Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes: a housing; a support frame, at least partially disposed within the housing; a first lens holder, including a lens, and disposed within the housing to be movable along a first direction parallel to the optical axis; and a buffer member disposed on the support frame.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0075974, filed on June 11, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The following description relates to technologies related to camera modules, and more specifically, to technologies related to camera modules that include optical path changing components that alter the optical path. Background Technology

[0004] Camera modules are now widely used in portable electronic devices such as tablet PCs or laptops and smartphones, and camera modules for mobile devices can also have features such as autofocus (AF), optical image stabilization (OIS), and zoom capabilities.

[0005] The lens barrel is required to move along the optical axis to achieve AF and zoom functions. Here, the camera module may include a stop that limits the range of movement of the lens barrel along the optical axis. Noise may occur when the lens barrel strikes the stop. To reduce noise, a buffer member made of urethane material can be inserted between the lens barrel and the stop.

[0006] In the prior art, the stop can be made from a separate component and then assembled into the housing of the camera module. However, in the camera module of a mobile device, the stop is very small, and therefore assembling the stop into the camera module can be a complex process. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The summary portion of this invention is intended to provide a brief overview of the chosen inventive concepts, which will be further described in the detailed description portion below. This summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] In one general aspect, the camera module includes: a housing; a support frame, at least partially disposed within the housing; a first lens holder, including a lens and disposed within the housing, movable along a first direction parallel to the optical axis; and a buffer member disposed on the support frame.

[0009] The buffer member can be configured to contact the first lens holder as the first lens holder moves along a first direction.

[0010] The cushioning components can be spaced apart from the surface of the housing.

[0011] The support frame may be exposed to air and may include an exposed portion in contact with the surface of the housing, and a cushioning member may be disposed in the exposed portion.

[0012] The camera module may also include a reinforcing member located at the bottom of the housing, and the support frame may be integrally formed with the reinforcing member.

[0013] The reinforcing member may be plate-shaped, and the support frame may include a curved portion extending from the reinforcing member.

[0014] The camera module may also include: a magnet disposed on a first lens holder; and a magnetic yoke disposed in the housing opposite to the magnet, and the support frame may be integrally formed with the magnetic yoke.

[0015] The cushioning component may include urethane.

[0016] The camera module may include a second lens holder movable in a first direction, and a buffer member may be configured to contact the second lens holder as the second lens holder moves in the first direction.

[0017] The camera module may include an optical path changing member disposed in the housing, and the optical path changing member may be configured to guide light incident into the housing along a first direction.

[0018] In another general aspect, the camera module may include: a housing; a first lens holder including a lens and disposed in the housing for movable along a first direction parallel to the optical axis; a first support frame, at least partially disposed in the first lens holder; and a first buffer member disposed on the first support frame.

[0019] The first buffer member may be configured to contact the housing or a member fixed to the housing as the first lens support moves along a first direction.

[0020] The camera module may include: a second lens holder configured to move along a first direction; and a second buffer member disposed on a second support frame at least partially disposed in the second lens holder.

[0021] The second buffer member can be configured to contact the housing or a member fixed to the housing as the second lens support moves along the first direction.

[0022] The camera module may include an optical path changing member disposed in the housing, and the optical path changing member may be configured to guide light incident into the housing along a first direction.

[0023] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the appended claims, the accompanying drawings, and the detailed description below. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an electronic device including a camera module according to the example.

[0025] Figure 2 It is a 3D diagram based on the example camera module.

[0026] Figure 3 It is an internal 3D view of the camera module based on the example.

[0027] Figure 4 It is an exploded stereo diagram based on the example camera module.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a view showing the driving lens module in the example to perform the AF function.

[0029] Figure 6 The example shows a support frame inserted into the housing.

[0030] Figure 7A The example shows a cushioning member integrally formed with the housing.

[0031] Figure 7B A buffer member is shown attached to a support frame exposed on the surface of the housing in the example.

[0032] Figure 8 The buffer components, which are integrally formed with the lens holder in the example, are shown.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a view showing the AF function being performed when the buffer members are positioned in the lens holder, as illustrated in the example.

[0034] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scale, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The following detailed embodiments are provided to help readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, and may be varied, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, for clarity and conciseness, descriptions of functions and structures well-known to those skilled in the art may be omitted.

[0036] 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 have been provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0037] It should be noted that in this document, the use of the term "may" (e.g., regarding what an example or implementation may include or implement) with respect to examples or implementations means that there exists at least one example or implementation that includes or implements such features, and not all examples and implementations are limited thereto.

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

[0039] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items.

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

[0041] Spatial relative terms such as “above,” “above,” “below,” and “below” may be used herein for descriptive convenience to describe the relationship of one element relative to another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to covering the orientation depicted in the drawings, these spatial relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “above” or “above” another element would be located “below” or “below” that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term “above” covers both orientations 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 herein should be interpreted accordingly.

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

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

[0044] The features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways that will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. Furthermore, although the examples described herein have multiple configurations, other configurations that will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application are also possible.

[0045] The example will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an electronic device including a camera module 1000 according to the example.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of portable electronic device 1 as shown in the example.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 The portable electronic device 1 can be a mobile communication terminal, a smartphone, or a tablet PC, such as a mobile communication terminal, a smartphone, or a tablet PC, in which multiple camera modules 500 and 1000 are installed.

[0049] In this example, multiple camera modules 500 and 1000 can be mounted in the portable electronic device 1. The multiple camera modules 500 and 1000 can be arranged in a left-right alignment as shown in the figure, or they can be arranged in a vertical alignment, although not shown in the figure.

[0050] At least one camera module 1000 among a plurality of camera modules 500 and 1000 may be, according to the following references, including Figure 2 The multiple figures illustrate an example camera module 1000. That is, when the portable electronic device 1 has dual camera modules 500 and 1000, at least one of the two camera modules 500 and 1000 can be the example camera module 1000.

[0051] The camera module 1000 and the portable electronic device 1 can achieve functions such as AF, zoom, and OIS while having a simple structure and reduced size. They can also significantly reduce power consumption.

[0052] The camera module 1000 may include multiple lenses, each of which may have its optical axis (Z-axis) pointing in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction (Y-axis direction, i.e., from the front surface of the portable electronic device to its rear surface or the opposite direction) of the portable electronic device 1.

[0053] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of camera module 1000; Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the internal structure of camera module 1000; and Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the camera module 1000.

[0054] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The camera module 1000 may include a reflection module 1100, a lens module 1200, and an image sensor module 1300 located in the housing 1010.

[0055] The reflection module 1100 can be configured to change the direction of light propagation. For example, the direction of light incident through the opening 1031 of the cover 1030 covering the camera module 1000 can be changed by the reflection module 1100 so that the incident light is directed toward the lens module 1200. To this end, the reflection module 1100 may include a light path changing member 1110 that changes the path of light (e.g., by reflecting light). The light path changing member 1110 can be implemented in any of various forms, such as a mirror, prism, or beam splitter.

[0056] For example, the path of light incident on camera module 1000 in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) can be changed by reflection module 1100 to be approximately aligned with the optical axis (Z-axis direction). The light with its changed path can then be incident on lens module 1200.

[0057] Lens module 1200 may include multiple lenses through which light, whose propagation direction is altered by reflection module 1100, passes. Lens module 1200 may include multiple lens holders 1210, 1220, and 1230. This example illustrates multiple lens holders as three lens holders, but there may be more than one lens holder. In this example, each lens may be housed within a lens barrel, and the lens barrel may be fixedly connected to lens holders 1210, 1220, and 1230.

[0058] The AF and zoom functions can be achieved by moving at least one of the multiple lens supports 1210, 1220 and 1230 in the direction of the optical axis (Z axis).

[0059] In this example, all three lens holders 1210, 1220 and 1230 can be moved in the optical axis direction, or any one of the three lens holders (e.g. lens holder 1230) can be fixed so as not to move in the optical axis direction, and the AF function and zoom function can be achieved by moving the lens holders 1210 and 1220.

[0060] Image sensor module 1300 may include image sensor 1310 and printed circuit board 1320. Image sensor 1310 converts light passing through multiple lenses into electrical signals, and image sensor 1310 is mounted on printed circuit board 1320. Image sensor module 1300 may include filter 1340, which filters light passing through lens module 1200 and then incident on filter 1340. Filter 1340 may be an infrared cutoff filter.

[0061] Within the internal space of housing 1010, reflection module 1100 may be located in front of lens module 1200, and image sensor module 1300 may be located behind lens module 1200.

[0062] The internal space of the housing 1010 may include a printed circuit board 1320, a main substrate 1070, and terminals 1325. The printed circuit board 1320 and the main substrate 1070 may supply power to the first driver 1140 of the reflection module 1100, the second driver 1240 of the lens module 1200, and the image sensor 1310 of the image sensor module 1300, or send and receive control signals from them. The terminals 1325 are connected to each of the printed circuit board 1320 and the main substrate 1070.

[0063] The reflective module 1100 may include a rotating bracket 1120. The housing 1010 and the rotating bracket 1120 opposite thereto may have a second magnetic member 1153 and a first magnetic member 1151 on their opposing surfaces, and the rotating bracket 1120 may be supported (or attached) to the housing 1010 by the attraction between the first magnetic member 1151 and the second magnetic member 1153.

[0064] The first magnetic component 1151 and the second magnetic component 1153 can be a traction yoke and a traction magnet, respectively. For example, the first magnetic component 1151 and the second magnetic component 1153 can optionally be a traction yoke and a traction magnet, or both the first magnetic component 1151 and the second magnetic component 1153 can be traction magnets.

[0065] The first spherical component 1131, the rotating plate 1130, and the second spherical component 1133 can be located between the inner wall surface of the housing 1010 and the rotating support 1120.

[0066] In the example, the buffer member 1050 may be located between the rotating support 1120 and the housing 1010. The buffer member 1050 may be used as a stop to regulate the movement of the rotating support 1120 or as a buffer member to absorb its impact.

[0067] The reflection module 1100 can change the path of light incident on it through the opening 1031. When capturing images or videos, the images may be blurry or the videos may be unstable due to user hand tremors, etc. In this case, the reflection module 1100 can stabilize the blurry or unstable images by moving the rotating bracket 1120 on which the light path changing component 1110 is mounted.

[0068] The reflection module 1100 may include a first driver 1140 for a movable rotating support 1120. The rotating support 1120, on which the optical path changing member 1110 is mounted, can be movably housed within the interior space of the housing 1010. For example, the rotating support 1120 may be housed within the housing 1010 to rotate about a first axis and a second axis. The first and second axes may indicate axes perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), and the first and second axes may be axes perpendicular to each other. For example, the first axis may be parallel to the X-axis shown in the figure, and the second axis may be parallel to the Y-axis shown in the figure.

[0069] The first actuator 1140 can generate a driving force by which the rotating support 1120 rotates about two axes. For example, the first actuator 1140 may include a plurality of magnets 1141a, 1143a, 1145a and 1147a, and a plurality of coils 1141b, 1143b, 1145b and 1147b arranged to face the plurality of magnets 1141a, 1143a, 1145a and 1147a.

[0070] The example shows the coils for the reflection module 1100 and the coils for the lens module 1200 arranged as a single unit on the main substrate 1070, so that they are all mounted on the main substrate 1070. However, the coils for the reflection module 1100 and the coils for the lens module 1200 may be arranged on two or more substrates, so that they are mounted separately on the main substrate 1070.

[0071] In the example, the camera module 1000 may have two lens supports (lens support 1210 and lens support 1220) located in the internal space of the housing 1010 to move in the direction of the optical axis (Z axis).

[0072] Lens supports 1210 and 1220 can be configured to move approximately along the optical axis (Z-axis) to achieve AF and zoom functions. Lens supports 1210 and 1220 can be moved relative to housing 1010 along the optical axis (Z-axis) by a second actuator 1240. The second actuator 1240 can move lens support 1220 independently along the optical axis (Z-axis) to achieve AF and zoom functions.

[0073] For example, the second driver 1240 may include a plurality of magnets 1241a and 1243a, and a plurality of coils 1241b and 1243b configured to face the plurality of magnets 1241a and 1243a.

[0074] For example, each of magnets 1241a and 1243a may be magnetized to have two or more magnetic poles, having at least N and S magnetic poles sequentially in the direction of the optical axis, and each of coils 1241b and 1243b may include at least two or more coils.

[0075] When electricity is applied to the multiple coils 1241b and 1243b, the lens holder 1220, on which multiple magnets 1241a and 1243a are separately mounted, can move individually in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction through the electromagnetic interaction between the multiple magnets 1241a and 1243a and the multiple coils 1241b and 1243b. Therefore, zoom function or AF function can be realized.

[0076] Multiple magnets 1241a and 1243a can be separately mounted on lens holders 1210 and 1220. For example, magnet 1241a can be mounted on the side surface of lens holder 1210, and magnet 1243a can be mounted on the side surface of lens holder 1220.

[0077] Multiple coils 1241b and 1243b can be mounted on housing 1010 to face multiple magnets 1241a and 1243a.

[0078] Multiple magnets 1241a and 1243a can be separately positioned on the two side surfaces of the lens holder 1220, and multiple coils 1241b and 1243b can also be separately positioned on the two side walls of the housing 1010 so as to be opposite each other.

[0079] For example, multiple coils 1241b and 1243b can be mounted on the main substrate 1070, and the main substrate 1070 can be attached to the outer surface of the housing 1010 in such a way that the multiple coils 1241b and 1243b are exposed to the interior of the housing 1010 through through holes 1010-3 and 1010-4.

[0080] This example uses a closed-loop control method that detects and reports the positions of lens supports 1210 and 1220 as they move. Therefore, position sensors 1241c and 1243c may be needed to perform the closed-loop control. Position sensors 1241c and 1243c can each be a Hall sensor, a tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) angle sensor, a general-purpose TMR sensor, etc.

[0081] Position sensors 1241c and 1243c can be located inside or outside coils 1241b and 1243b, and can also be mounted on a main substrate 1070 on which coils 1241b and 1243b are mounted. Considering that the lens holder 1220 has a very long travel distance, multiple position sensors 1241c and 1243c can be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction.

[0082] Figure 5 This is a view showing the lens module 1200 being driven to perform the AF function in the example; Figure 6 The support frame 1062 is shown inserted into the housing 1010 in the example; Figure 7A A buffer member 1061 integrally formed with the housing 1010 is shown in the example; and Figure 7B A buffer member 1061 is shown attached to a support frame 1062 exposed to the surface of housing 1010 in the example.

[0083] Reference Figure 5 Lens supports 1210 and 1220 can be configured to move relative to housing 1010 in the optical axis direction.

[0084] When the upper or lower limit of their range of motion is reached, each of the lens supports 1210 and 1220 may impact the buffer member 1061 located on one side of its direction of movement. For example, when the lens supports 1210 and 1220 move in the -Z direction, each front surface of the lens supports 1210 and 1220 may impact the respective buffer member 1061 located in front of the lens supports 1210 and 1220. The buffer member 1061 may comprise an elastic material, such as urethane, rubber, silicone, or sponge, and may reduce noise or impact when the lens supports 1210 or 1220 collide with the buffer member 1061.

[0085] The front of the lens holder 1210 or 1220 can indicate the direction in which the lens holder 1210 or 1220 moves away from the image sensor 1310 (i.e., the -Z direction), and the rear of the lens holder 1210 or 1220 can indicate the direction in which the lens holder 1210 or 1220 moves closer to the image sensor 1310 (i.e., the +Z direction).

[0086] The cushioning member 1061 can be integrally formed with the housing 1010. That is, the housing 1010 itself can be manufactured to include the cushioning member 1061 without requiring a separate manufacturing process for assembling the cushioning member 1061 onto the housing 1010. For example, the housing 1010 can be manufactured by pouring liquid plastic into a mold and hardening the plastic. Here, the plastic can be introduced into the mold with the cushioning member 1061 inside the mold, and the cushioning member 1061 can therefore be firmly attached to the housing 1010 as the plastic hardens.

[0087] The cushioning member 1061 can be connected to the housing 1010 via a support frame 1062. For example, the cushioning member 1061 can be attached to the support frame 1062, and the support frame 1062 can then be positioned inside a mold for molding the housing 1010. Liquid plastic can at least partially cover the surface of the support frame 1062, and the support frame 1062 can thus be firmly attached to the housing 1010 as the plastic hardens.

[0088] Reference Figure 7A The buffer member 1061 can protrude from the inner wall 1012 of the housing 1010 in the optical axis direction. (Refer to...) Figure 7BThe cushioning member 1061 may be spaced apart from the surface of the housing 1010. When in contact with liquid plastic, the cushioning member 1061 may melt or deform. For example, the cushioning member 1061 may comprise urethane, and urethane has a relatively low melting point. In this case, the cushioning member 1061 may melt if it comes into direct contact with the liquid plastic. To prevent or minimize damage to the cushioning member 1061, a molding process of the housing 1010 is required to ensure that the plastic does not contact the cushioning member 1061 or has minimal contact with it. In the finished housing 1010, the cushioning member 1061 can therefore be spaced apart from the surface of the housing 1010.

[0089] Reference Figure 7B A portion of the support frame 1062 may be exposed to air, and a cushioning member 1061 may be positioned on the exposed portion 1062a of the support frame 1062. In this example, the exposed portion 1062a of the support frame 1062 may be exposed to air, and the edge of the exposed portion 1062a may contact the surface of the housing 1010. The cushioning member 1061 may be positioned inside the edge of the exposed portion 1062a, and thus the cushioning member 1061 may be spaced apart from the surface of the housing 1010.

[0090] Reference Figure 6 The reinforcing member 1016 may be included in the housing 1010. To make the camera module 1000 smaller and thinner, the housing 1010 is formed to be relatively thin, and the camera module 1000 may therefore have relatively weak rigidity. Specifically, the bottom 1011 of the housing 1010 has a plate shape and may therefore be structurally weaker than other parts. In this example, the reinforcing member 1016 may be inserted into the bottom 1011 of the housing 1010 to enhance the rigidity of the housing 1010. In this example, the reinforcing member 1016 may have the shape of a plate inserted into the bottom 1011 of the housing 1010.

[0091] The reinforcing member 1016 and the support frame 1062 can be integrally formed with each other. For example, the support frame 1062 can be formed as a portion that bends and extends from the reinforcing member 1016. For example, a branch 1017 can extend from the edge of the reinforcing member 1016, and a portion that bends and extends from the end of the branch 1017 can serve as the support frame 1062. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The reinforcing member 1016 may include four branches 1017 extending from the edge of the reinforcing member 1016 in the X direction. The reinforcing member 1016 may include a support frame 1062 extending in the +Y direction at the ends of the four branches 1017.

[0092] The housing 1010 can be manufactured such that the support frame 1062 and the reinforcing member 1016 are inserted into a mold, and then plastic is introduced into the mold and hardened. The cushioning member 1061 may have been attached to the support frame 1062 that has entered the mold. Figure 6 The diagram shows the support frame 1062 and the reinforcing member 1016 as a single component, but this is merely an example. In another example, the support frame 1062 and the reinforcing member 1016 could be manufactured separately from each other.

[0093] Lens supports 1210 and 1220 can be smoothly moved along the optical axis in the bottom 1011 of housing 1010 via a rolling member (e.g., a ball member). For example, a guide groove extending along the optical axis can be formed between the bottom 1011 of housing 1010 and lens supports 1210 and 1220, and the guide groove and the ball member moving along the guide groove can thus guide the movement of lens supports 1210 and 1220 in the optical axis direction. Lens supports 1210 and 1220 can move in the optical axis direction to perform zoom or AF functions, and therefore the guide groove and the ball member may need to be in continuous contact with each other to strictly limit the movement of lens supports 1210 and 1220 only in the optical axis direction. Even when the camera module (or the electronics on which the camera module is mounted) shakes or is impacted, it is necessary to maintain contact between the guide groove and the ball member. For this purpose, during the movement of lens supports 1210 and 1220, it may be necessary to continuously pull lens supports 1210 and 1220 towards the bottom 1011.

[0094] In this example, the camera module 1000 may include a traction member for pulling lens supports 1210 and 1220 into the bottom 1011. The traction member may include magnetic members positioned on the lens supports 1210 and 1220 and the bottom 1011, respectively, and opposite to each other. For example, magnets 1216 and 1226 may be located below the lens supports 1210 and 1220, and a yoke opposite each magnet may be located on the bottom 1011 of the housing 1010.

[0095] A portion of the reinforcing member 1016 can be used as a magnetic yoke to provide traction to the lens supports 1210 and 1220. For example, the reinforcing member 1016 may include a material that generates a magnetic attraction between the magnets 1216 and 1226 and the reinforcing member 1016. That is, a magnetic attraction may exist between the reinforcing member 1016 and the magnets 1216 and 1226 attached to the lower surfaces of the lens supports 1210 and 1220, which can allow the lens supports 1210 and 1220 to move smoothly in the optical axis direction.

[0096] A portion of the reinforcing member 1016 may be exposed to air. (See reference...) Figure 6The bottom 1011 of the housing 1010 may include openings 1013 and 1014, and a portion of the reinforcing member 1016 may be exposed to air through openings 1013 and 1014. Therefore, a strong magnetic attraction may exist between the reinforcing member 1016 and the magnets 1216 and 1226. The relatively small magnets 1216 and 1226 can provide the traction force required to perform the AF function, which can contribute to the low weight of each of the lens holders 1210 and 1220 and the performance of the AF function.

[0097] Openings 1013 and 1014 may each have a shape corresponding to each movement path of magnets 1216 and 1226 attached to lens supports 1210 and 1220. In the example, openings 1013 and 1014 may extend along the movement paths of magnets 1216 and 1226, respectively. For example, housing 1010 may include a first opening 1013 corresponding to a first traction magnet 1216 attached to the bottom of lens support 1210 and a second opening 1014 corresponding to a second traction magnet 1226 attached to the bottom of lens support 1220.

[0098] In this example, the first opening 1013 and the second opening 1014 are different from each other. This is just an example, and in another example, the first opening 1013 and the second opening 1014 can form a single opening.

[0099] According to the example, the camera module 1000 may include: a housing 1010; a lens holder 1210 including a lens, and the lens holder 1210 being located in the housing 1010 for movement in a first direction parallel to the optical axis; and a buffer member 1061 integrally formed with the housing 1010 and positioned to contact the lens holder 1210 as the lens holder 1210 moves in the first direction.

[0100] The camera module 1000 may also include a support frame 1062 that is at least partially inserted into the housing 1010, wherein a buffer member 1061 may be attached to the support frame 1062.

[0101] The buffer member 1061 may be spaced apart from the surface of the housing 1010. The support frame 1062 may be exposed to air and includes an exposed portion 1062a in contact with the surface of the housing 1010, and the buffer member 1061 may be positioned in the exposed portion 1062a.

[0102] The camera module 1000 may also include a reinforcing member 1016 inserted into the bottom 1011 of the housing 1010, wherein a support frame 1062 may be integrally formed with the reinforcing member 1016. The reinforcing member 1016 may have a plate shape, and the support frame 1062 may include portions that bend and extend from the reinforcing member 1016.

[0103] The camera module 1000 may also include: a magnet attached to the lens holder 1210; and a magnetic yoke inserted into the housing 1010 and positioned relative to the magnet, wherein the support frame 1062 may be integrally formed with the magnetic yoke.

[0104] The buffer member 1061 may include urethane.

[0105] The camera module 1000 may also include a lens holder 1220 that moves in a first direction, wherein a buffer member 1061 may be positioned to contact the lens holder 1220 as the lens holder 1220 moves in the first direction.

[0106] The camera module 1000 may also include an optical path changing member 1110, which is located in the housing 1010 and configured to convert light incident on the housing 1010 in a first direction.

[0107] Figure 8 The buffer members 1063 and 1064, respectively, integrally formed with the lens supports 1210 and 1220 in the example are shown; and Figure 9 This is a view showing the AF function being performed in the example when the buffer members 1063 and 1064 are located in the lens holders 1210 and 1220, respectively.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, buffer members 1063 and 1064 may be located on lens supports 1210 and 1220, respectively. (Refer to...) Figure 9 When the lens supports 1210 and 1220 move in the optical axis direction, the buffer members 1063 and 1064 positioned on the front or rear of the lens supports 1210 and 1220 can contact the inner wall 1012 of the housing 1010.

[0109] In the example, buffer members 1063 and 1064 can be integrally formed with lens holders 1210 and 1220, respectively. For example, buffer members 1063 and 1064 can be directly inserted into lens holders 1210 and 1220, respectively. That is, lens holders 1210 and 1220 can themselves be formed to include buffer members 1063 and 1064, without requiring a separate manufacturing process for assembling buffer members 1063 and 1064 into lens holders 1210 and 1220. For example, lens holders 1210 and 1220 can be manufactured by pouring liquid plastic into a mold and hardening the plastic. The plastic can be introduced into the mold with buffer members 1063 and 1064 inside the mold, and buffer members 1063 and 1064 can therefore be firmly attached to lens holders 1210 and 1220 as the plastic hardens.

[0110] Buffer members 1063 and 1064 can be attached to lens holders 1210 and 1220 respectively via support frames. For example, buffer members 1063 and 1064 can be attached to support frames, and the support frames can then be positioned inside a mold to mold housing 1010. Liquid plastic can at least partially cover the surface of the support frame, and the support frame can thus be firmly attached to lens holders 1210 and 1220 as the plastic hardens. The support frame can have a... Figures 6 to 7B The shape of the support frame 1062 shown is similar.

[0111] According to another example, the camera module 1000 may include: a housing 1010; a lens holder 1210 including a lens, and the lens holder 1210 being located in the housing 1010 for movement in a first direction parallel to the optical axis; and a buffer member 1063 integrally formed with the lens holder 1210 and positioned to contact the housing 1010 or a member fixed to the housing 1010 as the lens holder 1210 moves in the first direction.

[0112] The camera module 1000 may also include a support frame that is at least partially inserted into the lens holders 1210 and 1220, wherein the buffer member 1063 may be attached to the support frame.

[0113] The camera module 1000 may further include: a lens holder 1220 movable in a first direction; and a buffer member 1064 integrally formed with the lens holder 1220 and positioned to contact the housing 1010 or a member fixed to the housing 1010 as the lens holder 1220 moves in the first direction.

[0114] The camera module 1000 may also include an optical path changing member 1110, which is located in the housing 1010 and configured to convert light incident on the housing 1010 in a first direction.

[0115] As described above, according to various examples, a buffer member can be provided that can mitigate noise that occurs when the lens module moves in the optical axis direction. The buffer member can be more easily installed in the camera module, which can make the camera module manufacturing process more efficient.

[0116] While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art 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 are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may still be achieved if the described techniques are performed with components in a different order, and / or if they are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. Camera module, including: case; A first lens holder, comprising a lens, is disposed in the housing to be movable along a first direction parallel to the optical axis. A reinforcing member is provided in the bottom of the housing; Branches extend from the edge of the reinforcing member and are disposed in the bottom of the housing; The support frame bends and extends from the ends of the branches; as well as A buffer member is formed on the support frame; as well as The image sensor converts light passing through the lens into electrical signals. The branch and the supporting frame are integral with the reinforcing member. The reinforcing member, the branch, and the support frame are at least partially inserted into the housing and integrally formed with the housing. The buffer member is spaced apart from the surface of the housing.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The buffer member is configured to contact the first lens holder as the first lens holder moves along the first direction.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The support frame is exposed to air and includes an exposed portion that contacts the surface of the housing, and the cushioning member is disposed in the exposed portion.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing member is plate-shaped.

5. The camera module according to claim 2, further comprising: A magnet is mounted on the first lens support; as well as A magnetic yoke is disposed in the housing opposite to the magnet. The support frame is integrally formed with the magnetic yoke.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The buffer component includes urethane.

7. The camera module according to claim 1 further includes a second lens holder capable of moving along the first direction. in, The buffer member is configured to contact the second lens holder as the second lens holder moves along the first direction.

8. The camera module of claim 1 further includes an optical path changing member disposed in the housing and configured to guide light incident into the housing along the first direction.

9. Camera module, including: case; A first lens holder, comprising a lens, is disposed in the housing to be movable along a first direction parallel to the optical axis. The first support frame is at least partially inserted into the first lens holder and is integrally formed with the first lens holder; The first buffer component is disposed on the first support frame; as well as The image sensor converts light passing through the lens into electrical signals. The first buffer member is spaced apart from the surface of the first lens holder.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein, The first buffer member is configured to contact the housing or a member fixed to the housing as the first lens holder moves along the first direction.

11. The camera module according to claim 9, further comprising: The second lens holder is configured to move along the first direction; as well as A second buffer member is disposed on a second support frame, the second support frame being at least partially disposed within the second lens holder. The second buffer member is spaced apart from the surface of the second lens holder.

12. The camera module according to claim 11, wherein, The second buffer member is configured to contact the housing or a member fixed to the housing as the second lens holder moves along the first direction.

13. The camera module of claim 9, further comprising an optical path changing member disposed in the housing and configured to guide light incident into the housing along the first direction.

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