Camera Module

Abstract

The camera module includes a lens barrel, a housing, a shielding cover, and a buffer member. The lens barrel includes a flange portion extending in a direction intersecting an optical axis. The housing is configured to accommodate the lens barrel and has a step portion configured to face a lower portion of the flange portion. The shielding cover is coupled to the housing and configured to cover an upper edge of the lens barrel. The buffer member is configured to be coupled to a groove of the flange portion and protrude from the flange portion in opposite directions to selectively contact the shielding cover and the step portion.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0111466, filed on September 2, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The following description relates to a camera module. Background Art

[0004] The camera module includes a lens module configured to accommodate a lens. The lens module is configured to be movable inside the camera module to achieve auto focus (AF) or optical image stabilization (OIS) of the camera module. For example, the lens module may be movable in the housing of the camera module in the direction of the optical axis or in a direction intersecting the optical axis. In the related art, the movement of the lens module is controlled by the camera module. However, since the movement of the lens module caused by an external force (for example, when a user walks or runs quickly while holding a mobile terminal equipped with a camera module) is not controlled by the camera module, collision and collision noise are generated between the lens module and other components of the camera module. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of providing this summary is to introduce a selection of inventive concepts in a concise form, and these inventive concepts will be further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the 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 a general aspect, a camera module includes a lens barrel, a housing, a shielding cover, and a buffer member. The lens barrel includes a flange portion extending in a direction intersecting an optical axis. The housing is configured to accommodate the lens barrel and has a step portion configured to face a lower portion of the flange portion. The shielding cover is coupled to the housing and configured to cover an upper edge of the lens barrel. The buffer member is configured to be coupled to a groove of the flange portion and protrude from the flange portion in opposite directions to selectively contact the shielding cover and the step portion.

[0007] The shield cover may include a protrusion extending toward the buffer member.

[0008] The camera module may further include a driving assembly configured to drive the lens barrel in a direction of the optical axis.

[0009] The driving assembly may include a driving magnet disposed on the lens barrel and a driving coil disposed in the housing.

[0010] The camera module may further include a reinforcement member integrally configured with the flange portion and having a hole into which the buffer member is inserted.

[0011] The reinforcing member may be formed of a material different from that of the lens barrel.

[0012] The buffer member may include a first buffer portion configured to selectively contact the shield case, a second buffer portion configured to selectively contact the step portion, and a connection portion disposed between the first buffer portion and the second buffer portion and configured to fit into the groove.

[0013] The shield may be formed of metal.

[0014] In another general aspect, the camera module includes a lens barrel, a barrel holder, a housing, a shielding cover, and a buffer member, and the lens barrel is configured to receive a lens. The barrel holder is coupled to the lens barrel and includes a flange portion extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis. A housing configured to accommodate the lens barrel and the barrel holder is provided with a step portion configured to face the flange portion. The shielding cover is coupled to the housing and configured to cover the upper edge of the lens barrel. The buffer member is assembled into a groove of the flange portion and is configured to selectively contact the step portion or the shielding cover.

[0015] The camera module may further include a driving assembly configured to drive the lens barrel and the barrel holder in a direction of the optical axis.

[0016] The driving assembly may include a driving magnet disposed on the lens barrel holder and a driving coil disposed in the housing.

[0017] The camera module may further include a guide groove of the lens barrel and a guide groove of the housing, wherein a ball bearing is disposed between the guide groove of the lens barrel and the guide groove of the housing.

[0018] The shield case may include a protrusion protruding toward the buffer member.

[0019] The buffer member may include a first buffer portion configured to selectively contact the shield case, a second buffer portion configured to selectively contact the step portion, and a connection portion disposed between the first buffer portion and the second buffer portion and configured to fit into the groove.

[0020] The flange portion may be provided with a reinforcing member which is integrally configured with the flange portion and has a hole into which the buffer member is inserted.

[0021] The reinforcing member may be formed of a material different from that of the barrel holder.

[0022] The shield may be formed of metal.

[0023] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the appended claims, the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an example.

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of the cushioning member shown.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A combined perspective view of the camera module shown.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the camera module is shown.

[0028] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to another example.

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged perspective view of the cushioning member shown.

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A combined perspective view of the camera module shown.

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the camera module is shown.

[0032] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to another example.

[0033] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A combined perspective view of the camera module shown.

[0034] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the camera module is shown.

[0035] Fig.12 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to another example.

[0036] Fig.13 It is shown Fig.12 A perspective view of the camera module is shown.

[0037] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of the camera module is shown.

[0038] In all drawings and detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For the purpose of clarity, illustration and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following specific embodiments are provided to help the reader obtain a comprehensive understanding of the method, device and / or system described herein. However, after understanding the disclosure of the application, various changes, modifications and equivalences of the method, device and / or system described herein will be apparent. For example, except for the operations that must occur in a specific order, the order of operations described herein is merely an example, and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but changes that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the application can be made. In addition, for greater clarity and brevity, the description of features known after understanding the disclosure of the application can be omitted.

[0040] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being 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, devices, and / or systems described herein, which will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application.

[0041] Herein, it should be noted that use of the word “may” with respect to an embodiment or example (e.g., with respect to what an embodiment or example may include or implement) means that there is at least one embodiment or example that includes or implements such feature, and all embodiments and examples are not limited thereto.

[0042] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, a region, or a substrate is described as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, the element may be directly “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, or one or more other elements may be present 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, no other elements may be present between the element and the other element.

[0043] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items.

[0044] Although the terms "first", "second" and "third" may be used herein to describe various members, components, regions, layers or parts, these members, components, regions, layers or parts are not limited by these terms. More specifically, these terms are only used to distinguish one member, component, region, layer or part from another member, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first member, first component, first region, first layer or first part mentioned in the examples may also be referred to as the second member, second component, second region, second layer or second part.

[0045] Spatially relative terms such as "above", "higher", "below", and "lower" may be used herein for descriptive convenience to describe the relationship of one element relative to another element as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to covering the orientations depicted in the accompanying drawings, these spatially relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, an element described as being "above" or "higher" relative to another element will be "below" or "lower" relative to the other element. Therefore, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term "above" covers both "above" and "below" orientations. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0046] The terms used herein are only used to describe various examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the articles "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms as well. The words "include", "comprise" and "have" illustrate the presence of stated features, numbers, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof.

[0047] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the drawings may vary. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0048] The features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways, which will be apparent after obtaining an understanding of the disclosure of the present application. In addition, although the examples described herein have multiple configurations, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application that other configurations are also possible.

[0049] The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions, and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

[0050] The camera module described herein may be mounted on a portable electronic product. For example, the camera module may be mounted on a portable phone, a laptop computer, etc. However, the scope of use of the camera module is not limited to the above-mentioned electronic products. For example, the camera module may be mounted on the front and rear surfaces of all electronic devices in which the camera module may be mounted.

[0051] The camera module includes a lens module. The lens module may move inside the camera module to perform specific functions of the camera module. For example, the lens module may move in the direction of the optical axis. The lens module may move actively to perform the unique functions of the camera module, but may also move passively by external impact. For example, the lens module may shake in the direction of the optical axis based on the type of activity in which the mobile terminal user participates within the camera module. The shaking of the lens module may cause noise and / or malfunction of the camera module. For example, a lens module shaking in the direction of the optical axis may collide with a shielding cover, a housing, or a substrate of the camera module to generate annoying noise to the user's ears.

[0052] An example provides a camera module configured to reduce camera module malfunction and damage to the camera module due to collision and collision noise of a lens module.

[0053] In one or more examples of the present disclosure for preventing the above-mentioned problems, by integrally forming a buffer member on the flange portion of the lens module or the flange portion of the lens barrel holder, problems such as noise (impact sound) generated by shaking of the lens module, failure of the camera module, etc. can be prevented.

[0054] First, refer to Figures 1 to 4 A camera module according to an example will be described.

[0055] The camera module 10 may include a housing 100, a lens barrel 200, a buffer member 400, and a shield cover 800. However, the configuration of the camera module 10 is not limited to the above-mentioned components. For example, the camera module 10 may further include a substrate 700 and an image sensor 720 (see Figure 4 ).

[0056] The housing 100 is configured to accommodate the lens barrel 200. For example, the housing 100 may be configured in a form that is open in the vertical direction and the side surface of the housing 100 is closed to accommodate the lens barrel 200. A window 102 having a predetermined size may be formed in the bottom surface of the housing 100. The light refracted by the lens barrel 200 may be incident on the image sensor through the above-mentioned window 102. A step portion 110 for selectively contacting the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 may be formed in the housing 100. The step portion 110 may be formed at the four corners of the housing 100 so as not to interfere with the movement of the lens barrel 200 in the direction of the optical axis C. However, the formation position of the step portion 110 is not limited to the corner portion of the housing 100. For example, the step portion 110 may be formed on any portion of the housing 100 in a range that does not interfere with the movement of the lens barrel 200 in the direction of the optical axis C. For example, the step portion 110 may be formed on the side wall of the housing 100. A shock absorbing member 112 having predetermined elasticity may be formed on the step portion 110. For example, the shock absorbing member 112 may be formed of a material that is easily deformed by external impact, such as polyurethane foam, foamable resin, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or the like.

[0057] The lens barrel 200 may be configured to include one or more lenses 210. In a non-limiting example, the lens barrel 200 may include four or more lenses 210. However, the number of lenses 210 accommodated in the lens barrel 200 is not limited to four. The lens barrel 200 may be formed to have a substantially cylindrical shape to accommodate a plurality of circular lenses 210. However, the shape of the lens barrel 200 is not limited to a cylinder. For example, the shape of the lens barrel 200 may change according to the cross-sectional shape of the lens 210.

[0058] The lens barrel 200 may include a flange portion 220. For example, a flange portion 220 extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis C may be formed on the circumference of the lens barrel 200. The flange portion 220 may be formed to have a shape substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the internal space of the housing 100. For example, the flange portion 220 may have a quadrilateral shape similar to the internal space of the housing 100. A groove 224 may be formed in the flange portion 220. The groove 224 may extend in a direction intersecting the optical axis C. The groove 224 may be formed to open in the lateral direction of the flange portion 220. The groove 224 may be formed to have a shape that gradually narrows from the outer side of the flange portion 220 to the inner side of the flange portion 220 (in a direction toward the lens barrel 200). However, the groove 224 does not necessarily have to be formed so that the width Wr of the groove 224 becomes narrower toward the inside. For example, the width Wr of the groove 224 may be formed to have the same size in the longitudinal direction of the groove 224. The groove 224 may be formed to have a relatively long length Lr. For example, the length Lr of the groove 224 may be greater than the width Wr of the groove 224 .

[0059] The buffer member 400 may be assembled into the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200. For example, the buffer member 400 may be assembled into the groove 224 of the flange portion 220. The buffer member 400 is configured to reduce the impact energy between the lens barrel 200 and the housing 100 or the shielding cover 800. For example, the buffer member 400 may reduce the impact applied to the lens barrel 200 by contacting the housing 100 or the shielding cover 800 before the lens barrel 200. The buffer member 400 may be formed of a material capable of elastic deformation. For example, the buffer member 400 may be formed of a material such as polyurethane foam, a foamable resin, natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, or a synthetic material including the above materials.

[0060] The shielding cover 800 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the lens barrel 200. For example, the shielding cover 800 may cover the upper edge of the lens barrel 200 so that the lens barrel 200 accommodated in the housing 100 is not separated toward the outside thereof. The shielding cover 800 may be configured to protect the camera module 10 from external harmful electromagnetic waves. For example, the shielding cover 800 may be formed of a metal material or any other material suitable for blocking harmful electromagnetic waves.

[0061] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 The shape of the buffer member 400 is described in detail.

[0062] The buffer member 400 may be formed to have a substantially cylindrical shape. Specifically, the buffer member 400 may be formed in a manner that a plurality of cylinders having different diameters may be stacked in the optical axis C direction. The buffer member 400 may be composed of a first buffer portion 410, a second buffer portion 420, and a connecting portion 430. The first buffer portion 410 may be configured to selectively contact the shielding cover 800. For example, the first buffer portion 410 may be formed to protrude toward the shielding cover 800 in a state where the buffer member 400 is coupled to the flange portion 220. The second buffer portion 420 may be configured to selectively contact the step portion 110 of the housing 100. For example, the second buffer portion 420 may be formed to protrude toward the step portion 110 in a state where the buffer member 400 is coupled to the flange portion 220. The connecting portion 430 may connect the first buffer portion 410 and the second buffer portion 420.

[0063] The connecting portion 430 can realize the connection between the buffer member 400 and the flange portion 220. For example, the buffer member 400 can be assembled into the groove 224 of the flange portion 220 using the connecting portion 430. The width Wsc or diameter of the connecting portion 430 can be substantially the same as the width Wr of the groove 224. However, the width Wsc of the connecting portion 430 does not necessarily have to be the same as the width Wr of the groove 224. For example, within the range in which the buffer member 400 can be elastically deformed, the width Wsc of the connecting portion 430 can be formed to be wider than the width Wr of the groove 224. Since the buffer member 400 having the above-mentioned shape is connected to the groove 224 of the flange portion 220 in the form of force fit, the coupling force between the buffer member 400 and the flange portion 220 can be improved.

[0064] The height hsc of the connection portion 430 may be greater than the height hr of the groove 224. However, the height hsc of the connection portion 430 does not necessarily have to be greater than the height hr of the groove 224. For example, in a range in which elastic deformation of the buffer member 400 is possible, the height hsc of the connection portion 430 may be formed to be lower than the height hr of the groove 224. Since the buffer member 400 of the above-mentioned shape is coupled to the groove 224 of the flange portion 220 in a force-fitting form, the coupling force of the buffer member 400 and the flange portion 220 may be improved.

[0065] The width Ws1 or diameter of the first buffer portion 410 and the width Ws2 or diameter of the second buffer portion 420 may be wider than the width Wsc of the connecting portion 430 and the width Wr of the groove 224. The height hs1 of the first buffer portion 410 and the height hs2 of the second buffer portion 420 may be formed to have a relatively large size. For example, the height hs1 of the first buffer portion 410 and the height hs2 of the second buffer portion 420 may be greater than the height hsc of the connecting portion 430. However, the height hs1 of the first buffer portion 410 and the height hs2 of the second buffer portion 420 do not necessarily have to be greater than the height hsc of the connecting portion 430.

[0066] Protrusions 412 and 422 may be formed on the first buffer portion 410 and the second buffer portion 420, respectively. The protrusions 412 and 422 may have a substantially hemispherical shape. However, the shape of the protrusions 412 and 422 is not limited to the hemispherical shape. For example, the protrusions 412 and 422 may be deformed in any shape within a range capable of absorbing impact and elastic deformation.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the camera module 10 has a relatively small size and can therefore be mounted on a small portable terminal such as a smart phone. Figure 4As shown, the camera module 10 can significantly reduce the noise and impact caused by the shaking of the lens barrel 200. For example, the camera module 10 can reduce the noise and impact caused by the shaking of the lens barrel 200 by the buffer member 400. The buffer member 400 can block the direct contact between the lens barrel 200 and the housing 100 or the shielding cover 800. For example, in an example in which the lens barrel 200 swings upward, the first buffer portion 410 contacts or collides with the shielding cover 800 before the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200, thereby reducing the impact energy and the collision noise. Similarly, in an example in which the lens barrel 200 swings downward, the second buffer portion 420 contacts or collides with the step portion 110 of the housing 100 before the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200, thereby reducing the impact energy and the collision noise. In addition, the buffer member 400 can significantly reduce the shaking displacement width of the lens barrel 200. For example, the first buffer portion 410 can reduce the gap S1 between the shield cover 800 and the flange portion 220, and the second buffer portion 420 can reduce the gap S2 between the housing 100 and the flange portion 220. Therefore, the camera module 10 can not only reduce the collision noise caused by the shaking of the lens barrel 200, but also reduce the malfunction and failure of the camera module 10 caused by the severe vibration of the lens barrel 200.

[0068] Next, we will refer to Figures 5 to 8 A camera module according to another example will be described.

[0069] According to an example, the camera module 12 may include a housing 100, a lens barrel 200, a buffer member 402, a drive assembly 500, and a shield cover 800. However, the configuration of the camera module 12 is not limited to the above-mentioned components. For example, the camera module 12 may also include a substrate 700 and an image sensor 720 (see Figure 8 ).

[0070] The housing 100 is configured to accommodate the lens barrel 200. For example, the housing 100 may be configured in a form in which the housing 100 is opened in the vertical direction and the side surface of the housing 100 is closed to accommodate the lens barrel 200. A window 102 having a predetermined size may be formed in the bottom surface of the housing 100. The light refracted by the lens barrel 200 may be incident on the image sensor through the above-mentioned window 102. A step portion 110 for selectively contacting the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 may be formed in the housing 100. The step portion 110 may be formed at the four corners of the housing 100 so as not to interfere with the movement of the lens barrel 200 in the optical axis C direction. However, the formation position of the step portion 110 is not limited to the corner portion of the housing 100. For example, the step portion 110 may be formed on any portion of the housing 100 in a range that does not interfere with the movement of the lens barrel 200 in the optical axis C direction. For example, the step portion 110 may be formed on the side wall of the housing 100. A shock absorbing member 112 having predetermined elasticity may be formed on the step portion 110. For example, the shock absorbing member 112 may be formed of a material that is easily deformed by external impact, such as polyurethane foam, foamable resin, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or the like.

[0071] The lens barrel 200 may be configured to include one or more lenses 210. For example, the lens barrel 200 may include four or more lenses 210. However, the number of lenses 210 accommodated in the lens barrel 200 is not limited to four. The lens barrel 200 may be formed to have a substantially cylindrical shape to accommodate a plurality of circular lenses 210. However, the shape of the lens barrel 200 is not limited to a cylinder. For example, the shape of the lens barrel 200 may be changed according to the cross-sectional shape of the lens 210.

[0072] The lens barrel 200 may include a flange portion 220. For example, a flange portion 220 extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis C may be formed on the circumference of the lens barrel 200. The flange portion 220 may be formed to have a shape substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the internal space of the housing 100. For example, the flange portion 220 may have a quadrilateral shape similar to the internal space of the housing 100. A groove 224 may be formed in the flange portion 220. The groove 224 may extend in a direction intersecting the optical axis C. The groove 224 may be formed to open in the transverse direction of the flange portion 220. The groove 224 may be formed to have a shape that gradually narrows from the outer side of the flange portion 220 to the inner side of the flange portion 220 (in a direction toward the lens barrel 200). However, the groove 224 does not necessarily have to be formed so that the width Wr of the groove 224 becomes narrower toward the inside. For example, the width Wr of the groove 224 may be formed to have the same size in the longitudinal direction of the groove 224. The groove 224 may be formed to have a relatively long length Lr. For example, the length Lr of the groove 224 may be greater than the width Wr of the groove 224 .

[0073] The buffer member 402 may be assembled to the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200. For example, the buffer member 402 may be assembled into the groove 224 of the flange portion 220. The buffer member 402 is configured to reduce the impact energy between the lens barrel 200 and the housing 100 or the shielding cover 800. For example, the buffer member 402 may reduce the impact applied to the lens barrel 200 by contacting the housing 100 or the shielding cover 800 before the lens barrel 200. The buffer member 402 may be formed of a material capable of elastic deformation. For example, the buffer member 402 may be formed of a material such as polyurethane foam, a foamable resin, natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, or a synthetic material including the foregoing materials.

[0074] The driving assembly 500 is configured to drive the lens barrel 200. For example, the driving assembly 500 can drive the lens barrel 200 in the direction of the optical axis C to achieve the automatic focus (AF) of the camera module 12. The driving assembly 500 may include a driving magnet 510 and a driving coil 520. However, the shape and configuration of the driving assembly 500 are not limited to the driving magnet 510 and the driving coil 520. For example, within the range where the automatic focus of the camera module 12 is possible, the driving assembly 500 may be changed to the form of a piezoelectric element, a shape memory alloy, etc. The driving magnet 510 may be arranged on the lens barrel 200. For example, the driving magnet 510 may be arranged on the side of the lens barrel 200 or on the side of the flange portion 220. The driving coil 520 may be arranged in a position facing the driving magnet 510. For example, the driving coil 520 may be arranged on the inner surface of the housing 100.

[0075] The shielding cover 800 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the lens barrel 200. For example, the shielding cover 800 may cover the upper edge of the lens barrel 200 so that the lens barrel 200 accommodated in the housing 100 is not externally separated. The shielding cover 800 may be configured to protect the camera module 12 from harmful external electromagnetic waves. For example, the shielding cover 800 may be formed of a metal material or any other material suitable for blocking harmful external electromagnetic waves.

[0076] A protrusion 810 may be formed on the shielding cover 800. For example, the protrusion 810 protruding in the direction facing the buffer member 402 may be formed on the bottom surface of the shielding cover 800. The protrusion 810 may be formed integrally with the shielding cover 800. For example, the protrusion 810 may be formed on the shielding cover 800 by a press process. However, the method of forming the protrusion 810 is not limited to the press process. For example, the protrusion 810 may also be formed by a method of forming a hole in the shielding cover 800 and inserting a separate member into the hole.

[0077] Next, we will refer to Figure 6 The shape of the buffer member 402 is described in detail.

[0078] The buffer member 402 may be formed to have a substantially cylindrical shape. Specifically, the buffer member 402 may be formed in a manner that a plurality of cylinders having different diameters may be stacked in the optical axis (C) direction. The buffer member 402 may be composed of a first buffer portion 410, a second buffer portion 420, third buffer portions 442 and 446, and connecting portions 430, 432, and 434. The first buffer portion 410 may be configured to selectively contact the shielding cover 800. For example, the first buffer portion 410 may be formed to protrude toward the shielding cover 800 in a state where the buffer member 402 is coupled to the flange portion 220. The second buffer portion 420 may be configured to selectively contact the step portion 110 of the housing 100. For example, the second buffer portion 420 may be formed to protrude toward the step portion 110 in a state where the buffer member 402 is coupled to the flange portion 220. The third buffer portions 442 and 446 are configured to reduce the impact transmitted through the first buffer portion 410 or the second buffer portion 420. For example, the third buffering portions 442 and 446 may be configured to have diameters Ws3 and Ws4 and heights hs3 and hs4 that are different from the diameters and heights of the first buffering portion 410 and the second buffering portion 420 to further promote compression or elastic deformation compared to the first buffering portion 410 and the second buffering portion 420. However, the diameters Ws3 and Ws4 and the heights hs3 and hs4 of the third buffering portions 442 and 446 do not necessarily have to be configured to be different from the diameters Ws1 and Ws2 and the heights hs1 and hs2 of the first buffering portion 410 and the second buffering portion 420. For example, the diameters Ws1, Ws2, Ws3 and Ws4 and the heights hs1, hs2, hs3 and hs4 of the first buffering portion 410, the second buffering portion 420, and the third buffering portions 442 and 446 may be formed to have the same size, respectively.

[0079] The connecting portions 430, 432, and 434 are configured to connect the buffering portions 410, 420, 442, and 446. For example, the first connecting portion 430 may connect the first buffering portion 410 and the third buffering portion 442, the second connecting portion 432 may connect the third buffering portion 442 and the third buffering portion 446, and the third connecting portion 434 may connect the third buffering portion 446 and the second buffering portion 420. The connecting portions 430, 432, and 434 may realize the coupling between the buffering member 402 and the flange portion 220. For example, the buffering member 402 may be assembled into the groove 224 of the flange portion 220 via one of the first connecting portion 430, the second connecting portion 432, and the third connecting portion 434. The positions of the connecting portions 430, 432, and 434 assembled in the groove 224 of the flange portion 220 may be changed according to the shape of the camera module 12 or the driving type of the lens barrel 200. For example, when the space between the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 and the shield cover 800 is larger than the space between the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 and the housing 100, the third connection portion 434 may be assembled in the groove 224 of the flange portion 220. Different from this, when the space between the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 and the shield cover 800 is smaller than the space between the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 and the housing 100, the first connection portion 430 may be assembled in the groove 224 of the flange portion 220. However, the coupling form between the buffer member 402 and the flange portion 220 is not limited to the above form. For example, in an example where the impact sound caused by the contact between the lens barrel 200 and the shield cover 800 is relatively large, the third connection portion 434 may be assembled into the groove 224 of the flange portion 220, so that the noise reduction effect can be expected to be achieved by the first buffer portion 410 and the third buffer portions 442 and 446. On the contrary, in the case where the impact sound caused by the contact between the lens barrel 200 and the housing 100 is relatively large, the first connecting portion 430 can be inserted into the groove 224 of the flange portion 220, so that a noise reduction effect can be expected to be achieved through the second buffer portion 420 and the third buffer portions 442 and 446.

[0080] The diameter Wsc1 of the connection portion 430, the diameter Wsc2 of the connection portion 432, and the diameter Wsc3 of the connection portion 434 may be substantially the same as the width Wr of the groove 224. However, the diameter Wsc1 of the connection portion 430, the diameter Wsc2 of the connection portion 432, and the diameter Wsc3 of the connection portion 434 do not necessarily have to be the same as the width Wr of the groove 224. For example, in a range in which elastic deformation of the buffer member 402 is possible, the diameter Wsc1 of the connection portion 430, the diameter Wsc2 of the connection portion 432, and the diameter Wsc3 of the connection portion 434 may be formed to be larger than the width Wr of the groove 224. The buffer member 402 of the above-mentioned shape is coupled to the groove 224 of the flange portion 220 in a force-fitting manner, and therefore, the coupling force of the buffer member 402 and the flange portion 220 can be improved.

[0081] The height hsc1 of the connection portion 430, the height hsc2 of the connection portion 432, and the height hsc3 of the connection portion 434 may be greater than the height hr of the groove 224. However, the height hsc1 of the connection portion 430, the height hsc2 of the connection portion 432, and the height hsc3 of the connection portion 434 do not necessarily have to be greater than the height hr of the groove 224. For example, within the range in which the buffer member 402 can be elastically deformed, the height hsc1 of the connection portion 430, the height hsc2 of the connection portion 432, and the height hsc3 of the connection portion 434 may be formed to be lower than the height hr of the groove 224. The buffer member 402 having the above-mentioned shape is coupled to the groove 224 of the flange portion 220 in a force-fitting manner, and therefore, the coupling force of the buffer member 402 and the flange portion 220 can be improved.

[0082] like Figure 7 As shown, the camera module 12 has a small size and can therefore be mounted on a small portable terminal such as a smart phone. Figure 8 As shown, the camera module 12 can significantly reduce noise and shock caused by the shaking of the lens barrel 200.

[0083] For example, the camera module 12 can reduce the noise and impact caused by the shaking of the lens barrel 200 through the buffer member 402. The buffer member 402 can block the direct contact between the lens barrel 200 and the housing 100 or the shield cover 800. For example, when the lens barrel 200 swings upward, the first buffer portion 410 contacts or collides with the protrusion 810 of the shield cover 800 before the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200, thereby reducing the impact energy and the impact sound. Similarly, when the lens barrel 200 swings downward, the second buffer portion 420 contacts or collides with the step portion 110 of the housing 100 before the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200, thereby reducing the impact energy and the impact sound. The camera module 12 can further reduce the impact energy. For example, the impact energy applied to the first buffer portion 410 or the second buffer portion 420 is reduced mainly by the elastic deformation of the first buffer portion 410 or the second buffer portion 420, and then can be mitigated secondarily by the elastic deformation of the third buffer portions 442 and 446 and the connecting portions 430 and 434. Therefore, the camera module 12 can more effectively reduce the malfunction and failure of the camera module 12 caused by the severe vibration of the lens barrel 200 and the collision sound caused by the shaking of the lens barrel 200.

[0084] Next, we will refer to Figures 9 to 11 A camera module according to another example will be described.

[0085] According to an example, the camera module 14 may include a housing 100, a lens barrel 200, a buffer member 400, a drive assembly 500, a reinforcing member 600, and a shielding cover 800. However, the configuration of the camera module 14 is not limited to the above-mentioned components. For example, the camera module 14 may also include a substrate 700 and an image sensor 720 (see Fig.11 ).

[0086] The housing 100 is configured to accommodate the lens barrel 200. For example, the housing 100 may be configured in a form in which the housing 100 is opened in the vertical direction and the side surface of the housing 100 is closed to accommodate the lens barrel 200. A window 102 having a predetermined size may be formed in the bottom surface of the housing 100. The light refracted by the lens barrel 200 may be incident on the image sensor through the above-mentioned window 102. A step portion 110 for selectively contacting the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 may be formed in the housing 100. The step portion 110 may be formed at the four corners of the housing 100 so as not to interfere with the movement of the lens barrel 200 in the optical axis C direction. However, the formation position of the step portion 110 is not limited to the corner portion of the housing 100. For example, the step portion 110 may be formed on any portion of the housing 100 in a range that does not interfere with the movement of the lens barrel 200 in the optical axis C direction. For example, the step portion 110 may be formed on the side wall of the housing 100. A shock absorbing member 112 having predetermined elasticity may be formed on the step portion 110. For example, the shock absorbing member 112 may be formed of a material that is easily deformed by external impact, such as polyurethane foam, foamable resin, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or the like.

[0087] The lens barrel 200 may be configured to include one or more lenses 210. For example, the lens barrel 200 may include four or more lenses 210. However, the number of lenses 210 accommodated in the lens barrel 200 is not limited to four. The lens barrel 200 may be formed to have a substantially cylindrical shape to accommodate a plurality of circular lenses 210. However, the shape of the lens barrel 200 is not limited to a cylinder. For example, the shape of the lens barrel 200 may be changed according to the cross-sectional shape of the lens 210.

[0088] The lens barrel 200 may include a flange portion 220. For example, a flange portion 220 extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis C may be formed on the circumference of the lens barrel 200. The flange portion 220 may be formed to have a shape substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the internal space of the housing 100. For example, the flange portion 220 may have a quadrilateral shape similar to the internal space of the housing 100. A groove 224 may be formed in the flange portion 220. The groove 224 may extend in a direction intersecting the optical axis C. The groove 224 may be formed to open in the transverse direction of the flange portion 220. The groove 224 may be formed to have a shape that gradually narrows from the outer side of the flange portion 220 to the inner side of the flange portion 220 (in a direction toward the lens barrel 200). However, the groove 224 does not necessarily have to be formed so that the width Wr of the groove 224 becomes narrower toward the inside. For example, the width Wr of the groove 224 may be formed to have the same size in the longitudinal direction of the groove 224. The groove 224 may be formed to have a relatively long length Lr. For example, the length Lr of the groove 224 may be greater than the width Wr of the groove 224 .

[0089] The buffer member 400 may be assembled into the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200. For example, the buffer member 400 may be assembled into the groove 224 of the flange portion 220. The buffer member 400 is configured to reduce the impact energy between the lens barrel 200 and the housing 100 or the shielding cover 800. For example, the buffer member 400 may reduce the impact applied to the lens barrel 200 by contacting the housing 100 or the shielding cover 800 before the lens barrel 200. The buffer member 400 may be formed of a material capable of elastic deformation. For example, the buffer member 400 may be formed of a material such as polyurethane foam, a foamable resin, natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, or a synthetic material including the foregoing materials.

[0090] The buffer member 400 may be formed to have a substantially cylindrical shape. Specifically, the buffer member 400 may be formed in a manner that a plurality of cylinders having different diameters may be stacked in the optical axis C direction. The buffer member 400 may include a first buffer portion 410, a second buffer portion 420, and a connecting portion 430. The first buffer portion 410 may be configured to selectively contact the shielding cover 800. For example, the first buffer portion 410 may be formed to protrude toward the shielding cover 800 in a state where the buffer member 400 is coupled to the flange portion 220. The second buffer portion 420 may be configured to selectively contact the step portion 110 of the housing 100. For example, the second buffer portion 420 may be formed to protrude toward the step portion 110 in a state where the buffer member 400 is coupled to the flange portion 220. The connecting portion 430 may connect the first buffer portion 410 and the second buffer portion 420.

[0091] The reinforcing member 600 may be formed integrally with the lens barrel 200. Specifically, the reinforcing member 600 may be formed integrally on the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200. For example, the reinforcing member 600 may be formed together with the lens barrel 200 by insert injection. The reinforcing member 600 may be formed of a material different from that of the lens barrel 200. For example, the reinforcing member 600 may be formed of a metal material. Therefore, the rigidity of the lens barrel 200 may be improved by the reinforcing member 600. The reinforcing member 600 may be configured to be coupled to the buffer member 400. For example, a hole 610 into which the buffer member 400 may be inserted may be formed in the reinforcing member 600. The diameter Wh of the hole 610 may be greater than or equal to the diameter Wsc of the connecting portion 430 of the buffer member 400, and may be smaller than the diameter Ws1 of the buffer portion 410 and the diameter Ws2 of the buffer portion 420. The thickness t of the reinforcing member 600 may be less than the height hp of the flange portion 220, and may be substantially the same as the height (hsc) of the connecting portion 430. However, the thickness t of the reinforcing member 600 does not necessarily have to be the same as the height hsc of the connecting portion 430. For example, the thickness t of the reinforcing member 600 may be less than the height hsc of the connecting portion 430. The reinforcing member 600 of the above-mentioned shape can realize the movement of the buffer member 400 inserted into the hole 610 in the optical axis direction.

[0092] The reinforcing member 600 may be formed integrally with the buffer member 400. For example, the reinforcing member 600 may be formed together with the buffer member 400 by insert injection. In addition, the reinforcing member 600 may be formed integrally with the lens barrel 200 by insert injection again after being formed together with the buffer member 400. However, the reinforcing member 600 and the buffer member 400 are not necessarily formed integrally by insert injection. For example, the buffer member 400 may be coupled to the hole 610 of the reinforcing member 600 by a force fit method.

[0093] The driving assembly 500 is configured to drive the lens barrel 200. For example, the driving assembly 500 can drive the lens barrel 200 in the direction of the optical axis C to achieve the automatic focus (AF) of the camera module 14. The driving assembly 500 may include a driving magnet 510 and a driving coil 520. However, the shape and configuration of the driving assembly 500 are not limited to the driving magnet 510 and the driving coil 520. For example, within the range where the automatic focus of the camera module 14 is possible, the driving assembly 500 may be changed to a piezoelectric element, a shape memory alloy, etc. The driving magnet 510 may be arranged on the lens barrel 200. For example, the driving magnet 510 may be arranged on the side of the lens barrel 200 or on the side of the flange portion 220. The driving coil 520 may be arranged in a position facing the driving magnet 510. For example, the driving coil 520 may be arranged on the inner surface of the housing 100.

[0094] The shielding cover 800 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the lens barrel 200. For example, the shielding cover 800 may cover the upper edge of the lens barrel 200 so that the lens barrel 200 accommodated in the housing 100 is not externally separated. The shielding cover 800 may be configured to protect the camera module 14 from external harmful electromagnetic waves. For example, the shielding cover 800 may be formed of a metal material or any other material suitable for blocking harmful electromagnetic waves.

[0095] A protrusion 810 may be formed on the shielding cover 800. For example, the protrusion 810 protruding in the direction facing the buffer member 400 may be formed on the bottom surface of the shielding cover 800. The protrusion 810 may be formed integrally with the shielding cover 800. For example, the protrusion 810 may be formed on the shielding cover 800 by a press process. However, the method of forming the protrusion 810 is not limited to the press process. For example, the protrusion 810 may be formed by a method of forming a hole in the shielding cover 800 and inserting a separate member into the hole.

[0096] like Fig.10 As shown, the camera module 14 has a small size and can therefore be mounted on a small portable terminal such as a smart phone. Fig.11 As shown, the camera module 14 can significantly reduce the noise and impact caused by the shaking of the lens barrel 200. For example, the camera module 14 can reduce the noise and impact caused by the shaking of the lens barrel 200 through the buffer member 400. The buffer member 400 can block the direct contact between the lens barrel 200 and the housing 100 or the shield cover 800. For example, when the lens barrel 200 swings upward, the first buffer portion 410 contacts or collides with the protrusion 810 of the shield cover 800 before the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200, thereby reducing the impact energy and the impact sound. Similarly, when the lens barrel 200 swings downward, the second buffer portion 420 contacts or collides with the step portion 110 of the housing 100 before the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200, thereby reducing the impact energy and the impact sound. The camera module 14 can improve the bonding force between the lens barrel 200 and the buffer member 400 through the reinforcing member 600. For reference, Figures 9 to 11 The buffer member 400 shown in FIG. 4 may be changed to Figures 5 to 8 The shape of the cushioning member 402 is shown.

[0097] Next, we will refer to Figure 12 to Figure 14 A camera module according to another example will be described.

[0098] According to an example, the camera module 16 may include a housing 100, a lens barrel 200, a barrel bracket 300, a buffer member 400, a drive assembly 500, a reinforcing member 600, and a shielding cover 800. However, the configuration of the camera module 16 is not limited to the above-mentioned components. For example, the camera module 16 may also include a flexible substrate 830, a yoke 840, and ball bearings 547 and 546. In addition, the camera module 16 may also include a substrate and an image sensor.

[0099] The housing 100 is configured to accommodate the lens barrel 200. For example, the housing 100 may be configured in a form in which the housing 100 is opened in the vertical direction and the side surface of the housing 100 is closed to accommodate the lens barrel 200. A window 102 having a predetermined size may be formed in the bottom surface of the housing 100. The light refracted by the lens barrel 200 may be incident on the image sensor through the above-mentioned window 102. A step portion 110 for selectively contacting the flange portion 220 of the lens barrel 200 may be formed in the housing 100. The step portion 110 may be formed at the four corners of the housing 100 so as not to interfere with the movement of the lens barrel 200 in the optical axis C direction. However, the formation position of the step portion 110 is not limited to the corner portion of the housing 100. For example, the step portion 110 may be formed on any portion of the housing 100 in a range that does not interfere with the movement of the lens barrel 200 in the optical axis C direction. For example, the step portion 110 may be formed on the side wall of the housing 100. A shock absorbing member 112 having predetermined elasticity may be formed on the step portion 110. For example, the shock absorbing member 112 may be formed of a material that is easily deformed by external impact, such as polyurethane foam, foamable resin, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or the like.

[0100] The lens barrel 200 may be configured to include one or more lenses 210. For example, the lens barrel 200 may include four or more lenses 210. However, the number of lenses 210 accommodated in the lens barrel 200 is not limited to four. The lens barrel 200 may be formed to have a substantially cylindrical shape to accommodate a plurality of circular lenses 210. However, the shape of the lens barrel 200 is not limited to a cylinder. For example, the shape of the lens barrel 200 may be changed according to the cross-sectional shape of the lens 210.

[0101] The barrel support 300 is configured to be coupled to the lens barrel 200. For example, the lens barrel 200 may be assembled in the accommodating space 302 of the barrel support 300. The permanent connection between the barrel support 300 and the lens barrel 200 may be obtained by an adhesive. However, the combination of the barrel support 300 and the lens barrel 200 is not necessarily performed only by an adhesive. For example, the barrel support 300 and the lens barrel 200 may be coupled by threaded engagement or force fit. The barrel support 300 may include a flange portion 320. The flange portion 320 may be formed to have a shape substantially the same as the internal profile of the housing 100. A groove 324 may be formed in the flange portion 320. The groove 324 may be formed to have a shape that is open in the vertical direction and the external direction of the flange portion 320. The buffer member 400 may be disposed in the groove 324. The reinforcing member 600 formed integrally with the barrel support 300 may be exposed externally through the groove 324.

[0102] The buffer member 400 may be assembled into the flange portion 320 of the lens barrel holder 300. For example, the buffer member 400 may be assembled into the groove 324 of the flange portion 320. The buffer member 400 is configured to reduce the impact energy between the lens barrel 200 and the housing 100 or the shielding cover 800. For example, the buffer member 400 may reduce the impact applied to the lens barrel 200 by contacting the housing 100 or the shielding cover 800 before the lens barrel 200. The buffer member 400 may be formed by a material capable of elastic deformation. For example, the buffer member 400 may be formed by a synthetic material such as polyurethane foam, a foamable resin, natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, or a synthetic material including the aforementioned materials.

[0103] The buffer member 400 may be formed to have a substantially cylindrical shape. Specifically, the buffer member 400 may be formed in a manner that a plurality of cylinders having different diameters may be stacked in the optical axis C direction. The buffer member 400 may include a first buffer portion 410, a second buffer portion 420, and a connecting portion 430. The first buffer portion 410 may be configured to selectively contact the shield cover 800. For example, the first buffer portion 410 may be formed to protrude toward the shield cover 800 in a state where the buffer member 400 is coupled to the flange portion 320. The second buffer portion 420 may be configured to selectively contact the step portion 110 of the housing 100. For example, the second buffer portion 420 may be formed to protrude toward the step portion 110 in a state where the buffer member 400 is coupled to the flange portion 320. The connecting portion 430 may connect the first buffer portion 410 and the second buffer portion 420.

[0104] The reinforcing member 600 may be formed integrally with the barrel bracket 300. Specifically, the reinforcing member 600 may be formed integrally on the flange portion 320 of the barrel bracket 300. For example, the reinforcing member 600 may be formed together with the barrel bracket 300 by insert injection. The reinforcing member 600 may be formed of a material different from that of the barrel bracket 300. For example, the reinforcing member 600 may be formed of a metal material. Therefore, the rigidity of the barrel bracket 300 may be improved by the reinforcing member 600. The reinforcing member 600 may be configured to be coupled to the buffer member 400. For example, a hole 610 into which the buffer member 400 may be inserted may be formed in the reinforcing member 600. The diameter Wh of the hole 610 may be greater than or equal to the diameter Wsc of the connecting portion 430 of the buffer member 400, and may be smaller than the diameter Ws1 of the buffer portion 410 and the diameter Ws2 of the buffer portion 420. The thickness t of the reinforcing member 600 may be less than the height hp of the flange portion 320, and may be substantially the same as the height hsc of the connecting portion 430. However, the thickness t of the reinforcing member 600 does not necessarily have to be the same as the height hsc of the connecting portion 430. For example, the thickness t of the reinforcing member 600 may be less than the height hsc of the connecting portion 430. The reinforcing member 600 of the above-mentioned shape may enable the buffer member 400 inserted into the hole 610 to move in the optical axis direction.

[0105] The reinforcing member 600 may be formed integrally with the buffer member 400. For example, the reinforcing member 600 may be formed together with the buffer member 400 by insert injection. In addition, the reinforcing member 600 may be formed integrally with the lens barrel holder 300 by insert injection after being formed together with the buffer member 400. However, the reinforcing member 600 and the buffer member 400 may not necessarily be formed integrally by insert injection. For example, the buffer member 400 may be coupled to the hole 610 of the reinforcing member 600 by a force fit method.

[0106] The driving assembly 500 is configured to drive the lens barrel 200. For example, the driving assembly 500 can drive the lens barrel 200 in the direction of the optical axis C to achieve the automatic focus (AF) of the camera module 16. The driving assembly 500 may include a driving magnet 510 and a driving coil 520. However, the shape and configuration of the driving assembly 500 are not limited to the driving magnet 510 and the driving coil 520. For example, within the range where the automatic focus of the camera module 16 is possible, the driving assembly 500 may be changed to a piezoelectric element, a shape memory alloy, etc. The driving magnet 510 may be arranged on the barrel bracket 300. For example, the driving magnet 510 may be arranged on the side of the barrel bracket 300 or on the side of the flange portion 320. The driving coil 520 may be arranged in a position facing the driving magnet 510. For example, the driving coil 520 may be arranged on the opening side of the housing 100 via the flexible substrate 830.

[0107] Camera module 16 may also include ball bearings 547 and 546 to smoothly move lens barrel 200 and barrel support 300 in the optical axis C direction. Ball bearings 547 and 546 may be arranged between housing 100 and barrel support 300. Specifically, ball bearings 547 and 546 may be arranged between guide grooves 122 and 126 of housing 100 and guide grooves 342 and 346 of barrel support 300. Ball bearings 547 and 546 may be arranged in a left-right asymmetric shape relative to optical axis C. For example, two ball bearings 547 may be arranged in guide grooves 122 and 342, and three ball bearings 546 may be arranged in guide grooves 126 and 346. However, if desired, the same number of ball bearings may be arranged in guide grooves 122 and 342 and guide grooves 126 and 346. In addition, ball bearings having different sizes may be provided in the guide grooves 122 and 342 and the guide grooves 126 and 346 to prevent the lens barrel 200 and the barrel holder 300 from being tilted.

[0108] The shielding cover 800 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the lens barrel 200. For example, the shielding cover 800 may cover the upper edge of the lens barrel 200 so that the lens barrel 200 accommodated in the housing 100 is not externally separated. The shielding cover 800 may be configured to protect the camera module 16 from external harmful electromagnetic waves. For example, the shielding cover 800 may be formed of a metal material or any other material suitable for blocking harmful electromagnetic waves.

[0109] A protrusion 810 may be formed on the shielding cover 800. For example, the protrusion 810 protruding in the direction facing the buffer member 402 may be formed on the bottom surface of the shielding cover 800. The protrusion 810 may be formed integrally with the shielding cover 800. For example, the protrusion 810 may be formed on the shielding cover 800 by a press process. However, the method of forming the protrusion 810 is not limited to the press process. For example, the protrusion 810 may be formed by a method of forming a hole in the shielding cover 800 and inserting a separate member into the hole.

[0110] like Fig.13 As shown, the camera module 16 has a small size and can therefore be mounted on a small portable terminal such as a smart phone. Fig.14 As shown, the camera module 16 can significantly reduce noise and shock caused by shaking of the lens barrel 200. In addition, the camera module 16 can improve the coupling force between the barrel holder 300 and the buffer member 400.

[0111] As described above, noise caused by the movement of the lens module can be reduced.

[0112] In addition, malfunction of the camera module and damage to the camera module caused by collision between the lens module and other components may be reduced.

[0113] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present 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 interpreted in a descriptive sense only, and not for limiting purposes. 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 components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are replaced or supplemented in different ways and / or with other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by specific embodiments, but by the appended claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: a lens barrel including a flange portion extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis; a housing configured to accommodate the lens barrel and having a step portion configured to face a lower portion of the flange portion; a shielding cover coupled to the housing and configured to cover an upper edge of the lens barrel; a buffer member configured to be coupled to the groove of the flange portion and to protrude from the flange portion in opposite directions, respectively, to selectively contact the shield cover and the step portion; as well as An image sensor is disposed behind the lens barrel in the direction of the optical axis so that light passing through the lens barrel is incident on the image sensor.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The shield cover includes a protrusion extending toward the buffer member. 3 . The camera module of claim 1 , further comprising a driving assembly configured to drive the lens barrel in a direction of the optical axis.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein: The drive assembly comprises: a driving magnet disposed on the lens barrel; and The driving coil is arranged in the shell. 5 . The camera module of claim 1 , further comprising a reinforcing member integrally constructed with the flange portion and having a hole into which the buffer member is inserted.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein: The reinforcing member is formed of a material different from that of the lens barrel.

7. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The buffer member comprises: a first buffer portion configured to selectively contact the shield; a second buffer portion configured to selectively contact the step portion; and A connecting portion is provided between the first buffer portion and the second buffer portion and is configured to be fitted into the groove.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The shielding case is formed of metal.

9. A camera module, comprising: a lens barrel configured to receive a lens; a barrel holder coupled to the lens barrel and including a flange portion extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis; a housing configured to accommodate the lens barrel and the barrel holder, the housing being provided with a step portion configured to face the flange portion; a shielding cover coupled to the housing and configured to cover an upper edge of the lens barrel; a buffer member fitted into the groove of the flange portion and configured to selectively contact the step portion or the shield cover; as well as An image sensor is disposed behind the lens barrel in the direction of the optical axis so that light passing through the lens barrel is incident on the image sensor. 10 . The camera module of claim 9 , further comprising a driving assembly configured to drive the lens barrel and the barrel holder in the direction of the optical axis.

11. The camera module according to claim 10, wherein: The drive assembly comprises: A driving magnet is arranged on the lens barrel support; and The driving coil is arranged in the shell. 12 . The camera module according to claim 11 , further comprising a guide groove of the lens barrel and a guide groove of the housing, wherein a ball bearing is disposed between the guide groove of the lens barrel and the guide groove of the housing.

13. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein: The shield case includes a protrusion protruding toward the buffer member.

14. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein: The buffer member comprises: a first buffer portion configured to selectively contact the shield; a second buffer portion configured to selectively contact the step portion; and A connecting portion is provided between the first buffer portion and the second buffer portion and is configured to be fitted into the groove.

15. The camera module according to claim 14, wherein: The flange portion is provided with a reinforcing member which is integrally constructed with the flange portion and has a hole into which the buffer member is inserted.

16. The camera module according to claim 15, wherein: The reinforcing member is formed of a material different from that of the barrel holder.

17. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein: The shielding case is formed of metal.

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