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Samsung patents camera module with flexible wiring for moving sensors

Samsung describes a camera module where the image sensor is attached to a circuit board that can move or tilt using an actuator. To keep the electrical connection stable while the sensor moves, the design uses a flexible circuit board with specific slits cut into it. These slits allow the wiring to bend and stretch without breaking as the sensor changes position.

Why it mattersThis design helps maintain a reliable connection in cameras that use moving parts, such as optical zoom or stabilization systems, which are common in modern phones.

In the filing’s own words

A camera module according to various embodiments may include a first circuit board electrically connected to an image sensor or a circuit board including the image sensor, an actuator configured to control at least one of a position or a posture of the first circuit board within the camera module, a flexible circuit board extracted and extending from at least one side surface of the first circuit board, multiple slits, the slits being disposed between adjacent ones of multiple conductive wires mounted on the flexible circuit board, and a second circuit board electrically connected to one end of the flexible circuit board. The flexible circuit board may include a first section extracted from the first circuit board or extending from the first circuit board in a first direction. The flexible circuit board may include a second section extending from one end of the first section in a second direction different from the first direction or fixed to another component of the camera module. The flexible circuit board may be deformed as the actuator is driven.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A camera module comprising: a first circuit board electrically connected to an image sensor or a circuit board comprising the image sensor; an actuator configured to control at least one of a position or a posture of the image sensor within the camera module; a flexible circuit board extracted and extending from at least one side surface of the first circuit board; a plurality of slits disposed between adjacent ones of multiple conductive wires mounted on the flexible circuit board; and a second circuit board electrically connected to one end of the flexible circuit board, wherein the flexible circuit board comprises a first section extending in a first direction from the first circuit board and a second section extending from one end of the first section in a second direction different from the first direction, and the flexible circuit board is configured to be deformed based on the actuator being driven, and wherein the plurality of slits comprise a plurality of first slits formed in parallel with each other in the first direction in the first section, a plurality of second slits formed in parallel with each other in the second direction in the second section, and the plurality of first slits are disjoined from the plurality of second slits in at least a section of the flexible circuit board between the first section and the second section where the direction of flexible circuit board changes.

Facts

Company
Samsung (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
Official title
Camera including image sensor and electronic apparatus comprising same
Patent number
US12739486B2
Application number
18599853
Filed
Mar 8, 2024
Granted
Sep 15, 2026
Inventors
1
Claims
20

Classified under

H04N 23/54 Electricity & electronicsH04N 23/55 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.