Camera module and electronic device comprising same

The camera module's innovative design with dual driving units and optical refractive members addresses the challenge of maintaining image quality in miniaturized electronic devices by enabling effective autofocus and optical image stabilization, ensuring stable and focused images despite user movement.

WO2025005543A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-01-02SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/007978
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-28
Filing Date
2024-06-11
Publication Date
2025-01-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Miniaturized electronic devices with multiple cameras face challenges in maintaining image quality due to user movement and the need for precise autofocus and optical image stabilization, especially as they become smaller and more compact.

Method used

A camera module design incorporating a lens assembly, optical refractive members, and dual driving units that allow for precise movement of the image sensor and lens assembly within a compact housing, enabling autofocus and optical image stabilization functions.

Benefits of technology

Enhances image quality by stabilizing images and maintaining focus despite user movement, even in compact electronic devices with multiple cameras.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure KR2024007978_02012025_PF_FP_ABST
    Figure KR2024007978_02012025_PF_FP_ABST
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Abstract

This camera module comprises: a lens assembly including a lens; an optical refractive member for refracting the path of light that has passed through a part of the lens; an image sensor for converting received light into an electrical signal; a housing for accommodating the optical refractive member and the image sensor; a first driving unit for moving the image sensor in a first direction in which the distance between the optical refractive member and the image sensor is changed; and a second driving unit for moving the image sensor in a second direction and / or a third direction with respect to the housing, wherein the first driving unit can include: a first carrier for transferring, in the first direction, at least a part of the second driving unit, which accommodates the image sensor; and at least one first sphere disposed between the first carrier and the housing, and disposed such that the first carrier moves in the first direction with respect to the housing.
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Description

Camera module and electronic device including same

[0001] Embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a camera module and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] As digital camera technology developed, electronic devices equipped with compact, lightweight camera modules became commercially available. With camera modules integrated into electronic devices we typically carry with us (e.g., mobile terminals), users could conveniently utilize a variety of features, including not only taking photos and videos, but also video calling and augmented reality.

[0003] Recently, electronic devices containing multiple cameras have become widespread. Miniaturized electronic devices containing multiple cameras may include folded optics cameras. Folded optics cameras can refract light regardless of the direction from which external light is incident by arranging an optical element, such as an optical refractive element (e.g., a prism).

[0004] For a camera module to capture images, the lens must be focused so that the image is accurately captured on the image sensor within the camera module. Furthermore, as electronic devices become smaller, the image quality can deteriorate due to the user's movements while holding the device.

[0005] Autofocus (AF) is the function of an optical system that automatically adjusts focus on a subject. Electronic devices can move the lens or image sensor to focus on the subject.

[0006] Optical image stabilization (OIS) technology can be applied to improve the image quality of captured images. Electronic devices can detect the movement of the electronic device using a motion sensor embedded in the device. The electronic device can then drive the lens or image sensor to move in response to the movement of the electronic device, thereby obtaining a stabilized image.

[0007] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above-described matters constitute prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0008] A camera module according to one embodiment may include a lens assembly including at least one lens, an optical refractive member arranged to refract a path of light passing through at least a portion of the at least one lens, an image sensor converting light received through the at least one lens and the optical refractive member into an electrical signal, a housing accommodating the optical refractive member and the image sensor, a first driving unit that moves the image sensor within an internal space formed by the housing in a first direction in which a distance between the optical refractive member and the image sensor changes, and a second driving unit that moves the image sensor in at least one of a second direction or a third direction different from the second direction with respect to the housing. The first driving unit may include a first carrier that transports at least a portion of the second driving unit that accommodates the image sensor in the first direction, and at least one first sphere that is disposed between the first carrier and the housing and that allows the first carrier to move in the first direction with respect to the housing.

[0009] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a camera module and at least one processor controlling the operation of the camera module. The camera module may include a lens assembly including at least one lens, an optical refractive member, an image sensor converting light received through the at least one lens and the optical refractive member into an electrical signal, a housing accommodating the optical refractive member and the image sensor, a first driving unit moving the image sensor in a first direction in which a distance between the optical refractive member and the image sensor changes, and a second driving unit moving the image sensor in at least one of a second direction or a third direction different from the second direction with respect to the housing. The first driving unit may include a first carrier moving the image sensor in the first direction, and at least one first sphere disposed between the first carrier and the housing and enabling movement of the first carrier.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 is a cutaway view of the camera module of Figure 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a driving unit for AF driving of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of a yoke included in a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a driving unit assembled with an image sensor according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of an elastic member included in a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a driving unit for driving OIS of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining an elastic member according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 is a schematic drawing of an elastic member according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10a is a schematic drawing of a driving unit for driving OIS of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10b is a schematic drawing of a driving unit for driving OIS of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 11 is a schematic drawing of a driving unit of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a driving unit for driving OIS according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of an optical path according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing of a carrier and an optical refractive member according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an electronic device including a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a camera module according to various embodiments.

[0029] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0030] Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document are described with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is not intended to limit this document to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of this document are included.

[0031] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present document may include, for example, at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop personal computer (PC), a laptop personal computer (PC), a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a fabric or clothing-integrated type (e.g., an electronic garment), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), or a bio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

[0032] In some embodiments, the electronic device may be a home appliance. The home appliance may include, for example, at least one of a television, a digital video disk (DVD) player, an audio device, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an air purifier, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a TV box, a game console, an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, or an electronic picture frame.

[0033] In one embodiment, the electronic device may be any of various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measuring devices (e.g., blood glucose meter, heart rate meter, blood pressure meter, or body temperature meter), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), camera, or ultrasound), navigation device, global navigation satellite system (GNSS), event data recorder (EDR), flight data recorder (FDR), automobile infotainment device, electronic equipment for ships (e.g., marine navigation device or gyrocompass), avionics, security device, head unit for vehicles, industrial or home robot, automatic teller's machine (ATM) of financial institution, point of sales (POS) of store, or internet of things device (e.g., light bulb, various sensors, electric or gas meter, sprinkler device, fire alarm, thermostat, It may include at least one of the following: a streetlight, a toaster, exercise equipment, a hot water tank, a heater, or a boiler.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one of a piece of furniture or a building / structure, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, or various measuring devices (e.g., a water, electricity, gas, or radio wave measuring device). In various embodiments, the electronic device may be a combination of one or more of the various devices described above. The electronic device according to some embodiments may be a flexible electronic device. In addition, the electronic device according to the embodiments of the present document is not limited to the devices described above, and may include new electronic devices developed according to technological advancements.

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module (100) according to one embodiment.

[0036] A camera module (100) according to an embodiment may include a lens assembly (110), an optical refractive member (120), an image sensor (not shown), a housing (130), a first driving unit (not shown) for driving auto focus (AF) of the camera module (100), and a second driving unit (not shown) for driving optical image stabilization (OIS) of the camera module (100). However, the components of the camera module (100) are not limited thereto. For example, the camera module (100) may omit at least one of the above-described components, or may further include at least one component. For example, the camera module (100) may further include a carrier (140) for accommodating the optical refractive member (120), and a cover (150) for covering at least a portion of the housing (130).

[0037] According to one embodiment, the housing (130) and / or the cover (150) may form the exterior of the camera module (100). For example, the housing (130) may provide a framework for supporting other components. The shape of the housing (130) and / or the cover (150) may be modified depending on the shape of the camera module (100) or the components included in the camera module (100). For example, the housing (130) and / or the cover (150) may be a box-shaped housing.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the cover (150) may cover at least a portion of the housing (130). For example, the cover (150) may cover at least a portion of a side surface of the housing (130) and an upper portion of the housing (130). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the housing (130) may be a single member with the cover (150). The cover (150) may form a space with the housing (130). In the space formed between the housing (130) and the cover (150), at least one of an optical refractive member (120), a carrier (140) in which the optical refractive member (120) is disposed, an image sensor, a first driving unit for AF driving of the camera module (100) or a second driving unit for OIS driving of the camera module (100) may be disposed.

[0039] According to one embodiment, a lens assembly (110) including at least one lens may be disposed on an optical refractive member (120). For example, the lens assembly (110) may be disposed on an upper surface of the optical refractive member (120) facing a first direction (e.g., a z-axis direction or a -z-axis direction).

[0040] Fig. 2 is a cutaway view of the camera module (100) of Fig. 1.

[0041] The camera module (100) of FIG. 2 may be referred to as the camera module (100) of FIG. 1. The same terms and / or the same reference numerals are used for components that are identical or substantially identical to those described above.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, a camera module (100) according to an embodiment may include a lens assembly (110), an optical refractive member (120), an image sensor (160), a housing (130), a first driving unit (e.g., a first carrier (210)) for AF driving of the camera module (100), and a second driving unit (e.g., a second carrier (310)) for OIS driving of the camera module (100). However, the components of the camera module (100) are not limited thereto. For example, the camera module (100) may omit at least one of the above-described components, or may further include at least one component. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the camera module (100) may further include a carrier (140) for accommodating the optical refractive member (120), and a cover (150) for covering at least a portion of the housing (130).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the lens assembly (110) may include at least one lens (111) arranged such that an image of a subject is formed on the image sensor (160). The camera module (100) may receive light through the lens assembly (110). For example, the light may enter the interior of the camera module (100) through at least a portion of the at least one lens (111). In one example, the light may enter the interior of the camera module (100) in a first direction (e.g., the -z-axis direction).

[0044] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the lens assembly (110) may be exposed to the exterior of the camera module (100). For example, at least a portion of the lens assembly (110) may be positioned to protrude from an upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the +z direction) of the housing (130) or cover (150).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the optical refractive member (120) can change the path of light entering the interior of the camera module (100) through the lens assembly (110). For example, the optical refractive member (120) can be arranged to refract the path of light passing through at least a portion of at least one lens (111). Light entering the interior of the camera module (100) can be refracted at least once by the optical refractive member (120).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the optical refractive member (120) may include at least one of a prism or a reflective member.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the optical refractive member (120) may be arranged to refract the path along which light travels so that light passing through the optical refractive member (120) is incident on the image sensor (160). The light refracted through the optical refractive member (120) may be introduced into the image sensor (160). For example, in one example, the light refracted through the optical refractive member (120) may be introduced into the image sensor (160) in a first direction (e.g., the -z-axis direction).

[0048] According to one embodiment, at least one of the lens assembly (110) or the optical refractive member (120) may be fixed to the housing (130). For example, the optical refractive member (120) may be fixed to a carrier (140) fixed to the housing (130). For example, the optical refractive member (120) may be fixed to the housing (130) using a bracket. By fixing the optical refractive member (120) to the housing (130), the optical refractive member (120) may not be driven. By not driving the optical refractive member (120), distortion of the image due to driving of the optical refractive member (120) can be prevented.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the image sensor (160) may be positioned below the optical refractive member (120) (e.g., below in the -z direction). For example, the image sensor (160) may be positioned below the carrier (140) that accommodates the optical refractive member (120).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the image sensor (160) can move in an internal space formed by the housing (130) with respect to the housing (130) (or, a space between the housing (130) and the cover (150). For example, the image sensor (160) can move in a first direction (e.g., in the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction) with respect to the housing (130) by a first driving unit (e.g., the first carrier (210)) for driving the AF of the camera module (100). For example, the image sensor (160) can move in at least one of a second direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction) or a third direction (e.g., in the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction) with respect to the housing (130) by a second driving unit (e.g., the second carrier (310)) for driving the OIS of the camera module (100). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the image sensor (160) may be rotated (rolled) or tilted (tilted) around the optical axis direction (e.g., the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction) by a second driving unit (e.g., the second carrier (310)) for driving the OIS of the camera module (100). According to one embodiment, the image sensor (160) may be accommodated in the second driving unit.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the camera module (100) may include a printed circuit board (170) accommodated inside the housing (130). The printed circuit board (170) may include a flexible circuit board. In one example, the printed circuit board (170) may overlap at least a portion of the optical refractive member (120). For example, when the camera module (100) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the -z-axis direction), at least a portion of the printed circuit board (170) may overlap at least a portion of the optical refractive member (120). In one example, the printed circuit board (170) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the optical refractive member (120). For example, the printed circuit board (170) may be arranged to surround at least one of a side surface (e.g., a surface facing the second direction or the third direction), a back surface (e.g., a surface facing the -z-axis direction), or an inclined surface of the optical refractive member (120).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the image sensor (160) may be disposed on a printed circuit board (170). For example, the image sensor (160) may be fixed to the printed circuit board (170). By disposing the image sensor (160) on the printed circuit board (170), the image sensor (160) may move in the internal space formed by the housing (130) with respect to the housing (130) together with the printed circuit board (170).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the optical refractive member (120) may be positioned to be spaced apart from the image sensor (160) by a predetermined distance. For example, the optical refractive member (120) may be positioned to be spaced apart from the image sensor (160) in a first direction (e.g., in the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction). For example, the optical refractive member (120) may be spaced apart from the optical refractive member (120) by a first distance when the image sensor (160) moves in the z-axis direction from the reference position. The optical refractive member (120) may be spaced apart from the optical refractive member (120) by a second distance greater than the first distance when the image sensor (160) moves in the -z-axis direction from the reference position.

[0054] According to one embodiment, when the camera module is a 5x module, the shooting distance is about 50 cm to 1 m, and the subject is 80 cm, the AF stroke value of the first driving unit for AF driving may be about 0.6 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first carrier (140) can transport the image sensor (160) in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction) by a first distance based on at least one opening (141). When the image sensor (160) is transported by the first carrier (140) in the first direction by the first distance, the image sensor (160) can be arranged to be spaced apart from the at least one opening (141) by a predetermined distance. For example, when the image sensor (160) and the at least one opening (141) are spaced apart by a second distance, the second distance may be greater than the first distance. For example, when the second distance by which the image sensor (160) and the at least one opening (141) are spaced apart has a minimum value, the second distance may be greater than the first distance. For example, the second distance may be the sum of the predetermined distance and the first distance. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0056] In one example, the second distance may be about 0.4 mm or more, but is not limited thereto.

[0057] According to one embodiment, a carrier (140) that accommodates an optical refractive element (120) may include at least one opening (141) positioned between the optical refractive element (120) and an image sensor (160). The at least one opening (141) may be open in a direction toward the image sensor (160) (e.g., in the -z-axis direction).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the optical refractive member (120) may be arranged to refract the path along which light travels so that light passing through the optical refractive member (120) enters the image sensor (160) through at least one opening (141). Light refracted through the optical refractive member (120) may pass through at least one opening (141) and enter the image sensor (160).

[0059] According to one embodiment, at least one opening (141) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the optical refractive member (120) by a predetermined distance. For example, at least one opening (141) may be spaced apart from the optical refractive member (120) in a first direction (e.g., in the z-axis direction). The carrier (140) may include a recess for arranging at least one opening (141) to be spaced apart from the optical refractive member (120) by a predetermined distance. For example, a space may be formed between the optical refractive member (120) and at least one opening (141).

[0060] According to one embodiment, at least one opening (141) may be positioned to be spaced apart from the image sensor (160) by a predetermined distance. For example, at least one opening (141) may be spaced apart from the image sensor (160) in a first direction (e.g., in the -z-axis direction).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the camera module (100) may include at least one filter (142) disposed between the optical refractive member (120) and the image sensor (160). For example, the at least one filter (142) may be disposed in at least one opening (141), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the at least one filter (142) may be disposed in the image sensor (160). For example, the at least one filter (142) may move together with the image sensor (160). The at least one filter (142) may be disposed to be spaced apart from the optical refractive member (120). The at least one filter (142) may be disposed to be spaced apart from the image sensor (160). In one example, the at least one filter (142) may include, but is not limited to, an infrared filter.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a driving unit for AF driving of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0063] The camera module of FIG. 3 may be referred to as the camera module (100) of FIGS. 1 and 2. The same terms and / or the same reference numerals are used for components that are identical or substantially identical to those described above, and any duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include a first driving unit (200) for an auto-focus function. The first driving unit (200) may move an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (160) of FIG. 2) in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction). The first driving unit (200) according to one embodiment may include an AF actuator configured to move the image sensor for the auto-focus function. For example, the first driving unit (200) may move the image sensor in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction) in which a distance between the optical refractive member and the image sensor is changed for the auto-focus function.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first driving unit (200) may include a first carrier (210) and at least one first sphere (220). However, the components of the first driving unit (200) are not limited thereto. For example, the first driving unit (200) may omit at least one of the above-described components, or may further include at least one other component. For example, the first driving unit (200) may further include at least one of a first magnet (221), a first coil (222), at least one second sphere (230), at least one first guide portion (240), or at least one second guide portion (250).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first carrier (210) can transport at least a portion of the second driving unit that accommodates the image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (160) of FIG. 2) in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction or the −z-axis direction). For example, the first carrier (210) can transport the second carrier (310) that accommodates the image sensor in the first direction. In one example, the first carrier (210) can surround at least a portion of the second carrier (310). For example, the first carrier (210) can surround at least a portion of a side surface of the second carrier (310).

[0067] According to one embodiment, at least one first sphere (220) may be positioned between a first carrier (210) and a housing (e.g., housing (130) of FIG. 2). The at least one first sphere (220) may be positioned such that the first carrier (210) moves in the first direction relative to the housing. For example, the at least one first sphere (220) may be positioned side by side along the first direction.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the first driving unit (200) may further include at least one second sphere (230). The at least one second sphere (230) may be disposed between the first carrier (210) and the housing. The at least one second sphere (230) may be disposed such that the first carrier (210) moves in the first direction with respect to the housing. For example, the at least one second sphere (230) may be disposed side by side along the first direction. In one example, the at least one second sphere (230) may be disposed side by side with the at least one first sphere (220).

[0069] According to one embodiment, at least one second sphere (230) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from at least one first sphere (220) by a predetermined distance. For example, at least one first sphere (220) may be positioned at one edge of the first carrier (210), and at least one second sphere (230) may be positioned at the other edge of the first carrier (210). For example, at least one first sphere (220) may be positioned adjacent to one end of a first side (e.g., a side facing the -x-axis direction) of the first carrier (210), and at least one second sphere (230) may be positioned adjacent to the other end of the first side of the first carrier (210).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the size of at least one first sphere (220) may have a first size. The size of at least one second sphere (230) may have a second size. The second size may be substantially equal to or smaller than the first size, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second size may be larger than the first size.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the number of first spheres (220) disposed between the first carrier (210) and the housing may be the same as or different from the number of second spheres (230).

[0072] According to one embodiment, a first magnet (221) may be disposed on a first side (e.g., a side facing the -x-axis direction) of a first carrier (210). The first magnet (221) may be disposed to face a first coil (222). The first coil (222) may be disposed in a housing (e.g., the housing (130) of FIG. 2) facing the first side of the first carrier (210) on which the first magnet (221) is disposed. The first carrier (210) may be moved relative to the housing (e.g., the housing (130) of FIG. 2) (or the lens assembly (110), the optical refractive member (120), or the carrier (140)) by a force in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction) acting on the first magnet (221) due to a magnetic field generated by a current flowing in the first coil (222). As the first carrier (210) moves, the image sensor can be moved in the first direction. As the first carrier (210) moves, the distance from the optical refractive member (120) to the image sensor can be changed.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the first carrier (210) may include a first guide portion (240) on a first side (e.g., a side facing the -x-axis direction). The first guide portion (240) may be formed in a first direction so that the first carrier (210) can move in the first direction (the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction). In one example, the first guide portion may have a guide groove or rail shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] According to one embodiment, at least one first sphere (220) may be placed on a first guide portion (240). The first guide portion (240) may guide the at least one first sphere (220) to move in a first direction. For example, the at least one first sphere (220) may move, roll, rotate, or tilt on the first guide portion (240).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the first carrier (210) can be transported in the first direction by guiding at least one first sphere (220) along the first guide portion (240). When the first carrier (210) is transported in the first direction, at least a portion of the second driving units (e.g., the second carrier (310)) disposed on the first carrier (210) can be transported in the first direction. By the movement of at least a portion of the second driving units, the image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (160) of FIG. 2) can be transported in the first direction. Although not illustrated in FIG. 3, the housing (e.g., the housing (130) of FIG. 2) may include a guide portion formed at a position corresponding to the first guide portion (240) of the first carrier (210).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the first carrier (210) may further include a second guide portion (250) on a first side (e.g., a side facing the -x-axis direction). The second guide portion (250) may be formed in a first direction so that the first carrier (210) may move in the first direction (the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction). In one example, the second guide portion may have a guide groove or rail shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] According to one embodiment, at least one second sphere (230) may be placed on the second guide portion (250). The second guide portion (250) may guide the at least one second sphere (230) to move in the first direction. For example, the at least one second sphere (230) may move, roll, rotate, or tilt on the second guide portion (250).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the first carrier (210) can be transported in the first direction by guiding at least one second sphere (230) along the second guide portion (250). When the first carrier (210) is transported in the first direction, at least a portion of the second driving units (e.g., the second carrier (310)) disposed on the first carrier (210) can be transported in the first direction. By the movement of at least a portion of the second driving units, the image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (160) of FIG. 2) can be transported in the first direction. Although not illustrated in FIG. 3, the housing (e.g., the housing (130) of FIG. 2) may further include a guide portion formed at a position corresponding to the second guide portion (250) of the first carrier (210).

[0079] According to one embodiment, at least one second guide part (250) may be arranged to be spaced apart from at least one first guide part (240) by a predetermined distance. For example, at least one first guide part (240) may be arranged (or formed) at one edge of the first carrier (210), and at least one second guide part (250) may be arranged (or formed) at the other edge of the first carrier (210). For example, at least one first guide part (240) may be arranged (or formed) adjacent to one end of a first side (e.g., a side facing the -x-axis direction) of the first carrier (210), and at least one second guide part (250) may be arranged (or formed) adjacent to the other end of the first side of the first carrier (210). According to one embodiment, the first magnet (221) may be arranged between at least one first guide part (240) and at least one second guide part (250).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the number of contact points of at least one second guide portion (250) that contacts at least one second sphere (230) may be substantially equal to or greater than the number of contact points of at least one first guide portion (240) that contacts at least one first sphere (220). For example, the first guide portion (240) may include a 'U' shaped groove, and the second guide portion (250) may include a 'V' shaped groove. At least one guide portion of the housing that faces the first guide portion (240) and contacts at least one first sphere (220) may include a 'V' shaped groove, and at least one other guide portion of the housing that faces the second guide portion (250) and contacts at least one second sphere (230) may include a 'V' shaped groove. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first guide portion (240) may include a 'V' shaped groove, and the second guide portion (250) may include a 'V' shaped groove. At least one guide portion of the housing facing the first guide portion (240) and in contact with at least one first sphere (220) may include a 'U' shape, and at least one guide portion of the housing facing the second guide portion (250) and in contact with at least one second sphere (230) may include a 'V' shaped groove.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the first carrier (210) may have a first length (R1) in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction). The sum of the lengths of at least one first sphere (220) in the first direction may have a second length (R2). For example, referring to FIG. 3, when the first driving unit (200) includes two first spheres (220), the sum of the lengths of the two first spheres (220) in the first direction may have a second length (R2). The sum of the lengths of at least one second sphere (230) in the first direction may have a third length (R3). For example, referring to FIG. 3, when the first driving unit (200) includes three second spheres (230), the sum of the lengths of the three second spheres (230) in the first direction may have a third length (R3). The first carrier (210) can move in the first direction by a fourth length (R4).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the sum of the larger length of the second length (R2) and the third length (R3) and the fourth length (R4) may be less than the first length (R1). For example, referring to FIG. 3, when the third length (R3) is greater than the second length (R2), the sum of the third length (R3) and the fourth length (R4) may be less than the first length (R1). In one example, when the first driving unit (200) includes only at least one first sphere (220), the sum of the lengths of the at least one first sphere (220) in the first direction (R2) and the sum of the fourth length (R4) may be less than the first length (R1).

[0083] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of a yoke included in a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0084] The camera module of FIG. 4 may be referred to as the camera module of FIGS. 1 to 3. The same terms and / or reference numerals are used for the same or substantially the same configurations as those described above, and any duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a camera module according to one embodiment may include a first yoke (224) positioned to face a first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (221) of FIG. 3). For example, the first magnet (221) may face a first coil (222) and the first yoke (224). In one example, the first yoke (224) may be positioned in a housing (e.g., the housing (130) of FIG. 2) that faces a first side of the first carrier (210) on which the first magnet (221) is positioned. In one example, the first yoke (224) may also be positioned in the first coil (222).

[0086] According to one embodiment, a magnetic force may be formed between the first yoke (224) and the first magnet (221). For example, a magnetic attraction may be formed between the first yoke (224) and the first magnet (221). Due to the magnetic attraction formed between the first yoke (224) and the first magnet (221), the first carrier (210) may not be separated from the housing. Due to the magnetic attraction formed between the first yoke (224) and the first magnet (221), at least one first sphere (e.g., at least one first sphere (220) of FIG. 3) may not be separated from at least one first guide portion (e.g., at least one first guide portion (240) of FIG. 3). By the magnetic attraction formed between the first yoke (224) and the first magnet (221), at least one second sphere (e.g., at least one second sphere (230) of FIG. 3) may not be separated from at least one second guide portion (e.g., the second guide portion (250) of FIG. 3).

[0087] In one embodiment, the camera module may include a second yoke (225) positioned to face a first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (221) of FIG. 3). The second yoke (225) may be positioned between the first yoke (224) and at least one first sphere (e.g., the at least one first sphere (220) of FIG. 3). In one example, the second yoke (225) may be positioned in a housing (130) facing a first side of a first carrier (210) on which the first magnet (221) is positioned. In one example, the second yoke (225) may also be positioned in a first coil (222).

[0088] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) can reduce the rattling (tilt phenomenon) that occurs when the first carrier (the first carrier (310) of FIG. 3) moves in the first direction.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the second yoke (225) may be positioned at a biased position relative to at least one second sphere (the second sphere (230) of FIG. 3) than to at least one first sphere (the first sphere (220) of FIG. 3). For example, the second yoke (225) may be positioned closer to at least one second sphere (230) than to at least one first sphere (220). For example, the second yoke (225) may be positioned closer to at least one second guide portion (the second guide portion (250) of FIG. 3) than to at least one first guide portion (the at least one first guide portion (240) of FIG. 3). For example, the distance from the second yoke (225) to the at least one first guide portion (240) may be substantially equal to or greater than the distance from the second yoke (225) to the at least one second guide portion (250).

[0090] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) may be configured to generate a biased magnetic force (e.g., magnetic attraction) with respect to the first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (221) of FIG. 3) so that the first carrier (e.g., the first carrier (310) of FIG. 3) can move stably. For example, at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) may form a stronger magnetic force in a region adjacent to at least one second guide portion (the second guide portion (250) of FIG. 3) than in a region adjacent to at least one first guide portion (the first guide portion (240) of FIG. 3). Accordingly, the first carrier (e.g., the first carrier (210) of FIG. 3) can move in close contact with at least one second sphere (at least one second sphere (230) of FIG. 3) by the biased magnetic force formed between the first yoke (224) and the second yoke (225) and the first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (221) of FIG. 3).

[0091] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) may be disposed on one side (e.g., one side in the -y-axis direction) of the winding center of the first coil (e.g., the first coil (222) of FIG. 3). Since at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) is concentrated on one side of the winding center of the first coil (222), the magnitude of the biased magnetic force generated between the first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (221) of FIG. 3) and at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) may increase.

[0092] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) may be formed with a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction) as its longitudinal direction. Accordingly, even if the first carrier (e.g., the first carrier (210) of FIG. 3) moves in the first direction, a biased magnetic force may be generated between the first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (221) of FIG. 3) and at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225).

[0093] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) may have an asymmetrical left-right area. For example, at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) may have an asymmetrical area in the y-axis direction. For example, at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) may include a first portion that is closer to at least one second sphere (the first sphere (230) of FIG. 3) than to at least one first sphere (the first sphere (220) of FIG. 3), and a second portion that is closer to at least one first sphere (220) than to at least one second sphere (230). The area of ​​the first portion of at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) may be substantially equal to or larger than the area of ​​the second portion. Therefore, the first part may have a stronger attractive force with the first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (221) of FIG. 3) than the second part.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the mass of at least one first portion of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) may be substantially equal to or greater than the mass of the second portion. For example, the thickness of the first portion may be substantially equal to or greater than the thickness of the second portion. Accordingly, the first portion may have a stronger attractive force with the first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (221) of FIG. 3) than the second portion.

[0095] According to one embodiment, a first carrier (e.g., a first carrier (210) of FIG. 3) can selectively contact at least one sphere by a biased attraction between a first magnet (e.g., a first magnet (221) of FIG. 3) and at least one of a first yoke (224) or a second yoke (225). For example, the first carrier (210) may always contact at least one second sphere (e.g., at least one second sphere (230) of FIG. 3), but may selectively contact at least one first sphere (at least one first sphere (220) of FIG. 3).

[0096] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) may include a material that is magnetic in a magnetic field. For example, at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) may include a material that forms an attractive force with the first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (221) of FIG. 3).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the shape of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, at least one of the first yoke (224) or the second yoke (225) may have a rectangular shape, as illustrated in FIG. 4, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second yoke (225) may include a protrusion protruding in one direction from the first yoke (224).

[0098] According to one embodiment, in FIG. 4, the second yoke (225) is depicted as being spaced apart from the first yoke (224) by a predetermined distance, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the second yoke (225) may at least partially contact the first yoke (224). For example, the second yoke (225) may be one member with the first yoke (224).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include a second yoke (225) so that an external force that interferes with AF operation may be overcome. For example, when a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board (170) of FIG. 2) moves together with an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (160) of FIG. 2), the printed circuit board (170) connected to the image sensor (160) may be warped. As the printed circuit board (170) is warped, an external force may be applied to the first carrier (e.g., the first carrier (210) of FIG. 3) so that the first carrier (210) may be warped. The second yoke (225) may generate a magnetic force that can overcome the external force so that the first carrier (210) is not warped.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include a position sensor (223). The position sensor (223) may detect a position of at least one magnet (e.g., the first magnet (221) of FIG. 3). For example, the position sensor (223) may detect a magnetic field to detect a position of at least one magnet relative to at least one coil (e.g., the first coil (222) or the housing (130)). A control circuit electrically connected to the position sensor (223) may provide power to the position sensor (223). The control circuit may detect a position of at least one magnet via the position sensor (223).

[0101] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a driving unit assembled with an image sensor (160) according to one embodiment.

[0102] The components of FIG. 5 may be referenced by the components of FIGS. 1 to 4 described above. The same terms and / or reference numerals are used for components that are identical or substantially identical to those described above, and redundant descriptions are omitted. For example, the first yoke (224) of FIG. 5 may be referenced by the first yoke (224) of FIG. 4.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 5, at least a portion of the second driving unit may be accommodated in the first driving unit. For example, at least a portion of the second carrier (310) may be accommodated in the first carrier (210). For example, the first carrier (210) may surround at least a portion of a side surface of the second carrier (310).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the image sensor (160) may be placed on a printed circuit board (170). For example, the image sensor (160) may be fixed to the printed circuit board (170).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the image sensor (160) and the printed circuit board (170) can move together with the first carrier (210). For example, the printed circuit board (170) on which the image sensor (160) is disposed is coupled with the second carrier (310), so that the image sensor (160) and the printed circuit board (170) can move together with the second carrier (310). For example, when the second carrier (310) moves in a second direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction), the image sensor (160) and the printed circuit board (170) can move in the second direction. For example, when the second carrier (310) moves in a third direction (e.g., in the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction), the image sensor (160) and the printed circuit board (170) can move in the third direction. For example, since the second carrier (310) is accommodated in the first carrier (210), when the first carrier (210) moves in the first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction), the second carrier (310) can move in the first direction, and the image sensor (160) and the printed circuit board (170) can move in the first direction.

[0106] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first carrier (210) or the second carrier (310) may be open in a first direction. For example, at least one of the first carrier (210) or the second carrier (310) may have a portion corresponding to the image sensor (160) open in the first direction. For example, at least one of the first carrier (210) or the second carrier (310) may have a space formed in a portion corresponding to the image sensor (160). For example, when looking down at at least one of the first carrier (210) or the second carrier (310) from above (e.g., looking down in the -z-axis direction), the image sensor (160) may be visible.

[0107] According to one embodiment, an optical refractive member (e.g., an optical refractive member (120) of FIG. 3) may be disposed in at least one of the spaces (open portions) of the first carrier (210) or the second carrier (310). For example, referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, at least a portion of a carrier (e.g., a carrier (140) of FIG. 2) that accommodates the optical refractive member may be disposed in the space. For example, an opening (e.g., an opening (141) of FIG. 2) may be disposed in the space. The image sensor (160) may correspond at least partially to the opening (141).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the first carrier (210) may include a cover portion (211) that covers at least a portion of the first carrier (210). For example, the cover portion (211) may cover a surface of the first carrier (210) facing a first direction (e.g., the +z-axis direction).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the camera module (100) may include at least one elastic member (212) disposed between the first carrier (210) and the cover (e.g., the cover (150) of FIG. 2). For example, the at least one elastic member (212) may be disposed on a surface of the first carrier (210) facing the cover (150). For example, the at least one elastic member (212) may be disposed on a cover portion (211). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the at least one elastic member may be disposed on an inner surface of the cover (150) facing an upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the +z-axis direction) of the first carrier (210).

[0110] In one embodiment, at least one elastic member (212) can reduce or eliminate noise generated by the first carrier (210) colliding with another component (e.g., the cover (150) of FIG. 2). The at least one elastic member (212) can reduce or eliminate damage to the first carrier (210) and / or the other component due to the first carrier (210) colliding with the other component (e.g., the cover (150)).

[0111] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of an elastic member (212) included in a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0112] The components of FIG. 6 may be referenced by the components of FIGS. 1 to 5 described above. For example, the elastic member (212) of FIG. 6 may be referenced by the elastic member (212) of FIG. 5. The same terms and / or the same reference numerals are used for components that are identical or substantially identical to those described above, and any duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0113] According to one embodiment, at least one elastic member (212) may be disposed at a corner portion of one surface of the first carrier (210). For example, at least one elastic member may be disposed at a corner portion of an upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the +z-axis direction) of the first carrier (210). Referring to FIG. 5, the elastic member (212) may be disposed at each corner portion of one surface of the first carrier (210).

[0114] According to one embodiment, at least one elastic member (212) may protrude from one surface of the first carrier (210). For example, the at least one elastic member may protrude in the +z-axis direction from the upper surface of the first carrier (210).

[0115] In one embodiment, at least one elastic member (212) may include an elastic material. For example, at least one elastic member (212) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of silicone and rubber. In one example, at least one elastic member (212) may include a spring.

[0116] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a second driving unit (300) for driving OIS of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0117] The camera module and its components of Fig. 7 may be referenced by the camera module and its components of Figs. 1 to 6 described above. Components that are identical or substantially identical to those described above are denoted by the same terminology and / or the same reference numerals, and any duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include a second driving unit (300) for optical image stabilization. The second driving unit (300) may move an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (160) of FIG. 5) in a second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction) and / or a third direction (e.g., the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction). The second direction and the third direction may be different directions, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In one example, the second driving unit (300) may rotate or tilt the image sensor about an optical axis (e.g., the z-axis). For example, the image sensor may rotate or tilt about the optical axis due to an electromagnetic interaction between a second magnet (321) and a second coil (322). For example, the image sensor can be rotated or tilted around the optical axis by the electromagnetic interaction between the third magnet (323) and the third coil (324).

[0119] The second driving unit (300) according to one embodiment may include an OIS actuator configured to move the image sensor for optical image stabilization. For example, the second driving unit (300) may move the image sensor in a direction substantially perpendicular to a first direction (e.g., a z-axis direction or a -z-axis direction) in which a distance between the optical refractive member and the image sensor changes for optical image stabilization.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the second driving unit (300) may include a second carrier (310) that transports an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (160) of FIG. 5) in a second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction). In one example, the image sensor (160) may be coupled to the second carrier (310).

[0121] According to one embodiment, a second magnet (321) may be placed on a first side (e.g., a side facing the third direction) of the second carrier (310). The second magnet (321) may be placed to face a second coil (322). The second coil (322) may be placed in a housing (e.g., housing (130) of FIG. 2) facing the first side of the second carrier (310) on which the second magnet (321) is placed. The second carrier (310) can be moved relative to the housing (e.g., the housing (130) of FIG. 2) (or the lens assembly (110), the optical refractive member (120), or the carrier (140)) by a force in a third direction (e.g., the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction) acting on the second magnet (321) due to a magnetic field generated by a current flowing in the second coil (322). As the second carrier (310) moves, the image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (160) of FIG. 5) can be moved in the third direction.

[0122] According to one embodiment, a third magnet (323) may be placed on a second side (e.g., a side facing the second direction) of the second carrier (310). The third magnet (323) may be placed to face a third coil (324). The third coil (324) may be placed in a housing (e.g., housing (130) of FIG. 2) facing the second side of the second carrier (310) on which the third magnet (323) is placed. The second carrier (310) can be moved relative to the housing (e.g., the housing (130) of FIG. 2) (or the lens assembly (110), the optical refractive member (120), or the carrier (140)) by a force in a second direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction) acting on the third magnet (323) due to a magnetic field generated by a current flowing in the third coil (324). As the second carrier (310) moves, the image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (160) of FIG. 5) can be moved in the second direction.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the first side of the second carrier (310) can be substantially perpendicular to the second side of the second carrier (310). The second magnet (321) can be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the third magnet (323). The second coil (322) can be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the third coil (324).

[0124] According to one embodiment, a first side of the second carrier (310) can be substantially perpendicular to a first side (e.g., a side facing the -x-axis direction) on which a first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (221) of FIG. 3) (or at least one first sphere (220)) of the first carrier (210) is disposed. The second magnet (321) can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the first magnet (221). The second coil (322) can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the first coil (222). The third magnet (323) can be disposed opposite the first magnet (221). The third magnet (323) can be disposed substantially parallel to the first magnet (221). The third coil (324) can be disposed opposite the first coil (222). The third coil (324) can be disposed substantially parallel to the first coil (222). However, it is not limited to this.

[0125] Fig. 8 is a drawing for explaining an elastic member (214) according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 is a drawing schematically illustrating an elastic member (214) according to one embodiment.

[0126] The camera modules and components thereof of FIGS. 8 and 9 may be referenced by the camera modules and components thereof of FIGS. 1 to 7 described above. The same terms and / or reference numerals are used for components that are identical or substantially identical to those described above, and any duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the first carrier (210) may include at least one elastic member (214) formed between at least one first guide portion in which at least one first sphere (220) is arranged and at least one second guide portion in which at least one second sphere (230) is arranged.

[0128] According to one embodiment, at least one elastic member (214) may be formed on the first side (213) of the first carrier (210). The at least one elastic member (214) may be positioned between a portion of the first side (213) of the first carrier (210) that receives an impact (F). For example, the at least one elastic member (214) may be positioned between a portion of the first carrier (210) that receives an impact (F) from the second carrier (310). For example, the at least one elastic member (214) may be formed between at least one first guide portion of the first side (213) and a portion where the first magnet (221) is positioned. For example, the at least one elastic member (214) may be formed between at least one second guide portion of the first side (213) and a portion where the first magnet (221) is positioned. For example, at least one elastic member (214) may be formed in a portion between at least one first guide portion of the first side (213) and a portion where the first magnet (221) is arranged, and in a portion between at least one second guide portion and a portion where the first magnet (221) is arranged.

[0129] According to one embodiment, at least one elastic member (214) is positioned between the portion of the first side (213) of the first carrier (210) that receives the impact (F), thereby reducing or preventing damage to at least a portion of the first driving member (e.g., at least one of the first magnet (221), the first coil (222), the at least one first sphere (230), or the at least one second sphere (220)) or the housing (e.g., the housing (130) of FIG. 2).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the thickness of at least one elastic member (214) may be gradually thinned. For example, the length of at least one elastic member (214) in the second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) may be gradually reduced toward the portion of the first side (213) of the first carrier (210) that receives the impact (F).

[0131] According to one embodiment, at least one elastic member (214) may have a lower stiffness than other portions of the first side (213) of the first carrier (210). For example, at least one elastic member (214) may have a thinner thickness than other portions of the first side (213). For example, at least one elastic member (214) may have a shorter length in the second direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction) than other portions.

[0132] According to one embodiment, at least one elastic member (214) may include a material having lower rigidity than other portions of the first side (213) of the first carrier (210). For example, at least one elastic member (214) may include a material having elasticity. For example, at least one elastic member (214) may include at least one of rubber or silicone. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 9, the first side (213) may include a first elastic member (214) disposed between at least one second sphere (230) and a portion of the first side (213) that receives an impact (F) (e.g., a portion where the first magnet (221) is disposed), and a second elastic member (215) disposed between at least one first sphere (220) and a portion of the first side (213) that receives an impact (F).

[0134] According to one embodiment, the first side (213) may include a first elastic member (214) disposed between at least one second guide portion having at least one second sphere (230) disposed and a portion of the first side (213) that receives an impact (F) (e.g., a portion having a first magnet (221) disposed), and a second elastic member (215) disposed between at least one first guide portion having at least one first sphere (220) disposed and a portion of the first side (213) that receives an impact (F).

[0135] According to one embodiment, at least one elastic member (214, 215) may be a separate member from the first side (213). For example, at least one of the first elastic member (214) or the second elastic member (215) may be a separate member from the first side (213). For example, at least one of the first elastic member (214) or the second elastic member (215) may include a different material from the first side (213). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the first elastic member (214) or the second elastic member (215) may be a single member from the first side (213). For example, at least one of the first elastic member (214) or the second elastic member (215) may include the same material as the first side (213).

[0136] FIG. 10a is a schematic drawing of a driving unit for OIS operation of a camera module according to one embodiment. FIG. 10b is a schematic drawing of a driving unit for OIS operation of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0137] The contents of FIGS. 10A and 10B may be referenced by the contents of FIGS. 1 to 9 described above. The same terms are used for components that are identical or substantially identical to those described above, and any duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0138] A camera module (100) according to one embodiment can control an electromagnetic force by controlling the direction and / or intensity of a current passing through at least one coil under the control of a processor (e.g., processor (1420) of FIG. 17), and can move an image sensor (460) in at least one of a second direction (e.g., x-axis direction or -x-axis direction) or a third direction (e.g., y-axis direction or -y-axis direction) with respect to a prism (420) using a Lorentz force or a solenoid type actuator by the electromagnetic force.

[0139] For example, referring to FIG. 7, the second magnet (321) may be configured to be driven by the second coil (322) in a solenoid type, and the third magnet (323) may be configured to be driven by the third coil (324) in a solenoid type. For example, the second magnet (321) may be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the third magnet (323). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0140] For example, referring to FIG. 10A, the OIS drive of the camera module may be driven by a Lorentz-solenoid type. For example, the second magnet (520) for OIS drive may be configured to be driven by a second coil (not shown) and a solenoid type, and the third magnet (530) for OIS drive may be configured to be driven by a third coil (not shown) and a Lorentz type. For example, the second magnet (520) for OIS drive may be arranged to face the third magnet (530) for OIS drive. The first magnet (540) for AF drive may be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the second magnet (520) and the third magnet (530).

[0141] For example, the OIS driving of the camera module (100) may be driven by a Lorentz-Lorentz type. For example, referring to FIG. 10B, the first magnet (540a) and the third magnet (530a) may be magnets for OIS driving, and the second magnet (520a) may be a magnet for AF driving. The first magnet (540a) may be configured to be driven by a first coil (not shown) in a Lorentz type, and the third magnet (530a) may be configured to be driven by a third coil (not shown) in a Lorentz type. The first magnet (540a) and the third magnet (530a) may include a polarizing magnet to drive by the Lorentz type.

[0142] Fig. 11 is a schematic drawing of a driving unit of a camera module according to one embodiment. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a driving unit for OIS driving according to one embodiment.

[0143] The camera modules and components thereof of FIGS. 11 and 12 may be referred to by the camera modules and components thereof of FIGS. 1 to 10b described above. The same terms are used for components that are identical or substantially identical to those described above, and any duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 11, a camera module according to one embodiment may include an optical refractive member (620), an image sensor (660), a first driving unit, and a second driving unit. However, the configuration of the camera module is not limited thereto. For example, the camera module may further include at least one of a cover (650) or a printed circuit board (670).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the first driving unit for AF driving may include a first carrier (710) and at least one first sphere (720). The second driving unit for OIS driving may include a second carrier (810) coupled with an image sensor (660), and a third carrier (810a) that transports the second carrier (810) in a third direction (e.g., in the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction). For example, the second carrier (810) may be disposed on the third carrier (810a), such that as the third carrier (810a) moves in the third direction, the second carrier (810) may be transported in the third direction.

[0146] According to one embodiment, with reference to FIG. 11, at least one third sphere (820) may be disposed between the second carrier (810) and the third carrier (810a). The second carrier (810) may be moved on the third carrier (810a) by the at least one third sphere (820). For example, the second carrier (810) may be moved in a second direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction) with respect to the cover (650) or the optical refractive member (620) by the at least one third sphere (820). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the camera module according to one embodiment, the third carrier (810a) and at least one third sphere (820) may be omitted.

[0147] According to one embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, at least one of the second carrier (810) or the third carrier (810a) may include at least one third guide portion (840) that guides at least one third sphere (820) to move in the second direction. The at least one third sphere (820) may be disposed on the at least one third guide portion (840). By guiding (e.g., moving, rolling, rotating, or tilting) the at least one third sphere (820) disposed between the second carrier (810) and the third carrier (810a) along the at least one third guide portion (840), the second carrier (810) may move in the second direction. When the second carrier (810) moves in the second direction, the image sensor (660) accommodated in the second carrier (810) can move together in the second direction.

[0148] According to one embodiment, at least one fourth sphere (830) may be disposed between the first carrier (710) and the third carrier (810a). The third carrier (810a) may be movable on the first carrier (710) by the at least one fourth sphere (830). For example, the third carrier (810a) may be movable in a third direction (e.g., in the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction) with respect to the cover (650) or the optical refractive member (620) by the at least one fourth sphere (830).

[0149] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first carrier (710) or the third carrier (810a) may include at least one fourth guide portion (not shown) that guides at least one fourth sphere (830) to move in a third direction. The at least one fourth sphere (830) may be disposed on the at least one fourth guide portion. The at least one fourth sphere (830) disposed between the first carrier (710) and the third carrier (810a) may be guided (e.g., moved, rolled, rotated, or tilted) along the at least one fourth guide portion, thereby allowing the third carrier (810a) to move in the third direction. When the third carrier (810a) moves in the third direction, the second carrier (810) accommodated in the third carrier (810a) may be transported together in the third direction. When the second carrier (810) is transported in the third direction, the image sensor (660) accommodated in the second carrier (810) can be transported together in the third direction.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 12, the third carrier (810a) according to one embodiment may have an 'L' shape. For example, the third carrier (810a) may include a first portion (811a) facing the first magnet (821), and a second portion (811b) extending from the first portion (811a). The first portion (811a) may be arranged to be substantially parallel to the first magnet (821), and the second portion (811b) may be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the first magnet (821). However, the shape of the third carrier (810a) is not limited thereto. For example, the third carrier (810a) may have a 'ㄷ' shape or a 'ㅁ' shape.

[0151] In one embodiment, at least one of the third guide portion (840) or the fourth guide portion (not shown) may have, but is not limited to, a guide groove or rail shape. In one example, at least one third guide portion (840) may be formed in a second direction so that at least one third sphere (820) may be guided along the second direction. In one example, at least one fourth guide portion may be formed in a third direction so that at least one fourth sphere (830) may be guided along the third direction.

[0152] In this disclosure, the meaning of 'guide' may include moving, rolling, rotating, or tilting.

[0153] According to one embodiment, in FIG. 11, at least a part (e.g., the second carrier (810) and the third carrier (810a)) of a driving unit for OIS driving (e.g., the second driving unit (300) of FIG. 7) is illustrated as being accommodated in at least a part (e.g., the first carrier (710)) of a driving unit for AF driving (e.g., the first driving unit (200) of FIG. 7), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least a part of the driving unit for AF driving may be accommodated in the driving unit for OIS driving, and at least a part of the driving unit for AF driving may be moved in at least one of the second direction or the third direction by the driving unit for OIS driving.

[0154] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of an optical path according to one embodiment.

[0155] The contents of Fig. 13 can be referenced by the contents of Figs. 1 to 12.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include a plurality of optical refractive elements. For example, the camera module may include a first optical refractive element (921) and a second optical refractive element (922). The second optical refractive element (922) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the first optical refractive element (921) by a predetermined distance.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the second optical refractive element (922) may be arranged to refract the path of light passing through the first optical refractive element (921). For example, the second optical refractive element (922) may be arranged to refract the light path so that light passing through the first optical refractive element (921) is incident on the image sensor (960).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include at least one lens. The at least one lens may be arranged such that an image of a subject is formed on the image sensor (960). For example, the camera module may include at least one first lens (911) that receives light, and at least one second lens (912) arranged between a first optical refractive element (921) and a second optical refractive element (922).

[0159] According to one embodiment, a camera module may include a first optical refractive element (921), at least one second lens (912), a second optical refractive element (922), and an image sensor (960). The camera module may receive light through the first optical refractive element (921). The first optical refractive element (921) may be arranged to refract a path of light received by the first optical refractive element (921). At least one second lens (912) may be arranged to allow light passing through the first optical refractive element (921) to enter. The second optical refractive element (922) may be arranged to allow light passing through the at least one second lens (912) to enter. The second optical refractive element (922) may be arranged to refract a path of light passing through the at least one second lens (912). The second optical refractive element (922) can be positioned so that light passing through the second optical refractive element (922) is incident on the image sensor (960).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include at least one first lens (911), a first optical refractive member (921), a second optical refractive member (922), and an image sensor (960). The camera module may receive light through the at least one first lens (911). The first optical refractive member (921) may be arranged to allow light passing through the at least one first lens (911) to enter. The first optical refractive member (921) may be arranged to refract a path of light passing through the at least one first lens (911). The second optical refractive member (921) may be arranged to allow light refracted through the first optical refractive member (921) to enter. The second optical refractive member (921) may be arranged to refract a path of light passing through the first optical refractive member (921). The second optical refractive element (921) can be positioned so that light passing through the second optical refractive element (921) is incident on the image sensor (960).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include at least one first lens (911), a first optical refractive element (921), at least one second lens (912), a second optical refractive element (922), and an image sensor (960). The camera module may receive light through the at least one first lens (911). The first optical refractive element (921) may be arranged to allow light passing through the at least one first lens (911) to enter. The first optical refractive element (921) may be arranged to refract a path of light passing through the at least one first lens (911). The at least one second lens (912) may be arranged to allow light passing through the first optical refractive element (921) to enter. The second optical refractive element (922) may be arranged to allow light passing through the at least one second lens (912) to enter. The second optical refractive element (921) may be arranged to refract the path of light passing through the first optical refractive element (921). The second optical refractive element (921) may be arranged so that light passing through the second optical refractive element (921) is incident on the image sensor (960).

[0162] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0163] The camera module and its components of Fig. 14 may be referenced by the camera module and its components of Figs. 1 to 13. The same terminology is used for components that are identical or substantially identical to those described above, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the housing (1030) may include a base (1031) and a side portion (1032) extending from one end of the base (1031). The side portion (1032) may surround at least a portion of the base (1031). Various components of the camera module may be placed on the base (1031).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the cover (1050) can cover at least a portion of the housing (1030). For example, the cover (1050) can cover at least a portion of the side (1032). At least a portion of the cover (1050) can face the base (1031). For example, a top surface (e.g., a surface facing the +z-axis direction) of the cover (1050) can face the base (1031). By covering at least a portion of the housing (1030), a space can be formed therein. Various components of the camera module can be arranged within the space formed by the housing (1030) and the cover (1050).

[0166] According to one embodiment, at least one of the housing (1030) or the cover (1050) can limit the range of movement of the driving unit of the camera module. For example, the side portion (1032) of the housing (1030) can limit the range of movement of the second driving unit (e.g., the second driving unit (300) of FIG. 7) in at least one of a second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction) or a third direction (e.g., the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction). For example, the cover (1050) can limit the range of movement of the first driving unit (e.g., the first driving unit (200) of FIG. 3) in a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction).

[0167] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 14, the first carrier (1110) can have a first length (D1) in a first direction (e.g., in the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction). For example, a second side of the first carrier, which faces in the opposite direction (e.g., in the +x direction) of a first side of the first carrier (e.g., the first side of the first carrier (210) of FIG. 3), can have the first length (D1) in the first direction (e.g., the first length (R1) of FIG. 3). In one example, the first side of the first carrier can include a side on which at least one first sphere (e.g., at least one first sphere (220) of FIG. 3) or at least one second sphere (e.g., at least one second sphere (230) of FIG. 3) is disposed. For example, the first side of the first carrier may include at least one first guide portion that guides the at least one first sphere to move in the first direction. For example, the first side of the first carrier may include at least one second guide portion that guides the at least one second sphere to move in the first direction. For example, the first side of the first carrier may include the at least one first guide portion and the at least one second guide portion. In one example, the second side of the first carrier may include a side on which at least one of the at least one first sphere (e.g., the at least one first sphere (220) of FIG. 3) or the at least one second sphere (e.g., the at least one second sphere (230) of FIG. 3) is not arranged. In one example, the height of the first side of the first carrier may be different from the height of the second side of the first carrier. For example, in the first direction, the height of the first side of the first carrier may be greater than or equal to the height of the second side of the first carrier, but is not limited thereto.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the optical refractive member (1020) may have a second length (D2) in a first direction. The image sensor (1060) may have a third length (D3) in the first direction. The optical refractive member (1020) may be spaced apart from the image sensor (1060) in the first direction by a fourth length (D4). For example, the fourth length (D4) may be a back focal length (BFL) value. The camera module may have a fifth length (D5) in the first direction. For example, the fifth length (D5) may be a length from the base (1031) to a top surface (e.g., a surface facing the +z-axis direction) of the cover (1050). According to one embodiment, the first length (D1) may be less than the sum of the second length (D2), the third length (D3), and the fourth length (D4). The height of the camera module can be reduced by making the first length (D1) smaller than the sum of the second length (D), the third length (D3), and the fourth length (D4). For example, the fifth length (D5) can be reduced.

[0169] FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing of a carrier and an optical refractive member according to one embodiment.

[0170] The components of FIG. 15 may be referenced by the components of FIGS. 1 to 14 described above. The same terms are used for components that are identical or substantially identical to those described above, and any duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 15, a first carrier (1110) according to one embodiment may have a first magnet (1111) disposed on a first side (e.g., a side facing the -x-axis direction) of the first carrier (1110). A second carrier (1120) may have a second magnet (1121) disposed on a first side (e.g., a side facing the +y-axis direction) of the second carrier (1120), and a third magnet (1122) disposed on a second side (e.g., a side facing the +x-axis direction) of the second carrier (1120).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the first carrier (1110) may have a first width (W1) in a third direction (e.g., the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction) and a second width (W2) in a second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction). For example, the first side of the first carrier (1110) may have a first width (W1). For example, when the first carrier (1110) is viewed in the first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction), the first carrier (1110) may have a first width (W1) in the third direction and a second width (W2) in the second direction. For example, when the camera module is viewed from above, the first carrier (1110) may have a first width (W1) in the third direction and a second width (W2) in the second direction.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the optical refractive member (1020) may have a third width (W3) in a third direction and a fourth width (W4) in a second direction. For example, when the optical refractive member (1020) is viewed in the first direction, the optical refractive member (1020) may have a third width (W3) in the third direction and a fourth width (W4) in the second direction. For example, when the camera module is viewed from above, the optical refractive member (1020) may have a third width (W3) in the third direction and a fourth width (W4) in the second direction.

[0174] In one embodiment, the first width (W1) may be smaller than the third width (W3). The second width (W2) may be larger than the fourth width (W4). However, this is not limited thereto.

[0175] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an electronic device (1200) including a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0176] The electronic device (1200) of FIG. 16 may be referenced by the electronic device (1401) of FIG. 17 and / or the electronic device (1500) of FIG. 18. The camera module of FIG. 16 may be referenced by the camera modules of FIGS. 1 to 15 described above. For example, the first camera module (1310) of FIG. 16 may be referenced by the camera module (100) of FIG. 1. The same terms are used for components that are identical or substantially identical to those described above, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0177] An electronic device (1200) according to an embodiment may include a plurality of camera modules. For example, referring to FIG. 16, the electronic device (1200) may include a first camera module (1310), a second camera module (1320), and a third camera module (1330). However, the components of the electronic device (1200) are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (1200) may omit at least one of the above-described components, or may further include at least one other component. For example, the electronic device (1200) may include at least one of a flash (1340), a sensor module (1350), at least one processor (for example, the processor 1420 of FIG. 17) for controlling the operation of a camera module (for example, the first camera module (1310)), or a cover member (1220) disposed on a rear plate (for example, a plate facing the +z-axis direction) of the electronic device (1200).

[0178] According to one embodiment, the first camera module (1310) may include a telephoto camera. In one example, the first camera module (1310) may include a folded camera. The second camera module (1320) may include an ultra-wide camera. The third camera module (1330) may include a wide camera. However, the types and numbers of camera modules illustrated in FIG. 16 are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. According to one embodiment, the camera module of the present disclosure (for example, the camera module (100) of FIG. 1) may be applied to a telephoto camera. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the flash (1340) may include, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1200) may include a sensor module (1350), thereby generating an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (1350) may include a distance sensor. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor module (1350) may further include at least one of a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, and / or a biometric sensor (e.g., an HRM sensor), a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an illuminance sensor.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the cover member (1220) may include, but is not limited to, glass.

[0182] According to one embodiment, at least one of the flash (1340) or the sensor module (1350) may be disposed on the back plate of the electronic device (1200). For example, at least one of the flash (1340) or the sensor module (1350) may be disposed on the cover member (1220).

[0183] According to one embodiment, at least one camera module may be disposed on the rear plate of the electronic device (1200). For example, at least one camera module may be disposed on the cover member (1220). For example, referring to FIG. 16, a first camera module (1310), a second camera module (1320), and a third camera module (1330) may be disposed on the cover member (1220).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the second camera module (1320) and the third camera module (1330) may be positioned adjacent to an edge (1210) of the electronic device (1200). The first camera module (1310) may be positioned further away from the edge (1210) of the electronic device (1200) than the second camera module (1320) and the third camera module (1330).

[0185] In one embodiment, the first camera module (1310) may be positioned between the flash (1340) and the sensor module (1350). For example, the first camera module (1310) may be positioned between the flash (1340) and the sensor module (1350) in a second direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction). In one embodiment, the opening for the first camera module (1310) may be positioned between the opening for the flash (1340) and the opening for the sensor module (1350).

[0186] According to one embodiment, the first camera module (1310) may include a first image sensor (1311). For example, the first image sensor (1311) may be referenced by the image sensor (160) of FIG. 2. The second camera module (1320) may include a second image sensor (1321). The third camera module (1330) may include a third camera module (1331).

[0187] According to one embodiment, the first image sensor (1311) may be arranged substantially parallel to at least one of the second image sensor (1321) or the third image sensor (1331).

[0188] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first image sensor (1311), the second image sensor (1321), and the third image sensor (1331) may be arranged such that the second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction) is the longitudinal direction. For example, the first image sensor (1311), the second image sensor (1321), and the third image sensor (1331) may be arranged such that the second direction is the longitudinal direction. In the present disclosure, the longitudinal direction may mean the direction of the long side of the member.

[0189] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an electronic device (1401) within a network environment (1400) according to various embodiments.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 17, in a network environment (1400), an electronic device (1401) may communicate with an electronic device (1402) via a first network (1498) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (1404) or a server (1408) via a second network (1499) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (1401) may communicate with the electronic device (1404) via the server (1408). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1401) may include a processor (1420), a memory (1430), an input module (1450), an audio output module (1455), a display module (1460), an audio module (1470), a sensor module (1476), an interface (1477), a connection terminal (1478), a haptic module (1479), a camera module (1480), a power management module (1488), a battery (1489), a communication module (1490), a subscriber identification module (1496), or an antenna module (1497). In some embodiments, the electronic device (1401) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (1478)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (1476), camera module (1480), or antenna module (1497)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (1460)).

[0191] The processor (1420) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (1440)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (1401) connected to the processor (1420) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (1420) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (1476) or a communication module (1490)) in a volatile memory (1432), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (1432), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (1434). According to one embodiment, the processor (1420) may include a main processor (1421) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (1423) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (1421). For example, when the electronic device (1401) includes the main processor (1421) and the auxiliary processor (1423), the auxiliary processor (1423) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (1421) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (1423) may be implemented separately from the main processor (1421) or as a part thereof.

[0192] The auxiliary processor (1423) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., the display module (1460), the sensor module (1476), or the communication module (1490)) of the electronic device (1401), for example, on behalf of the main processor (1421) while the main processor (1421) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (1421) while the main processor (1421) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1423) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (1480) or a communication module (1490)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1423) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (1401) where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (1408)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0193] The memory (1430) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (1420) or the sensor module (1476)) of the electronic device (1401). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (1440)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (1430) can include volatile memory (1432) or non-volatile memory (1434).

[0194] The program (1440) may be stored as software in memory (1430) and may include, for example, an operating system (1442), middleware (1444), or an application (1446).

[0195] The input module (1450) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (1401) (e.g., a processor (1420)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1401). The input module (1450) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0196] The audio output module (1455) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (1401). The audio output module (1455) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0197] The display module (1460) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1401). The display module (1460) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (1460) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0198] The audio module (1470) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to one embodiment, the audio module (1470) can acquire sound through the input module (1450), output sound through the sound output module (1455), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1402)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (1401).

[0199] The sensor module (1476) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (1401) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (1476) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0200] The interface (1477) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (1401) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1402)). In one embodiment, the interface (1477) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0201] The connection terminal (1478) may include a connector through which the electronic device (1401) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1402)). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (1478) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0202] The haptic module (1479) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (1479) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0203] The camera module (1480) can capture still images and videos. In one embodiment, the camera module (1480) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0204] The power management module (1488) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (1401). According to one embodiment, the power management module (1488) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0205] A battery (1489) may power at least one component of the electronic device (1401). In one embodiment, the battery (1489) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0206] The communication module (1490) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (1401) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1402), electronic device (1404), or server (1408)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (1490) may operate independently from the processor (1420) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (1490) may include a wireless communication module (1492) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (1494) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device (1404) via a first network (1498) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (1499) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network or a wide area network)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (1492) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (1496) to verify or authenticate the electronic device (1401) within a communication network such as the first network (1498) or the second network (1499).

[0207] The wireless communication module (1492) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimizing terminal power and connecting multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency communications (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (1492) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (1492) may support various technologies for securing performance in high-frequency bands, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (1492) may support various requirements specified in the electronic device (1401), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1404)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (1499)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (1492) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB implementation, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC implementation, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC implementation.

[0208] The antenna module (1497) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (1497) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (1497) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (1498) or the second network (1499), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (1490). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (1490) and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (1497).

[0209] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (1497) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0210] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0211] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (1401) and an external electronic device (1404) via a server (1408) connected to a second network (1499). Each of the external electronic devices (1402 or 1404) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (1401). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (1401) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (1402, 1404, or 1408). For example, when the electronic device (1401) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (1401) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (1401). The electronic device (1401) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (1401) may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (1404) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (1408) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network.According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (1404) or server (1408) may be included within the second network (1499). The electronic device (1401) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0212] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0213] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0214] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0215] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (1440)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (1436) or an external memory (1438)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (1401)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (1420)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (1401)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0216] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0217] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0218] FIG. 18 is a block diagram (1500) illustrating a camera module (1480) according to various embodiments.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 18, the camera module (1480) may include a lens assembly (1510), a flash (1520), an image sensor (1530), an image stabilizer (1540), a memory (1550) (e.g., a buffer memory), or an image signal processor (1560). The lens assembly (1510) may collect light emitted from a subject that is a target of image capturing. The lens assembly (1510) may include one or more lenses. According to one embodiment, the camera module (1480) may include a plurality of lens assemblies (1510). In this case, the camera module (1480) may form, for example, a dual camera, a 360-degree camera, or a spherical camera. Some of the plurality of lens assemblies (1510) may have the same lens properties (e.g., angle of view, focal length, autofocus, f-number, or optical zoom), or at least one lens assembly may have one or more lens properties that differ from the lens properties of the other lens assemblies. A lens assembly (1510) may include, for example, a wide-angle lens or a telephoto lens.

[0220] The flash (1520) can emit light used to enhance light emitted or reflected from a subject. According to one embodiment, the flash (1520) can include one or more light-emitting diodes (e.g., red-green-blue (RGB) LED, white LED, infrared LED, or ultraviolet LED) or a xenon lamp. The image sensor (1530) can acquire an image corresponding to the subject by converting light emitted or reflected from the subject and transmitted through the lens assembly (1510) into an electrical signal. According to one embodiment, the image sensor (1530) can include one image sensor selected from among image sensors having different properties, such as an RGB sensor, a black and white (BW) sensor, an IR sensor, or a UV sensor, a plurality of image sensors having the same property, or a plurality of image sensors having different properties. Each image sensor included in the image sensor (1530) may be implemented using, for example, a CCD (charged coupled device) sensor or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor.

[0221] The image stabilizer (1540) can move at least one lens included in the lens assembly (1510) or the image sensor (1530) in a specific direction or control the operating characteristics of the image sensor (1530) (e.g., adjust the read-out timing) in response to the movement of the camera module (1480) or the electronic device including the same (e.g., the electronic device (1401) of FIG. 17). This allows compensating for at least some of the negative effects of the movement on the captured image. In one embodiment, the image stabilizer (1540) can detect such movement of the camera module (1480) or the electronic device (1401) by using a gyro sensor (not shown) or an acceleration sensor (not shown) disposed inside or outside the camera module (1480). According to one embodiment, the image stabilizer (1540) may be implemented as, for example, an optical image stabilizer. The memory (1550) may temporarily store at least a portion of the image acquired through the image sensor (1530) for the next image processing task. For example, when image acquisition is delayed due to a shutter, or when multiple images are acquired at high speed, the acquired original image (e.g., a Bayer-patterned image or a high-resolution image) may be stored in the memory (1550), and a corresponding copy image (e.g., a low-resolution image) may be previewed through the display module (1460). Thereafter, when a specified condition is satisfied (e.g., a user input or a system command), at least a portion of the original image stored in the memory (1550) may be acquired and processed, for example, by the image signal processor (1560). According to one embodiment, the memory (1550) may be configured as at least a portion of the memory (1430), or as a separate memory that operates independently therefrom.

[0222] The image signal processor (1560) can perform one or more image processing operations on an image acquired through an image sensor (1530) or an image stored in a memory (1550). The one or more image processing operations may include, for example, depth map generation, 3D modeling, panorama generation, feature extraction, image synthesis, or image compensation (e.g., noise reduction, resolution adjustment, brightness adjustment, blurring, sharpening, or softening). Additionally or alternatively, the image signal processor (1560) may perform control (e.g., exposure time control, or read-out timing control) on at least one of the components included in the camera module (1480) (e.g., image sensor (1530)). The image processed by the image signal processor (1560) may be stored back in the memory (1550) for further processing or may be provided to an external component of the camera module (1480) (e.g., memory (1430), display module (1460), electronic device (1402), electronic device (1404), or server (1408) of FIG. 17). According to one embodiment, the image signal The processor (1560) may be configured as at least a part of the processor (1420) of FIG. 17, or may be configured as a separate processor that operates independently of the processor (1420). If the image signal processor (1560) is configured as a separate processor from the processor (1420), at least one image processed by the image signal processor (1560) may be displayed through the display module (1460) as is or after undergoing additional image processing by the processor (1420).

[0223] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1401) may include a plurality of camera modules (1480), each having different properties or functions. In this case, for example, at least one of the plurality of camera modules (1480) may be a wide-angle camera, and at least another may be a telephoto camera. Similarly, at least one of the plurality of camera modules (1480) may be a front camera, and at least another may be a rear camera.

[0224] As described above, a camera module according to an embodiment (e.g., a camera module (100) of FIG. 1) includes a lens assembly (e.g., a lens assembly (110) of FIG. 1) including at least one lens, an optical refractive member (e.g., an optical refractive member (120) of FIG. 1) arranged to refract a path of light passing through at least a portion of the at least one lens, an image sensor (e.g., an image sensor (160) of FIG. 2) converting light received through the at least one lens and the optical refractive member into an electrical signal, a housing (e.g., a housing (130) of FIG. 1) accommodating the optical refractive member and the image sensor, a first driving unit (e.g., a first driving unit (200) of FIG. 3) moving the image sensor in a first direction in which a distance between the optical refractive member and the image sensor is changed, and a second driving unit (e.g., a first driving unit (200) of FIG. 3) moving the image sensor in at least one of a second direction or a third direction different from the second direction with respect to the housing. 7 may include a second driving unit (300). The first driving unit may include a first carrier (for example, the first carrier (210) of FIG. 3) that transports at least a portion of the second driving unit that accommodates the image sensor in the first direction, and at least one first sphere (for example, at least one first sphere (220) of FIG. 3) that is arranged between the first carrier and the housing and is arranged so that the first carrier moves in the first direction with respect to the housing.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the first driving unit may include a first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (221) of FIG. 3) arranged on a first side of the first carrier and a first coil (e.g., the first coil (222) of FIG. 3) arranged to face the first magnet.

[0226] According to one embodiment, the first carrier may include at least one first guide portion (e.g., the first guide portion (240) of FIG. 3) disposed on the first side of the first carrier and guiding the at least one first sphere to move in the first direction.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the first driving member may include at least one second sphere (e.g., at least one second sphere (230) of FIG. 3) disposed between the housing and the first carrier and enabling movement of the first carrier. The first carrier may include at least one second guide portion (e.g., the second guide portion (250) of FIG. 3) on the first side of the first carrier for guiding the at least one second sphere to move in the first direction. The first carrier may include at least one elastic portion (e.g., at least one elastic portion (214) of FIG. 8) formed between the first guide portion and the second guide portion so as to have lower rigidity than other portions of the first side of the first carrier.

[0228] According to one embodiment, the first driving member may be disposed between the housing and the first carrier and may include at least one second sphere that enables movement of the first carrier. The first carrier may include at least one second guide portion on the first side of the first carrier that guides the at least one second sphere to move in the first direction. The first magnet may be disposed between the at least one first guide portion and the at least one second guide portion.

[0229] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include a first yoke (e.g., the first yoke (224) of FIG. 4) positioned to face the first magnet, and a second yoke (e.g., the second yoke (225) of FIG. 4) positioned to face the first magnet and between the first yoke and the at least one first sphere. The second yoke may be positioned at a biased position relative to the at least one first sphere relative to the at least one second sphere.

[0230] In one embodiment, the size of the at least one first sphere may have a first size, and the size of the at least one second sphere may have a second size smaller than the first size.

[0231] According to one embodiment, the second driving unit may include a second carrier (e.g., the second carrier (310) of FIG. 7) coupled to the image sensor and transporting the image sensor in at least one of the second direction or the third direction, and at least one third sphere disposed between the first carrier and the second carrier such that the second carrier can move on the first carrier.

[0232] In one embodiment, the second carrier can transport the image sensor in the second direction. The second driving unit can further include a third carrier transporting the second carrier coupled with the image sensor in the third direction, and at least one fourth sphere disposed between the second carrier and the third carrier.

[0233] In one embodiment, at least one of the first carrier or the third carrier may include at least one third guide portion guiding the third sphere to move in the third direction on the first carrier. At least one of the second carrier or the third carrier may include at least one fourth guide portion guiding the fourth sphere to move in the second direction on the third carrier.

[0234] According to one embodiment, the second driving unit may include a second magnet (e.g., the second magnet (321) of FIG. 7) disposed on a first side of the second carrier, a third magnet (e.g., the third magnet (323) of FIG. 7) disposed on a second side of the second carrier, a second coil (e.g., the second coil (322) of FIG. 7) disposed to face the second magnet, and a third coil (e.g., the third coil (324) of FIG. 7) disposed to face the third magnet. The first side of the first carrier may face an opposite direction to the second side of the second carrier.

[0235] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include a fourth carrier (e.g., carrier (140) of FIG. 1) that accommodates the optical refractive member. The fourth carrier may include an opening (e.g., opening (141) of FIG. 2) arranged between the optical refractive member and the image sensor. The optical refractive member may be arranged to refract a path along which light travels so that light passing through the optical refractive member enters the image sensor through the opening.

[0236] In one embodiment, the first carrier may transport the image sensor in the first direction by a first distance relative to the opening. When the image sensor is transported by the first carrier in the first direction by the first distance, the image sensor may be positioned to be spaced apart from the opening by a predetermined distance, and to be spaced apart from the opening by a second distance greater than the first distance. The second distance may be about 0.4 mm or more.

[0237] According to one embodiment, the housing may include a base (e.g., base (1031) of FIG. 14) and a side portion (e.g., side portion (1032) of FIG. 14) extending from one end of the base to limit a range of movement of the second driving unit in at least one of the second direction or the third direction. The camera module may include a cover (e.g., cover (150) of FIG. 1) covering at least a portion of the housing and limiting a range of movement of the first driving unit in the first direction.

[0238] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include at least one elastic member (e.g., elastic member (212) of FIG. 5) disposed on a surface of the first carrier facing the cover.

[0239] According to one embodiment, the first carrier may have a first length in the first direction (e.g., the first length (R1) of FIG. 3 and / or the first length (D1) of FIG. 14). For example, the first carrier may include at least one first guide portion disposed on a first side of the first carrier. The at least one first guide portion may guide the at least one first sphere to move in the first direction. The optical refractive member may have a second length in the first direction (e.g., the second length (D2) of FIG. 14). The image sensor may have a third length in the first direction (e.g., the third length (D3) of FIG. 14). The optical refractive member may be spaced apart from the image sensor by a fourth length in the first direction (e.g., the fourth length (D4) of FIG. 14). The first length may be less than the sum of the second length, the third length, and the fourth length.

[0240] In one embodiment, the sum of the lengths of the at least one first sphere in the first direction may have a fifth length (e.g., the second length (R2) or the third length (R3) of FIG. 3). The first carrier may be movable in the first direction by a sixth length (e.g., the fourth length (R4) of FIG. 3). The sum of the fifth length and the sixth length may be less than the first length (e.g., the first length (R1) of FIG. 3 and / or the first length (D1) of FIG. 14).

[0241] According to one embodiment, the first carrier may have a first width in the third direction (e.g., the first width (W1) of FIG. 15) and a second width in the second direction (e.g., the second width (W2) of FIG. 15). For example, when the first carrier is viewed in the first direction, the first carrier may have a first width in the third direction and a second width in the second direction. The optical refractive member may have a third width in the third direction (e.g., the third width (W3) of FIG. 15) and a fourth width in the second direction (e.g., the fourth width (W4) of FIG. 15). For example, when the optical refractive member is viewed in the first direction, the optical refractive member may have a third width in the third direction and a fourth width in the second direction. The first width may be smaller than the third width. The second width may be larger than the fourth width.

[0242] According to one embodiment, the first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction of FIG. 1) may be a direction substantially parallel to an optical axis of the at least one lens. The second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction of FIG. 1) may be a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. The third direction (e.g., the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction of FIG. 1) may be a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis and the second direction.

[0243] As described above, an electronic device according to an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (1200) of FIG. 16) may include a camera module (e.g., the camera module (100) of FIG. 1) and at least one processor (e.g., the processor (1420) of FIG. 17) for controlling the operation of the camera module. The camera module may include a lens assembly including at least one lens, an optical refractive member, an image sensor for converting light received through the at least one lens and the optical refractive member into an electrical signal, a housing for accommodating the optical refractive member and the image sensor, a first driving unit for moving the image sensor in a first direction in which a distance between the optical refractive member and the image sensor changes, and a second driving unit for moving the image sensor in at least one of a second direction or a third direction different from the second direction with respect to the housing. The first driving unit may include a first carrier that transports the image sensor in the first direction and at least one first sphere that is disposed between the first carrier and the housing and enables movement of the first carrier.

[0244] The technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary skill in the technical field to which this document pertains from the description below.

[0245] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

Claims

1. In the camera module, A lens assembly comprising at least one lens; An optical refractive member arranged to refract the path of light passing through at least a portion of said at least one lens; An image sensor that converts light received through at least one lens and the optical refractive element into an electrical signal; A housing accommodating the optical refractive element and the image sensor; A first driving unit for moving the image sensor in a first direction in which the distance between the optical refractive member and the image sensor is changed within the internal space formed by the housing; and A second driving unit for moving the image sensor in at least one of a second direction or a third direction different from the second direction with respect to the housing; The above first driving unit is, A first carrier that transports at least a part of the second driving unit that accommodates the image sensor in the first direction, and at least one first sphere disposed between the first carrier and the housing and arranged so that the first carrier moves in the first direction with respect to the housing. Camera module.

2. In claim 1, The above first driving unit is, a first magnet arranged on the first side of the first carrier; and comprising a first coil arranged to face the first magnet; Camera module.

3. In claim 2, The first carrier includes at least one first guide portion arranged on the first side of the first carrier and guiding the at least one first sphere to move in the first direction. Camera module.

4. In claim 3, The first driving member is disposed between the housing and the first carrier and includes at least one second sphere that enables movement of the first carrier, The first carrier includes at least one second guide portion for guiding the at least one second sphere to move in the first direction on the first side of the first carrier, and the first carrier includes at least one elastic member formed between the first guide portion and the second guide portion so as to have lower rigidity than other portions of the first side of the first carrier. Camera module.

5. In claim 3, The first driving member is disposed between the housing and the first carrier and includes at least one second sphere that enables movement of the first carrier, The first carrier includes at least one second guide portion for guiding the at least one second sphere to move in the first direction on the first side of the first carrier, The first magnet is positioned between the at least one first guide portion and the at least one second guide portion. Camera module.

6. In claim 5, A first yoke is disposed to face the first magnet, and a second yoke is disposed to face the first magnet and between the first yoke and the at least one first sphere, The second yoke is positioned at a position biased toward the at least one first sphere relative to the at least one second sphere, Camera module.

7. In claim 5, The size of said at least one first sphere has a first size, The size of said at least one second sphere has a second size smaller than said first size, Camera module.

8. In claim 1, The second driving unit comprises a second carrier coupled with the image sensor and transporting the image sensor in at least one of the second direction or the third direction, and at least one third sphere disposed between the first carrier and the second carrier so that the second carrier can move on the first carrier. Camera module.

9. In claim 8, The second carrier transports the image sensor in the second direction, The above second driving unit, Further comprising a third carrier transporting the second carrier coupled with the image sensor in the third direction and at least one fourth sphere disposed between the second carrier and the third carrier, At least one of the first carrier or the third carrier includes at least one third guide portion that guides the third sphere to move in the third direction on the first carrier, At least one of the second carrier or the third carrier includes at least one fourth guide portion that guides the fourth sphere to move in the second direction on the third carrier. Camera module.

10. In claim 8, The above second driving unit, A second magnet arranged on the first side of the second carrier; A third magnet arranged on the second side of the second carrier; a second coil positioned so as to face the second magnet; and a third coil arranged to face the third magnet; The first side of the first carrier faces in an opposite direction to the second side of the second carrier, Camera module.

11. In claim 1, A fourth carrier is included to accommodate the optical refractive element; The fourth carrier includes an opening disposed between the optical refractive member and the image sensor, The optical refractive member is arranged to refract the path along which light passes so that light passing through the optical refractive member enters the image sensor through the opening. Camera module.

12. In claim 11, The first carrier transports the image sensor in the first direction a first distance based on the opening, The image sensor is positioned so as to be spaced apart from the opening by a predetermined distance when transported by the first carrier in the first direction by the first distance, and so as to be spaced apart from the opening by a second distance greater than the first distance. The above second distance is 0.4 mm or more, Camera module.

13. In claim 1, The first carrier includes at least one first guide portion arranged on a first side of the first carrier and guiding the at least one first sphere to move in the first direction, The second side of the first carrier, which faces in the opposite direction to the first side of the first carrier, has a first length in the first direction, The optical refractive element has a second length in the first direction, The image sensor has a third length in the first direction, The optical refractive member is spaced apart from the image sensor by a fourth length in the first direction, The first length is less than the sum of the second length, the third length and the fourth length. Camera module.

14. In claim 13, The sum of the lengths of the at least one first sphere in the first direction has a fifth length, The above first carrier is movable in the first direction by a sixth length, The sum of the fifth length and the sixth length is less than the first length. Camera module.

15. In claim 1, When the first carrier is viewed in the first direction, the first carrier has a first width in the third direction and a second width in the second direction, When the optical refractive member is viewed in the first direction, the optical refractive member has a third width in the third direction and a fourth width in the second direction, The above first width is smaller than the above third width, The above second width is larger than the above fourth width, Camera module.

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