Camera actuator

Abstract

A camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a first housing, a mover disposed within the first housing in which an optical member is disposed, a second housing disposed facing the mover within the first housing, and a guide unit disposed between the mover and the second housing and guiding the tilt of the mover, wherein the first housing comprises a protrusion protruding in a first direction parallel to the optical axis of light incident on the optical member from a bottom surface so as to face the guide unit, and the guide unit comprises a plurality of first ball units forming a first axis parallel to the first direction and a plurality of second ball units forming a second axis in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein a virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of first ball units, a virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of second ball units, and the optical axis of light incident on the optical member are disposed on the same plane.

Description

Technology Field

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

[0002] A camera is a device that captures a subject in photos or videos, and it is mounted on portable devices, drones, vehicles, etc.

[0003] A camera device or camera module may have an Image Stabilization (IS) function that corrects or prevents shaking caused by user movement to improve image quality, an Auto Focusing (AF) function that automatically adjusts the distance between the image sensor and the lens to align the focal length of the lens, and a zooming function that increases or decreases the magnification of a distant subject through a zoom lens to take a picture.

[0004] In the case of a camera module used in a portable terminal, an incident light can be refracted toward the image sensor by utilizing a camera actuator equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).

[0005] However, since the tilt of the optical member due to the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) function is supported by the magnetism of the magnet, there may be a problem where it tilts in a different direction rather than being driven only along the first tilt axis and the second tilt axis.

[0006] In addition, the center of the tilt axis of the optical element is spaced apart from the optical center where the optical axes of the incident light and the refracted light intersect, which causes a problem of reduced power efficiency for tilting the optical element, and a means to solve this is required. The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention is an invention devised to solve the problems of the aforementioned prior art, and aims to prevent rolling of the mover and improve power efficiency for tilt.

[0008] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0009] A camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose comprises a first housing, a mover disposed within the first housing in which an optical member is disposed, a second housing disposed facing the mover within the first housing, and a guide unit disposed between the mover and the second housing and guiding the tilt of the mover, wherein the first housing comprises a protrusion protruding in a first direction parallel to the optical axis of light incident on the optical member from a bottom surface so as to face the guide unit, and the guide unit comprises a plurality of first ball units forming a first axis parallel to the first direction and a plurality of second ball units forming a second axis perpendicular to the first direction, and a virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of first ball units, a virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of second ball units, and the optical axis of light incident on the optical member are disposed on the same plane.

[0010] The plurality of first ball units may include a first-1 ball member and a first-2 ball member spaced apart in the first direction, and the plurality of second ball units may include a second-1 ball member and a second-2 ball member spaced apart in the second direction.

[0011] The guide unit comprises a body portion and a first seating portion protruding from the body portion toward the protrusion portion, and the first seating portion may include a first-1 groove in which the first-1 ball member is disposed and a first-2 groove in which the first-2 ball member is disposed.

[0012] The above protrusion may include a second-1 groove positioned facing the first-1 groove and in contact with the first-1 ball member, and a second-2 groove positioned facing the second-1 groove and in contact with the first-2 ball member.

[0013] The shape of the above 2-1 groove and the above 2-2 groove may be different.

[0014] The guide unit further includes a first yoke disposed in the body portion, and the protrusion may include at least one first magnet disposed facing the first yoke in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0015] The guide unit comprises a body portion and a second seating portion extending toward the optical member from the end of the body portion in the second direction, and the second seating portion may include a third-1 groove in which the second-1 ball member is disposed and a third-2 groove in which the second-2 ball member is disposed.

[0016] The above mover may include a 4-1 groove positioned facing the 2-1 groove and in contact with the 2-1 ball member, and a 4-2 groove positioned facing the 2-2 groove and in contact with the 2-2 ball member.

[0017] The shapes of the above 4-1 groove and the above 4-2 groove may differ.

[0018] The above protrusion includes a first inclined surface facing the mover, and the mover includes a second inclined surface facing the first inclined surface, a second magnet may be disposed on the first inclined surface, and a second yoke may be disposed on the second inclined surface.

[0019] The end of the second seating portion may be parallel to the second inclined surface.

[0020] The second housing may include a first region inserted into the interior of the mover in the first direction and a second region not inserted into the interior of the mover in the first direction.

[0021] The second housing may include a fifth groove in which one side opposite to the direction in which the mover faces is recessed toward the mover, and a third yoke disposed on the inner side of the fifth groove.

[0022] The third yoke may overlap with at least a portion of the plurality of first ball units and the plurality of second ball units in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. Effects of the invention

[0023] A camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems may have the effect of preventing rolling of the mover and improving power efficiency for tilt.

[0024] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0025] In addition, the effects of the present invention may be described in more detail in the detailed description of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to those presented above. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] The summary described above, as well as the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present application described below, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments are illustrated in the drawings for the purpose of illustrating the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact arrangement and means depicted. FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrated for the general description of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the overall configuration of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating one side of a protrusion of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the other side of a protrusion of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a mover of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a guide unit of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a first yoke of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a second housing of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating the combination of a mover and a second housing of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a first tilt axis formed by a first ball unit of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a second ball unit of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a first yoke and a first magnet of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a second tilt axis formed by a second ball member of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating the third yoke, the first ball unit, and the second ball unit of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0028] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as second, first, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The 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 second component may be named the first component, and similarly, the first component may be named the second component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0029] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0030] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, provided that identical or corresponding components are given the same reference number regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0033] Furthermore, when describing objects as "identical" or "similar" based on numerically or geometrically comparable properties such as length, inner diameter, diameter, or area, this may imply that there is a margin of error. For example, if it is stated that the lengths of components A and B are identical, it may be advisable to interpret this to mean that the length of B falls within the margin of error of the length of A. This takes into account the margin of error that occurs during the injection molding and manufacturing processes; since this is a matter that can occur physically and is self-evident, it is advisable to understand the description as "identical" or "similar" by considering the margin of error as described above. In this case, the margin of error may be within the range of -5% to +5% of the mentioned numerical value or shape, but this is merely an example of the margin of error and may not necessarily be limited to the stated range.

[0034] A preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the objective of the present invention can be specifically realized, will be described below with reference to the attached FIGS. 1 to 14.

[0035] Specifically, FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an overall description of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an overall configuration of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating one side of a protrusion of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating another side of a protrusion of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a mover of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a guide unit of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a first yoke of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a second housing of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating the coupling of a mover and a second housing of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a drawing of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a first tilt axis formed by a first ball unit, FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a first yoke and a first magnet of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a second tilt axis formed by a second ball member of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a third yoke, a first ball unit, and a second ball unit of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] First, before describing the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, refer to FIG. 1 for a general description of the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing (100), a mover (200) disposed within the housing (100), and an optical member (10) disposed on the mover (200).

[0037] Here, the optical element (10) can change the optical path by refracting or reflecting the incident light (IL). Specifically, the optical axis of the incident light (IL) and the optical axis of the refracted light (RL) are different from each other, and the point where the optical axis of the incident light (IL) and the optical axis of the refracted light (RL) intersect can be placed within the optical element (10). Here, the optical element (10) may be a prism, but this is merely an exemplary description and is not necessarily limited to what is mentioned.

[0038] In this way, by changing the optical path of the incident light (IL) incident on the optical member (10), the refracted light (RL) has a different optical path from the incident light (IL), thereby allowing the camera actuator to be miniaturized. Specifically, in addition to the camera actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention, a separate camera actuator including a zoom lens assembly and an auto-focusing lens assembly may be further included. That is, by combining the camera actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention with the zoom lens assembly and the auto-focusing lens assembly to form a camera module, the miniaturization of the camera module can be achieved.

[0039] At this time, the optical axis of the incident light (IL) and the optical axis of the refracted light (RL) may be perpendicular, but are not necessarily limited thereto, and the optical member (10) may refract the incident light (IL) multiple times so that the optical axis of the incident light (IL) and the optical axis of the refracted light (RL) are different from each other.

[0040] Meanwhile, the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention can perform optical image stabilization (OIS). To this end, the housing (100) is fixed, and a driving unit to be described later is placed in the housing (100), so that a mover (200) placed on the housing (100) can be tilted through electrical interaction of the driving unit.

[0041] Here, the mover (200) may be implemented as a 3-axis tilt having a first axis, a second axis and a third axis, but the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented as a 2-axis tilt having a first axis and a second axis.

[0042] However, since the mover (200) is fixed to the housing (100) by the attractive or repulsive force between magnets, rolling occurs during the process of tilting the mover (200) with respect to the first axis and the second axis, which may cause problems with the optical image stabilization (OIS) function. If problems with the optical image stabilization (OIS) function occur due to rolling, the refracted light (RL) may not be properly incident on the image sensor, which may result in a decrease in image resolution.

[0043] Meanwhile, to specifically describe the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are defined such that the first direction is a direction parallel to the optical axis of the incident light (IL), the third direction is a direction parallel to the optical axis of the refracted light (RL), and the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0044] More specifically, the first direction refers to a two-way direction including a direction from the upper side to the lower side and a direction from the lower side to the upper side based on FIG. 1, the second direction refers to a two-way direction including a direction from the upper left to the lower right and a direction from the lower right to the upper left, and the third direction may refer to a two-way direction including a direction from the lower left to the upper right and a direction from the upper right to the lower left.

[0045] Meanwhile, to specifically explain a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, refer to FIG. 2. The camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first housing (100), a mover (200), a guide unit (300), and a second housing (400).

[0046] Here, the housing includes a bottom portion (101) and a side portion, and the side portion may extend in a first direction from the periphery of the bottom portion (101). Specifically, it may include a side portion extending in a first direction from both ends of the bottom portion (101) in a second direction and a side portion extending in a first direction from one periphery of the bottom portion (101) in a third direction. Here, a pair of side portions extending in a first direction from both ends of the bottom portion (101) in a second direction are defined as the first side portion and the second side portion, and a side portion extending in a first direction from one periphery of the bottom portion (101) in a third direction is defined as the third side portion.

[0047] At this time, openings may be formed in the first side, the second side, and the third side. Specifically, an opening penetrating in the second direction may be formed in the first side, an opening penetrating in the second direction may be formed in the second side, and an opening penetrating in the third direction may be formed in the third side.

[0048] Additionally, a first driving unit (511, 512, 513) is disposed in the opening of the first side, and the first driving unit (511, 512, 513) may include a first driving magnet (511), a first coil (512), and a first Hall sensor (513). Here, the first driving magnet (511) and the first coil (512) are disposed facing each other in a second direction, the first coil (512) is disposed on the opening of the first side, and the first driving magnet (511) may be disposed on the mover (200). Additionally, the first Hall sensor (513) may be disposed inside the first coil (512).

[0049] Meanwhile, a second driving unit (521, 522, 523) is disposed in the opening of the second side, and the second driving unit (521, 522, 523) may include a second driving magnet (521), a second coil (522), and a second Hall sensor (523). Here, the second driving magnet (521) and the second coil (522) are disposed facing each other in the second direction, the second coil (522) is disposed on the opening of the second side, and the second driving magnet (521) may be disposed on the mover (200). In addition, the second Hall sensor (523) may be disposed inside the second coil (522).

[0050] Additionally, the third driving unit (531, 532, 533) may be partially positioned on the opening of the third side and partially positioned on the second housing (400). Here, the third driving unit (531, 532, 533) may include a third driving magnet (531), a third coil (532), and a third Hall sensor (533). In this case, the third driving magnet (531) may be positioned on the second housing (400), the third coil (532) may be positioned on the opening of the third side, and the third Hall sensor (533) may be positioned inside the third coil (532). Furthermore, the third driving magnet (531) and the third coil (532) may be positioned to face each other in the third direction.

[0051] Meanwhile, the mover (200) may be disposed within the housing. Specifically, it may be disposed on the internal space formed by the first side, the second side, and the third side. Additionally, the mover (200) may have a first space in which a first driving magnet (511) is disposed and a second space in which a second driving magnet (521) is disposed. Furthermore, a third space in which an optical member (10) is disposed may be formed.

[0052] In addition, the guide unit (300) may be positioned to face the first protrusion (110) of the housing, which will be described later. The second housing (400) may be positioned to face the mover (200) on the inner side of the third side. This will be explained in more detail through the drawings described later.

[0053] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing includes a first protrusion (110) that protrudes in a first direction from the bottom portion (101). Here, the first protrusion (110) includes a first inclined surface (111) positioned to face the mover (200), and a second magnet (112) may be positioned on the first inclined surface (111).

[0054] Additionally, referring to FIG. 4, one side of the first protrusion (110) facing the guide unit (300) may include a second-1 groove (115) and a second-2 groove (116) in which the first ball unit (313, 316), to be described later, is disposed. Here, the shapes of the second-1 groove (115) and the second-2 groove (116) may differ. Specifically, the second-1 groove (115) may be in contact with the first ball unit (313, 316) on four sides, and the second-2 groove (116) may be in contact with the first ball unit (313, 316) on two sides. This can effectively reduce the frictional force between the first ball unit (313, 316) and the second-1 groove (115) and the second-2 groove (116) that occurs during the process of the mover (200) tilting. In addition, the 2-1 groove (115) and the 2-2 groove (116) can be spaced apart in the 1st direction.

[0055] At this time, one surface of the first protrusion (110) facing the guide unit (300) may include at least one first magnet (114) facing the first yoke (340) of the guide unit (300) in a third direction and at least one sixth groove (113) into which the first magnet (114) is disposed. Based on FIG. 4, a pair of first magnets (114) may be disposed, and a pair of sixth grooves (113) may be formed corresponding to the number of first magnets (114).

[0056] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, the mover (200) includes a second inclined surface (201) parallel to the first inclined surface (111), and the second inclined surface (201) may be positioned in a direction toward the first inclined surface (111). Additionally, the mover (200) includes a second protrusion (232) that protrudes from the second inclined surface (201) in a direction toward the first inclined surface (111), a seventh groove is formed on the inner side of the second protrusion (232), and a second yoke (231) may be positioned on the inner side of the seventh groove. Through this, the second magnet (112) positioned on the first inclined surface (111) and the second yoke (231) positioned on the second protrusion (232) formed on the second inclined surface (201) may be positioned to face each other. Through this, the mover (200) can be effectively fixed by receiving force in a direction toward the protrusion.

[0057] Additionally, the mover (200) further includes a pair of third protrusions (212, 222) that protrude toward the second ball unit (323, 333) to be described later, and a fourth-1 groove (211) that contacts the second ball unit (323, 333) may be formed in one of the pair of third protrusions (212, 222), and a fourth-2 groove (212) that contacts the second ball unit (323, 333) may be formed in the other of the pair of third protrusions (212, 222). At this time, the shapes of the fourth-1 groove (211) and the fourth-2 groove (212) may be different. Specifically, the 4-1 groove (211) may be in contact with the 2nd ball unit (323, 333) on two sides, and the 4-2 groove (212) may be in contact with the 2nd ball unit (323, 333) on four sides. At this time, the 3rd protrusion (212, 222) where the 4-1 groove (211) is formed is defined as the 3-1 protrusion (212), and the 3rd protrusion (212, 222) where the 4-2 groove (212) is formed is defined as the 3-2 protrusion (222). This distinction is made merely for convenience of explanation and should not be interpreted as being limited to the mentioned 3-1 and 3-2.

[0058] Here, the third-1 protrusion (212) and the third-2 protrusion (222) on the second inclined surface (201) may protrude in a direction inclined toward the first direction. Specifically, the third-1 protrusion (212) and the third-2 protrusion (222) may protrude at a 45-degree angle toward the first direction, and the second inclined surface (201) may be positioned to be inclined at a 45-degree angle toward the first direction. Additionally, the directions in which the second inclined surface (201), the third-1 protrusion (212), and the third-2 protrusion (222) protrude may be perpendicular to each other. However, this is merely an exemplary description and is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0059] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 6 to explain the guide unit (300), as illustrated in FIG. 6, the guide unit (300) includes a plurality of first ball units (313, 316) forming a first axis (T1) parallel to a first direction and a plurality of second ball units (323, 333) forming a second axis (T2) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. At this time, the plurality of first ball units (313, 316) may include a first-1 ball member (313) and a first-2 ball member (316) spaced apart in the first direction, and the plurality of second ball units (323, 333) may include a second-1 ball member (323) and a second-2 ball member (333) spaced apart in the second direction.

[0060] Additionally, the guide unit (300) includes a body portion (301), a first seating portion (311, 314) that protrudes in a third direction from the body portion (301) and in which a first-1 ball member (313) and a first-2 ball member (316) are disposed, and the first seating portion (311, 314) may include a first-1 seating portion (311) in which a first-1 ball member (313) is disposed and a first-2 seating portion (314) in which a first-2 ball member (316) is disposed. Furthermore, a first-1 groove (312) that contacts the first-1 ball member (313) may be formed in the first-1 seating portion (311), and a first-2 groove (315) that contacts the first-2 ball member (316) may be formed in the first-2 seating portion (314).

[0061] Additionally, the guide unit (300) may further include a second seating portion (321, 331) that protrudes toward the mover (200) from the end region in the second direction of the body portion (301). Here, the second seating portion (321, 331) may be positioned to face the third protrusion (212, 222) described above. That is, the second seating portion (321, 331) may be positioned at an angle with respect to the first direction. The second seating portion (321, 331) includes a second-1 seating portion (321) in which a second-1 ball member (323) is placed and a second-2 seating portion (331) in which a second-2 ball member (333) is placed, and a third-1 groove (322) in which contacts the second-1 ball member (323) is formed in the second-1 seating portion (321), and a third-2 groove (332) in which contacts the second-2 ball member (333) can be formed in the second-2 seating portion (331).

[0062] Additionally, the guide unit (300) further includes a first yoke (340) disposed in the body portion (301), and the first yoke (340) may be disposed facing the first magnet (114) in a third direction.

[0063] To explain this in detail, refer to FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the first yoke (340) is formed long in the second direction and may include a first part (341) positioned between the third-1 groove (322) and the third-2 groove (332) in the first direction, a second part (342) extending from the first part (341) in the first direction opposite to the bottom part (101), and a third part (343) extending from the first part (341) in the first direction toward the bottom part (101).

[0064] Here, a pair of second parts (342) may be formed. A pair of second parts (342) may be positioned in the second direction with the third-1 groove (322) in between. Additionally, a pair of third parts (343) may be formed, and a pair of third parts (343) may be positioned in the second direction with the third-2 groove (332) in between. At this time, one of the second parts (342), one of the third parts (343), and a portion of the first part (341) may be positioned to face one of the first magnets (114) in the third direction, and another portion of the other second part (342), another third part (343), and the first part (341) may be positioned to face another first magnet (114) in the third direction.

[0065] At this time, the first yoke (340) may be fixed to the body portion (301) through an adhesive member. However, this is merely an exemplary description and should not be interpreted as being limited thereto.

[0066] As the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114) described above are positioned to face each other, an attractive force can be applied. Through this, the first ball member (313) positioned between the first groove (312) and the second groove (115) can be effectively attached to the first groove (312) and the second groove (115). Additionally, the first ball member (316) positioned between the first groove (315) and the second groove (116) can also be effectively attached to the first groove (315) and the second groove (116). Furthermore, due to the attractive force between the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114), the body part (301) can be effectively fixed.

[0067] Meanwhile, reference may be made to FIG. 8 to describe the second housing (400). As illustrated in FIG. 8, the second housing (400) may include a fifth groove (410) that is recessed toward the third direction of the mover (200) on one side opposite to the direction toward the third direction of the mover (200), and a third yoke (420) disposed on the fifth groove (410).

[0068] Here, a third drive magnet (531) may be placed together in the fifth groove (410). Specifically, the inner surface of the fifth groove (410) in the third direction and one surface of the third yoke (420) in the third direction may be in contact, and the other surface of the third yoke (420) in the third direction may be in contact with the third drive magnet (531). That is, unlike the first drive unit (511, 512, 513) and the second drive unit (521, 522, 523) described above, the third drive unit (531, 532, 533) may not face directly with the mover (200).

[0069] Generally, the third driving unit (531, 532, 533) for tilting the mover (200) is positioned in an opening formed on the bottom part (101), so there was a problem of reduced power efficiency because the distance from the reference point for tilting the mover (200) was relatively far. However, the camera actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a first protrusion (110) protruding from the bottom part (101), and the third driving magnet (531) can be positioned adjacent to the guide unit (300) by placing it in the fifth groove (410) of the second housing (400), which may have the advantage of improving the power efficiency of the camera actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the second housing (400) may include a first region (401) inserted into the inside of the mover (200) and a second region (402) not inserted into the mover (200). At this time, the first region (401) may be inserted into the inside of the mover (200) in a first direction. Also, the upper end of the first region (401) in the first direction contacts the inner surface of the mover (200), and an adhesive member may be disposed between the upper end of the first region (401) in the first direction and the inner surface of the mover (200). That is, the second housing (400) may also be tilted together during the process of tilting the mover (200).

[0071] Meanwhile, for a detailed description of the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, reference may be made to FIGS. 10 to 14.

[0072] First, as shown in FIG. 10, the second yoke (231) placed on the second inclined surface (201) can be positioned facing the second magnet (112) placed on the first inclined surface (111). That is, an attractive force can be applied between the second yoke (231) and the second magnet (112). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11, the third-1 groove (322) and the fourth-1 groove (211) can be effectively brought into close contact with the second-1 ball member (323). In addition, the third-2 groove (332) and the fourth-2 groove (212) can be effectively brought into close contact with the second-2 ball member (333) by the attractive force between the second yoke (231) and the second magnet (112).

[0073] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 12, the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114) are arranged to face each other in a third direction, and an attractive force can be applied between the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10, the first-1 groove (312) and the second-1 groove (115) can be effectively in close contact with the first-1 ball member (313). Furthermore, the first-2 groove (315) and the second-2 groove (116) can also be effectively in close contact with the first-2 ball member (316) by the attractive force between the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114).

[0074] According to this arrangement relationship, the guide unit (300) is not fixed through an adhesive member, but can be fixed in a position where it is effectively positioned to face the first protrusion (110) by the attractive force between the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114).

[0075] Additionally, a virtual line connecting the center of the first-1 ball member (313) and the center of the first-2 ball member (316) can form a first axis (T1). That is, the mover (200) can be tilted based on the first axis (T1) formed by connecting the center of the first-1 ball member (313) and the center of the first-2 ball member (316). Furthermore, due to the attractive force of the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114), the first-1 ball member (313) is in close contact with the first-1 groove (312) and the second-1 groove (115), and the first-2 ball member (316) is in close contact with the first-2 groove (315) and the second-2 groove (116), so the rolling phenomenon can be effectively prevented.

[0076] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 11, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the surface (321a) where the first-1 seating portion (311) faces the third-1 protrusion (212) may be parallel to the surface (222a) where the third-1 protrusion (212) faces the first-1 seating portion (311). That is, the first inclined surface (111), the second inclined surface (201), the surface (321a) of the first-1 seating portion (311), and the surface (222a) of the third-1 protrusion (212) may be parallel to each other.

[0077] Additionally, referring to FIG. 12, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the third yoke (420) and the first magnet (114) are arranged so that a portion of them overlap each other in a third direction, thereby creating a certain attractive force between the third yoke (420) and the first magnet (114). At this time, the attractive force acting between the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114) may be greater than the attractive force acting between the second yoke (231) and the second magnet (112) and the attractive force acting between the third yoke (420) and the first magnet (114). This may be because the guide unit (300) is fixed by the attractive force between the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114).

[0078] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 13, a virtual line connecting the center of the second-1 ball member (323) and the center of the second-2 ball member (333) can form a second axis (T2). That is, the mover (200) can be tilted based on the second axis (T2) formed by connecting the center of the second-1 ball member (323) and the center of the second-2 ball member (333). At this time, the first axis (T1) and the second axis (T2) can be placed on the same plane as the point where the optical axis of the incident light (IL) and the optical axis of the refracted light (RL) intersect each other.

[0079] To explain this in detail, refer to FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, the first axis (T1) formed by connecting the center of the first-1 ball member (313) and the center of the first-2 ball member (316) and the second axis (T2) formed by connecting the center of the second-1 ball member (323) and the center of the second-2 ball member (333) intersect each other, and the point where the first axis (T1) and the second axis (T2) intersect may be the same as the optical center (OC) where the optical axis of the incident light (IL) and the optical axis of the refracted light (RL) intersect each other. That is, the virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of first ball units (313, 316), the virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of second ball units (323, 333), and the optical axis of the incident light (IL) incident on the optical member (10) are arranged on the same plane.

[0080] Due to this arrangement, the optical center (OC), the first axis (T1), and the second axis (T2) are positioned on the same plane as each other, which can significantly improve the power efficiency generated during the tilting process of the mover (200).

[0081] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14, the third yoke (420) may overlap with at least some of the plurality of first ball units (313, 316) and at least some of the plurality of second ball units (323, 333) in a third direction. Accordingly, the tilt of the mover (200) through the third drive unit (531, 532, 533) can be effectively performed and power efficiency can be improved.

[0082] We have examined preferred embodiments according to the invention, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that, in addition to the embodiments described above, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

[0083] Therefore, the embodiments described above should be regarded as exemplary rather than limiting, and accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the description above but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Explanation of the symbols

[0084] 100: 1st Housing 200: Mover 300: 2nd Housing 400: Guide Unit

Claims

Claim 1 A camera actuator comprising: a first housing; a mover disposed within the first housing, wherein an optical member is disposed therein; a second housing disposed within the first housing so as to face the mover; and a guide unit disposed between the mover and the second housing and guiding the tilt of the mover, wherein the first housing includes a protrusion protruding in a first direction parallel to the optical axis of light incident on the optical member from a bottom surface so as to face the guide unit, and the guide unit includes a plurality of first ball units forming a first axis parallel to the first direction and a plurality of second ball units forming a second axis perpendicular to the first direction, wherein a virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of first ball units, a virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of second ball units, and the optical axis of light incident on the optical member are disposed on the same plane. Claim 2 A camera actuator according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first ball units include a first-1 ball member and a first-2 ball member spaced apart in the first direction, and the plurality of second ball units include a second-1 ball member and a second-2 ball member spaced apart in the second direction. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the guide unit comprises a body portion; and a first seating portion protruding from the body portion toward the protrusion portion, wherein the first seating portion comprises a first-1 groove in which the first-1 ball member is disposed and a first-2 groove in which the first-2 ball member is disposed. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the camera actuator comprises: a second-1 groove positioned facing the first-1 groove and in contact with the first-1 ball member; and a second-2 groove positioned facing the second-1 groove and in contact with the first-2 ball member. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the shapes of the 2-1 groove and the 2-2 groove are different camera actuators. Claim 6 In paragraph 3, the guide unit further comprises a first yoke disposed in the body portion, and the protrusion comprises at least one first magnet disposed facing the first yoke in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, a camera actuator. Claim 7 In paragraph 2, the guide unit comprises a body portion; and a second seating portion extending toward the optical member from the end of the body portion in the second direction, wherein the second seating portion comprises a third-1 groove in which the second-1 ball member is disposed and a third-2 groove in which the second-2 ball member is disposed. Claim 8 In claim 7, the camera actuator comprises: a 4-1 groove positioned facing the 2-1 groove and in contact with the 2-1 ball member; and a 4-2 groove positioned facing the 2-2 groove and in contact with the 2-2 ball member. Claim 9 In claim 8, the shapes of the above 4-1 groove and the above 4-2 groove are different camera actuators. Claim 10 A camera actuator according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion includes a first inclined surface facing the mover, the mover includes a second inclined surface facing the first inclined surface, a second magnet is disposed on the first inclined surface, and a second yoke is disposed on the second inclined surface. Claim 11 In item 10, the end of the second mounting portion is a camera actuator parallel to the second inclined surface. Claim 12 A camera actuator according to claim 1, wherein the second housing comprises: a first region inserted into the interior of the mover in the first direction; and a second region not inserted into the interior of the mover in the first direction. Claim 13 A camera actuator according to claim 1, wherein the second housing comprises: a fifth groove in which one side opposite to the direction in which the mover faces is recessed toward the mover; and a third yoke disposed on the inner side of the fifth groove. Claim 14 In paragraph 13, the third yoke is a camera actuator that overlaps with at least a portion of the plurality of first ball units and the plurality of second ball units in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

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