Electronic device including camera module

Abstract

An electronic device includes: a housing; and a camera module including a lens barrel and a plurality of lenses, in which the plurality of lenses includes at least one other lens and a first lens disposed closest to the opening and having a first outer diameter, in which the first lens includes: a lens portion forming an active area of the first lens, the lens portion being exposed to the opening; a connecting portion forming a part of an ineffective area of the first lens, extending from the lens portion in a first direction away from the lens portion, and inclined at an angle; and a flange portion forming another part of the ineffective area of the first lens, extending from the connecting portion in a second direction substantially perpendicular to a stacking direction of the plurality of lenses, in which the lens barrel includes: a head portion including an opening and having a second outer diameter; a body portion extending from the head portion, accommodating at least one other lens of the plurality of lenses, and having a third outer diameter greater than the second outer diameter; and an engaging portion formed in the inner space of the lens barrel and engaged with the flange portion, and wherein a first outer diameter of the first lens is larger than a second outer diameter of the head portion.

Description

[0001] Description of the case This application is a divisional application of a patent application with an application date of April 3, 2020, application number 202080028298.0, and invention name “Electronic device including a camera module”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including a camera module. Background Art

[0003] With the development of relevant technologies, various electronic devices such as mobile electronic devices have been developed and popularized. Recently, such electronic devices tend to have a touch-sensitive display with a large-sized screen and also have at least one camera module. Generally, such a camera module may be arranged around the display in the electronic device. This is very important for providing both a camera function and a display area.

[0004] The above information is provided as background information only to assist in understanding the present disclosure. No determination or assertion is made as to whether any of the above may be used as prior art for the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues It is necessary to design an electronic device that increases the display area to consume as high a proportion as possible of the limited size of the electronic device while also providing a camera function to the user. Typically, the electronic device includes a display that is seen from the outside through at least a portion of a front plate (e.g., a window or a front cover). In order to meet the demand for large-sized screens, the display is preferably large in size so as to be exposed through substantially the entire area of ​​the front plate. In response to the trend of increasing the display area, the arrangement of various electronic components (e.g., at least one camera module) disposed through the front plate is also changed accordingly. This is because if the camera module is disposed in a black matrix (BM) area of ​​the front plate other than the display area, the presence of the black matrix reduces the size of the display area.

[0006] In order to increase the display area and smoothly arrange electronic components, the front panel may include a camera exposure area (eg, an opening, a hole, or a perforation) formed at a position corresponding to the camera module. Through the camera exposure area, the camera module can receive light from the outside and perform a camera function.

[0007] Generally, the size of the camera exposure area can be determined based on the outer diameter of the lens barrel of the camera module. The lens barrel is a component of the camera module that is used to accommodate and support multiple lenses. However, due to the limitations of the structural design used to support the lenses, the lens barrel may be limited in reducing the overall outer diameter.

[0008] Solution to the problem Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including a camera module.

[0009] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including a camera module configured to have a reduced camera exposure area without reducing a viewing angle.

[0010] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including a camera module having a relatively small camera exposure area, which may help increase the size of a display area.

[0011] According to some embodiments, an electronic device includes: a housing; and a camera module, the camera module being disposed in an internal space of the housing and including: a lens barrel having an opening; and a plurality of lenses having centers aligned with an image sensor in the internal space of the lens barrel, wherein the plurality of lenses include at least one other lens and a first lens disposed closest to the opening and having a first outer diameter, wherein the first lens includes: a lens portion forming an effective area of ​​the first lens, the lens portion being exposed to the opening; and a connecting portion forming a portion of an ineffective area of ​​the first lens, extending from the lens portion in a first direction away from the lens portion. A portion extends and is inclined at a predetermined angle; and a flange portion, which forms another portion of the ineffective area of ​​the first lens and extends from the connecting portion in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of lenses, wherein the lens barrel comprises: a head portion, which includes the opening and has a second outer diameter; a main body portion, which extends from the head portion, accommodates at least one other lens of the plurality of lenses, and has a third outer diameter greater than the second outer diameter; and a joining portion, which is formed in the internal space of the lens barrel and joined to the flange portion, and wherein the first outer diameter of the first lens is greater than the second outer diameter of the head portion.

[0012] According to some embodiments, an electronic device includes: a housing including a front cover, a rear cover facing a direction opposite to the front cover, and a support member surrounding a space between the front cover and the rear cover and including at least partially extending into the space; a display disposed between the front cover and the support member and visible from the outside of the electronic device through at least a portion of the front cover; a camera module disposed between the rear cover and the support member in the space and including a lens barrel having an opening formed toward the front cover, and a plurality of lenses disposed with centers aligned with an image sensor in an internal space of the lens barrel, wherein the plurality of lenses include at least one other lens and a first lens disposed closest to the opening and having a first outer diameter, wherein the first lens The lens comprises: a lens portion, forming an effective area of ​​the first lens, exposed to the opening; a connecting portion, forming a part of an ineffective area of ​​the first lens, extending from the lens portion in a first direction away from the lens portion and inclined at a predetermined angle; and a flange portion, forming another part of the ineffective area of ​​the first lens, extending from the connecting portion in a second direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of lenses, wherein the lens barrel comprises: a head portion, containing the opening and having a second outer diameter; a main body portion, extending from the head portion, accommodating at least one other lens of the plurality of lenses, and having a third outer diameter greater than the second outer diameter; and a joining portion, formed in an internal space of the lens barrel and joined to the flange portion, and wherein the first outer diameter of the first lens is greater than the second outer diameter of the head portion.

[0013] According to some embodiments, a camera module includes: a shell having a circular opening; a lens disposed in the shell, the lens including: a circular lens portion exposed by the opening; and an annular connecting portion surrounding the lens portion, the annular connecting portion extending at an angle away from the opening and the lens portion; and wherein the shell covers the connecting portion; and wherein a diameter of the annular connecting portion exceeds a diameter of the opening.

[0014] Beneficial Effects of the Invention According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, even if a lens with the same effective area (eg, effective diameter or lens portion) is used, the size of the camera exposure area can be reduced due to the relatively small outer diameter of the lens barrel. This can help increase the size of the display area of ​​the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The foregoing and other aspects, features and advantages of some embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a front surface of a mobile electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the rear surface of the mobile electronic device shown in FIG.

[0018] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the mobile electronic device shown in FIG.

[0019] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view partially illustrating an electronic device including a camera module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 An enlarged view of area B of the camera module is shown in FIG.

[0021] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a camera exposure area of ​​an electronic device including a camera according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram comparing the sizes of a conventional lens barrel and a lens barrel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view partially illustrating a lens barrel of a camera module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a perspective view showing a front surface of a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 Shows Shows Figure 1 0 is a perspective view of a rear surface of a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG.

[0026] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the mobile electronic device 100 may include a housing 110, wherein the housing 110 includes a first surface (or front surface) 110A, a second surface (or rear surface) 110B, and a side surface 110C surrounding a space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B. The housing 110 may refer to a structure that forms a portion of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the side surface 110C. The first surface 110A may be formed by a front plate 102 (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate coated with various coatings) that is substantially transparent in at least a portion. The second surface 110B may be formed by a substantially opaque rear plate 111. The rear plate 111 may be formed of, for example, coated glass or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or any combination of the above items. The side surface 110C may be formed by a side frame structure (or "side member") 118 that is combined with the front plate 102 and the rear plate 111 and includes metal and / or polymer. The rear plate 111 and the side frame structure 118 may be integrally formed and may be the same material (eg, a metal material such as aluminum).

[0027] The front plate 102 may include two first regions 110D that are respectively arranged at the long edges thereof and are seamlessly bent and extended from the first surface 110A toward the rear plate 111. Similarly, the rear plate 111 may include two second regions 110E that are respectively arranged at the long edges thereof and are seamlessly bent and extended from the second surface 110B toward the front plate 102. The front plate 102 (or the rear plate 111) may include only one of the first regions 110D (or the second regions 110E). The first region 110D or the second region 110E may be partially omitted. When viewed from the side of the mobile electronic device 100, the side frame structure 118 may have a first thickness (or width) on a side that does not include the first region 110D or the second region 110E, and may have a second thickness that is less than the first thickness on another side that includes the first region 110D or the second region 110E.

[0028] The mobile electronic device 100 may include at least one of the following items: a display 101, audio modules 103, 107, and 114, sensor modules 104 and 119, camera modules 105, 112, and 113, a key input device 117, a light emitting device, and connector holes 108 and 109. The mobile electronic device 100 may omit at least one of the above components (e.g., the key input device 117 or the light emitting device), or may further include other components.

[0029] For example, the display 101 may be exposed through most of the front plate 102. At least a portion of the display 101 may be exposed through the front plate 102 forming the first area 110D of the first surface 110A and the side surface 110C. The outline (i.e., the edge and the corner) of the display 101 may have substantially the same shape as the outline of the front plate 102. The spacing between the outline of the display 101 and the outline of the front plate 102 may be substantially unchanged so as to expand the exposed area of ​​the display 101.

[0030] A recess or opening may be formed in a portion of the display area of ​​the display 101 to accommodate at least one of the audio module 114, the sensor module 104, the camera module 105, and the light emitting device. At least one of the audio module 114, the sensor module 104, the camera module 105, the fingerprint sensor (not shown), and the light emitting element may be arranged on the back of the display area of ​​the display 101. The display 101 may be combined with or adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring touch strength (pressure), and / or a digitizer for detecting a stylus. At least a portion of the sensor modules 104 and 119 and / or at least a portion of the key input device 117 may be arranged in the first area 110D and / or the second area 110E.

[0031] The audio modules 103, 107, and 114 may correspond to the microphone hole 103 and the speaker holes 107 and 114, respectively. The microphone hole 103 may contain a microphone for acquiring external sound therein, and in this case, may contain a plurality of microphones for sensing the direction of the sound. The speaker holes 107 and 114 may be classified into an external speaker hole 107 and a call receiver hole 114. The microphone hole 103 and the speaker holes 107 and 114 may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezoelectric speaker) may be provided without the speaker holes 107 and 114.

[0032] The sensor modules 104 and 119 may generate electrical signals or data corresponding to the internal operating state of the mobile electronic device 100 or to the external environmental conditions. The sensor modules 104 and 119 may include a first sensor module 104 (e.g., a proximity sensor) and / or a second sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) arranged on the first surface 110A of the housing 110, and / or a third sensor module 119 (e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) and / or a fourth sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) arranged on the second surface 110B of the housing 110. The fingerprint sensor may be arranged on the second surface 110B of the housing 110 as well as the first surface 110A (e.g., the display 101). The electronic device 100 may further include at least one of the following sensors: a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0033] The camera modules 105, 112 and 113 may include a first camera device 105 arranged on a first surface 110A of the electronic device 100, and a second camera device 112 and / or a flash 113 arranged on a second surface 110B. The camera module 105 or the camera module 112 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash 113 may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. Two or more lenses (infrared camera, wide angle and telephoto lens) and an image sensor may be arranged on one side of the electronic device 100.

[0034] The key input device 117 may be arranged on the side surface 110C of the housing 110. The mobile electronic device 100 may not include some or all of the key input devices 117 described above, and the key input device 117 not included may be implemented in another form such as a soft key on the display 101. The key input device 117 may include a sensor module arranged on the second surface 110B of the housing 110.

[0035] The light emitting device may be arranged on the first surface 110A of the housing 110. For example, the light emitting device may provide status information of the electronic device 100 in an optical form. The light emitting device may provide a light source associated with the operation of the camera module 105. The light emitting device may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), an IR LED, or a xenon lamp.

[0036] The connector holes 108 and 109 may include a first connector hole 108 and / or a second connector hole 109, wherein the first connector hole 108 is suitable for a connector for sending power and / or data to and receiving power and / or data from an external electronic device (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector), and the second connector hole 109 is suitable for a connector for sending audio signals to and receiving audio signals from an external electronic device (e.g., a headphone jack).

[0037] Some sensor modules 105 of the camera modules 105 and 112, some sensor modules 104 of the sensor modules 104 and 119, or indicators may be arranged to be exposed through the display 101. For example, the camera module 105, the sensor module 104, or the indicator may be arranged in the internal space of the electronic device 100 so as to contact the external environment through the opening of the display 101 that is perforated to the front plate 102. In another embodiment, some sensor modules 104 may be arranged to perform their functions in the internal space of the electronic device without being visually exposed through the front plate 102. For example, in this case, the area of ​​the display 101 facing the sensor module may not require a perforated opening.

[0038] Figure 3 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the mobile electronic device shown in FIG.

[0039] refer to Figure 3 , the mobile electronic device 300 may include a side frame structure 310, a first support member 311 (e.g., a bracket), a front panel 320, a display 400, an electromagnetic induction panel (not shown), a printed circuit board (PCB) 340, a battery 350, a second support member 360 (e.g., a rear case), an antenna 370, and a rear panel 380. The mobile electronic device 300 may omit at least one of the above components (e.g., the first support member 311 or the second support member 360), or may further include another component. Some components of the electronic device 300 may be different from those of the mobile electronic device 300. Figure 1 or Figure 2 Components of the mobile electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 1 are the same or similar, and thus, description thereof is omitted below.

[0040] The first support member 311 is arranged inside the mobile electronic device 300 and can be connected to the side frame structure 310 or integrated with the side frame structure 310. The first support member 311 can be formed of, for example, a metal material and / or a non-metallic (e.g., polymer) material. The first support member 311 can be combined with the display 400 on one side thereof, and can also be combined with the PCB 340 on the other side thereof. On the PCB 340, a processor, a memory, and / or an interface can be installed. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP).

[0041] The memory may include, for example, one or more of volatile memory and nonvolatile memory.

[0042] The interface may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a USB interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, and / or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the mobile electronic device 300 to an external electronic device, and may include a USB connector, an SD card / multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

[0043] The battery 350 is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the mobile electronic device 300, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery 350 may be arranged on substantially the same plane as the PCB 340. The battery 350 may be integrally arranged within the mobile electronic device 300, and may be detachably arranged from the mobile electronic device 300.

[0044] The antenna 370 may be disposed between the rear plate 280 and the battery 350. The antenna 370 may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna 370 may perform short-range communication with an external device, or transmit and receive power required for wireless charging. The antenna structure may be formed by a portion of the side frame structure 310 and / or the first support member 311, or a combination of the side frame structure 310 and the first support member 311.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the first supporting member 311 of the side member 310 may include a first surface 3101 and a second surface 3102. The first surface 3101 may face the front plate 320, and the second surface 3102 may face the rear plate 380. The second surface 3102 may be opposite to the first surface 3101.

[0046] The camera module 400 (eg, Figure 1The camera module 105 in the first support member 311 may be disposed between the first support member 311 and the rear plate 380. According to an embodiment, the camera module 400 may be arranged to protrude toward the front plate 320 through the first through hole 301 or be exposed through the front plate 320. The first through hole 301 may be formed from the first surface 3101 to the second surface 3102 of the first support member 311.

[0047] A portion of the camera module 400 protruding through the first through hole 301 may be disposed close to or in contact with the lower surface of the front plate 320 through a second through hole 331 formed in the display 330. In another embodiment, when the camera module 400 is disposed between the display 330 and the first supporting member 311, the first through hole 301 may be unnecessary. The camera module 400 may penetrate at least a portion of the first through hole 301 and the second through hole 331 in the internal space of the electronic device 300. The camera module 400 receives light from the outside through a camera exposure area 321 formed in the front plate 320. The camera exposure area 321 may include a transparent area and a printed area having a predetermined width and surrounding the transparent area, the transparent area substantially facing a lens barrel (e.g., Figure 4 The lens (e.g., Figure 4 The effective area of ​​the first lens 431 in FIG.

[0048] Hereinafter, the structure and arrangement of the camera module 400 in the electronic device 300 will be described in detail.

[0049] Figure 4 4 is a cross-sectional view partially illustrating an electronic device 300 including a camera module 400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. By allowing the diameter of the first lens 431 to be larger than the diameter of the head portion of the lens barrel 420, the area of ​​the display interrupted by the camera module 400 is reduced without substantially reducing (if at all) the viewing angle.

[0050] Figure 4 The electronic device 300 may be at least partially similar to Figure 2 The electronic device 100 may include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0051] refer to Figure 4, the electronic device 300 may include a front plate 320, a rear plate 380, and a side member 310. The front plate 320 (e.g., a front cover or a front window) faces a first direction (e.g., a Z direction). The rear plate 380 (e.g., a rear cover or a rear window) faces a direction opposite to the front plate 320. The side member 310 surrounds a space 3001 between the front plate 320 and the rear plate 380. The electronic device 300 may include a first waterproof member 3201 disposed between the display 330 and the side member 310. The electronic device 300 may include a second waterproof member 3801 disposed between the side member 310 and the rear plate 380. The first waterproof member 3201 and the second waterproof member 3801 may prevent foreign matter or moisture from entering the internal space 3001 of the electronic device 300.

[0052] The side member 310 may further include a support member 311 (eg, Figure 3 310). The support member 311 may be formed by coupling with the structure of the side member 310. According to an embodiment, the support member 311 may include a first through hole 301 formed to accommodate a lens barrel 420 of the camera module 400 disposed between the support member 311 and the rear plate 380. According to an embodiment, the support member 311 may include a support structure for fixing the position of the lens barrel 420, and at least a portion of the lens barrel 420 passes through the first through hole 301.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the display 330 may include a second through hole 331 formed at a position corresponding to the first through hole 301. According to embodiments, the lens barrel 420 of the camera module 400 may be disposed to approach or contact the lower surface of the front plate 320 through the second through hole 331.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the camera module 400 may include a camera housing 410, a lens barrel 420, a plurality of lenses collectively referred to as 430 (i.e., 431, 432, 433, and 434, respectively), and at least one image sensor 440. The lens barrel 420 is disposed in an internal space 4001 of the camera housing 410 and at least partially protrudes from the camera housing 410. A plurality of lenses 430 are arranged at regular intervals in an internal space 4002 of the lens barrel 420. At least one image sensor 440 is disposed in the internal space 4001 of the camera housing 410, and its center is aligned with the center of each lens 430. In another embodiment, the camera module 400 may not include the camera housing 410. In this case, the image sensor may be disposed in the internal space 4002 of the lens barrel 420.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the lens barrel 420 may be disposed to penetrate the first through hole 301 of the support member 311 and the second through hole 331 of the display 330 and to be close to the lower surface of the front plate 320. According to an embodiment, the plurality of lenses 430 may be supported at their positions by the structural shape of the internal space 4002 of the lens barrel 420. According to an embodiment, among the plurality of lenses 430, the first lens 431 disposed closest to the front plate 320 may be disposed to face the camera exposed area (e.g., Figure 3 4. According to an embodiment, the size of the camera exposed area 321 of the front plate 320 may be determined depending on the outer diameter of the lens barrel 420 supporting the first lens 431. According to an embodiment, when the camera module 400 (e.g., a fixed focus (FF) camera) performs an operation of focusing an image, the relative distance between the lens barrel 420 and the front plate 320 may be fixed. According to an embodiment, when the camera module 400 (e.g., an auto focus (AF) camera) performs an operation of focusing an image, the relative distance between the lens barrel 420 and the front plate 320 may vary. For example, the camera module 400 may include a driving motor (e.g., a voice coil motor (VCM), not shown) for moving the lens barrel 420, and the relative distance between the lens barrel 420 and the front plate 320 may vary by the driving motor.

[0056] Therefore, even if a first lens 431 having the same effective area (eg, effective diameter or lens portion) is used, the size of the camera exposure area 321 can be reduced due to the relatively small outer diameter of the lens barrel 420. This can help increase the size of the display area.

[0057] Hereinafter, the structural relationship between the lens barrel 420 and the first lens 431 will be described in detail.

[0058] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 An enlarged view of area B of the camera module 400 is shown, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a camera exposure area 321 of an electronic device 100 including a camera module 400 according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0059] The first lens 431 includes a lens portion 4311, a connecting portion 4312, and a flange portion 4313. The connecting portion 4312 is at an inclined angle. Due to the above reasons, the flange portion 4313 is lower than the lens portion 4311 and extends outward from the lens portion 4311. This makes the diameter D1 of the first lens 431 larger than the diameter of the head portion 421 of the lens barrel that accommodates the lens portion 4311.

[0060] In the present disclosure, the term "effective area L1" refers to a portion of the first lens 431 that faces the opening 4201 of the lens barrel 420 and receives a large amount of external light for imaging. In addition, the term "ineffective area L2" refers to another portion of the first lens 431 surrounding the effective area L1, which has a structure supported by the lens barrel 420 or engaged with the lens barrel 420 in the internal space 4002 of the lens barrel 420. In addition, the term "first outer diameter D1" refers to the maximum diameter of the first lens 431 including both the effective area L1 and the ineffective area L2. In addition, the term "second outer diameter D2" refers to the outer diameter of the head portion 421 of the lens barrel 420. In addition, the term "third outer diameter D3" refers to the outer diameter of the main body portion 423 of the lens barrel 420.

[0061] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the camera module 400 may include a first lens 431, which is disposed to be at least partially exposed through an opening 4201 in the internal space 4002 of the lens barrel 420. According to an embodiment, when the front plate 320 is viewed from above, the first lens 431 may include an effective area L1 and an ineffective area L2. The effective area L1 (e.g., an effective diameter) may include a lens portion 4311 overlapping the opening 4201 of the lens barrel 420. The ineffective area L2 may include a connecting portion 4312 extending from the lens portion 4311 in a direction in which the outer diameter increases, and a flange portion 4313 extending from the connecting portion 4312. The connecting portion 4312 may be engaged with an engaging portion 4221 formed in the internal space 4002 of the lens barrel 420.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the connection portion 4312 may be formed to extend from the lens portion 4311 in a direction in which the outer diameter increases and to be inclined at an angle (θ). According to an embodiment, the inclination angle (θ) may be in a range of 15 to 75 degrees. According to an embodiment, the first lens 431 may have a first outer diameter D1 including an effective area L1 and an ineffective area L2. According to an embodiment, the connection portion 4312 may be formed to have a uniform, gradually thinning, or gradually thickening thickness. In another embodiment, the connection portion 4312 may be formed so that its inner and outer surfaces have different inclination angles. According to an embodiment, the flange portion 4313 may be formed to extend outwardly from the connection portion 4312 (ie, in a direction in which the outer diameter increases). If the first lens 431 is larger than the head portion 421 of the lens barrel 420, this allows the diameter D1. According to an embodiment, the flange portion 4313 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of lenses 430 (i.e., 431, 432, 433, and 434) or in a direction within 5 degrees perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of lenses 430 (i.e., 431, 432, 433, and 434) (here, "substantially perpendicular" should be understood as "substantially vertical or within 5 degrees of vertical").

[0063] According to some embodiments, the first lens 431 may be disposed in the internal space 4002 of the lens barrel 420 such that the flange portion 4313 contacts and engages with the engaging portion 4221 of the lens barrel 420. Even if the flange portion 4313 engages with the engaging portion 4221, the other portions of the first lens 431 (i.e., the lens portion 4311 and the connecting portion 4312) may not engage with the lens barrel 420. This is to achieve accurate alignment of the first lens 431 in the internal space 4002 of the lens barrel 420.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the lens barrel 420 may include a head portion 421 and a body portion 423. The head portion 421 has an opening 4201 formed to allow a lens portion 4311 of the first lens 431 to be visible from the outside. The body portion 423 extends from the head portion 421. According to an embodiment, the lens portion 4311 of the first lens 431 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the head portion 421 in the internal space 4002 of the lens barrel 420. According to one embodiment, the flange portion 4313 of the first lens 431 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the body portion 423 in the internal space 4002 of the lens barrel 420.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the head portion 421 of the lens barrel 420 passes through a support member (eg, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first through hole (eg, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first through hole 301 in the display device also at least partially passes through the display device (eg, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The second through hole (eg, Figure 3 and Figure 4 420 ), and is arranged close to the lower surface of the front plate 320. Therefore, as the outer diameter (e.g., the second outer diameter D2) of the head portion 421 becomes smaller, the size of the camera exposure area 321 (e.g., the printing area) formed in the front plate 320 may be reduced. According to an embodiment, in order to reduce the outer diameter of the head portion 421 without reducing the size of the effective area L1 of the first lens 431 that receives external light through the opening 4201, the flange portion 4313 of the first lens 431 may be shifted downward toward the body portion 423 of the lens barrel 420 and away from the lens portion 4311 through the connection portion 4312. Therefore, the head portion 421 may be formed to have a second outer diameter D2 that is smaller than the first outer diameter D1 of the first lens 431. According to an embodiment, the body portion 423 may be formed to have at least one third outer diameter D3 that is larger than the second outer diameter D2.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the third outer diameter D3 of the main body portion 423 may be generally larger than the first outer diameter D1 and the second outer diameter D2. This is because at least a portion of the main body portion 423 accommodates the flange portion 4313 of the first lens 431 in the internal space 4002 of the lens barrel 420, and because the outer diameter of at least one of the other lenses 432, 433, and 434 sequentially stacked below the first lens 431 may be substantially larger than the outer diameter of the first lens 431.

[0067] According to some embodiments, the lens barrel 420 may include a connection surface 422 connecting the head portion 421 and the body portion 423. According to an embodiment, the connection surface 422 may be formed to have a flat surface extending from the bottom of the head portion 421 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction of the lenses 430 (i.e., 431, 432, 433, and 434). According to an embodiment, the connection surface 422 may be used as a support member when the camera module 400 is supported by a support member (e.g., Figure 4 In another embodiment, the belt member can be inserted between the display 330 and the connection surface 422.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the first lens 431 is disposed in the inner space 4201 of the lens barrel 420 through structural changes of the lens portion 4311 and the flange portion 4313. At this time, a first vertical distance H1 from the top of the head portion 421 to the coupling portion 4221 of the lens barrel 420 (with which the flange portion 4313 of the first lens 431 is coupled) may be greater than a second vertical distance H2 from the top of the head portion 421 to the connection surface 422.

[0069] Figure 7 4 is a schematic diagram comparing the sizes of the lens barrel 420 ′ and the lens barrel 420 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and the lens portion and the flange portion of the lens barrel 420 ′ are arranged uniformly (ie, on the same line).

[0070] refer to Figure 7 , even if the size of the opening 4201 formed in the head portion 421 and determining the viewing angle of the camera module 400 is not changed, the outer diameter D2 of the head portion 421 of the lens barrel 420 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is still smaller than the outer diameter D2' of the head portion 421'. This is because in the case of the lens barrel 420', the lens portion and the flange portion are arranged in line with each other (i.e., on the same line), while the flange portion 4313 of the first lens 431 is shifted toward the main body 423 through the connecting portion 4312 and engaged with the lens barrel 420. When the outer diameter D2 of the head portion 421 of the lens barrel 420 is reduced, on the front plate (e.g., Figure 3 The camera exposure area (eg, Figure 3The camera exposed area 321 (eg, printed area) may also be reduced in size. This may help increase the size of the display area.

[0071] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view partially illustrating a lens barrel 420 of a camera module 400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0072] exist Figure 8 In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote Figure 5 The elements of the camera module 400 are shown to be the same elements, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0073] refer to Figure 8 In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first lens 431 may be coupled to the lens barrel 420 in the internal space 4002 of the lens barrel 420 through the inclined structure of the connecting portion 4314 itself without the above-mentioned flange portion.

[0074] According to some embodiments, when the front panel (e.g., Figure 4 When the front plate 320 in the lens barrel 420 is formed, the first lens 431 may be composed of an effective area L1 (e.g., an effective diameter) including a lens portion 4311 overlapping the opening 4201 of the lens barrel 420 and an ineffective area L2 including a connecting portion 4314 extending from the lens portion 4311. According to an embodiment, the connecting portion 4314 may extend from the lens portion 4311 in a direction in which the outer diameter increases and be inclined toward the body portion 423.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the lens barrel 420 may include an inclined surface 4222 formed to face the internal space 4002 and corresponding to the connection portion 4314 of the first lens 431. According to an embodiment, once the first lens 431 is inserted toward the opening 4201 in the internal space 4002 of the lens barrel 420, the first lens 431 may be engaged with the lens barrel 420 through contact between the outer surface of the connection portion 4314 and the inclined surface 4222 of the lens barrel 420. In this case, the engagement structure between the first lens 431 and the lens barrel 420 through the connection portion 4314 may be implemented at the body portion 423 instead of the head portion 421. Therefore, the head portion 421 of the lens barrel 420 may be formed to have a first outer diameter D1 smaller than that of the first lens 431 and to correspond to the body portion 423. Figure 7 The second outer diameter D2 is also reduced compared to the outer diameter D2' of the head portion 421' of the lens barrel 420. This means that when the outer diameter D2 of the head portion 421 of the lens barrel 420 is reduced without changing the size of the opening 4201, the front plate (for example, Figure 3 The camera exposure area (eg, Figure 3 The size of the camera exposed area 321 (eg, printed area) may also be reduced.

[0076] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (eg, Figure 4 The electronic device 300 in the embodiment may include a housing (eg, Figure 1 The housing 110) and the camera module (eg, Figure 4 The camera module may include a camera module 400 having an opening (eg, Figure 4 The opening 4201 in the lens barrel (eg, Figure 4 420 in the lens barrel), and in the interior space of the lens barrel (eg, Figure 4 The internal space 4002 in the image sensor is provided with a plurality of lenses (eg, Figure 4 Among the plurality of lenses, the lens 430 is disposed closest to the opening and has a first outer diameter (eg, Figure 5 The first lens (eg, Figure 5 The first lens 431 in the embodiment may include: Figure 5 The lens portion (eg, Figure 5 The lens portion 4311 in the embodiment is configured to be exposed to the opening; as an ineffective area (eg, Figure 5 A portion of the invalid area L2) in the connecting portion (for example, Figure 5 The connecting portion 4312 in the embodiment of the present invention extends from the lens portion in a first direction in which the outer diameter increases and at a predetermined angle (eg, Figure 5 and a flange portion as another portion of the ineffective area (eg, Figure 5 The flange portion 4313 in the lens barrel extends from the connecting portion in a second direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of lenses. The lens barrel may include: a head portion (eg, Figure 5 The head portion 421 in the embodiment includes an opening and has a second outer diameter (eg, Figure 5 The second outer diameter D2 in the body portion (eg, Figure 5 The main body portion 423 in the figure extends from the head portion and accommodates lenses other than the first lens among the plurality of lenses (for example, Figure 4 432, 433 and 434 in the lens), and having a third outer diameter greater than the second outer diameter (e.g., Figure 5 A third outer diameter D3 in the middle); and a joining portion (eg, Figure 5 The first lens may have a first outer diameter greater than the second outer diameter of the head portion.

[0077] According to some embodiments, the first lens may be formed such that at least a portion of the lens portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the head portion in the internal space of the lens barrel, and such that the flange portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the body portion in the internal space of the lens barrel.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the housing may include at least one cover (e.g. Figure 4 The front plate 320 in the embodiment of the present invention includes at least one cover including a camera exposure area corresponding to the lens barrel (eg, Figure 3 The lens module may include a central camera exposure area 321, and when the camera module performs an operation of focusing an image, a relative distance between the lens barrel and the at least one cover may be fixed or variable.

[0079] According to some embodiments, the lens barrel may further include a connection surface (eg, Figure 5 A connecting surface 422 in the middle), and the connecting surface can be formed along a second direction from the head part to the main body part.

[0080] According to some embodiments, a first vertical distance (e.g., Figure 5 The first vertical distance H1 in the embodiment may be greater than the height of the head portion (eg, Figure 5 The second vertical distance H2 in the figure).

[0081] According to some embodiments, the connection portion may extend from the lens portion to be inclined at an angle within a range of 15 degrees to 75 degrees with respect to the second direction.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the housing may include at least one cover (e.g. Figure 4 The front plate 320 in the embodiment of the present invention includes at least one cover including a camera exposure area corresponding to the lens barrel (eg, Figure 3 The electronic device may further include a display (eg, Figure 4 A display 330 is provided in the housing, wherein the display is arranged in the interior space of the housing so as to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of at least one cover.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the display may include an at least partially formed through hole (e.g., Figure 4 A second through hole 331 in the through hole may be provided, and the camera module may be arranged so that the head portion at least partially passes through the through hole.

[0084] According to some embodiments, the housing may include: at least one cover (e.g., Figure 4 The front plate 320 in the embodiment of the present invention includes at least one cover including a camera exposure area corresponding to the lens barrel (eg, Figure 3 camera exposed area 321); and side members (eg, Figure 4 The side members 310 in the embodiment of the present invention are arranged around the periphery of at least one cover. At least one cover may include a front cover (e.g., Figure 4 ) and a rear cover facing in a direction opposite to the front cover (e.g., Figure 4 The side members may be arranged to surround the space between the front cover and the rear cover (eg, Figure 4 space 3001).

[0085] According to some embodiments, the side member may include a first through hole (eg, Figure 4 The first through hole 301) of the support member (eg, Figure 4 A support member 311 in the back cover), and the camera module can be arranged between the support member and the back cover.

[0086] According to some embodiments, the camera module may be arranged such that a head portion is exposed or protrudes toward the front cover through a first through hole formed in the support member.

[0087] According to some embodiments, the electronic device may further include a display disposed between the front cover and the support member to be viewed from the outside through at least a portion of the front cover.

[0088] According to some embodiments, the display may include a second through hole (eg, Figure 4 The camera module may be provided so that the head portion passes through the first through hole and also at least partially passes through the second through hole.

[0089] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (eg, Figure 4 The electronic device 300 in the embodiment may include a housing (eg, Figure 1 housing 110 in the housing), a display (e.g., Figure 4 330) and a camera module (e.g., Figure 4 The housing may include a front cover (eg, Figure 4 320 in the front cover), a rear cover facing in a direction opposite to the front cover (eg, Figure 4 The rear plate 380 in the embodiment of the present invention) and the side members (e.g., Figure 4 The side member 310 surrounds the space between the front cover and the rear cover (eg, Figure 4 space 3001) and includes a support member (e.g., Figure 4The display may be disposed between the front cover and the support member so as to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the front cover. The camera module may be disposed between the rear cover and the support member in the space and may include a display having an opening formed toward the front cover (e.g., Figure 4 The opening 4201 in the lens barrel (eg, Figure 4 420 in the lens barrel), and in the interior space of the lens barrel (eg, Figure 4 The internal space 4002 in the image sensor is provided with a plurality of lenses (eg, Figure 4 Among the plurality of lenses, the lens 430 is disposed closest to the opening and has a first outer diameter (eg, Figure 5 The first lens (eg, Figure 5 The first lens 431 in the embodiment may include: Figure 5 The lens portion (eg, Figure 5 The lens portion 4311 in the embodiment is configured to be exposed to the opening; as an ineffective area (eg, Figure 5 A portion of the invalid area L2) in the connecting portion (for example, Figure 5 The connecting portion 4312 in the embodiment of the present invention extends from the lens portion in a first direction in which the outer diameter increases and at a predetermined angle (eg, Figure 5 and a flange portion as another portion of the ineffective area (eg, Figure 5 The flange portion 4313 in the lens barrel extends from the connecting portion in a second direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plurality of lenses. The lens barrel may include: a head portion (eg, Figure 5 The head portion 421 in the embodiment includes an opening and has a second outer diameter (eg, Figure 5 The second outer diameter D2 in the body portion (eg, Figure 5 The main body portion 423 in the figure extends from the head portion and accommodates lenses other than the first lens among the plurality of lenses (for example, Figure 4 432, 433 and 434 in the lens), and having a third outer diameter greater than the second outer diameter (e.g., Figure 5 A third outer diameter D3 in the middle); and a joining portion (eg, Figure 5 The first lens may have a first outer diameter greater than the second outer diameter of the head portion.

[0090] According to some embodiments, the first lens may be formed such that at least a portion of the lens portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the head portion in the internal space of the lens barrel, and such that the flange portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the body portion in the internal space of the lens barrel.

[0091] According to some embodiments, the support member may have a first through hole (eg, Figure 4 The camera module may include a first through hole 301 in the front cover, and the camera module may be disposed so that a head portion is exposed or protrudes toward the front cover through the first through hole.

[0092] According to some embodiments, the display may include a second through hole (eg, Figure 4 The camera module may be provided so that the head portion passes through the first through hole and also at least partially passes through the second through hole.

[0093] According to some embodiments, a first vertical distance (e.g., Figure 5 The first vertical distance H1) may be greater than the height of the head portion (eg, Figure 5 The second vertical distance H2).

[0094] According to some embodiments, the lens barrel may further include a connection surface (eg, Figure 5 The connecting surface 422 in the figure), and the connecting surface can be formed in parallel with the supporting member from the head part to the main body part.

[0095] According to some embodiments, when the camera module performs an operation of focusing an image, the relative distance between the lens barrel and the front cover may be fixed or varied.

[0096] While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: case; a display disposed in an interior space of the housing, the display including a through hole formed in at least a portion of the display; as well as A camera module is disposed in the inner space of the housing and includes: a lens barrel having an opening; and a plurality of lenses having centers aligned with the image sensor in the inner space of the lens barrel, The plurality of lenses include at least one other lens and a first lens that is disposed closest to the opening and has a first outer diameter, wherein the first lens includes: a lens portion, the lens portion forming an effective area of ​​the first lens, the lens portion being exposed to the opening; a connecting portion forming a portion of an ineffective region of the first lens, extending from the lens portion in a first direction away from the lens portion and inclined at a predetermined angle; and a flange portion forming another portion of the ineffective area of ​​the first lens, extending from the connecting portion in a second direction substantially perpendicular to a stacking direction of the plurality of lenses, Wherein, the lens barrel comprises: a head portion including the opening and having a second outer diameter, the camera module being arranged so that the head portion passes through at least a portion of the through hole; a body portion extending from the head portion, accommodating the at least one other lens of the plurality of lenses, and having a third outer diameter greater than the second outer diameter; and an engaging portion formed in an inner space of the lens barrel and engaged with the flange portion, and Wherein, the first outer diameter of the first lens is greater than the second outer diameter of the head portion.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The lens portion is disposed in the head portion in an inner space of the lens barrel, and the flange portion is joined to the body portion in the inner space of the lens barrel.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes at least one cover including a camera exposure area corresponding to the lens barrel, and Wherein, when the camera module performs a focusing operation on an image, a relative distance between the lens barrel and the at least one cover is fixed or variable.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The lens barrel further includes a connection surface connecting the head portion and the body portion, and wherein the connection surface is formed in the second direction from the head portion to the body portion.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: A first vertical distance from the top of the head portion to the engagement portion is greater than a height of the head portion.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined angle in the first direction is in a range between 15 degrees and 75 degrees relative to the second direction.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes at least one cover including a camera exposure area corresponding to the lens barrel, and The display is disposed in the inner space of the housing so as to be visible from the outside of the electronic device through at least a portion of the at least one cover.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing comprises: at least one cover including a camera exposure area corresponding to the lens barrel, and a side member surrounding a periphery of the at least one cover, Wherein, the at least one cover comprises: front cover; and a rear cover facing in an opposite direction to the front cover, and Wherein, the side member is arranged to surround the space between the front cover and the rear cover.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: The side member includes a support member at least partially extending toward the space and having a first through hole formed at a position corresponding to the head portion, and Wherein, the camera module is arranged between the supporting member and the back cover.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein: The camera module is disposed such that the head portion is exposed or protrudes toward the front cover through the first through hole formed in the support member. 11 . The electronic device according to claim 10 , wherein the display is disposed between the front cover and the support member so as to be visible from the outside of the electronic device through at least a portion of the front cover.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein: The display includes a second through hole formed at least partially, and The camera module is arranged such that the head partially passes through the first through hole and also at least partially passes through the second through hole.

Images