Patent Description:
Various forms of portable electronic devices, such as a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), and the like, have been widely used with the development of information technology (IT).

A camera module may be included in the electronic devices. The camera module may be made compact so as to be included in the electronic devices and may include various functions. For example, the camera module may include a zoom function to enlarge or reduce a subject at various magnifications. In another example, the camera module may include an auto focus (AF) function.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states a camera device including a lens barrel including at least one lens and a lens hole, a variable aperture defining an aperture hole area arranged on the lens hole, where a size of the aperture hole area is adjustable via a physical force applied to a lever, a first movable carrier in which the lens barrel is seated, to which the variable aperture is fixed, and including at least one magnet member that is configured to cooperate with at least one coil to move the first movable carrier, and an aperture driving module configured to adjust the size of the aperture hole area by supplying the physical force to the lever.

The size and thickness of a portable electronic device in the related art may be restricted in view of portability, and the size and thickness of a camera module included in the portable electronic device may also be restricted. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a camera module of the portable electronic device in the related art has been manufactured by adopting a camera module that does not include some components, such as an aperture module.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a camera module as defined in any of the claims <NUM>-<NUM> is provided.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a camera module <NUM> (e.g., a camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include a housing, a lens carrier <NUM> disposed in the housing, an aperture module <NUM> for adjusting the amount of light incident on a lens <NUM>, a focus module <NUM> for focusing the lens <NUM> by driving the lens <NUM> along an optical axis, and a substrate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM> mentioned herein may mean the direction in which the optical axis of the lens <NUM> disposed in a lens barrel <NUM> extends, and may refer to both the + Z-axis direction and the - Z-axis direction.

In an embodiment, the housing may include an upper housing <NUM>, a lower housing <NUM> combined with the upper housing <NUM> and having the lens carrier <NUM> disposed therein, and a cover <NUM> combined with the upper housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> may include a recessed portion <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the upper housing <NUM> may have an opening <NUM> through which at least part of the lens carrier <NUM> is exposed in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, at least part of the lens barrel <NUM> may be exposed through the opening <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the camera module <NUM> (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) includes a lens assembly (e.g., including the lens barrel <NUM> and the lens <NUM> of <FIG>, or a lens assembly <NUM> of <FIG>) that is coupled to the lens carrier <NUM> and that moves together with the lens carrier <NUM> in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM> (e.g., in the Z-axis direction).

In an embodiment, the lower housing <NUM> may have the lens carrier <NUM> disposed therein. Furthermore, the lower housing <NUM> may have a first coil <NUM> and a second coil <NUM> disposed therein. The first coil <NUM> may drive the aperture module <NUM> facing the vertical direction, and the second coil <NUM> may drive the lens carrier <NUM> in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first coil <NUM> and the second coil <NUM> may be disposed in a second opening <NUM> and a third opening <NUM> formed in the lower housing <NUM>, respectively.

The lower housing <NUM> may include side surfaces that face perpendicular directions to the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. The first coil <NUM> may be disposed on one of the side surfaces, and the second coil <NUM> may be disposed on another one of the side surfaces. In the illustrated embodiment, the side surface on which the first coil <NUM> is disposed and the side surface on which the second coil <NUM> is disposed may be connected with each other. However, without being limited thereto, the side surface on which the first coil <NUM> is disposed and the side surface on which the second coil <NUM> is disposed may be formed to face each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the camera module <NUM> (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) may further include a flexible printed circuit board <NUM> that connects the first coil <NUM>, the second coil <NUM>, and the substrate <NUM>. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may cover at least some of the side surfaces of the lower housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may cover the side surface on which the first coil <NUM> is formed and the side surface on which the second coil <NUM> is formed, among the side surfaces of the lower housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the lower housing <NUM> may be open at one side (e.g., in the + Z-axis direction) such that the lens carrier <NUM> is inserted into the lower housing <NUM> and at least part of the lens carrier <NUM> is exposed through the open one side of the lower housing <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> including an image sensor <NUM> (e.g., an image sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed under the lower housing <NUM>, and a first opening <NUM> may be formed in a surface of the lower housing <NUM> that faces the image sensor <NUM>. Light passing through the lens <NUM> may be incident on the image sensor <NUM> through the first opening <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the housing may include a first surface and a second surface that face the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM> and a third surface that surrounds a space between the first surface and the second surface. The third surface may face a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. A first opening (e.g., the opening <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM>) into which at least part of the lens barrel <NUM> included in the lens carrier <NUM> is inserted may be formed in the first surface, and a second opening (e.g., the first opening <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>) through which light passing through the lens barrel <NUM> passes may be formed in the second surface. The substrate <NUM> including the image sensor <NUM> may be disposed under the second opening. The first surface may be formed by the cover <NUM> and the upper housing <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, and the second surface and the third surface may be formed by the lower housing <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the lens carrier <NUM> may have a module of the lens <NUM> disposed therein and may be disposed in the housing so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, part of the lens carrier <NUM> may be inserted into the opening <NUM> formed in the upper housing <NUM>. The lens barrel <NUM> may contain one or more lenses <NUM>. The lens barrel <NUM> may be exposed outside the housing through the opening <NUM> formed in the upper housing <NUM>, and therefore external light may be incident on the one or more lenses <NUM> contained in the lens barrel <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the lens carrier <NUM> may include a first surface facing the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM> and a side surface perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. A second magnet <NUM> and a rolling member that are relevant to the focus module <NUM> may be disposed on a partial area of the side surface of the lens carrier <NUM>. In an embodiment, the lens barrel <NUM> may be disposed on a central portion of the first surface of the lens carrier <NUM>. Meanwhile, a protruding boss <NUM> relevant to the aperture module <NUM> may be formed near the lens barrel <NUM>, and a rotary member <NUM> of the aperture module <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the protruding boss <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) includes the aperture module <NUM>. The aperture module <NUM> may adjust the amount of light incident on the lens <NUM> disposed in the lens barrel <NUM>. In an embodiment, the aperture module <NUM> may include the rotary member <NUM> rotatably coupled to one side of the lens carrier <NUM>, aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> extending from the rotary member <NUM> to the optical axis of the lens <NUM> and having openings <NUM> and <NUM> through which light incident on the lens <NUM> passes, a magnet <NUM> formed in the rotary member <NUM>, and the first coil <NUM> magnetically connected with the magnet <NUM> and disposed on a partial area of the side surfaces of the lower housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) may include the focus module <NUM>. The focus module <NUM> may include the second magnet <NUM> formed on one surface of the lens carrier <NUM>, the rolling member (e.g., a ball <NUM>) disposed on one surface of the lens carrier <NUM>, and the second coil <NUM> formed on a partial area of the side surfaces of the lower housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) may be configured such that the lens carrier <NUM> is driven in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM> (e.g., in the + Z-axis direction or the - Z-axis direction) by the focus module <NUM> and the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> are rotatably coupled to the lens carrier <NUM>. Accordingly, even when the lens carrier <NUM> is driven in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>, the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> may adjust the amount of light incident on the lens <NUM> while maintaining a predetermined gap from the lens <NUM> (e.g., a predetermined gap in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>).

<FIG> is a view illustrating the lower housing of the camera module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the lower housing <NUM> may be formed of a housing that is open in one direction (e.g., the + Z-axis direction) along the optical axis of the lens <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be formed in a surface that faces an opposite direction (e.g., the - Z-axis direction) along the optical axis of the lens <NUM>. The lower housing <NUM> may have a lens carrier disposed therein (e.g., the lens carrier <NUM> of <FIG>).

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower housing <NUM> may include the side surfaces that face perpendicular directions to the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first coil <NUM> and first control circuitry <NUM> may be disposed on one area of the side surfaces, and the second coil <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, and second control circuitry <NUM> may be disposed on another area of the side surfaces. The side surfaces of the lower housing <NUM> may include a first area in which the first coil <NUM> and the first control circuitry <NUM> are disposed and a second area in which the second coil <NUM> and the second control circuitry <NUM> are disposed. The first coil <NUM> and the first control circuitry <NUM> may be associated with driving the aperture module <NUM> described above, and the second coil <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, and the second control circuitry <NUM> may be associated with driving the focus module <NUM> described above.

In some embodiments, the lower housing <NUM> may include a base <NUM> facing the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM> and a sidewall <NUM> formed on the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> may have the opening <NUM> through which light passing through the lens <NUM> passes. The sidewall <NUM> may be formed to surround the lens carrier <NUM> disposed on the base <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> may include the first area in which the first coil <NUM> and the first control circuitry <NUM> are disposed and the second area in which the second coil <NUM> and the second control circuitry <NUM> are disposed.

Referring to <FIG>, openings may be formed through the first and second areas of the sidewall <NUM>. The first coil <NUM> and the first control circuitry <NUM> may be disposed in the opening formed in the first area. The first coil <NUM> and the first control circuitry <NUM> may be fixed to the sidewall <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM> by a mold member <NUM> inserted into the opening. The second coil <NUM>, the second control circuitry <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the opening formed in the second area. The second coil <NUM>, the second control circuitry <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> may be fixed to the sidewall <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM> by a plate <NUM> inserted into the opening.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may include a first area <NUM>, a second area <NUM>, and a third area <NUM>. The first area <NUM> may be disposed on a partial area of the sidewall <NUM> on which the first coil <NUM> is disposed and may be electrically connected with the first coil <NUM>. The second area <NUM> may be disposed on a partial area of the sidewall <NUM> on which the second coil <NUM> is disposed and may be electrically connected with the second coil <NUM>. The third area <NUM> may be connected with a substrate (e.g., the substrate <NUM> of <FIG>).

<FIG> is a view illustrating the lens carrier <NUM> and the aperture module <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the lens carrier <NUM> may include the lens barrel <NUM> containing the one or more lenses <NUM> and a body <NUM> surrounding the lens barrel <NUM>. At least part of the lens barrel <NUM> may be disposed in the body <NUM>, and the rest of the lens barrel <NUM> may protrude from one surface (e.g., a surface facing the + Z-axis direction) of the body <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lens barrel <NUM> may be disposed in a central portion of the body <NUM>, and part of the aperture module <NUM> may be disposed in a peripheral portion of the body <NUM>. The protruding boss <NUM> may be formed on the peripheral portion of the body <NUM>. The protruding boss <NUM> may protrude from the body <NUM> in the one direction (e.g., the + Z-axis direction) along the optical axis of the lens <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the aperture module <NUM> may include the rotary member <NUM>, the first magnet <NUM> coupled to the rotary member <NUM>, the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> extending from the rotary member <NUM> toward the lens barrel <NUM>, and the openings <NUM> and <NUM> formed in the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM>. The rotary member <NUM> may rotate about a rotary shaft <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The rotary member <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the protruding boss <NUM> formed on the peripheral portion of the body <NUM> of the lens carrier <NUM>, and therefore the rotary shaft <NUM> of the aperture module <NUM> may be formed. The rotary shaft <NUM> may be formed substantially parallel to the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the rotary member <NUM> of the aperture module <NUM> include the first magnet <NUM> disposed in a first radial direction with respect to the rotary shaft <NUM>. The aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> extending in a second radial direction with respect to the rotary shaft <NUM> may be connected to the rotary member <NUM> of the aperture module <NUM>. The first radial direction and the second radial direction may be different directions, and the first magnet <NUM> and the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined angle with respect to the rotary shaft <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> include the first aperture blade <NUM> having the first opening <NUM> formed therein and the second aperture blade <NUM> having the second opening <NUM> formed therein. The first opening <NUM> may be formed to be larger than the second opening <NUM>, and the amount of light incident on the lens <NUM> may be increased with an increase in the sizes of the openings <NUM> and <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first aperture blade <NUM> and the second aperture blade <NUM> rotate about the same rotary shaft <NUM> formed by the protruding boss <NUM>. The first aperture blade <NUM> and the second aperture blade <NUM> extend from the rotary member <NUM> in a radial direction with respect to the rotary shaft <NUM>. Although the first aperture blade <NUM> and the second aperture blade <NUM> are configured to rotate about the same rotary shaft <NUM>, the first aperture blade <NUM> and the second aperture blade <NUM> may or may not cover the lens <NUM> depending on the rotation angle of the rotary member <NUM>. When the aperture blade <NUM> or <NUM> covers the lens <NUM>, this may mean that the center of the opening <NUM> or <NUM> formed in the aperture blade <NUM> or <NUM> is located on the optical axis of the lens <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a first distance between the first opening <NUM> of the first aperture blade <NUM> and the rotary shaft <NUM> (e.g., a radius of rotation about the rotary shaft <NUM>) may be the same as a second distance between the second opening <NUM> of the second aperture blade <NUM> and the rotary shaft <NUM> (e.g., a radius of rotation about the rotary shaft <NUM>). The first distance and the second distance may be the same as a third distance from the rotary shaft <NUM> to the optical axis of the lens <NUM>. Accordingly, the center of the opening <NUM> or <NUM> formed in the aperture blade <NUM> or <NUM> may be accurately located on the optical axis of the lens <NUM> when the aperture blade <NUM> or <NUM> covers the lens <NUM> depending on the rotation angle of the rotary member <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture module <NUM> may further include a fixing bracket <NUM> coupled to the protruding boss <NUM> formed on the body <NUM> of the lens carrier <NUM>. The fixing bracket <NUM> may securely couple the rotary member <NUM> to the protruding boss <NUM>.

In some embodiment, the lens carrier <NUM> may include a first surface in which an opening is formed and a second surface that is connected with the first surface and on which the second magnet <NUM> is disposed. The first surface may be a surface facing the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>, and the second surface may be a surface formed to be substantially perpendicular to the first surface. The lens barrel <NUM> may be inserted into the opening of the first surface in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. The opening may be formed in a central portion of the first surface, and the protruding boss <NUM> to which the rotary member <NUM> of the aperture module <NUM> is rotatably coupled may be formed near the opening.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second magnet <NUM> and the rolling member (e.g., the ball <NUM>) that are relevant to the focus module <NUM> may be disposed on a partial area of the side surface of the lens carrier <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lens barrel <NUM> may include a fixed opening aligned with the optical axis of the lens <NUM> disposed in the lens barrel <NUM>. Light may be incident on the lens <NUM> in the lens barrel <NUM> through the fixed opening. The camera module <NUM> may include one or more aperture blades (e.g., the aperture blade <NUM> or <NUM>) that have the opening <NUM> or <NUM> formed to be smaller than the fixed opening.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the aperture module <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the aperture module <NUM> includes the rotary member <NUM>, the first magnet <NUM> disposed in the rotary member <NUM>, the first aperture blade <NUM> and the second aperture blade <NUM> that are connected to the rotary member <NUM>, and the fixing bracket <NUM> for fixing the rotary member <NUM> to the protruding boss <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the rotary member <NUM> may include a magnet recess <NUM> formed in the first radial direction with respect to the rotary shaft <NUM>. The first magnet <NUM> may be inserted into the magnet recess <NUM>. The rotary member <NUM> may include an extension <NUM> formed in the second radial direction with respect to the rotary shaft <NUM> and extending in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM> (e.g., in the + Z-axis direction). The extension <NUM>, as will be described herein, may extend to a higher position than an upper surface (an end surface facing the + Z-axis direction) of the lens <NUM> disposed in the lens barrel <NUM>. The aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to the extension <NUM>. The aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> may extend toward the central portion of the body <NUM> from an end portion of the extension <NUM> that faces the optical axis direction (an end portion facing the + Z-axis direction) to cover the lens <NUM> contained in the lens barrel <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary member <NUM> may include a fastening portion <NUM> that includes an opening having a size corresponding to the protruding boss <NUM>. The protruding boss <NUM> may be inserted into the opening, and therefore the rotary member <NUM> may be coupled to the protruding boss <NUM> so as to be rotatable about the protruding boss <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, it is exemplified that the protruding boss <NUM> protrudes in the + Z-axis direction. However, without being limited thereto, the protruding boss <NUM> may protrude in the - Z-axis direction, or may protrude in the opposite directions along the optical axis of the lens <NUM>.

The fixing bracket <NUM> may be bent in the shape of "⊂". The fixing bracket <NUM> may be formed to press the fastening portion <NUM> of the rotary member <NUM> coupled to the protruding boss <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body <NUM> of the lens carrier <NUM> may further include a first additional protrusion <NUM> and a second additional protrusion <NUM> that further protrude from the protruding boss <NUM> in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. The first additional protrusion <NUM> may further protrude beyond the opening of the fastening portion <NUM> of the rotary member <NUM> in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. The fixing bracket <NUM> may be mounted on the additional protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the fixing bracket <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> coupled to the first additional protrusion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> coupled to the second additional protrusion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may each have an opening into which the protruding boss <NUM> is inserted. The openings may have a size substantially corresponding to the additional protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>. The openings may be formed to be substantially smaller than the opening formed in the fastening portion <NUM> of the rotary member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first aperture blade <NUM> and the second aperture blade <NUM> may be connected to the extension <NUM> of the rotary member <NUM>. The first aperture blade <NUM> and the second aperture blade <NUM> may be connected to the extension <NUM> in different radial directions. The first opening <NUM> may be formed in the first aperture blade <NUM>, and the second opening <NUM> smaller than the first opening <NUM> may be formed in the second aperture blade <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the body <NUM> of the lens carrier <NUM> may include the protruding boss <NUM> that is formed on an outer surface of the body <NUM> and that protrudes in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM> and a rotation groove <NUM> that is formed in a portion adjacent to the protruding boss <NUM> and in which at least part of the rotary member <NUM> is disposed.

The extension <NUM> of the rotary member <NUM> may be disposed in the rotation groove <NUM>. The rotation groove <NUM> may be formed to have an angle that corresponds to an angle by which the extension <NUM> is rotated as the rotary member <NUM> rotates about the rotary shaft <NUM>. A sidewall <NUM> of the rotation groove <NUM> may function as a stopper that restricts the rotation angle of the rotary member <NUM>. For example, a maximum rotation angle may be determined by the sidewall <NUM> when the rotary member <NUM> rotates about the rotary shaft <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a coupling relationship between the lens carrier <NUM>, the aperture module <NUM>, and the lower housing <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the lower housing <NUM> may include the base <NUM> on which the lens carrier <NUM> is mounted and the sidewall <NUM> surrounding the lens carrier <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular shape having substantially four surfaces. The first coil <NUM> relevant to operation of the aperture module <NUM> may be disposed on one of the surfaces that form the sidewall <NUM>. The second coil <NUM> relevant to operation of the focus module <NUM> may be disposed on another one of the surfaces that form the sidewall <NUM>.

In an embodiment, at least part of the lens carrier <NUM> may be received in the lower housing <NUM>. The lens carrier <NUM> may be disposed in a space that is formed by the sidewall <NUM> and the base <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM> and that is open at one side (e.g., in the + Z-axis direction).

In an embodiment, the lens carrier <NUM> may be disposed in the inner space, which is formed by the sidewall <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>, such that the rotary member <NUM> of the aperture module <NUM> disposed on a partial area of the outer surface of the lens carrier <NUM> is adjacent to the first coil <NUM> included in the lower housing <NUM>. The lens carrier <NUM> may be disposed in the inner space, which is formed by the sidewall <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>, such that the second magnet <NUM> disposed on a partial area of the outer surface of the lens carrier <NUM> is adjacent to a second driving unit included in the lower housing <NUM>.

That is, the lens carrier <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM> may be combined together such that the first coil <NUM>, together with the first magnet <NUM>, rotates the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM>, and the second coil <NUM>, together with the second magnet <NUM>, linearly drives the lens carrier <NUM> (e.g., in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>, the + Z-axis direction, or the - Z-axis direction). The first coil <NUM> and the first magnet <NUM> may magnetically interact with each other, and therefore the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> may be driven even when the lens carrier <NUM> is linearly moved. Furthermore, the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to the lens carrier <NUM> and linearly moved together with the lens carrier <NUM>, and therefore the gap between the lens <NUM> and the openings <NUM> and <NUM> formed in the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> may remain constant. Accordingly, the amount of light incident on the lens <NUM> is able to be adjusted irrespective of the displacement of the lens carrier <NUM> in the optical axis direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lens barrel <NUM> may be formed to be higher than the sidewall <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM> in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM> (e.g., in the + Z-axis direction). Likewise, the extension <NUM> of the rotary member <NUM> rotatably coupled to the body <NUM> may extend outward beyond the sidewall <NUM> in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>, and the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> connected to the extension <NUM> may be disposed in a higher position than the sidewall <NUM> in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the lens carrier <NUM> and the first coil <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an arrangement relationship between the rotary member <NUM> and the first coil <NUM> in the camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the aperture module <NUM> may include the first coil <NUM>, the rotary member <NUM>, the first magnet <NUM> disposed in the rotary member <NUM>, and the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> for covering the lens <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first coil <NUM> may include a conductor <NUM> spaced apart from the outer surface of the body <NUM> of the lens carrier <NUM> by a predetermined gap, the first coil <NUM> wound around the conductor <NUM>, and the first control circuitry <NUM> that controls the supply of power to the first coil <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first coil <NUM> may include coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> and coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>. Coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> may be disposed on a side of coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. Coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> and coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. Accordingly, coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> and coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> may generate a magnetic field in the + Y-axis direction or the - Y-axis direction depending on the direction of current.

In an embodiment, the conductor <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> around which coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> is wound and that is adjacent to one side of the first magnet <NUM>, a second portion <NUM> around which coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> is wound, and a third portion <NUM> that is connected with the second portion <NUM> and that is adjacent to an opposite side of the first magnet <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be connected and integrated with each other, or may be implemented as separate from each other. The first portion <NUM> of the conductor <NUM> may extend in a direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>, and coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> wound around the first portion <NUM> may extend in the direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The second portion <NUM> of the conductor <NUM> may extend in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>, and coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> wound around the second portion <NUM> may extend in the direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The third portion <NUM> may extend from an end of the second portion <NUM> in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first portion <NUM> of the conductor <NUM> may include a first end <NUM> (e.g., an end facing the + Y-axis direction) that is located adjacent to the first magnet <NUM> and a second end <NUM> (e.g., an end facing the - Y-axis direction) that is located a relatively long distance away from the first magnet <NUM>. Coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> may be formed between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. Depending on the direction of current flowing through coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>, an N-pole and an S-pole may be formed at the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, or vice versa.

In an embodiment, the third portion <NUM> of the conductor <NUM> may include a third end <NUM> located adjacent to the first magnet <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> of the conductor <NUM> may include a fourth end <NUM> that is located a relatively long distance away from the first magnet <NUM> with respect to coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>. Coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> may be formed between the third end <NUM> and the fourth end <NUM>. Depending on the direction of current flowing through coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>, an N-pole and an S-pole may be formed at the third end <NUM> and the fourth end <NUM>, or vice versa.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first magnet <NUM> may be disposed between the first end <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> of the conductor <NUM> and the third end <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> of the conductor <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first magnet <NUM> may include magnet <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> and magnet <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>. Magnet <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> may be adjacent to the first end <NUM> of the conductor <NUM>, and magnet <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> may be adjacent to the third end <NUM> of the conductor <NUM>. Magnet <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> may magnetically interact with coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>, and magnet <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> may magnetically interact with coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>.

In some embodiments, the conductor <NUM> may include a first area that is located on a side of the area where coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> is formed and that is adjacent to the one side of the first magnet <NUM> and a second area opposite to the first area with respect to coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>. In some embodiments, the conductor <NUM> may include a third area that is located on a side of the area where coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> is formed and that is adjacent to the opposite side of the first magnet <NUM> and a fourth area opposite to the third area with respect to coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>. In some embodiments, the first magnet <NUM> may be disposed between the first area of the conductor <NUM> and the third area of the conductor <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to the lens carrier <NUM> so as to maintain a predetermined gap d1 from the lens <NUM> or the end surface of the lens barrel <NUM> that faces the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. Accordingly, the camera module <NUM> according to the embodiment is able to adjust the amount of light incident on the lens <NUM> irrespective of the displacement of the lens carrier <NUM> in the optical axis direction.

<FIG> are views illustrating an arrangement of the first magnet <NUM> of the rotary member <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the first magnet <NUM> may be spaced apart from the rotary shaft <NUM> by a predetermined distance in the radial direction. The first magnet <NUM> may be disposed between the first end <NUM> and the third end <NUM> of the conductor <NUM>. The first magnet <NUM> may include magnet <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> adjacent to the first end <NUM> of the conductor <NUM> and magnet <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> adjacent to the third end <NUM> of the conductor <NUM>. Magnetic poles (an N pole or an S pole) formed at the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> may be related to the direction of current flowing through coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>, and magnetic poles (an N pole or an S pole) formed at the third end <NUM> and the fourth end <NUM> may be related to the direction of current flowing through coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first magnet <NUM> may include an N pole forming a surface of the rotary member <NUM> and an S pole formed in a direction toward the center from the N pole. The N pole and the S pole may be formed in a curved shape. For example, the N pole and the S pole may be formed in a circular arc shape with the rotary shaft <NUM> as the center when viewed from above.

Referring to <FIG>, the first magnet <NUM> may include an N pole facing the first end <NUM> of the conductor <NUM> and an S pole facing the third end <NUM> of the conductor <NUM>. Magnet <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> may include the N pole facing the first end <NUM> and an S pole formed in a circumferential direction from the N pole. Magnet <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> may include the S pole facing the third end <NUM> and an N pole formed in a circumferential direction from the S pole. That is, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the N poles and the S poles of the first magnet <NUM> may be formed in different radial directions.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, first control circuitry (e.g., the first control circuitry <NUM> of <FIG>) may control coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> and coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> such that a magnetic force generated between the first end <NUM> of the conductor <NUM> and the first magnet <NUM> is opposite to a magnetic force generated between the third end <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM>.

For example, the first control circuitry may control the directions of currents flowing through coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> and coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> such that different magnetic poles are formed at the first end <NUM> and the third end <NUM>.

For example, when coil <NUM>- <NUM><NUM> and coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> are wound in the same direction, the first control circuitry may perform control such that the direction of current flowing through coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> and the direction of current flowing through coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> differ from each other. Accordingly, an attractive force (or a repulsive force) may be generated between the first end <NUM> of the conductor <NUM> and magnet <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>, and a repulsive force (or an attractive force) may be generated between the second end <NUM> of the conductor <NUM> and magnet <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>. In this case, the rotary member <NUM> to which the first magnet <NUM> is coupled may rotate about the rotary shaft <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the rotation angle of the rotary member <NUM> may vary depending on the strengths of the magnetic forces generated between the first magnet <NUM> and the first and third ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the conductor <NUM>. Furthermore, the strengths of the magnetic forces may be proportional to the currents flowing through the coils wound around the conductor <NUM>. Accordingly, the first control circuitry may cause currents corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotary member <NUM> to flow through coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM> and coil <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first control circuitry may control the direction of current flowing through the first coil <NUM> such that the first opening <NUM> of the first aperture blade <NUM> or the second opening <NUM> of the second aperture blade <NUM> is located on the optical axis of the lens <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first control circuitry may uniformly maintain the amount of current flowing through the first coil <NUM> and may control only the direction of the current. For example, the first control circuitry may perform control such that the center of the first opening <NUM> formed in the first aperture blade <NUM> and the center of the second opening <NUM> formed in the second aperture blade <NUM> are accurately located on the optical axis of the lens <NUM>. That is, in the case of the camera module <NUM> including the two aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM>, a preferred rotation angle of the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> may always remain constant, and only the direction of rotation may be varied. The preferred rotation angle may be an internal angle between a vector extending from the rotary shaft <NUM> to the center of the first opening <NUM> and a vector extending from the rotary shaft <NUM> to the center of the second opening <NUM>. The first control circuitry may be configured to cause an amount of current corresponding to the internal angle to flow through the first coil <NUM> and to control only the direction of the current.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the first coil <NUM>, the second coil <NUM>, the first control circuitry <NUM>, the second control circuitry <NUM>, the image sensor <NUM>, and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include the first control circuitry <NUM> for controlling the first coil <NUM> and a first sensor (not illustrated) for sensing the position of the lens carrier <NUM>. The first sensor may be integrated with the first control circuitry <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first control circuitry <NUM> may control power applied to the first coil <NUM>. For example, the first control circuitry <NUM> may adjust the intensity or direction of a magnetic field generated by the first coil <NUM>, by controlling the amount or direction of current flowing through the first coil <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first sensor may include a Hall sensor that senses a change of a magnetic field generated by the first magnet <NUM> included in the aperture module <NUM>. The first sensor may be disposed in the housing and may preferably be disposed in a position adjacent to the first magnet <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first control circuitry <NUM> may determine the position of the first magnet <NUM> through the first sensor. Furthermore, the first control circuitry <NUM> may determine, through the first sensor, the displacement of the lens carrier <NUM> that moves together with the first magnet <NUM> in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. For example, the first sensor may be electrically connected with the first control circuitry <NUM>. The first sensor may transmit, to the first control circuitry <NUM>, a signal related to the change of the magnetic field generated by the first magnet <NUM>. Based on the signal, the first control circuitry <NUM> may determine the displacement of the lens carrier <NUM>, which moves together with the first magnet <NUM> in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>, or the displacement of the first magnet <NUM>.

For example, when the lens carrier <NUM> moves a predetermined distance in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>, the distance between the first sensor fixed to the housing and the first magnet <NUM> that moves together with the lens carrier <NUM> may be increased, and therefore the magnetic field generated by the first magnet <NUM> may be decreased. The first sensor may transmit, to the first control circuitry <NUM>, the signal related to the change of the magnetic field generated by the first magnet <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first control circuitry <NUM> may control the first coil <NUM> based on the distance between the first coil <NUM> and the first magnet <NUM>. Alternatively, the first control circuitry <NUM> may control the first coil <NUM> in view of the relationship between the magnetic field generated by the first coil <NUM> and the first magnet <NUM>. The first control circuitry <NUM> may correct a control signal for controlling the first coil <NUM>, based on the signal related to the magnetic field change that is transmitted by the first sensor.

For example, when the lens carrier <NUM> moves in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM> (e.g., a direction in which the first magnet <NUM> moves away from the first sensor), the distance between the first magnet <NUM>, which moves together with the lens carrier <NUM>, and the first coil <NUM> fixed to the housing may be increased. At this time, the first control circuitry <NUM> may correct a first control signal for controlling the first coil <NUM>, based on the increased distance and may control the first coil <NUM> using the corrected first control signal.

In an embodiment, the first control circuitry <NUM> may be configured to perform closed-loop control on the first control signal by configuring the signal related to the magnetic field generated by the first magnet <NUM> as a feedback signal. The magnetic field generated by the first magnet <NUM> may be sensed by the first sensor. For example, the first control circuitry <NUM> may correct the first control signal based on the magnitude, the direction, and/or the rate of change of the magnetic field generated by the first magnet <NUM> and may control the first coil <NUM> using the corrected first control signal.

In various embodiments, the first control circuitry <NUM> may be configured to perform closed-loop control on the first control signal by configuring the amount of light incident on the lens <NUM> as a feedback signal. For example, based on a signal related to the amount of light, the first control circuitry <NUM> may determine whether the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> are accurately located on the optical axis of the lens <NUM> and may correct the first control signal.

In an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include the second control circuitry <NUM> for controlling the second coil <NUM> and the second sensor <NUM> for sensing the position of the lens carrier <NUM>. The second control circuitry <NUM> may be integrated with the first control circuitry <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> that covers at least part of the sidewall <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may include the first area <NUM> disposed on the sidewall <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM> on which the first coil <NUM> is disposed, the second area <NUM> disposed on the sidewall <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM> on which the second coil <NUM> is disposed, and the third area <NUM> connected with the substrate <NUM> including the image sensor <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first control circuitry <NUM> and the second control circuitry <NUM> may be disposed on the substrate <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first area <NUM> of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may include a conductive pattern for connecting the first coil <NUM>, the first control circuitry <NUM>, and the first sensor. The second area <NUM> of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may include a conductive pattern for connecting the second coil <NUM>, the second control circuitry <NUM>, and the second sensor <NUM>.

<FIG> are views illustrating operations of the aperture blades <NUM> and <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> adjusts the amount of light incident on the lens <NUM> disposed in the lens barrel <NUM>, by rotating the first aperture blade <NUM> and the second aperture blade <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include a first state, illustrated in <FIG>, in which the first opening <NUM> formed in the first aperture blade <NUM> is located on the optical axis of the lens <NUM> and a second state, illustrated in <FIG>, in which the second opening <NUM> formed in the second aperture blade <NUM> is located on the optical axis of the lens <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> may be formed to be smaller than the first opening <NUM>. When the second opening <NUM> is located on the optical axis of the lens <NUM>, the amount of light incident on the lens <NUM> may be less than that when the first opening <NUM> is located on the optical axis of the lens <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lens barrel <NUM> may include the fixed opening aligned with the optical axis of the lens <NUM> disposed in the lens barrel <NUM>. Light may be incident on the lens <NUM> in the lens barrel <NUM> through the fixed opening. The camera module <NUM> may include one or more aperture blades (e.g., the aperture blade <NUM> or <NUM>) that have the opening <NUM> or <NUM> formed to be smaller than the fixed opening. In the embodiment, to reduce the amount of incident light, the aperture blades of the camera module <NUM> may be rotated to align a relatively small opening formed in the aperture blades with the optical axis of the lens <NUM>.

The second state, illustrated in <FIG>, may be obtained by rotating the rotary member <NUM> about the rotary shaft <NUM> through a first angle θ in the counterclockwise direction in the first state, illustrated in <FIG>. Likewise, the first state illustrated in <FIG> may be obtained by rotating the rotary member <NUM> about the rotary shaft <NUM> through the first angle θ in the clockwise direction in the second state illustrated in <FIG>. The first angle θ may be an internal angle between a first vector extending from the rotary shaft <NUM> to the center of the first opening <NUM> and a second vector extending from the rotary shaft <NUM> to the center of the second opening <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be configured such that in a relatively dark place, the second opening <NUM> of the second aperture blade <NUM> is located on the optical axis of the lens <NUM> and in a relatively bright place, the first opening <NUM> of the first aperture blade <NUM> is located on the optical axis of the lens <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view of a camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In <FIG>, the upper housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM> are omitted and the lens carrier <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM> are only illustrated.

Referring to <FIG>, the camera module <NUM> may include the first aperture module <NUM> and a second aperture module <NUM>. As described above, the first aperture module <NUM> may include the first aperture blade <NUM> having the first opening <NUM> formed therein, the second aperture blade <NUM> having the second opening <NUM> formed therein, the first rotary member <NUM> to which the first aperture blade <NUM> and the second aperture blade <NUM> are connected and that rotates about the first rotary shaft <NUM>, the magnet disposed in the rotary member <NUM>, and the first coil <NUM>.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may further include the second aperture module <NUM>. The second aperture module <NUM> may include a third aperture blade <NUM> having a third opening <NUM> formed therein, a second rotary member <NUM> to which the third aperture blade <NUM> is connected and that rotates about a second rotary shaft <NUM>, a magnet disposed in the rotary member <NUM>, and a third coil <NUM>. The first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, and the third opening <NUM> may have different diameters.

The components of the second aperture module <NUM> are identical to the components of the first aperture module <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>, and therefore descriptions thereabout will be omitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first aperture blade <NUM> and the second aperture blade <NUM> may be configured to rotate on a first plane about the first rotary shaft <NUM>. The first plane may be a virtual plane spaced apart from the lens <NUM> or the end surface of the lens barrel <NUM> that faces the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>, by a predetermined gap (e.g., d1 in <FIG>) in the optical axis direction of the lens <NUM>. Meanwhile, the third aperture blade <NUM> may be configured to rotate on a second plane different from the first plane about the second rotary shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to an embodiment.

A connecting terminal or connector <NUM> may include a connector via which the electronic device <NUM> may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>).

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> illustrating the camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the camera module <NUM> may include a lens assembly <NUM>, a flash <NUM>, an image sensor <NUM>, an image stabilizer <NUM>, memory <NUM> (e.g., buffer memory), or an image signal processor <NUM>. The lens assembly <NUM> may collect light emitted or reflected from an object whose image is to be taken. The lens assembly <NUM> may include one or more lenses. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include a plurality of lens assemblies <NUM>. In such a case, the camera module <NUM> may form, for example, a dual camera, a <NUM>-degree camera, or a spherical camera. Some of the plurality of lens assemblies <NUM> may have the same lens attribute (e.g., view angle, focal length, auto-focusing, f number, or optical zoom), or at least one lens assembly may have one or more lens attributes different from those of another lens assembly. The lens assembly <NUM> may include, for example, a wide-angle lens or a telephoto lens.

The flash <NUM> may emit light that is used to reinforce light reflected from an object. According to an embodiment, the flash <NUM> may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) (e.g., a red-green-blue (RGB) LED, a white LED, an infrared (IR) LED, or an ultraviolet (UV) LED) or a xenon lamp. The image sensor <NUM> may obtain an image corresponding to an object by converting light emitted or reflected from the object and transmitted via the lens assembly <NUM> into an electrical signal. According to an embodiment, the image sensor <NUM> may include one selected from image sensors having different attributes, such as an RGB sensor, a black-and-white (BW) sensor, an IR sensor, or a UV sensor, a plurality of image sensors having the same attribute, or a plurality of image sensors having different attributes. Each image sensor included in the image sensor <NUM> may be implemented using, for example, a charged coupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

The image stabilizer <NUM> may move the image sensor <NUM> or at least one lens included in the lens assembly <NUM> in a particular direction, or control an operational attribute (e.g., adjust the read-out timing) of the image sensor <NUM> in response to the movement of the camera module <NUM> or the electronic device <NUM> including the camera module <NUM>. This allows compensating for at least part of a negative effect (e.g., image blurring) by the movement on an image being captured. According to an embodiment, the image stabilizer <NUM> may sense such a movement by the camera module <NUM> or the electronic device <NUM> using a gyro sensor (not shown) or an acceleration sensor (not shown) disposed inside or outside the camera module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the image stabilizer <NUM> may be implemented, for example, as an optical image stabilizer.

The memory <NUM> may store, at least temporarily, at least part of an image obtained via the image sensor <NUM> for a subsequent image processing task. For example, if image capturing is delayed due to shutter lag or multiple images are quickly captured, a raw image obtained (e.g., a Bayer-patterned image, a high-resolution image) may be stored in the memory <NUM>, and its corresponding copy image (e.g., a low-resolution image) may be previewed via the display device <NUM>. Thereafter, if a specified condition is met (e.g., by a user's input or system command), at least part of the raw image stored in the memory <NUM> may be obtained and processed, for example, by the image signal processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the memory <NUM> may be configured as at least part of the memory <NUM> or as a separate memory that is operated independently from the memory <NUM>.

The image signal processor <NUM> may perform one or more image processing with respect to an image obtained via the image sensor <NUM> or an image stored in the memory <NUM>. The one or more image processing may include, for example, depth map generation, three-dimensional (3D) modeling, panorama generation, feature point extraction, image synthesizing, or image compensation (e.g., noise reduction, resolution adjustment, brightness adjustment, blurring, sharpening, or softening). Additionally or alternatively, the image signal processor <NUM> may perform control (e.g., exposure time control or read-out timing control) with respect to at least one (e.g., the image sensor <NUM>) of the components included in the camera module <NUM>. An image processed by the image signal processor <NUM> may be stored back in the memory <NUM> for further processing, or may be provided to an external component (e.g., the memory <NUM>, the display device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>) outside the camera module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the image signal processor <NUM> may be configured as at least part of the processor <NUM>, or as a separate processor that is operated independently from the processor <NUM>. If the image signal processor <NUM> is configured as a separate processor from the processor <NUM>, at least one image processed by the image signal processor <NUM> may be displayed, by the processor <NUM>, via the display device <NUM> as it is or after being further processed.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of camera modules <NUM> having different attributes or functions. In such a case, at least one of the plurality of camera modules <NUM> may form, for example, a wide-angle camera and at least another of the plurality of camera modules <NUM> may form a telephoto camera. Similarly, at least one of the plurality of camera modules <NUM> may form, for example, a front camera and at least another of the plurality of camera modules <NUM> may form a rear camera.

Various elements as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program <NUM>) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory <NUM> or external memory <NUM>) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>).

According to the various embodiments, the disclosure may provide a camera module having various photographing modes or photographing functions by disposing an aperture module while minimizing an increase in the thickness of an electronic device.

According to the various embodiments, the disclosure may provide a camera module in which the gap between an aperture and a lens remains constant even when a lens carrier moves for a focus function.

Claim 1:
A camera module (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing;
a lens assembly (<NUM>) received in the housing, the lens assembly including at least one lens (<NUM>), the lens assembly being configured to move in an optical axis direction of the lens;
an aperture module (<NUM>) for adjusting an amount of external light incident on the at least one lens, the aperture module including:
an aperture blade comprising a first aperture blade (<NUM>) having a first opening (<NUM>) formed therein and a second aperture blade (<NUM>) having a second opening (<NUM>) formed therein, the second opening having a size different from that of the first opening; and
a rotary shaft (<NUM>) formed on a side of the aperture blade and being coupled to the lens assembly, wherein the first aperture blade (<NUM>) and the second aperture blade (<NUM>) are rotatable about the rotary shaft and wherein the first aperture blade (<NUM>) and the second aperture blade (<NUM>) extend in different radial directions with respect to the rotary shaft;
a magnet (<NUM>) disposed adjacent to the rotary shaft to rotate together with the rotary shaft;
a first coil (<NUM>) disposed on a first surface of the housing so as to face the magnet;
a control circuit configured to rotate the aperture using the first coil; and
a lens driving unit configured to move the lens assembly in the optical axis direction of the lens.