Patent Publication Number: US-11032450-B2

Title: Camera module mounting in an electronic device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/429,233, filed Feb. 10, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Camera modules designed to be included in an electronic device are well known. Many electronic devices, such as mobile phones and digital cameras, include one or more camera modules configured to capture images and video. Such camera modules often include a housing or frame, a plurality of lenses, a circuit board, and an image sensor mounted with the circuit board. The camera module is often housed within an electronic device and electrically connected to other components of the electronic device. Various configurations of electronic devices designed to reduce the space required to accommodate a camera module have been proposed. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, this document describes devices, systems, and methods related to camera modules in electronic devices. Some electronic devices described herein may include an outer cover having features configured to accommodate a camera module in a space-efficient arrangement. The outer cover may include a camera module aperture defining a cavity, such that the camera module may be positioned at least partially within the cavity. The overall thickness of the electronic device may thus be reduced and/or the optical quality of the camera module improved. 
     As additional description to the embodiments described below, the present disclosure describes the following embodiments. 
     Embodiment 1 is an electronic device, comprising: a display device; a housing including an outer cover, the outer cover defining a cavity; and a camera module including an image sensor, a circuit board, and a first optical element, wherein: the camera module is positioned at least partially within the cavity defined by the outer cover. 
     Embodiment 2 is the electronic device of embodiment 1, wherein a portion of the outer cover positioned over the display device has a first thickness, the first thickness being between 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm. 
     Embodiment 3 is the electronic device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cavity defined by the outer cover has a second thickness, the second thickness being between 25% and 80% of the first thickness. 
     Embodiment 4 is the electronic device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the camera module includes a lens barrel that includes a second optical element, a third optical element, and a fourth optical element. 
     Embodiment 5 is the electronic device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lens barrel is positioned at least partially within the cavity such that the lens barrel is at least partially surrounded by the outer cover. 
     Embodiment 6 is the electronic device of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a seal in sealing engagement between the camera module and the outer cover. 
     Embodiment 7 is the electronic device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the seal is in sealing engagement with an inner side of the outer cover and a shoulder of the camera module. 
     Embodiment 8 is the electronic device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cavity is defined by a through-hole through the outer cover. 
     Embodiment 9 is the electronic device of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a cover lens providing an outermost lens of the camera module, the cover lens having an outer surface positioned coplanar with an outer surface of the outer cover, the cover lens attached to the outer cover. 
     Embodiment 10 is the electronic device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the camera module is mounted to a circuit board within the housing, and is not directly connected with the cover lens. 
     Embodiment 11 is the electronic device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the camera module comprises a voice coil motor and at least one optical element movable relative to the image sensor by actuation of the voice coil motor. 
     Embodiment 12 is the electronic device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the camera module is mounted to an inner side of the outer cover. 
     Embodiment 13 is the electronic device of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a circuit board, a processor and speaker mounted to the circuit board. 
     Embodiment 14 is the electronic device of embodiment 13, wherein the camera module is mounted to the circuit board. 
     Embodiment 15 is an electronic device, comprising: a display device; a housing including an outer cover, the outer cover having a first thickness between 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm over the display device, the outer cover having a second thickness between 25% and 80% of the first thickness at a location of a cavity; and a camera module including an image sensor, a camera module circuit board, and a lens barrel including at least a first optical element; wherein the lens barrel of the camera module is positioned at least partially within the cavity defined by the outer cover such that the lens barrel is at least partially surrounded by the outer cover. 
     Embodiment 16 is the electronic device of embodiment 15, wherein the camera module is mounted to an inner side of the outer cover. 
     Embodiment 17 is the electronic device of embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the camera module has a front end having a front end diameter and a shoulder having a shoulder diameter, the shoulder diameter larger than the front end diameter, and the cavity defined by the outer cover has a diameter greater than the front end diameter and less than the shoulder diameter. 
     Embodiment 18 is the electronic device of embodiment 17, wherein the shoulder of the camera module is attached to the outer cover. 
     Embodiment 19 is a method of mounting a camera module, comprising: defining a cavity in an outer cover of an electronic device; positioning a front end of a camera module at least partially within the cavity; and enclosing the camera module within an electronic device housing. 
     Embodiment 20 is the method of embodiment 19, further comprising positioning a cover lens in alignment with the camera module and coplanar with an outer surface of the outer cover. 
     These and other embodiments of the disclosed technology described herein may provide one or more of the following benefits. First, some configurations described herein allow an electronic device to be smaller. Positioning a camera module at least partially within a cavity in an outer cover can reduce the overall thickness of the electronic device because the outer cover and camera module at least partially overlap. The camera module may thus occupy less space below an inner side of the outer cover. 
     Second, some configurations described herein can provide flexibility in arranging and assembling a camera module and other components within the electronic device. For example, in some embodiments, a camera module can be mounted to the outer cover before assembly with other components of the electronic device. 
     Third, some configurations described herein can improve the quality of images and video captured by the camera module. By reducing the space required within the electronic device to accommodate the camera module (e.g., by at least partially accommodating the camera module within a cavity of the outer cover), larger or additional optical elements or other components may be included in the camera module to improve image quality without increasing the overall size of the electronic device. 
     Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view of an example electronic device having a camera module. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of another example electronic device. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of another example electronic device. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of an example method of manufacturing an electronic device that includes a camera module. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an example electronic device  100  is shown, including an electronic device housing  110 , battery  120 , circuit board  130 , display assembly  140 , and camera module  170 . Camera module  170  is configured to capture high-quality images and video while occupying a relatively small volume within electronic device housing  110 . In some embodiments, camera module  170  is at least partially positioned within a cavity defined by an outer housing of electronic device  100 . 
     Electronic device  100  may be an electronic device that includes a camera module, such as a mobile phone, music player, tablet, laptop computing device, wearable electronic device, data storage device, display device, adapter device, desktop computer, digital camera, or other electronic device. 
     Electronic device housing  110  may be a bucket-type enclosure having first, second, third, and fourth side portions  111 ,  112 ,  113 ,  114  that define outer sidewalls of electronic device  100 , and a back major planar face  115  integrally attached with side portions  111 ,  112 ,  113 ,  114 . A bucket-type enclosure allows components of electronic device  100  to be accommodated within housing  110  and enclosed by an outer cover, such as outer cover  141 . In other embodiments, one or more side portions  111 ,  112 ,  113 ,  114 , and/or back major planar face  115  may be formed separately and subsequently joined together (e.g., with one or more adhesives, welds, snap-fit connectors, fasteners, etc.) to form electronic device housing  110 . In various embodiments, electronic device housing  110  may be an H-beam type housing or other electronic device housing  110  that includes one or more walls that provide a housing to at least partially support and/or enclose components of electronic device  100 . 
     Electronic device housing  110  is made from a material that provides adequate structural rigidity to support and protect internal components of electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, electronic device housing  110  is formed from a single piece of metal. Electronic device housing  110  may be milled, molded, forged, etched, printed, or otherwise formed. Alternatively or additionally, electronic device housing  110  may be formed from plastic, glass, wood, carbon fiber, ceramic, combinations thereof, and/or other materials. 
     Electronic device housing  110  and an outer cover  141  define an interior volume that can house various components of electronic device  110 , including battery  120 , circuit board  130 , display assembly  140 , and camera module  170 . Electronic device housing  110  can accommodate additional components of electronic device  100 , such as microphone  133 , speaker  134 , sensors  135 , such as fingerprint sensors, proximity sensors, accelerometers, and/or other sensors, flash devices  137 , processor  138 , antennas, and/or other components. In various embodiments, some or all of these components may be electrically connected with circuit board  130 . 
     Display assembly  140  provides a user interface display that displays information to a user. For example, display assembly  140  may provide a touch screen display that a user can interact with to view displayed information and to provide input to electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, display assembly  140  occupies substantially all or the majority of a front major face  116  of electronic device  100  (e.g., and covers battery  120  and first, second, and third circuit boards  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c ), and includes a rectangular visible display. 
     Display assembly  140  includes one or more substrate layers that provide the visible display and/or allow display assembly  140  to receive touch input from a user. For example, outer cover  141  may serve as an outermost layer that encloses other components of display assembly  140  and electronic device  100  and that a user may physically touch to provide input to electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, display assembly  140  includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel  142  including a liquid crystal material positioned between one or more color-filter and thin-film-transistor (TFT) layers. The layers of display panel  142  may include substrates formed from glass or polymer, such as polyamide. In various embodiments, display assembly  140  may be a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, such as an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a plasma display, an electronic ink display, or other display that provides visual output to a user. 
     Display assembly  140  includes driver circuitry used to control display output and/or receive user input. In some embodiments, driver circuitry includes a display integrated circuit  145  that is mounted in electrical communication with the TFT layers of display panel  142 , for example by gate lines or other electrical connection. Display integrated circuit  145  may receive display data from processor  138 , for example, and deliver corresponding signals to control the optical properties of a liquid crystal layer, for example, to produce a visible output. 
     Connection between display integrated circuit  145  and circuit board  130  (and processor  138 , for example) may be provided by an electrical conductor that facilitates a robust electrical connection while maintaining a low profile configuration that does not significantly increase the overall dimensions of electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, a flex conductor  150  connects display integrated circuit  145  and circuit board  130 . Flex conductor  150  includes conductive structures on a thin, flexible substrate. Flex conductor  150  has a relatively thin profile and may be bent along a longitudinal direction to fit between various components of electronic device  100 , such as to connect from a front face of a display substrate to circuit board  130  by passing between battery  120  and a rear of display assembly  140 . Flex conductor  150  may be connected between first circuit board  130   a  (e.g., a top circuit board) or second circuit board  130   b  (e.g., a bottom circuit board). Alternatively or additionally, further electrical communication between display assembly  140  and the other of first circuit board  130   a  or second circuit board  130   b  is provided via third circuit board  130   c.    
     Components of display assembly  140  and flex conductor  150  may be positioned within electronic device  100  such that the space required to connect display assembly  140  with circuit board  130  is reduced. In some embodiments, display integrated circuit  145  may be positioned at a bottom of display substrate  142  (e.g., a portion of display substrate  142  close to bottom wall  113 ) and flex conductor  150  wraps around a back side of display substrate  142  to connect with first and/or second circuit boards  130   a ,  130   b . In some embodiments, display integrated circuit  145  may be positioned at a top of display substrate  142  (e.g., a portion of display substrate  142  close to top wall  111 ) and flex conductor  150  wraps around a back side of display substrate  142  to connect with first and/or second circuit boards  130   a ,  130   b . In some embodiments, display integrated circuit  145  may be positioned along a side of display substrate  142  (e.g., a side portion of display substrate  142  close to sidewall  112  or sidewall  114 ) and flex conductor wraps around a back side of display substrate  142  to connect with first and/or second circuit boards  1301 ,  130   b . In some embodiments, display integrated circuit  145  and flex conductor  150  are positioned so that flex conductor  150  does not extend between display assembly  140  and battery  120 . Positioning the battery  120  directly adjacent display assembly  140  (e.g., without an intervening electrical conductor  150  passing between battery  120  and display assembly  140 ) facilitates an increased battery size having a greater power capacity. 
     Conductive structures of flex conductor  150  may include conductive lines, printed conductive traces, or other conductive components that provide electrical connection between respective electrical contacts associated with display integrated circuit  145  and circuit board  130 . Flex conductor  150  may be a single, double, or multi-layer flexible printed circuit including a polyamide, PEEK, polyester, having printed or laminated conductive elements, for example. Such construction provides robust electrical characteristics that can provide reliable connection between various components while having a low bending radius to facilitate compact arrangement of flex conductor  150  within electronic device  100 . 
     Battery  120  is positioned within electronic device housing  110 . In some embodiments, battery  120  is positioned substantially centrally and/or towards a bottom region of electronic device housing  110  that may promote a user&#39;s perception of stability when electronic device  100  is handled. For example, battery  120  may be positioned adjacent to first, second, and/or third circuit boards  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c  such that battery  120  is positioned substantially centrally between top and bottom sidewalls  111 ,  113 . In other embodiments, battery  120  may be positioned in a stacked configuration such that circuit boards  130   a  and/or  130   b  are between battery  120  and display assembly  140  (e.g., sandwiched between battery  120  and display assembly  140 ), or vice versa. 
     Battery  120  provides a primary source of power for electronic device  100  and its components. Battery  120  may include a secondary cell, rechargeable battery configured for use through thousands of battery charging cycles over the entire useful life of electronic device  100 , for example. In various embodiments, battery  120  may be a lithium polymer battery, lithium ion battery, nickel metal hydride battery, nickel cadmium battery, or other battery type configured to power electronic device  100  over many charging cycles. Alternatively or additionally, battery  120  may include a primary cell battery configured to be replaced when substantially discharged. 
     Battery  120  is shaped to provide a desired power capacity in a space-efficient configuration. In some embodiments, battery  120  has front and back major planar faces  121 ,  122  separated by minor sides  123 ,  124 ,  125 ,  126  defining a thickness (t thickness ) of battery  120 . For example, sides  123 ,  125 , may be parallel with top and bottom sidewalls  111 ,  113  of electronic device housing  110 , and extend substantially across a width of electronic device housing  110 , such as more than 50%, more than 75%, or more than 90% of the width of electronic device housing. Such a configuration promotes a relatively high power capacity for a battery having a particular power density. 
     Circuit board  130  is configured to accommodate components of electronic device  100  in a space-efficient manner, and provide robust mechanical and electrical connections between these components. Circuit board  130  may support and/or electrically connect one or more components of electronic device  100  such as one or more of battery  120 , display  140 , camera module  170 , microphone  133 , speaker  134 , sensors  135 , flash devices  137 , processor  138 , electrical connectors (e.g., USB connectors, audio connectors, etc.), antenna lines, and/or other components. In some embodiments, circuit board  130  includes first circuit board  130   a  positioned at a top region of electronic device housing  110 , second circuit board  130   b  positioned at a bottom region of electronic device housing  110 . Third circuit board  130   c  connects the first and second circuit boards  130   a ,  130   b . First, second, and third, circuit boards  130   a ,  130   b  may be separately formed circuit boards and may be electrically connected by an electrical conductor. In other embodiments, first and second circuit boards  130   a ,  130   b  are integrally formed as a unitary circuit board with third circuit board  130   c  extending between first and second circuit boards  130   a ,  130   b . First, second, and/or third circuit boards  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c  may be printed circuit boards, flexible circuit boards, other circuit board types, and/or combinations thereof. 
     First and second circuit boards  130   a ,  130   b  may be positioned at top and bottom positions of electronic device housing  110  so that various components may be accommodated at top and bottom regions of the electronic device. For example, first circuit board  130   a  is positioned at a top region of electronic device housing  110  and may include components beneficially positioned at the top region. First circuit board  130   a  may accommodate components such as camera module  170 , an earpiece assembly including a speaker, proximity sensor, antenna lines, a microphone configured to receive audio from the external environment that may be processed to provide noise cancellation, camera flash, diversity antenna, and/or other components. Second circuit board  130  is positioned at a bottom region of electronic device housing  110  and may include components beneficially positioned at the bottom region. Second circuit board may accommodate components such as an electrical connector (e.g., USB connectors, audio connectors, etc.), audio speaker, microphone to receive audio input from a user or the external environment, vibrator, and/or other components. Such positioning may promote functionality and usability of the components by a user of electronic device  100 . 
     Third circuit board  130   c  may accommodate one or more other electrical components and/or electrically connect various components of first and second boards  130   a ,  130   b . In some embodiments, third circuit board  130   c  includes one or more of a hall effects sensor, battery thermistor, magnetometer, or other electronic components. Third circuit board  130   c  may electrically connect processor  138 , on first circuit board  130   a , for example, with the components of second circuit board  130   b . In some embodiments, circuit board  130   c  provides the only electrical connection between first and second circuit boards  130   a ,  130   b . Electronic device  100  may not include a flex conductor, for example, extending over battery  120  between first and second circuit boards  130   a ,  130   b , and may not include a flex conductor extending over battery  120  (e.g., between battery  120  and display assembly  140 ) at all. 
     Camera module  170  is mounted within electronic device housing  110  and configured to capture images and video. Camera module  170  may be aligned with one or more openings or transparent apertures  149  that allow transmission of light to camera module  170 . For example, camera module  170  may be a front facing camera module  170  aligned with aperture  149  through front cover  141 . Alternatively or additionally, electronic device  100  may include a rear facing camera module  170  aligned with an aperture through electronic device housing  110  (e.g., through back major planar face  115 ). 
     Camera module  170  is electrically connected with first, second, and/or third circuit boards  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c , including processor  138 , such that control signals may be transmitted to camera module  170 , and data captured by camera module  170  may be transmitted to processor  138  or other electronic components of electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, camera module may be mounted directly to outer cover  141  or back major planar face  115  of electronic device housing  110 , and electrically connected with circuit board  130 , such as first circuit board  130   a  positioned at a top region of electronic device housing. In other embodiments, camera module  170  may be mounted on circuit board  130  and assembled within electronic device housing  110  with circuit board  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a cross-sectional view of electronic device  100  is shown, including camera module  170  positioned at least partially within cavity  148  defined by outer cover  141 . Camera module  170  includes a circuit board  171 , image sensor  172 , and lens assembly  180 . Lens assembly  180  includes one or more optical elements, such as first optical element  181 , second optical element  182 , third optical element  183 , fourth optical element  184 , and fifth optical element  185 . Image sensor  172  captures light focused through lens assembly  180 , and communicates associated image data to circuit board  171 . In various embodiments, image sensor  172  may include a charged coupled device (CCD) image sensor, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, active pixel sensor (APS) image sensor, N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), combinations thereof, and/or other sensors. 
     Circuit board  171  may be integrally attached with circuit board  130  (e.g., circuit board  171  is a portion of circuit board  130 ). In other embodiments, circuit board  171  may be a circuit board primarily dedicated to camera module  170  that is formed separately from circuit board  130  and subsequently electrically connected with circuit board  130  during manufacture of electronic device  100 . In various embodiments, circuit board  171  may be a printed circuit board, flexible circuit, other circuit board type, and/or combinations thereof. 
     Electronic device  100  and camera module  170  are configured to provide a space-efficient arrangement such that camera module  170  occupies a relatively small volume within electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of camera module is positioned within cavity  148  defined by outer cover  141 . A full thickness of camera module  170  and outer cover  141  do not each independently add to the overall thickness of electronic device  100 . Such an arrangement can thus facilitate a reduced overall thickness of electronic device  100 , and/or larger or additional components of camera module  170  that can facilitate improved image quality and performance. 
     In some embodiments, outer cover  141  includes a first thickness (T 1   cover ) and a second thickness (T 2   cover ). Outer cover  141  has the first thickness (T 1   cover ) throughout a majority of the outer cover, and may be present over a visible portion of the user interface display. In some embodiments, second thickness (T 2   cover ) is less than first thickness (T 1   cover ) and may be present at a location of cavity  148 . For example, outer cover  141  may have an area of reduced thickness that defines cavity  148 . A reduced thickness of cover  141  provides a space that can at least partially accommodate camera module  170 . 
     Cavity  148  is defined on an inner face  141   b  of outer cover  141 . Cavity  148  may be milled, molded, or otherwise formed to provide cavity  148  having a reduced second thickness (T 2   cover ). In some embodiments, outer cover  141  is initially formed having a consistent thickness (e.g., first thickness (T 1   cover )) and subsequently milled to define cavity  148  having an area of reduced thickness (e.g., second thickness (T 2   cover ). In various other embodiments, outer cover  141  may be etched, molded, or otherwise formed to provide outer cover  141  having an area of reduced thickness defining cavity  148 . 
     An outer face  141   a  of outer cover  141  is substantially planar and free from junctions or seams proximate aperture  149 . Outer cover  141  has a continuous, smooth surface proximate aperture  149  (e.g., without visible or tactile junction lines, seams, etc.), and a single, unitary substrate forms the outer cover  141  at aperture  149  and locations surrounding aperture  149 . In some embodiments, outer cover  141  and camera module  170  are constructed and assembled such that electronic device  100  does not include any ribs or raised features proximate aperture  149 . A continuous outer face  141   a  provided by a unitary outer cover  141  prevents environmental contaminants, such as water, dust, or other debris, from entering electronic device  100  at aperture  149 . Alternatively or additionally, a continuous outer face  141   a  may promote an aesthetically pleasing appearance that may be free from seams or other features that otherwise signal the presence of aperture  149  and/or camera module  170  below outer cover  141 . 
     Outer cover  141  has a thickness that provides a robust and durable cover of electronic device  100  and/or that allows components of display  142  to be viewed through outer cover  141 . In some embodiments, outer cover has a thickness between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm, 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm, or about 0.6 mm. For example, first thickness (T 1   cover ) may be between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm, 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm, or about 0.6 mm over substantially the entire outer cover  141  (e.g., the entire outer cover except aperture  149  and/or other features of outer cover  141 ). Outer cover  141  may have a second thickness (T 2   cover ) that is less than first thickness (T 1   cover ) at the location of aperture  149 . In various embodiments, second thickness is between 20% and 80%, 40% and 60%, or about 50% of first thickness (T 1   cover ). For example, second thickness (T 2   cover ) may be between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm, between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm, or about 0.3 mm. Such material thicknesses of outer cover  141  provide a robust and durable outer cover  141  while defining cavity  148  that may at least partially accommodate camera module  170 . In some embodiments, such thicknesses allow inner face  141   b  of outer cover  141  to be milled consistently and efficiently without excessive breakage. 
     Inner face  141   b  of outer cover  141  may include a step or transition feature  147  proximate cavity  148  (e.g., between locations of first thickness (T 1   cover ) and second thickness (T 2   cover ). Step  147  may include an edge feature, such as a chamfered or beveled edge. Edge features can improve the durability of outer cover  141  by reducing sharp edges that can be a potential starting point for crack formation. Cavity  148  includes a width (W cavity ) between opposite steps  147  (e.g., opposite sides of cavity  148 ). Cavity  148  may be circular in shape and steps  147  may be a single step  147  that encircles cavity  148 . Width is at least as large as (W cavity ) a width of a front end  175  of camera module  170  such that camera module  170  may be at least partially positioned within cavity  148 . For example, width (W cavity ) may serve as a locating feature that appropriately positions camera module  170  during assembly, and/or may be similar (e.g. within +/−10%) to the width of front end  175 . In some embodiments, width (W cavity ) may be selected to provide a desired tolerance to facilitate assembly of camera module  170  at least partially within cavity  148 . 
     Camera module  170  may be configured to provide a space-efficient module that can fit in a relatively small space within electronic device  100  while capturing high optical quality images. Camera module  170  has a lens assembly  180  including a plurality of optical elements that facilitate capture of high-quality images by image sensor  172 . Lens assembly  180  includes one or more optical elements housed within barrel  187 , such as second, third, fourth, and fifth optical elements  182 ,  183 ,  184 ,  185 . One or more of optical elements  182 ,  183 ,  184 ,  185  may be shaped to provide a desired optical power. For example, optical elements  182 ,  183 ,  184 ,  185  may have surfaces that are planar, concave, convex, and/or aspheric in shape. In some embodiments, optical elements  182 ,  183 ,  184 ,  185  each have surfaces that differ in shape. Alternatively or additionally, optical elements  182 ,  183 ,  184 ,  185  may have same thickness. One or more of optical elements  181 ,  182 ,  183 ,  184 ,  185  may be a filtering element, such as an infrared cutoff filter. Alternatively or additionally, one or more optical elements  181 ,  182 ,  183 ,  184 ,  185  may include an infrared filter coating or layer. 
     First optical element  181  may be positioned between image sensor  172  and second optical element  182 , and may be within lens barrel  187  or outside of lens barrel  187 . In some embodiments, image sensor  172  may be directly attached to first optical element  181 . For example, front face  172   a  of image sensor  172  may be directly bonded to first optical element  181  by an adhesive, such as an optically transparent adhesive, welds, or otherwise attached while allowing light to be transmitted to image sensor  172  without excessive distortion and/or adhesive may be present only at a periphery location of image sensor  172 . Alternatively or additionally, front face  171   a  of circuit board  171  may be directly attached to rear face  181   b  of first optical element  181  (e.g., directly bonded by an adhesive, welds, etc.). Front face  171   a  of circuit board  171  and front face  172   a  of image sensor  172  may thus each be mechanically attached to a common optical element (e.g., a rear face of first optical element  181 ). In various example embodiments, first optical element  181  may be made of one or more different materials, such as a first material of glass, polymer, or other material having desired optical characteristics at locations in front of image sensor  172 , and a second material different than the first material at least partially at locations in front of circuit board  171 . Image sensor  172  may be at least partially attached to the first and/or second material of optical element  181  (e.g. such as the first material), and circuit board  171  may be at least partially attached to the first and/or second material of optical element  181  (e.g. such as the second material). 
     Image sensor  172  is supported via attachment on front face  172   a , which can eliminate the need for, or reduce the thickness of, one or more support components attached to a rear face of circuit board  171  and/or image sensor  172 . Further, first optical element  181  simultaneously provides optical benefits while providing structural support to image sensor  172 . In this way, image sensor  172  is supported by camera module  170  in a compact configuration having a reduced thickness (e.g., compared to some configurations having an additional structural support attached to a rear of image sensor  172 ). 
     Lens barrel  187  and/or one or more optical elements  181 ,  182 ,  183 ,  184 ,  185  may be movable relative to image sensor  172  along an optical path to adjust the optical focus of an object onto image sensor  172 . For example, lens assembly may include a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator configured to move one or more lenses of lens assembly  180  along an optical axis (e.g., closer or further from front face  172   a  of image sensor  172 ). In other embodiments, camera module  170  may include a voice coil motor (VCM), a piezo actuator, other actuators, and/or combinations thereof, to move one or more optical elements relative to image sensor  172 . First, second, third, fourth, and/or fifth optical elements  182 ,  183 ,  184 ,  185  may thus move relative to image sensor  172 . 
     In some embodiments, camera module  170  includes a front end  175  at least partially surrounded by shoulder  176 . Front end  175  has an outer diameter (d front end ) less than an outer diameter (d shoulder ) of shoulder  176 . At least a portion of front end  175  is positioned within cavity  148 , while shoulder  176  and portions of camera module  170  below shoulder  176  are not positioned within cavity  148 . For example, the width (W cavity ) of cavity  148  may be between the diameter (d front end ) of front end  175  and the diameter (d shoulder ) of shoulder  176  such that width (W cavity ) is larger than diameter (d front end ) of front end  175  and smaller than diameter (d shoulder ) of shoulder  176 . Such relative dimensions allow front end  175  to be positioned at least partially within cavity  148  (e.g. such that front end  175  extends towards the outer face  141   a  beyond inner face  141   b  of outer cover  141  and front end  175  is surrounded by outer cover  141 ), to cause a portion of front end  175  to be surrounded by outer cover  141 , and/or to allow attachment of shoulder  176  to a component of electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, shoulder  176  may be attached to inner face  141   b  of outer cover  141 , directly or indirectly, to at least partially support camera module  170  within electronic device  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a cross-sectional view of electronic device  300  is shown, including camera module  370  positioned at least partially within cavity  348  defined by outer cover  341 . In some embodiments, electronic device  300  and camera module  370  may have features similar to electronic device  100  and camera module  170  described above. Camera module  370  includes a circuit board  371 , image sensor  372 , and lens assembly  380 . Lens assembly  380  includes one or more optical elements, such as first optical element  381 , second optical element  382 , third optical element  383 , and fourth optical element  384 . Image sensor  372  captures light focused through lens assembly  380 , and communicates associated image data to circuit board  371 . 
     Electronic device  300  and camera module  370  are configured to provide a space-efficient arrangement such that camera module  370  occupies a relatively small volume within electronic device  300 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of camera module is positioned within cavity  348  defined by outer cover  341 . A full thickness of camera module  370  and outer cover  341  do not each independently add to the overall thickness of electronic device  300 . Such an arrangement can thus facilitate a reduced overall thickness of electronic device  300 , and/or larger or additional components of camera module  370  that can facilitate improved image quality and performance. 
     In some embodiments, outer cover  341  includes a through-cut that defines a cavity  348 . For example, outer cover  341  has a thickness (T 1   cover ) throughout a majority of outer cover  341  (e.g., over a visible portion of the user interface display). Cavity  348  is defined by an opening through the entire thickness (T 1   cover ). Cavity  348  defined by cover  341  provides a space that can at least partially accommodate camera module  370  and/or one or more other optical components. Cavity  348  may be milled, molded, or otherwise formed to provide cavity  348  extending through thickness (T 1   cover ) of outer cover  341 . In some embodiments, outer cover  341  is initially formed having a consistent thickness (e.g., thickness (T 1   cover )) and subsequently drilled or milled to define cavity  348 . In various other embodiments, outer cover  341  may be etched, molded, or otherwise formed to provide outer cover  341  having a through-hole defining cavity  348 . 
     Outer cover  341  has a thickness that provides a robust and durable cover of electronic device  300  and/or that allows components of a user interface display to be viewed through outer cover  341 . In some embodiments, outer cover has a thickness between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm, 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm, or about 0.6 mm. For example, thickness (T 1   cover ) may be between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm, 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm, or about 0.6 mm over substantially the entire outer cover  341  (e.g. the entire outer cover except cavity  348  and/or other features of outer cover  341 ). 
     Electronic device  300  includes a cover lens  387  positioned at least partially within cavity  348  over lens barrel  385  of camera module  370 . Cover lens  387  may provide the outermost lens of camera module  370 , and/or provide protection to portions of camera module  370  below cover lens  387 . In some embodiments, camera module  370  includes cover lens  387 , and the camera module including cover lens  387  are together assembled with outer cover  341  and/or other portions of electronic device together with camera module  370 . For example, cover lens  387  is first assembled with other components of camera module  370 , and the entire camera module  370  is then installed within electronic device  300 . Cover lens  387  may be directly attached to front end  375  of camera module  370 . An adhesive layer  388  may be positioned between front end  375  and cover lens  375  that provides a bond between front end  375  and cover lens  387 . In other embodiments, cover lens  387  may be mounted to outer cover  341  separate from camera module  370  and/or subsequently bonded to camera module  370 . 
     An outer face  341   a  of outer cover  341  may be substantially planar proximate aperture  349  and cavity  348 . In some embodiments, outer cover  341  and camera module  370  are constructed and assembled such that electronic device  300  does not include any ribs or raised features proximate aperture  349 . A continuous outer face  141   a  reduces crevices or small areas where environmental contaminants, such as water, dust, or other debris, can collect and/or enter electronic device  300  proximate aperture  349 . Alternatively or additionally, a continuous outer face  341   a  may promote an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In some embodiments, a seal  389 , such as an adhesive, elastomeric gasket, or other seal is positioned at least partially in a space between cover lens  387  and outer cover  341 . Seal  389  promotes a consistent, planar outer face  341  and prevents entry of environmental contaminants. 
     Outer cover  341  may include a step or transition feature  347  proximate cavity  348  (e.g., at edges defining cavity  348 ). Step  347  may include an edge feature, such as a chamfered or beveled edge. Edge features can improve the durability of outer cover  341  by reducing sharp edges that can be a potential starting point for crack formation. Cavity  348  includes a width (W cavity ) between opposite steps  347  (e.g. opposite sides of cavity  348 ). Width (W cavity ) is at least as large as a width of a front end  375  of camera module  370  such that camera module  370  may be at least partially positioned within cavity  348 . 
     In some embodiments, front end  375  of camera module  370  is at least partially surrounded by shoulder  376 . Front end  375  has an outer diameter (d front end ) less than an outer diameter (d shoulder ) of shoulder  376 . At least a portion of front end  375  is positioned within cavity  348 , while shoulder  376  and portions of camera module  370  below shoulder  376  are not positioned within cavity  348 . For example, the width (W cavity ) of cavity  349  may be between the diameter (d front end ) of front end  375  and the diameter (d shoulder ) of shoulder  376  such that width (W cavity ) is larger than diameter (d front end ) of front end  375  and smaller than diameter (d shoulder ) of shoulder  376 . Such relative dimensions allow front end  375  to be positioned at least partially within cavity  349  and/or allow attachment of shoulder  376  to a component of electronic device  300 . 
     In some embodiments, shoulder  376  is attached to inner face  341   b  of outer cover  341 , directly or indirectly. For example, camera module  370  may be sealed to inner face  341   b  of outer cover  341 . Sealed engagement prevents ingress of environmental contaminants into electronic device  300 , and/or at least partially supports camera module  370  within electronic device  300 . A seal  386  may be positioned between shoulder  376  and inner face  341   b  of outer cover  341  to promote sealing engagement. Seal  386  may be a gasket, O-ring, compressible seal, or other seal that promotes sealing engagement between shoulder  376  and inner face  341   b . Alternatively or additionally, seal  386  may include an adhesive applied between shoulder  376  and inner face  341   b . Direct, sealing engagement between camera module  370  and outer cover  341  provides a space-efficient arrangement while providing a robust sealing engagement to prevent entry of foreign contaminants. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a cross-sectional view of electronic device  400  is shown, including camera module  470  positioned at least partially within cavity  448  defined by outer cover  441 . In some embodiments, electronic device  400  and camera module  470  may have features similar to electronic device  300  and camera module  370  described above. Camera module  470  includes a circuit board  471 , image sensor  472 , and lens assembly  480 . Lens assembly  480  includes one or more optical elements, such as first optical element  481 , second optical element  482 , third optical element  483 , and fourth optical element  484 . Image sensor  472  captures light focused through lens assembly  480 , and communicates associated image data to circuit board  471 . 
     Electronic device  400  and camera module  470  are configured to provide a space-efficient arrangement such that camera module  470  occupies a relatively small volume within electronic device  400 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of camera module is positioned within cavity  448  defined by outer cover  441 . A full thickness of camera module  470  and outer cover  441  do not each independently add to the overall thickness of electronic device  400 . Such an arrangement can thus facilitate a reduced overall thickness of electronic device  400 , and/or larger or additional components of camera module  470  that can facilitate improved image quality and performance. 
     In some embodiments, outer cover  441  includes a through-cut that defines cavity  448 . For example, outer cover  441  has a thickness (T 1   cover ) throughout a majority of outer cover  441  (e.g. over a visible portion of the user interface display). Cavity  448  is defined by an opening through the entire thickness (T 1   cover ). Cavity  448  defined by cover  441  provides a space that can at least partially accommodate camera module  470  and/or one or more other optical components. Cavity  448  may be milled, molded, or otherwise formed to provide cavity  448  extending through thickness (T 1   cover ) of outer cover  441 . In some embodiments, outer cover  441  is initially formed having a consistent thickness (e.g. thickness (T 1   cover )) and subsequently drilled or milled to define cavity  448 . In various other embodiments, outer cover  341  may be etched, molded, or otherwise formed to provide outer cover  441  having an area of reduced thickness defining cavity  448 . 
     Outer cover  441  has a thickness that provides a robust and durable cover of electronic device  400  and/or that allows components of a user interface display to be viewed through outer cover  441 . In some embodiments, outer cover has a thickness between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm, 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm, or about 0.6 mm. For example, thickness (T 1   cover ) may be between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm, 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm, 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm, or about 0.6 mm over substantially the entire outer cover  441  (e.g. the entire outer cover except cavity  448  and/or other features of outer cover  441 ). 
     Electronic device  400  includes a cover lens  487  positioned at least partially over cavity  448  and lens barrel  485  of camera module  470 . Cover lens  487  may provide the outermost lens of camera module  470 , and/or provide protection to portions of camera module  470  below cover lens  487 . In some embodiments, outer cover  441  includes a shoulder  442  extending at least partially around a perimeter of cavity  448 . Cover lens  487  is attached to an outer face  441   a  of outer cover  441  at shoulder  442 . For example, cover lens  487  may be sealed to outer face  441   a  of outer cover  441  by seal  443  including an adhesive, O-ring, compressible seal, and/or other seal that promotes sealing engagement between cover lens  487  and shoulder  442 . Further, shoulder  442  may facilitate manufacturing and assembly by providing a cavity and consistent surface that can receive cover lens  487 . 
     An outer face  441   a  of outer cover  441  may be substantially planar proximate aperture  449  and cavity  448 . In some embodiments, outer cover  441  and camera module  470  are constructed and assembled such that electronic device  400  does not include any ribs or raised features proximate aperture  449 . For example, outer face  441   a  may be substantially planar between over cover lens  487  and outer cover  441 . A continuous outer face  441   a  reduces crevices or small areas where environmental contaminants, such as water, dust, or other debris, can collect and/or enter electronic device  400  proximate aperture  449 . Alternatively or additionally, a continuous outer face  441   a  may promote an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
     Outer cover  441  may include a step or transition feature  447  proximate cavity  448  (e.g., at edges of shoulder  442  defining cavity  448 ). Step  447  may include an edge feature, such as a chamfered or beveled edge. Edge features can improve the durability of outer cover  441  by reducing sharp edges that can be a potential starting point for crack formation. Cavity  448  includes a width (W cavity ) between opposite steps  447  (e.g. opposite sides of cavity  448 ). Width (W cavity ) is at least as large as a width of a front end  475  of camera module  470  such that camera module  470  may be at least partially positioned within cavity  448 . 
     In some embodiments, front end  475  of camera module  470  is at least partially surrounded by shoulder  476 . Front end  475  has an outer diameter (d front end ) less than an outer diameter (d shoulder ) of shoulder  476 . At least a portion of front end  475  is positioned within cavity  448 , while shoulder  476  and portions of camera module  470  below shoulder  476  are not positioned within cavity  448 . For example, the width (W cavity ) of cavity  449  may be between the diameter (d front end ) of front end  475  and the diameter (d shoulder ) of shoulder  476  such that width (W cavity ) is larger than diameter (d front end ) of front end  475  and smaller than diameter (d shoulder ) of shoulder  476 . Such relative dimensions allow front end  475  to be positioned at least partially within cavity  449  and/or allow attachment of shoulder  476  to a component of electronic device  400 . 
     In some embodiments, shoulder  476  is attached to inner face  441   b  of outer cover  441 , directly or indirectly. Alternatively or additionally, camera module  470  may be supported on circuit board  430 , for example. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a flow diagram of an example method  500  of mounting a camera module is shown, including positioning a camera module at least partially within a cavity of an outer cover of an electric device. In some embodiments, method  500  includes operation  502  of defining a cavity in an outer cover of an electronic device. For example, operation  502  may include milling, molding, cutting or otherwise forming a cavity in the outer cover. The cavity may define an area of reduced thickness, such that the outer cover is relatively thinner at the location of the cavity as opposed to surrounding locations. In some embodiments, operation  502  may include forming a cavity that extends through the entire thickness of the outer cover. Alternatively or additionally, operation  502  may including forming a shoulder or ledge at least partially surrounding the cavity. The shoulder or ledge may be configured for attachment with a cover lens and/or features of the camera module. 
     Method  500  further includes operation  504  of positioning the camera module at least partially within the cavity defined by the outer cover. For example, a front region of a camera module may be positioned at least partially within the cavity such that total thickness of the outer cover and the camera module do not each independently add to the overall thickness of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the cavity has a width that is greater than a diameter of a front end of the camera module, and operation  504  includes positioning a front end of the camera module at least partially within the cavity. 
     Method  500  further includes operation  506  of mounting the camera module within the electronic device housing. In some embodiments, the camera module is mounted to a circuit board within the electronic device housing and positioned in alignment with an aperture through the electronic device housing. For example, the camera module may be electrically connected with the circuit board and positioned in alignment with an aperture through a front cover of the electronic device such that the camera module is configured as a front-facing camera. In other embodiments, camera module may be positioned in alignment with an aperture through a rear cover of the electronic device (e.g., on an opposite side of the electronic device from a main user display) such that the camera module is configured as a rear-facing camera. Alternatively or additionally, operation  506  may include mounting the camera module to the outer cover. For example, camera module may be sealingly engaged with the outer cover. Sealing engagement prevents ingress of environmental contaminants into the electronic device, and/or at least partially supports the camera module within electronic device  300 . Operation  506  may include positioning a seal between a shoulder of the camera module and an inner face of the outer cover. The seal may be a gasket, O-ring, compressible seal, or other seal that promotes sealing engagement between the camera module and outer cover. 
     Operations  502 ,  504 ,  506  may be performed in any suitable order. In some embodiments, the cavity is defined in the outer cover during an initial manufacturing step of manufacturing the outer cover, followed by assembly with the camera module and mounting within an electronic device housing. In other embodiments, the camera module is mounted within the electronic device housing, and is subsequently enclosed by attaching the outer cover to a component of the electronic device housing such that the camera module is positioned at least partially within the cavity. 
     While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosed technology or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular disclosed technologies. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment in part or in whole. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described herein as acting in certain combinations and/or initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. Similarly, while operations may be described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.