Camera module

Abstract

The invention discloses a camera module. A camera module according to an aspect of the present invention may include a base portion, a shield portion, an aperture module, a lens module, and a flexible member. At this time, the flexible member is disposed on the upper portion of the shield cover portion, and a portion of the flexible member is attached to and supported by the upper surface of the shield cover portion, thereby preventing downward sagging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a camera module, and more specifically, to a camera module with a simple structure in which the components can move in an organic and coordinated manner without interfering with each other. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of hardware technology for image processing, users' demands for image capture and other related technologies are gradually increasing.

[0003] Therefore, in addition to zoom, AF (Auto Focus), and OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer), camera modules installed on stand-alone camera devices and mobile terminals such as mobile phones and smartphones (hereinafter referred to as "electronic devices") are further required to have an aperture (IRIS) function to adjust the amount of light.

[0004] One typical method to achieve AF or OIS functionality is to place a magnet (or coil) on a carrier and a coil (or magnet) on a fixed body (such as a housing or other carrier). Then, by generating an electromagnetic force between the coil and the magnet, the carrier is moved along the optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0005] In the case of a camera module that integrates AF and OIS functions, AF needs to move along the optical axis, while OIS needs to move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, the AF carrier and OIS carrier are implemented as a physical structure that is stacked on top of each other in the internal space of the housing.

[0006] Furthermore, the following configuration is applied: a ball is sandwiched between the carrier and the fixed body to maintain an appropriate distance between them. The friction is minimized through the rotational movement of the ball and point contact with it, allowing the carrier to move more flexibly and accurately.

[0007] On the other hand, according to the implementation, the aperture (IRIS) module is composed of various structures. Generally, it is formed as a structure in which multiple blades with wing shapes open and close using electromagnetic force generated between the coil and the magnet to adjust the amount of light entering the lens module.

[0008] Typically, such an aperture module has a structure that houses the lens module internally and is stacked with a housing containing AF and OIS carriers.

[0009] On the other hand, as described above, the carrier module including the AF carrier and the OIS carrier, as well as the aperture module, utilize the electromagnetic force generated between the coil and the magnet as the driving unit to realize their respective functions.

[0010] As an example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0093997 discloses an OIS coil and OIS magnet for OIS driving, an AF coil and AF magnet for AF driving, and an aperture coil for aperture driving, all housed within the same frame, i.e., a housing, and functioning as a driving unit. Furthermore, it proposes a structure in which the aperture module includes an aperture magnet corresponding to the aperture coil.

[0011] However, in existing camera modules, where the drive unit of the carrier module (AF carrier and OIS carrier) and the drive unit of the aperture module are arranged in the same housing, when the lens module is driven by the OIS carrier in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, there is a problem that the optical axis of the lens driving the OIS is offset from the optical axis of the aperture and cannot be aligned.

[0012] In other words, the aperture module has a separate structure with the coil housed in the housing and the magnet contained within the aperture module, fixed relative to the optical axis. On the other hand, the lens moves along its own optical axis according to AF or OIS actuation. This results in a misalignment between the optical axis of the aperture and the optical axis of the lens as the OIS actuates.

[0013] To address this issue, a method is being developed to modularize the coils and magnets used for driving the aperture function and incorporate them into the aperture module.

[0014] In other words, a structure has been developed in which the aperture module itself includes a driving unit and enables the aperture module to follow the movement of an OIS-driven lens.

[0015] However, when the aperture module itself includes a drive unit, not only is a separate component for power supply required, but structural problems also inevitably arise—when driven by AF or OIS, such a component needs to be able to move organically with other components without electrical or physical interference. Summary of the Invention

[0016] Technical problems to be solved The present invention aims to solve the problems mentioned above. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a camera module that can organically combine the aperture module, the carrier module and the lens module, and enable them to move in an organic and coordinated manner without mutual interference.

[0017] Additionally, a camera module is provided, in which the aperture module includes a driving coil and a magnet, and includes a flexible component as a connection medium for supplying power to the coil and transmitting electrical signals.

[0018] In addition, a camera module is provided that provides stable support for flexible components without sagging, so as to avoid electrical or physical interference caused by contact when realizing AF, OIS and aperture (IRIS) functions.

[0019] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the problems mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned from the following description.

[0020] Problem-solving methods According to one aspect of the present invention, a camera module is provided.

[0021] The camera module may include: a base portion having a first receiving hole for accommodating a carrier module that moves along or perpendicular to the optical axis; a shield portion having a second receiving hole and engaging with the base portion; an aperture module comprising a coil and a magnet, located on the upper part of the base portion; a lens module housed within the carrier module in a manner capable of being driven together with the carrier module; and a flexible component electrically connected on one side to a substrate and electrically connected on the other side to the coil of the aperture module, and moving flexibly while maintaining electrical connection as the aperture module is driven.

[0022] At this time, the flexible component can be arranged on the upper part of the shielding cover, and a portion of it can be attached to the upper surface of the shielding cover to prevent it from falling downward.

[0023] At this point, the flexible component can be made of an FPCB.

[0024] At this time, the flexible component may include: a terminal portion electrically connected to the substrate; a connecting pattern portion having a set length and width and arranged on the upper part of the shielding cover portion; and a bridging portion connected to one side of the connecting pattern portion and electrically connected to the coil of the aperture module.

[0025] At this time, the shielding cover may include a shielding sidewall, on one side of which a terminal groove corresponding to the shape of the terminal portion is formed, and the terminal portion is arranged to be inserted into the terminal groove in a manner that avoids protruding outward from the shielding sidewall.

[0026] At this time, the connecting pattern portion may include: a first pattern, arranged to be connected to the terminal portion on one side and having a length along the upper surface edge of the shielding portion; and a second pattern, arranged to be connected to the first pattern on one side, having a length along the outer edge of the second receiving hole, and connected to the bridging portion on the other side.

[0027] At this time, the connecting pattern portion includes a third pattern, which is arranged to be connected to the second pattern through the bridging portion and has a length along the lower shape of the aperture module.

[0028] At this time, the shielding cover may include a shielding sidewall and a shielding upper wall extending from the upper part of the shielding sidewall toward the second receiving hole to form an edge. At this time, the second pattern may be arranged along the length direction of the shielding upper wall, and a portion thereof may contact and be supported with the upper surface of the shielding upper wall.

[0029] At this time, a portion of the second pattern in the width direction can contact and be supported by the upper surface of the shielding upper wall.

[0030] At this time, the carrier module may include: an AF carrier that moves along the optical axis; and an OIS carrier that is stacked on top of the AF carrier and moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0031] At this time, the carrier module may also include a plate-shaped Z-axis limiting member, which is attached to the upper part of the AF carrier and prevents the AF carrier and the OIS carrier from separating in the optical axis direction.

[0032] Invention Effects According to the above structure, the camera module of the present invention includes a flexible component that is flexibly connected to the aperture module, thereby having the effect that the optical axis of the aperture and the optical axis of the lens are always aligned as the aperture module and the lens module move in an organic linkage.

[0033] In addition, since the flexible component is supported on the upper surface of the shielding cover, it has the effect of preventing sagging in the optical axis direction.

[0034] Furthermore, since the flexible component is supported on the upper surface of the shielding cover, there is no need for additional support components to prevent the optical axis from sagging, which enables the camera module to be made thinner.

[0035] Furthermore, by preventing the flexible components from sagging, it has the effect of preventing electrical or physical interference caused by contact between the flexible components and other components when realizing AF, OIS and IRIS functions.

[0036] The effects of this invention are not limited to those described above, but should be understood to include all effects that can be derived from the detailed description of the invention or the composition of the invention as set forth in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view showing the housing and flexible components used in a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 A partial perspective view showing the arrangement of the shielding cover and flexible components used in a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 To observe from the top from a third party Figure 3 The image.

[0041] Figure 5 In order to be in Figure 4 The “C” section shows a simplified enlarged view of the arrangement of the base portion constituting the housing and the terminal portion constituting the flexible component.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a reference diagram illustrating the thinning of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Best Specific Implementation As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a camera module is provided, comprising: a base portion having a first receiving hole for receiving a carrier module that moves along an optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis; a shielding portion having a second receiving hole and coupled to the base portion; an aperture module including a coil and a magnet, located on the upper part of the base portion; a lens module, housed within the carrier module in a manner capable of being driven together with the carrier module; and a flexible member electrically connected on one side to a substrate and electrically connected on the other side to the coil of the aperture module, and flexibly moving while maintaining electrical connection with the driving of the aperture module, the flexible member being arranged on the upper part of the shielding portion, and a portion thereof conforming to the upper surface of the shielding portion to prevent downward drooping. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. For clarity, parts unrelated to the description are omitted from the drawings, and the same or similar constituent elements are labeled with the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0045] The words and terms used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of this invention, based on the principle that the inventors may define terms and concepts in order to best illustrate their invention.

[0046] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are equivalent to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, at the time of application of the present invention, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace the corresponding configurations.

[0047] In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to describe the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or additional possibilities of one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0048] When a constituent element is located "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" other constituent elements, it means, except in special cases, that this includes not only situations where it is directly in contact with other constituent elements and is arranged "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below," but also situations where another constituent element is arranged between them. Furthermore, when a constituent element is "connected" to other constituent elements, it means, except in special cases, that this includes not only situations where they are directly connected to each other, but also situations where they are indirectly connected to each other.

[0049] The terms "X-axis," "Y-axis," and "Z-axis" used in this description can be understood by referring to the coordinate system shown in the attached diagram. Furthermore, the description refers to the X-axis direction as the first direction, the Y-axis direction as the second direction, and the Z-axis direction as the third direction. However, this is merely an example given from a relative perspective. The first direction to the third direction and the coordinate axes (X, Y, Z axes) are concepts introduced only to illustrate the relative positions between the constituent elements, and do not define the absolute positions of each constituent element.

[0050] Additionally, the "optical axis direction" used in the following description corresponds to the direction in which light enters from the lens module 300 mounted on the camera module 1. This optical axis direction is the same as the "Z-axis direction," i.e., the third direction, and can be understood by referring to the coordinate system shown in the attached diagram.

[0051] Furthermore, in order not to obscure the main idea of ​​the present invention, specific descriptions of relevant well-known functions or structures will be omitted when describing the present invention.

[0052] Hereinafter, a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 An exploded perspective view showing the housing and flexible components used in a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A partial perspective view showing the arrangement of the shielding cover and flexible components used in a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 To observe from the top from a third party Figure 3 The image. Figure 5 In order to be in Figure 4The “C” section shows a simplified enlarged view of the arrangement of the base portion constituting the housing and the terminal portion constituting the flexible component. Figure 6 This is a reference diagram illustrating the thinning of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] As shown in the figure, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module 1 can not only be an independent camera device, but is also supported and mounted on the substrate (not shown) of a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or smartphone (hereinafter referred to as "electronic device").

[0055] Such a camera module 1 of the present invention may include a structure for realizing AF (Auto Focus), OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer), and aperture (IRIS) functions for adjusting the amount of light entering the camera.

[0056] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module 1 mainly includes a housing 100, a carrier module 200, a lens module 300, and an aperture module 400. Furthermore, it may include a flexible component 500 for supplying power and providing electrical signal connections to the aperture module 400.

[0057] The camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0058] First, the housing 100 includes a base portion 110 and a shield portion 120.

[0059] The base portion 110 has a first receiving hole H1 at the center, which houses a carrier module 200 that moves along the optical axis (third direction) or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (first direction or second direction). The lower part has a structure that supports the substrate, on which the camera module 1 is mounted.

[0060] Such a substrate includes control circuitry related to the driving of camera module 1, and is capable of supplying a specified signal to the driving coil C (e.g., by supplying a specified current to provide power) and generating a driving control signal. Such a substrate is known, and to avoid obscuring the gist of the present invention, a detailed description of its related known functions or structures will be omitted.

[0061] On the other hand, the shielding cover 120 has a second receiving hole H2 corresponding to the first receiving hole H1, and has a structure that is combined with the upper part of the base 110.

[0062] Such a shielding cover 120 can protect or fix the carrier module 200, lens module 300 and aperture module 400 housed in the base part 110. For this purpose, it goes without saying that the shielding cover 120 can be made of metal or a material with a hardness of a specified value or higher (e.g., metal or reinforced plastic).

[0063] The aperture module 400 has a structure that internally includes a coil and a magnet for aperture driving. Furthermore, the aperture module 400 can be located on the upper part of the base portion 110, or housed within the base portion 110. The aperture module 400 can be fixed to the carrier module 200 and driven along the optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis together with the carrier module 200. Such an aperture module 400 can also have a known aperture driving structure; however, to avoid obscuring the gist of the invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] However, in the application of the present invention, the aperture module 400 is characterized in that it itself includes a coil and a magnet for realizing the aperture function.

[0065] Furthermore, when the lens module 300 is housed within the carrier module 200 in a manner that allows it to be driven together with the carrier module 200, it can perform movement along the optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, depending on the function of the carrier module 200. Moreover, the amount of light can be adjusted according to the driving of the aperture module 400.

[0066] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module 1 is characterized in that the aperture module 400, the carrier module 200 and the lens module 300 can be organically stacked and combined inside the housing 100, and can be organically linked and moved in a manner that does not interfere with each other.

[0067] At this time, the aperture module 400, as a driving unit for realizing the aperture function, adopts a structure including a coil and a magnet. When the lens module 300 is driven by the carrier module 200 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the optical axis of the lens performing the OIS driving must not deviate from the optical axis of the aperture and remain aligned.

[0068] Therefore, the most significant feature of the camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is that it includes a flexible component 500 electrically connected to the aperture module 400, so that the aperture module 400 can also perform movement that maintains the same optical axis when the lens module 200 performs AF or OIS functions.

[0069] Through the flexible component 500 that is flexibly connected to the aperture module 400, the aperture module 400 can move in conjunction with the movement of the lens module 300, and the optical axis of the aperture can always be aligned with the optical axis of the lens.

[0070] The camera module 1 described above according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0071] As described above, the carrier module 200, lens module 300 and aperture module 400 are housed and stacked inside the housing 100 along the optical axis, supported by the housing 100, and perform actions to achieve their respective functions.

[0072] As an example, the lens module 300 and aperture module 400 can be configured to be mounted on the upper part of the optical axis of the camera module 1. On the other hand, the shapes of the lens module 300 and aperture module 400 shown in the attached drawings are only one embodiment and can be modified as needed. Therefore, they are not limited to the shapes shown in the attached drawings.

[0073] On the other hand, in the description of the present invention, it is self-evident that the lens module 300 and the aperture module 400 can be mounted not only on camera modules that individually implement AF or OIS functions, but also on camera modules that integrate AF or OIS functions.

[0074] In the accompanying drawings, the carrier module 200 housed in the housing 100 is described as an embodiment of a camera module 1 that integrates AF or OIS functions.

[0075] First, the housing 100 used in the camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a box shape with openings at the top and bottom, and as described above, includes a base portion 110 having an internal accommodating space and a shield portion 120 combined with the base portion 110.

[0076] The housing 100 internally houses a carrier module 200, which includes an AF carrier 210 for implementing AF function and an OIS carrier 230 for implementing OIS function. A lens module 300 and an aperture module 400 are mounted at the center of the housing 100. The lens module 300 and aperture module 400 may be in a configuration in which at least a portion is exposed to the outside through a second receiving hole H2 in the shielding cover portion 120.

[0077] The base portion 110, which forms the lower part of the housing 100, can be mounted and supported on a substrate (not shown) of an electronic device on which the camera module 1 is mounted.

[0078] The base portion 110 has a base sidewall 111 forming a circumferential edge and a first receiving hole H1 formed in the center. Furthermore, within the base portion 110, the carrier module 200, the lens module 300, and the aperture module 400 can be arranged sequentially along the optical axis.

[0079] Additionally, in the base portion 110, on the inner side of the base sidewall 111, there is a coil C for implementing AF or OIS driving, and an FPCB (flexible printed circuit board) 112 electrically connected to the coil C in such a way as to supply power to the coil C.

[0080] FPCB112 is electrically connected to the substrate to which camera module 1 is attached.

[0081] Furthermore, although not shown, it is self-evident that an image sensor (not shown) such as a CD (charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) can be provided at the lower end of the base portion 110 constituting the housing 100 in the optical axis direction.

[0082] Furthermore, the shielding cover 120 has a shielding sidewall 121 corresponding to the base sidewall 111 of the base 110, which is connected to the base sidewall 111 and protects the various components related to the camera module arranged inside.

[0083] Additionally, the shielding cover 120 may include an upper shielding wall 122, which extends from the upper part of the shielding sidewall 121 toward the second receiving hole H2 to form an upper edge. The upper shielding wall 122 is sized to protect the lens module 300 and aperture module 400 without interfering with their operation, and may have a plate-like shape extending from the upper part of the shielding sidewall 121.

[0084] On the other hand, the housing 100 in the attached drawing has a square box shape, so the base portion 110 and the shield portion 120 are also designed to be square box shapes. However, this is not a limitation, and they can be designed to be polygonal or circular shapes as needed, which goes without saying.

[0085] On the other hand, as one form, since the housing 100 has a square box shape, the shielding sidewalls 121 of the shielding cover 120 are formed around the perimeter in the first and second directions, and can have a structure of first sidewall 121a, second sidewall 121b, third sidewall 121c and fourth sidewall 121d.

[0086] Furthermore, correspondingly, the shielding upper wall 122 of the shielding cover 120 may also have a structure of a first upper wall 122a, a second upper wall 122b, a third upper wall 122c, and a fourth upper wall 122d corresponding to the first to fourth side walls.

[0087] On the other hand, as described below, the upper shielding wall 122 of such a shielding cover 120 also serves to prevent the flexible component 500 from drooping downward in the direction of the optical axis.

[0088] In other words, the flexible component 500 is arranged on the upper part of the shielding cover 120, and a portion of it is attached to the upper surface of the shielding upper wall 122 of the shielding cover 120, thereby preventing it from falling downwards (see reference). Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0089] On the other hand, the carrier module 200 includes: an AF carrier 210, which moves along the optical axis (Z-axis direction) to achieve the AF function; and an OIS carrier 230, which is stacked on top of the AF carrier 210 and moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (X-axis direction or Y-axis direction). The movement of the AF carrier 210 and the OIS carrier 230 is supported by an intermediate guide 220 disposed between the AF carrier 210 and the OIS carrier 230.

[0090] The AF carrier 210, intermediate guide 220 and OIS carrier 230 are configured to maintain an appropriate distance from the base portion 110 by means of clamped balls, and to minimize friction through the rotational movement of the balls (not shown) and point contact with the balls, thereby enabling more flexible and accurate movement.

[0091] In addition, the AF carrier 210, intermediate guide 220 and OIS carrier 230 can be prevented from detaching upward, i.e. in the optical axis direction, by means of the plate-shaped Z-direction limiting member 240 attached to the upper part of the AF carrier 210.

[0092] The AF carrier 210, intermediate guide 220, OIS carrier 230, and Z-direction limiting member 240 constituting the carrier module 200 are arranged in a stacked state within the internal accommodating space of the housing 100, forming a gap space (S, see reference) between them and the bottom surface of the shielding cover 120 for movement. Figure 6 ).

[0093] The AF carrier 210, intermediate guide 220, OIS carrier 230 and Z-direction limiting member 240 constituting the carrier module 200 contain known functions and structures. In order not to obscure the main idea of ​​the present invention, a detailed description of the structure used to realize the AF and OIS functions will be omitted.

[0094] On the other hand, according to the implementation, the aperture module 400 is configured in various structures. Generally, it is formed as a structure in which multiple blades with wing shapes are opened and closed by electromagnetic force generated between the coil and the magnet, so as to adjust the amount of light entering the lens module 300.

[0095] Such an aperture module 400 is located on the upper part of the base part 110 and is fixed to the carrier module 200. It is self-evident that it can be driven together with the carrier module 200 along the optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0096] Such an aperture module 400 also includes known functions and structures. In order not to obscure the main points of the present invention, a detailed description of the structure used to implement the aperture function will be omitted.

[0097] However, it should be clarified that the aperture module 400 used in the camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which the module itself includes a driving coil and a magnet. Therefore, the aperture module 400 adopts a power supply method for driving that is independent of the carrier module 200.

[0098] In addition, power is supplied to such an aperture module 400 via a flexible component 500.

[0099] In other words, the camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following structure: it includes the flexible component 500 described above, which serves as a connection medium for separately powering the coil of the aperture module 400 and for transmitting electrical signals between the module and the substrate on which the camera module 1 is mounted (see reference). Figures 1 to 5 ).

[0100] Such a flexible component 500 has the following shape: one side is electrically connected to the substrate of the electronic device, and the other side is electrically connected to the coil of the aperture module 400. It can move flexibly while maintaining the electrical connection as the aperture module 400 is driven.

[0101] For example, such a flexible component 500 can be made of an FPCB, which can be a thin plate with a set thickness and length arranged in a coil shape. Thus, the flexible component 500 can achieve flexible and elastic movement that corresponds to the movement of the aperture module 400 and returns to its original position together with the aperture module 400 when it returns to its original position.

[0102] Such a flexible component 500 made of FPCB can be called an FPCB spring.

[0103] More specifically, such a flexible component 500, namely the FPCB spring, has a set length and thickness, and has a thin plate pattern shape to achieve flexibility. It is connected to the substrate on which the camera module 1 is mounted on one side, and to the coil of the aperture module 400 on the other side, thereby performing power supply and electrical signal transmission.

[0104] Therefore, when the lens module 300 is moved by the carrier module 200 to perform its function, the aperture module 400 can also follow the movement of each other through the flexible component 500, thereby achieving stable driving of the camera module 1.

[0105] On the other hand, given the high rigidity of such a flexible component 500, a load is generated whenever the lens module 300 moves. Therefore, it is formed as thin as possible to achieve flexibility.

[0106] In addition, the flexible component 500 needs to have a set length to avoid electrical or physical interference with the operation of the carrier module 200, lens module 300 and aperture module 400 that constitute the camera module 1.

[0107] As a specific embodiment, the flexible component 500 used in the camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a terminal portion 520, a connecting pattern portion 510, and a bridging portion 540 (see reference). Figures 2 to 4 ).

[0108] The terminal portion 520, which is an area electrically connected to the substrate, has a plate-like shape that bends downward from one side of the connecting pattern portion 510.

[0109] The connecting pattern portion 510 is formed by extending the pattern of a thin sheet and has a set length and width, and is arranged on the upper part of the shielding cover portion 120. In addition, a part of the connecting pattern portion 510 has a structure that fits against the upper surface of the shielding cover portion 120, that is, the upper surface of the shielding upper wall 122 and is supported thereon.

[0110] On the other hand, the flexible component 500 needs to be electrically connected to the coil of the aperture module 400, and therefore includes a bridging portion 540, which is connected to one side of the connecting pattern portion 510 and electrically connected to the coil of the aperture module 400.

[0111] Furthermore, the flexible component 500 may also include a fixing portion 530, which is arranged between the connecting pattern portions 510 to support the connecting pattern portions 510 and achieve a stable arrangement.

[0112] As described above, the flexible component 500 needs to have a set length to avoid electrical or physical interference with the operation of the carrier module 200, lens module 300 and aperture module 400 constituting the camera module 1.

[0113] Therefore, the connecting pattern section 510 can have a shape that surrounds these modules in a way that avoids interfering with the movement of the aperture module 400 and lens module 300 exposed through the second receiving hole H2.

[0114] The connecting pattern section 510 needs to have a length that can be connected to the coil of the aperture module 400, starting from the terminal section 520 connected to the substrate, and can move flexibly while maintaining electrical connection as the aperture module 400 moves.

[0115] Therefore, the connecting pattern part 510 can have a shape that surrounds the edge of the aperture module 400, or it can have a shape that allows for multiple wraps while maintaining electrical connection and moving flexibly as needed.

[0116] As an example, the connecting pattern portion 510 of the flexible component 500 can be in the form of having a first pattern 511, a second pattern 412 and a third pattern 513.

[0117] The first pattern 511 is arranged such that one side is connected to the terminal portion 520, and is supported and fitted along the upper surface edge of the shielding upper wall 122 of the shielding cover portion 120. Such a first pattern 511 can be a closed ring shape.

[0118] Furthermore, the second pattern 512 has a shape that extends from one side of the first pattern 511 and is arranged along the outer edge of the second receiving hole H2 to achieve elastic and flexible movement. The other side of the second pattern 512 is electrically connected to the bridging portion 540.

[0119] Such a second pattern 512 can be supported and connected by the first pattern 511 and the fixing part 530.

[0120] Furthermore, the third pattern 513 can be electrically connected to the second pattern 512 via the bridging portion 540, and is arranged with its length following the lower shape of the aperture module 400. Such a third pattern 513 can be supported on the lower part of the aperture module 400 and can have a closed annular shape.

[0121] On the other hand, as described above, the flexible component 500 has a very thin plate shape, and the connecting pattern portion 510 has a set length. Therefore, portions far from the parts that are fixed to the substrate or aperture module 400 (e.g., fixing portion 530 or bridging portion 540) may cause electrical interference due to frequent movement for functioning, resulting in contact between the connecting pattern portions 510. Additionally, frequent movement for functioning may cause stretched areas, which could physically interfere with the movement of the lens module 300 (see reference). Figure 3 (Areas A and B).

[0122] To prevent such problems, the camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by having a structure in which a flexible member 500 can contact and be supported on the upper surface of the shielding upper wall 122 of the shielding cover portion 120.

[0123] In other words, the shielding cover 120 includes a shielding sidewall 121 and a shielding upper wall 122 that extends from the upper part of the shielding sidewall 121 toward the second receiving hole H2 to form an edge.

[0124] Furthermore, the second pattern 512 that forms the connecting pattern portion 510 has a location located at Figure 3 The structure in which regions A and B, that is, the parts furthest from the fixing part 530 and the bridging part 540, are in contact with and supported by the upper surface of the shielding upper wall 122.

[0125] At this point, depending on the needs, the second pattern 512 can also be supported as a whole in the width direction, or as follows: Figure 4 As shown, there is a structure in which a portion t2 in the width t1 direction is in contact with and supported by the upper surface of the shielding upper wall 122.

[0126] On the other hand, as described above, the flexible component 500 can be electrically connected to the lower substrate of the camera module 1 via the terminal portion 520.

[0127] At this time, the terminal portion 520 is a plate-shaped part that bends downward from one side of the connecting pattern portion 510, and its thickness d1 ( Figure 5 This could cause the shielding portion 120 to protrude outwards. Such a protruding portion may cause physical interference with other components or affect the aesthetics when the camera module 1 is driven.

[0128] Therefore, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5 The shielding cover 120 also forms a terminal groove 123 on one side of the shielding sidewall 121 that corresponds to the shape of the terminal part 520.

[0129] Furthermore, the terminal portion 520 of the flexible component 500 has a structure arranged to be inserted into the terminal slot 123 mentioned above, so as to avoid protruding to the outside of the shielding sidewall 121.

[0130] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module 1 includes a flexible component 500 electrically connected to the aperture module 400, so that the aperture module 400 can also perform movement that maintains the same optical axis when the lens module 200 performs AF or OIS functions.

[0131] Through the flexible component 500 that is flexibly connected to the aperture module 400, the aperture module 400 can move in conjunction with the movement of the lens module 300, and the optical axis of the aperture can always be aligned with the optical axis of the lens.

[0132] At this time, since the flexible component 500 is supported on the upper surface of the shielding cover 120, it can prevent sagging in the optical axis direction.

[0133] In addition, the flexible component 500 is prevented from sagging because it is supported on the upper surface of the shielding cover 120, and it can prevent the flexible component 500 from contacting other components and causing electrical or physical interference when realizing AF, OIS and IRIS functions.

[0134] On the other hand, since the flexible component 500 is supported on the upper surface of the shielding cover 120, no additional support component is needed to prevent sagging in the optical axis direction, thus enabling the camera module to be made thinner.

[0135] Specifically, refer to Figure 6 The base portion 110 that forms the housing 100 may also include a support member 10 for supporting the flexible member 500.

[0136] However, in the case of a structure that also includes such a support member 10, the height h1 of the camera module 1 must increase in order to include such a support member 10 (see reference). Figure 6 (a)

[0137] However, as in the camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible member 500 is a structure supported on the upper surface of the shielding cover portion 120, so no additional support member 10 is required.

[0138] Therefore, with the support component 10 Figure 6 Unlike (a), according to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module 1 can reduce its height h2 to achieve a thinner profile.

[0139] The embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented in this specification. Those skilled in the art who understand the concept of the present invention can easily propose other embodiments by adding, changing, deleting, or adding constituent elements within the same scope of the concept, and these should also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: The base portion has a first receiving hole for accommodating a carrier module that moves along the optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis; The shielding cover has a second receiving hole and is combined with the base portion; An aperture module, comprising a coil and a magnet, is located on the upper part of the base portion; The lens module is housed within the carrier module in a manner that allows it to be driven together with the carrier module; and The flexible component is electrically connected to the substrate on one side and to the coil of the aperture module on the other side. It maintains the electrical connection while moving flexibly as the aperture module is driven. The flexible component is arranged on the upper part of the shielding cover, and a portion of it is attached to the upper surface of the shielding cover to prevent it from sagging downwards.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible component is made of FPCB.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible component includes: The terminal portion is electrically connected to the substrate; The connecting pattern portion has a predetermined length and width and is arranged on the upper part of the shielding cover portion; and The bridging part is connected to one side of the connecting pattern part and is electrically connected to the coil of the aperture module.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein, The shielding cover includes a shielding sidewall, and the shielding sidewall has a terminal groove on one side that corresponds to the shape of the terminal portion. The terminal portion is arranged to be inserted into the terminal slot in a manner that avoids protruding outward from the shielding sidewall.

5. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein, The connecting pattern portion includes: The first pattern is arranged such that one side is connected to the terminal portion, and has a length along the upper surface edge of the shield portion; and The second pattern is arranged such that it is connected to the first pattern on one side, has a length along the outer edge of the second receiving hole, and is connected to the bridging portion on the other side.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein, The connecting pattern portion includes a third pattern, which is arranged to connect with the second pattern through the bridging portion and has a length along the lower shape of the aperture module.

7. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein, The shielding cover includes a shielding sidewall and a shielding upper wall that extends from the upper part of the shielding sidewall toward the second receiving hole side to form an edge. The second pattern is arranged along the length of the upper shielding wall, and a portion of it contacts and is supported by the upper surface of the upper shielding wall.

8. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein, A portion of the second pattern in the width direction contacts and is supported by the upper surface of the shielding upper wall.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The carrier module includes: AF carrier, moving along the optical axis; and The OIS carrier is stacked on top of the AF carrier and moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein, The carrier module also includes a plate-shaped Z-axis limiting member, which is attached to the upper part of the AF carrier and prevents the AF carrier and the OIS carrier from separating in the optical axis direction.

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