).

[0200] In one embodiment, the camera assembly 430 may include one or more lenses 431 and a lens barrel 432 surrounding one or more lenses 431. In one embodiment, the camera assembly 430 may be arranged such that at least portions of the lenses 431 and lens barrel 432 are exposed through an opening 4121 formed in the cover 412 of the camera housing 410. In one embodiment, the camera assembly 430 may be configured so that the lens 431 receives light from outside the electronic device 100 through a portion of the surface area of ​​the housing (e.g., housing 110 in Figures 1-2) of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in Figures 1-3). In various embodiments, the camera assembly 430 may include a lens assembly (e.g., lens assembly 220 in Figure 5) that includes one or more lenses 431 and lens barrel 432.

[0201] Referring to Figure 18, a camera module 400 according to one embodiment may include a first magnet 460 that provides a driving force for moving the camera assembly 430 in the optical axis L direction, and a flexible substrate 450 surrounding the side wall of the camera housing 410 and a sub-magnet 470 configured to create a repulsive force with the first magnet 460.

[0202] In one embodiment, sides 441, 442, 443, and 444 of the camera assembly 430 can be enclosed by the side wall 420 of the camera housing 410. A first magnet 460 can be positioned on some of the sides 441, 442, 443, and 444 of the camera assembly 430. For example, a first magnet 460 can be positioned on the first side 441 of the camera assembly 430. For example, the first side 441 of the camera assembly 430 can face the first side wall 421 of the camera housing 410. Although not shown, a first coil (not shown) that electromagnetically interacts with the first magnet 460 can be positioned on the first side wall 421. For example, the first coil (not shown) can be positioned opposite the first magnet 460 by being placed on a flexible substrate 450 that surrounds a portion of the side walls 420 of the camera housing 410 (e.g., the first side wall 421, the third side wall 423, and the fourth side wall 424).

[0203] In one embodiment, a plurality of balls 433 can be arranged on the first side surface 441 of the camera assembly 430 to guide the movement of the camera assembly 430 in the optical axis L direction. For example, the plurality of balls 433 can be arranged between the first side surface 441 of the camera assembly 430 and the first side wall 421 of the camera housing 410. The plurality of balls 433 can be configured to roll in the space between the first side wall 421 and the first side surface 441. For example, as the camera assembly 430 moves in the optical axis L direction, the plurality of balls 433 can rotate while moving linearly between the camera assembly 430 and the camera housing 410, or rotate in place.

[0204] In one embodiment, the first magnet 460 can be positioned on the first side surface 441 of the camera assembly 430. The first magnet 460 may include a first region 461 having a first polarity and a second region 462 having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. The first region 461 and the second region 462 may be arranged in the direction of the optical axis L.

[0205] In one embodiment, the sub-magnet 470 can interact with the first magnet 460 located on the camera assembly 430. For example, the sub-magnet 470 can be configured to decelerate the movement speed of the camera assembly 430 as it moves in the optical axis L direction by generating a repulsive force with the first magnet 460. For example, the sub-magnet 470 can be located on the first side wall 421 of the camera housing 410 so as to interact with the first magnet 460.

[0206] In one embodiment, the sub-magnet 470 may include a first sub-magnet 471 having a first polarity and a second sub-magnet 472 having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity and positioned spaced apart from the first sub-magnet 471 in the optical axis L direction. For example, the first sub-magnet 471 may be positioned in a first direction (e.g., +L direction) with respect to the first magnet 460, and the second sub-magnet 472 may be positioned in the opposite direction to the first direction (e.g., -L direction) with respect to the first magnet 460. For example, the first sub-magnet 471, the first magnet 460, and the second sub-magnet 472 may be arranged along the optical axis L direction.

[0207] In one embodiment, the first sub-magnet 471 can interact with the first region 461 of the first magnet 460, and the second sub-magnet 472 can interact with the second region 462 of the first magnet 460. For example, the first sub-magnet 471 can be configured to have the same polarity as the first region 461 of the first magnet 460 so as to generate a repulsive force with the first region 461. The second sub-magnet 472 can be configured to have the same polarity as the second region 462 of the first magnet 460 so as to generate a repulsive force with the second region 462 of the first magnet 460.

[0208] In one embodiment, as the camera assembly 430 moves in a first direction (e.g., +L direction or +z direction), a repulsive force can act between the first region 461 of the first magnet 460 and the first sub-magnet 471 as they approach each other. The camera assembly 430 can have its velocity reduced by having a predetermined force applied in the opposite direction to the first direction (e.g., -L direction or -z direction) due to the repulsive force.

[0209] In one embodiment, as the camera assembly 430 moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the -L direction or the -z direction), a repulsive force can act between the second region 462 of the first magnet 460 and the second sub-magnet 472 as they approach each other. The camera assembly 430 can have its velocity reduced by the application of a predetermined force in the first direction (e.g., the +L direction or the +z direction) due to this repulsive force.

[0210] Figure 19 is a block diagram of an electronic device 501 in a network environment 500 according to various embodiments.

[0211] Referring to Figure 19, in the network environment 500, the electronic device 501 can communicate with the electronic device 502 via a first network 598 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of the electronic device 504 or the server 508 via a second network 599 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device 501 can communicate with the electronic device 504 via the server 508. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 501 may include a processor 520, memory 530, input module 550, acoustic output module 555, display module 560, audio module 570, sensor module 576, interface 577, coupling terminal 578, haptic module 579, camera module 580, power management module 588, battery 589, communication module 590, subscriber identification module 596, or antenna module 597. In some embodiments, the electronic device 501 may omit at least one of these components (e.g., a coupling terminal 578) or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., a sensor module 576, a camera module 580, or an antenna module 597) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a display module 560).

[0212] The processor 520 can, for example, execute software (e.g., program 540) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device 501 connected to the processor 520, and can perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 520 can store instructions or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module 576 or communication module 590) in volatile memory 532, process the instructions or data stored in volatile memory 532, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 534. According to one embodiment, the processor 520 may include a main processor 521 (e.g., central processing unit or application processor), or an auxiliary processor 523 (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural network processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor) that can operate independently or together with it. For example, if the electronic device 501 includes a main processor 521 and an auxiliary processor 523, the auxiliary processor 523 can be configured to use less power than the main processor 521 or to specialize in a specified function. The auxiliary processor 523 can be implemented separately from or as part of the main processor 521.

[0213] The auxiliary processor 523 can, for example, control at least a portion of the functions or states related to at least one component of the electronic device 501 (e.g., display module 560, sensor module 576, or communication module 590) on behalf of the main processor 521 when the main processor 521 is in an inactive (e.g., slipped) state, or together with the main processor 521 when the main processor 521 is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 523 (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) can be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module 580 or communication module 590). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 523 (e.g., neural network processing unit) can include a hardware structure dedicated to processing artificial intelligence models. Artificial intelligence models can be generated by machine learning. Such learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device 501 itself where the artificial intelligence model is performed, or it can be performed via another server (e.g., server 508). Learning algorithms can include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. Artificial intelligence models can include multiple artificial neural network layers.Artificial neural networks can be, but are not limited to, deep neural networks (DNN), convolutional neural networks (CNN), recurrent neural networks (RNN), restricted Boltzmann machines (RBM), deep belief networks (DBN), bidirectional recurrent deep neural networks (BRDNN), deep Q-networks, or any combination of two or more of the above. Artificial intelligence models may include software structures in addition to hardware structures.

[0214] The memory 530 can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 501 (e.g., the processor 520 or the sensor module 576). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., a program 540) and input or output data for associated instructions. The memory 530 may include volatile memory 532 or non-volatile memory 534.

[0215] The program 540 can be stored as software in memory 530 and may include, for example, an operational system 542, middleware 544, or an application 546.

[0216] The input module 550 can receive instructions or data used by components of the electronic device 501 (e.g., processor 520) from outside the electronic device 501 (e.g., user). The input module 550 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or digital pen (e.g., stylus pen).

[0217] The acoustic output module 555 can output an acoustic signal to the outside of the electronic device 501. The acoustic output module 555 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording and playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming phone calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from or as part of the speaker.

[0218] The display module 560 can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) outside of the electronic device 501. The display module 560 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module 560 may include a touch sensor configured to detect touches, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touches.

[0219] The audio module 570 can convert sound into electrical signals, or conversely, convert electrical signals into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module 570 can acquire sound via the input module 550 or output sound via the acoustic output module 555, or via an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 502) (e.g., speaker or headphones) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 501.

[0220] The sensor module 576 can sense the operating state of the electronic device 501 (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the sensed state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module 576 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0221] Interface 577 can support one or more designated protocols that can be used to connect the electronic device 501 directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 502). According to one embodiment, interface 577 may include, for example, HDMI (registered trademark) high definition multimedia interface, USB (universal serial bus) interface, SD card interface, or audio interface.

[0222] The connecting terminal 578 may include a connector through which the electronic device 501 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 502). According to one embodiment, the connecting terminal 578 may include, for example, an HDMI® connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0223] The haptic module 579 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that can be perceived by the user through touch or kinesthetic sense. According to one embodiment, the haptic module 579 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0224] The camera module 580 can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module 580 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0225] The power management module 588 can manage the power supplied to the electronic device 501. According to one embodiment, the power management module 588 can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a PMIC (power management integrated circuit).

[0226] The battery 589 can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 501. According to one embodiment, the battery 589 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0227] The communication module 590 can assist in establishing a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between the electronic device 501 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 502, electronic device 504, or server 508), and in carrying out communication over the established communication channel. The communication module 590 operates independently of the processor 520 (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 590 may include a wireless communication module 592 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module 594 (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). The relevant communication module can communicate with an external electronic device 504 via a first network 598 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network 599 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN)). These various communication modules can be integrated as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 592 can verify or authenticate the electronic device 501 within a communication network such as the first network 598 or the second network 599 using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 596.

[0228] The wireless communication module 592 can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies beyond 4G networks, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of many terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). For example, the wireless communication module 592 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., mmWave bands) to achieve high data transfer rates. The wireless communication module 592 can support various technologies for ensuring performance in high-frequency bands, such as beamforming, massive array multiplexing and multiple-output (massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output)), full-dimensional multiplexing and multiplexing (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or large-scale antennas. The wireless communication module 592 can support various requirements specified in the electronic device 501, external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 504), or network system (e.g., second network 599). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 592 can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for both downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for realizing URLLC.

[0229] The antenna module 597 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 597 may include an antenna comprising a radiator consisting of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 597 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In such a case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network such as a first network 598 or a second network 599 can be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module 590. Signals or power can be transmitted or received between the communication module 590 and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to one embodiment, other components besides the radiator (e.g., an RFIC (radio frequency integrated circuit)) may be further formed as part of the antenna module 597.

[0230] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 597 can form an mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., the top or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high-frequency band.

[0231] At least some of the aforementioned components are connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and can exchange signals (e.g., instructions or data) with each other.

[0232] According to one embodiment, commands or data can be transmitted or received between the electronic device 501 and an external electronic device 504 via a server 508 connected to a second network 599. Each of the external electronic devices (502, or 504) may be the same type of device as the electronic device 501 or a different type of device. According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed by the electronic device 501 may be performed by one or more of the external electronic devices (502, 504, or 508). For example, if the electronic device 501 needs to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or other device, the electronic device 501 may, instead of performing the function or service itself, or further, request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of that function or service. One or more external electronic devices that receive such a request may perform at least part of the requested function or service, or additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the results of the execution to the electronic device 501. The electronic device 501 can provide the results as they are or after further processing as at least part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology can be used. The electronic device 501 can provide ultra-low latency services, for example, using distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In other embodiments, the external electronic device 504 may include IoT (Internet of Things) devices. The server 508 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device 504 or the server 508 may be included within the second network 599. The electronic device 501 can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technologies.

[0233] Figure 20 is a block diagram 600 illustrating camera module 580 according to various embodiments.

[0234] Referring to Figure 20, the camera module 580 may include a lens assembly 610, a flash 620, an image sensor 630, an image stabilizer 640, a memory 650 (e.g., buffer memory), or an image signal processor 660. The lens assembly 610 can collect light emitted from a subject that is the subject of image capture. The lens assembly 610 may include one or more lenses. According to one embodiment, the camera module 580 may include multiple lens assemblies 610. In such a case, the camera module 580 can form, for example, a dual camera, a 360-degree camera, or a spherical camera. Some of the multiple lens assemblies 610 may have the same lens attributes (e.g., angle of view, focal length, autofocus, f-number, or optical zoom), or at least one lens assembly may have one or more lens attributes that differ from the lens attributes of the other lens assemblies. The lens assembly 610 may include, for example, a wide-angle lens or a telephoto lens.

[0235] The flash 620 can emit light used to enhance light emitted or reflected from a subject. According to one embodiment, the flash 620 may include one or more light-emitting diodes (e.g., RGB (red-green-blue) LEDs, white LEDs, infrared LEDs, or ultraviolet LEDs) or a xenon lamp. The image sensor 630 can acquire an image corresponding to a subject by converting light emitted or reflected from the subject and transmitted through the lens assembly 610 into an electrical signal. According to one embodiment, the image sensor 630 may include one image sensor selected from image sensors with different attributes, such as an RGB sensor, a BW (black and white) sensor, an IR sensor, or a UV sensor; multiple image sensors with the same attributes; or multiple image sensors with different attributes. Each image sensor included in the image sensor 630 may be implemented using, for example, a CCD (charged coupled device) sensor or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor.

[0236] The image stabilizer 640 can respond to the movement of the camera module 580 or the electronic device 501 containing it by moving at least one lens or image sensor 630 included in the lens assembly 610 in a specific direction, or by controlling the operating characteristics of the image sensor 630 (e.g., read-out timing adjustment). This makes it possible to compensate for at least some of the negative effects of the movement on the image being captured. According to one embodiment, the image stabilizer 640 can sense such movement of the camera module 580 or the electronic device 501 using a gyro sensor (not shown) or an accelerometer (not shown) located inside or outside the camera module 580. According to one embodiment, the image stabilizer 640 can be implemented, for example, as an optical image stabilizer. The memory 650 can temporarily store at least some of the images acquired via the image sensor 630 for subsequent image processing operations. For example, if image acquisition by the shutter is delayed, or if multiple images are acquired at high speed, the acquired original image (e.g., a Bayer-patterned image or a high-resolution image) is stored in memory 650, and a corresponding copy image (e.g., a low-resolution image) can be previewed via the display module 560. Thereafter, when specified conditions are met (e.g., user input or system instruction), at least a portion of the original image stored in memory 650 can be acquired and processed, for example, by the image signal processor 660. According to one embodiment, memory 650 may consist of at least a portion of memory 530, or another memory operating independently thereof.

[0237] The image signal processor 660 can perform one or more image processing operations on images acquired via the image sensor 630 or images stored in the memory 650. These one or more image processing operations may include, for example, depth map generation, 3D modeling, panorama generation, feature point extraction, image synthesis, or image compensation (e.g., noise reduction, resolution adjustment, brightness adjustment, blurring, sharpening, or softening). Alternatively, the image signal processor 660 can perform control over at least one of the components included in the camera module 580 (e.g., the image sensor 630) (e.g., exposure time control, or readout timing control). Images processed by the image signal processor 660 are then stored again in the memory 650 for further processing, or stored in the camera module... The signal can be provided to external components of 580 (e.g., memory 530, display module 560, electronic device 502, electronic device 504, or server 508). According to one embodiment, the image signal processor 660 may be configured as at least part of the processor 520, or as a separate processor operating independently of the processor 520. If the image signal processor 660 is configured as a separate processor from the processor 520, at least one image processed by the image signal processor 660 may be displayed via the display module 560 either as is or after additional image processing by the processor 520.

[0238] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 501 may include a plurality of camera modules 580, each having different attributes or functions. In such a case, for example, at least one of the plurality of camera modules 580 may be a wide-angle camera and at least one other may be a telephoto camera. Similarly, at least one of the plurality of camera modules 580 may be a front camera and at least one other may be a rear camera.

[0239] A camera module 200 according to one embodiment disclosed herein includes a camera housing 210, a lens assembly 220 including a lens, at least part of which is housed inside the camera housing 210 and configured to move within the camera housing 210 in the direction of the optical axis L of the lens, and a stopper member 240 coupled inside the camera housing 210 and configured to restrict the range of movement of the lens assembly 220 in the direction of the optical axis L by at least part of which contacts or separates from the lens assembly 220, wherein the stopper member 240 may include a first stopper member 241 configured to at least part of which contacts the lens assembly 220 when the lens assembly 220 moves in the direction of a first optical axis, and a second stopper member 242 configured to at least part of which contacts the lens assembly 220 when the lens assembly 220 moves in the direction of a second optical axis opposite to the first optical axis.

[0240] In various embodiments, the first stopper member 241 and the second stopper member 242 each include a linear stopper 244 aligned with the lens assembly 220 in the direction of the optical axis L, wherein the lens assembly 220 can be configured such that its movement in the first optical axis direction is substantially restricted by contact with the linear stopper 244 of the first stopper member 241, and its movement in the second optical axis direction is substantially restricted by contact with the linear stopper 244 of the second stopper member 242.

[0241] In various embodiments, the linear stopper 244 may have grooves 248 formed in at least part of it to absorb or dissipate impact when the lens assembly 220 comes into contact with it.

[0242] In various embodiments, the linear stopper 244 can overlap with at least a portion of the lens assembly 220 when viewed in the direction of the optical axis L.

[0243] In various embodiments, the first stopper member 241 and the second stopper member 242 each include a base portion 243 coupled to the camera housing 210 and a linear stopper 244 positioned in a portion of the base portion 243 so as to face the lens assembly 220, wherein the linear stopper 244 includes a fixed portion 247 fixed to the base portion 243 and a flexible portion 246 extending at a predetermined distance from the fixed portion 247, the flexible portion 246 being able to contact or move away from the lens assembly 220 as the lens assembly 220 moves in the direction of the optical axis L.

[0244] In various embodiments, the linear stopper 244 further includes a groove 248 formed between the flexible portion 246 and the fixed portion 247, and the flexible portion 246 of the linear stopper 244 may be configured to move in a direction toward or toward the fixed portion 247 as the lens assembly 220 comes into contact with or separates from it.

[0245] In various embodiments, the first stopper member 241 and the second stopper member 242 each further include the buffer stopper 245 disposed in other areas of the base portion 243, the base portion 243 including a first portion 243a extending in the direction of the optical axis L and a second portion 243b extending perpendicularly from the first portion 243a, the linear stopper 244 disposed on the first surface 2433 of the second portion 243b, and the buffer stopper 245 disposed on the second surface 2434 which is the opposite surface of the first surface 2433 of the second portion 243b.

[0246] In various embodiments, the first stopper member 241 can be coupled to the side wall of the camera housing 210 such that the linear stopper 244 of the first stopper member 241 faces in the direction of the second optical axis and the buffer stopper 245 of the first stopper member 241 faces in the direction of the first optical axis.

[0247] In various embodiments, the second stopper member 242 can be coupled to the side wall of the camera housing 210 such that the linear stopper 244 of the second stopper member 242 faces in the direction of the first optical axis, and the linear stopper 244 of the second stopper member 242 faces in the direction of the second optical axis.

[0248] In various embodiments, the camera housing 210 includes a first side wall 213 parallel to the optical axis L, a second side wall 214 facing the first side wall 213, a third side wall 215 connecting the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214 and facing each other, and a fourth side wall 216, wherein the first stopper member 241 is coupled to the first side wall 213, and the second stopper member 242 can be coupled to at least one of the first side wall 213 and the second side wall 214.

[0249] In various embodiments, the lens assembly 220 further includes a first coil 261 and a first magnet 262 for moving the lens assembly 220 in the direction of the optical axis L, wherein either the first coil 261 or the first magnet 262 is located in the lens assembly 220, and the other of the first coil 261 or the first magnet 262 is located in the camera housing 210.

[0250] In various embodiments, the first magnet 262 is positioned in the lens assembly 220 so as to face a first side wall 213 of the camera housing 210 parallel to the optical axis L, and includes a first region having a first polarity and a second region having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, wherein the first and second regions can be aligned along the first optical axis.

[0251] In various embodiments, the camera housing 210 further includes a sub-magnet 293 disposed on the first side wall 213 and configured to generate a repulsive force with the first magnet 262, wherein the sub-magnet 293 may include a first sub-magnet 294 having the first polarity and positioned in the second optical axis direction with respect to the first magnet 262, and a second sub-magnet 295 having the second polarity and positioned in the first optical axis direction with respect to the first magnet 262.

[0252] In various embodiments, the lens assembly 220 includes a lens unit 221 containing the lens and a lens carrier 222 in which at least a portion of the lens unit 221 is housed, the lens carrier 222 can be coupled inside the camera housing 210 so as to be linearly movable in the direction of the optical axis L.

[0253] In various embodiments, at least a portion of the reflective member assembly 230 is located inside the camera housing 210 and is aligned with the lens assembly 220 in the direction of the optical axis L, the reflective member assembly 230 comprising a first reflective member 231 and a holder 232 supporting the first reflective member 231, and at least a portion of the second stopper member 242 may be located between the holder 232 of the reflective member assembly 230 and the lens assembly 220.

[0254] A camera module 200, 300 according to one embodiment disclosed herein includes a camera housing 310 including a light-receiving region 211 into which external light is incident - an image sensor 281 is disposed on one side of the camera housing 310 - a lens assembly 320 housed inside the camera housing 310 and including a lens - the lens assembly 320 is configured to move in the direction of the optical axis L of the lens inside the camera housing 310 - a first reflective member 331 housed inside the camera housing 310 and configured to cause the external light incident through the light-receiving region 211 to be incident on the lens, and The camera housing 310 may include a second reflective member 291 positioned inside the camera housing 310 so as to face the first reflective member 331 across the lens assembly 320 and configured to direct the external light that has passed through the lens onto the image sensor 281; a support member 340 coupled to the lens assembly 320 so as to move together with the lens assembly 320 and extending toward the second reflective member 291; and a damping member 350 positioned on the side wall of the camera housing 310 and configured to contact part or other parts of the support member 340 as the lens assembly 320 moves in the direction of the optical axis L.

[0255] In various embodiments, the second reflective member 291 is positioned in the first optical axis direction from the lens assembly 320, and the first reflective member 331 is positioned in the second optical axis direction opposite to the first optical axis direction from the lens assembly 320, and the first reflective member 331 can be aligned with the light-receiving region 211 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L such that at least a portion of it is exposed to the outside of the camera housing 310 via the light-receiving region 211.

[0256] In various embodiments, the support member 340 may include a first portion 341 extending in the direction of the optical axis L, a second portion 342 extending perpendicularly to the optical axis L from the end of the first portion 341 in the direction of the first optical axis, and a third portion 343 extending perpendicularly to the optical axis L from the end of the first portion in the direction of the second optical axis.

[0257] In various embodiments, the second portion 342 may be configured to contact the damping member 350 as the lens assembly 320 moves in the direction of the second optical axis, and the third portion 343 may be configured to contact the damping member 350 as the lens assembly 320 moves in the direction of the first optical axis.

[0258] In various embodiments, the damping member 350 may include spring-like elastic members 351, 352.

[0259] The electronic devices disclosed in this document in various embodiments can take on various forms. These electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or consumer electronics devices. The electronic devices disclosed in this document are not limited to the devices described above.

[0260] The various embodiments and terminology used in this document should be understood not to limit the technical features described herein to any particular embodiment, but to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of such embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar or related reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. A singular noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of such items unless, in the context of the reference, it is clearly indicated otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases “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 with the phrase in question, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first,” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish one component from other such components and not to limit it in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When one component (e.g., the first) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" with or without the terms "functionally" or "communically" to another component (e.g., the second), it means that the first component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or via the third component.

[0261] As used in various embodiments of this document, the term "module" can include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and can be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module can be a component configured as a whole or the smallest unit or part of such component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module can be implemented in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0262] Various embodiments of this document can be implemented as software (e.g., program 540) containing one or more instruction words stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 536 or external memory 538) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic devices 100, 501). For example, the processor (e.g., processor 520) of the machine (e.g., electronic devices 100, 501) can invoke and execute at least one instruction from the one or more instruction words stored in the storage medium. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction word. The one or more instruction words may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-temporary" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily on the storage medium.

[0263] According to one embodiment, the methods according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TMComputer programs can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via a network or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a device-readable storage medium such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or an intermediary server.

[0264] According to various embodiments, each of the above-mentioned components (e.g., modules or programs) may include one or more individuals, and some of the individuals may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-mentioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or further, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such cases, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as they were performed by the components of the multiple components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by modules, programs or other components may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0265] Although this document describes various embodiments, those skilled in the art can propose various changes and modifications. The contents disclosed herein may be intended to include changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the attached claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0266] 501 Electronic equipment 502 Electronic equipment 504 Electronic equipment 508 Server 520 processors 530 memory 540 programs 550 Input Module 555 Audio Output Module 560 Display Module 570 Audio Module 576 Sensor Module 577 Interfaces 578 Connecting terminal 579 Haptic Module 580 Camera Module 588 Power Management Module 589 Battery 590 Communication Module 596 Subscriber Identification Module 597 Antenna Module 598 First Network 599 Second Network 610 Lens Assembly 620 flash 630 Image Sensor 640 Image Stabilizer 650 memory 660 Image Signal Processors

Claims

1. It is a camera module, Camera housing and A lens assembly including a lens, at least a portion of which is housed inside the camera housing—the lens assembly is configured to move within the camera housing along the optical axis of the lens, The camera housing includes a stopper member connected to the camera housing, The stopper member is, A first linear stopper that limits the range of movement of the lens assembly in the direction of the first optical axis, It includes a second linear stopper that restricts the range of movement of the lens assembly in the direction of the second optical axis opposite to the direction of the first optical axis, The first linear stopper includes a first flexible portion and a first groove for absorbing or dispersing impact caused by contact between the lens assembly and the first linear stopper. A camera module comprising a second linear stopper, a second flexible portion and a second groove for absorbing or dispersing impact caused by contact between the lens assembly and the second linear stopper.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in the direction of the optical axis, the first linear stopper or the second linear stopper overlaps with at least a portion of the lens assembly.

3. The stopper member is, The camera housing and the first linear stopper are coupled to a first base portion, The camera module according to claim 1, comprising a second base portion coupled to the camera housing and the second linear stopper.

4. The first linear stopper includes a first fixing portion that is fixed to the first base portion, The first flexible portion extends from the first fixed portion and is separated by a predetermined interval. The second linear stopper includes a second fixing portion that is fixed to the second base portion. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein the second flexible portion extends from the second fixed portion and is separated by a predetermined interval.

5. The first flexible portion is configured to contact the lens assembly when the lens assembly is moved in the first optical axis direction, and to move away from the lens assembly when the lens assembly is moved in the second optical axis direction. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein the second flexible portion is configured to contact the lens assembly when the lens assembly is moved in the second optical axis direction, and to move away from the lens assembly when the lens assembly is moved in the first optical axis direction.

6. The first flexible portion of the first linear stopper is The lens assembly is configured to bend toward the first fixed portion when moved in the first optical axis direction, and to bend toward the first fixed portion when moved in the second optical axis direction. The second flexible portion of the second linear stopper is The camera module according to claim 4, wherein the lens assembly is configured to bend toward a second fixed portion when moved in the second optical axis direction, and is configured to bend toward the second fixed portion when moved in the first optical axis direction.

7. The aforementioned camera housing is It includes a first side wall parallel to the optical axis, a second side wall parallel to the first side wall, and a third and fourth side wall connecting the first and second side walls and parallel to each other, The camera module according to claim 3, wherein the first base portion is coupled to a first portion of the first side wall, and the second base portion is coupled to a second portion of the first side wall.

8. The camera module further includes another stopper member, The aforementioned other stopper member is, A third linear stopper configured to limit the range of movement of the lens assembly in the second optical axis direction, The camera module according to claim 7, comprising the third linear stopper and a third base portion connected to the second side wall.

9. The lens assembly further includes a first coil and a first magnet for moving the lens assembly in the first optical axis direction and the second optical axis direction, The camera module according to claim 1, wherein either the first coil or the first magnet is located in the lens assembly, and the other of the first coil or the first magnet is located in the camera housing.

10. The first magnet is The lens assembly is positioned so as to face the first side wall of the camera housing, which is parallel to the optical axis, It includes a first region having a first polarity and a second region having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, The camera module according to claim 9, wherein the first region and the second region are arranged along the first optical axis direction.

11. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the first flexible portion and the second flexible portion are formed of rubber, urethane, Poron®, or sponge.

12. It is a camera module, A camera housing including a light-receiving area into which external light is incident – ​​an image sensor is positioned on one side of the camera housing – A lens assembly, which includes a lens and is housed inside the camera housing, is configured to move within the optical axis direction of the lens within the camera housing. A first reflective member is housed inside the camera housing and configured to direct the external light incident through the light-receiving area onto the lens, A second reflective member is positioned inside the camera housing so as to face the first reflective member across the lens assembly, and is configured to cause the external light that has passed through the lens to enter the image sensor. A support member is coupled to the lens assembly so as to move together with the lens assembly and extends toward the second reflecting member, The camera housing includes a damping member positioned on the side wall and configured to contact a portion of the support member as the lens assembly moves in the optical axis direction, The aforementioned support member is The first portion extending in the direction of the optical axis, A second portion extending perpendicularly to the optical axis from one end of the first portion, It includes a third portion extending perpendicularly to the optical axis from the other end of the first portion, The third portion is configured to contact the damping member as the lens assembly moves in the first optical axis direction, The second part is a camera module configured to contact the damping member as the lens assembly moves in the direction of a second optical axis opposite to the direction of the first optical axis.

Images