Camera module and electronic device including the camera module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a camera module, which includes a housing; a lens holder configured to move in the optical axis direction in the housing; and a lens barrel coupled to the lens holder, wherein the lens holder includes a first support structure extending from one side surface in the optical axis direction and a second support structure located on the side surface opposite to the first support structure and extending in the optical axis direction, and the first support structure includes an extension portion protruding beyond the second support structure in the optical axis direction. The present disclosure also relates to an electronic device including the camera module.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10 - 2020 - 0127467, filed on September 29, 2020, and 10 - 2021 - 0010811, filed on January 26, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a camera module, and more particularly, to a structure capable of switching the path of light collected by a camera at least once. Background art

[0004] Camera modules provided in mobile devices have been manufactured to have a performance level comparable to that of conventional cameras. Specifically, as the frequency of using mobile devices to capture images increases, the demand for camera modules capable of providing a high zoom magnification increases.

[0005] Meanwhile, in order to increase the zoom magnification, it is necessary to increase the distance that light incident on the camera moves to the image sensor, that is, the total track length (TTL), and in order to achieve a relatively long total track length, the total length of the camera may increase.

[0006] Recent camera modules have been provided with a relatively long total track length achieved by switching light from the rear of a mobile device by about 90 degrees using a reflector such as a prism. However, even such a camera module including a reflector has limitations in further increasing the zoom magnification.

[0007] Meanwhile, the zoom magnification can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the distance between the lens and the image sensor. In order to provide a wide range of zoom magnifications, it is necessary to increase the movement range of the lens module. However, as the movement distance of the lens module increases, the lens module may move in a direction different from the expected direction, or the position of the lens module may not be accurately detected, which may cause problems in the zoom magnification control function or the focus control function.

[0008] The above information is presented only as background information to assist in understanding the present disclosure. No determination has been made, nor is any assertion made, as to whether any of the above constitutes prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present disclosure of the invention is intended to introduce, in a brief form, a selection of inventive concepts, which will be further described in the detailed description section below. The present disclosure of the invention is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] In one general aspect, a camera module includes a housing; a lens holder configured to move in an optical axis direction within the housing, and a lens barrel coupled to the lens holder, wherein the lens holder includes a first support structure extending in the optical axis direction from one side surface and a second support structure located on a side surface opposite to the first support structure and extending in the optical axis direction, and wherein the first support structure includes an extension protruding beyond the second support structure in the optical axis direction.

[0011] The lens barrel may be symmetric about a plane including the optical axis, the plane being perpendicular to a direction in which the first support structure and the second support structure face each other.

[0012] The lens barrel may be symmetric about a plane including the optical axis, the plane being parallel to a direction in which the first support structure and the second support structure face each other.

[0013] The lens holder may be supported in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and at least one support point for supporting the lens holder may be provided in the extension.

[0014] At least one support point may include a ball member provided between the housing and the extension.

[0015] The extension may include a guide groove extending in the optical axis direction and accommodating at least a part of the ball member.

[0016] The lens holder may be supported at least in part by a first ball member, a second ball member, and a third ball member provided between the lens holder and a bottom surface of the housing.

[0017] The first ball member may be provided between the second support structure and the bottom surface, the second ball member may be provided between a portion of the first support structure corresponding to the second support structure and the bottom surface, and the third ball member may be provided between the extension of the first support structure and the bottom surface.

[0018] The camera module may further include: a first magnetic member provided in a portion of the lens holder facing the bottom surface; and a second magnetic member provided on the bottom surface and facing the first magnetic member, wherein magnetic attraction may be generated between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member.

[0019] The first magnetic member may be provided within a region surrounded by support points respectively provided in the first ball member, the second ball member, and the third ball member.

[0020] The lens holder may further include a lower structure connecting the first support structure and the second support structure and facing the bottom surface, and the first magnetic member may be disposed in the lower structure.

[0021] The lens barrel may include a first surface facing the bottom surface and a second surface facing the bottom surface and spaced farther from the bottom surface than the first surface, and the lower structure may be disposed between the second surface and the bottom surface.

[0022] The camera module may further include a stopper disposed in the housing and configured to face an end of the extension portion in the optical axis direction.

[0023] The camera module may further include a baffle disposed in the lens holder, the baffle being disposed on one side of the lens barrel and having an incident hole configured to allow light that has passed through the lens barrel to pass therethrough.

[0024] The camera module may further include a first reflecting member configured to change the direction of light incident in one direction toward the lens barrel.

[0025] The camera module may further include an image sensor disposed such that its imaging surface faces a direction intersecting the optical axis of the lens barrel; and a second reflecting member configured to change the direction of light passing through the lens barrel toward the imaging surface.

[0026] The electronic device may include a camera module and an image module, the image module being configured to generate an image signal corresponding to light passing through the lens barrel.

[0027] In another general aspect, the camera module includes a housing; a lens holder configured to move in the optical axis direction in the housing; a lens barrel coupled to the lens holder; and a first reflecting member configured to change the direction of light incident in a first direction to the optical axis direction, wherein the lens barrel is symmetric about a first plane including the optical axis, the first plane being parallel to the first direction, and the lens holder is asymmetric about the first plane.

[0028] The lens barrel may be symmetric about a second plane including the optical axis, the second plane being perpendicular to the first direction.

[0029] In another general aspect, the electronic device includes a camera module, the camera module including a housing; a lens holder movably disposed in the housing and including a first support structure on a first side and a second support structure on a relative side, wherein an extension portion of the first support structure extends in the optical axis direction beyond the second support structure, and wherein the first support structure is movably supported on the housing by a support point opposite the second support structure and a support point of the extension portion.

[0030] The second support structure may be movably supported on the housing by support points that are opposite to the region between the support points on the first support structure.

[0031] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the appended claims, the drawings, and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a camera module without a cover in an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 is a top view of a camera module without a cover according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 is along Figure 2 a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of the lens module in

[0037] Figure 6 is along Figure 2 a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of the lens module in

[0038] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a driving unit of a lens module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 8 shows the positional relationship between the support points of the lens module and the magnets when the camera module is viewed from above in an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 9 shows a stopper provided in the camera module in an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 3 line III-III' of

[0042] Figure 11 schematically shows a camera module in which the direction of light is changed once.

[0043] Figure 12 shows a portable device including a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, like reference numerals refer to like elements. For 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

[0045] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described in this application. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described in this application will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The order of operations described in this application is merely exemplary and, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, is not limited to the order set forth in this application and may be changed, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, descriptions of functions and configurations that will be known may be omitted for greater clarity and conciseness.

[0046] The features described in this application may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described in this application. Rather, the examples described in this application are provided only to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described in this application that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure.

[0047] It should be noted that in this application, the use of the phrase "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 in which such a feature is included or implemented, while all embodiments and examples are not limited thereto.

[0048] 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 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 between the element and the other element.

[0049] As used in this application, the phrase "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of them.

[0050] Although terms such as "first", "second", and "third" may be used in this application 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, without departing from the teachings of the examples described in this application, the first component, first part, first region, first layer, or first section mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as the second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second section.

[0051] Spatial relative terms such as "above", "upper", "below", and "lower" may be used in this application for convenience of description to describe the relationship of one element relative to another as shown in the figures. In addition to covering the orientations depicted in the figures, these spatial relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device during 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 be "below" or "lower" relative to that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term "above" covers both the orientation of "above" and "below". The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used in this application should be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing various examples only and are not intended to limit the 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.

[0053] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, variations in the shapes shown in the figures may occur. Thus, the examples described in this application are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the figures but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0054] The features of the examples described in this application may be combined in various ways that will be apparent after obtaining an understanding of the disclosure. In addition, although the examples described in this application have various configurations, other configurations that will be apparent after obtaining an understanding of the disclosure are also possible.

[0055] One aspect of the present disclosure is to obtain an image with excellent quality in a camera including a folding module. Specifically, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a structure that supports an optical image stabilization (OIS) function and / or an autofocus function, which has excellent performance and contributes to the miniaturization and thinning of the camera module.

[0056] Specifically, one aspect of the present disclosure is to stably perform a focus control function or a zoom magnification control function even in a camera module that provides a high zoom magnification.

[0057] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the camera module 1000 in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the camera module 1000 with the cover 1030 omitted in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 is a top view of the camera module 1000 with the cover 1030 omitted in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0058] Referring to Figure 1 , the exterior of the camera module 1000 may include a part of the housing 1010 and the cover 1030. The folding module 1100, the lens module 1200, or the image sensor module 1300 may be disposed in the space defined by the housing 1010 and the cover 1030.

[0059] Referring to Figure 1 , the cover 1030 may include an opening 1031 for receiving light therein. Light may enter the camera module 1000 through the opening 1031. Referring to Figure 2 , the light L entering the opening 1031 may be incident on the first reflecting member 1110 of the folding module 1100, and the first reflecting member 1110 may reflect the light L. The first reflecting member 1110 may be configured to change the direction of the light incident in one direction toward the lens barrel 1210.

[0060] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , in an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 1000 may include a folding module 1100, a lens module 1200, and an image sensor module 1300.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the folding module 1100 may be configured to change the direction of the light L. The direction of the light L incident through the opening 1031 of the cover 1030 covering the upper portion of the camera module 1000 may be changed toward the lens module 1200 by the folding module 1100. For example, the light L incident in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the camera module 1000 may be changed in direction by the folding module 1100 to be approximately parallel to the optical axis (Y-axis) direction. It will be referred toFigures 9 to 11 Describe the details of the folding module 1100.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens module 1200 may refract the light L reflected from the folding module 1100. The lens module 1200 may include a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis, and the light L may be refracted while passing through the plurality of lenses.

[0063] Referring to Figure 4 , in an exemplary embodiment, the lens module 1200 may include a lens barrel 1210 and a lens holder 1220. The lens barrel 1210 may include a plurality of lenses therein. The plurality of lenses may have a circular shape or a shape with cut edges (so-called D-shaped cut lenses). When the lens barrel 1210 includes D-shaped cut lenses, the outside of the lens barrel 1210 may also have a shape corresponding to the D-shaped cut lenses.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens barrel 1210 and the lens holder 1220 may be separate components. For example, after the lens barrel 1210 and the lens holder 1220 are manufactured separately, they may be coupled to each other.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens module 1200 may further include a baffle 1250 for preventing flare. The baffle 1250 may have a frame shape including an incident hole 1251 and may be assembled into the lens holder 1220.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the baffle 1250 may be disposed along the +Y direction of the lens barrel 1210. The baffle 1250 includes an incident hole 1251 configured to allow the light that has passed through the lens barrel 1210 to pass through.

[0067] A part of the light passing through the lens barrel 1210 may be absorbed by the baffle 1250 or may be diffusely reflected by the baffle 1250. This may prevent or inhibit the occurrence of flare.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the reflection module 1400 may be configured to change the direction of the light passing through the lens module 1200 toward the image sensor 1310. The camera module 1000 including the reflection module 1400 may provide a relatively large total track length (TTL) without significantly increasing the length in the optical axis direction (i.e., the length in the Y-axis direction). The total track length is defined as the maximum distance between the lens surface closest to the object side among the plurality of lenses provided in the lens module 1200 and the sensor surface of the image sensor. A longer total track length is advantageous for achieving a higher zoom magnification, and thus the camera module 1000 including the reflection module 1400 may provide a relatively high zoom magnification.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the imaging surface of the image sensor 1310 may face a direction (e.g., the X direction) intersecting the optical axis direction of the lens barrel 1210. The second reflecting member 1410 may be configured to change the direction of light passing through the lens barrel 1210 toward the imaging surface of the image sensor 1310.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the reflection module 1400 may include a second reflecting member 1410 and a bracket 1420 that houses the second reflecting member 1410. The housing 1010 may include a support structure 1020 capable of accommodating the bracket 1420. For example, the support structure 1020 may include a groove 1022 extending in one direction, and the bracket 1420 may include a structure corresponding to the groove 1022.

[0071] In the camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical path may be changed at least twice by the folding module 1100 and the reflection module 1400. Referring to Figure 2 , the light L incident on the folding module 1100 in the Z-axis direction may change its direction to the Y-axis direction by the first reflecting member 1110, and the light L may pass through the lens module 1200, and then may change its direction to the X-axis direction by the second reflecting member 1410 of the reflection module 1400.

[0072] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, referring to Figure 3 , the direction in which the light L passing through the reflection module 1400 is bent points in the +X direction, and the image sensor is disposed in the +X direction of the reflection module 1400, but the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and in other exemplary embodiments, the reflection module 1400 may bend light in various directions. The direction in which the light passing through the reflection module 1400 is bent may be the -X direction, and in this case, the image sensor module 1300 is disposed in the -X direction with respect to the reflection module 1400.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the image sensor module 1300 may include an image sensor 1310 and a substrate 1320 on which the image sensor 1310 is mounted. The image sensor 1310 may be arranged such that the light collection surface (or imaging surface) of the sensor faces the second reflecting member 1410 of the reflection module 1400, and generates an image signal corresponding to the light reflected from the second reflecting member 1410.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the image sensor module 1300 may include a filter that filters light incident from the lens module 1200. The filter may include an infrared cut-off filter.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 1010 may include an internal space configured to accommodate the folding module 1100, the lens module 1200, and the image sensor module 1300. In an exemplary embodiment, a part of the image sensor module 1300 may be disposed outside the housing 1010. For example, the substrate 1320 included in the image sensor module 1300 may be attached to the outside of the housing 1010.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 1010 may be integrally provided such that the folding module 1100, the lens module 1200, and the image sensor module 1300 are all accommodated in its internal space. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another exemplary embodiment, the housing 1010 may have a structure in which the housings 1010 configured to accommodate some or each of the folding module 1100, the lens module 1200, and the image sensor module 1300 are connected to each other.

[0077] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the image sensor module 1300 is disposed in the housing 1010, but in another exemplary embodiment, a separate housing 1010 configured to accommodate the image sensor module 1300 may be connected to the housing 1010 that accommodates the folding module 1100 and the lens module 1200.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, a baffle 1040 for preventing flare may be provided in the housing 1010. The baffle 1040 may have a frame shape including a through portion 1041 therein and may be assembled into the internal structure of the housing 1010. The baffle 1040 may have a shape corresponding to an opening 1011 formed in the housing 1010. A part of the light reflected from the second reflecting member 1410 and guided to the image sensor 1310 may be absorbed by the baffle 1040 or may be diffusely reflected by the baffle 1040. This may prevent or inhibit the occurrence of flare.

[0079] Meanwhile, since cameras used in electronic devices provide various functions (e.g., OIS, autofocus) and high performance, there are limitations in reducing the thickness of the camera module 1000. The thickness of the electronic device may be determined by the thickness of the camera module 1000.

[0080] Referring to Figure 12 , the first camera module 100 (corresponding to Figure 1 the camera module 1000) is disposed on the rear surface A of the electronic device 1 together with the second camera module 200. Since the second camera module 200 has a large thickness, a protruding portion A' protrudes from the rear surface A of the electronic device 1 relative to other portions due to the camera. Since this may impair the usability and aesthetics of the exterior, it is important to reduce the area of the protruding portion A'.

[0081] The first camera module 100 may include a stepped portion S similar to Figure 1 that of the camera module 1000, and the stepped portion S may help reduce the area of the protruding portion A' protruding from the rear surface A of the electronic device 1 due to the camera.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 1000 may include a stepped portion S having a reduced thickness in its middle portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the stepped portion S may be located substantially in the middle of the camera module 1000. For example, the stepped portion S may be disposed at a point between 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 of the length of the camera module 1000 in the optical axis direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 1000 may have a stepped boundary in a plane perpendicular to the optical path between the lens module 1200 and the reflection module 1400. For example, the stepped portion S may be located on the optical path from the foremost lens of the lens module 1200 close to the object to the reflection module 1400.

[0083] Referring to Figure 1 , the cover 1030 may include a stepped portion S1 in the Y-axis direction, and the camera module 1000 may have different heights (or thicknesses) based on the stepped portion S1. In the camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment, the height of one side of the light receiving opening 1031 with respect to the stepped portion S may be higher than the opposite side.

[0084] Referring to Figure 4 , in an exemplary embodiment, both the lens module 1200 and the housing 1010 may have steps corresponding to the stepped portion S exposed to the outside of the camera module 1000.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens module 1200 may include a lens barrel 1210 and a lens holder 1220 that are distinguishable from each other, and each of the lens barrel 1210 and the lens holder 1220 may include at least one step (e.g., S2, S3, and S4). For example, the lens holder 1220 may include a second step S2, and the lens barrel 1210 may include a third step S3 and a fourth step S4.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the second step S2 of the lens holder 1220 and the third step S3 of the lens barrel 1210 may be disposed at positions corresponding to the stepped portion S exposed to the outside of the camera module 1000. The fourth step S4 of the lens barrel 1210 may be provided to facilitate the assembly of the lens barrel 1210 and the lens holder 1220 together.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 1010 may include a fifth step S5 corresponding to the step portion S. For example, the side wall 1010b constituting the housing 1010 may have different heights (lengths in the Z-axis direction) based on the fifth step S5.

[0088] Returning to Figure 12 , the first camera module 100 is spaced apart from the second camera module 200 in the X-axis direction. The first camera module 100 may include a first portion that overlaps the second camera module 200 in the X-axis direction and a second portion that does not overlap. In addition, the first camera module 100 may include a step portion S located between the first portion and the second portion. If the thicknesses of the first portion and the second portion are the same, the width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the portion protruding from the rear surface of the electronic device will be greater than the width of the portion A' shown. Since the thickness of the second portion in the first camera module 100 is less than the thickness of the first portion, the width of the protruding portion A' protruding due to the first camera module 100 and the second camera module 200 may be less than the width of the first camera module.

[0089] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lens module 1200 taken along the line I-I' in Figure 2 . Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lens module 1200 taken along the line II-II' in Figure 2 .

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 may be configured to accommodate the lens barrel 1210. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 may include a first support structure 1201 and a second support structure 1202 extending in the optical axis direction (Y-axis direction). The lens barrel 1210 may be accommodated in the space between the first support structure 1201 and the second support structure 1202.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the first support structure 1201 and the second support structure 1202 may be disposed in opposite directions with respect to the optical axis. The first support structure 1201 and the second support structure 1202 may face each other with the optical axis therebetween. For example, the first support structure 1201 and the second support structure 1202 may be disposed in the form of plates extending in the optical axis direction and facing each other in the X direction.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the internal structure of the lens holder 1220 may have a shape corresponding to the external structure of the lens barrel 1210. For example, the lens barrel 1210 may include a curved surface, and the portions of the first support structure 1201 and the second support structure 1202 facing the lens barrel 1210 may also include curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surface of the lens barrel 1210. For example, the lens barrel 1210 may include a stepped portion in the optical axis direction, and the internal structures of the first support structure 1201 and the second support structure 1202 may also include steps corresponding to the steps of the lens barrel 1210.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the first support structure 1201 has a longer length than the second support structure 1202 in the optical axis direction. For example, the first support structure 1201 may include a first portion 1201a facing the second support structure 1202 in the X direction and a second portion (or extension) 1201b extending from the end of the first portion 1201a in the +Y direction. The first portion 1201a of the first support structure 1201 may have the same or substantially the same optical axis length as the second support structure 1202, and due to the second portion 1201b of the first support structure 1201, the first support structure 1201 may protrude beyond the second support structure 1202 in the +Y direction. Due to the second portion 1201b, the first support structure 1201 may protrude beyond the second support structure 1202 at the rear (+Y direction) of the lens barrel 1210.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the second support structure 1202 may be arranged so as not to interfere with the light guided from the reflection module 1400 to the image sensor 1310.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 may include a structure connecting the first support structure 1201 and the second support structure 1202. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 may include an upper structure 1203 connecting the upper portions of the first support structure 1201 and the second support structure 1202. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 may include a lower structure 1204 connecting the lower portions of the first support structure 1201 and the second support structure 1202.

[0096] The upper structure 1203 and the lower structure 1204 of the lens holder 1220 can be respectively disposed above the lens barrel 1210 (+Z direction) and below the lens barrel 1210 (-Z direction). The thickness of the lens barrel 1210 (the length in the Z-axis direction) decreases toward the rear (+Y direction), and due to the reduced thickness, the upper structure 1203 and the lower structure 1204 of the lens holder 1220 can be disposed in the space 1212 obtained in the upper portion and the lower portion of the lens barrel 1210.

[0097] For example, when viewed in the X-axis direction, based on the third step S3 or the fourth step S4 as a boundary, the thickness of the rear portion of the lens barrel 1210 is smaller than the thickness of its front portion. Due to the reduced thickness of the lens barrel 1210, a part of the upper structure 1203 and the lower structure 1204 can be disposed in the space 1212 obtained in the upper portion and the lower portion of the lens barrel 1210. Therefore, an increase in the thickness of the lens module 1200 caused by the lens barrel 1210 and the lens holder 1220 being provided as separate components can be minimized.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, a driving element required for autofocus can be disposed in the lens holder 1220. In an exemplary embodiment, the first magnet 1231 can be disposed on the second support structure 1202. In an exemplary embodiment, the second magnet 1232 can be disposed on the first support structure 1201. Refer to Figure 7 In an exemplary embodiment, the first magnetic member 1233 can be disposed in the lower structure 1204. The first magnetic member 1233 can be disposed in a portion of the lower structure 1204 facing the bottom surface 1010a of the housing 1010.

[0099] Refer to Figure 7 In an exemplary embodiment, the guide grooves 1221, 1222, and 1223 can be disposed on the bottom surfaces of the first support structure 1201 and the second support structure 1202. The first support structure 1201 can include the second guide groove 1222 and the third guide groove 1223 located on the bottom surface. The second support structure 1202 can include the first guide groove 1221 located on the bottom surface.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, at least a part of the third guide groove 1223 is disposed in the extension portion 1201b, and the third ball member 1243 can slide or roll along the third guide groove 1223. The third ball member 1243 can support the extension portion 1201b and can be used as one of several support points for supporting the lens module 1200.

[0101] Meanwhile, in order for the camera module 1000 to provide a high zoom magnification, the lens barrel 1210 may have a relatively long stroke. In order to stably support the lens barrel 1210 with a long stroke, the distance between the support points that support the lens barrel 1210 must be large. For example, the lens barrel 1210 may be supported by ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 disposed between the lens barrel 1210 and the housing 1010, and when the intervals between the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 are large, the lens module 1200 may move stably without wobbling. A detailed description will be made with reference to Figure 8 the support of the lens module 1200 by the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243.

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens module 1200 may be formed asymmetrically to increase the distance between the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243. When viewed in the Z-axis direction, the lens module 1200 may have an asymmetric structure with respect to the optical axis. Refer to Figure 7 , in order to increase the distance between the second ball member 1242 and the third ball member 1243, the first support structure 1201 may include an extension 1201b that protrudes rearward from the lens barrel 1210 beyond the second support structure 1202.

[0103] As the length of the first support structure 1201 increases, the distance between the second ball member 1242 and the third ball member 1243 may increase, and the area of the region surrounded by the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 (e.g., Figure 8 the support region T) may increase. This helps the lens module 1200 to move with a relatively long stroke.

[0104] Meanwhile, when the lens module 1200 is formed asymmetrically, the lens barrel 1210 and the lens holder 1220 may be advantageously provided as separate components. The structure constituting the lens module 1200 may be deformed according to the manufacturing or usage environment of the lens module 1200. When the lens module 1200 is formed asymmetrically, the degree of deformation may become greater. It is important that the lens 1211 included in the lens module 1200 is precisely arranged along the optical axis, and due to the above deformation, the lens 1211 may be misaligned, which may lead to deterioration of the image quality.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens barrel 1210 may have a symmetric structure with respect to the optical axis, and the lens holder 1220 disposed separately from the lens barrel 1210 may have an asymmetric structure with respect to the optical axis.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens barrel 1210 may be symmetric about a plane including the optical axis, the plane being perpendicular to the direction in which the first support structure 1201 and the second support structure 1202 face each other (i.e., the X-axis direction). For example, referring to Figure 5 , the lens barrel 1210 may have a shape symmetric about a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane, the plane including the optical axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens barrel 1210 may be configured to be symmetric about a plane including the optical axis and parallel to the direction in which the first support structure 1201 and the second support structure 1202 face each other. For example, referring to Figure 6 , the lens barrel 1210 may have a symmetric shape about a plane parallel to the X-Y plane and including the optical axis.

[0107] Referring to Figure 5 , the light L incident on the first reflection member 1110 in the first direction A1 (e.g., the -Z direction) is reflected by the reflection surface 1110a of the first reflection member 1110 toward the optical axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens barrel 1210 may be provided with a symmetric shape about a first plane including the optical axis and parallel to the first direction. For example, the lens barrel 1210 may have a shape symmetric about a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane and including the optical axis. Referring to Figure 5 , the first support structure 1201 provided in the -X direction with respect to the optical axis may have a structure different from that of the second support structure 1202 provided in the +X direction. Therefore, unlike the lens barrel 1210, the lens holder 1220 is provided to be asymmetric about the first plane.

[0108] Referring to Figure 6 , in an exemplary embodiment, the lens barrel 1210 may be provided to be symmetric about a plane including the optical axis and perpendicular to the first direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens barrel 1210 may be provided to have a symmetric shape about a plane including the optical axis and perpendicular to the reflection surface 1110a of the first reflection member 1110. For example, referring to Figure 6 , the lens barrel 1210 may have a shape symmetric about a plane parallel to the X-Y plane and including the optical axis.

[0109] In an exemplary embodiment, even if the lens module 1200 has an asymmetric structure to have a long stroke, the lens barrel 1210 has a symmetric structure, thereby preventing or minimizing misalignment of the lens 1211.

[0110] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the driving unit of the lens module 1200 in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 Shows the positional relationship between the support points of the lens module 1200 and the first magnetic member 1233 when the camera module 1000 is viewed from above in an exemplary embodiment.Figure 8 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module 1000, which is taken so that the first magnetic member 1233 disposed in the lens module 1200 and the second magnetic member 1260 disposed in the housing 1010 are revealed.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens module 1200 may be movably disposed in the housing 1010. In an exemplary embodiment, while the lens module 1200 reciprocates in one direction with respect to the housing 1010, the focus or magnification of an image formed on the image sensor 1310 may be adjusted. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens module 1200 may move with respect to the housing 1010 in a direction parallel to the optical axis (Y-axis).

[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 and the guide grooves 1221, 1222, 1223, 1014, 1015, and 1016 may be used to guide the movement of the lens module 1200. The lens module 1200 and the housing 1010 may include the guide grooves 1221, 1222, 1223, 1014, 1015, and 1016 that extend in the optical axis direction (Y-axis direction) in portions facing each other. The ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 may be disposed between the guide grooves 1221, 1222, 1223, 1014, 1015, and 1016 provided in the lens module 1200 and the housing 1010.

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, since the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 move only in the direction in which the guide grooves 1221, 1222, 1223, 1014, 1015, and 1016 extend, the movement direction of the lens module 1200 with respect to the housing 1010 may be limited to the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the guide grooves 1221, 1222, 1223, 1014, 1015, and 1016.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 may include a first guide groove 1221, a second guide groove 1222, and a third guide groove 1223 on the lower surface 1220b. The housing 1010 may include a fourth guide groove 1014, a fifth guide groove 1015, and a sixth guide groove 1016 on the bottom surface 1010a corresponding to the first guide groove 1221, the second guide groove 1222, and the third guide groove 1223, respectively. A first ball member 1241 may be disposed between the first guide groove 1221 and the fourth guide groove 1014, a second ball member 1242 may be disposed between the second guide groove 1222 and the fifth guide groove 1015, and a third ball member 1243 may be disposed between the third guide groove 1223 and the sixth guide groove 1016.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 1000 may include a driving unit that provides a driving force to the lens module 1200. In an exemplary embodiment, the driving unit may include magnets 1231 and 1232 disposed in the lens module 1200 and coils 1251 and 1252 disposed in the housing 1010.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, the first magnet 1231 and the second magnet 1232 may be disposed on the side surface 1220a of the lens holder 1220. The housing 1010 may include a first coil 1251 and a second coil 1252 corresponding to the first magnet 1231 and the second magnet 1232, respectively. The lens module 1200 may reciprocate in one direction with respect to the housing 1010 through the electromagnetic interaction between the coils 1251 and 1252 and the magnets 1231 and 1232. For example, the Lorentz force generated in the coils 1251 and 1252 and the magnets 1231 and 1232 may cause the lens module 1200 to move in one direction with respect to the housing 1010.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, the first coil 1251 and the second coil 1252 may be attached to a substrate 1050 disposed on the outer surface of the housing 1010. The first coil 1251 and the second coil 1252 attached to the substrate 1050 may interact with the first magnet 1231 and the second magnet 1232 through the openings 1012 and 1013 in the housing 1010, respectively. The openings 1012 and 1013 disposed in the housing 1010 may be sized to correspond to the first coil 1251 and the second coil 1252.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 must move while being in close contact with the housing 1010. In other words, when the lens holder 1220 moves relative to the housing 1010, the ball members 1241, 1242, 1243 must remain in contact with the guide grooves 1221, 1222, 1223, 1014, 1015, and 1016 provided on both sides. Referring to Figure 7 , the first ball member 1241 must remain in contact with the first guide groove 1221 and the fourth guide groove 1014, the second ball member 1242 must remain in contact with the second guide groove 1222 and the fifth guide groove 1015, and the third ball member 1243 must remain in contact with the third guide groove 1223 and the sixth guide groove 1016. If any one of the first ball member 1241, the second ball member 1242, or the third ball member 1243 is released from the guide grooves 1221, 1222, 1223, 1014, 1015, and 1016, the movement direction of the lens holder 1220 is no longer limited to one direction. For example, the lens holder 1220 must move only in the Y-axis direction, but when the contact between the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 and the guide grooves 1221, 1222, 1223, 1014, 1015, and 1016 is released, the lens holder 1220 can swing in the Z-axis direction or even in the X-axis direction. This may lead to deterioration of the autofocus function and image quality.

[0119] Therefore, the housing 1010 and the lens holder 1220 may each include elements that pull on each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 and the housing 1010 may include at least one magnetic member 1233 and 1260 in the portions facing each other.

[0120] The combination of the magnetic members 1233 and 1260 provided in the lens holder 1220 and the housing 1010 may be configured to generate magnetic attraction therebetween. For example, the magnetic member 1260 provided in the housing 1010 may be a magnet, and the first magnetic member 1233 provided in the lens holder 1220 may be a magnet or a magnetic yoke. As another example, the magnetic member 1260 provided in the housing 1010 may be a magnetic yoke, and the first magnetic member 1233 provided in the lens holder 1220 may be a magnet.

[0121] Referring to Figure 7 , the first magnetic member 1233 may be provided on the lower surface 1220b of the lens holder 1220, and the second magnetic member 1260 may be provided on the bottom surface 1010a of the housing 1010. The lens holder 1220 may include a recess for accommodating the first magnetic member 1233.

[0122] Referring to Figure 8, the second magnetic member 1260 may be disposed outside the housing 1010, and the housing 1010 may be provided with an opening 1070, and a part of the second magnetic member 1260 is exposed to the inside of the housing 1010 through the opening 1070. According to the driving of the lens module 1200, a part of the housing 1010 may be disposed between the first magnetic member 1233 and the second magnetic member 1260, but magnetic attraction may still occur between the first magnetic member 1233 and the second magnetic member 1260.

[0123] The force pulling the lens holder 1220 to the bottom surface 1010a of the housing 1010 may continuously act on the lens holder 1220 due to the magnetic members 1233 and 1260, and thus, the lens holder 1220 may move in a state of being in close contact with the bottom surface 1010a of the housing 1010. That is, the magnetic attraction based on the magnetic members 1233 and 1260 may help the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 to remain in contact with the guide grooves 1221, 1222, 1223, 1014, 1015, and 1016 provided on both sides thereof.

[0124] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 may be formed asymmetrically. Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 , in an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 may include an extension portion 1201b extending in the optical axis direction. The lens holder 1220 may include two support structures (or side walls) 1201 and 1202 surrounding the lens barrel 1210 from both sides with respect to the optical axis. The length of one side support structure 1201 in the optical axis direction may be longer than the length of the other side support structure 1202 in the optical axis direction. Here, the portion of one side support structure 1201 that extends longer than the length of the other side support structure 1202 in the optical axis direction may be defined as the extension portion 1201b.

[0125] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 may be in close contact with the bottom surface 1010a of the housing 1010 while having at least three or more support points. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one support point may exist in the extension portion 1201b of the lens holder 1220. For example, at least a part of the third guide groove 1223 may be provided in the extension portion 1201b, and the third ball member 1243 partially received in the third guide groove 1223 may provide one support point.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 may be at least partially supported by a first ball member 1241, a second ball member 1242, and a third ball member 1243 disposed between the lens holder 1220 and the bottom surface 1010a of the housing 1010. The first ball member 1241 may be disposed between the second support structure 1202 and the bottom surface 1010a, and the second ball member 1242 may be disposed between a portion of the first support structure 1201 corresponding to the second support structure 1202 and the bottom surface 1010a (e.g., between Figure 5 a first portion 1201a of and the bottom surface 1010a), and the third ball member 1243 may be disposed between an extension 1201b of the first support structure 1201 and the bottom surface 1010a.

[0127] Here, a support point does not physically mean a point and may include two or more contact points disposed close to each other. For example, when the third guide groove 1223 has a V-shaped cross-section, the third ball member 1243 may have two contact points with the third guide groove 1223, and the two contact points may form a single support point. As another example, when the third guide groove 1223 has a wide bottom surface, the third ball member 1243 may have one contact point with the bottom surface of the third guide groove 1223, and one contact point may form a single support point.

[0128] Referring to Figure 8 , the second magnetic member 1260 may be configured to cover the entire moving portion of the first magnetic member 1233. For example, the length of the second magnetic member 1260 in the Y-axis direction may correspond to the moving portion of the first magnetic member 1233. Even if the first magnetic member 1233 moves according to the driving of the lens module 1200, the first magnetic member 1233 may always be disposed on the second magnetic member 1260, and magnetic attraction may always be formed between the first magnetic member 1233 and the second magnetic member 1260.

[0129] Referring to Figure 8 , the first magnetic member 1233 may be located within a triangular support region T defined by the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243. In an exemplary embodiment, the second magnetic member 1260 may also be located within the triangular support region T defined by the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243.

[0130] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7, in an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 may further include a lower structure 1204 that connects the first support structure 1201 and the second support structure 1202 and faces the bottom surface 1010a, and the first magnetic member 1233 may be disposed in the lower structure 1204. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens barrel 1210 may include a first surface 1210a facing the bottom surface 1010a and a second surface 1210b facing the bottom surface 1010a, and the second surface is farther from the bottom surface 1010a than the first surface 1210a in the +Z direction. A third step S3 is provided between the second surface 1210b and the first surface 1210a. In this case, the lower structure 1204 may be disposed between the second surface 1210b and the bottom surface 1010a.

[0131] Meanwhile, it is advantageous for the stable driving of the lens module 1200 that the first magnetic member 1233 is located within the support area T defined by the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243. For example, assume that the distance between the second ball member 1242 and the third ball member 1243 is narrower than the distance shown in the exemplary embodiment. When the first magnetic member 1233 moves in the Y-axis direction, the first magnetic member 1233 may be disposed at the edge of the support area T or at a position deviated from the support area T. In this case, the lens module 1200 may be tilted by the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic member 1233 and the second magnetic member 1260, and the contact between the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 and the guide grooves 1221, 1222, 1223, 1014, 1015, and 1016 may be released. Specifically, since the driving length of the lens module 1200 in the camera module 1000 that provides a high zoom magnification is relatively large, if the support area T is narrow, the possibility of the above problem may be higher.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens module 1200 may include an extension portion 1201b, and a part of the extension portion 1201b may define a third guide groove 1223. Since the third ball member 1243 is disposed in the third guide groove 1223 provided in the extension portion 1201b, the distance between the second ball member 1242 and the third ball member 1243 can be designed to be relatively large. When the distance between the second ball member 1242 and the third ball member 1243 increases, the area of the support area T defined by the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 can increase, which means the range in which the first magnetic member 1233 can move can increase.

[0133] Accordingly, the lens module 1200 having a relatively long driving length can also be stably supported by the housing 1010. In addition, even if the driving distance of the lens module 1200 is increased to provide a high zoom magnification, the lens module 1200 can be stably driven according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] In an exemplary embodiment, the first magnetic member 1233 may be disposed on the lower surface 1220b of the lens holder 1220 and may be disposed closer to the first support structure 1201 than the second support structure 1202. For example, the first magnetic member 1233 may be disposed closer to the second guide groove 1222 and the fifth guide groove 1015 (or the third guide groove 1223 and the sixth guide groove 1016) than the first guide groove 1221 and the fourth guide groove 1014. The lens holder 1220 may be supported by three ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243, and two of the three ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243, i.e., the ball members 1242 and 1243, may be disposed in the guide grooves 1222 and 1223 provided in the first support structure 1201.

[0135] When the first magnetic member 1233 is disposed closer to the first support structure 1201, it is advantageous that the lens holder 1220 is stably supported. Referring to Figure 8 , as the first magnetic member 1233 moves along the optical axis (Y-axis) and is located closer to the side defined by the second ball member 1242 and the third ball member 1243, the range in which the first magnetic member 1233 can move within the support area T defined by the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 can be increased.

[0136] Meanwhile, when the lens module 1200 moves relative to the housing 1010, the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 may also roll in the same direction, which means that the support area T also moves along the housing 1010. However, since the rolling distance of the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 is only consistent with the moving distance of the lens module 1200, and the moving distance of the centers of the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 does not reach the moving distance of the lens module 1200, it is still important that the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243 provide a large support area T. Accordingly, the extension portion 1201b and the third ball member 1243 provided in the extension portion 1201b still contribute to stably supporting the lens module 1200.

[0137] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the support points is provided in the extension portion 1201b, and the support point does not need to be set as a combination of a ball member and a guide groove (e.g., the first ball member 1241, the first guide groove 1221, and the fourth guide groove 1014). For example, the extension portion 1201b may include a portion protruding toward the bottom surface 1010a of the housing 1010, and one of the support points of the lens module 1200 may be provided by the protruding portion. As another example, a protruding portion extending from the bottom surface 1010a of the housing 1010 toward the extension portion 1201b may provide a support point for the lens module 1200.

[0138] In an exemplary embodiment, in addition to the three ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243, other structures may partially support the lens module 1200. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 1220 may include a protruding portion 1280 protruding toward the bottom surface 1010a of the housing 1010 on the lower surface 1220b of the lens holder 1220. The protruding portion 1280 can be used to assist in supporting the lens module 1200. When the lens module 1200 is attached to the housing 1010, there may be an air gap between the end of the protruding portion 1280 and the bottom surface 1010a of the housing 1010. When a strong impact is applied to the lens module 1200, the protruding portion 1280 can support the lens module 1200 together with the ball members 1241, 1242, and 1243. In another exemplary embodiment, the protruding portion 1280 can be replaced with guide grooves respectively provided in the housing 1010 and the lens holder 1220 and provided with ball members.

[0139] Figure 9 Shown is a stopper provided in the camera module 1000 in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module 1000, which is taken so that the stopper is visible.

[0140] The range in which the folding module 1100 or the lens module 1200 can move within the housing 1010 is limited. The movement range of the folding module 1100 or the lens module 1200 can be restricted by the internal structure of the housing 1010.

[0141] Refer to Figure 9, the housing 1010 may include inwardly protruding stopper protrusions 1081, 1082, and 1083. When the lens module 1200 moves in the optical axis direction (Y-axis direction), the lens module 1200 may contact the stopper protrusions 1081, 1082, and 1083, which may determine the upper and lower limits of the movement range of the lens module 1200. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a first stopper protrusion 1081 and a second stopper protrusion 1082 may be provided on one side of the lens module 1200, and a third stopper protrusion 1083 may be provided on the other side of the lens module 1200. In the exemplary embodiment, the first stopper protrusion 1081 and the second stopper protrusion 1082 may also be used to determine the rotation range of the folding module 1100.

[0142] However, when the lens module 1200 or the folding module 1100 is at the upper or lower limit of the movement range, noise may occur when the lens module 1200 or the folding module 1100 contacts the internal structure of the housing 1010. In this case, the internal structure of the housing 1010, the lens module 1200, or the folding module 1100 may be damaged due to a large number of impacts or repeated collisions.

[0143] In the exemplary embodiment, the camera module 1000 may include a stopper 1500 between the housing 1010 and the lens module 1200 (or the folding module 1100) to reduce noise and impact.

[0144] In the exemplary embodiment, the stopper 1500 may be disposed between the lens module 1200 (or the folding module 1100) and the housing 1010. Even if the lens module 1200 (or the folding module 1100) moves as much as possible to one side, the end of the lens module 1200 (or the folding module 1100) does not directly impact the housing 1010, but impacts the stopper 1500. The stopper 1500 may include an elastic material to serve as a buffer.

[0145] Referring to Figure 10 , in the exemplary embodiment, the stopper may include a buffer member (e.g., 1521 or 1531) and a fastening member (e.g., 1522 or 1532) for fixing the buffer member to the housing 1010. The fastening member may be coupled to the internal structure of the housing 1010. For example, the buffer member may be formed of rubber, silicone, or the like.

[0146] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10, in an exemplary embodiment, the first stopper 1510, the second stopper 1520, and the third stopper 1530 may be respectively disposed in the first stop protrusion 1081, the second stop protrusion 1082, and the third stop protrusion 1083. In an exemplary embodiment, the ends 1220c and 1220d of the lens module 1200 may strike the stopper 1500 without directly striking the stop protrusions 1081, 1082, and 1083, and thus, noise or damage that may occur when the lens module 1200 strikes the stop protrusions 1081, 1082, and 1083 may be suppressed or prevented.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, the third stopper 1530 may be disposed to face the end 1220c of the extension 1201b of the lens holder 1220 in the optical axis direction. For example, when the lens holder 1220 moves in the +Y direction, the end 1220c of the extension 1201b may collide with the third stopper 1530, and thus, the movement range of the lens holder 1220 in the +Y direction may be limited.

[0148] Referring to Figure 9 , a fourth stopper 1540 and a fifth stopper 1550 may be disposed in the first stop protrusion 1081 and the second stop protrusion 1082. The end of the folding module 1100 (e.g., Figure 10 1120a in) may strike the fourth stopper 1540 and the fifth stopper 1550 without directly striking the first stop protrusion 1081 and the second stop protrusion 1082, and thus, noise or damage that may occur when the folding module 1100 strikes the first stop protrusion 1081 and the second stop protrusion 1082 may be suppressed or prevented.

[0149] Figure 11 A camera module 2000 in which the direction of light is changed once is schematically shown.

[0150] Unlike Figures 1 to 10 the camera module 1000 of Figure 11 the camera module 2000 of

[0151] does not include the reflection module 1400. The light L incident on the folding module 2100 is changed only once by approximately 90 degrees and reaches the image sensor 2300. Figures 1 to 10 The lens module 1200 or the folding module 1100 described above with reference to Figure 11 may also be similarly applied to the camera module 2000 shown in

[0152] The lens module 1200 described above with reference to Figures 4 to 6 may also be applied to Figure 11The camera module 2000. For example, the lens module 2200 may include a lens barrel and a lens holder, and the lens holder may be formed asymmetrically.

[0153] Figure 12 FIG. 1 shows a portable device 1 including a camera module 1000 in an exemplary embodiment.

[0154] Referring to Figure 12 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the portable electronic device 1 may be a portable electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal, a smart phone, or a tablet PC equipped with a first camera module 100 (e.g., Figure 1 the camera module 1000 or Figure 11 the camera module 2000).

[0155] In this exemplary embodiment, the optical axis of the lens module in the first camera module 100 may face a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1.

[0156] Therefore, even if the first camera module 100 is equipped with functions such as autofocus (AF), zoom, and optical image stabilization (OIS), the thickness of the portable electronic device 1 will not increase. Thus, the portable electronic device 1 can be made compact.

[0157] In an exemplary embodiment, the portable electronic device 1 may be equipped with two or more camera modules to image an object. For example, the portable electronic device 1 may further include a second camera module 200 as well as the first camera module 100.

[0158] When using the two camera modules 100 and 200, the entrance holes through which light enters the two camera modules 100 and 200 may be set to be as close to each other as possible. Different from the shown exemplary embodiment, the positions of the first camera module 100 and the second camera module 200 may be interchanged.

[0159] In an exemplary embodiment, the first camera module 100 and the second camera module 200 may be configured to have different viewing angles. The first camera module 100 may be configured to have a relatively narrow viewing angle (e.g., a telephoto camera), and the second camera module 200 may be configured to have a relatively wide viewing angle (e.g., a wide-angle camera).

[0160] As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera can provide images with excellent quality. Specifically, the present disclosure can provide an excellent OIS function and autofocus function, as well as miniaturization or thinning of the camera module. Specifically, even in a camera module providing a high zoom magnification, the autofocus function and the zoom magnification control function can be stably performed.

[0161] While specific, exemplary embodiments have been shown and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described in this application should be understood only in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. The description of a feature or aspect in each example should be understood as applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Appropriate results may still be achieved if the techniques described are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments, but is defined 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 the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Camera module, comprising: a housing; a lens holder configured to move in the optical axis direction within the housing; a lens barrel coupled to the lens holder; and a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis direction within the lens barrel, wherein the lens holder includes a first support structure extending from one side surface of the lens holder in the optical axis direction; and a second support structure extending from the other side surface of the lens holder in the optical axis direction, wherein the lens barrel is disposed between the first support structure and the second support structure, wherein the first support structure includes an extension extending from the first support structure along the optical axis direction away from the lens barrel and the second support structure, and wherein the lens holder is supported in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and at least one support point for supporting the lens holder is disposed in the extension.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, the lens barrel is symmetric about a plane including the optical axis, the plane being perpendicular to the direction in which the first support structure and the second support structure face each other.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, the lens barrel is symmetric about a plane including the optical axis, the plane being parallel to the direction in which the first support structure and the second support structure face each other.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, the at least one support point includes a spherical member disposed between the housing and the extension.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein, the extension includes a guide groove extending in the optical axis direction and accommodating at least a portion of the spherical member.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, the lens holder is at least partially supported by a first spherical member, a second spherical member, and a third spherical member disposed between the lens holder and the bottom surface of the housing, and the first spherical member is disposed between the second support structure and the bottom surface, the second spherical member is disposed between the corresponding portion of the first support structure and the second support structure and the bottom surface, and the third spherical member is disposed between the extension of the first support structure and the bottom surface.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, further comprising: a first magnetic member disposed in a portion of the lens holder facing the bottom surface; and a second magnetic member disposed on the bottom surface and facing the first magnetic member, wherein a magnetic attraction is generated between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member.

8. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein, the first magnetic member is disposed within a region surrounded by support points respectively disposed in the first spherical member, the second spherical member, and the third spherical member.

9. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein, the lens holder further includes a lower structure connecting the first support structure and the second support structure and facing the bottom surface, and the first magnetic member is disposed in the lower structure.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein, the lens barrel includes a first surface facing the bottom surface and a second surface facing the bottom surface and spaced farther from the bottom surface than the first surface, and the lower structure is disposed between the second surface and the bottom surface.

11. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising a stopper disposed in the housing and configured to face an end portion of the extension in the optical axis direction.

12. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising a baffle disposed in the lens holder, the baffle being disposed on one side of the lens barrel and including an incident hole configured to allow light that has passed through the lens barrel to pass therethrough.

13. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising a first reflecting member configured to change a direction of light incident in one direction toward the lens barrel.

14. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: an image sensor disposed such that its imaging surface faces a direction intersecting the optical axis of the lens barrel; and a second reflecting member configured to change a direction of light passing through the lens barrel toward the imaging surface.

15. An electronic device, comprising: the camera module according to claim 1; and an image module configured to generate an image signal corresponding to light passing through the lens barrel.

16. A camera module, comprising: a housing; a lens holder configured to move in the optical axis direction in the housing; a lens barrel coupled to the lens holder; a plurality of lenses disposed in the lens barrel along the optical axis direction; and a first reflecting member configured to change a direction of light incident in a first direction to the optical axis direction, wherein the lens holder includes a first support structure and a second support structure disposed on opposite sides thereof, and the lens barrel is interposed between the first support structure and the second support structure, wherein an extension of the first support structure extends along the optical axis direction away from the lens barrel and the second support structure, and wherein the lens holder is supported in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and at least one support point for supporting the lens holder is disposed in the extension.

17. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein, the lens barrel is symmetric about a first plane including the optical axis, the first plane being parallel to the first direction, and the lens holder is asymmetric about the first plane, and wherein the lens barrel is symmetric about a second plane including the optical axis, the second plane being perpendicular to the first direction.

18. An electronic device, comprising: the camera module according to claim 16; and an image sensor module configured to generate an image signal corresponding to light passing through the lens barrel.

19. An electronic device, comprising: a camera module, the camera module comprising: a housing; a cover covering an upper portion of the housing and including an opening for receiving light; a lens holder movably disposed in the housing; and The lens barrel is connected to the lens holder Wherein, the lens holder includes: A first support structure on a first side and a second support structure on an opposite side, and the lens barrel is interposed between the first support structure and the second support structure, Wherein, an extension of the first support structure extends along the optical axis direction from the first support structure away from the lens barrel and the second support structure, and Wherein, the first support structure is movably supported on the housing by a support point opposite to the second support structure and a support point of the extension part.

20. The electronic device according to claim 19, Wherein, The second support structure is movably supported on the housing by a support point opposite to a region between the support points on the first support structure.

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