Camera module

Abstract

A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing, a reflective member disposed within the housing and changing an optical path, a carrier movable in the direction of an optical axis and having a recess on its outer surface, and a lens module comprising at least one lens disposed within the carrier, a case coupled to the housing to cover the reflective member and the lens module, and a first damper disposed on the inner surface of the housing or the case and at least a portion of which is received in the recess.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera module. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, camera modules are being adopted as standard in portable electronic devices, including smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops.

[0004] In addition, camera modules that bend the optical path by placing a reflective member in front of the lens module are widely used to miniaturize and thin portable electronic devices.

[0005] Meanwhile, most camera modules are equipped with an autofocus function. However, as the performance of the actuators for autofocusing increases, the weight of the drive unit also increases, leading to problems such as noise and breakage caused by impact between components.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a demand for a camera module that can mitigate shock between parts through a damper while maintaining the driving force for autofocus adjustment. The problem to be solved

[0008] An objective according to one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a camera module in which the magnitude of noise that may occur during driving for autofocus adjustment is reduced.

[0009] In addition, an objective according to one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a camera module with reduced risk of damage by effectively cushioning impact in the optical axis direction between parts. means of solving the problem

[0011] A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing, a reflective member disposed within the housing and changing a light path, a carrier movable in the direction of an optical axis and having a recess on its side, and a lens module comprising at least one lens disposed within the carrier, a case coupled to the housing to cover the reflective member and the lens module, and a first damper disposed on the inner surface of the housing or the case and at least a portion of which is received in the recess.

[0012] Alternatively, a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing, a reflective member disposed within the housing and changing a light path, a carrier movable in the direction of an optical axis, and a lens module comprising at least one lens disposed within the carrier, a case coupled to the housing to cover the reflective member and the lens module, and a first damper disposed on the inner surface of the housing or the case, with both ends along the direction of the optical axis each facing the carrier. Effects of the invention

[0014] A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention can reduce the magnitude of noise that may occur during driving for autofocus adjustment.

[0015] In addition, a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention can effectively cushion impact in the optical axis direction between parts, thereby reducing the risk of damage. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device equipped with a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing some components separated from FIG. 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I' of Figure 1. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of area A of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the case where the carrier of Figure 6 has moved to one side. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the case where the carrier of Figure 6 moves to the other side. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 5. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of area B of Figure 9. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the case where the carrier of Figure 10 has moved to one side. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a first damper included in a camera module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to a third embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 5. Figure 14 is an enlarged view of area C of Figure 13. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the case where the carrier of FIG. 14 is moved to one side. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented.

[0019] For example, a person skilled in the art who understands the concept of the present invention may propose other embodiments included within the scope of the concept of the present invention through the addition, modification, or deletion of components, and such embodiments shall also be deemed to be included within the scope of the concept of the present invention.

[0020] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms, and said terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0021] A configuration included in one embodiment among the embodiments disclosed in this specification may also be included in other embodiments unless otherwise stated.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device (10) equipped with a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be mounted on a portable electronic device (10). The portable electronic device (10) may be a portable electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal, a smartphone, or a tablet PC.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, a portable electronic device (10) is equipped with a camera module (1000) to photograph a subject.

[0026] In this embodiment, the camera module (1000) includes a plurality of lenses. The optical axis (Z-axis) of the plurality of lenses may be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction (X-axis direction, the direction from the front surface of the portable electronic device to the rear surface, or the opposite direction) of the portable electronic device (10).

[0027] For example, the optical axis (Z-axis) of a plurality of lenses provided in a camera module (1000) may be formed in the width direction or length direction of a portable electronic device (10).

[0028] Therefore, even if the camera module (1000) is equipped with functions such as auto focusing (hereinafter AF), optical zoom (hereinafter Zoom), and optical image stabilizing (hereinafter OIS), the thickness of the portable electronic device (10) can not be increased. Accordingly, the portable electronic device (10) can be made thin.

[0030] A camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have at least one of AF, Zoom, and OIS functions.

[0031] Since the camera module (1000) equipped with AF, Zoom and OIS functions, etc., must be equipped with various parts, the size of the camera module increases compared to a general camera module.

[0032] If the size of the camera module (1000) increases, it may cause problems in miniaturizing the portable electronic device (10) on which the camera module (1000) is mounted.

[0033] For example, when multiple lenses are arranged along the thickness direction of a portable electronic device, the thickness of the device increases according to the number of lenses. Consequently, there is a problem in that the thickness of the portable electronic device must be increased to ensure a sufficient number of lenses.

[0034] However, in a camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the optical axis (Z-axis) of a plurality of lenses is arranged perpendicular to the thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the portable electronic device (10), so the portable electronic device (10) can be made thin.

[0036] A camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a double damping structure capable of mitigating noise and shock that may occur due to driving in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) of the lens module (300). Specifically, a concave portion (311) is formed in the carrier (310) included in the lens module (300) so that a first damper (500) can be partially accommodated, and thus a collision between the concave portion (311) and the first damper (500) may occur before a collision between the outer surface of the carrier (310) and the second damper (600).

[0037] Hereinafter, each configuration of a camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a camera module (1000) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module (1000) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing some components separated from FIG. 1.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (110), a reflection module (200) disposed within the housing (110), a lens module (300), and an image sensor module (700).

[0042] The reflection module (200) can change the direction of propagation of light. The reflection module (200) may include a reflective member (210) that changes the path of light. For example, the reflective member (210) may be provided with a prism, a mirror, etc.

[0043] Light incident through the through hole (121) of the case (120) positioned to cover the upper part of the housing (110) can have its direction of travel changed from the reflection module (200) toward the lens module (300) by the reflection member (210).

[0044] Light incident in the thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the camera module (1000) can have its path changed in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction at the reflection module (200) and be incident on the lens module (300).

[0045] The lens module (300) may include a plurality of lenses arranged in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). The lens module (300) of the present embodiment may include a carrier (310) that is movable in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) along an optical path and includes a concave portion (311) on its outer surface, and at least one lens (320) disposed within the carrier (310). The plurality of lenses may be mounted directly on the carrier (310) or mounted on the carrier (310) via a lens barrel.

[0046] The image sensor module (700) may include an image sensor (710) that converts light passing through the lens module (300) into an electrical signal, and a printed circuit board (720) on which the image sensor (710) is mounted. Additionally, the image sensor module (700) may include an optical filter (730) that filters light incident on the image sensor (710). For example, the optical filter (730) may be an infrared blocking filter.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a reflection module (200) may be provided in front (-Z direction) of the lens module (300) within the housing (110), and an image sensor module (700) may be provided behind (+Z direction) the lens module (300).

[0049] Additionally, on the outer surface of the housing (110), a second driving unit (420) for driving the reflection module (200), a first driving unit (410) for driving the lens module (300), and a main board (800) for supplying power to the image sensor (710) or transmitting and receiving control signals may be disposed.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, a camera module (1000) can implement an autofocus (AF) function as the lens module (300) moves in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0051] The lens module (300) may include a carrier (310) on which a plurality of lenses are mounted. The lens module (300) of the present embodiment includes one carrier (310), but is not limited thereto and may include a plurality of carriers (310). Additionally, the plurality of lenses may be mounted directly on the carrier (310) or mounted on the carrier (310) via a lens barrel.

[0053] The autofocus (AF) function of the camera module (1000) can be implemented by moving a carrier (310) equipped with multiple lenses in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). In the case where there are multiple carriers (310), the autofocus (AF) and optical zoom functions can be implemented as one or more carriers move in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). Multiple carriers may be capable of independent movement.

[0054] The carrier (310) can be moved in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) by the first driving unit (410).

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first driving unit (410) may include a plurality of magnets (411) and a plurality of coils (412) arranged to face the plurality of magnets (411). The magnets and coils do not necessarily need to be provided in multiple numbers and may be provided in one or more numbers.

[0056] Each magnet (411) is magnetized to have an N pole and a S pole (or the opposite) in sequence along the optical axis (Z-axis) direction and can correspond one-to-one with the coil (412).

[0057] When power is applied to the plurality of coils (412), the carrier (310) can be moved in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) by the electromagnetic influence between the plurality of magnets (411) and the plurality of coils (412).

[0058] In one embodiment, a plurality of magnets (411) are each disposed on both sides of the carrier (310), and a plurality of coils (412) may each be disposed on both sides of the housing (110) so as to face each of the plurality of magnets (411).

[0059] Additionally, a plurality of coils (412) are mounted on a main board (800), and the main board (800) may be positioned on the outer surface of the housing (110). The housing (110) may include a through hole (111) that exposes a plurality of coils (412) into the housing (110) so that a plurality of magnets (411) and a plurality of coils (412) face each other directly.

[0060] The first driving unit (410) may include a position sensor (413) that detects the position of the carrier (310). For example, the position sensor (413) may be a Hall sensor.

[0061] The position sensor (413) can be placed on the inside or outside of the coil (412) and can be mounted on the main board (800) together with the coil (412).

[0062] Meanwhile, the carrier (310) can move smoothly in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) on the bottom surface of the housing (110) through a plurality of ball members (B1). The plurality of ball members (B1) may be provided in three or more.

[0063] For example, the inner surface of the housing (110) and the bottom surface of the carrier (310) may each be provided with a guide groove (113, 313) extending in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). A plurality of ball members (B1) may be fitted between the guide grooves (113, 313) to guide the movement of the carrier (310) by rolling along the guide grooves (113, 313) in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0064] In order for a plurality of ball members (B1) to continuously contact the guide grooves (113, 313) while the carrier (310) is moving, the camera module (1000) may include a pulling means for pulling the carrier (310) toward the bottom surface of the housing (110).

[0065] The pulling means may be positioned facing each other on the carrier (310) and the housing (110), respectively. For example, the pulling means may be provided as a magnetic member, and a pulling magnet (414) may be positioned on the carrier (310), and a pulling yoke (415) may be positioned on the housing (110). Of course, the positions of the pulling magnet (414) and the pulling yoke (415) may be interchanged. The pulling magnet (414) and the pulling yoke (415) may generate an attractive force in a direction facing each other (X-axis direction).

[0066] The movement of the carrier (310) in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) may be relative to the housing (110). Therefore, when the carrier (310) moves in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis), the distance between it and the housing (110), which is the counterpart, may be reduced.

[0067] The camera module (1000) of the present embodiment may include a second damper (600) that limits the travel distance of the carrier (310) to prevent collision between the carrier (310) and the housing (110).

[0068] The second damper (600) may be positioned in the housing (110) so as to face the carrier (310) in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). The carrier (310) may come into contact with the second damper (600) instead of the housing (110).

[0070] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module (1000) can implement an optical image stabilization (OIS) function by rotating the reflection module (200).

[0071] When capturing an image or video, the image may become blurry or the video may become shaky due to the user's hand shake, etc., and the camera module (1000) can correct the user's hand shake, etc. by rotating the reflection module (200) in a direction that cancels out the shake.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 3, the reflection module (200) of the present embodiment may include a holder (220) on which a reflection member (210) is mounted.

[0073] The holder (220) can be rotatably received in the housing (110). For example, while received in the housing (110), the holder (220) can be rotated with a first axis (X-axis) and a second axis (Y-axis) perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) as axes, respectively. The optical image stabilization (OIS) function of the camera module (1000) can be implemented by the rotation of the holder (220).

[0074] The reflection module (200) may include a guide member (230) positioned between the holder (220) and the housing (110).

[0075] In one embodiment, a second ball member (B2) may be disposed between the housing (110) and the guide member (230), and a third ball member (B3) may be disposed between the guide member (230) and the holder (220).

[0076] One side of the guide member (230) may be spaced apart from the inner side of the housing (110) with the second ball member (B2) in between. A groove for receiving the second ball member (B2) may be formed on each of the mutually facing surfaces of the guide member (230) and the housing (110).

[0077] The second ball member (B2) can maintain a gap between the inner surface of the housing (110) and the guide member (230). Additionally, the second ball member (B2) can be arranged parallel to the second axis (Y-axis), which is the rotation axis of the holder (220).

[0078] In one embodiment, the second ball member (B2) may include two ball members spaced apart in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis). The second ball member (B2) can act as a rotation axis while rotating in place while being inserted between grooves formed on the surfaces facing the guide member (230) and the housing (110).

[0079] Meanwhile, the other side of the guide member (230) may be spaced apart from the holder (220) with the third ball member (B3) in between. A groove may be formed on each of the surfaces facing each other of the guide member (230) and the holder (220). The third ball member (B3) may be fitted between the grooves formed on each of the surfaces facing each other of the guide member (230) and the holder (220).

[0080] The third ball member (B3) can maintain the gap between the holder (220) and the guide member (230). Additionally, the third ball member (B3) can be positioned parallel to the first axis (X-axis), which is another rotation axis of the holder (220).

[0081] In one embodiment, the third ball member (B3) may include two ball members spaced apart in the direction of the first axis (X-axis). The third ball member (B3) can act as a rotation axis while rotating in place while being inserted between grooves formed on the surfaces of the guide member (230) and the holder (220) facing each other.

[0082] In one embodiment, the holder (220) may be supported on the guide member (230) with the third ball member (B3) in between, and the guide member (230) may be supported on the inner surface of the housing (110) with the second ball member (B2) in between. To this end, the camera module (1000) of the present embodiment may include a pulling means for pulling the holder (220) toward the inner surface of the housing (110).

[0083] The pulling means may be positioned facing each other on the holder (220) and the housing (110), respectively. For example, the pulling means may be provided as a magnetic member, and a pulling magnet (424) may be positioned on the holder (220), and a pulling yoke (425) may be positioned on the housing (110). Of course, the positions of the pulling magnet (424) and the pulling yoke (425) may be interchanged.

[0084] A guide member (230) positioned between the holder (220) and the housing (110) may include a through hole (231), and the pulling magnet (424) and the pulling yoke (425) may face each other through the through hole (231). The pulling magnet (424) and the pulling yoke (425) may generate an attractive force in a direction facing each other (Z-axis direction). Due to the attractive force between the pulling magnet (424) and the pulling yoke (425), the second ball member (B2) and the third ball member (B3) may be continuously in contact with the groove on which they are seated.

[0086] A holder (220) equipped with a reflective member (210) can be rotated about a first axis (X-axis) and a second axis (Y-axis) by a second driving unit (420). In one embodiment, when the holder (220) is rotated about the second axis (Y-axis), the guide member (230) may also be rotated together, and the rotation of the holder (220) about the first axis (X-axis) may be a relative rotation with respect to the guide member (230). However, this is not limited thereto, and when the positions of the second ball member (B2) and the third ball member (B3) are mutually changed, the guide member (230) may be rotated about the first axis (X-axis) together with the holder (220), and the rotation of the holder (220) about the second axis (Y-axis) may be a relative rotation with respect to the guide member (230).

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second driving unit (420) may include a plurality of magnets (421a, 421b) and a plurality of coils (422a, 422b) arranged to face the plurality of magnets (421a, 421b).

[0089] A plurality of magnets (421a, 421b) may include a first driving magnet (421a) that rotates the holder (220) about a second axis (Y-axis), and a second driving magnet (421b) that rotates the holder (220) about a first axis (X-axis).

[0090] In one embodiment, two first driving magnets (421a) and two second driving magnets (421b) are each provided and can be mounted separately on both sides of the holder (220). That is, the first driving magnet (421a) and the second driving magnet (421b) can be placed on one side of the holder (220). For example, the first driving magnet (421a) and the second driving magnet (421b) can be placed side by side in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0091] The first driving magnet (421a) may be magnetized to have an N pole and a S pole (or the opposite) in sequence along the second axis (Y-axis) direction, and the second driving magnet (421b) may be magnetized to have an N pole and a S pole (or the opposite) in sequence along the first axis (X-axis) direction.

[0092] A plurality of coils (422a, 422b) may include a first driving coil (422a) positioned to face a first driving magnet (421a), and a second driving coil (422b) positioned to face a second driving magnet (421b). The first driving coil (422a) and the second driving coil (422b) may correspond one-to-one with the first driving magnet (421a) and the second driving magnet (421b).

[0093] When power is applied to a plurality of coils (422a, 422b), the holder (220) can be rotated about a second axis (Y-axis) and / or a first axis (X-axis) by the electromagnetic influence between the plurality of magnets (421a, 421b) facing it and the plurality of coils (422a, 422b).

[0094] A plurality of coils (422a, 422b) are mounted on a main board (800), and the main board (800) may be placed on the outer surface of a housing (110). The housing (110) may include a through hole (112) that exposes a plurality of coils (422a, 422b) into the housing (110) so that a plurality of magnets (421a, 421b) and a plurality of coils (422a, 422b) face each other directly.

[0095] The second driving unit (420) may include a position sensor (423) that detects the position of the holder (220). For example, the position sensor (423) may be a Hall sensor.

[0096] The position sensor (423) can be mounted on the main board (800) together with a plurality of coils (422a, 422b). The position sensor (423) can be positioned outside the plurality of coils (422a, 422b) and can be spaced apart from the first driving coil (422a) in the first axis direction (X-axis direction).

[0098] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, the carrier (310) of the present embodiment can be driven in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) in the space between the reflection module (200) and the image sensor module (700) within the housing (110), and the displacement of movement can be limited by the second damper (600).

[0099] In particular, the camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention can have the effect of reducing noise and mitigating shock because primary damping with the first damper (500) fixed to the case (120) occurs first within the concave portion (311) formed on the side of the carrier (310).

[0101] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, a double damping structure according to the movement of the lens module (300) in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction will be described in detail.

[0102] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I' of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 5.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a camera module (1000) according to the present embodiment may include a housing (110) and a carrier (310) disposed within the housing (110). The carrier (310) of the present embodiment may have a recess (311) formed on its side. The recess (311) of the present embodiment may be symmetrically arranged on both sides facing the second axis (Y-axis) direction of the carrier (310), and a magnet (411) for driving the carrier (310) in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction may be magnetized within the recess (311). Additionally, the carrier (310) may include an opening (312) connected to the recess (311) and open toward the case (120). The opening (312) corresponds to a first axis (X-axis) direction entrance connected to the concave portion (311) and is an area through which the first damper (500) can pass.

[0105] A camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention is arranged so that a first damper (500) is accommodated in the upper space remaining after accommodating a magnet (411) within a concave portion (311), thereby mitigating impact in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) through collision between the inner surface of the concave portion (311) and the first damper (500). In this embodiment, both ends of the first damper (500) along the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) may each face the carrier (310).

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the first damper (500) of the present embodiment may be fixed to a case (120) coupled to a housing (110). At least a portion of the first damper (500) may be received in a recess (311). Additionally, the first damper (500) may be formed in multiple units and received in each of the recesses (311) on both sides of the carrier (310). However, this is not limited thereto, and a single first damper (500) may be arranged to be received in only one of the recesses (311). Meanwhile, the first damper (500) may be fixed to the housing (110), and a third embodiment having such a structure will be described later.

[0108] The first damper (500) may include a first fixed part (510) fixed to the case (120) and a first cushioning part (520) coupled to the first fixed part (510).

[0109] The first fixing part (510) is configured to firmly support the first damper (500) and may preferably be made of a non-magnetic metal material. For example, the first fixing part (510) may include at least one of SUS, Al, Ti, Cu, and Cu-Zn, but is not limited thereto. The first fixing part (510) may be integrated with the case (120) through welding.

[0110] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 6, the first fixing part (510) of the present embodiment may include a first area (511) in contact with the case (120) and a second area (512) extending to both sides along the optical axis (Z-axis) direction from the first area (511). That is, the first fixing part (510) may have an inverted T-shaped cross-section, in a form that includes a first area (511) extending in the direction of the first axis (X-axis) and a second area (512) branched to both sides from the first area (511).

[0111] Additionally, a first buffer (520) may be coupled to the first fixed part (510), and the first buffer (520) may be an elastic material. The first buffer (520) may include a material capable of buffering, such as, for example, a liquid crystal polymer (LCP), urethane, silicone, rubber, foamed resin, epoxy, or poly material.

[0112] The first buffer (520) is coupled to the second region (512) of the first fixed part (510) and can be positioned to face the inner surface of the concave part (311) in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). Through this structure, buffering between the first damper (500) and the inner surface of the concave part (311) can be realized when the carrier (310) is driven in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the camera module (1000) according to the present embodiment may further include a second damper (600) that is fixed to the housing (110) and faces the outer surface of the carrier (310) in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0115] The second damper (600) is fixed to the housing (110) and can be positioned between the reflection module (200) and the lens module (300), and between the lens module (300) and the housing (110), respectively. The second damper (600) can function to limit the maximum displacement when the lens module (300) is driven in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). Additionally, the second damper (600) can reduce the risk of noise and component damage by secondarily mitigating the impact that has been primarily mitigated through the first damper (500).

[0116] The second damper (600) of the present embodiment may include a second fixed part (610) fixed to the housing (110) and a second cushioning part (620) coupled to the second fixed part (610).

[0117] The second fixing part (610) is configured to firmly support the second damper (600) and may preferably be made of a non-magnetic metal material. For example, the second fixing part (610) may include at least one of SUS, Al, Ti, Cu, and Cu-Zn, but is not limited thereto. The second fixing part (610) may be fixed by fitting it into a groove formed in the housing (110). Additionally, the second fixing part (610) may have a wedge shape with a thickness that gradually decreases at the bottom, in which case it can be easily fixed into a groove formed in the housing (110).

[0118] Additionally, a second buffer (620) may be coupled to the second fixed part (610), and the second buffer (620) may be made of an elastic material. The second buffer (620) may include a material capable of buffering, such as, for example, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), urethane, silicone, rubber, foamed resin, epoxy, poly material, etc.

[0119] The second buffer (620) is coupled to the second fixed part (610) and can be positioned to face the outer surface of the carrier (310) in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). Through this structure, the impact between the second damper (600) and the outer surface of the carrier (310) can be mitigated when the carrier (310) is driven in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0120] Meanwhile, the second fixed part (610) and the second buffer part (620) may be formed separately and combined in such a way that the second buffer part (620) is inserted into a hole formed in the second fixed part (610), but are not limited thereto, and the second fixed part (610) and the second buffer part (620) may be formed integrally through a method such as insert injection.

[0122] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the case where the carrier (310) of FIG. 6 moves to one side. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the case where the carrier (310) of FIG. 6 moves to the other side.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, with respect to the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the maximum gap (G1) between the first damper (500) and the inner surface of the concave portion (311) may be narrower than the maximum gap (G2) between the second damper (600) and the outer surface of the carrier (310). Through this structure, a collision between the inner surface of the concave portion (311) and the first damper (500) may occur first, whether the carrier (310) moves to one side (+Z direction) as in FIG. 7 or the carrier (310) moves to the other side (-Z direction) as in FIG. 8. After the collision, a collision between the outer surface of the carrier (310) and the second damper (600) may occur.

[0124] Accordingly, when the carrier (310) moves to the maximum driving range along the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the carrier (310) may sequentially collide with the first damper (500) and the second damper (600). Through such a double damping structure, the impact in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction applied to the carrier (310) and the counterpart can be effectively mitigated, and the risk of noise and damage can be reduced.

[0126] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module (2000) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of area B of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the case where the carrier (310) of FIG. 10 has moved to one side. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a first damper (500') included in the camera module (200) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] The camera module (2000) according to the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shape and placement position of the first damper (500') and the damping area with respect to the carrier (310). Therefore, in describing the present embodiment, only the shape and placement position of the first damper (500') and the damping area with respect to the carrier (310), which are different from the first embodiment of the present invention, will be described, and the description of the first embodiment of the present invention may be applied as is to the remaining components.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, the first damper (500') of the present embodiment is formed integrally and can be placed in a receiving groove (122) formed on the inner surface of the case (120). The first damper (500') can be fixed to the case (120) by being adhered to the receiving groove (122) through an adhesive member.

[0130] The first damper (500') may be made of an elastic material. The first damper (500') may include a cushioning material such as, for example, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), urethane, silicone, rubber, foam resin, epoxy, poly material, etc.

[0131] The first damper (500') may have an elliptical cross-section, but is not limited thereto, and may be applied in various forms such as an angular cross-section or a tapered cross-section, as long as it is capable of damping in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0132] The carrier (310) of the present embodiment includes an opening (312) that is connected to a concave portion (311) and is open toward the case (120), and at least a portion of the first damper (500') may be accommodated in the opening (312). The first damper (500') of the present embodiment may be configured to be damped against the inner surface of the opening (312) in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis), rather than being configured to extend through the opening (312) to the concave portion (311). That is, the first damper (500') may be positioned to face the inner surface of the opening (312) in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). Through this structure, a cushioning function can be implemented between the first damper (500') and the inner surface of the opening (312) when the carrier (310) is driven in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0133] Referring to FIG. 11, with respect to the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the maximum gap (G1) between the first damper (500') and the inner surface of the opening (312) may be narrower than the maximum gap (G2) between the second damper (600) and the outer surface of the carrier (310). Through this structure, when the carrier (310) moves in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, a collision between the inner surface of the opening (312) and the first damper (500') may occur first. After the collision, a collision between the outer surface of the carrier (310) and the second damper (600) may occur.

[0134] Accordingly, when the carrier (310) moves to the maximum driving range along the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the carrier (310) may sequentially collide with the first damper (500') and the second damper (600). Through such a double damping structure, the impact in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction applied to the carrier (310) and the counterpart can be effectively mitigated, and the risk of noise and damage can be reduced.

[0135] Meanwhile, in the case of the present embodiment, damping occurs at the opening (312) rather than the concave portion (311) of the carrier (310), so even if the opening (312) of the carrier (310) is formed narrower than in the first embodiment, the same stroke interval can be secured.

[0137] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module (3000) according to a third embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 5. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of area C of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the case where the carrier (310) of FIG. 14 has moved to one side.

[0138] The camera module (3000) according to the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the first damper (500) and the position of the opening (312), etc. Therefore, in describing the present embodiment, only the arrangement of the first damper (500) and the position of the opening (312), etc., which are different from the first embodiment of the present invention, will be described, and the description of the first embodiment of the present invention may be applied as is to the remaining components.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the first damper (500) of the present embodiment may be disposed on the inner surface of the housing (110). Additionally, the carrier (310) of the present embodiment may include an opening (312) connected to the concave portion (311) and open toward the housing (110). That is, the opening (312) of the present embodiment may be formed in the -X direction. The first damper (500) may pass through the opening (312) and be received in the concave portion (311). That is, the first damper (500) of the present embodiment may be received in the concave portion (311) of the carrier (310) in the +X direction and may be damped with the inner surface of the concave portion (311) in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0142] The first damper (500) of the present embodiment may include a first fixed part (510) fixed to the housing (110) and a first cushioning part (520) coupled to the first fixed part (510).

[0143] The first fixing part (510) is configured to firmly support the first damper (500) and may preferably be made of a non-magnetic metal material. For example, the first fixing part (510) may include at least one of SUS, Al, Ti, Cu, and Cu-Zn, but is not limited thereto. The first fixing part (510) may be integrated with the housing (110) through welding.

[0144] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 14, the first fixing part (510) of the present embodiment may include a first area (511) in contact with the housing (110) and a second area (512) extending to both sides along the optical axis (Z-axis) direction from the first area (511). That is, the first fixing part (510) may have a T-shaped cross-section, in a form that includes a first area (511) extending in the direction of the first axis (X-axis) and a second area (512) branched to both sides from the first area (511).

[0145] Additionally, a first buffer (520) may be coupled to the first fixed part (510), and the first buffer (520) may be an elastic material. The first buffer (520) may include a material capable of buffering, such as, for example, a liquid crystal polymer (LCP), urethane, silicone, rubber, foamed resin, epoxy, or poly material.

[0146] The first buffer (520) is coupled to the second region (512) of the first fixed part (510) and can be positioned to face the inner surface of the concave part (311) in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). Through this structure, buffering between the first damper (500) and the inner surface of the concave part (311) can be realized when the carrier (310) is driven in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0148] Referring to FIG. 15, with respect to the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the maximum gap (G1) between the first damper (500) and the inner surface of the concave portion (311) may be narrower than the maximum gap (G2) between the second damper (600) and the outer surface of the carrier (310). Through this structure, when the carrier (310) moves in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, a collision between the inner surface of the concave portion (311) and the first damper (500) may occur first. After the collision, a collision between the outer surface of the carrier (310) and the second damper (600) may occur.

[0149] Accordingly, when the carrier (310) moves to the maximum driving range along the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the carrier (310) may sequentially collide with the first damper (500) and the second damper (600). Through such a double damping structure, the impact in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction applied to the carrier (310) and the counterpart can be effectively mitigated, and the risk of noise and damage can be reduced.

[0151] Although the structure and features of the present invention have been described above based on embodiments according to the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention; therefore, it is noted that such changes or modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0153] 10: Portable electronic devices 1000: Camera module 110: Housing 111, 112: Through hole, 113: Guide groove 120: Case 121: Through hole, 122: Receiving groove 200: Reflection Module 210: Reflective member, 220: Holder 230: Absence of guide 231: Through hole 300: Lens module 310: Carrier 311: Recess, 312: Opening, 313: Guide groove 320: Lens 410: 1st drive unit, 420: 2nd drive unit 411, 421a, 421b: Magnet 412, 422a, 422b: Coil 413, 423: Position sensors 414, 424: Pulling magnet 415, 425: Pulling York 500, 500': 1st damper 510: First fixed part, 520: First buffer part 511: Zone 1, 512: Zone 2 600: 2nd damper 610: Second fixed part, 620: Second buffer part 700: Image sensor module 710: Image sensor 720: Printed circuit board 730: Optical filter 800: Main board B1, B2, B3: Ball missing

Claims

Claim 1 A camera module comprising: a housing; a reflective member disposed within the housing and changing the light path; a carrier movable in the direction of the optical axis and having a recess on its side, and at least one lens disposed within the carrier; a case coupled to the housing to cover the reflective member and the lens module; and a first damper disposed on the inner surface of the housing or the case, at least a portion of which is received in the recess. Claim 2 A camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: a second damper fixed to the housing and facing the outer surface of the carrier in the direction of the optical axis. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the maximum gap between the first damper and the inner surface of the concave portion is narrower than the maximum gap between the second damper and the outer surface of the carrier, based on the optical axis direction. Claim 4 A camera module according to paragraph 2, wherein when the carrier moves to the maximum driving range along the optical axis direction, the carrier collides sequentially with the first damper and the second damper. Claim 5 In claim 1, the camera module comprises a first damper including a first fixing part fixed to the case and a first cushioning part coupled to the first fixing part. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the camera module, wherein the first buffer portion faces the inner surface of the concave portion and the optical axis direction. Claim 7 In claim 5, the camera module comprises a first fixing part including a first region in contact with the case and a second region extending to both sides along the optical axis direction from the first region. Claim 8 A camera module according to claim 5, wherein the first fixing part is made of a non-magnetic metal material and the first cushioning part is made of an elastic material. Claim 9 A camera module according to claim 1, wherein the concave portions are each formed on both sides facing in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction among the outer surfaces of the carrier, and the first dampers are formed in plurality and accommodated within each of the concave portions. Claim 10 In paragraph 2, the camera module, wherein the second damper comprises a second fixed part fixed to the housing and a second cushioning part coupled to the second fixed part. Claim 11 In paragraph 2, the camera module, wherein the carrier includes an opening connected to the concave portion and open toward the case, and the first damper is integrally formed and at least a portion is received in the opening. Claim 12 In claim 11, the first damper is a camera module facing the inner surface of the opening and the optical axis direction. Claim 13 In claim 11, the maximum gap between the first damper and the inner surface of the opening is narrower than the maximum gap between the second damper and the outer surface of the carrier, based on the optical axis direction. Claim 14 In claim 11, the camera module, wherein the first damper is disposed in a receiving groove formed on the inner surface of the case. Claim 15 A camera module comprising: a housing; a reflective member disposed within the housing and changing a light path; a lens module comprising a carrier movable in the direction of an optical axis and at least one lens disposed within the carrier; a case coupled to the housing to cover the reflective member and the lens module; and a first damper disposed on an inner surface of the housing or the case, with both ends along the direction of the optical axis each facing the carrier. Claim 16 In claim 15, the camera module comprises a carrier including a recess formed on a side and an opening connected to the recess and open toward the housing, wherein the first damper passes through the opening and is received in the recess.

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