CAMERA MODULE

An embodiment comprises a substrate, a lens barrel arranged on the substrate, and a lens unit arranged in the lens barrel, wherein: the lens unit includes a liquid lens unit; the liquid lens unit includes a holder, a liquid lens which is arranged in the holder and which includes an electrode, and a terminal unit arranged in the holder and electrically connected to the liquid lens; the terminal unit includes a first part coupled to the electrode of the liquid lens, a second part arranged in the holder, and a third part for connecting the first part and the second part; and the width of the third part is smaller than the width of the first part.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments relate to a camera module and an optical device including the same.

BACKGROUND ART

Portable devices require camera modules or optical devices that have high resolution, are small, and have various photographing functions. Examples of the various photographing functions may include at least one of an optical zoom-in/zoom-out function, an auto-focusing (AF) function, or a hand-tremor compensation or optical image stabilization (OIS) function.

In order to implement the various photographing functions, a camera module or an optical device may include a liquid lens unit. The liquid lens unit may perform auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation functions by electrically adjusting the curvature of an interface between two types of liquids.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

Embodiments provide a camera module capable of improving the reliability of a conductive connection between a terminal unit and an electrode of a liquid lens and an optical device including the same.

In addition, embodiments provide a camera module capable of improving the reliability of a conductive connection between a terminal unit and an electrode of a liquid lens and improving the reliability of a conductive connection between the terminal unit and a conductive portion of a lens holder and an optical device including the same.

Technical Solution

A camera module according to an embodiment includes a substrate, a lens barrel disposed on the substrate, and a lens unit disposed on the lens barrel. The lens unit includes a liquid lens unit. The liquid lens unit includes a holder, a liquid lens disposed in the holder and including an electrode, and a terminal unit disposed on the holder and conductively connected to the liquid lens. The terminal unit includes a first portion coupled to the electrode of the liquid lens, a second portion disposed on the holder, and a third portion interconnecting the first portion and the second portion. The third portion has a width smaller than the width of the first portion.

The camera module may include a conductive adhesive member disposed between the first portion and the electrode of the liquid lens.

The third portion of the terminal unit may include at least one curved portion or bent portion.

The third portion of the terminal unit may include portions having different widths from each other.

One end of the third portion, connected to the first portion of the terminal unit, may have a width smaller than the width of the other end of the third portion, connected to the second portion of the terminal unit.

The third portion of the terminal unit may include a first region connected to the first portion, a second region connected to the second portion, and a third region interconnecting the first region and the second region. Each of the first region and the second region may include a bent or curved portion. The second region may have a linear shape.

The third portion may include a portion increasing in width and a portion decreasing in width in a direction from the first region toward the second region. The width of the third portion may be 1.25 to 1.5 times the thickness of the third portion. The width of the third portion may be less than the length of the third portion from one end of the third portion, connected to the first portion, to the other end of the third portion, connected to the second portion.

The camera module may include a lens holder disposed on the substrate and coupled to the lens barrel. The camera module may include a sensor base disposed between the lens holder and the substrate.

One end of the second portion of the terminal unit may protrude from the side surface of the holder. The camera module may include a conductive member disposed on the lens holder, and one end of the second portion of the terminal unit may be conductively connected to the conductive member.

A camera module according to another embodiment may include a substrate, a lens barrel disposed on the substrate, and a lens unit disposed on the lens barrel. The lens unit may include a liquid lens unit. The liquid lens unit may include a holder, a liquid lens disposed in the holder and including an electrode, and a terminal unit disposed on the holder and conductively connected to the liquid lens. The terminal unit may include a first portion coupled to the electrode of the liquid lens, a second portion disposed on the holder, and a third portion interconnecting the first portion and the second portion. The third portion may include at least one curved portion or bent portion.

A camera module according to still another embodiment may include a substrate, a lens holder disposed on the substrate, a lens barrel coupled to the lens holder, a holder disposed on the lens barrel, a liquid lens disposed in the holder and including an electrode, a first conductive portion disposed on the lens holder, a first terminal unit disposed on the holder and coupled to the first conductive portion, and a second terminal unit connecting the first terminal unit to the electrode of the liquid lens. The second terminal unit may include a first portion coupled to the electrode of the liquid lens, a second portion coupled to the first terminal unit, and a third portion interconnecting the first portion and the second portion. The third portion may include at least one curved portion or bent portion.

The camera module according to the still other embodiment may include a first conductive adhesive member disposed between the first portion of the second terminal unit and the electrode of the liquid lens. The second portion of the second terminal unit may include a hole, and may include a second conductive adhesive member disposed in the hole to couple the first terminal unit to the second terminal unit. The hole may include an opening, the opening in the hole may be open toward a second side surface of the second portion of the second terminal unit, which is located opposite a first side surface thereof, and the first side surface may be one side surface of the second portion that is connected to the third portion of the second terminal unit. The first terminal unit may include a first portion coupled to the second terminal unit and a second portion protruding from the side surface of the holder.

The camera module according to the still other embodiment may include a third conductive adhesive member disposed between the second portion of the first terminal unit and the first conductive portion. The second portion of the first terminal unit may have a recess formed in the side surface thereof, and the second conductive adhesive member may be in contact with the recess.

The camera module according to the still other embodiment may include a second conductive portion spaced apart from the first conductive portion and disposed on the lens holder and a thermistor including an electrode coupled to the second conductive portion. At least one recess may be formed in at least one of a first side surface and a second side surface of the second conductive portion, which are located opposite each other.

The camera module according to the still other embodiment may include a cover including an upper plate, a side plate, and a bore formed in the upper plate. The lens holder and the sensor base may be disposed in the cover. The upper plate of the cover may include a first surface, a second surface, and a first inclined portion interconnecting the first surface and the second surface. The lens barrel may include a second inclined portion formed at an upper portion thereof so as to correspond to the first inclined portion.

Advantageous Effects

According to the embodiments, since a terminal unit has a leg structure formed such that a portion thereof has a smaller width than another portion thereof, it is possible to prevent a conductive connection between the terminal unit and an electrode of a liquid lens from becoming defective due to expansion or contraction of a conductive adhesive member, thus ensuring the reliability of the conductive connection between the terminal unit and the electrode of the liquid lens.

In addition, according to the embodiments, it is possible to improve the reliability of the conductive connection between the terminal unit and the electrode of the liquid lens and the reliability of a conductive connection between the terminal unit and a conductive portion of a lens holder.

BEST MODE

The technical spirit of the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments to be described, and may be implemented in various other forms, and one or more of the components may be selectively combined and substituted for use without exceeding the scope of the technical spirit of the disclosure.

In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the disclosure, unless specifically defined and described explicitly, are to be interpreted as having meanings that may be generally understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains, and meanings of terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted in consideration of the context of the relevant technology.

Further, the terms used in the embodiments of the disclosure are for explaining the embodiments and are not intended to limit the disclosure. In this specification, the singular forms may also include plural forms unless otherwise specifically stated in a phrase, and in the case in which “at least one (or one or more) of A, B, or C” is stated, it may include one or more of all possible combinations of A, B, and C.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiments of the disclosure, terms such as “first”, “second”, “A”, “B”, “(a)”, and “(b)” can be used. Such terms are only for distinguishing one component from another component, and do not determine the nature, sequence, or procedure of the corresponding constituent elements.

In addition, when it is described that a component is “connected”, “coupled” or “joined” to another component, the description may include not only being directly “connected”, “coupled” or “joined” to the other component but also being “connected”, “coupled” or “joined” by another component between the component and the other component. In addition, in the case of being described as being formed or disposed “above (on)” or “below (under)” another component, the description includes not only the case where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. In addition, when expressed as “above (on)” or “below (under)”, it may refer to a downward direction as well as an upward direction with respect to one element.

Hereinafter, a lens moving apparatus, a camera module, and an optical device including the same according to embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience of description, the embodiments will be described using the Cartesian coordinate system (x,y,z), but the embodiments are not limited thereto, and may be described using other coordinate systems. In the respective drawings, the x-axis and the y-axis may be directions perpendicular to the z-axis, which is an optical-axis direction, the z-axis direction, which is the optical-axis direction, may be referred to as a “first direction”, the x-axis direction may be referred to as a “second direction”, and the y-axis direction may be referred to as a “third direction”. For example, the optical-axis direction may be a direction parallel to an optical axis OA.

The camera module according to the embodiment may perform an “auto-focusing function”. Here, the auto-focusing function is a function of automatically focusing an image of a subject on the surface of an image sensor.

In addition, the camera module according to the embodiment may perform a “hand-tremor compensation function”. Here, the hand-tremor compensation function is a function of inhibiting the contour of a captured still image from being blurred due to vibration caused by shaking of a hand of a user when capturing the still image.

In addition, a “terminal” may alternatively be referred to as a “pad”, an “electrode”, a “conductive layer” or a “bonding portion”.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a camera module100according to an embodiment,FIG.2is an exploded view of the camera module100inFIG.1, andFIG.3is a cross-sectional view taken along line AB in the camera module100inFIG.1.

Referring toFIGS.1to3, the camera module100may include a lens barrel110and a lens assembly120disposed or mounted on the lens barrel110. In addition, the camera module100may include an image sensor160disposed under the lens barrel110.

The camera module100may include a thermistor45.

The camera module100may further include a lens holder140for accommodating the lens barrel110. The lens holder140may alternatively be referred to as a “base”.

The lens holder140may be disposed on a substrate190, and the lens barrel110may be coupled to the lens holder140.

The camera module100may further include a filter150.

The camera module100may further include a sensor base180on which the filter150is disposed or mounted. The sensor base180may alternatively be referred to as a “holder”.

The camera module100may further include a substrate190.

In addition, the camera module100may further include a circuit element170disposed or mounted on the substrate190.

In addition, the camera module100may further include a cover300.

The substrate190may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

The substrate190may be disposed under the sensor base180, and may include a first substrate191, a second substrate192connected to the first substrate191, a third substrate193connected to the second substrate192, and a connector194connected to the third substrate193.

In an example, the circuit element170may be disposed or mounted on the first substrate191. In addition, the substrate190may include at least one terminal195disposed or formed on the first substrate191. In an example, the terminal195of the substrate190may be provided in a plural number, and the plurality of terminals195of the substrate190may correspond to, face, or overlap conductive members90in the optical-axis direction, and may be conductively connected to the conductive members9.

The sensor base180and the image sensor160may be disposed on the first substrate191. In an example, each of the first substrate191and the third substrate192may be a rigid printed circuit board, and the second substrate192may be a flexible printed circuit board conductively connecting the first substrate191to the third substrate193, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, at least one of the first to third substrates may be a rigid printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board. In still another embodiment, the first to third substrates may be integrated into a single substrate.

The image sensor160may be disposed or mounted on the substrate190. In an example, the image sensor160may be disposed or mounted on the upper surface of the first substrate191, and may be conductively connected to the substrate190.

The optical axis of the image sensor160and the optical axis of the lens assembly120may be in alignment with each other. The image sensor160may include an effective image area (or an active area), may convert light radiated onto the effective image area (or the active area) into an electrical signal, and may output the converted electrical signal.

The circuit element170may be conductively connected to the first substrate191, and may constitute a controller for controlling the image sensor160and a first lens unit130. In an example, the circuit element170may include at least one of at least one capacitor, a memory, a controller, a sensor, or an integrated circuit (IC).

The camera module100may further include a cover175, which is disposed on the first substrate191and covers the circuit element170in order to protect the circuit element170.

The sensor base180may be disposed on the substrate190. In an example, the sensor base180may be disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate191, and may be attached or coupled to the upper surface of the first substrate191. In an example, the sensor base180may be disposed between the substrate190and the lens holder140.

The camera module100may be disposed between the sensor base180and the substrate190, and may include an adhesive (not shown) for attaching or fixing the sensor base180to the upper surface of the substrate190.

The sensor base180may surround the image sensor160to protect the image sensor160from external foreign substances or impacts, and may include a bore181formed therein to expose the effective image area (or the active area) of the image sensor160. In an example, the bore181may be a through-hole formed through the sensor base180in the direction of the optical axis OA.

In addition, the sensor base180may be provided on the upper surface thereof with a seating portion182on which the filter150is seated. The seating portion182may have a height difference in the optical-axis direction with respect to the upper surface of the sensor base180, and may be formed so as to surround the bore181. In an example, the seating portion182may take the form of a recess depressed into the upper surface of the sensor base180, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the seating portion may take the form of a protruding portion protruding from the upper surface of the sensor base180.

A portion of the lower surface of the sensor base180may be depressed so as to define a space or a seating recess (not shown) in which to dispose the image sensor160.

In addition, the sensor base180may be disposed on the first substrate191, and may be spaced apart from the circuit element170so as not to overlap the circuit element170in the optical-axis direction. In another embodiment, the sensor base180may be omitted.

The lens moving apparatus100may further include a support portion114disposed on the substrate190to support one side surface of the sensor base180. The support portion114may be disposed on the first substrate191, and may be in contact with, attached to, or fixed to one side surface of the sensor base180and the upper surface of the first substrate191.

The filter150may be disposed on the sensor base180. In an example, the filter150may be disposed on the seating portion182in the sensor base180, and may be located above the effective image area (or the active area) of the image sensor160.

The filter150may be disposed between the lens assembly120and the image sensor160, and may filter light within a specific wavelength range, among the light that has passed through the lens assembly120. The filter150may be, for example, an infrared (IR) cut filter for blocking infrared radiation or an ultraviolet (UV) cut filter for blocking ultraviolet radiation, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. In an example, the filter150may include at least one of an infrared cut filter or an ultraviolet cut filter.

The lens holder140may be disposed on the substrate190.

In an example, the lens holder140may be disposed on the sensor base180. In an example, the lower surface of the lens holder140may be coupled to the upper surface of the sensor base180. The lens holder140may be disposed in the cover300. The lens holder140may be formed of an insulating material.

The lens holder140may be disposed between the lens assembly120and the substrate190. In an example, the lens holder140may be disposed between the first lens unit130and the first substrate191.

The conductive members90may be disposed on the lens holder140. Drive signals (e.g. drive voltages) provided from the substrate190may be transmitted to the first lens unit130through the conductive members90, and a signal related to detection of temperature, which is output from the thermistor45, may be transmitted to the substrate190through the conductive members90.

An adhesive161may be disposed between the sensor base180and the lens holder140, and the sensor base180and the lens holder140may be coupled to each other by the adhesive161.

In an example, the adhesive161may be disposed between the tipper surface of the sensor base180and the lower surface of the lens holder140, and the sensor base180and the lens holder140may be coupled or attached to each other by the adhesive161. In another example, the adhesive161may be disposed between the side surface of the sensor base180and the lens holder140. In an example, the adhesive161may seal the gap between the sensor base180and the lens holder140.

In addition to the adhesive161, the camera module100according to the embodiment may further include an adhesive for bonding the lens barrel110to the lens holder140and an adhesive for bonding a holder80of the first lens unit130to the lens holder140.

The lens assembly120may be mounted or disposed on the lens barrel110. The lens assembly120may alternatively be referred to as a “lens module”. In another embodiment, the lens module may include the lens barrel110and the lens assembly120.

The lens assembly120may include the first lens unit130including a liquid lens. In an example, the lens assembly120may include the first lens unit130, a second lens unit112, and a third lens unit113.

The first lens unit130may include an optical unit, and the optical unit may include at least one lens. The optical unit may collect an input light signal reflected from a subject through the at least one lens and may transmit the input light signal to the image sensor160.

In an example, the first lens unit130may include a variable lens. The variable lens may be a variable focus lens. Further, the variable lens may be a lens that is adjustable in focus.

The variable lens may be at least one of a liquid lens, a polymer lens, a liquid crystal lens, a voice coil motor (VCM)-type lens, or a shape memory alloy (SMA)-type lens.

Here, the liquid lens may include a liquid lens including a single type of liquid and a liquid lens including two types of liquids. The focus of the liquid lens including a single type of liquid may be changed by controlling a membrane disposed at a position corresponding to the liquid. For example, the focus of the liquid lens may be changed by pressing the membrane using the electromagnetic force between a magnet and a coil. The liquid lens including two types of liquids may include a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid, and may control the interface formed between the conductive liquid and the non-conductive liquid using a voltage applied to the liquid lens.

In addition, the focus of the polymer lens may be changed by controlling a polymer material using a driver such as a piezo actuator.

In addition, the focus of the liquid crystal lens may be changed by controlling a liquid crystal using electromagnetic force.

In addition, the focus of the VCM-type lens may be changed by controlling a solid lens or a lens assembly including a solid lens using the electromagnetic force between a magnet and a coil.

In addition, the focus of the SMA-type lens may be changed by controlling a solid lens or a lens assembly including a solid lens using a shape memory alloy.

In addition, the “optical unit” may include a filter that transmits light within a specific wavelength range. For example, the filter that transmits light within a specific wavelength range may include an IR pass filter. In addition, the optical unit may include an optical plate. In this case, the optical plate may be, for example, a light-transmissive plate.

The controller of the camera module100or a controller830of an optical device200A may control the variable lens of the optical unit to shift an input light signal on the image sensor by a predetermined moving distance. The controller may shift the optical path of the input light signal using the variable lens of the optical unit.

In an example, in the lens assembly120, the first lens unit130may alternatively be referred to as a “liquid lens unit”, the second lens unit112may alternatively be referred to as a “first solid lens unit”, and the third lens unit113may alternatively be referred to as a “second solid lens unit”.

In another embodiment, at least one of the second and third lens units111and112may be omitted from the lens assembly. In still another embodiment, the lens assembly120may include the lens barrel110inFIG.2.

The first lens unit130may include a liquid lens50.

FIG.4is an exploded view of the first lens unit130,FIG.5is a top view of the first lens unit130,FIG.6is a bottom view of the first lens unit130,FIG.7is a perspective view of a first terminal unit60,FIG.8is an enlarged view of any one terminal of the first terminal unit60, andFIG.9is a perspective view of a second terminal unit70.

Referring toFIGS.4to9, the first lens unit130may include a liquid lens50, terminal units60and70, and a holder80. In another embodiment, the holder80may be omitted from the first lens unit.

The liquid lens50may be disposed between the lens of the second lens unit112and the lens of the third lens unit113, and may be spaced apart from the lens of the second lens unit112and the lens of the third lens unit113in the optical-axis direction.

The liquid lens50may include a liquid lens region, which contains different types of liquids, a first electrode51, and a second electrode52. The first electrode51may alternatively be referred to as an “upper electrode”, and the second electrode52may alternatively be referred to as a “lower electrode”.

The liquid lens region may contain a first liquid that is conductive and a second liquid that is non-conductive, and an interface may be formed between the first liquid and the second liquid.

The liquid lens50may include at least one heater, which generates heat in response to a drive signal (or a control signal). The heater may be implemented in the form of a resistor capable of generating heat in response to a drive signal (or a control signal), but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The first electrode51may be disposed on a first surface (e.g. an upper surface) of the liquid lens50, and the second electrode52may be disposed on a second surface (e.g. a lower surface) of the liquid lens50that is opposite the first surface thereof. The first electrode51and the second electrode52may be provided separately from each other, or may be independent electrodes.

The first electrode51may include a plurality of first electrodes51-1to51-n(where “n” is a natural number greater than 1 (n>1), for example, n=10), which are spaced apart from each other. In an example, the first electrode51may include 1-1stto 1-10thelectrodes51-1to51-10.

In an example, the plurality of first electrodes51to54may be individual terminals or individual electrodes, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, at least two of the plurality of first electrodes may be connected to each other to constitute a common electrode.

The plurality of first electrodes51-1to51-10may be disposed near the liquid lens region. A drive signal for deforming the interface between the first liquid and the second liquid may be provided to the first electrode51and the second electrode52.

The first electrode51may include first electrodes disposed on four corners of the first surface (e.g. the upper surface) of the liquid lens50.

For example, each of the 1-1stto 1-4thelectrodes51-1to51-4may be formed or disposed on a corresponding one of the four corners of the first surface (e.g. the upper surface) of the liquid lens50.

Each of the plurality of first electrodes51-1to51-10may be exposed from the first surface (e.g. the upper surface) of the liquid lens50. In an example, each of the plurality of first electrodes51-1to51-10may include a portion that is exposed from the first surface (e.g. the upper surface) of the liquid lens50.

In an example, each of the plurality of first electrodes51-1to51-10may be formed so as to be spaced apart from the outer surface of the liquid lens50.

In an example, the upper surface of each of the plurality of first electrodes51-1to51-10and the upper surface of the liquid lens50may have a height difference with respect to each other in the optical-axis direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an example, the height of the tipper surface of each of the plurality of first electrodes51-1to51-10may be lower than the height of the upper surface of the liquid lens50.

In an example, the first electrodes51-1to51-10may be electrically or physically separated from each other.

A separate drive signal may be provided to each of at least two of the first electrodes51-1to51-10.

In an example, a first drive signal (or a first control signal) may be applied across the 1-1stelectrode51-1and the first common electrode. A second drive signal (or a second control signal) may be applied across the 1-2ndelectrode51-2and the first common electrode. A third drive signal (or a third control signal) may be applied across the 1-3rdelectrode51-3and the first common electrode. A fourth drive signal (or a fourth control signal) may be applied across the 1-4thelectrode51-4and the first common electrode. In an example, the first common electrode may be the second electrode52.

In an example, each of the first to fourth drive signals may take the form of voltage or current. In this case, each of the 1-1stto 1-4thelectrodes51-1to51-4may correspond to a separate positive (+) electrode for controlling the liquid lens50, and the second electrode52may be a common negative (−) electrode for controlling the liquid lens.

In the liquid lens50, the interface formed between the first liquid (e.g. the conductive liquid) and the second liquid (e.g. the non-conductive liquid) may be deformed in response to the first to fourth drive signals, and the focal length of the liquid lens50may be controlled by the deformed interface. In this way, at least one of the AF function or the OIS function may be performed with respect to the lens assembly120.

The second electrode52may include at least one electrode.

In an example, the second electrode52may include a plurality of second electrodes52-1to52-4. In an example, the second electrode52may include 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes52-1to52-4. However, the number of second electrodes is not limited to four. In another embodiment, the number of second electrodes may be one or two or more.

The 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes52-1to52-4may be exposed to the second surface of the liquid lens50. In an example, each of the 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes52-1to52-4may include a portion that is exposed to the second surface of the liquid lens50. Here, the second surface of the liquid lens50may be the surface opposite the first surface of the liquid lens50.

The 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes52-1to52-4may be formed or disposed on four corners of the second surface (e.g. the lower surface) of the liquid lens50, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the second electrode may be disposed on the side of the second surface of the liquid lens.

In an example, any one of the 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes51-1to51-4(e.g. the 2-4thelectrode52-4) may be a first common electrode, for example, a common negative (−) electrode, with respect to the 1-1stto 1-4thelectrodes51-1to51-4for controlling the liquid lens. In an example, a ground voltage may be provided to the first common electrode (e.g.52-4), but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an example, the 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes51-1to51-4may form one and the same common electrode (e.g. the first electrode), but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, another one of the 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes51-1to51-4may be an individual electrode, an individual terminal, or a second common electrode, which is independent of the first common electrode. In an example, the first common electrode and the second common electrode may be electrically and physically separated or isolated from each other, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first common electrode and the second common electrode may be connected to each other or may be integrally formed with each other.

In an embodiment, epoxy may be applied through separation spaces between the liquid lens50and the solid lenses of the second and third lens units112and113, and active alignment of the liquid lens50may be performed.

In another embodiment, the functions or roles of the first electrode51and the second electrode52of the liquid lens50may be inverted. That is, for example, the second electrodes may be individual terminals that play the role of the above-described first electrodes.

The first electrode51and the second electrode52may be formed of a conductive material, for example, a conductive metal, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The holder80accommodates or supports the liquid lens50and the terminal units60and70.

The holder80may have a hole81A formed therein to accommodate the liquid lens50. In an example, the hole81A may be formed through the holder80in the optical-axis direction. The liquid lens50may be disposed or seated in the hole81A in the holder80.

The holder80may have a shape that enables the same to be mounted on the first barrel portion110A of the lens barrel110.

Referring toFIG.5, the terminal units60and70may be disposed on the holder80.

The terminal units60and70may be conductively connected to the liquid lens50.

In an example, the terminal units60and70may be connected to at least one of the first electrode51or the second electrode52of the liquid lens50by means of a conductive adhesive member. For example, the conductive adhesive member may include at least one of solder or a conductive adhesive (e.g. conductive epoxy).

The terminal units60and70may include a first terminal unit60, which is disposed on the upper portion, the upper end, or the upper surface of the holder80, and a second terminal unit70, which is disposed on the lower portion, the lower end, or the lower surface of the holder80.

The terminal units60and70connect the electrodes51and52of the liquid lens50to the conductive members90of the lens holder140.

In an example, one ends of the terminal units60and70may be coupled to the electrodes5I and52of the liquid lens50by means of a conductive adhesive member68(refer toFIG.13A), and the other ends of the terminal units60and70may be coupled to the conductive members90of the lens holder140.

In an example, the terminal units60and70may conductively connect the electrodes51and52of the liquid lens50to the conductive members90of the lens holder140.

The first terminal unit60may include at least one first terminal.

For example, the first terminal unit60may include a plurality of first terminals61to66, which are spaced apart from each other. For example, the first terminal unit60may include 1-1stto 1-6thterminals61to66.

The second terminal unit70may include at least one second terminal. In an example, the second terminal unit70may include one second terminal, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the second terminal unit may include two or more second terminals.

At least a portion of the first terminal unit60may be disposed on the upper surface8A of the holder80. In an example, at least a portion of the first terminal unit60may be disposed on a protruding portion19A formed on the upper surface8A of the holder80. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first terminal unit60may be disposed in a recess formed in the upper surface of the holder80.

At least a portion of the second terminal unit70may be disposed on the lower surface8B of the holder80. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the second terminal unit may be disposed in a recess formed in the lower surface8B of the holder80.

Each of the terminal units60and70may have a structure in which a separate terminal or conductor is coupled or bonded to the holder80, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the terminal units60and70and the holder80may be formed through insert injection molding.

In an example, each of the 1-1stto 1-4thterminals61to64may be coupled to a corresponding one of the 1-1stto 1-4thelectrodes51-1to51-4of the liquid lens50.

In addition, in an example, each of the 1-5thand 1-6thterminals65and66may be coupled to a corresponding one of the 1-5thand 1-6thelectrodes51-5and51-6of the liquid lens50.

In an example, the second terminal70may be coupled to any one of the 2-1stto 2-4thterminals52-1to52-4.

One end of the first terminal unit60may be coupled to the first electrode51, and the other end of the first terminal unit (or the first terminal) may protrude from the side surfaces80A to80D of the holder80.

Referring toFIG.5, the first terminal unit60may include a first portion60-1coupled to the first electrode51, a second portion60-2disposed on the holder80, and a third portion60-3interconnecting the first portion60-1and the second portion60-2.

The first portion60-1may be conductively connected to the first electrode51. In an example, the first portion60-1may be connected to the first electrode51by means of the conductive adhesive68(refer toFIGS.13A and13B), such as conductive epoxy or Ag epoxy.

The third portion60-3may alternatively be referred to as a “connection portion”. AlthoughFIG.5illustrates only the first portion60-1, the second portion60-2, and the third portion60-3of the first terminal61of the first terminal unit60, the description of the first to third portions60-1,60-2, and60-3of the first terminal61may also apply to the other terminals62to66of the first terminal unit60.

In addition, the second portion60-2of the first terminal unit60may include a first region61a, which is disposed on the tipper surface8A of the holder80, and a second region61b, which is connected to the first region61aand protrudes from the side surfaces80A and SOB of the holder80.

The second region61bmay extend and protrude in a direction opposite the direction from the second portion60-2toward the first portion60-1. In an example, the second region61bmay be spaced apart from the holder80.

The first portion60-1of the first terminal unit60may overlap the first electrode51of the liquid lens50in the direction of the optical axis OA.

Referring toFIG.8, one end of the third portion60-3of the first terminal unit60may be connected or coupled to part of the first portion60-1.

In an example, one end of the third portion60-3may be connected or coupled to any one corner or any one edge of the first portion60-1.

In an example, one end of the third portion60-3may be connected or coupled to any one of the corners (or the edges) of the first portion60-1that are adjacent to or face the third portion60-3(or the second portion60-2).

Although the third portion60-3is illustrated inFIG.8as being connected or coupled to the right corner of the first portion60-1when viewed in the direction from the third portion (or the second portion) toward the first portion, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the third portion60-3may be connected or coupled to the left corner (or the left edge) of the first portion60-1.

In still another embodiment, one end of the third portion60-3may be connected or coupled to any one outer surface or any one outer side of the first portion60-1that is adjacent to or faces the third portion60-3(or the second portion60-2), and may be spaced apart from the corners of the first portion60-1.

In an example, the other end of the third portion60-3may be connected or coupled to part of the second portion60-2.

In an example, referring toFIG.8, one end of the third portion60-3and the other end of the third portion60-3may be located opposite each other with respect to a reference line402. The reference line402may be a straight line that passes through the center401of the first portion60-1and is parallel to the direction from the first portion60-1toward the second portion60-2or to the lengthwise direction of the first portion60-1.

The width W1 of the third portion60-3of the first terminal unit60is less than the length L1 of the third portion60-3of the first terminal unit60. In this case, the length L1 of the third portion60-3may be the length in the direction in which the third portion60-3extends from one end of the third portion60-3, which is connected to the first portion60-1, to the other end of the third portion60-3, which is connected to the second portion60-2. In addition, the width W1 of the third portion60-3may be the length of the third portion60-3in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the third portion60-3extends.

The third portion60-3may include at least one curved portion or bent portion.

For example, the third portion60-3may take the form of a leg, and may have the shape of a line that is bent or curved at least once.

The width W1 of the third portion60-3may be smaller than the width of the first portion60-1.

In an example, the width of the first portion60-1may be the length L1 of the first portion60-1in the lengthwise direction or the length L12 of the first portion60-1in the crosswise direction.

Alternatively, in another example, the width of the first portion60-1may be the diameter (e.g. the minimum diameter) of the first portion60-1. In this case, the diameter of the first portion60-1may be the length of a straight line that passes through two opposite points on the outer circumferential surface of the first portion60-1and the center of the first portion60-1. In an example, the minimum diameter may be the smallest diameter, among the diameters of the first portion60-1.

In an example, the width W1 of the third portion60-3may be less than the length L11 (or the minimum length) of the first portion60-1in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction) (W1<L11).

In an example, the width W1 of the third portion60-3may be less than the length L12 (or the minimum length) of the first portion60-1in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction) (W1<L12).

In an example, the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the third portion60-3may be smaller than the area of the upper surface or the lower surface of the first portion60-1.

In addition, the width W1 of the third portion60-3may be smaller than the width of the second portion60-2. For example, the width of the second portion60-2may be the length L3 of the second portion60-2in the crosswise direction or the length L2 of the second portion60-2in the lengthwise direction.

Alternatively, in another example, the width of the second portion60-2may be the diameter (e.g. the minimum diameter) of the second portion60-2. In this case, the diameter of the second portion60-2may be the length of a straight line that passes through two opposite points on the outer circumferential surface of the second portion60-2and the center of the second portion60-2. In an example, the minimum diameter may be the smallest diameter, among the diameters of the second portion60-2.

In an example, the width W1 of the third portion60-3may be smaller than the width of the first region61aof the second portion60-2.

In an example, the width W1 of the third portion60-3may be less than the length L2 (or the minimum length) of the second portion60-2in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction) (W1<L2). In an example, the width W1 of the third portion60-3may be less than the length L2 (or the minimum length) of the first region61ain the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction).

In an example, the width W1 of the third portion60-3may be less than the length L3 (or the minimum length) of the second portion60-2in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction) (W1<L3). In an example, the width W1 of the third portion60-3may be less than the length L3 (or the minimum length) of the first region61ain the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction).

In an example, the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the third portion60-3may be smaller than the area of the upper surface or the lower surface of the second portion60-2.

The first portion60-1of the first terminal unit60may include a 1-1stportion, which overlaps the first electrode51of the liquid lens50in the optical-axis direction, and a 1-2ndportion, which does not overlap the first electrode51in the optical-axis direction. In this case, the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the 1-2ndportion may be smaller than the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the 1-1stportion. In another embodiment, the first portion of the first terminal unit60may not include the 1-2ndportion.

In an example, the width W1 of the third portion60-3may be smaller than the width of the 1-1stportion of the first terminal unit60. In addition, in an example, the width W1 of the third portion60-3may be less than the length (or the minimum length) of the 1-1stportion in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction). In addition, in an example, the width W1 of the third portion60-3may be less than the length (or the minimum length) of the 1-1stportion in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction).

Since the width W1 of the third portion60-3of the first terminal unit60is less than the length L11 of the first portion60-1in the first horizontal direction and/or the length L12 of the first portion60-1in the second horizontal direction, it is possible to reduce the stiffness of the terminal unit60, thereby preventing electrical reliability from being deteriorated by thermal expansion or contraction of the conductive adhesive member68(e.g. Ag epoxy).

Referring toFIGS.6and9, the second terminal unit70may include a first portion70-1coupled to the second electrode52, a second portion70-2disposed on the holder80, and a third portion70-3interconnecting the first portion70-1and the second portion70-2. The third portion70-3may alternatively be referred to as a “connection portion”.

The first portion70-1of the second terminal unit70may be conductively connected to the second electrode52.

In an example, the first portion70-1may be coupled to the second electrode52by means of a conductive adhesive (e.g. conductive epoxy or Ag epoxy).

The first portion70-1may have a hole15cformed therein. The hole15cmay be a through-hole formed through the first portion70-1, and may expose a portion of the second electrode52.

The contact area between the conductive adhesive, the first portion70-1, and the first electrode51may be increased by the hole15C, whereby bonding strength may be increased and electrical reliability may be improved.

The shape of the hole15C viewed from above may be any of various shapes such as, for example, a polygonal shape, a circular shape, and a T-shape.

Although not shown inFIG.7, similar to the hole15C in the second terminal unit70inFIG.9, a hole may be formed in the first portion60-1of the first terminal unit60.

AlthoughFIG.6illustrates the case in which one second terminal unit70has the first portion70-1, the second portion70-2, and the third portion70-3, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In the case in which the second terminal unit70includes a plurality of second terminals, the description of the first to third portions70-1,70-2, and70-3of the second terminal70may also apply to each of the plurality of second terminals.

In addition, the second portion70-2of the second terminal unit70may include a first region72a, which is disposed on the lower surface8B of the holder80, and a second region72b, which is connected to the first region72aand protrudes from the side surface (e.g.80B) of the holder80.

The second region72bof the second terminal unit70may be spaced apart from the holder80, and may extend and protrude in a direction opposite the direction from the second portion70-2toward the first portion70-1.

The first portion70-1of the second terminal unit70may overlap the second electrode52of the liquid lens50in the direction of the optical axis OA. In an example, the first portion70-1of the second terminal unit70may overlap the 2-4thelectrode52-4of the liquid lens50in the direction of the optical axis OA.

The description made with reference toFIG.8may also apply to each of the first terminals61to66inFIG.7.

Referring toFIG.9, the width W2 of the third portion70-3of the second terminal unit70is less than the length L4 of the third portion70-3of the second terminal unit70(W2<L4). In this case, the length L4 of the third portion70-3may be the length in the direction in which the third portion70-3extends from one end of the third portion70-3, which is connected to the first portion70-1, to the other end of the third portion70-3, which is connected to the second portion70-2. In addition, the width W2 of the third portion70-3may be the length of the third portion70-3in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the third portion70-3extends.

The third portion70-3may include at least one curved portion or bent portion.

For example, the third portion70-3may take the form of a leg, and may have the shape of a line that is bent or curved at least once.

The width W2 of the third portion70-3may be smaller than the width of the first portion70-1. The width of the first portion70-1may be the length of the first portion70-1in the crosswise direction or the lengthwise direction.

In an example, the width W2 of the third portion70-3may be less than the length L22 (or the minimum length) of the first portion70-1in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction) (W1<L22).

In an example, the width W2 of the third portion70-3may be less than the length L21 (or the minimum length) of the first portion70-1in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction) (W1<L21).

In an example, the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the third portion70-3may be smaller than the area of the upper surface or the lower surface of the first portion70-1.

In addition, the width W2 of the third portion70-3may be smaller than the width of the second portion70-2. For example, the width of the second portion70-2may be the length of the second portion in the crosswise direction or the lengthwise direction.

In an example, the width W2 of the third portion70-3may be smaller than the width of the first region72aof the second portion70-2.

In an example, the width W2 of the third portion70-3may be less than the length L6 (or the minimum length) of the second portion70-2in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction) (W1<L6). In an example, the width W2 of the third portion70-3may be less than the length L6 (or the minimum length) of the first region72ain the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction).

In an example, the width W2 of the third portion70-3may be less than the length L5 (or the minimum length) of the second portion70-2in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction) (W1<L5). In an example, the width W2 of the third portion70-3may be less than the length L5 (or the minimum length) of the first region72ain the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction).

In an example, the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the third portion70-3may be smaller than the area of the upper surface or the lower surface of the second portion70-2.

The first portion70-1of the second terminal unit70may include a 1-3rdportion, which overlaps the second electrode52of the liquid lens50in the optical-axis direction, and a 1-4thportion, which does not overlap the second electrode52in the optical-axis direction. In this case, the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the 1-4thportion may be smaller than the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the 1-3rdportion. In another embodiment, the first portion of the second terminal unit70may not include the 1-4thportion.

In an example, the width W2 of the third portion70-3may be smaller than the width of the 1-3rdportion of the second terminal unit70. In addition, in an example, the width W2 of the third portion70-3may be less than the length (or the minimum length) of the 1-3rdportion in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction). In addition, in an example, the width W2 of the third portion70-3may be less than the length (or the minimum length) of the 1-3rdportion in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction).

Since the width W2 of the third portion70-3of the second terminal unit70is less than the length L22 of the first portion70-1in the first horizontal direction and/or the length L21 of the first portion70-1in the second horizontal direction, it is possible to reduce the stiffness of the terminal unit70, thereby preventing electrical reliability from being deteriorated by thermal expansion or contraction of the conductive adhesive member68(e.g. Ag epoxy).

In the terminal units60and70, the term “terminal unit” may alternatively be referred to as a “lead unit”, a “connection terminal unit”, an “electrode unit”, or a “conductive unit”.

The terminal units60and70may protrude from the side surfaces80A and80B of the holder80.

In an example, one end61bof each of the 1-1st, 1-2nd, 1-5th, and 1-6thterminals61,62,65, and66may protrude from the first side surface80A of the holder80, and one end of each of the 1-3rdand 1-4thterminals63and64and the second terminal unit70may protrude from the second side surface80B of the holder80. In an example, the first side surface80A and the second side surface80B of the holder80may be outer surfaces located opposite each other.

In an example, the 1-5thterminal65and the 1-6thterminal66may be disposed between the 1-1stterminal61and the 1-2ndterminal62.

The terminal units60and70may be spaced apart from the conductive member90, and the terminal units and the conductive member may be coupled and conductively connected to each other by means of a conductive adhesive member.

One end of the first terminal unit60, for example the first portion60-1, may be coupled to the first electrode51of the lens50by means of the conductive adhesive member68. In addition, the other end of the first terminal unit60, for example the second region61b, may be coupled to conductive portions91-1to91-4of the conductive member90by means of a conductive adhesive member69(refer toFIG.13B).

In addition, one end of the second terminal unit70, for example the first portion70-1, may be coupled to the second electrode52of the liquid lens50by means of a conductive adhesive member. In addition, the other end of the second terminal unit70, for example the second region72b, may be coupled to a conductive portion (e.g.91-7) of the conductive member90by means of a conductive adhesive member.

The other ends61band72bof the terminal units60and70may protrude from the holder80.

The other ends61band72bof the terminal units60and70may be spaced apart from the conductive member90, and may overlap the conductive member90in the vertical direction or the optical-axis direction. A conductive adhesive member69may be disposed between the other ends61band72bof the terminal units60and70and the conductive member90. The vertical direction may be parallel to the optical-axis direction.

The first terminal unit60may include at least one first terminal disposed on a first side of the upper surface of the holder80, and may include at least one first terminal disposed on a second side of the upper surface of the holder80.

In an example, the four first terminals61,62,65, and66of the first terminal unit60may be disposed on the first side of the upper surface of the holder80, and the two first terminals63and64may be disposed on the second side of the upper surface of the holder80, opposite the first side thereof. Here, the first side of the upper surface of the holder80may be a region on the upper surface of the holder80that is adjacent to the first side surface80A of the holder80, and the second side of the upper surface of the holder80may be another region on the upper surface of the holder80that is adjacent to the second side surface80B of the holder80. The first side surface80A and the second side surface80B of the holder80may be located opposite each other.

In an example, the four first terminals61,62,65, and66may be disposed on one side or the first side of the upper surface of the holder80, and the other two first terminals63and64may be disposed on the other side or the second side of the upper surface of the holder80.

In an example, the second terminal unit70may be disposed on at least one of one side (e.g. a first side) or the other side (e.g. a second side) of the lower surface8B of the holder80. Here, the first side of the lower surface of the holder80may be a region on the lower surface of the holder80that is adjacent to the first side surface80A of the holder80, and the second side of the lower surface of the holder80may be another region on the lower surface of the holder80that is adjacent to the second side surface80B of the holder80.

The conductive member90may include a plurality of conductive portions91-1to91-9.

In an example, the conductive member90may include conductive portions91-1to91-6corresponding to the first terminals61to66of the first terminal unit60, and each of the conductive portions91-1to91-6may be coupled and conductively connected to a corresponding one of the first terminals61to66by means of the conductive adhesive member69(refer toFIG.13B).

The conductive member90may include a conductive portion91-7corresponding to the second terminal unit70, and the conductive portion91-7may be coupled and conductively connected to the second terminal unit70by means of the conductive adhesive member.

Referring toFIGS.5to7, in an example, each of the plurality of first terminals61to66of the first terminal unit60may include a respective one of first portions5A1to5A6connected or coupled to the first electrode51, a respective one of second portions5B1to5B6disposed on the holder80, and a respective one of third portions5C1to5C1interconnecting the first portions5A1to5A6and the second portions5B1to5B6.

In addition, each of the second portions5B1to5B6may include a first region60-1, which is disposed on the upper surface8A of the holder80, and a second region60-2, which is connected to the first region60-1and protrudes from the side surface of the holder80.

At least a portion of each of the first portions5A1to5A6of the first terminals61to66may overlap a corresponding one of the first electrodes51-1to51-6of the liquid lens50in the optical-axis direction.

The second portion60-2of the first terminal unit60may include an extension portion14A extending toward a third side or a fourth side of the upper surface of the holder80.

In an example, each of the second portions5B1and5B3of one or more (e.g.61and63) of the first terminals61to66may include an extension portion14A extending toward the third side of the upper surface8A of the holder80. Alternatively, in an example, each of the second portions5B2and5B4of another one or more (e.g.62and64) of the first terminals61to66may include an extension portion14B extending toward the fourth side of the upper surface of the holder80.

The third side of the upper surface of the holder80may be still another region on the upper surface of the holder80that is adjacent to the third side surface80C of the holder80, and the fourth side of the upper surface of the holder80may be still another region on the upper surface of the holder80that is adjacent to the fourth side surface80D of the holder80. The third side and the fourth side of the upper surface of the holder80may be located opposite each other between the first side and the second side of the upper surface of the holder80. The third side surface80C and the fourth side surface80D of the holder80may be located opposite each other.

The second portion60-2of the first terminal unit60may have one or more holes or recesses13A and13B1formed therein.

Each of one or more second portions5B1to5B6of the first terminals61to66may have one or more holes or recesses13A and13B1formed therein.

In an example, the first region61aof each of the second portions5131to5B6may have a first hole (or a first recess)13A formed therein.

In an example, the first hole13A may be formed so as to be adjacent to the other end of the third portion60-3, which is connected to the first region61aof the second portion60-2.

The first region61aof each of the second portions5B1to536of the first terminal unit60may be coupled, fixed, or attached to the upper surface8A of the holder80by means of an adhesive. The first hole (or the first recess)13A may increase the contact area between the adhesive, the second portions5131to5B6of the first terminal unit, and the upper surface of the holder80, thereby increasing the bonding strength between the holder80and the first terminal unit60.

The first hole13A may have a structure including an opening that is open toward each of the third portions5C1to5C6(or each of the first portions5A1to5A6) of the first terminal unit60, and the adhesive may be smoothly introduced into the gap between the holder80and the first terminal unit60through the opening, whereby the holder80and the first terminal unit60may be easily bonded to each other. The first hole13A may have, for example, a semicircular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first hole may take the form of a through-hole.

In addition, in an example, the first region61aof each of the second portions5B1to5B6of the first terminal unit60may have a second hole13B1formed therein so as to be spaced apart from the first hole13A.

The second hole13B1may take the form of a through-hole formed through each of the second portions5B1to5B6of the first terminal unit60, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the second hole may take the form of a hole having the same shape as the first hole13A or a shape similar thereto.

In an example, the second region61bof each of the second portions5B1to5B6may have at least one hole and/or at least one recess formed therein.

In an example, the second region61bof each of the second portions5B to5f6may have a third hole13B2formed therein. The third hole13B2may be spaced apart from the first hole13A and the second hole13B1, and may be a through-hole formed through the second region61bof each of the second portions5B1to5B6, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the third hole may take the form of a hole having an opening. In an example, the third hole may have the same structure as the first hole or a structure similar thereto.

The third hole13B2may increase the contact area between the conductive adhesive member69, the second region61bof each of the second portions5B1to5B6, and a corresponding one of the conductive portions91-1to91-6of the conductive member90, thereby improving the coupling strength between the first terminal unit60and the conductive member90and the reliability of the conductive connection therebetween.

The second region61bof the second portion60-2of the first terminal unit60may have the shape of a straight line, and a distal end or one end of the second region61bmay include a region that gradually decreases in width in the direction from the first region61atoward the second region61b, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, a distal end or one end of the second region61bmay have a constant or uniform width.

In another embodiment, the second region of the second portion60-2of the first terminal unit60may take the form of a line including a curved shape or a bent shape.

In still another embodiment, at least part of the second portion60-2of the first terminal unit60may include a curved portion or a bent portion. That is, in an example, the second region of the second portion60-2of the first terminal unit60may include a portion that is curved or bent in the crosswise direction of the holder80.

Referring toFIGS.6and9, in an example, the second terminal unit70may include a first portion70-1connected or coupled to the second electrode52, a second portion70-2disposed on the holder80, and a third portion70-3interconnecting the first portion70-1and the second portion70-2.

In addition, the second portion70-2may include a first region72a, which is disposed on the lower surface8B of the holder80, and a second region72b, which is connected to the first region72aand protrudes from the side surface SOB of the holder80.

At least part of the first portion70-1of the second terminal unit70may overlap a corresponding one (e.g.52-4) of the second electrodes52-1to52-4of the liquid lens50in the optical-axis direction.

The second portion70-2of the second terminal unit70may have at least one hole or recess formed therein.

In an example, the first region72aof the second portion70-2may have a first hole (or a first recess)15A formed therein.

The first region72aof the second portion70-2of the second terminal unit70may be coupled, fixed, or attached to the lower surface8B of the holder80by means of an adhesive. The first hole (or the first recess)15A may increase the contact area between the adhesive, the second portion70-2of the second terminal unit70, and the lower surface8B of the holder80, thereby increasing the bonding strength between the holder80and the second terminal unit70.

The first hole15A may have a structure including an opening that is open toward the third portion70-3(or the first portion70-1) of the second terminal unit70, and the adhesive may be smoothly introduced into the gap between the holder80and the second terminal unit70through the opening, whereby the holder80and the second terminal unit70may be easily bonded to each other. The first hole15A may have, for example, a semicircular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In addition, in an example, the first region72aof the second portion70-2of the second terminal unit70may have a second hole15B1formed therein so as to be spaced apart from the first hole15A. The second hole15B1may take the form of a through-hole formed through the second portion70-2of the second terminal unit70, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the second hole may take the form of a hole having the same shape as the first hole15A or a shape similar thereto.

In addition, in an example, the first region72aof the second portion70-2of the second terminal unit70may have a recess16A1or a hole formed therein between the first hole15A and the second hole15B1.

In an example, the length of a portion of the first region72aof the second portion70-2, in which the recess16A1is formed, in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction) may be shorter than the length of another portion of the first region72a, which is connected to the third portion70-3, in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction).

In addition, in an example, the length of a portion of the first region72aof the second portion70-2, in which the recess16A1is formed, in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction) may be shorter than the length of another portion of the first region72a, in which the second hole15B1is formed, in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction).

In an example, the second region72bof the second portion70-2may have at least one hole or recess formed therein.

In an example, the second region72bof the second portion70-2may have a third hole15B2formed therein. The third hole15B2may be spaced apart from the first hole15A and the second hole15B1, and may be a through-hole formed through the second region72bof the second portion70-2.

The third hole15B2may increase the contact area between the conductive adhesive member69, the second region72bof the second portion70-2, and the conductive portion91-7of the conductive member90, thereby improving the coupling strength between the second terminal unit70and the conductive member90and the reliability of the conductive connection therebetween.

The second region72bof the second portion70-2of the second terminal unit70may have the shape of a straight line, and a distal end or one end of the second region72bmay include a region that gradually decreases in width in the direction from the first region72atoward the second region72b, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, a distal end or one end of the second region72bmay have a constant or uniform width.

In still another embodiment, at least pail of the second portion70-2of the second terminal unit70may include a curved portion or a bent portion.

The holder80may have an adhesive injection recess81formed therein to receive an adhesive injected thereinto. The adhesive injection recess81may be formed in the lower surface of the holder80. In another embodiment, the adhesive injection recess may be formed in the upper surface of the holder80.

The second lens unit112may be disposed above the first lens unit130, and may be a region into which light is introduced from outside the lens assembly120. That is, the second lens unit112may be disposed above the first lens unit130in the lens barrel110.

The second lens unit112may be implemented using a single lens, or may be implemented using two or more lenses. In an example, the two or more lenses of the second lens unit110may be aligned along a center axis to form an optical system.

Here, the center axis may be an optical axis OA of the optical system, which is formed by at least one of the second lens unit112, the first lens unit, or the third lens unit113included in the camera module100, or may be an axis parallel to the optical axis OA.

The optical axis OA may correspond to the center axis of the effective image area (or the active area) of the image sensor160. That is, the second lens unit112, the first lens unit130, the third lens unit113, and the image sensor160may be disposed so as to be aligned along the optical axis OA through active alignment (AA).

Here, “active alignment” may mean an operation of aligning the optical axes of the first to third lens units111,112, and130with each other and adjusting an axis or distance relationship between the image sensor160and the lens units111,112, and130in order to acquire an improved image.

In addition, each of the lenses included in the second lens unit112may gradually increase in outer diameter in the downward direction (e.g. the −z-axis direction), but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

An exposure lens (not shown) may be provided in front of or on the front surface of the second lens unit112. In this case, the exposure lens may protrude so as to be exposed outside the lens barrel110. In order to protect the surface of the exposure lens, a cover glass or a coating layer may be provided in front of the exposure lens.

The third lens unit113may be disposed below the first lens unit130in the lens barrel110. The third lens unit113may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from the second lens unit112in the optical-axis direction (e.g. the z-axis direction).

The light introduced into the second lens unit112from outside the camera module100may be introduced into the third lens unit113through the first lens unit130. The third lens unit113may be implemented using a single lens, or may be implemented using two or more lenses that are aligned along the center axis to form an optical system.

Unlike the first lens unit130, each of the second lens unit112and the third lens unit113may be a solid lens, and may be made of glass or plastic. However, the embodiments are not limited to any specific material of each of the second lens unit112and the third lens unit113.

FIG.11is a perspective view of the first lens unit130, the conductive member90, and the lens holder140accommodated in the lens barrel110,FIG.12is a perspective view of the conductive member90and the lens holder140,FIG.13Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line CD in the first lens unit130and the lens holder140inFIG.11,FIG.13Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line EF in the first lens unit130and the lens holder140inFIG.11,FIG.14is a cross-sectional view taken along line GH in the first lens unit130and the lens holder140inFIG.11,FIG.15is a front perspective view of the lens barrel110,FIG.16is a rear side view of the lens barrel110inFIG.15, andFIG.17is a plan view of the lens barrel110, the first lens unit130, the conductive member90, and the lens holder140.

Referring toFIGS.11to17, the lens holder140may be disposed under the holder80, and may accommodate or support the lens barrel110.

Referring toFIG.12, the lens holder140may include a body140aand at least one protruding portion140b, which protrudes from the upper surface201of the body140ain the optical-axis direction.

The body140amay have a hole25or a cavity formed therein to allow at least a portion of the lens barrel110to be disposed or accommodated therein.

In an example, at least part of a third barrel portion110C may be disposed in the hole25in the lens holder140.

The hole25may have a shape that is the same as or coincides with the shape of at least a portion of the lens barrel110. The shape of the hole25viewed from above may be, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an example, the hole25may be formed through the lens holder140in the optical-axis direction.

The protruding portion140bmay be provided in a plural number.

In an example, the lens holder140may include protruding portions140b1and140b2, which are located on the upper surface201of the body140aso as to be spaced apart from each other.

In an example, the lens holder140may include a first protruding portion140b1, which is located at a first side of the body140a, and a second protruding portion140b, which is located at a second side of the body140a. Here, the first side of the body140amay be a region on the upper surface of the body140athat corresponds to the first side or the first side surface80A of the holder80, and the second side of the body140amay be a region on the upper surface of the body140athat corresponds to the second side or the second side surface80B of the holder80. In an example, the first side and the second side of the body140amay be located opposite each other.

In the embodiment, the lens holder140may include a lower surface facing the upper surface of the sensor base180. The first adhesive40may be disposed between the upper surface of the sensor base180and the lower surface of the lens holder140, and may be bonded to the tipper surface of the sensor base180and the lower surface of the lens holder140.

The lens holder140may include a partition wall46disposed on the body140a.

The partition wall46may be disposed on a portion of the body140athat is located between two adjacent conductive portions91-1and91-5,91-5and91-6, or91-6and91-2disposed on the body140a. In an example, the partition wall46may be provided in a plural number.

The plurality of partition walls46may be disposed on the upper surface of the body140aso as to be spaced apart from each other, and a portion of at least one conductive portion may be disposed between two adjacent partition walls.

When the second regions61band72bof the second portions60-2and70-2of the terminal units60and70are coupled to the conductive portions91-1to90-9by means of the conductive adhesive member69, the partition walls46may serve to prevent an electrical short between adjacent conductive portions.

The body140aof the lens holder140may include a first region48A, in which the hole25is formed, and second regions48B1and48B2, in which the protruding portions140bare provided.

In an example, the second region of the body140amay include a 2-1stregion48B1, which is disposed on one side of the first region48A and in which the first protruding portion140b1is disposed, and a 2-2ndregion48B2, which is disposed on the opposite side of the first region48A and in which the second protruding portion140b2is disposed.

The upper surface201of the body140amay include a first surface201aand a second surface201b, which has a height difference with respect to the first surface201a.

In an example, the height of the second surface201bmay be lower than the height of the first surface201a. In an example, the distance from the lower surface of the lens holder140to the second surface201bmay be shorter than the distance from the lower surface of the lens holder140to the first surface201a.

In an example, the first surface201amay be at least a portion of the upper surface of the first region48A of the body140a, and the second surface201bmay be at least a portion of the upper surface of the second region48B of the body140a.

The lens holder140may have a recess27formed in the second surface201b.

The recess27may be recessed in the second surface201bIn an example, the recess27may be formed adjacent to each of a third side and a fourth side of the body140a. The third side of the body140amay be a region on the upper surface of the body140athat corresponds to the third side or the third side surface80C of the holder80, and the fourth side of the body140amay be a region on the upper surface of the body140athat corresponds to the fourth side or the fourth side surface80D of the holder80. In an example, the third side and the fourth side of the body140amay be located opposite each other.

The partition walls46may be disposed on the upper portions or the upper surfaces of the protruding portions140b1and140b2.

The lens holder140may have recesses (or coupling recesses)311formed therein to be coupled to protrusions (or coupling protrusions) Q1to Q4of the lens barrel110.

In an example, the protrusions Q1to Q4of the lens barrel110may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and to the outer side surface of the lens barrel110.

In an example, the recesses B11in the lens holder140may be recessed in the first surface201aof the lens holder140. In an example, the recesses B11may be recessed so as to extend from the first surface201aof the lens holder140to the second surface201bthereof.

The recesses B11in the lens holder140may have openings that face the protrusions Q1to Q4. In an example, the lens barrel110may include four protrusions Q1to Q4, and the lens holder140may include four recesses B11that correspond to or face the four protrusions Q1to Q4, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of each of the protrusions and the recesses may be one or more.

The lens holder140may include a stair212or a stepped portion.

The stair212may be formed on the outer side surface of the lens holder140.

The stair212may be formed on the lower end of the outer side surface of the lens holder140.

A side plate302of the cover300may be disposed on the stair212. In an example, the stair212and the lower end of the side plate302of the cover300may be coupled to each other, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the stair212and the lower end of the side plate302of the cover300may be spaced apart from each other.

The lens holder140may have formed therein a recess32A that serves as a bonding tank, into which an adhesive, for example glue, is applied.

The recess32A may be formed in the lower surface or the lower portion of the lens holder140. In an example, the recess32A may be formed in the lower portion or the lower surface of the first region48A of the body140a.

In an example, the recess32A may be formed in the inner circumferential surface or the inner side surface of the lens holder140, which is defined by the hole25.

The recess32A may extend from the lower surface of the lens holder140, and may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the lens holder140. An adhesive may be injected into the recess32A, and the lens holder140and the lens barrel110may be coupled to each other by means of the injected adhesive.

A vent hole (or a recess)310, which is a passage through which gas is discharged, may be formed in the inner circumferential surface of the lens holder140. The vent hole310may form a passage between the lens holder140and the lens assembly120so that the gas generated in the course of curing of the adhesive40is discharged to the lens assembly120.

The conductive member90may be disposed on the lens holder140, and may be conductively connected to the terminal units60and70of the first lens unit130. In addition, the conductive member90may be conductively connected to the terminals195of the substrate190.

In an example, each of the conductive portions91-1to91-9of the conductive member90may be conductively connected to a corresponding one of the terminals195of the substrate190.

The conductive member90may be spaced apart from the cover300.

The conductive member90may include a plurality of conductive portions91-1to91-9, which are spaced apart from each other. Although nine conductive portions are illustrated inFIG.12, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The conductive member90may include any number of conductive portions equal to or greater than one. The conductive portion may alternatively be referred to as a “terminal”, a “lead”, an “electrode”, a “bonding portion”, or a “lead frame”.

Each of the conductive portions91-1to91-6of the conductive member90may include a first coupling portion9ato be coupled to the second region61bof the second portion60-2of the first terminal unit60, a second coupling portion9bto be connected or coupled to the terminals195of the substrate190, and a connection portion9cinterconnecting the first coupling portion9aand the second coupling portion9b.

The conductive portion91-7may include a first coupling portion9ato be coupled to the second region72bof the second portion70-2of the second terminal unit70by means of the conductive adhesive member69, a second coupling portion9bto be connected or coupled to the terminals195of the substrate190, and a connection portion9cinterconnecting the first coupling portion9aand the second coupling portion9b.

In addition, each of the conductive portions91-8and91-9of the conductive member90may include a first coupling portion10ato be coupled to a corresponding one of the first and second electrodes41and42of the thermistor45by means of the conductive adhesive member, a second coupling portion10bto be connected or coupled to the terminals195of the substrate190, and a connection portion10cinterconnecting the first coupling portion10aand the second coupling portion10b.

The first coupling portions9aand10amay be in contact with the conductive adhesive member69.

The conductive adhesive member69may include at least one of solder or a conductive adhesive. In an example, the conductive adhesive member69may include Ag epoxy. The conductive adhesive member69may be disposed between the plurality of partition walls46of the lens holder140.

The first coupling portions9aand10amay be disposed on the protruding portion140bof the lens holder140. The first coupling portions9aand10amay be disposed on the upper surface of the protruding portion140bof the lens holder140.

The upper surface of the protruding portion140bmay include a first surface201c, a second surface201d, and a third surface201e. In an example, the first surface201cof the upper surface of the protruding portion140bmay have a height difference with respect to the first surface201aand the second surface201b.

In an example, the height of the first surface201cof the upper surface of the protruding portion140bmay be higher than the height of each of the first surface201aand the second surface201bof the body140a, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first surface201cof the upper surface of the protruding portion140bmay be coplanar with the first surface201aof the body140a, or may be coplanar with the second surface201bof the body140a.

The second surface201dof the upper surface of the protruding portion140bmay have a first height difference in the optical-axis direction with respect to the first surface201cof the upper surface of the protruding portion, and the third surface201emay have a second height difference in the optical-axis direction with respect to the second surface201d.

In an example, the height of the second surface201dmay be lower than the height of the first surface201c, and the height of the third surface201emay be lower than the height of the second surface201d. In another embodiment, the height of the third surface may be higher than or equal to the height of the second surface.

In an example, the first coupling portion9aof each of the conductive portions91-1to91-6, which are coupled to the second region61bof the second portion60-2of the first terminal unit60, may be disposed on the first surface201cof the protruding portion140b.

In an example, the first coupling portion10aof each of the conductive portions91-8and91-9, which are coupled to the terminals41and42of the thermistor45, may be disposed on the second surface201dof the protruding portion140b.

In an example, the first coupling portion9aof the conductive portion91-7, which is coupled to the second region72bof the second portion70-2of the second terminal unit70, may be disposed on the third surface201eof the protruding portion140b.

In an example, the upper surface of the first coupling portion9amay be disposed below the lower surface of the second region61bof the second portion60-2of the first terminal unit60. In addition, the upper surface of the first coupling portion10amay be disposed below the lower surfaces of the first and second electrodes41and42of the thermistor45.

The first coupling portions9aof the conductive portions91-1to91-7may overlap the second regions61band72bof the second portions60-2and70-2of the terminal units60and70in the vertical direction.

The first coupling portions10aof the conductive portions91-8and91-9may overlap the first and second electrodes41and42of the thermistor45in the vertical direction.

In an example, based on the lower surface of the lens holder140, the first height of the upper surface of the first coupling portion10aof each of the conductive portions91-8and91-9may be lower than the second height of the upper surface of the first coupling portion9aof each of the conductive portions91-1to91-6.

In addition, in an example, based on the lower surface of the lens holder140, the third height of the tipper surface of the first coupling portion9aof the conductive portion91-7may be lower than the first height of the upper surface of the first coupling portion10aof each of the conductive portions91-8and91-9and the second height of the tipper surface of the first coupling portion9aof each of the conductive portions91-1to91-6. In another embodiment, the third height may be equal to or higher than the first height.

In an example, the second coupling portions9band10bmay be disposed on the outer side surface of the lens holder140, and at least a portion of each of the second coupling portions9band10bmay be exposed from the outer side surface of the lens holder140. In an example, the second coupling portions9band10bmay be disposed on the outer side surface of the body140aof the lens holder140and the outer side surface of the protruding portion140b.

In an example, the second coupling portions9band10bmay protrude below the lower surface of the lens holder140, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the second coupling portion may not protrude below the lower surface of the lens holder140.

In an example, the lens holder140may include a terminal region44or a terminal surface, in which the conductive portions are disposed or formed. The terminal region44or the terminal surface may protrude below the lower surface of the lens holder140.

Alternatively, the terminal region44may be formed in the shape of a recess that is recessed in the outer side surface of the lens holder140.

In an example, the second coupling portions9band10bmay include at least one of a linear shape or a curved shape (or a bent shape).

In an example, the connection portion9cmay have a curved or bent shape, and may be disposed on the protruding portion140bof the lens holder140.

Each of the conductive portions91-1to91-9may be formed such that the width of part thereof is different from the width of the remaining part thereof.

Referring toFIG.12, each of the second coupling portions9band10bmay include a first portion P11, which is coupled to a corresponding one of the connection portions9cand10c, a second portion P12, which is coupled to the terminal195of the substrate190, and a third portion P13, which is disposed between the first portion P11and the second portion P12. In addition, the second coupling portion9bmay further include a fourth portion P14interconnecting the second portion P12and the third portion P13.

In an example, the width W33 of the third portion P13may be greater than the width W31 of the first portion P11and the width W32 of the second portion P12. When active alignment is performed, the third portion P13may be gripped using a gripper in order to apply a drive signal (or drive voltage) to the liquid lens50and the thermistor45. Since the width W33 of the third portion P13is relatively large (W33>W31 and W33>W32), drive voltage may be stably supplied to the liquid lens50while active alignment is performed.

In addition, in an example, the width W32 of the second portion P12may be greater than the width W31 of the first portion P11. Accordingly, conductive contact between the terminal195of the substrate190and the conductive portion may be reliably realized.

Although the conductive adhesive member69is described as being provided separately from the conductive member90, the conductive adhesive member69may be embodied as a component of the conductive member90.

In the embodiment, portions of the terminal units60and70of the first lens unit130may be embedded in the conductive adhesive member69. Accordingly, conductive connection may be achieved without applying external pressure to the terminal units60and70of the first lens unit130.

Meanwhile, in the embodiment, it is possible to ensure stable resistance by increasing the contact area of the conductive adhesive member69between the terminal units60and70of the first lens unit130and the conductive member90.

Each of the conductive portions91-1to91-9of the conductive member90may include a conductive layer formed on the surface of the lens holder140. In this case, the conductive layer may be formed on the surface of the lens holder140using a molded interconnection device (MID) technology.

The conductive layer may extend along the upper surface201of the lens holder140and the outer side surface of the lens holder140. The conductive layer may be connected at one end thereof to the terminal195of the substrate190, and may be connected at the other end thereof to the terminal units60and70of the first lens unit130.

In a modification, the conductive layer of each of the conductive portions91-1to91-9of the conductive member90may be formed on the lens holder140through insert injection molding. In an example, the conductive members91-1to91-9may be formed in a manner such that the same are coupled to the lens holder140through insert injection molding.

In a modification, the conductive portions91-1to91-9of the conductive member90may be structured such that separate terminals are bonded to the lens holder140.

The thermistor45may detect the temperature of the camera module100. For example, the thermistor45may detect the temperature of the liquid lens50, or may prevent the value of current flowing through the liquid lens from exceeding a predetermined value.

For example, the thermistor45may be embodied as a thermistor in which a resistance value varies depending on changes in temperature, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The thermistor45may include a first electrode41and a second electrode42, and a drive signal (e.g. drive voltage or drive current) may be supplied to the first electrode41and the second electrode42.

The first and second electrodes41and42of the thermistor45may be conductively connected to the conductive portions91-8and91-9via a conductive adhesive member.

In an example, the first and second electrodes41and42of the thermistor45may be coupled to the first coupling portions10aof the conductive portions91-8and91-9by means of a conductive adhesive member.

The thermistor45may be disposed in a recess formed in the center of the second protruding portion140b2. In this case, the bottom surface of the recess may be the second surface201dof the upper surface of the protruding portion140b.

The cover300may cover the lens holder140, and may accommodate the lens holder140.

The cover300may define the external appearance of the camera module100. The cover300may be formed in the shape of a polyhedron, for example, a hexahedron, which is open at the lower surface thereof.

The cover300may be a nonmagnetic body. The cover300may be made of a metal material.

For example, the cover300may be embodied as a metal plate.

The cover300may be connected to the ground of the substrate190. Accordingly, the cover300may be grounded. The cover300may block electromagnetic interference (EMI). In this case, the cover300may be referred to as an “EMI shield can”. In another embodiment, the cover300may not be conductively connected to the ground of the substrate190.

The cover300may include an upper plate301and a side plate302extending from the upper plate301. The upper plate301of the cover300may have a bore (or a hole)303formed therein to expose at least a portion of the lens barrel110therethrough.

The side plate302of the cover300may have a bore formed therein to expose at least a portion of the conductive member90therethrough. In an example, the bore in the side plate302of the cover300may expose the second coupling portion9bof at least one of the conductive portions91-1to91-9.

Referring toFIGS.15and16, the lens barrel110may include a first barrel portion110A in which the first lens unit130is disposed or accommodated, a second barrel portion110B in which the second lens unit112is disposed or accommodated, and a third barrel portion110C in which the third lens unit113is disposed or accommodated.

The second barrel portion110B may be disposed on the first barrel portion110A, and the third barrel portion110C may be disposed under the first barrel portion110A.

The first barrel portion111A may include a body and an accommodation space5A defined in the body. The first lens unit130may be disposed in the accommodation space5A in the body of the first barrel portion110A. The accommodation space5A may have a shape suitable for accommodating the first lens unit130. Here, the “accommodation space” may alternatively be referred to as a “space”.

In an example, the first barrel portion110A may include an inner upper surface2a, an inner lower surface2b, and an inner side surface2cinterconnecting the inner upper surface2aand the inner lower surface2bin order to define the accommodation space5A.

The first barrel portion110A may include a first side surface (or a first outer side surface)52aand a second side surface (or a second outer side surface)52b, which are located opposite each other, and a third side surface (or a third outer side surface)52cand a fourth side surface (or a fourth outer side surface)52c, which interconnect the first side surface52aand the second side surface52band are located opposite each other. In an example, the accommodation space5A in the first barrel portion110A may be defined inside the first to fourth side surfaces52ato52dof the first barrel portion110A.

At least one of the first side surface52aor the second side surface52bof the first barrel portion110A may have at least one opening505A or505B formed therein to allow the first lens unit130to be inserted thereinto or to be assembled thereto.

In an example, as shown inFIGS.15and16, the first barrel portion110A may have a first opening505A formed in the first side surface52aand a second opening505B formed in the second side surface52b.

By virtue of the first and second openings505A and505B, the accommodation space5A in the first barrel portion110A may be open toward the outside of the body of the first barrel portion110A.

In an example, one end of the first lens unit110A may project outside the first opening505A in the first barrel portion110A, and the other end of the first lens unit110A may project outside the second opening505B in the first barrel portion110A.

The second barrel portion110B may protrude from the upper portion of the body of the first barrel portion110A. In an example, the second barrel portion110B may protrude from the upper part of the first barrel portion110A in the optical-axis direction or the upward direction.

In an example, the second barrel portion110B may include a first body8A and a second body8B disposed on the first body8A.

The upper surface of the first body8A of the second barrel portion110B may include a stepped portion510, which includes a first surface P1, a second surface P2having a height difference with respect to the first surface P1in the optical-axis direction, and a third surface P3interconnecting the first surface P1and the second surface P2.

The second surface P2of the upper surface of the first body8A may be contiguous with the second body8B, and the first surface P1of the upper surface of the first body8A may be contiguous with the upper portion or the upper end of the side surface of the first body8A.

Referring toFIG.15, the stepped portion510of the second barrel portion110B may include a first stepped portion disposed on one side of the second body8B of the second barrel portion110B and a second stepped portion disposed on the opposite side of the second body8B of the second barrel portion110B.

At least part of the second barrel portion110B may be exposed through the bore303in the cover300. In an example, the second body8B of the second barrel portion110B may be exposed through the bore303in the cover300. In an example, the second body8B of the second barrel portion110B may project outside the cover300through the bore303in the cover300.

In an example, the second surface P2of the first body8A of the second barrel portion110B may be exposed through the bore303in the cover300. In addition, in an example, a region on the first surface P1that is adjacent to the third surface P3of the first body8A of the second barrel portion1OB may be exposed through the bore303in the cover300.

The second surface P2of the first body8A of the second barrel portion110B may be located inside the cover300. In an example, the second surface P2of the first body8A of the second barrel portion110B may be located below the upper surface301of the cover300.

The diameter of the bore303in the cover300may be larger than the diameter of the outer circumference of the second body8B.

The inner surface of at least a portion of the upper plate301of the cover300may face or overlap the first surface P1of the second barrel portion110B of the lens barrel110in the optical-axis direction.

In an example, the inner surface of a portion of the upper plate301of the cover300, which is adjacent to the bore303, may face or overlap the first surface P1of the second barrel portion110B in the optical-axis direction.

In addition, the upper plate301of the cover300may not face or overlap the second surface P2of the second barrel portion110B in the optical-axis direction.

In addition, referring toFIG.14, in an example, the inner surface of the upper plate301of the cover300may be located at a higher position than the first surface P1of the second barrel portion110B. In addition, in an example, the inner surface of the upper plate301of the cover300may be located at a lower position than the second surface P2of the second barrel portion110B. In another embodiment, the inner surface of the upper plate301of the cover300may be located at the same height as the second surface P2of the second barrel portion110B.

Accordingly, it is possible to avoid spatial interference between the upper plate301of the cover300and the second surface P2of the second barrel portion110B, thus preventing an increase in the length (or the height) of the camera module100in the optical-axis direction.

That is, spatial interference between the stepped portion510and the cover300may be prevented by the bore303in the cover300.

The second body8B of the second barrel portion110B may be formed in a cylindrical shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The second body of the second barrel portion may be formed in any of various shapes.

The included angle between the outer side surface of the second body8B and the second surface P2of the first body8A may be an obtuse angle. In an example, the second body8B may be formed to be inclined with respect to the second surface P2, and thus it is possible to prevent deformation of an injection-molded product when the injection-molded product is taken out of or separated from a mold in an injection molding process for formation of the lens barrel. In another embodiment, the included angle between the outer side surface of the second body8B and the second surface P2of the first body8A may be a right angle.

The second barrel portion110B may have an accommodation space formed therein to accommodate the second lens unit112, and the third barrel portion110C may have an accommodation space formed therein to accommodate the third lens unit113.

The inside of the first barrel portion110A, the inside of the second barrel portion110B, and the inside of the third barrel portion110C may communicate with one another.

In an example, the first barrel portion110A may have a third opening formed therein to allow the accommodation space5A1in the first barrel portion110A and the accommodation space in the second barrel portion110B to communicate with each other. In an example, the third opening in the first barrel portion110A may be formed in the inner upper surface2aof the first barrel portion110A.

In addition, the first barrel portion110A may have a fourth opening formed therein to allow the accommodation space5A in the first barrel portion110A and the accommodation space in the third barrel portion110C to communicate with each other. In an example, the fourth opening in the first barrel portion110A may be formed in the inner lower surface2bof the first barrel portion110A.

In an example, the length of the accommodation space5A in the first barrel portion110A in the crosswise direction may be longer than the length of each of the accommodation space in the second barrel portion110B and the accommodation space in the third barrel portion1bOC in the crosswise direction. Here, the crosswise direction may be a direction that is perpendicular to the optical-axis direction and is oriented toward the fourth side surface52dof the lens barrel110from the third side surface52cthereof. In addition, in an example, the accommodation space in the second barrel portion110B may be smaller than the accommodation space in the third barrel portion110C, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the former may be equal to or larger than the latter.

In addition, in an example, the length of the first lens unit130in the crosswise direction may be shorter than the length of the accommodation space5A in the first barrel portion110A in the crosswise direction. In addition, in an example, the length of the first lens unit130in the lengthwise direction may be longer than the length of the accommodation space5A1in the first barrel portion110in the lengthwise direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the former may be equal to the latter. Here, the lengthwise direction may be a direction that is perpendicular both to the optical-axis direction and to the crosswise direction. Alternatively, the lengthwise direction may be a direction that is perpendicular to the optical-axis direction and is oriented toward the second side surface52bof the lens barrel110from the first side surface52athereof.

The second barrel portion110B may have an opening formed therein to expose at least a portion of the second lens unit112, for example an uppermost lens, therethrough.

In an example, the inner wall of the second barrel portion110B, which defines the accommodation space in the second barrel portion110B, may have at least one stepped structure. The peripheral region of the lens of the second lens unit112may be in surface contact with the stepped structure, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The third barrel portion110C may have an opening formed therein to expose at least a portion of the third lens unit113, for example a lowermost lens, therethrough. In an example, the inner wall of the third barrel portion110C, which defines the accommodation space in the third barrel portion110C, may have at least one stepped structure. The peripheral region of the lens of the third lens unit113may be in surface contact with the stepped structure, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The third surface P3of the stepped portion510of the second barrel portion110B may overlap the accommodation space5A in the first lens unit110A in the optical-axis direction. Accordingly, by virtue of the accommodation space5A in the first lens unit110A, it is possible to prevent the rigidity of the second barrel portion110B of the lens barrel110from being reduced and to increase the rigidity of the second barrel portion110B.

In addition, in an example, the second body8B and the second surface P2of the first body8A of the second barrel portion110B may overlap the accommodation space8A in the first lens unit110A in the optical-axis direction. Accordingly, by virtue of the accommodation space5A1in the first lens unit110A, it is possible to prevent the rigidity of the second barrel portion110B of the lens barrel110from being reduced and to increase the rigidity of the second barrel portion110B.

The height from the first barrel portion110A to the second surface P2of the first body8A of the second barrel portion110B may be higher than the height from the first barrel portion110A to the first surface of the first body8A of the second barrel portion110B.

Since the second barrel portion110B includes the stepped portion510, the area of the outer circumferential surface of the second barrel portion110B or the area of a cross-section of the second barrel portion110B taken along line AB may increase due to the stepped portion510.

Due to the increase in the area of the outer circumferential surface of the second barrel portion110B or the area of a cross-section of the second barrel portion110B taken along line AB, the load that is intensively applied to the second barrel portion110B by external force during an assembly process may be dispersed. Accordingly, the embodiment may prevent deformation of the lens barrel110due to external force applied thereto during an assembly process. Here, the assembly process may include at least one of assembly between the lens barrel110and the lens assembly120or assembly between the lens barrel110and the lens holder140.

Since the thickness of the first body8A disposed between the first barrel portion110A and the second body8B of the second barrel portion110B increases due to the stepped portion510, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the lens barrel110, thus improving the reliability of the rigidity of the lens barrel110.

The first barrel portion110A may include one or more protrusions Q1to Q4, which protrude from at least one of the first side surface52aor the second side surface52bof the first barrel portion110A.

The one or more protrusions Q1to Q4may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

The first protrusion Q1may be located on one side of the first opening505A in the first barrel portion110A, and the second protrusion Q2may be located on the opposite side of the first opening505A in the first barrel portion110A. In an example, the first opening505A in the first barrel portion110A may be disposed between the first protrusion Q1and the second protrusion Q2.

The third protrusion Q3may be located on one side of the second opening505B in the first barrel portion110A, and the fourth protrusion Q4may be located on the opposite side of the second opening505B in the first barrel portion110A. In an example, the second opening505B in the first barrel portion110A may be disposed between the third protrusion Q3and the fourth protrusion Q4.

Each of the protrusions Q1to Q4of the lens barrel110may be disposed in or inserted into a corresponding one of the recesses B1to B4in the lens holder140.

When the lens barrel110is assembled or coupled to the lens holder140, the protrusions Q1to Q4of the lens barrel110may prevent rotation of the lens barrel110, or may prevent rotation of the lens barrel110beyond a predetermined angle.

If the protrusions Q1to Q4of the lens barrel110and the recesses B1to B4in the lens holder140according to the embodiment are not provided, the lens barrel may be rotated and thus may project outwards from the lens holder140during assembly of the lens barrel with the lens holder, and the cover and the lens barrel may collide with each other and thus the lens barrel and/or the cover may be deformed during assembly of the cover with the lens holder. The embodiment may prevent collision between the lens barrel and the cover, thereby preventing the lens barrel and/or the cover from being deformed or damaged.

In order to stabilize the performance of a liquid lens, which is included in a camera module mounted on the front surface of a mobile device, for example, a cellular phone, the size of the liquid lens may be increased. When the size of the liquid lens is increased for this reason, the size of a holder, on which the liquid lens is seated, may also be increased, and the size of an accommodation space in a lens barrel, into which the holder is inserted or mounted, may also be increased.

However, when only the size of the accommodation space is increased without increasing the size of the lens barrel due to restrictions on the size of the camera module mounted on the front surface of the cellular phone, the thickness of a portion of the lens barrel, for example a second lens unit, may be decreased, and thus the rigidity of the lens barrel may be decreased. When the rigidity of the lens barrel is decreased, the lens barrel may undergo deformation or damage caused by external force during assembly of the lens barrel with the lens assembly and assembly of the lens barrel with the lens holder, thereby deteriorating the performance and the reliability of the camera module.

According to the embodiment, by virtue of the stepped portion510of the lens barrel110, the rigidity of the lens barrel110may be increased without increasing the size of the camera module. As a result, it is possible to prevent deformation of the lens barrel due to external force during an assembly process and to prevent deterioration in the reliability of the camera module.

In the liquid lens50, an inflection point may occur in operation depending on the temperature. In order to manage the inflection point of the liquid lens50, the liquid lens50may be provided with a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the liquid lens50. Information on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor may be provided to a controller of the camera module, for example, a driver IC. The driver IC may perform control in response to a drive signal using the temperature information in order to manage the inflection point of the liquid lens.

In addition, in order to prevent deterioration in the performance of the liquid lens50due to a decrease in the temperature of the liquid lens50, the liquid lens50may include a heater for controlling the temperature of the liquid lens50.

FIG.10Aillustrates a terminal unit330-1according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.10A, the terminal unit330-1may include a first portion20A coupled to the electrode51or52of the liquid lens50, a second portion20B disposed on the holder80, and a third portion20C interconnecting the first portion20A and the second portion20B.

The shape of each of the first portions60-1and70-1of the terminal units60and70viewed from above inFIGS.8and9may be a polygonal shape (e.g. a quadrangular shape, a rectangular shape, or a square shape), but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The shape of the first portion20A of the terminal unit330-1viewed from above inFIG.10Amay be a quadrangular shape (e.g. a rectangular shape) having curved or rounded corners.

In another embodiment, the shape of the first portion of the terminal unit viewed from above may be an elliptical or circular shape.

InFIGS.8and9, the widths W1 and W2 of the third portions60-3and70-3of the first and second terminal units60and70may be constant from one ends of the third portions60-3and70-3to the other ends of the third portions60-3and70-3, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

As shown inFIG.10A, the width of part of the third portion20C of the terminal unit330-1may be different from the width of another part of the third portion20C of the terminal unit330-1.

In an example, the width W11 of one end of the third portion20C, which is connected to the first portion20A, may be smaller than the width W12 of the other end of the third portion20C, which is connected to the second portion20B.

In another embodiment, the width of one end of the third portion20C, which is connected to the first portion20A, may be larger than the width of the other end of the third portion20C, which is connected to the second portion20B. The description of the terminal unit inFIG.10Amay also apply to at least one of the first terminal unit60or the second terminal unit70.

In addition, part of the third portion20C may be disposed on the holder80. In an example, one end of the third portion20C, which is connected to the second portion20B, and a region adjacent thereto may be disposed on the holder80.

Referring toFIG.10A, one end of the third portion20C may be connected or coupled to the outer surface or the outer side of the first portion20A, which is adjacent to and faces the third portion20C (or the second portion20B), and may be spaced apart from a corner (or an edge) of the first portion20A.

In an example, when viewed from above, one end of the third portion20C may overlap the reference line402. In addition, when viewed from above, the other end of the third portion20C, which is connected or coupled to the second portion20B, may be located on one side of the reference line402, and may not overlap the reference line402.

In another embodiment, one end of the third portion20C may be connected or coupled to any one of the corners (or the edges) of the first portion20A that are adjacent to and face the third portion20C (or the second portion20B).

FIG.10Billustrates a terminal unit330-2according to still another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.10B, the terminal unit330-2may include a first portion21A1coupled to the electrode51or52of the liquid lens50, a second portion21B1disposed on the holder80, and a third portion21C1interconnecting the first portion21A1and the second portion21B1.

Referring to FIG. OB, with regard to the shape of the first portion21A1viewed from above, reference may be made to the description of the shapes of the first portions60-1,70-1, and20A shown inFIGS.8,9, and10A.

The third portion21C1may include at least one linear portion and at least one curved portion or bent portion.

In an example, the third portion21C1may include a first region S1connected to the first portion21A1, a second region S2connected to the second portion21B1, and a third region S3interconnecting the first region S1and the second region S2.

Each of the first region S1and the second region S2may include a curved or bent portion. The second region may take the form of a straight line or an oblique line, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The third portion21C1may be formed such that the width thereof gradually decreases and then increases in the direction from the first region S1toward the second region S2.

In an example, the third portion21C1may include a 3-1stportion (e.g. S1), which gradually decreases in width in the direction from the first region S1toward the second region S2, and a 3-2ndportion (e.g. S2), which gradually increases in width in the direction from the first region S1toward the second region S2. In addition, the third portion21C1may further include a 3-3rdportion (e.g. S3), which is formed between the 3-1stportion (e.g. S1) and the 3-2ndportion (e.g. S2) and has a constant width.

In an example, the width of the first region S1may be larger than the width of the third region S3, and the width of the second region S2may be larger than the width of the third region S3.

In addition, part of the third portion21C1may be disposed on the holder80. In an example, one end of the third portion21C, which is connected to the second portion21B1, and a region adjacent thereto may be disposed on the holder80.

One end of the third portion21C1may be connected or coupled to any one of two corners (or edges) of the first portion21A1that are adjacent to and face the third portion20C1(or the second portion20B1).

The other end of the third portion21C1may be connected or coupled to part of the second portion21B1.

In an example, one end of the third portion21C1and the other end of the third portion21C1may be located opposite each other with respect to the reference line402. When viewed from above, one end of the third portion21C1and the other end of the third portion21C1may not overlap the reference line402.

FIG.10Cillustrates a terminal unit330-3according to still another embodiment.

Referring to FIC.10C, the terminal unit330-3may include a first portion21A2coupled to the electrode51or52of the liquid lens50, a second portion21B2disposed on the holder80, and a third portion21C2interconnecting the first portion21A2and the second portion21B2.

The first portion21A2may include at least one curved, bent, or rounded portion.

The third portion23C2may include at least one curved, bent, or rounded portion.

The width W13 of the first portion21A2may be equal to the width W14 of the third portion23C2.

The first portion21A2may include at least one linear portion6A1and at least one bent portion6A2. The at least one bent portion6A2may be connected to one end of the third portion23C2.

The at least one linear portion61A1of the first portion21A2may be parallel to the horizontal direction (e.g. the crosswise direction). Here, the horizontal direction may be a direction that is perpendicular to the direction from the first portion23A2toward the second portion23B2.

The third portion23C2may include one or more linear portions7A1and7A2and one or more bent portions7131and7132.

The linear portions7A1and7A2of the third portion23C2may be parallel to the horizontal direction (e.g. the crosswise direction). In an example, the third portion23C2may include a plurality of linear portions7A1and7A2, which are spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of bent portions7B1and7B2, which are spaced apart from each other.

Each of the plurality of linear portions7A1and7A2may be parallel to the horizontal direction (e.g. the crosswise direction). One (e.g.7A2) of the linear portions7A1and7A2may be connected to one end (e.g.6A2) of the first portion23A2.

In addition, the bent portion7B1may connect one (e.g.7A1) of the linear portions7A1and7A2to the second portion23B2. In addition, the bent portion7B2may interconnect the two adjacent linear portions7A1and7A2.

In another embodiment, one of the bent portions of the third portion may be connected to one end of the first portion. In still another embodiment, one of the linear portions of the third portion may be connected to the second portion.

The width of the linear portion and the width of the bent portion may be equal to each other. In another embodiment, the width of the bent portion may be larger than the width of the linear portion. In still another embodiment, the width of the bent portion may be smaller than the width of the linear portion.

FIG.10Dillustrates a terminal unit330-4according to still another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.10D, the terminal unit330-4may include a first portion21A3coupled to the electrode51or52of the liquid lens50, a second portion21B3disposed on the holder80, and a third portion21C3interconnecting the first portion21A3and the second portion21B3.

The first portion21A3may include at least one curved, bent, or rounded portion. The third portion23C3may include at least one curved, bent, or rounded portion.

The width W15 of the first portion21A3may be equal to the width W16 of the third portion23C3.

The first portion21A3may include one or more linear portions77A1and77A2and at least one bent portion77B. The at least one bent portion77B may be connected to one end (e.g.4A5) of the third portion23C2.

The one or more linear portions77A1and77A2of the first portion21A3may be parallel to the vertical direction (e.g. the lengthwise direction). Here, the vertical direction may be a direction that is parallel to the direction from the first portion23A2toward the second portion2312. For example, the vertical direction may be a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction inFIG.10C.

The third portion23C3may include one or more linear portions4A1,4A2, and4A3and one or more bent portions4B1and4B2.

The linear portions4A1,4A2, and4A3of the third portion23C3may be parallel to the vertical direction (e.g. the lengthwise direction). In an example, the third portion23C3may include a plurality of linear portions4A1,4A2, and4A3, which are spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of bent portions4B1and4B2, which are spaced apart from each other.

Each of the plurality of linear portions4A1,4A2, and4A3may be parallel to the vertical direction.

In an example, one (e.g.4A1) of the linear portions4A1,4A2, and4A3may be connected to one end of the second portion23B3.

In an example, another one (e.g.4A2) of the linear portions4A1,4A2, and4A3may be connected to a corresponding one (e.g.77A2) of the linear portions77A1and77A2of the first portion24A3. In addition, in an example, still another one (e.g.4A3) of the linear portions4A1,4A2, and4A3may be connected to a corresponding one (e.g.77A1) of the linear portions77A1and77A2of the first portion24A3.

In addition, in an example, the bent portion4131of the third portion24C3may be connected to the bent portion77B of the first portion24A3. In addition, in an example, the bent portion4132of the third portion23C3may interconnect the two adjacent linear portions4A2and4A3of the third portion23C3.

The width of the linear portion of the first portion24A3and the width of the bent portion thereof may be equal to each other. In another embodiment, the width of the bent portion of the first portion may be larger than the width of the linear portion thereof. In still another embodiment, the width of the bent portion of the first portion may be smaller than the width of the linear portion thereof.

In addition, the width of the linear portion of the third portion24C3and the width of the bent portion thereof may be equal to each other. In another embodiment, the width of the bent portion of the third portion may be larger than the width of the linear portion thereof. In still another embodiment, the width of the bent portion of the third portion may be smaller than the width of the linear portion thereof.

The description of the first hole13A, the second hole13B1, the third hole13B2, and the extension portions14A and14B inFIGS.7to9may apply to the embodiments shown inFIGS.10A to10D.

In general, a conductive adhesive member, for example Ag epoxy, may be used for conductive connection between a terminal unit and an electrode of a liquid lens. However, due to thermal expansion or contraction of the conductive adhesive member, the conductive connection between the terminal unit and the electrode of the liquid lens may be deteriorated, or may become defective. Thus, the reliability of the conductive connection between the two components may be reduced. In addition, due to thermal expansion or contraction of the conductive adhesive member (e.g. Ag epoxy), contact resistance between the conductive adhesive member and the terminal unit may vary, leading to deterioration in the reliability of the conductive connection between the two components.

According to the embodiments, since the third portions60-2and70-2of the terminal units60and70, which are connected to the first portions60-1and70-1of the terminal units60and70, take the form of a leg, it is possible to reduce the stiffness of the terminal units, thereby preventing electrical reliability from being deteriorated by thermal expansion or contraction of the conductive adhesive member (e.g. Ag epoxy). To this end, according to the embodiments, the widths of the third portions60-2and70-2of the terminal units60and70may be set to be less than the diameters of the first portions60-1and70-1of the terminal units60and70.

In an example, in the terminal units60and70, the thicknesses of the first portions60-1and70-1, the thicknesses of the second portions60-2and70-2, and the thicknesses of the third portions60-3and70-3may be equal to each other. In another embodiment, the thicknesses of the third portions60-3and70-3may be smaller than the thicknesses of the first portions60-1and70-1and the thicknesses of the second portions60-2and70-2. In still another embodiment, the thicknesses of the third portions60-3and70-3may be larger than the thicknesses of the first portions60-1and70-1and the thicknesses of the second portions60-2and70-2.

For example, the widths W1 of the third portions60-3and70-3may be 1 to 3 times the thicknesses of the third portions60-3and70-3. For example, the widths W1 of the third portions60-3and70-3may be 1.2 to 2 times the thicknesses of the third portions60-3and70-3. For example, the widths W1 of the third portions60-3and70-3may be 1.25 to 1.5 times the thicknesses of the third portions60-3and70-3. Alternatively, for example, the widths W1 of the third portions60-3and70-3may be 1 to 1.2 times the thicknesses of the third portions60-3and70-3.

When the widths W1 of the third portions60-3and70-3are less than the thicknesses of the third portions60-3and70-3, the third portions may be easily broken by an impact or the like, leading to electrical disconnection. Further, when the widths W1 of the third portions60-3and70-3are more than 3 times the thicknesses of the third portions60-3and70-3, it may not be possible to sufficiently reduce the stiffness of the terminal units60and70, thereby deteriorating the reliability of the conductive connection between the terminal units60and70and the electrodes51and52of the liquid lens50.

In order to reduce the stiffness of the terminal units60and70to thus ensure the reliability of the conductive connection between the terminal units60and70and the electrodes51and52of the liquid lens50, the widths W1 of the third portions60-3and70-3may be not more than 1.5 times the thickness of the third portions60-3and70-3.

FIG.18is a perspective view of a camera module1100according to an embodiment,FIG.19is an exploded view of the camera module1100inFIG.18, andFIG.20is a cross-sectional view taken along line AB in the camera module1100inFIG.18.

Referring toFIGS.18to20, the camera module1100may include a lens barrel1110and a lens assembly1120disposed or mounted on the lens barrel1110. The camera module1100may include a lens holder1140for accommodating the lens barrel1110and a conductive member1090disposed on the lens holder1140.

In addition, the camera module1100may include an image sensor1160disposed under the lens barrel1110.

The camera module1100may further include a thermistor1045.

The lens holder1140may alternatively be referred to as a “base”.

The lens holder1140may be disposed on a substrate1190, and the lens barrel1110may be coupled to the lens holder1140.

The camera module1100may further include a filter1150.

The camera module1100may further include a sensor base1180on which the filter1150is disposed or mounted. The sensor base1180may alternatively be referred to as a “holder”.

The camera module1100may further include a substrate1190.

In addition, the camera module1100may further include a circuit element1170disposed or mounted on the substrate1190.

In addition, the camera module1100may further include a cover1300.

The substrate1190may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

The substrate1190may be disposed under the sensor base1180, and may include a first substrate1191, a second substrate1192connected to the first substrate1191, a third substrate1193connected to the second substrate1192, and a connector1194connected to the third substrate1193.

In an example, the circuit element1170may be disposed or mounted on the first substrate1191. In addition, the substrate1190may include at least one terminal1195disposed or formed on the first substrate1191. In an example, the terminal1195of the substrate1190may be provided in a plural number, and the plurality of terminals1195of the substrate1190may correspond to, face, or overlap the conductive member1090in the optical-axis direction, and may be conductively connected to the conductive member1090via solder or the like.

The sensor base1180and the image sensor1160may be disposed on the first substrate1191. In an example, each of the first substrate1191and the third substrate1193may be a rigid printed circuit board, and the second substrate1192may be a flexible printed circuit board conductively connecting the first substrate1191to the third substrate1193, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, at least one of the first to third substrates may be a rigid printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board. In still another embodiment, the first to third substrates may be integrated into a single substrate.

The image sensor1160may be disposed or mounted on the substrate1190. In an example, the image sensor1160may be disposed or mounted on the upper surface of the first substrate1191, and may be conductively connected to the substrate1190.

The optical axis of the image sensor1160and the optical axis of the lens assembly1120may be in alignment with each other. The image sensor1160may include an effective image area (or an active area), may convert light radiated onto the effective image area (or the active area) into an electrical signal, and may output the converted electrical signal.

The circuit element1170may be conductively connected to the first substrate1191, and may constitute a controller for controlling the image sensor1160and a first lens unit1130. In an example, the circuit element1170may include at least one of at least one capacitor, a memory, a controller, a sensor, or an integrated circuit (IC).

The camera module1100may further include a cover1175, which is disposed on the first substrate1191and covers the circuit element1170in order to protect the circuit element1170.

The sensor base1180may be disposed on the substrate1190. In an example, the sensor base1180may be disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate1191, and may be attached or coupled to the upper surface of the first substrate1191. In an example, the sensor base1180may be disposed between the substrate1190and the lens holder1140.

The camera module1100may be disposed between the sensor base1180and the substrate1190, and may include an adhesive (not shown) for attaching or fixing the sensor base1180to the upper surface of the substrate1190.

The sensor base1180may surround the image sensor1160to protect the image sensor1160from external foreign substances or impacts, and may include a bore1181formed therein to expose the effective image area (or the active area) of the image sensor1160. In an example, the bore1181may be a through-hole formed through the sensor base1180in the direction of the optical axis OA.

In addition, the sensor base1180may be provided on the upper surface thereof with a seating portion1182on which the filter1150is seated. The seating portion1182may have a height difference in the optical-axis direction with respect to the upper surface of the sensor base1180, and may be formed so as to surround the bore1181. In an example, the seating portion1182may take the form of a recess depressed into the upper surface of the sensor base1180, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the seating portion may take the form of a protruding portion protruding from the upper surface of the sensor base1180.

A portion of the lower surface of the sensor base1180may be depressed so as to define a space or a seating recess (not shown) in which to dispose the image sensor1160.

In addition, the sensor base1180may be disposed on the first substrate1191, and may be spaced apart from the circuit element1170so as not to overlap the circuit element1170in the optical-axis direction. In another embodiment, the sensor base1180may be omitted.

The filter1150may be disposed on the sensor base1180. In an example, the filter1150may be disposed on the seating portion1182in the sensor base1180, and may be located above the effective image area (or the active area) of the image sensor1160.

The filter1150may be disposed between the lens assembly1120and the image sensor1160, and may filter light within a specific wavelength range, among the light that has passed through the lens assembly1120. The filter1150may be, for example, an infrared (IR) cut filter for blocking infrared radiation or an ultraviolet (UV) cut filter for blocking ultraviolet radiation, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. In an example, the filter1150may include at least one of an infrared cut filter or an ultraviolet cut filter.

The lens holder1140may be disposed on the substrate1190.

In an example, the lens holder1140may be disposed on the sensor base1180. In an example, the lower surface of the lens holder1140may be coupled to the upper surface of the sensor base1180.

The lens holder1140may be disposed in the cover1300. In addition, the sensor base1180may be disposed in the cover.

The lens holder1140may be formed of an insulating material.

The lens holder1140may be disposed between the lens assembly1120and the substrate1190. In an example, the lens holder1140may be disposed between the first lens unit1130and the first substrate1191.

The conductive member1090may be disposed on the lens holder1140. Drive signals (e.g. drive voltages) provided from the substrate1190may be transmitted to the first lens unit1130through the conductive member1090, and a signal related to detection of temperature, which is output from the thermistor1045, may be transmitted to the substrate1190through the conductive member1090.

An adhesive (not shown) may be disposed between the sensor base1180and the lens holder1140, and the sensor base1180and the lens holder1140may be coupled to each other by the adhesive.

In an example, the adhesive may be disposed between the upper surface of the sensor base1180and the lower surface of the lens holder1140, and the sensor base1180and the lens holder1140may be coupled or attached to each other by the adhesive. In another example, the adhesive may be disposed between the side surface of the sensor base1180and the lens holder1140. In an example, the adhesive may seal the gap between the sensor base1180and the lens holder1140.

In addition to the above adhesive, the camera module1100according to the embodiment may further include an adhesive for bonding the lens barrel1110to the lens holder1140and an adhesive for bonding a holder1080of the first lens unit1130to the lens holder1140.

The lens assembly1120may be mounted or disposed on the lens barrel1110. The lens assembly1120may alternatively be referred to as a “lens module”. In another embodiment, the lens module may include the lens barrel1110and the lens assembly1120.

The lens assembly1120may include the first lens unit1130including a liquid lens. In an example, the lens assembly1120may include the first lens unit1130, a second lens unit1112, and a third lens unit1113.

The first lens unit1130may include an optical unit, and the optical unit may include at least one lens. The optical unit may collect an input light signal reflected from a subject through the at least one lens and may transmit the input light signal to the image sensor1160.

In an example, the first lens unit1130may include a variable lens. The variable lens may be a variable focus lens. Further, the variable lens may be a lens that is adjustable in focus.

The variable lens may be at least one of a liquid lens, a polymer lens, a liquid crystal lens, a voice coil motor (VCM)-type lens, or a shape memory alloy (SMA)-type lens.

Here, the liquid lens may include a liquid lens including a single type of liquid and a liquid lens including two types of liquids. The focus of the liquid lens including a single type of liquid may be changed by controlling a membrane disposed at a position corresponding to the liquid. For example, the focus of the liquid lens may be changed by pressing the membrane using the electromagnetic force between a magnet and a coil. The liquid lens including two types of liquids may include a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid, and may control the interface formed between the conductive liquid and the non-conductive liquid using a voltage applied to the liquid lens.

In addition, the focus of the polymer lens may be changed by controlling a polymer material using a driver such as a piezo actuator.

In addition, the focus of the liquid crystal lens may be changed by controlling a liquid crystal using electromagnetic force.

In addition, the focus of the VCM-type lens may be changed by controlling a solid lens or a lens assembly including a solid lens using the electromagnetic force between a magnet and a coil.

In addition, the focus of the SMA-type lens may be changed by controlling a solid lens or a lens assembly including a solid lens using a shape memory alloy.

In addition, the “optical unit” may include a filter that transmits light within a specific wavelength range. For example, the filter that transmits light within a specific wavelength range may include an IR pass filter. In addition, the optical unit may include an optical plate. In this case, the optical plate may be, for example, a light-transmissive plate.

The controller of the camera module1100or a controller830of an optical device200A may control the variable lens of the optical unit to shift an input light signal on the image sensor by a predetermined moving distance. The controller may shift the optical path of the input light signal using the variable lens of the optical unit.

In an example, in the lens assembly1120, the first lens unit1130may alternatively be referred to as a “liquid lens unit”, the second lens unit1112may alternatively be referred to as a “first solid lens unit”, and the third lens unit1113may alternatively be referred to as a “second solid lens unit”.

In another embodiment, at least one of the second and third lens units1112and113may be omitted from the lens assembly. In still another embodiment, the lens assembly1120may include the lens barrel1110inFIG.2.

The first lens unit1130may include a liquid lens1050.

FIG.21is an exploded view of the first lens unit1130,FIG.22is a bottom view of the liquid lens1050,FIG.23is an upper perspective view of the holder1080, the liquid lens1050, and a first terminal unit1040of the first lens unit1130,FIG.24Ais a perspective view of a 1-1stterminal1004A of the first terminal unit1040,FIG.24Bis a perspective view of a 1-2ndterminal1004G of the first terminal unit1040,FIG.25Ais a perspective view of the holder1080, the liquid lens1050, the first terminal unit1040, and a second terminal unit1060,FIG.25Billustrates a first conductive adhesive member1068A for coupling the first terminal unit1040and the second terminal unit1060inFIG.25Ato each other,FIG.26Ais a lower perspective view of the holder1080, the liquid lens1050, and the first terminal unit1040of the first lens unit1130,FIG.26Bis a lower perspective view of the holder1080, the liquid lens1050, the first terminal unit1040, and a third terminal unit1070of the first lens unit1130,FIG.27is a perspective view of a 2-1stterminal unit1060,FIG.28is an enlarged view of some terminals of the 2-1stterminal unit1060, andFIG.29is a perspective view of a 2-2ndterminal unit1070.

Referring toFIGS.21to29, the first lens unit1130may include the liquid lens1050, the terminal units1040,1060, and1070, and the holder1080. In another embodiment, the holder1080may be a separate component that is not included in the first lens unit.

The liquid lens1050may be disposed between the lens of the second lens unit1112and the lens of the third lens unit1113, and may be spaced apart from the lens of the second lens unit1112and the lens of the third lens unit1113in the optical-axis direction.

The liquid lens1050may include a liquid lens region, which contains different types of liquids, a first electrode1051, and a second electrode1052. The first electrode1051may alternatively be referred to as an “upper electrode”, and the second electrode1052may alternatively be referred to as a “lower electrode”.

The liquid lens region may contain a first liquid that is conductive and a second liquid that is non-conductive, and an interface may be formed between the first liquid and the second liquid.

The liquid lens1050may include at least one heater, which generates heat in response to a drive signal (or a control signal). The heater may be implemented in the form of a resistor capable of generating heat in response to a drive signal (or a control signal), but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The first electrode1051may be disposed on a first surface (e.g. an upper surface) of the liquid lens1050, and the second electrode1052may be disposed on a second surface (e.g. a lower surface) of the liquid lens1050that is opposite the first surface thereof. For example, the first electrode1051and the second electrode1052may be provided separately from each other, or may be independent electrodes.

The first electrode1051may include a plurality of first electrodes1051-1to1051-n(where “n” is a natural number greater than 1 (n>1), for example, n=10), which are spaced apart from each other. In an example, the first electrode1051may include 1-1stto 1-10thelectrodes1051-1to1051-10.

In an example, the plurality of first electrodes1051to1054may be individual terminals or individual electrodes, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, at least two of the plurality of first electrodes may be connected to each other to constitute a common electrode.

The plurality of first electrodes1051-1to1051-10may be disposed near the liquid lens region. A drive signal for deforming the interface between the first liquid and the second liquid may be provided to the first electrode1051and the second electrode1052.

Each of the plurality of first electrodes1051-1to1051-10may be exposed from the first surface (e.g. the upper surface) of the liquid lens1050. In an example, each of the plurality of first electrodes1051-1to1051-10may include a portion that is exposed from the first surface (e.g. the upper surface) of the liquid lens1050.

In an example, each of the plurality of first electrodes1051-1to1051-10may be formed so as to be spaced apart from the outer surface of the liquid lens1050.

In an example, the tipper surface of each of the plurality of first electrodes1051-1to1051-10and the upper surface of the liquid lens1050may have a height difference with respect to each other in the optical-axis direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an example, the height of the upper surface of each of the plurality of first electrodes1051-1to1051-10may be lower than the height of the upper surface of the liquid lens1050.

In an example, the first electrodes1051-1to1051-10may be electrically or physically separated from each other. A separate drive signal may be provided to each of at least two of the first electrodes1051-1to1051-10.

In an example, a first drive signal (or a first control signal) may be applied across the 1-1stelectrode1051-1and the common electrode. A second drive signal (or a second control signal) may be applied across the 1-2ndelectrode1051-2and the common electrode. A third drive signal (or a third control signal) may be applied across the 1-3rdelectrode1051-3and the common electrode. A fourth drive signal (or a fourth control signal) may be applied across the 1-4thelectrode1051-4and the common electrode. In an example, the common electrode may be the second electrode1052.

In an example, each of the first to fourth drive signals may take the form of voltage or current. In this case, each of the 1-1stto 1-4thelectrodes1051-1to1051-4may correspond to a separate positive (+) electrode for controlling the liquid lens1050, and the second electrode1052may be a common negative (−) electrode for controlling the liquid lens.

In the liquid lens1050, the interface formed between the first liquid (e.g. the conductive liquid) and the second liquid (e.g. the non-conductive liquid) may be deformed in response to the first to fourth drive signals, and the focal length of the liquid lens1050may be controlled by the deformed interface. In this way, at least one of the AF function or the OIS function may be performed with respect to the lens assembly1120.

Although the 1-1stto 1-4thelectrodes1051-1to1051-4are illustrated inFIG.21as being disposed in a row on one side of the liquid lens1050, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, each of the 1-1stto 1-4thelectrodes may be disposed on a corresponding one of the four corner regions of the first surface (e.g. the upper surface) of the liquid lens1050.

The second electrode1052may include at least one electrode.

In an example, the second electrode1052may include a plurality of second electrodes1052-1to1052-4. In an example, the second electrode1052may include 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes1052-1to1052-4. However, the number of second electrodes is not limited to four. In another embodiment, the number of second electrodes may be one or two or more.

The 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes1052-1to1052-4may be exposed to the second surface of the liquid lens1050. In an example, each of the 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes1052-1to1052-4may include a portion that is exposed to the second surface of the liquid lens1050. Here, the second surface of the liquid lens1050may be the surface opposite the first surface of the liquid lens1050.

The 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes1052-1to1052-4may be formed or disposed on four corners of the second surface (e.g. the lower surface) of the liquid lens1050, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the second electrode may be disposed on the side of the second surface of the liquid lens.

In an example, any one of the 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes1051-1to1051-4(e.g. the 2-1stelectrode52-1) may be a common electrode, for example, a common negative (−) electrode, with respect to the 1-1stto 1-4thelectrodes1051-1to1051-4for controlling the liquid lens. In an example, a ground voltage may be provided to the common electrode (e.g.1052-1), but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an example, the 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes1051-1to1051-4may form one and the same common electrode (e.g. the first electrode), but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, another one of the 2-1stto 2-4thelectrodes1051-1to1051-4may be an individual electrode, an individual terminal, or a second common electrode, which is independent of the common electrode. In an example, the common electrode and the second common electrode may be electrically and physically separated or isolated from each other, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the common electrode and the second common electrode may be connected to each other or may be integrally formed with each other.

In an embodiment, epoxy may be applied through separation spaces between the liquid lens1050and the solid lenses of the second and third lens units1112and1113, and active alignment of the liquid lens1050may be performed.

In another embodiment, the functions or roles of the first electrode1051and the second electrode1052of the liquid lens50may be inverted. That is, for example, the second electrodes may be individual terminals that play the role of the above-described first electrodes.

The first electrode1051and the second electrode1052may be formed of a conductive material, for example, a conductive metal, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The holder1080accommodates or supports the liquid lens1050and the terminal units1040,1060, and1070.

The holder1080nay have a hole1081A formed therein to accommodate the liquid lens1050. In an example, the hole1081A may be formed through the holder1080in the optical-axis direction. The liquid lens1050may be disposed or seated in the hole1081A in the holder1080.

The holder1080may have a shape that enables the same to be mounted on the first barrel portion1110A of the lens barrel1110.

The terminal units1040,1060, and1070may be disposed on the holder1080.

The terminal units1040,1060, and1070may be conductively connected to the liquid lens1050, and may be conductively connected to the conductive member1090.

In an example, the terminal units1040,1060, and1070may conductively connect the electrodes1051and1052of the liquid lens1050to conductive portions1091-1to1091-5of the conductive member1090using conductive adhesive members68A and68B.

For example, the conductive adhesive member may be solder or a conductive adhesive (e.g. conductive epoxy), or may include at least one of solder or a conductive adhesive (e.g. conductive epoxy).

The terminal units1040,1060, and1070may include a first terminal unit1040, which is disposed on the holder1080, and second terminal units1060and1070, which connect the electrodes1051and1052of the liquid lens1050to the first terminal unit1040.

The first terminal unit1040may include a 1-1stterminal unit, which is connected to the first electrode1051of the liquid lens1050, and a 1-2ndterminal unit, which is connected to the second electrode1052of the liquid lens1050.

FIG.7Aillustrates an embodiment of the 1-1stterminal unit.

Referring toFIG.7A, the 1-1stterminal unit may be disposed on the upper portion, the upper end, or the upper surface of the holder1080, and may extend from the upper portion, the upper end, or the upper surface of the holder1080toward the conductive portion of the conductive member1090.

The 1-1stterminal unit may include at least one 1-1stterminal. In an example, the 1-1stterminal unit may include a plurality of 1-1stterminals1004A to1004F.

In an example, the 1-1stterminal unit may include a first portion1053a, which is disposed on the upper portion, the upper end, or the upper surface of the holder1080, a second portion1053b, which is connected or coupled to the conductive portions1091-1to1091-4of the conductive member1090, and a third portion1053c, which interconnects the first portion1053aand the second portion.

The second portion1053bof the 1-1stterminal unit may project from the side surfaces1080A and1080B of the holder1080, and may be coupled to the conductive portions1091-1to1091-4by means of the conductive adhesive1068B.

The first portion1053aof the 1-1stterminal unit may be disposed on the upper surface1008aof the holder1080, the third portion1053cthereof may be disposed on the side surfaces1080A and1080B of the holder1080, one end of the third portion1053cmay be connected to one end of the first portion1053a, and the other end of the third portion1053cmay be connected to one end of the second portion1053b.

The 1-1stterminal unit may include a first bent portion1053d, and the first bent portion1053dmay connect one end of the first portion1053ato one end of the third portion1053c, and may be bent from the upper surface1008aof the holder1080toward the side surfaces1080A and1080B of the holder1080.

The 1-1stterminal unit may further include a second bent portion1053e. The second bent portion1053emay connect the other end of the third portion1053cto one end of the second portion1053b, and may be bent from the side surfaces1080A and1080B of the holder1080in the outward direction of the holder1080.

In an example, the third portion1053cmay form a right angle with the first portion1053aand the second portion1053b, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an example, at least one (e.g.1004A to1004D) of the 1-1stterminals1004A to1004F may include at least one of the first to third portions1053ato1053cand the first and second bent portions53dand53e.

The 1-1stterminals1004A to1004F may be disposed on two side surfaces1080A and1080B of the holder1080, which are located opposite each other. In an example, four 1-1stterminals1004A,1004D,1004E, and1004F may be disposed on four corners of the upper portion of the holder1080, and two 1-1stterminals1004B and1004C may be disposed between two 1-1stterminals1004A and1004D disposed on two corners of the holder1080.

For example, the shape of the first portion1053amay be a shape that is bent once, for example, a “¬” shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

At least one of the 1-1stterminals1004A to1004F may include at least one extension portion1053-1, which is bent and extends from the first portion1053a. Although the 1-1stterminal unit is illustrated inFIG.24Aas including one extension portion1053-1, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, two or more extension portions may be provided.

The at least one extension portion1053-1may be located in the holder1080, and may be enveloped by the holder1080. In an example, the extension portion1053-1may not be exposed outside the holder1080, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, at least part of the extension portion1053-1may be exposed outside the holder1080.

The first portion1053amay have a recess1053A formed in one side surface thereof which is adjacent to the extension portion1053-1, in order to facilitate bending of the extension portion1053-1. In an example, the recess1053A may be formed adjacent to each of both sides of the extension portion1053-1.

The upper surface of the first portion1053aof the 1-1stterminal unit may be exposed from the upper surface of the holder1080, the third portion1053cand the first and second bent portions1053dand1053emay be exposed from the first and second side surfaces1080A and1080B of the holder1080, and the second portion1053bmay project from the first side surface1080A or the second side surface1080B of the holder1080.

The second portion1053bof the 1-1stterminal unit may have a recess1053B or a hole formed therein.

The recess1053B may be formed in the side surface of the second portion1053bof the 1-1stterminal unit. The recess1053B in the second portion1053bmay be a region in which the conductive adhesive member1068B is disposed or applied in order to be coupled to the conductive member1090.

The recess1053B may take a form depressed into the side surface of the second portion1053b. In an example, the shape of the recess1053B viewed from above may be a semicircular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape, such as a triangular shape, a quadrangular shape, or a cross shape.

In another embodiment, in place of the recess1053B, a through-hole may be formed in the second portion1053bof the 1-1stterminal unit.

FIG.24Billustrates an embodiment of the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G.

Referring toFIG.24B, the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G may include a first portion1054a(or a first coupling portion), which is exposed downwards from the holder1080, a second portion1054b(or a second coupling portion), which projects from the side surface1080B of the holder1080, and a third portion1054c, which interconnects the first portion1054aand the second portion1054b.

In an example, the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G may include a first portion1054a, which is connected or coupled to the third terminal unit1070, a second portion1054b, which is connected or coupled to the conductive portion92-5of the conductive member1090, and a third portion1054c, which interconnects the first portion1054aand the second portion1054b.

In addition, in an example, the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G may include a first bent portion1054d, and the first bent portion1054dmay connect one end of the first portion1053ato one end of the third portion1053c, and may be bent from one end of the first portion1054atoward the upper surface1008aof the holder1080.

The 1-2ndterminal unit1004G may further include a second bent portion1054e. The second bent portion1054emay connect the other end of the third portion1054cto one end of the second portion1054b, and may be bent from the side surface1080B of the holder1080in the outward direction of the holder1080.

The 1-2ndterminal unit1004G may include an extension portion1054b1, which is connected to one end of the third portion1054cand projects or extends from the side surface of the holder1080. In an example, the length by which the extension portion1054b1extends may be shorter than the length by which the second portion1054bprojects or extends from the side surface1080B of the holder1080.

The first portion1054aof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G may be disposed below the upper surface1008aof the holder1080. The second portion1054bmay project from the side surface1080B of the holder1080. At least part of the third portion1054cmay be disposed on the upper surface1008aand the side surface1080B of the holder1080.

The holder1080may have a hole1025B formed therein to expose at least a portion of the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G downwards from the holder1080.

In an example, the holder1080may have therein a hole1025B formed between the opening81A and the side surface1080B of the holder1080.

The hole1025B may be formed through the holder1080in the optical-axis direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the holder may have a recess depressed into the lower surface thereof to expose the lower surface of the first portion1054aof the 2-1stterminal1004G.

The second portion1054bof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G may have a recess1054B or a hole formed therein.

The recess1054B may be formed in the side surface of the second portion1054bof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G. The recess1054B in the second portion1054bmay be a region in which the conductive adhesive member1068B is disposed or applied in order to be coupled to the conductive member1090.

The recess1054B may take a form depressed into the side surface of the second portion1054bof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G. In an example, the shape of the recess1054B viewed from above may be a semicircular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape, such as a triangular shape, a quadrangular shape, or a cross shape.

In another embodiment, in place of the recess1054B, a through-hole may be formed in the second portion1054bof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G.

In an example, the first portion1054aof the 2-1stterminal1004G may be located at a lower position than the first portion1053aof each of the 1-1stterminals1004A to1004F of the 1-1stterminal unit, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the former may be disposed at the same height as the latter.

The third portion1054cof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G may include a first region1003A, which is connected to the first portion1054aand extends in the upward direction, a second region1003B, which is connected to the second portion1054band extends in the upward direction, and a third region1003C, which interconnects the first region1003A and the second region1003B.

In an example, the first region1003A may be disposed in the hole1025B, the second region4B may be disposed on the side surface1080B of the holder1080, and the third region1003C may be disposed on the upper surface1008aof the holder1080, which is adjacent to the side surface1080B of the holder1080.

In an example, the first region1003A and the second region1003B may have a linear shape, and the third region1003C may have a curved or bent shape that is convex upwards, for example, a, “η∩” shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the third region may have a linear shape.

In an example, the portion of the first region1003A that is connected to the first portion1054amay have a bent or curved shape, and the portion of the second region1003B that is connected to the second portion1054bmay have a bent or curved shape.

In an example, at least part of the first portion1054aof the 1-2ndterminal unit may overlap a portion of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070in the optical-axis direction.

In an example, the 1-2ndterminal unit may be disposed on the side surface1080B of the holder1080, and may be disposed between two 1-1stterminals1004E and1004F.

The first terminal unit1040may have a structure in which a separate terminal or conductor is coupled or bonded to the holder1080, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first terminal unit1040and the holder1080may be integrally formed with each other through insert injection molding.

The second terminal units1060and1070may include at least one terminal connecting the first terminal unit1040to the conductive member1090.

In an example, the second terminal units1060and1070may include a 2-1stterminal unit1060, which connects the 1-1stterminal unit to the conductive portions1090-1to1090-4, and a 2-2ndterminal unit1070, which connects the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G to the conductive portion1090-5.

In an example, the 2-1stterminal unit1060may include a plurality of 2-1stterminals1061to1066, which are spaced apart from each other. In an example, the 2-1stterminal unit1060may include six terminals1061to1066spaced apart from each other.

The 2-2ndterminal unit1070may include at least one 2-2ndterminal. In an example, the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may include one 2-2ndterminal, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the 2-2ndterminal unit may include two or more 2-2ndterminals.

At least a portion of the second terminal units1060and1070may be disposed on the first terminal units1004A to1004G.

At least a portion of the 2-1stterminal unit1060may be disposed on the 1-1stterminal units1004A to1004F. In an example, at least a portion of the 2-1stterminal unit1060may be disposed on the first portions1053aof the 1-1stterminal units1004A to1004F. In an example, at least a portion of the 2-1stterminal unit1060and the first portions1053aof the 1-1stterminal units1004A to1004F may overlap each other in the optical-axis direction.

A conductive adhesive member1068A may be disposed between at least a portion of the 2-1stterminal unit1060and the first portion1053aof each of the 1-1stterminal units1004A to1004F to directly couple and conductively connect the two components to each other.

At least a portion of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may be disposed below the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G. In an example, at least a portion of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may be disposed below the first portion1054aof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G. In an example, at least a portion of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may overlap the first portion1054aof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G in the optical-axis direction.

A conductive adhesive member1068B may be disposed between at least a portion of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070and the first portion1054aof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G to directly couple and conductively connect the two components to each other.

In an example, each of the 2-1stterminals1061to1066may be coupled to a corresponding one of the first electrodes1051-1to1051-4,1051-6, and1051-10of the liquid lens1050.

In an example, the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may be coupled to any one of the second electrodes1052-1to1052-4.

Referring toFIG.25A, the 2-1stterminal unit1060may include a first portion1060-1coupled to the first electrode1051, a second portion1060-2coupled to the first portion1053aof the first terminal unit1040disposed on the holder1080, and a third portion1060-3interconnecting the first portion1060-1and the second portion1060-2.

The first portion1060-1may be conductively connected to the first electrode1051. In an example, the first portion1060-1may be directly coupled or connected to the first electrode1051by means of a conductive adhesive1068-1(refer toFIG.33A), such as conductive epoxy or Ag epoxy.

The third portion1060-3may alternatively be referred to as a “connection portion”. AlthoughFIG.25Aillustrates only the first portion1060-1, the second portion1060-2, and the third portion1060-3of the 2-1stterminal61of the 2-1stterminal unit1060, the description of the first to third portions60-1,60-2, and60-3of the first terminal1061may also apply to the other terminals1062to1066of the 2-1stterminal unit1060.

In addition, in an example, the second portion1060-2of the 2-1stterminal unit1060may include a portion projecting from the side surfaces1080A and1080B of the holder1080.

In an example, the 2-1stterminal unit1060may include a protruding portion121A (refer toFIG.28), which extends from one side surface (or side wall) of the second portion1060-2and projects from the side surfaces1080A and1080B of the holder1080.

The first portion1060-1of the 2-1stterminal unit1060may overlap the first portions1053aof the 1-1stterminals1004A to1004F of the 1-1stterminal unit in the direction of the optical axis OA.

Referring toFIG.28, one end of the third portion1060-3may be connected or coupled to part of the first portion1060-1.

In an example, one end of the third portion1060-3may be connected or coupled to any one corner or any one edge of the first portion1060-1.

In an example, one end of the third portion1060-3may be connected or coupled to any one of the corners (or the edges) of the first portion1060-1that are adjacent to or face the third portion1060-3(or the second portion1060-2).

Although one end of the third portion1060-3is illustrated inFIG.28as being connected or coupled to the right corner of the first portion1060-1when viewed in the direction from the third portion (or the second portion) toward the first portion1060-1, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, one end of the third portion1060-3may be connected or coupled to the left corner (or the left edge) of the first portion1060-1.

In still another embodiment, one end of the third portion1060-3may be connected or coupled to any one outer surface or any one outer side of the first portion1060-1that is adjacent to or faces the third portion1060-3(or the second portion1060-2), and may be spaced apart from the corners of the first portion1060-1.

In an example, the other end of the third portion1060-3may be connected or coupled to part of the second portion1060-2.

In an example, referring toFIG.28, one end of the third portion1060-3and the other end of the third portion1060-3may be located opposite each other with respect to a reference line1402. The reference line1402may be a straight line that passes through the center1401of the first portion1060-1and is parallel to the direction from the first portion1060-1toward the second portion1060-2or to the lengthwise direction of the first portion1060-1.

The width DW1 of the third portion1060-3of the 2-1stterminal unit1060is less than the length DL1 of the third portion1060-3of the 2-1stterminal unit1060(DW1<DL1). In this case, the length DL1 of the third portion1060-3may be the length in the direction in which the third portion1060-3extends from one end of the third portion1060-3, which is connected to the first portion1060-1, to the other end of the third portion1060-3, which is connected to the second portion1060-2. In addition, the width DW1 of the third portion1060-3may be the length of the third portion1060-3in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the third portion1060-3extends.

The third portion1060-3may include at least one curved portion or bent portion.

The third portion1060-3may take the form of a leg, and may have the shape of a line that is bent or curved at least once.

The width DW1 of the third portion1060-3may be smaller than the width of the first portion1060-1.

In an example, the width of the first portion1060-1may be the length DL11 of the first portion1060-1in the lengthwise direction or the length DL12 of the first portion1060-1in the crosswise direction.

Alternatively, in another example, the width of the first portion1060-1may be the diameter (e.g. the minimum diameter) of the first portion1060-1.

In this case, the diameter of the first portion1060-1may be the length of a straight line that passes through two opposite points on the outer circumferential surface of the first portion1060-1and the center of the first portion1060-1. Alternatively, in another example, the diameter of the first portion1060-1may be the length DL11 of the first portion1060-1in the lengthwise direction or the length DL12 thereof in the crosswise direction. In an example, the minimum diameter may be the smallest diameter, among the diameters of the first portion1060-1.

In an example, the width DW1 of the third portion1060-3may be less than the length DL11 (or the minimum length) of the first portion1060-1in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction) (DW1<DL11).

In an example, the width DW1 of the third portion1060-3may be less than the length DL12 (or the minimum length) of the first portion1060-1in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction) (DW1<DL12).

In an example, the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the third portion1060-3may be smaller than the area of the upper surface or the lower surface of the first portion1060-1.

In addition, the width DW1 of the third portion1060-3may be smaller than the width of the second portion1060-2.

For example, the width of the second portion1060-2may be the length DL2 of the second portion1060-2in the lengthwise direction or the length DL3 of the second portion1060-2in the crosswise direction.

Alternatively, in another example, the width of the second portion1060-2may be the diameter (e.g. the minimum diameter) of the second portion1060-2. In this case, the diameter of the second portion1060-2may be the length of a straight line that passes through two opposite points on the outer circumferential surface of the second portion1060-2and the center of the second portion1060-2. In an example, the minimum diameter may be the smallest diameter, among the diameters of the second portion1060-2.

In an example, the width DW1 of the third portion1060-3may be less than the length DL2 (or the minimum length) of the second portion1060-2in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction) (DW1<DL2).

In an example, the width DW1 of the third portion1060-3may be less than the length DL3 (or the minimum length) of the second portion1060-2in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction) (DW1<DL3).

In an example, the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the third portion1060-3may be smaller than the area of the upper surface or the lower surface of the second portion1060-2.

The first portion1060-1of the 2-1stterminal unit1060may include a 1-1stportion, which overlaps the first electrode1051of the liquid lens1050in the optical-axis direction, and a 1-2ndportion, which does not overlap the first electrode1051in the optical-axis direction. In this case, the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the 1-2ndportion may be smaller than the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the 1-1stportion. In another embodiment, the first portion of the 2-1stterminal unit1060may not include the 1-2ndportion.

In an example, the width DW1 of the third portion1060-3may be smaller than the width of the 1-1stportion of the 2-1stterminal unit1060. In addition, in an example, the width DW1 of the third portion1060-3may be less than the length (or the minimum length) of the 1-1stportion in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction). In addition, in an example, the width DW1 of the third portion1060-3may be less than the length (or the minimum length) of the 1-1stportion in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction).

Since the width DW1 of the third portion1060-3of the 2-1stterminal unit1060is less than the width of the first portion1060-1, the length DL11 of the first portion1060-1in the first horizontal direction, and the length DL12 of the first portion1060-1in the second horizontal direction, it is possible to reduce the stiffness of the 2-1stterminal unit1060, thereby preventing electrical reliability from being deteriorated by thermal expansion or contraction of the conductive adhesive member1068(e.g. Ag epoxy).

Referring toFIG.26B, the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may include a first portion1070-1coupled to the second electrode1052, a second portion1070-2disposed on the holder1080, and a third portion1070-3interconnecting the first portion1070-1and the second portion1070-2. The third portion1070-3may alternatively be referred to as a “connection portion”.

The first portion1070-1of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may be conductively connected to the second electrode1052.

In an example, the first portion1070-1may be coupled to the second electrode1052by means of a conductive adhesive. The conductive adhesive may be, for example, conductive epoxy or Ag epoxy, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The first portion1070-1may have a hole (not shown) formed therein. The hole may be a through-hole formed through the first portion1070-1, and may expose a portion of the second electrode1052. The contact area between the conductive adhesive, the first portion1070-1, and the second electrode1052may be increased by the hole, whereby bonding strength may be increased and electrical reliability may be improved.

The shape of the hole viewed from above may be any of various shapes such as, for example, a polygonal shape, a circular shape, and a T-shape. Although not shown inFIG.25A, a through-hole or a recess may also be formed in the first portion1060-1of the 2-1stterminal unit1060.

AlthoughFIG.26Billustrates the case in which one 2-2ndterminal unit1070has the first portion1070-1, the second portion1070-2, and the third portion1070-3, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In the case in which the 2-2ndterminal unit1070includes a plurality of 2-2ndterminals, the description of the first to third portions1070-1,1070-2, and1070-3of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may also apply to each of the plurality of 2-2ndterminals.

In addition, the second portion1070-2of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may include a region70D, which protrudes from the side surface (e.g.80B) of the holder1080.

The first portion1070-1of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may overlap the second electrode1052of the liquid lens1050in the direction of the optical axis OA. In an example, the first portion1070-1of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may overlap the 2-1stelectrode52-1of the liquid lens1050in the direction of the optical axis OA.

The second portion1070-2of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may include a region (e.g.1070B, refer toFIG.29) that overlaps the first portion1054aof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G in the optical-axis direction.

The lower surface of the first portion1054aof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G, which is exposed from the holder1080, and one region of the second portion1070-2of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may be coupled or conductively connected to each other via a conductive adhesive (e.g. conductive epoxy or Ag epoxy).

The description made with reference toFIG.28may also apply to the 2-1stterminals1061to1066inFIG.27.

Referring toFIG.29, the width DW2 of the third portion1070-3of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070is less than the length DL4 of the third portion1070-3of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070(DW2<DL4). In this case, the length DL4 of the third portion1070-3may be the length in the direction in which the third portion1070-3extends from one end of the third portion1070-3, which is connected to the first portion1070-1, to the other end of the third portion1070-3, which is connected to the second portion1070-2. In addition, the width DW2 of the third portion1070-3may be the length of the third portion1070-3in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the third portion1070-3extends.

The third portion1070-3may include at least one curved portion or bent portion.

The third portion1070-3may take the form of a leg, and may have the shape of a line that is bent or curved at least once.

The width DW2 of the third portion1070-3may be smaller than the width of the first portion1070-1. The width of the first portion1070-1may be the length of the first portion1070-1in the crosswise direction or the lengthwise direction.

In an example, the width DW2 of the third portion1070-3may be less than the length DL21 (or the minimum length) of the first portion1070-1in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction) (DW1<DL21).

In an example, the width DW2 of the third portion1070-3may be less than the length DL22 (or the minimum length) of the first portion1070-1in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction) (DW1<DL22).

In an example, the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the third portion1070-3may be smaller than the area of the upper surface or the lower surface of the first portion1070-1.

In addition, the width DW2 of the third portion1070-3may be smaller than the width of the second portion1070-2.

The width of the second portion1070-2may be the length of the second portion1070-2in the crosswise direction or the lengthwise direction.

In an example, the width DW2 of the third portion1070-3may be less than the length DL5 (or the minimum length) of the second portion1070-2in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction) (DW2<DL5).

In an example, the width DW2 of the third portion1070-3may be less than the length DL6 (or the minimum length) of the second portion1070-2in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction) (DW2<DL6).

In an example, the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the third portion1070-3may be smaller than the area of the upper surface or the lower surface of the second portion1070-2.

The first portion1070-1of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may include a 1-3rdportion, which overlaps the second electrode1052of the liquid lens1050in the optical-axis direction, and a 1-4thportion, which does not overlap the second electrode1052in the optical-axis direction. In this case, the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the 1-4thportion may be smaller than the area of the upper surface (or the lower surface) of the 1-3rdportion. In another embodiment, the first portion of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may not include the 1-4thportion.

In an example, the width DW2 of the third portion1070-3may be smaller than the width of the 1-3rdportion of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070. In addition, in an example, the width DW2 of the third portion1070-3may be less than the length (or the minimum length) of the 1-3rdportion in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction). In addition, in an example, the width DW2 of the third portion1070-3may be less than the length (or the minimum length) of the 1-3rdportion in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction).

Since the width DW2 of the third portion1070-3of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070is less than the width of the first portion1070-1, the length DL21 of the first portion1070-1in the first horizontal direction, and the length DL22 of the first portion1070-1in the second horizontal direction, it is possible to reduce the stiffness of the terminal unit1070, thereby preventing electrical reliability from being deteriorated by thermal expansion or contraction of the conductive adhesive member1068(e.g. Ag epoxy).

In the terminal units1040,1060, and1070, the term “terminal unit” may alternatively be referred to as a “lead unit”, a “connection terminal unit”, an “electrode unit”, or a “conductive unit”.

The first terminal unit1040may protrude from the side surfaces1080A and1080B of the holder1080.

In an example, one end53bof each of the 1-1stto 1-4thterminals1004A to1004D may protrude from the first side surface1080A of the holder1080. In an example, one end of each of the 1-5thand 1-6thterminals1004E and1004F, one end of the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G, and one end of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may protrude from the second side surface1080B of the holder1080. In an example, the first side surface1080A and the second side surface1080B of the holder1080may be outer surfaces located opposite each other.

In an example, the length by which one end of each of the 1-5thand 1-6thterminals1004E and1004F protrudes may be shorter than the length by which one end53bof each of the 1-1stto 1-4thterminals1004A to1004D protrudes.

In addition, in an example, the length by which one end of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070protrudes may be shorter than the length by which one end53bof each of the 1-1stto 1-4thterminals1004A to1004D protrudes.

The terminal units1040,1060, and1070may be spaced apart from the conductive member1090, and the terminal units1040,1060, and1070and the conductive member1090may be directly and conductively connected to each other by means of the conductive adhesive member1068B.

One end of the 2-1stterminal unit1060, for example the first portion1060-1, may be coupled to the first electrode1051of the lens1050by means of the conductive adhesive member.

In addition, the other end of the 2-1stterminal unit1060, for example the second portion1060-2, may be coupled to the first portion1053aof the 1-1stterminal unit1040by means of the conductive adhesive member1068A (refer toFIG.25B).

In addition, the second portions1053bof the 1-1stterminals1004A to1004D of the 1-1stterminal unit may be coupled to the conductive portions1091-1to1091-4of the conductive member1090by means of the conductive adhesive member1068B.

In addition, one end of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070, for example the first portion1070-1, may be coupled to the second electrode1052of the liquid lens1050by means of the conductive adhesive member.

In addition, the other end of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070, for example the second portion1070-2, may be coupled to the first portion1054aof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G by means of the conductive adhesive member1068A.

In addition, the second portion1054bof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G may be coupled to the conductive portion (e.g.91-5) of the conductive member1090by means of the conductive adhesive member1068B.

The second portions1053band1054bof the first terminal unit1040may be spaced apart from the conductive member1090, and may overlap the conductive member1090in the vertical direction or the optical-axis direction. The conductive adhesive member1068B may be disposed between the second portions1053band1054bof the first terminal unit1040and the conductive member1090. The vertical direction may be parallel to the optical-axis direction.

The 1-1stterminal unit may include at least one terminal disposed on a first side of the holder1080, and may include at least one terminal disposed on a second side of the holder1080.

In an example, the four 1-1stterminals1004A to1004D of the 1-1stterminal unit may be disposed on the first side of the holder1080, and the two 1-1stterminals1004E and1004F and the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G may be disposed on the second side of the holder1080, opposite the first side thereof. Here, the first side of the holder1080may be a region on the holder1080that is adjacent to the first side surface1080A of the holder1080, and the second side of the holder1080may be another region on the holder1080that is adjacent to the second side surface1080B of the holder1080.

The conductive member1090may include a plurality of conductive portions1091-1to1091-5.

In an example, the conductive member1090may include conductive portions1091-1to1091-4corresponding to the 1-1stterminals1004A to1004D of the 1-1stterminal unit and a conductive portion1091-5corresponding to the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G.

Each of the conductive portions1091-1to1091-5may be coupled and conductively connected to a corresponding one of the 1-1stterminals1004A to1004D and the 1-2ndterminal1004G by means of the conductive adhesive member1068B.

Referring toFIG.27, in an example, each of the plurality of 2-1stterminals1061to1066of the 2-1stterminal unit1060may include a respective one of first portions1002A1to1002F1connected or coupled to the first electrode1051, a respective one of second portions1002A2to1002F2, each coupled to a corresponding one of the 1-1stterminal units, and a respective one of third portions1002A3to1002F3interconnecting the first portions1002A1to1002F1and the second portions1002A2to1002F2.

At least one of the second portions1002A2to1002F2of the 2-1stterminals1061to1066may have at least one hole (or recess)1037formed therein.

In an example, the hole (or the recess)1037may be formed through the second portions1002A2to1002F2, and the shape of the hole1037viewed from above may be a cross shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the shape of the hole may be a semicircular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape.

For example, the hole1037may be formed in the shape of a cross having different widths in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

In an example, the cross-shaped hole1037may include four extension portions extending in four directions. In the cross-shaped hole1037, the width W32 (refer toFIG.20A) of the extension portions extending in the horizontal direction and the width DW31 (refer toFIG.30A) of the extension portions extending in the vertical direction may be different from each other.

In an example, the width W31 (refer toFIG.30A) of the extension portions extending in the vertical direction may be larger than the width W32 of the extension portions extending in the horizontal direction (W31>W32). In another embodiment, the width of the extension portions extending in the vertical direction may be equal to or smaller than the width of the extension portions extending in the horizontal direction.

The conductive adhesive member1068A may be disposed or charged in the hole1037, and the contact area between the conductive adhesive member1068A, the 1-1stterminal unit, and the 2-1stterminal unit may be increased by the hole1037, whereby bonding strength may be increased and the reliability of conductive connection may be improved.

In addition, a portion of the hole (or the recess)1037may include at least one opening1037A that is open toward the side surfaces of the second portions1002A2to1002F2. In this case, the opening1037A may be open toward the second side surfaces of the second portions1002A2to1002F2, which are located opposite the first side surfaces of the second portions1002A2to1002F2that are connected to the third portions1002A3to1002F3. By virtue of the opening1037A, the conductive adhesive member1068A may be smoothly introduced into the gap between the 1-1stterminal unit and the 2-1stterminal unit, and thus the 1-1stterminal unit and the 2-1stterminal unit may be easily bonded to each other.

In addition, since the opening1037A is open toward the second side surfaces of the second portions1002A2to1002F2, it is possible to prevent the conductive adhesive member1068A from coming into contact with the second portions1002A2to1002F2of the 2-1stterminal unit1060. In addition, it is possible to prevent the conductive adhesive member1068A from flowing down into the bore in the holder1080or coming into contact with the liquid lens1050. As a result, it is possible to prevent the generation of foreign substances attributable to the conductive adhesive member and to prevent the liquid lens1050from being damaged or malfunctioning.

Furthermore, if the conductive adhesive member1068A comes into contact with the second portions1002A2to1002F2of the 2-1stterminal unit1060, it may not be possible to sufficiently reduce the stiffness of the above-described 2-1stterminal unit1060.

At least one of the second portions1002A2to1002F2of the 2-1stterminals1061to1066of the 2-1stterminal unit1060may include a portion14A extending toward a third side or a fourth side of the holder1080.

Referring toFIGS.26B and29, in an example, the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may include a first portion1070-1connected or coupled to the second electrode1052, a second portion1070-2disposed on the holder1080, and a third portion1070-3interconnecting the first portion1070-1and the second portion1070-2.

In an example, the second portion1070-2may be disposed on the lower surface of the holder1080.

In an example, the second portion1070-2may include a first region1070A, which is connected to the third portion1070-3, a second region1070B, which is disposed below the first portion1054aof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G and is coupled to the first portion1054aof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G by means of the conductive adhesive member1068A, and a third region1070C, which interconnects the first region1070A and the second region1070B.

At least one hole (or recess)1038may be formed in the second region1070B. In an example, the hole (or the recess)1038may be formed through the second portion1070-2, and the shape of the hole1038viewed from above may be a cross shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the shape of the hole may be a semicircular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape.

The conductive adhesive member1068A may be disposed or charged in the hole1038, and the contact area between the conductive adhesive member1068A, the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G, and the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may be increased by the hole1038, whereby bonding strength may be increased and the reliability of conductive connection may be improved.

In addition, a portion of the hole1038may include at least one opening1038A that is open toward the side surface of the second portion1070-2. In this case, the opening1038A may be open toward the second side surface of the second portion1070-2, which is located opposite the first side surface of the second portion1070-2that is connected to the third portion1070-3. By virtue of the opening1038A, the conductive adhesive member1068A may be smoothly introduced into the gap between the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G and the 2-2ndterminal unit1070, and thus the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G and the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may be easily bonded to each other.

In addition, since the opening1038A is open toward the second side surface of the second portion1070-2, it is possible to prevent the conductive adhesive member1068A from coming into contact with the second portion1070-2of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070. In addition, it is possible to prevent the conductive adhesive member1068A from flowing down into the bore in the holder1080or coming into contact with the liquid lens1050. As a result, it is possible to prevent the generation of foreign substances attributable to the conductive adhesive member and to prevent the liquid lens1050from being damaged or malfunctioning.

At least part of the first portion1070-1of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may overlap a corresponding one (e.g.1052-1) of the second electrodes1052-1to1052-4of the liquid lens1050in the optical-axis direction.

In an example, at least one recess1016A1may be formed in the third region1070C of the second portion1070-2. In an example, the length of the third region1070C of the second portion1070-2, in which the recess1016A1is formed, in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction) may shorter than the length of the first region1070A in the second horizontal direction (or the crosswise direction) and/or the length of the second region1070B in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction).

The second portion1070-2of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may further include a fourth region1070D, which is connected to the third region1070C and protrudes or extends from the side surface1080B of the holder1080.

In addition, the second portion1070-2of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may include a fifth region1070E, which is connected to the second region1070B and extends toward a region on the lower surface of the holder1080, which is located on one side of the second region1070B.

The second portion1070-2of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may be coupled, fixed, or attached to the lower surface1008bof the holder1080by means of an adhesive. The fifth region70E may have a hole1036formed therein. The hole1036may have a shape similar to the hole1038. The description of the hole1038may also apply to the hole1036. The hole1036may increase the contact area between the adhesive, the second portion1070-2of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070, and the lower surface1008bof the holder1080, thereby increasing the bonding strength between the holder1080and the 2-2ndterminal unit1070.

The length (or the minimum length) DL5 of each of the first region1070A and the second region1070B of the second portion1070-2in the first horizontal direction (or the lengthwise direction) may be longer than the length of the third region1070C in the first horizontal direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the former may be equal to the latter.

In still another embodiment, at least part of the second portion1070-2of the 2-2ndterminal unit1070may include a curved portion or a bent portion.

The holder1080may have an adhesive injection recess1081formed therein to receive an adhesive injected thereinto. The adhesive injection recess1081may be formed in the lower surface1008bof the holder1080. In another embodiment, the adhesive injection recess may be formed in the upper surface of the holder1080.

The second lens unit1112may be disposed above the first lens unit1130, and may be a region into which light is introduced from outside the lens assembly1120. That is, the second lens unit1112may be disposed above the first lens unit1130in the lens barrel1110.

The second lens unit1112may be implemented using a single lens, or may be implemented using two or more lenses. In an example, the two or more lenses of the second lens unit110may be aligned along a center axis to form an optical system.

Here, the center axis may be an optical axis OA of the optical system, which is formed by at least one of the second lens unit1112, the first lens unit1130, or the third lens unit1113included in the camera module1100, or may be an axis parallel to the optical axis OA.

The optical axis OA may correspond to the center axis of the effective image area (or the active area) of the image sensor1160. That is, the second lens unit1112, the first lens unit1130, the third lens unit1113, and the image sensor1160may be disposed so as to be aligned along the optical axis OA through active alignment (AA).

Here, “active alignment” may mean an operation of aligning the optical axes of the first to third lens units1111,1112, and1130with each other and adjusting an axis or distance relationship between the image sensor1160and the lens units1111,1112, and1130in order to acquire an improved image.

In addition, each of the lenses included in the second lens unit1112may gradually increase in outer diameter in the downward direction (e.g. the −z-axis direction), but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

An exposure lens (not shown) may be provided in front of or on the front surface of the second lens unit1112. In this case, the exposure lens may protrude so as to be exposed outside the lens barrel1110. In order to protect the surface of the exposure lens, a cover glass or a coating layer may be provided in front of the exposure lens.

The third lens unit1113may be disposed below the first lens unit1130in the lens barrel1110. The third lens unit1113may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from the second lens unit1112in the optical-axis direction (e.g. the z-axis direction).

The light introduced into the second lens unit1112from outside the camera module1100may be introduced into the third lens unit1113through the first lens unit1130. The third lens unit1113may be implemented using a single lens, or may be implemented using two or more lenses that are aligned along the center axis to form an optical system.

Unlike the first lens unit1130, each of the second lens unit1112and the third lens unit1113may be a solid lens, and may be made of glass or plastic. However, the embodiments are not limited to any specific material of each of the second lens unit1112and the third lens unit1113.

FIG.30Aillustrates a second terminal unit1330-1according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.30A, the second terminal unit1330-1may include a first portion1020A coupled to the electrode1051or1052of the liquid lens1050, a second portion1020B coupled to the first terminal unit1040, and a third portion1020C interconnecting the first portion1020A and the second portion1020B.

The second portion1020B may be disposed on the holder1080.

The shape of the first portion1020A of the second terminal unit1330-1viewed from above may be a polygonal shape (e.g. a quadrangular shape, a rectangular shape, or a square shape), but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The shape of the first portion1020A of the second terminal unit1330-1viewed from above inFIG.20Amay be a quadrangular shape (e.g. a rectangular shape) having curved or rounded corners. In still another embodiment, the shape of the first portion1020A of the terminal unit viewed from above may be an elliptical or circular shape.

InFIGS.27and29, the widths DW1 and DW2 of the third portions1060-3and1070-3of the second terminal units1060and1070may be constant from one ends of the third portions1060-3and1070-3to the other ends of the third portions1060-3and1070-3, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

As shown inFIG.30A, the width of part of the third portion1020C of the second terminal unit1330-1may be different from the width of another part of the third portion1020C of the second terminal unit1330-1.

In an example, the width DW11 of one end of the third portion1020C, which is connected to the first portion1020A, may be smaller than the width DW12 of the other end of the third portion1020C, which is connected to the second portion1020B. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the width of one end of the third portion1020C, which is connected to the first portion1020A, may be larger than the width of the other end of the third portion1020C, which is connected to the second portion1020B. The description of the second terminal unit inFIG.30Amay also apply to at least one of the 2-1stterminal unit1060or the 2-2ndterminal unit1070.

In addition, part of the third portion1020C may be disposed on the holder1080. In an example, one end of the third portion1020C, which is connected to the second portion1020B, and a region adjacent thereto may be disposed on the holder1080.

Referring toFIG.30A, one end of the third portion1020C may be connected or coupled to the outer surface or the outer side of the first portion1020A, which is adjacent to and faces the third portion1020C (or the second portion1020B), and may be spaced apart from a corner (or an edge) of the first portion1020A.

In addition, the other end of the third portion1020C may be spaced apart from the corners (or the edges)33A and33B of the second portion1020B that are adjacent to and face the first portion1020A.

In an example, when viewed from above, one end of the third portion1020C may overlap the reference line1402. In addition, when viewed from above, the other end of the third portion1020C, which is connected or coupled to the second portion1020B, may be located on one side of the reference line1402, and may not overlap the reference line1402. Here, one side of the reference line1402may be the left side or the right side of the reference line1402.

In another embodiment, one end of the third portion1020C may be connected or coupled to any one of the corners (or the edges) of the first portion1020A that are adjacent to and face the third portion1020C (or the second portion1020B).

In still another embodiment, the other end of the third portion1020C may be connected or coupled to any one of the corners (or the edges)1033A and1033B of the second portion1020B that are adjacent to and face the first portion1020A (or the second portion1020B).

FIG.30Billustrates a terminal unit330-2according to still another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.30B, the terminal unit330-2may include a first portion1021A1coupled to the electrode1051or1052of the liquid lens1050, a second portion1021B1disposed on the holder1080and coupled to the first terminal unit1040, and a third portion1021C1interconnecting the first portion1021A1and the second portion1021B1.

Referring toFIG.30B, with regard to the shape of the first portion1021A1viewed from above, reference may be made to the description of the shapes of the first portions1060-1,1070-1, and1020A shown inFIGS.27to29and30A.

The third portion1021C1may include at least one linear portion and at least one curved portion or bent portion.

In an example, the third portion1021C1may include a first region S1connected to the first portion1021A1, a second region S2connected to the second portion1021B1, and a third region S3interconnecting the first region S1and the second region S2.

Each of the first region S1and the second region S2may include a curved or bent portion. The second region may take the form of a straight line or an oblique line, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The third portion1021C1may be formed such that the width thereof gradually decreases and then increases in the direction from the first region S1toward the second region S2. In an example, the third portion1021C1may include a portion that gradually decreases and then increases in width in the direction from the first region S1toward the second region S2.

In an example, the third portion1021C1may include a 3-1stportion (e.g. S1), which gradually decreases in width in the direction from the first region S1toward the second region S2, and a 3-2ndportion (e.g. S2), which gradually increases in width in the direction from the first region S1toward the second region S2. In addition, the third portion1021C1may further include a 3-3rdportion (e.g. S3), which is formed between the 3-1stportion (e.g. S1) and the 3-2ndportion (e.g. S2) and has a constant width.

In an example, the width of the first region S1may be larger than the width of the third region S3, and the width of the second region S2may be larger than the width of the third region S3.

In addition, part of the third portion1021C1may be disposed on the holder1080. In an example, one end of the third portion21C, which is connected to the second portion1021B1, and a region adjacent thereto may be disposed on the holder1080.

One end of the third portion1021C1may be connected or coupled to any one of two corners (or edges) of the first portion1021A1that are adjacent to and face the third portion1021C1(or the second portion1021B1).

In another embodiment, one end of the third portion1021C1may be spaced apart from the two corners (or edges) of the first portion1021A1.

The other end of the third portion1021C1may be connected or coupled to part of the second portion1021B1.

The other end of the third portion1021C1may be connected or coupled to the side surface (or the side wall) of the second portion1020B that is adjacent to and faces the first portion1021A (or the second portion1021B).

In an example, the other end of the third portion1021C1may be spaced apart from the corners (or the edges)1033A and1033B of the second portion1020B that are adjacent to and face the first portion1021A (or the second portion1021B).

In another embodiment, the other end of the third portion1021C1may be connected or coupled to any one of the corners (or the edges)1033A and1033B of the second portion1020B.

In an example, one end of the third portion1021C1and the other end of the third portion1021C1may be located opposite each other with respect to the reference line1402. When viewed from above, one end of the third portion1021C1and the other end of the third portion1021C1may not overlap the reference line1402.

FIG.30Cillustrates a terminal unit1330-3according to still another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.30C, the terminal unit1330-3may include a first portion1023A2coupled to the electrode1051or1052of the liquid lens1050, a second portion1023B2disposed on the holder1080and coupled to the first terminal unit1040, and a third portion1023C2interconnecting the first portion1023A2and the second portion1023B2.

The first portion1023A2may include at least one curved, bent, or rounded portion. The third portion1023C2may include at least one curved, bent, or rounded portion.

The width DW13 of the first portion1023A2may be equal to the width DW14 of the third portion1023C2.

The first portion1023A2may include at least one linear portion1006A1and at least one bent portion1006A2. The at least one bent portion1006A2may be connected to one end of the third portion1023C2.

The at least one linear portion1006A1of the first portion1023A2may be parallel to the horizontal direction (e.g. the crosswise direction). Here, the horizontal direction may be a direction that is perpendicular to the direction from the first portion1023A2toward the second portion1023B2.

The third portion1023C2may include one or more linear portions1007A1and1007A2and one or more bent portions1007B1and1007B2.

The linear portions1007A1and1007A2of the third portion1023C2may be parallel to the horizontal direction (e.g. the crosswise direction). In an example, the third portion1023C2may include a plurality of linear portions1007A1and1007A2, which are spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of bent portions1007B1and1007B2, which are spaced apart from each other.

Each of the plurality of linear portions1007A1and1007A2may be parallel to the horizontal direction (e.g. the crosswise direction). One (e.g.1007A2) of the linear portions1007A1and1007A2may be connected to one end (e.g.1006A2) of the first portion1023A2.

In addition, the bent portion1007B1may connect one (e.g.1007A1) of the linear portions1007A1and1007A2to the second portion1023B2. In addition, the bent portion1007B2may interconnect the two adjacent linear portions1007A1and1007A2.

In another embodiment, one of the bent portions of the third portion may be connected to one end of the first portion. In still another embodiment, one of the linear portions of the third portion may be connected to the second portion.

The width of the linear portion and the width of the bent portion may be equal to each other. In another embodiment, the width of the bent portion may be larger than the width of the linear portion. In still another embodiment, the width of the bent portion may be smaller than the width of the linear portion.

FIG.30Dillustrates a terminal unit1330-4according to still another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.30D, the terminal unit1330-4may include a first portion1024A3coupled to the electrode1051or1052of the liquid lens1050, a second portion1024B3disposed on the holder1080and coupled to the first terminal unit1040, and a third portion1024C3interconnecting the first portion1024A3and the second portion1024B3.

The first portion1024A3may include at least one curved, bent, or rounded portion. The third portion1024C3may include at least one curved, bent, or rounded portion.

The width DW15 of the first portion1024A3may be equal to the width DW15 of the third portion1024C3.

The first portion1024A3may include one or more linear portions1077A1and1077A2and at least one bent portion1077B. The at least one bent portion1077B may be connected to one end (e.g.1004A1) of the third portion1024C3.

The one or more linear portions1077A1and1077A2of the first portion1024A3may be parallel to the vertical direction (e.g. the lengthwise direction). Here, the vertical direction may be a direction that is parallel to the direction from the first portion1024A3toward the second portion1024B3. For example, the vertical direction may be a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction inFIG.30C.

The third portion1024C3may include one or more linear portions1004A1,1004A2, and1004A3and one or more bent portions1004B1and1004B2.

The linear portions1004A1,1004A2, and1004A3of the third portion1024C3may be parallel to the vertical direction (e.g. the lengthwise direction). In an example, the third portion1024C3may include a plurality of linear portions1004A1,1004A2, and1004A3, which are spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of bent portions1004B1and1004B2, which are spaced apart from each other.

Each of the plurality of linear portions1004A1,1004A2, and1004A3may be parallel to the vertical direction.

In an example, one (e.g.1004A1) of the linear portions1004A1,1004A2, and1004A3may be connected to one end of the second portion23B3.

In an example, another one (e.g.1004A2) of the linear portions1004A1,1004A2, and1004A3may be connected to a corresponding one (e.g.1077A2) of the linear portions1077A1and1077A2of the first portion1024A3. In addition, in an example, still another one (e.g.1004A3) of the linear portions1004A1,1004A2, and1004A3may be connected to a corresponding one (e.g.10077A1) of the linear portions1077A1and1077A2of the first portion1024A3.

In addition, in an example, the bent portion4B1of the third portion1024C3may be connected to the bent portion1077B of the first portion1024A3. In addition, in an example, the bent portion1004B2of the third portion1024C3may interconnect the two adjacent linear portions1004A2and1004A3of the third portion1024C3.

The width of the linear portion of the first portion1024A3and the width of the bent portion thereof may be equal to each other. In another embodiment, the width of the bent portion of the first portion may be larger than the width of the linear portion thereof. In still another embodiment, the width of the bent portion of the first portion may be smaller than the width of the linear portion thereof.

In addition, the width of the linear portion of the third portion1024C3and the width of the bent portion thereof may be equal to each other. In another embodiment, the width of the bent portion of the third portion may be larger than the width of the linear portion thereof. In still another embodiment, the width of the bent portion of the third portion may be smaller than the width of the linear portion thereof.

The description of the holes1037and1038and the extension portion1014A inFIGS.27to29may apply to the embodiments shown inFIGS.30A to30D.

In general, a conductive adhesive member, for example Ag epoxy, may be used for conductive connection between a terminal unit and an electrode of a liquid lens. However, due to thermal expansion or contraction of the conductive adhesive member, the conductive connection between the terminal unit and the electrode of the liquid lens may be deteriorated, or may become defective. Thus, the reliability of the conductive connection between the two components may be reduced. In addition, due to thermal expansion or contraction of the conductive adhesive member (e.g. Ag epoxy), contact resistance between the conductive adhesive member and the terminal unit may vary, leading to deterioration in the reliability of the conductive connection between the two components.

According to the embodiments, since the third portions1060-2and1070-2of the second terminal units1060and1070, which are connected to the first portions1060-1and1070-1of the second terminal units1060and1070, take the form of a leg, it is possible to reduce the stiffness of the second terminal units, thereby preventing electrical reliability from being deteriorated by thermal expansion or contraction of the conductive adhesive member (e.g. Ag epoxy). To this end, according to the embodiments, the widths of the third portions1060-2and1070-2of the second terminal units1060and1070may be set to be less than the diameters of the first portions1060-1and1070-1of the second terminal units1060and1070.

In an example, in the second terminal units1060and1070, the thicknesses of the first portions1060-1and1070-1, the thicknesses of the second portions1060-2and1070-2, and the thicknesses of the third portions1060-3and1070-3may be equal to each other. In another embodiment, the thicknesses of the third portions1060-3and1070-3may be smaller than the thicknesses of the first portions1060-1and1070-1and the thicknesses of the second portions1060-2and1070-2. In still another embodiment, the thicknesses of the third portions1060-3and1070-3may be larger than the thicknesses of the first portions1060-1and1070-1and the thicknesses of the second portions1060-2and1070-2.

For example, the widths DW1 of the third portions1060-3and1070-3may be 1 to 3 times the thicknesses of the third portions1060-3and1070-3. For example, the widths DW1 of the third portions1060-3and1070-3may be 1.2 to 2 times the thicknesses of the third portions1060-3and1070-3. For example, the widths DW1 of the third portions1060-3and1070-3may be 1.25 to 1.5 times the thicknesses of the third portions1060-3and1070-3.

When the widths DW1 of the third portions1060-3and1070-3are less than the thicknesses of the third portions1060-3and1070-3, the third portions may be easily broken by an impact or the like, leading to electrical disconnection. Further, when the widths DW1 of the third portions1060-3and1070-3are more than 3 times the thicknesses of the third portions1060-3and1070-3, it may not be possible to sufficiently reduce the stiffness of the second terminal units1060and1070, thereby deteriorating the reliability of the conductive connection between the second terminal units1060and1070and the electrodes1051and1052of the liquid lens1050.

In order to reduce the stiffness of the second terminal units1060and1070to thus ensure the reliability of the conductive connection between the second terminal units1060and1070and the electrodes1051and1052of the liquid lens1050, the widths DW1 of the third portions1060-3and1070-3may be not more than 1.5 times the thickness of the third portions1060-3and1070-3. Alternatively, for example, the widths DW1 of the third portions1060-3and1070-3may be 1 to 1.2 times the thicknesses of the third portions1060-3and1070-3.

FIG.31is a perspective view of the first lens unit1130, the conductive member1090, and the lens holder1140accommodated in the lens barrel1110,FIG.32is a perspective view of the conductive member1090and the lens holder1140,FIG.33Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line CD in the first lens unit1130and the lens holder1140inFIG.14,FIG.33Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line EF in the first lens unit1130and the lens holder1140inFIG.14,FIG.33Cis a cross-sectional view taken along line GH in the first lens unit1130and the lens holder1140inFIG.14,FIG.34Ais a front perspective view of the lens barrel1110,FIG.34Bis a rear side view of the lens barrel1110inFIG.34A,FIG.35is a perspective view of the conductive portions1091-1to1091-7of the conductive member1090,FIG.36Ais a perspective view of the liquid lens unit120and the conductive member1090accommodated in the lens barrel1110, and FIG.36B is a perspective view of the liquid lens unit120, the conductive member1090, and the thermistor1045accommodated in the lens barrel1110.

Referring toFIGS.31to36B, the lens holder1140may be disposed under the holder1080, and may accommodate or support the lens barrel1110.

Referring toFIG.31, the lens holder1140may include a body1140aand at least one protruding portion1140b, which protrudes from the upper surface1201of the body1140ain the optical-axis direction.

The body1140amay have a hole1025or a cavity formed therein to allow at least a portion of the lens barrel1110to be disposed or accommodated therein.

In an example, at least part of a third barrel portion1110C of the lens barrel1110may be disposed in the hole1025in the lens holder1140.

The hole1025may have a shape that is the same as or coincides with the shape of at least a portion of the lens barrel1110. The shape of the hole1025viewed from above may be, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an example, the hole1025may be formed through the lens holder1140in the optical-axis direction.

The protruding portion1140bmay be provided in a plural number.

In an example, the lens holder1140may include protruding portions1140b1to1140b4, which are located on the upper surface1201of the body1140aso as to be spaced apart from each other.

In an example, the lens holder1140may include protruding portions1140b1to1140b4disposed on the corner regions of the body1140a.

In the embodiment, the lens holder1140may include a lower surface facing the upper surface of the sensor base1180. A first adhesive1161may be disposed between the upper surface of the sensor base1180and the lower surface of the lens holder1140, and may be bonded to the upper surface of the sensor base1180and the lower surface of the lens holder1140.

The lens holder1140may include a partition wall1146disposed on the body1140a.

The partition wall1146may be disposed on a portion of the body1140athat is located between two adjacent conductive portions1091-1and1091-2,1091-2and1091-3, or1091-3and1091-4disposed on the body1140a. In an example, the partition wall1146may be provided in a plural number.

The plurality of partition walls1046may be disposed on the upper surface of the body1140aso as to be spaced apart from each other, and a portion of at least one conductive portion may be disposed between two adjacent partition walls.

The conductive portions1091-1to1091-5may be disposed on a first side and a second side of the lens holder1140. The partition walls1046may be disposed on at least one of the first side or the second side of the lens holder1140.

The first side of the lens holder1140may be one side of the lens holder1140that corresponds to the first side or the first side surface1080A of the holder1080, and the second side of the lens holder1140may be another side of the lens holder1140that corresponds to the second side or the second side surface1080B of the holder1080. In an example, the first side and the second side of the lens holder1140may be located opposite each other.

When the second portions1060-2and1070-2of the second terminal units1060and1070are coupled to the conductive portions1091-1to1090-5by means of the conductive adhesive member1068B, the partition walls1146may serve to prevent an electrical short between adjacent conductive portions.

The upper surface1201of the body1140amay include a first surface1201aand a second surface1201b, which has a height difference with respect to the first surface1201a.

In an example, the height of the second surface1201bmay be lower than the height of the first surface1201a. In an example, the distance from the lower surface of the lens holder1140to the second surface1201bmay be shorter than the distance from the lower surface of the lens holder1140to the first surface1201a.

The lens holder1140may have a recess1027formed in the second surface1201b.

The recess1027may be recessed in the second surface1201b. In an example, the recess1027may be formed adjacent to each of a third side and a fourth side of the lens holder1140. In an example, the recess1027may be formed in the center of at least one of the third side or the fourth side.

The third side of the lens holder1140may be one side of the lens holder1140that corresponds to the third side or the third side surface1180C of the holder1080, and the fourth side of the lens holder1140may be another side of the lens holder1140that corresponds to the fourth side or the fourth side surface1080D of the holder1080. In an example, the third side and the fourth side of the lens holder1140may be located opposite each other.

The partition walls1146may be disposed between the protruding portions1140b1to1140b4, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the partition walls may be disposed on the protruding portions.

The lens holder1140may include a stair1212or a stepped portion.

The stair1212may be formed on the outer side surface of the lens holder1140.

The stair1212may be formed on the lower end of the outer side surface of the lens holder1140.

A side plate1302of the cover1300may be disposed on the stair1212. In an example, the stair1212and the lower end of the side plate1302of the cover1300may be coupled to each other, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the stair1212and the lower end of the side plate1302of the cover1300may be spaced apart from each other.

The lens holder1140may have formed therein a recess132A that serves as a bonding tank, into which an adhesive, for example glue, is applied.

The recess132A may be formed in the lower surface or the lower portion of the lens holder1140. In an example, the recess132A may be formed in the lower portion or the lower surface of the body1140a.

In an example, the recess132A may be formed in the inner circumferential surface or the inner side surface of the lens holder1140, which is defined by the hole1025.

The recess132A may extend from the lower surface of the lens holder1140, and may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the lens holder1140. An adhesive may be injected into the recess132A, and the lens holder1140and the lens barrel1110may be coupled to each other by means of the injected adhesive.

A vent hole (or a recess)1031, which is a passage through which gas is discharged, may be formed in the inner circumferential surface of the lens holder1140. The vent hole1310may form a passage between the lens holder1140and the lens assembly1120so that the gas generated in the course of curing of the adhesive1161is discharged to the lens assembly1120.

The conductive member1090may be disposed on the lens holder1140.

The first to fifth conductive portions1091-1to1091-5of the conductive member1090may be coupled to the first terminal unit1040of the first lens unit1130, and may be conductively connected to the first terminal unit1040. The first to fifth conductive portions1091-1to1091-5of the conductive member1090may be coupled to the thermistor1045, and may be conductively connected to the thermistor1045.

In addition, the conductive member1090may be coupled to the terminals1195of the substrate1190, and may be conductively connected to the terminals1195. In an example, each of the conductive portions1091-1to1091-7of the conductive member1090may be conductively connected to a corresponding one of the terminals1195of the substrate1190via solder or a conductive adhesive member.

The conductive member1090may be spaced apart from the cover1300.

The conductive member1090may include a plurality of conductive portions1091-1to1091-7, which are spaced apart from each other. Although seven conductive portions are illustrated inFIG.32, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The conductive member1090may include any number of conductive portions equal to or greater than one. The conductive portion may alternatively be referred to as a “terminal”, a “lead”, an “electrode”, a “bonding portion”, or a “lead frame”.

The conductive member1090may be integrally formed with the lens holder1140through insert injection molding. In another embodiment, the conductive portions of the conductive member1090may be structured such that separate terminals are bonded to the lens holder1140.

In still another embodiment, each of the conductive portions of the conductive member1090may include a conductive layer formed on the surface of the lens holder1140. In this case, the conductive layer may be formed on the surface of the lens holder1140using a molded interconnection device (MID) technology.

Referring toFIG.35, each of the first to fifth conductive portions1091-1to1091-5may include a first coupling portion1009ato be coupled to the second portions1060-2and1070-2of the second terminal units1060and1070, a second coupling portion1009bto be connected or coupled to a corresponding one of the terminals1195of the substrate1190, and a connection portion1009cinterconnecting the first coupling portion1009aand the second coupling portion1009b.

In addition, the sixth conductive portion1091-6may include a first coupling portion1010ato be coupled to the first terminal1041of the thermistor1045, a second coupling portion1010bto be connected or coupled to a corresponding one of the terminals1195of the substrate1190, and a connection portion1010cinterconnecting the first coupling portion1010aand the second coupling portion1010b.

In addition, the sixth conductive portion1091-6may include an extension portion1010dconnected to the first coupling portion1010aand extending toward the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G. In an example, the upper surface of the extension portion1010dmay be exposed from the lens holder1140, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the upper surface of the extension portion1010dmay be disposed in the lens holder1140, rather than being exposed. In an example, the extension portion1010dmay include at least one of a linear shape or a curved or bent shape.

In addition, the seventh conductive portion1091-7may include a first coupling portion1011ato be coupled to the second terminal1042of the thermistor1045, a second coupling portion1011bto be connected or coupled to a corresponding one of the terminals1195of the substrate1190, and a connection portion1011cinterconnecting the first coupling portion1011aand the second coupling portion1011b.

In addition, the seventh conductive portion1091-7may include an extension portion1011dconnected to the first coupling portion1011aand extending from the first coupling portion1011a. The extension portion1011dmay be bent and extend from the first coupling portion1011atoward the lower surface of the lens holder1140. In addition, the seventh conductive portion1071-7may include a bent portion1011einterconnecting the first coupling portion1011aand the extension portion1011d.

The first coupling portion1010aof the sixth conductive portion1091-6may have a recess1028A formed therein, and the first coupling portion1011aof the seventh conductive portion1091-7may have a recess1028B formed therein.

The recess1028A may be formed in the first side surface of the first coupling portion1010a, and the region on the first coupling portion1010ain which the recess1028A is formed may be a region in which the conductive adhesive member1068B is disposed or applied in order to be coupled to the first terminal1041of the thermistor1045.

The second side surface of the first coupling portion1010amay be a side surface located opposite the first side surface of the first coupling portion1010a, the second side surface of the first coupling portion1011amay be a side surface located opposite the first side surface of the first coupling portion1011a, and the second side surface of the first coupling portion1010aand the second side surface of the first coupling portion1011amay face each other.

The recess1028B may be formed in the first side surface of the first coupling portion1011a, and the region on the first coupling portion1011ain which the recess1028B is formed may be a region in which the conductive adhesive member1068B is disposed or applied in order to be coupled to the second terminal1042of the thermistor1045.

The recess1028A may be depressed in the first side surface of the first coupling portion1010a, and the recess1028B may be depressed in the first side surface of the first coupling portion1011a. In an example, the shape of each of the recesses1028A and1028B viewed from above may be a semicircular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape, such as a triangular shape, a quadrangular shape, or a cross shape.

The recesses1028A and1028B may increase the contact area between the conductive adhesive member1068B and the first coupling portions1010aand1011a, thereby increasing the coupling strength between the first and second terminals1041and1042of the thermistor1045and the conductive portions1091-6and1091-7and improving the reliability of the conductive connection therebetween.

The first coupling portions1009a,1010a, and1011amay be in contact with the conductive adhesive member1068B.

The conductive adhesive member1068B may include at least one of solder or a conductive adhesive. In an example, the conductive adhesive member1068B may include Ag epoxy. The conductive adhesive member1068B may be disposed between the plurality of partition walls1046of the lens holder1140.

The first coupling portions1009aof the first to fifth conductive portions1091-1to1091-5may be disposed on the first side and the second side of the lens holder1140. In an example, the first coupling portions1009amay be disposed on the upper surface, the upper portion, or the upper end of each of the first side and the second side of the lens holder1140.

The upper surface of the first coupling portion1009amay include a portion that is exposed from the upper surface of the lens holder1140. The exposed portion of the first coupling portion1009amay be coplanar with the first surface1201a, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the exposed portion of the first coupling portion1009amay be located at a lower or higher position than the first surface1201a.

In addition, the exposed portion of the first coupling portion1009amay be located at a lower position than the upper ends or the upper surfaces of the partition walls1046(or the protruding portions1140b).

In addition, in an example, the width of one end of the first coupling portion1009amay be smaller than the width of the other end of the first coupling portion1009a, which is connected to the connection portion1009c, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the width of one end of the first coupling portion1009amay be equal to or larger than the width of the other end thereof.

In an example, the first coupling portions1010aand1011aof the sixth and seventh conductive portions1091-6and1091-7may be disposed on any one corner of the lens holder1140. In an example, the first coupling portions1010aand1011aof the sixth and seventh conductive portions1091-6and1091-7may be disposed on the corner of the lens holder1140that is located between the second side and the fourth side of the lens holder1140.

Referring toFIGS.36A and36B, the upper surfaces of the first coupling portions1009aof the first to fifth conductive portions1091-1to1091-5may be disposed below the lower surfaces of the second portions1053band1054bof the first terminal unit1040.

The first coupling portions1009aof the first to fifth conductive portions1091-1to1091-5may overlap the second portions1053band1054bof the first terminal unit1040in the vertical direction or the optical-axis direction.

In addition, the upper surfaces of the first coupling portions1010aand1011aof the sixth and seventh conductive portions1091-6and1091-7may be disposed below the lower surfaces of the first and second electrodes1041and1042of the thermistor1045.

The first coupling portions1010aand1011aof the sixth and seventh conductive portions1091-6and1091-7may overlap the first and second electrodes1041and1042of the thermistor1045in the vertical direction or the optical-axis direction.

In an example, the second coupling portions1009b,1010b, and1011bof the conductive portions1091-1to1091-7may be disposed in the lens holder1140, and the lens holder1140may have at least one opening1049formed therein to expose at least part of the second coupling portions1009b,1010b, and1011b. In an example, the opening1049may be formed in the first side and the second side of the lens holder1140. In another embodiment, the second coupling portions of the conductive portions1091-1to1091-7may be disposed on the outer surface of the lens holder1140, and may be exposed from the outer surface of the lens holder1140.

In an example, the second coupling portions1009b,1010b, and1011bof the conductive portions1091-1to1091-7may protrude downwards from the lower surface of the lens holder1140, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the second coupling portions may not protrude downwards from the lower surface of the lens holder1140.

In an example, the second coupling portions1009b,1010b, and1011bof the conductive portions1091-1to1091-7may include at least one of a linear shape or a curved shape (or a bent shape). In this case, the linear shape may include at least one of a first linear shape parallel to the optical axis or a second linear shape perpendicular to the optical axis.

In an example, the connection portions1009c,1010c, and1011cmay have a curved or bent shape.

Each of the conductive portions1091-1to1091-7may be formed such that the width of at least part thereof is different from the width of another part thereof.

The second coupling portion1010bof the sixth conductive portion1091-6may have at least one recess1012A formed therein, and the second coupling portion1011bof the seventh conductive portion1091-7may have at least one recess1012B formed therein.

The recess1012A may be formed in the second side surface of the second coupling portion1010b, and may be depressed in the second side surface of the second coupling portion1010b.

The recess1012B may be formed in the first side surface of the second coupling portion1011b, and may be depressed in the first side surface of the second coupling portion1011b.

The second side surface of the second coupling portion1010band the second side surface of the second coupling portion1011bmay face each other. The first side surface of the second coupling portion1011bmay be a side surface located opposite the second side surface of the second coupling portion1011b, and the first side surface of the second coupling portion1010bmay be a side surface located opposite the second side surface of the second coupling portion1010b.

In an example, when the second coupling portions1010band1011bare viewed from the front, the shape of each of the recesses1012A and1012B may be a semicircular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape, such as a triangular shape, a quadrangular shape, or a cross shape.

Although each of the second coupling portions10band11bis illustrated inFIG.35as having therein one recess1012A or1012B, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, each of the second coupling portions1010band1011bhave a plurality of recesses formed therein.

The first and second terminals of the thermistor may be coupled to the first coupling portions of the conductive portions of the lens holder through a primary soldering process using surface mounter technology (SMT), and thereafter, a secondary soldering process may be performed in order to couple the second coupling portions of the conductive portions to the terminals of the substrate.

However, the heat generated during the secondary soldering process may be transferred to the solder (hereinafter referred to as “first solder”), by which the first coupling portions are coupled to the first and second terminals of the thermistor, through the second coupling portions, which may cause the first solder to melt, leading to deterioration in the reliability of the conductive connection between the first coupling portions and the first and second terminals of the thermistor.

The recesses1012A and1012B according to the embodiment may reduce the transfer of the heater generated during the secondary soldering process to the first solder, thereby preventing deterioration in the reliability of the conductive connection between the first coupling portions1010aand1011aand the first and second terminals1041and1042of the thermistor1045when the secondary soldering process is performed.

Although the conductive adhesive member1068B is described as being provided separately from the conductive member1090, the conductive adhesive member1068B may be embodied as a component of the conductive member1090.

In the embodiment, the second portions1053band1054bof the first terminal unit1040of the first lens unit1130may be embedded in the conductive adhesive member1068B. Accordingly, conductive connection may be achieved without applying external pressure to the first terminal unit1040of the first lens unit1130.

The thermistor1045may detect the temperature of the camera module1100. For example, the thermistor1045may detect the temperature of the liquid lens1050.

For example, the thermistor1045may be embodied as a thermistor in which a resistance value varies depending on changes in temperature, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The thermistor1045may include a first electrode1041and a second electrode1042, and a drive signal (e.g. drive voltage or drive current) may be supplied to the first electrode1041and the second electrode1042.

The first and second electrodes1041and1042of the thermistor1045may be conductively connected to the sixth and seventh conductive portions1091-6and1091-7via the conductive adhesive member1068B.

The cover1300may cover the lens holder1140, and may accommodate the lens holder1140.

The cover1300may define the external appearance of the camera module1100. The cover1300may be formed in the shape of a polyhedron, for example, a hexahedron, which is open at the lower surface thereof.

The cover1300may be a nonmagnetic body. The cover1300may be made of a metal material.

For example, the cover1300may be embodied as a metal plate.

The cover1300may be connected to the ground of the substrate1190. Accordingly, the cover1300may be grounded. The cover1300may block electromagnetic interference (EMI). In this case, the cover1300may be referred to as an “EMI shield can”. In another embodiment, the cover1300may not be conductively connected to the ground of the substrate1190.

The cover1300may include an upper plate1301and a side plate1302extending from the upper plate1301. The upper plate1301of the cover1300may have a bore (or a hole)303formed therein to expose at least a portion of the lens barrel1110therethrough.

The cover1300may have a recess1304formed in the lower end of the side plate1302thereof so as to correspond to the recess212ain the stepped portion1212of the lens holder1140.

Referring toFIGS.34A and34B, the lens barrel1110may include a first barrel portion1110A in which the first lens unit1130is disposed or accommodated, a second barrel portion1110B in which the second lens unit1112is disposed or accommodated, and a third barrel portion1110C in which the third lens unit1113is disposed or accommodated.

The second barrel portion1110B may be disposed on the first barrel portion1110A, and the third barrel portion1110C may be disposed under the first barrel portion1110A.

The first barrel portion1110A may include a body and an accommodation space1005A defined in the body. The first lens unit1130may be disposed in the accommodation space1005A in the body of the first barrel portion1110A. The accommodation space1005A may have a shape suitable for accommodating the first lens unit1130. Here, the “accommodation space” may alternatively be referred to as a “space”.

In an example, the first barrel portion1110A may include an inner upper surface1002a, an inner lower surface1002b, and an inner side surface2cinterconnecting the inner upper surface1002aand the inner lower surface1002bin order to define the accommodation space1005A.

The first barrel portion1110A may include a first side surface (or a first outer side surface)1052aand a second side surface (or a second outer side surface)1052b, which are located opposite each other, and a third side surface (or a third outer side surface)1052cand a fourth side surface (or a fourth outer side surface)1052d, which interconnect the first side surface1052aand the second side surface1052band are located opposite each other. In an example, the accommodation space1005A in the first barrel portion1110A may be defined inside the first to fourth side surfaces1052ato1052dof the first barrel portion110A.

At least one of the first side surface1052aor the second side surface1052bof the first barrel portion1110A may have at least one opening1505A or1505B formed therein to allow the first lens unit1130to be inserted thereinto or to be assembled thereto.

By virtue of the first and second openings1505A and1505B, the accommodation space1005A in the first barrel portion1110A may be open toward the outside of the body of the first barrel portion1110A.

In an example, one end of the first lens unit1130may project outside the first opening1505A in the first barrel portion1110A, and the other end of the first lens unit1130may project outside the second opening1505B in the first barrel portion1110A.

The second barrel portion1110B may protrude from the upper portion of the body of the first barrel portion1110A. In an example, the second barrel portion1110B may protrude from the upper part of the first barrel portion1110A in the optical-axis direction or the upward direction.

In an example, the second barrel portion1110B may include a first body1008A and a second body1008B disposed on the first body1008A.

At least part of the second barrel portion11101B may be exposed through the bore1303in the cover1300. In an example, the second body1008B of the second barrel portion1110B may be exposed through the bore1303in the cover1300. In an example, the second body1008B of the second barrel portion1110B may project outside the cover1300through the bore1303in the cover1300.

The diameter of the bore1303in the cover1300may be larger than the diameter of the outer circumference of the second body1008B.

Inclined portions1033A and1033B, which correspond to an inclined portion1301C of the cover1300, may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel1110at a position between the first barrel portion1110A and the second barrel portion1110B.

The upper plate1301of the cover1300may include a first stage (or a “first portion”)1301A, which is contiguous with the bore1303, a second stage (or a “second portion”)1301B, which has a height difference with respect to the first stage1301A in the optical-axis direction and is contiguous with the side plate1302, and an inclined portion1301C, which interconnects the first stage1301A and the second stage1301B.

The second stage1301B may be located at a lower position than the first stage1301A. The inclined portion1301C may include an inclined surface that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first stage1301A or the second stage1301B.

For example, the inclined portion1301C may be formed in the shape of a ring or a cylinder that surrounds the first barrel portion1110A and the second barrel portion1110B of the lens barrel1110, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The inclined portion1301C of the cover1300and the inclined portions1033A and1033B of the lens barrel1110may face or overlap each other in the optical-axis direction.

In an example, the inclined portion1301C of the cover1300and the inclined portions1033A and1033B of the lens barrel1110may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined constant distance.

Since the upper plate of the cover1300has a two-stage structure having a height difference and the lens barrel1110is provided with the inclined portions1033A and1033B corresponding to the two-stage structure, the height of the edge portion of the camera module may be reduced, and thus the size of the camera module in the optical-axis direction may be reduced.

In an example, the inclined portions1033A and1033B may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel1110at a position between the first barrel portion1110A and the first body1008A of the second barrel portion1110B.

In an example, the lens barrel1110may include the first inclined portion1033A, which is formed between the third side surface52cof the first barrel portion1110A and the outer side surface of the second barrel portion1110B, and the second inclined portion1033B, which is formed between the fourth side surface52dof the first barrel portion1110A and the outer side surface of the second barrel portion1110B.

The first inclined portion1033A may include a first inclined surface, and the second inclined portion1033B may include a second inclined surface. The included angle θ1 between the first inclined surface and the upper surface of the first barrel portion1110A may be an obtuse angle, and the included angle θ2 between the second inclined surface and the upper surface of the first barrel portion1110A may be an obtuse angle.

The second body1008B of the second barrel portion11101B may be formed in a cylindrical shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The second body of the second barrel portion may be formed in any of various shapes.

The second barrel portion1110B may have an accommodation space formed therein to accommodate the second lens unit1112, and the third barrel portion1110C may have an accommodation space formed therein to accommodate the third lens unit1113.

The inside of the first barrel portion1110A, the inside of the second barrel portion1110B, and the inside of the third barrel portion1110C may communicate with one another.

The second barrel portion1110B may have an opening formed therein to expose at least a portion of the second lens unit1112, for example an uppermost lens, therethrough.

In addition, in order to prevent deterioration in the performance of the liquid lens1050due to a decrease in the temperature of the liquid lens1050, the liquid lens1050may include a heater for controlling the temperature of the liquid lens1050.

FIG.37Ais a top view of the first conductive portion1091-1, the 1-1stterminal1004A, and the conductive adhesive member1068B, andFIG.37Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line IJ in the first conductive portion1091-1, the 1-1stterminal1004A, and the conductive adhesive member1068B inFIG.37A.

Referring toFIGS.37A and37B, the upper surface of the first portion1009aof the first conductive portion1091-1and the lower surface of the second portion1053bof the 1-1stterminal1004A may be coupled to each other by means of the conductive adhesive member1068B disposed therebetween. The conductive adhesive member1068B may smoothly flow to the upper surface of the second portion1053bof the 1-1stterminal1004A along the recess1053B formed in the second portion1053bof the 1-1stterminal1004A, and a portion of the conductive adhesive member1068B may be disposed on the upper surface of the second portion1053bof the 1-1stterminal1004A.

Accordingly, the contact area between the conductive adhesive member1068B, the second portion1053bof the 1-1stterminal1004A, and the first portion1009aof the first conductive portion1091-1may be increased, whereby the bonding strength therebetween may be increased, the reliability of the conductive connection therebetween may be improved, and it is possible to ensure stable resistance between the first terminal unit and the conductive portion.

The recess1054B may also be formed in the second portion1054bof the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G, and the description made with reference toFIGS.37A and37Bmay also apply to the 1-2ndterminal unit1004G and the fifth conductive portion1091-5.

FIG.38illustrates second portions1010band1011bof sixth and seventh conductive portions1091-6and1091-7according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.38, the second portion1010bof the sixth conductive portion1091-6may have formed therein a plurality of first recesses1010-1to1010-3, which are spaced apart from each other, and the second portion1011bof the sixth conductive portion1091-6may have formed therein a plurality of second recesses1011-1to1011-3, which are spaced apart from each other.

The first recesses1010-1to1010-3may be formed in a first side surface and a second side surface of the second portion1010b. In an example, the first recesses1010-1to1010-3may be alternately disposed or arranged on the first side surface and the second side surface of the second portion1010bin the direction from the upper end of the second portion1010btoward the lower end thereof.

The first recesses1010-1to1010-3may be formed in a first side surface and a second side surface of the second portion11b. In an example, the second recesses1011-1to1011-3may be alternately disposed or arranged on the first side surface and the second side surface of the second portion1011bin the direction from the upper end of the second portion1011btoward the lower end thereof. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the heat dissipation area of the second portions1010band1011band to prevent the rigidity or strength of the second portions1010band1011bfrom being reduced.

With regard to the thermistor1045and the sixth and seventh conductive portions1091-6and1091-7&1091-6A and1091-7A shown inFIGS.36B and38, reference may be made to the description of the embodiments inFIGS.1to17.

In addition, the camera module100according to the embodiment may be included in an optical instrument for the purpose of forming an image of an object present in a space using reflection, refraction, absorption, interference, and diffraction, which are characteristics of light, for the purpose of increasing visibility, for the purpose of recording and reproduction of an image using a lens, or for the purpose of optical measurement or image propagation or transmission.

For example, the optical device according to the embodiment may be a cellular phone, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable smart device, a digital camera, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, etc., without being limited thereto, and may also be any of devices for capturing images or pictures.

FIG.41is a perspective view of a portable terminal200A according to an embodiment, andFIG.42is a configuration diagram of the portable terminal200A shown inFIG.41.

Referring toFIGS.41and42, the portable terminal200A (hereinafter referred to as a “terminal”) may include a body850, a wireless communication unit710, an A/V input unit720, a sensor740, an input/output unit750, a memory760, an interface770, a controller780, and a power supply unit790.

The body850shown inFIG.41may have a bar shape, without being limited thereto, and may be any of various types such as, for example, a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, or a swivel type, in which two or more sub-bodies are coupled so as to be movable relative to each other.

The body850may include a case (a casing, a housing, a cover, or the like) defining the external appearance thereof. In an example, the body850may be divided into a front case851and a rear case852. A variety of electronic components of the terminal may be mounted in the space formed between the front case851and the rear case852.

The wireless communication unit710may include one or more modules, which enable wireless communication between the terminal200A and a wireless communication system or between the terminal200A and a network in which the terminal200A is located. In an example, the wireless communication unit710may include a broadcast reception module711, a mobile communication module712, a wireless Internet module713, a nearfield communication module714, and a location information module715.

The audio/video (A/V) input unit720serves to input audio signals or video signals, and may include a camera721and a microphone722.

The camera721may include the camera module100.

The sensor740may sense the current state of the terminal200A, such as the open or closed state of the terminal200A, the position of the terminal200A, the presence or absence of a user's touch, the orientation of the terminal200A, or the acceleration/deceleration of the terminal200A, and may generate a sensing signal to control the operation of the terminal200A. For example, when the terminal200A is a slide-type phone, whether the slide-type phone is open or closed may be detected. In addition, the sensor740serves to sense whether power is supplied from the power supply unit790or whether the interface770is coupled to an external device.

The input/output unit750may include a keypad unit730, a display module751, a sound output module752, and a touchscreen panel753. The keypad unit730may generate input data in response to input to a keypad.

The display module751may include a plurality of pixels, the color of which varies in response to electrical signals. In an example, the display module751may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, or a 3D display.

The sound output module752may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit710in a call-signal reception mode, a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or a broadcast reception mode, or may output audio data stored in the memory760.

The touchscreen panel753may convert variation in capacitance, caused by a user's touch on a specific region of a touchscreen, into electrical input signals.

The memory760may store programs for the processing and control of the controller780, and may temporarily store input/output data (e.g. a phone book, messages, audio, still images, pictures, and moving images). For example, the memory760may store images captured by the camera721, for example, pictures or moving images.

The interface770serves as a passage for connection between the terminal200A and an external device. The interface770may receive data or power from the external device, and may transmit the same to respective components inside the terminal200A, or may transmit data inside the terminal200A to the external device. For example, the interface770may include a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connection of a device having an identification module, an audio input/output (I/O) port, a video input/output (I/O) port, and an earphone port.

The controller780may control the overall operation of the terminal200A. For example, the controller780may perform control and processing related to voice calls, data communication, and video calls.

The controller780may include a multimedia module781for multimedia playback. The multimedia module781may be provided inside the controller180, or may be provided separately from the controller780.

The controller780may perform pattern recognition processing, by which writing or drawing input to the touchscreen is perceived as characters or images.

The power supply unit790may supply power required to operate the respective components upon receiving external power or internal power under the control of the controller780.

The features, structures, effects, and the like described above in the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, but are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment.

Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, and the like exemplified in the respective embodiments may be combined with other embodiments or modified by those skilled in the art. Therefore, content related to such combinations and modifications should be construed as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Embodiments may be used for a camera module capable of improving the reliability of a conductive connection between a terminal unit and an electrode of a liquid lens and for an optical device including the same.