Camera module and electronic device including the same

Abstract

A camera module and an electronic device including the camera module are provided. The camera module includes a lens barrel configured to accommodate a lens, a barrel bracket configured to be coupled to the lens barrel, a first reinforcing member provided on the lens barrel, a second reinforcing member provided on the barrel bracket and configured to be fused to the first reinforcing member, and a driving unit configured to move the lens barrel and the barrel bracket in an optical axis direction. A driving coil of the driving unit is provided on a housing of the camera module, and a driving magnet of the driving unit is provided on the barrel bracket.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2020 - 0108989, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 28, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field

[0003] The following description relates to a camera module that performs autofocus. Background art

[0004] A camera module includes a lens module. The lens module includes a lens barrel that houses a lens and a barrel bracket that facilitates driving of the lens barrel. The lens barrel and the barrel bracket are joined by an adhesive applied between the lens barrel and the barrel bracket. However, since the adhesive may be easily deformed by heat, during the manufacturing process of the camera module, the position of the lens barrel relative to the barrel bracket may be distorted. Since the change in the position of the lens barrel caused by the thermal deformation of the adhesive impairs the resolution of the camera module, it may be necessary to develop a camera module that enables a firm bond between the lens barrel and the barrel bracket. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present Summary of the Invention section is intended to introduce, in a brief form, a selection of inventive concepts that will be further described in the Detailed Description section below. The Summary of the Invention section is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In one general aspect, a camera module includes a lens barrel configured to house a lens, a barrel bracket configured to be coupled to the lens barrel, a first reinforcing member provided on the lens barrel, a second reinforcing member provided on the barrel bracket and configured to be fused to the first reinforcing member, and a driving unit configured to move the lens barrel and the barrel bracket in the optical axis direction, wherein a driving coil of the driving unit is provided on a housing of the camera module, and a driving magnet of the driving unit is provided on the barrel bracket.

[0007] The first reinforcing member may be provided on a circumferential surface of the lens barrel, and wherein the second reinforcing member is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the barrel bracket facing the first reinforcing member.

[0008] A coupling member may be provided at a boundary region between the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member.

[0009] The first reinforcing member may include a protruding member that protrudes in a circumferential direction of the lens barrel.

[0010] The lens barrel bracket may be provided with a groove configured to receive the protruding member, and the second reinforcing member is disposed in the groove.

[0011] The protruding member may be provided with irregularities disposed thereon.

[0012] In a general aspect, a camera module includes a lens barrel configured to accommodate a lens, a lens barrel bracket configured to be coupled to the lens barrel, a first reinforcing member disposed on the lens barrel, a second reinforcing member disposed on the lens barrel bracket and configured to be fused to the first reinforcing member, and a driving unit configured to move the lens barrel and the lens barrel bracket in a direction intersecting the optical axis, wherein a driving coil of the driving unit is disposed on a housing of the camera module, and a driving magnet of the driving unit is disposed on the lens barrel bracket.

[0013] The first reinforcing member may include a protruding member protruding in a circumferential direction of the lens barrel.

[0014] The lens barrel bracket may be provided with a groove configured to receive the protruding member, and the second reinforcing member is disposed in the groove.

[0015] The camera module may include a movable frame configured to move together with the lens barrel bracket in a direction of the optical axis.

[0016] The movable frame may include a first movable frame and a second movable frame, wherein the first movable frame is configured to support the lens barrel bracket in a manner that the lens barrel bracket moves in a first direction intersecting the optical axis, and the second movable frame is configured to support the first movable frame in a manner that the first movable frame moves in a second direction intersecting the optical axis.

[0017] The camera module may include a first ball bearing disposed between the lens barrel bracket and the first movable frame and a second ball bearing disposed between the first movable frame and the second movable frame.

[0018] In a general aspect, an electronic device includes a camera module, the camera module including a lens barrel, a lens barrel bracket configured to be coupled to the lens barrel, a first reinforcing member disposed on the lens barrel, a second reinforcing member disposed on the lens barrel bracket and configured to be coupled to the first reinforcing member, a first driving member configured to move the lens barrel and the lens barrel bracket in an optical axis direction, and a second driving member configured to move the lens barrel and the lens barrel bracket in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; wherein a driving coil of the driving unit is disposed on a housing of the camera module, and a driving magnet of the driving unit is disposed on the lens barrel bracket.

[0019] The first reinforcing member may be disposed on a circumferential surface of the lens barrel, and the second reinforcing member is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel bracket facing the first reinforcing member.

[0020] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0022] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 a perspective view of the exemplary camera module shown.

[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary camera module taken along line I-I of Figure 2 .

[0024] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0025] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a perspective view of the exemplary camera module shown.

[0026] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary camera module taken along line II-II of Figure 5 .

[0027] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0028] Figure 8 shows Figure 7 a perspective view of the exemplary camera module shown.

[0029] Figure 9 is Figure 8 a partial enlarged view of region A of the exemplary camera module shown.

[0030] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary camera module taken along line III-III of Figure 9 .

[0031] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0032] Figure 12 is Figure 11 a perspective view of the exemplary camera module shown.

[0033] Figure 13 and 14 show examples of camera modules in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0034] In all of the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise described or provided, the same reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, proportions, and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Description

[0035] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, the order of the operations described herein is merely exemplary and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but rather changes that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application may be made. Additionally, descriptions of features that are known after understanding the disclosure of this application may be omitted for greater clarity and conciseness, noting that the omission of a feature and its description is not intended to admit that it is common knowledge.

[0036] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein, which will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0037] In this document, it should be noted that the use of the phrase "may" with respect to an embodiment or example (e.g., what an embodiment or example may include or implement) means that there is at least one embodiment or example in which such a feature is included or implemented, and not all embodiments and examples are so limited.

[0038] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, the element may be directly "on," directly "connected to," or directly "coupled to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements intervening between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no other elements intervening between the element and the other element.

[0039] As used herein, the phrase "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of them.

[0040] Although terms such as "first", "second", and "third" may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or section from another. Thus, a first component, first part, first region, first layer, or first section referred to in an example may also be termed a second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second section without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein.

[0041] Spatial relative terms such as "above", "upper", "below", and "lower" may be used herein for convenience of description to describe the relationship of one element to another as shown in the figures. In addition to covering the orientations depicted in the figures, these spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "above" or "upper" relative to another element will then be "below" or "lower" relative to that other element. Thus, the term "above" covers both the orientation of "above" and "below" depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0042] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various examples only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the articles "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" specify the presence of the stated features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0043] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the figures may vary. Thus, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the figures, but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0044] The features of the examples described herein may be combined in various ways, which will be apparent after obtaining an understanding of the disclosure of this application. In addition, although the examples described herein have various configurations, it will be apparent after obtaining an understanding of the disclosure of this application that other configurations are possible.

[0045] The camera module described in this document can be mounted on portable electronic products. In an example, the camera module can be mounted on a portable phone, a notebook computer, etc. However, the scope of use of the camera module according to the example is not limited to the aforementioned electronic products. In an example, the camera module can be mounted on the front and back surfaces of all electronic devices on which the camera module can be mounted.

[0046] The camera module is configured to enable autofocus. In an example, the lens barrel of the camera module can be configured to move in the optical axis direction or a direction intersecting the optical axis. In the inactive state, the position of the lens barrel of the camera module is fixed by the drive unit. For example, the position of the lens barrel can be fixed by the magnetic force generated between the drive coil and the drive magnet. However, since the magnetic force generated between the drive coil and the drive magnet in the inactive state of the camera module is very weak, abnormal movement of the lens barrel due to external shock may occur. The abnormal movement of the lens barrel not only causes noise in the camera module but also causes the lens barrel to disengage from the barrel bracket, thereby reducing the performance of the camera module and causing a malfunction of the camera module.

[0047] The example prevents the above problems and can provide a camera module that improves the coupling stability of the lens barrel by enhancing the coupling force between the lens barrel and the barrel bracket. In an example, in the camera module, a reinforcing member with high stiffness can be integrally formed with each of the lens barrel and the barrel bracket, and the coupling between the lens barrel and the barrel bracket can be enhanced by the bonding between the reinforcing members. As another example, in the camera module, a reinforcing member with a high melting point can be integrally formed on each of the lens barrel and the barrel bracket, and the bonding force between the lens barrel and the barrel bracket can be enhanced by the fusion bonding between the reinforcing members.

[0048] Hereinafter, examples of the camera module including the above features will be described.

[0049] First, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 3 Describe the camera module according to the example.

[0050] According to one or more embodiments, the camera module 10 may include a lens barrel 200, a barrel bracket 300, and a first drive unit 510. The camera module 10 may also include configurations required for imaging. In an example, the camera module 10 may further include an image sensor 900 and a housing 100 that houses the above configurations (see Figure 3 ).

[0051] The lens barrel 200 can be formed to have a substantially cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the lens barrel 200 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. In an example, the lens barrel 200 can be formed in the shape of a polygonal column (such as a quadrilateral column or a hexagonal column). The lens barrel 200 is configured to accommodate one or more lenses 210. In an example, one or more lenses 210 can be stacked in the lens barrel 200 in sequence in the direction of the optical axis C.

[0052] The lens barrel bracket 300 is configured to be coupled to the lens barrel 200. In an example, an open hole 302 can be formed in the center of the lens barrel bracket 300 such that the lens barrel 200 can be inserted therein. The hole 302 can be open in the direction of the optical axis C. The center of the hole 302 can be formed to coincide with the optical axis C of the lens barrel 200. The radius Rh of the hole 302 can be substantially equal to or greater than the outermost radius Rb of the lens barrel 200. The lens barrel bracket 300 can be configured to receive a part of the first driving unit 510. In an example, a mounting groove 304 can be formed in one side of the lens barrel bracket 300 such that a part of the first driving unit 510 can be disposed.

[0053] The first driving unit 510 is configured to enable the camera module 10 to autofocus. In an example, the first driving unit 510 can move the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300 in the direction of the optical axis C. The first driving unit 510 can include a first driving magnet 512 and a first driving coil 514. The first driving magnet 512 and the first driving coil 514 can be disposed on different components of the camera module 10 to face each other. For example, the first driving magnet 512 can be disposed in the mounting groove 304 of the lens barrel bracket 300, and the first driving coil 514 can be disposed in the housing 100 of the camera module 10.

[0054] The camera module 10 can further include a first reinforcing member 410 and a second reinforcing member 420 that strengthen the coupling between the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300. The characteristics of the corresponding reinforcing members 410 and 420 can be different from the characteristics of the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300. In an example, the reinforcing members 410 and 420 can be formed of a material having a greater stiffness than the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300. As another example, the reinforcing members 410 and 420 can be formed of a material having a higher melting point than the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300. For reference, in this example, the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300 can be formed of a plastic material, and the reinforcing members 410 and 420 can be formed of a metal.

[0055] The reinforcing members 410 and 420 can be respectively formed on the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300. In an example, the first reinforcing member 410 can be formed on the lens barrel 200, and the second reinforcing member 420 can be formed in the lens barrel bracket 300.

[0056] The first reinforcing member 410 may be formed on the circumferential surface of the lens barrel 200. The number of the first reinforcing members 410 may be plural, and may be formed on the circumferential surface of the lens barrel 200 at a predetermined interval around the optical axis C. In an example, the first reinforcing members 410 may be formed on the circumferential surface of the lens barrel 200 at an interval of 90 degrees around the optical axis C. However, the forming interval of the first reinforcing members 410 is not limited to 90 degrees. In an example, the first reinforcing members 410 may also be formed on the circumferential surface of the lens barrel 200 at an interval of 60 degrees or 120 degrees around the optical axis C. The first reinforcing member 410 may be formed to have a length substantially the same as that of the lens barrel 200. In an example, the first reinforcing member 410 may be formed to extend from the lower end portion of the lens barrel 200 to the upper end portion of the lens barrel 200. However, this is merely an example, and the first reinforcing member 410 does not have to be formed to have the same length as the lens barrel 200. In an example, the length of the first reinforcing member 410 may be less than the height of the lens barrel 200.

[0057] The first reinforcing member 410 may be formed to protrude outward from the circumferential surface of the lens barrel 200. For example, the distance Rm or radius from the optical axis C or the center of the lens barrel 200 to the outermost portion of the first reinforcing member 410 may be greater than the outermost radius Rb of the lens barrel 200. However, Rm does not have to be greater than Rb. In an example, Rm may be formed to have the same size as Rb so that the lens barrel 200 can be easily assembled into the hole 302 of the barrel bracket 300. In an example, the first reinforcing member 410 may be formed of a metallic material and may be integrally formed with the lens barrel 200. In an example, the first reinforcing member 410 may be integrally formed with the lens barrel 200 by an insert injection method. Therefore, the first reinforcing member 410 may be firmly bonded to the lens barrel 200 and may not be easily separated from or disassembled from the lens barrel 200 by an external impact.

[0058] The second reinforcing member 420 may be formed on the lens barrel bracket 300. Specifically, the second reinforcing member 420 may be formed as the inner circumferential surface of the hole 302. In a non-limiting example, the shape of the second reinforcing member 420 may be substantially the same as the shape of the hole 302. In an example, the second reinforcing member 420 may have a cylindrical shape with a predetermined thickness Tm. The thickness Tm of the second reinforcing member 420 may be determined by the outermost radius Rb of the lens barrel 200 and the radius Rh of the hole 302. In an example, the thickness Tm of the second reinforcing member 420 may be less than the difference (Rh - Rb) between the outermost radius Rb of the lens barrel 200 and the radius Rh of the hole 302, or may be equal to the difference (Rh - Rb). In an example, the second reinforcing member 420 may be formed of a metallic material and may be integrally formed with the lens barrel bracket 300. In an example, the second reinforcing member 420 may be integrally formed with the lens barrel bracket 300 by an insert injection method. Accordingly, the second reinforcing member 420 may be firmly coupled to the lens barrel bracket 300 and may not be easily separated from or disassembled from the lens barrel bracket 300 by an external impact.

[0059] The lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300 may be combined as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown. In an example, the lens barrel 200 may be coupled to the lens barrel bracket 300 in such a way that the lens barrel 200 is assembled into the hole 302 of the lens barrel bracket 300. The lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300 may be rigidly coupled by the bonding of the respective reinforcing members 410 and 420. A bonding portion W may be formed at the boundary between the first reinforcing member 410 and the second reinforcing member 420. A permanent coupling between the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300 may be obtained by the fusion bonding between the first reinforcing member 410 and the second reinforcing member 420.

[0060] The welding between the first reinforcing member 410 and the second reinforcing member 420 may be performed by a method such as laser welding, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] The lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300 may move in the direction of the optical axis C. Specifically, the lens barrel 200 may move in the direction of the optical axis C by the interaction between the first driving magnet 512 mounted on the lens barrel bracket 300 and the first driving coil 514 provided on the housing 100.

[0062] The housing 100 can be configured to accommodate the lens barrel 200, the barrel bracket 300, the first driving unit 510, the substrate 810, and the image sensor 900. The housing 100 can be configured in a form with openings in the upper and lower portions. However, the opening portions of the housing 100 are not limited to the upper and lower portions. In an example, at least one side of the housing 100 can be formed to be open as needed. The substrate 810 can be disposed in the lower portion of the housing 100. The image sensor 900 and other electronic components for controlling the image sensor 900 can be mounted on the substrate 810. A circuit can be printed on the substrate 810. In an example, a circuit for sending control signals to the image sensor 900 and the first driving unit 510 can be printed on the substrate 810. The substrate 810 can have a multi-layer structure. In an example, the substrate 810 can be formed of a stacked structure of circuit boards on which circuits are printed.

[0063] In an example of the camera module 10 configured as described above, the lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300 can be coupled to each other by fusion bonding between the reinforcing members 410 and 420 having relatively high stiffness, so as to exhibit constant and reliable camera performance even in examples of external shock and internal shock.

[0064] Next, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 6 describe an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0065] According to an example, the camera module 12 can include a lens barrel 200, a barrel bracket 300, and a second driving unit 520. The camera module 12 can also include configurations necessary for imaging. In an example, the camera module 12 can also include an image sensor 900, a substrate 810, and a housing 100 configured to accommodate the above configurations (see Figure 6 ).

[0066] The lens barrel 200 can be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the lens barrel 200 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. In an example, the lens barrel 200 can be formed in a shape of a polygonal column (such as a quadrilateral column or a hexagonal column). The lens barrel 200 is configured to accommodate one or more lenses 210. For example, one or more lenses 210 can be stacked in the lens barrel 200 in sequence in the direction of the optical axis C.

[0067] The lens barrel holder 300 is configured to be coupled to the lens barrel 200. In an example, an open hole 302 may be formed in the center of the lens barrel holder 300 into which the lens barrel 200 can be inserted. The hole 302 may open in the direction of the optical axis C. The center of the hole 302 may be formed to coincide with the optical axis C of the lens barrel 200. The radius Rh of the hole 302 may be substantially equal to or greater than the outermost radius Rb of the lens barrel 200. The lens barrel holder 300 may be configured to receive a part of the second driving unit 520. In an example, mounting grooves 304a and 304b may be formed in two side surfaces of the lens barrel holder 300, and some components of the second driving unit 520 may be disposed in the mounting grooves 304a and 304b.

[0068] The second driving unit 520 (520a and 520b) is configured to perform camera shake correction of the camera module 12. In an example, the second driving unit 520 (520a and 520b) may move the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300 in a direction intersecting the optical axis C. The second driving unit 520 (520a and 520b) may include second driving magnets 522a and 522b and second driving coils 524a and 524b. The corresponding second driving magnets 522a and 522b and second driving coils 524a and 524b may be arranged to face each other. In an example, the second driving magnets 522a and 522b may be respectively disposed in the mounting grooves 304a and 304b of the lens barrel holder 300, and the corresponding second driving coils 524a and 524b may be disposed in the housing 100 of the camera module 12.

[0069] The camera module 12 may further include a first reinforcing member 410 and a second reinforcing member 420 that enhance the coupling between the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300. In a non-limiting example, the reinforcing members 410 and 420 may be formed of a material different from the materials of the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300. In an example, the reinforcing members 410 and 420 may be formed of a material having a higher stiffness than the materials of the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300. As another example, the reinforcing members 410 and 420 may be formed of a material having a higher melting point than the melting points of the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300. As a reference, in a non-limiting example, the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300 may be formed of plastic, and the reinforcing members 410 and 420 may be formed of metal.

[0070] Reinforcing members 410 and 420 may be formed on the lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300, respectively. In an example, the first reinforcing member 410 may be formed on the lens barrel 200, and the second reinforcing member 420 may be formed on the barrel bracket 300. The first reinforcing member 410 may be formed on the circumferential surface of the lens barrel 200. In an example, the first reinforcing member 410 may be formed in an oval shape along the circumferential surface of the lens barrel 200. The first reinforcing member 410 may be formed to protrude outward from the circumferential surface of the lens barrel 200. In an example, the distance Rm from the center of the lens barrel 200 to the outermost part of the first reinforcing member 410 may be greater than the outermost radius Rb of the lens barrel 200. However, this is merely an example, and Rm does not necessarily have to be greater than Rb. In an example, Rm may be formed to have the same dimension as Rb such that the lens barrel 200 can be easily assembled into the hole 302 of the barrel bracket 300. The first reinforcing member 410 may be formed to have a predetermined dimension on the circumferential surface of the lens barrel 200. In an example, the formed height hm of the first reinforcing member 410 may be greater than the depth hh of the hole 302.

[0071] The first reinforcing member 410 may be formed of a metallic material and may be integrally formed with the lens barrel 200. In an example, the first reinforcing member 410 may be integrally formed with the lens barrel 200 by an insert injection method. Accordingly, the first reinforcing member 410 may be firmly coupled to the lens barrel 200 and may not be easily separated from or disassembled from the lens barrel 200 by an external impact.

[0072] The second reinforcing member 420 may be formed on the barrel bracket 300. Specifically, the second reinforcing member 420 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the hole 302 and the upper surface of the barrel bracket 300. In an example, the second reinforcing member 420 extends from the edge of the barrel bracket 300 along the upper surface of the barrel bracket 300 to the hole 302 and then may extend along the inner circumferential surface of the hole 302 to the lower end portion of the hole 302. Since the second reinforcing member 420 according to this example has a relatively large contact area contacting the barrel bracket 300, the coupling force with the barrel bracket 300 may be significantly improved.

[0073] The second reinforcing member 420 may be formed to protrude into the hole 302. In an example, the shortest distance Rhm from the center of the hole 302 to the second reinforcing member 420 may be less than the radius Rh of the hole 302. However, Rhm does not have to be less than Rh. In an example, Rhm and Rh may be formed to have the same dimension such that the lens barrel 200 can be easily assembled into the hole 302 of the barrel bracket 300.

[0074] In an example, the second reinforcing member 420 may be formed of a metallic material and may be integrally formed with the lens barrel holder 300. In an example, the second reinforcing member 420 may be integrally formed with the lens barrel holder 300 by an insert injection method. Accordingly, the second reinforcing member 420 may be firmly coupled to the lens barrel holder 300 and may not be easily separated from or disassembled from the lens barrel holder 300 by an external impact.

[0075] The lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300 may be combined as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown. In an example, the lens barrel 200 may be coupled to the lens barrel holder 300 such that the lens barrel 200 is fitted into the hole 302 of the lens barrel holder 300. The lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300 may be rigidly coupled by the coupling of the reinforcing members 410 and 420. In an example, a permanent coupling between the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300 may be obtained by a fusion bond between the first reinforcing member 410 and the second reinforcing member 420. The welding between the first reinforcing member 410 and the second reinforcing member 420 may be performed by a method such as laser welding, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] The lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300 may move in a direction intersecting the optical axis C. Specifically, the lens barrel 200 may move in a direction intersecting the direction of the optical axis C by the interaction between the second driving magnets 522a and 522b mounted on the lens barrel holder 300 and the second driving coils 524a and 524b provided on the housing 100.

[0077] The housing 100 may be configured to accommodate the lens barrel 200, the lens barrel holder 300, the second driving units 520a and 520b, the substrate 810, and the image sensor 900. The housing 100 may be configured in a form with upper and lower portions open. However, the open portions of the housing 100 are not limited to the upper and lower portions. In an example, at least one side of the housing 100 may be formed to be open as needed. The substrate 810 may be disposed in the lower portion of the housing 100. The image sensor 900 and other electronic components for controlling the image sensor 900 may be mounted on the substrate 810. A circuit may be printed on the substrate 810. In an example, a circuit for sending control signals to the image sensor 900 and the second driving units 520a and 520b may be printed on the substrate 810. The substrate 810 may have a multi-layer structure. In an example, the substrate 810 may be formed of a stacked structure of circuit boards on which circuits are printed.

[0078] In the exemplary camera module 12, even in a structure configured to move the lens barrel 200 in a direction intersecting the optical axis, the reliability of the coupling between the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300 may be improved.

[0079] Next, an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 description according to one or more embodiments of the exemplary camera module.

[0080] According to one or more embodiments, the camera module 14 may include a lens barrel 200, a barrel bracket 300, and a first driving unit 510. The camera module 14 may also include configurations required for imaging. In an example, the camera module 14 may also include an image sensor and a housing (e.g., Figure 3 and Figure 6 the image sensor and housing shown in).

[0081] The lens barrel 200 may be formed in a frustoconical shape having an upper diameter smaller than a lower diameter. However, the shape of the lens barrel 200 is not limited to having a frustoconical shape. The lens barrel 200 is configured to accommodate one or more lenses 210. In an example, one or more lenses 210 may be stacked in the lens barrel 200 in sequence in the direction of the optical axis C.

[0082] The barrel bracket 300 may be configured to be coupled to the lens barrel 200. In an example, an open hole 302 may be formed in the center of the barrel bracket 300 such that the lens barrel 200 can be inserted into the hole 302. The hole 302 may open in the direction of the optical axis C. The center of the hole 302 may be formed to coincide with the optical axis C of the lens barrel 200. The radius Rh of the hole 302 may be substantially equal to or greater than the maximum radius Rb of the lens barrel 200. The barrel bracket 300 may be configured to receive a part of the first driving unit 510. In an example, a mounting groove 304 may be formed in one side of the barrel bracket 300, and a part of the first driving unit 510 may be disposed in the mounting groove 304.

[0083] The first driving unit 510 may be configured to enable the camera module 14 to autofocus. In an example, the first driving unit 510 may move the lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300 in the direction of the optical axis C. The first driving unit 510 may include a first driving magnet 512 and a first driving coil 514. The first driving magnet 512 and the first driving coil 514 may be disposed on different components of the camera module 10 to face each other. For example, the first driving magnet 512 may be disposed in the mounting groove 304 of the barrel bracket 300, and the first driving coil 514 may be disposed in the housing 100 of the camera module 14.

[0084] The camera module 14 may further include a first reinforcing member 410 and a second reinforcing member 420 that strengthen the coupling between the enhanced lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300. The reinforcing members 410 and 420 may be formed of a material different from the materials of the lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300. In an example, the reinforcing members 410 and 420 may be formed of a material having a higher stiffness than the materials of the lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300. As another example, the reinforcing members 410 and 420 may be formed of a material having a higher melting point than the melting points of the lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300. For reference, in this example, the lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300 may be formed of plastic, and the reinforcing members 410 and 420 may be formed of metal.

[0085] The reinforcing members 410 and 420 may be formed on the lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300. For example, the first reinforcing member 410 may be formed on the lens barrel 200, and the second reinforcing member 420 may be formed on the barrel bracket 300.

[0086] The first reinforcing member 410 may be formed in an annular shape having a predetermined radius Rm. The first reinforcing member 410 may include a plurality of protrusions 412. The protrusions 412 may be formed to protrude in the radial direction. The protrusions 412 may be configured as a plurality. In an example, the first reinforcing member 410 may include two protrusions 412, as Figure 7 shown. However, the number of protrusions 412 formed on the first reinforcing member 410 is not limited to two. In an example, the first reinforcing member 410 may include three or more protrusions 412. The radius Rm of the first reinforcing member 410 may be smaller than the radius Rh of the hole 302.

[0087] In a non-limiting example, the first reinforcing member 410 may be formed of a metallic material and may be integrally formed with the lens barrel 200. In an example, the first reinforcing member 410 may be integrally formed with the lens barrel 200 by an insert injection method. Thus, the first reinforcing member 410 may be firmly coupled to the lens barrel 200 and may not be easily separated from or disassembled from the lens barrel 200 by an external impact. The protrusions 412 of the first reinforcing member 410 may be formed to protrude to the outside of the lens barrel 200. In an example, the distance Rmp from the center of the lens barrel 200 to the end of the protrusion 412 may be greater than the maximum radius Rb of the lens barrel 200. Additionally, Rmp may be greater than the radius Rh of the hole 302.

[0088] The second reinforcing member 420 may be formed in a substantially annular shape. The inner radius Rhmi of the second reinforcing member 420 may be greater than the maximum radius Rb of the lens barrel 200 and the radius Rh of the hole 302, and may be less than Rmp. The outer radius Rhmo of the second reinforcing member 420 may be greater than Rmp. The second reinforcing member 420 may include a plurality of protrusions 422. The protrusions 422 may be used to increase the coupling force with the lens barrel bracket 300.

[0089] In a non-limiting example, the second reinforcing member 420 may be formed of a metallic material and may be integrally formed with the lens barrel bracket 300. In an example, the second reinforcing member 420 may be integrally formed with the lens barrel bracket 300 by an insert injection method. Accordingly, the second reinforcing member 420 may be firmly coupled to the lens barrel bracket 300 and may not be easily separated from or disassembled from the lens barrel bracket 300 by an external impact. A portion of the second reinforcing member 420 may be exposed to the outside of the lens barrel bracket 300. In an example, a portion of the second reinforcing member 420 may be exposed through the groove 306 of the lens barrel bracket 300. The groove 306 of the lens barrel bracket 300 may be formed to receive the protrusion 412 of the first reinforcing member 410. In an example, the distance Rhr from the center of the lens barrel bracket 300 to the inside of the groove 306 may be greater than the distance Rmp from the center of the lens barrel 200 to the end of the protrusion 412.

[0090] The lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300 may be combined in the Figure 8 form shown. In an example, the lens barrel 200 may be coupled to the lens barrel bracket 300 in such a manner that the lens barrel 200 is assembled into the hole 302 of the lens barrel bracket 300. In the coupled state of the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300, the protrusion 412 of the first reinforcing member 410 may contact the second reinforcing member 420 exposed through the groove 306.

[0091] The lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300 can be rigidly coupled by the combination of the reinforcing members 410 and 420. In an example, a permanent coupling between the lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300 can be obtained by the fusion bonding between the first reinforcing member 410 and the second reinforcing member 420. The welding between the first reinforcing member 410 and the second reinforcing member 420 can be performed by methods such as laser welding. Through laser welding or spot welding, the joint portion 430 of the first reinforcing member 410 and the second reinforcing member 420 can have a unique shape. In an example, the joint portion 430 can have irregularities formed by laser welding or spot welding. The number of the joint portions 430 can be increased or decreased according to the size and weight of the lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300. The protruding shape or the recessed shape of the joint portion 430 can enhance the bonding force between the first reinforcing member 410 and the second reinforcing member 420, thereby increasing the reliability of the bonding force between the lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300.

[0092] The lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300 can move in the direction of the optical axis C. Specifically, the lens barrel 200 can move in the direction of the optical axis C by the interaction between the first driving magnet 512 mounted on the barrel bracket 300 and the first driving coil 514 provided on the housing 100.

[0093] Since the bonding strength between the first reinforcing member 410 and the second reinforcing member 420 can be increased in the camera module 14 configured as above, the connection reliability between the lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300 can be further improved.

[0094] Next, reference will be made to Figures 11 to 14 describe an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0095] According to an example, the camera module 16 includes a lens barrel 200, a barrel bracket 300, a first movable frame 610, a second movable frame 620, a housing 100, a first driving unit 510, and a second driving unit 520. In addition, the camera module 16 may further include a flexible substrate 812, a fixing clip 820, a shielding cover 830, and ball bearings 710, 720, and 730.

[0096] The lens barrel 200 can be formed in a frustum shape, and the upper part of the frustum shape is smaller than the lower part. The lens barrel 200 can be configured to receive lenses. In an example, one or more lenses can be stacked in the lens barrel 200 in the direction of the optical axis C in sequence.

[0097] The lens barrel support 300 can be configured to be coupled to the lens barrel 200. In an example, an open hole 302 can be formed at the center of the lens barrel support 300 such that the lens barrel 200 can be inserted into the hole 302. The hole 302 can open in the direction of the optical axis C. The center of the hole 302 can be formed to coincide with the optical axis C of the lens barrel 200. The lens barrel support 300 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the second drive unit 520. In an example, two mounting grooves 304 can be formed in two side surfaces of the lens barrel support 300, and second drive magnets 522a and 522b that are part of the second drive unit 520 can be disposed in the two mounting grooves 304.

[0098] The first movable frame 610 can be configured to support the lens barrel support 300. The first movable frame 610 can support the lens barrel support 300 such that the lens barrel support 300 can move. In an example, the lens barrel support 300 can move on the first movable frame 610 in a first direction (e.g., the X direction) that intersects the optical axis C. Ball bearings 710 can be disposed between the lens barrel support 300 and the first movable frame 610. Specifically, the ball bearings 710 can be disposed between the guide groove 334 of the lens barrel support 300 and the groove 616 of the first movable frame 610 so that the lens barrel support 300 can move.

[0099] The second movable frame 620 can be configured to support the first movable frame 610. The second movable frame 620 can support the first movable frame 610 such that the first movable frame 610 can move. The first movable frame 610 can move on the second movable frame 620 in a second direction (e.g., the Y direction) that intersects the optical axis C. Ball bearings 720 can be disposed between the first movable frame 610 and the second movable frame 620.

[0100] Specifically, the ball bearings 720 can be disposed between the groove 616 of the first movable frame 610 and the guide groove 624 of the second movable frame 620 so that the first movable frame 610 can move. A first drive magnet 512 that is part of the first drive unit 510 can be disposed on the second movable frame 620. In an example, the first drive magnet 512 can be mounted on one side of the second movable frame 620. The second movable frame 620 can be formed in a form having at least two side openings. In an example, two adjacent side surfaces of the second movable frame 620 can be partially opened in such a way that the second drive magnets 522a and 522b mounted on the lens barrel support 300 face the second drive coils 524a and 524b.

[0101] The housing 100 can be configured to accommodate the lens barrel 200, the barrel bracket 300, the first movable frame 610, and the second movable frame 620. The housing 100 can accommodate the second movable frame 620 in such a way that the second movable frame 620 can move. In an example, the second movable frame 620 can move in the direction of the optical axis C within the housing 100. The ball bearing 730 can be disposed between the housing 100 and the second movable frame 620. In an example, the ball bearing 730 can be disposed between the guide groove 102 of the housing 100 and the guide groove 622 of the second movable frame 620 so that the second movable frame 620 can move in the optical axis direction. The housing 100 can be configured to have a side surface with at least three openings. In an example, three sides of the housing 100 can be partially open such that the first drive magnet 512 of the second movable frame 620 and the second drive magnets 522a and 522b of the barrel bracket 300 face the first drive coil 514 and the second drive coils 524a and 524b disposed on the perimeter of the housing 100, respectively.

[0102] The first drive unit 510 can be configured such that the camera module 16 can perform autofocus. In an example, the first drive unit 510 can move the lens barrel 200, the barrel bracket 300, and the movable frames 610 and 620 in the direction of the optical axis C by the magnetic force generated from the first drive magnet 512 and the first drive coil 514. Accordingly, the camera module 16 can perform autofocus (AF) by the first drive unit 510 by changing the position of the lens barrel 200 in the optical axis direction.

[0103] The second drive unit 520 is configured such that the camera module 16 can perform optical image stabilization. For example, the second drive unit 520 can move the lens barrel 200 and the barrel bracket 300 or move the lens barrel 200, the barrel bracket 300, and the first movable frame 610 in a direction intersecting the optical axis C by the magnetic force generated from the second drive magnets 522a and 522b and the second drive coils 524a and 524b. Accordingly, the camera module 16 can perform optical image stabilization (OIS) by the second drive unit 520 by changing the position of the lens barrel 200 in the direction intersecting the optical axis.

[0104] The flexible substrate 812 is configured to support the first drive coil 514 and the second drive coils 524a and 524b. In an example, the flexible substrate 812 enables the first drive coil 514 and the second drive coils 524a and 524b to be fixed to the side of the opening of the housing 100 in such a manner that the first drive coil 514 and the second drive coils 524a and 524b can face the first drive magnet 512 and the second drive magnets 522a and 522b, respectively. The flexible substrate 812 is configured to supply current and control signals to the first drive coil 514 and the second drive coils 524a and 524b. In an example, the flexible substrate 812 can be connected to an external power source and an external control device to supply current and control signals to the first drive coil 514 and the second drive coils 524a and 524b.

[0105] The fixing clip 820 can be configured to prevent the lens barrel holder 300 and the first movable frame 610 from separating from the second movable frame 620. In an example, the fixing clip 820 can be coupled to the second movable frame 620 in a state where the upper part of the lens barrel holder 300 is pressed by it, thereby preventing the lens barrel holder 300 and the first movable frame 610 from separating from the second movable frame 620.

[0106] The shielding cover 830 can be configured to shield a partial upper region and four side surfaces of the housing 100. The shielding cover 830 can be configured to prevent a failure of the camera module 16 due to harmful electromagnetic waves. In an example, the shielding cover 830 can be formed of a metal material to block magnetic field interference of the first drive unit 510 and the second drive unit 520 caused by harmful electromagnetic waves.

[0107] The camera module 16 may further include a first reinforcing member 410 and a second reinforcing member 420 that strengthen the coupling between the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300. The reinforcing members 410 and 420 can be formed of a material different from that of the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300. In an example, the reinforcing members 410 and 420 can be formed of a material having a higher stiffness than that of the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300. As another example, the reinforcing members 410 and 420 can be formed of a material having a higher melting point than that of the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300. For reference, in this example, the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300 can be formed of plastic, and the reinforcing members 410 and 420 can be formed of metal.

[0108] The reinforcing members 410 and 420 can be formed on the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel holder 300. In an example, the first reinforcing member 410 can be formed on the lens barrel 200, and the second reinforcing member 420 can be formed on the lens barrel holder 300. For reference, the reinforcing members 410 and 420 according to this example can be Figures 7 to 10Those shown are the same or similar. In the example, the protrusion 412 may be formed on the first reinforcing member 410. The protrusion 412 may protrude at intervals in the circumferential direction of the lens barrel 200. The second reinforcing member 420 may be formed to be exposed to the outside through the groove of the lens barrel bracket 300. The protrusion 412 of the first reinforcing member 410 is received in the groove of the lens barrel bracket 300 so that contact and bonding between the first reinforcing member 410 and the second reinforcing member 420 can be performed. The first reinforcing member 410 and the second reinforcing member 420 may be integrally formed with the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300 by injection molding.

[0109] In the camera module 16 configured as described above, the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300 that are movable in the optical axis direction and in a direction intersecting the optical axis may be rigidly coupled by the reinforcing members 410 and 420, thereby improving the operation reliability of the camera module 16.

[0110] Next, Figure 13 and Figure 14 An example of implementing the camera module according to the above example is shown.

[0111] The above camera modules 10, 12, 14, and 16 can sufficiently ensure the connection reliability between the lens barrel 200 and the lens barrel bracket 300 that are set to be movable inside the camera module, and thus the above camera modules 10, 12, 14, and 16 can be mounted on various types of portable terminals.

[0112] In the example, as Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown, the camera modules 10, 12, 14, and 16 may be continuously arranged in one direction or in multiple directions to improve the performance of the portable terminal. However, the arrangement form of the camera modules 10, 12, 14, and 16 is not limited to Figure 13 and Figure 14 the form shown. In the example, the camera modules 10, 12, 14, and 16 may be mounted on the portable terminal in a single form.

[0113] As described above, a rigid connection between the lens barrel and the lens barrel bracket can be obtained. Therefore, in the camera module according to the example, a reduction in resolution due to a weak connection between the lens barrel and the lens barrel bracket can be reduced.

[0114] While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein should be construed only in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. The description of the features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may also be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the described components of the system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented with other components or their equivalents. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: A lens barrel configured to accommodate a lens; A barrel bracket configured to be coupled to the lens barrel; A first reinforcing member provided on the lens barrel; A second reinforcing member provided on the barrel bracket and configured to be fused to the first reinforcing member; A driving unit configured to move the lens barrel and the barrel bracket in an optical axis direction; And An image sensor provided to face an end portion of the lens barrel, Wherein a driving coil of the driving unit is provided on a housing of the camera module, and a driving magnet of the driving unit is provided on the barrel bracket, and Wherein a length of the first reinforcing member in the optical axis direction is greater than a length of the barrel bracket in the optical axis direction.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The first reinforcing member is provided on a circumferential surface of the lens barrel, and Wherein the second reinforcing member is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the barrel bracket facing the first reinforcing member.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, comprising a coupling member provided at a boundary region between the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The first reinforcing member includes a protruding member protruding in a circumferential direction of the lens barrel.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein, The barrel bracket is provided with a groove configured to receive the protruding member, Wherein the second reinforcing member is provided in the groove.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein, The protruding member is provided with irregularities disposed thereon.

7. A camera module, comprising: A lens barrel configured to accommodate a lens; A barrel bracket configured to be coupled to the lens barrel; A first reinforcing member provided on the lens barrel; A second reinforcing member provided on the barrel bracket and configured to be fused to the first reinforcing member; A driving unit configured to move the lens barrel and the barrel bracket in a direction intersecting the optical axis; And An image sensor provided to face an end portion of the lens barrel, Wherein a driving coil of the driving unit is provided on a housing of the camera module, and a driving magnet of the driving unit is provided on the barrel bracket, and Wherein a length of the first reinforcing member in the optical axis direction is greater than a length of the barrel bracket in the optical axis direction.

8. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein, The first reinforcing member includes a protruding member protruding in a circumferential direction of the lens barrel.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The barrel bracket is provided with a groove configured to receive the protruding member, Wherein the second reinforcing member is provided in the groove.

10. The camera module according to claim 7, further comprising a movable frame configured to move in the direction of the optical axis together with the barrel bracket.

11. The camera module according to claim 10, wherein, The movable frame includes: A first movable frame configured to support the barrel bracket in such a manner that the barrel bracket moves in a first direction intersecting the optical axis; and A second movable frame configured to support the first movable frame in such a manner that the first movable frame moves in a second direction intersecting the optical axis.

12. The camera module according to claim 11, comprising: A first ball bearing is disposed between the lens barrel bracket and the first movable frame; and a second ball bearing is disposed between the first movable frame and the second movable frame.

13. An electronic device, comprising: a camera module, comprising: a lens barrel; a lens barrel bracket configured to be coupled to the lens barrel; a first reinforcing member disposed on the lens barrel; a second reinforcing member disposed on the lens barrel bracket and configured to be fused to the first reinforcing member; a first driving unit configured to move the lens barrel and the lens barrel bracket in the optical axis direction; a second driving unit configured to move the lens barrel and the lens barrel bracket in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; and an image sensor disposed to face an end of the lens barrel, wherein driving coils of the first driving unit and the second driving unit are disposed on a housing of the camera module, and driving magnets of the first driving unit and the second driving unit are disposed on the lens barrel bracket, and wherein a length of the first reinforcing member in the optical axis direction is greater than a length of the lens barrel bracket in the optical axis direction.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, The first reinforcing member is disposed on a circumferential surface of the lens barrel, and wherein the second reinforcing member is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel bracket facing the first reinforcing member.

Images