Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes a first rotating housing, a second rotating housing, a sub-module, a first shape memory alloy drive wire, and a second shape memory alloy drive wire. Among them, the first rotating housing is configured to rotate around a first axis in a fixed housing, the second rotating housing is configured to rotate around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis in the first rotating housing, the sub-module is fixed in the second rotating housing, the first shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the first rotating housing, and the second shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the second rotating housing.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2020 - 0120007, filed on September 17, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field

[0003] The following description relates to a camera module. Background art

[0004] Cameras have been provided in portable electronic devices such as smart phones, tablet PCs, laptop computers, etc., and functions such as an autofocus function, an optical image stabilization function, a zoom function, etc. can be added to the cameras in mobile terminals.

[0005] However, in order to implement various functions, the structure of the camera module generally becomes complex and its size increases, and thus, the size of the portable electronic device in which the camera module is installed also increases. Summary of the invention

[0006] This Summary of the Invention is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that will be further described in the Detailed Description below. This Summary of the Invention is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In one general aspect, a camera module includes: a fixed housing; a first rotating housing configured to rotate about a first axis within the fixed housing; a second rotating housing configured to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis within the first rotating housing; a sub - module fixed within the second rotating housing; a first shape - memory alloy driving wire connected to the first rotating housing; and a second shape - memory alloy driving wire connected to the second rotating housing.

[0008] One end of the first shape - memory alloy driving wire may be connected to a first connecting member on an inner surface of the fixed housing, and the other end of the first shape - memory alloy driving wire may be connected to a second connecting member on an outer surface of the first rotating housing, and one end of the second shape - memory alloy driving wire may be connected to a third connecting member on an inner surface of the first rotating housing, and the other end of the second shape - memory alloy driving wire may be connected to a fourth connecting member on an outer surface of the second rotating housing.

[0009] Two of the first shape memory alloy drive wires can be arranged to form a pair of first shape memory alloy drive wires on one surface of the first rotating housing, and the other two of the first shape memory alloy drive wires can be arranged to form another pair of first shape memory alloy drive wires on the other surface of the first rotating housing, and the second shape memory alloy drive wires can be arranged to form a pair of second shape memory alloy drive wires on each of the two sides adjacent to one surface and the other surface of the first rotating housing respectively.

[0010] The first connection members can include a plurality of first connection members, wherein two of the first connection members are arranged on the corresponding lower ends of one inner surface of the fixed housing, and the other two of the first connection members are arranged on the corresponding lower ends of the other inner surface of the fixed housing opposite to the one inner surface of the fixed housing, and the second connection members can include a plurality of second connection members, two of the second connection members are arranged on the central part of one outer surface of the first rotating housing, and the other two of the second connection members are arranged on the central part of the other outer surface of the first rotating housing opposite to the one outer surface of the first rotating housing.

[0011] The third connection members can include a plurality of third connection members, two of the third connection members are arranged on the corresponding lower ends of one inner surface of the first rotating housing, and the other two of the third connection members are arranged on the corresponding lower ends of the other inner surface of the first rotating housing opposite to the one inner surface of the first rotating housing, and the fourth connection members can include a plurality of fourth connection members, two of the fourth connection members are arranged on the central part of one outer surface of the second rotating housing, and the other two of the fourth connection members are arranged on the central part of the other outer surface of the second rotating housing opposite to the one outer surface of the second rotating housing.

[0012] The first connection member may include a plurality of first connection members, the plurality of first connection members including a first-first connection member, a first-second connection member, a first-third connection member, and a first-fourth connection member. Among them, the first-first connection member is disposed at the lower end of the first inner surface of the fixed housing and is arranged to face the first outer surface of the first rotating housing. The first-second connection member is disposed on the first inner surface and is spaced apart from the first-first connection member. The first-third connection member is disposed at the lower end of the second inner surface of the fixed housing and is arranged to face the second outer surface of the first rotating housing. The first-fourth connection member is disposed on the second inner surface and is spaced apart from the first-third connection member. And the second connection member may include a plurality of second connection members, the plurality of second connection members including a second-first connection member, a second-second connection member, a second-third connection member, and a second-fourth connection member. Among them, the second-first connection member is disposed in the central portion of the first outer surface of the first rotating housing. The second-second connection member is disposed on the first outer surface of the first rotating housing adjacent to the second-first connection member. The second-third connection member is disposed in the central portion of the second outer surface of the first rotating housing. The second-fourth connection member is disposed on the second surface of the first rotating housing adjacent to the second-third connection member. Among them, the first shape memory alloy drive wire may include a plurality of first shape memory alloy drive wires, the plurality of first shape memory alloy drive wires including a first-first shape memory alloy drive wire, a first-second shape memory alloy drive wire, a first-third shape memory alloy drive wire, and a first-fourth shape memory alloy drive wire. Among them, the first-first shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the first-first connection member and the second-first connection member. The first-second shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the first-second connection member and the second-second connection member. The first-third shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the first-third connection member and the second-third connection member. The first-fourth shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the first-fourth connection member and the second-fourth connection member.

[0013] The third connection member may include a plurality of third connection members, the plurality of third connection members including a third-first connection member, a third-second connection member, a third-third connection member, and a third-fourth connection member, wherein the third-first connection member is disposed at a lower end portion of a first inner surface of the first rotating housing and is disposed to face a first outer surface of the second rotating housing, the third-second connection member is disposed to be spaced apart from the third-first connection member on the first inner surface of the first rotating housing, the third-third connection member is disposed at a lower end portion of a second inner surface of the first rotating housing and is disposed to face a second outer surface of the second rotating housing, the third-fourth connection member is disposed to be spaced apart from the third-third connection member on the second inner surface of the first rotating housing, and the fourth connection member may include a plurality of fourth connection members, the plurality of fourth connection members including a fourth-first connection member, a fourth-second connection member, a fourth-third connection member, and a fourth-fourth connection member, wherein the fourth-first connection member is disposed in a central portion of a first outer surface of the second rotating housing, the fourth-second connection member is disposed adjacent to the fourth-first connection member on the first outer surface of the second rotating housing, the fourth-third connection member is disposed in a central portion of a second outer surface of the second rotating housing, the fourth-fourth connection member is disposed adjacent to the fourth-third connection member on the second outer surface of the second rotating housing, and the second shape memory alloy drive wire may include a plurality of second shape memory alloy drive wires, the plurality of second shape memory alloy drive wires including a second-first shape memory alloy drive wire, a second-second shape memory alloy drive wire, a second-third shape memory alloy drive wire, and a second-fourth shape memory alloy drive wire, wherein the second-first shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the third-first connection member and the fourth-first connection member, the second-second shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the third-second connection member and the fourth-second connection member, the second-third shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the third-third connection member and the fourth-third connection member, and the second-fourth shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the third-fourth connection member and the fourth-fourth connection member.

[0014] The camera module may further include a flexible printed circuit board that is connected to the first connection member, the second connection member, the third connection member, and the fourth connection member and includes an opening for preventing interference when the first rotating housing or the second rotating housing is controlled to rotate.

[0015] The first rotating housing may be disposed on a first rotation axis of the fixed housing, and the second rotating housing may be disposed on a second rotation axis of the first rotating housing.

[0016] The first rotating housing may include a first protrusion provided with a first mounting groove in which a first rotating shaft is disposed, and the second rotating housing may include a second protrusion provided with a second mounting groove in which a second rotating shaft is disposed.

[0017] The first rotating housing may include a through hole, and the second rotating shaft passes through the through hole.

[0018] The sub-module may include a housing having an internal space, and a lens holder disposed in the housing.

[0019] The lens holder may be configured to change the lens height within the housing.

[0020] In one general aspect, a camera module includes: a fixed housing having a plurality of first connection members respectively disposed on two opposite inner surfaces; a first rotating housing configured to rotate within the fixed housing about a first axis, having a plurality of second connection members respectively opposite to the plurality of first connection members on the surface of the first rotating housing, and having a plurality of third connection members including a plurality of third connection members disposed on other surfaces of the first rotating housing; a second rotating housing configured to rotate within the first rotating housing about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and having a plurality of fourth connection members disposed on surfaces respectively opposite to the third connection members; a sub-module fixedly disposed on the inner surface of the second rotating housing; a plurality of first shape memory alloy drive wires respectively connecting the plurality of first connection members and the plurality of second connection members; and a plurality of second shape memory alloy drive wires respectively connecting the plurality of third connection members and the plurality of fourth connection members.

[0021] Two of the first shape memory alloy drive wires may be arranged to form a pair of first shape memory alloy drive wires on one surface of the first rotating housing, and the other two of the first shape memory alloy drive wires may be arranged to form another pair of first shape memory alloy drive wires on another surface on the side of the first rotating housing opposite to one surface of the first rotating housing, and two of the second shape memory alloy drive wires may be arranged to form a pair of second shape memory alloy drive wires on each of the two sides of the first rotating housing adjacent to one surface and another surface of the first rotating housing, respectively.

[0022] The camera module may further include a flexible circuit board respectively connected to the plurality of first connection members, the plurality of second connection members, the plurality of third connection members, and the plurality of fourth connection members, and may include an opening for preventing interference when the first housing or the second rotating housing is controlled to rotate.

[0023] The first rotating housing may be disposed on a first rotating shaft of the fixed housing, and the second rotating housing may be disposed on a second rotating shaft of the first rotating housing.

[0024] In one general aspect, a camera module includes: a first housing having a first rotating member disposed along a first axis direction; a second housing having a second rotating member disposed along a second axis direction different from the first axis direction; a third housing including a lens sub-module; and a plurality of shape memory alloy wires including a first shape memory alloy wire and a second shape memory alloy wire, the first shape memory alloy wire configured to control different rotations of the second housing using the first rotating member, and the second shape memory alloy wire configured to control different rotations of the third housing using the second rotating member.

[0025] The camera module may further include a flexible circuit board configured to provide an electrical change to the first shape memory alloy wire, the electrical change correspondingly changing a rotational orientation of the second housing relative to the first housing about the first rotating member, and the flexible circuit board configured to provide an electrical change to the second shape memory alloy wire, the electrical change correspondingly changing a rotational orientation of the third housing relative to the second housing about the second rotating member.

[0026] The first shape memory alloy wire can control the rotational orientation of the second housing relative to the first housing about the first rotating member, and the second shape memory alloy wire can control the rotational orientation of the third housing relative to the second housing about the second rotating member, wherein the first shape memory alloy wire includes a plurality of first shape memory alloy wires that respectively connect first connection members disposed on an inner side of the first housing to second connection members disposed on an outer side of the second housing.

[0027] The second shape memory alloy wire may further include a plurality of second shape memory alloy wires that respectively connect third connection members disposed on an inner side of the second housing to fourth connection members disposed on an outer side of the third housing.

[0028] The first shape memory alloy wire can control the rotational orientation of the second housing relative to the first housing about the first rotating member, and the second shape memory alloy wire can control the rotational orientation of the third housing relative to the second housing about the second rotating member, wherein the second shape memory alloy wire may include a plurality of second shape memory alloy wires that respectively connect third connection members disposed on an inner side of the second housing to fourth connection members disposed on an outer side of the third housing.

[0029] In one general aspect, a camera module includes: a first housing having a first rotating member disposed along a first axis direction and a first connecting member disposed on an inner side of the first housing; a second housing having a second rotating member disposed along a second axis direction different from the first axis direction, a second connecting member disposed on an outer side of the second housing and opposite to the first connecting member, and a third connecting member disposed on an inner side of the second housing; a third housing including a lens sub-module and a fourth connecting member disposed on an outer side of the third housing and opposite to the third connecting member; and corresponding shape memory alloy wires connecting the first connecting member to the second connecting member and connecting the third connecting member to the fourth connecting member.

[0030] The first connecting member may be disposed on two of a total of four inner sides of the first housing, the second connecting member may be disposed on two outer sides of the second housing, the third connecting member may be disposed on two inner sides of the second housing, and the fourth connecting member may be disposed on two outer sides of the third housing.

[0031] The camera module may further include a flexible printed circuit board connected to the first connecting member, the second connecting member, the third connecting member, and the fourth connecting member.

[0032] The flexible printed circuit board may further include an opening for preventing interference when the second housing or the third housing is controlled to rotate relative to the first housing.

[0033] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary portable electronic device according to one or more embodiments;

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments;

[0036] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments;

[0037] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary fixed housing of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments;

[0038] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary first rotating housing of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments;

[0039] Figure 6is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary second rotating housing of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments;

[0040] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an installation state of an exemplary first driving line and a second driving line of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments;

[0041] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an electrical connection method between a flexible circuit board of a camera module and exemplary first to fourth connection members according to one or more embodiments; and

[0042] Figures 9 to 11 is a diagram showing an exemplary operation of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0043] In all the figures and specific embodiments, unless otherwise described or provided, the same reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience purposes, the figures may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions, and depictions of elements in the figures may be exaggerated. Detailed Description

[0044] The following specific embodiments are provided to assist the reader in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, after understanding the disclosure of the present application, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein will be apparent. For example, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, the order of the operations described herein is merely exemplary and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but rather changes that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application may be made. Additionally, for greater clarity and conciseness, descriptions of features that are known after understanding the disclosure of the present application may be omitted, noting that the omission of features and their descriptions is not intended to admit that they are common knowledge.

[0045] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein, which will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application.

[0046] Although terms such as "first", "second", and "third" may be used herein to describe various components, elements, regions, layers, or sections, these components, elements, regions, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one component, element, region, layer, or section from another. Thus, a first component, first element, first region, first layer, or first section referred to in an example may also be termed a second component, second element, second region, second layer, or second section without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein.

[0047] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element, the element may be directly "on", directly "connected to", or directly "coupled to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements intervening between the element and the other element. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no other elements intervening between the element and the other element.

[0048] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various examples only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the articles "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" specify the presence of the stated features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs and who has understood the disclosure of this application. Terms (such as those defined in a common dictionary) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the disclosure of this application, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Additionally, the use of the term "may" with respect to an example or embodiment (e.g., with respect to what an example or embodiment may include or achieve) herein means that there is at least one example or embodiment that includes or achieves such a feature, and not all examples or embodiments are so limited.

[0050] As described above, in order to achieve various functions, the structure of the camera module generally becomes complex and its size increases, and thus, the size of the portable electronic device on which the camera module is mounted also increases.

[0051] In addition to existing OIS driving methods, attempts have been made to miniaturize and integrate functions of existing ordinary manual cameras (such as autofocus (AF) and optical zoom), and as the structure diversifies accordingly, the present inventors have found that there is an expectation for OIS driving methods in addition to existing OIS methods, as well as alternative or additional features or capabilities, all of which are non-limiting examples.

[0052] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary portable electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0053] Referring Figure 1 , among various examples in which the camera module 100 and other camera modules are implemented, the portable electronic device 1 according to one or more embodiments includes a mobile communication terminal, a smart phone, a tablet PC, and the like.

[0054] As Figure 1 shown, the camera module 100 is installed in the portable electronic device 1 to capture an image, for example, an image of an object.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, as a non-limiting example, the camera module 100 includes a plurality of lenses, for example, the optical axes of the lenses are in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction (Z-axis direction, the direction from the front surface of the portable electronic device 1 toward its rear surface or the opposite direction) of the portable electronic device 1.

[0056] In an example, as a non-limiting example, the camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments may have at least one of AF, zoom, and OIS functions.

[0057] For example, the camera module 100 having AF, zoom, OIS functions, etc. may be provided with various components, and thus, compared with an ordinary camera module without AF, zoom, and / or OIS functions, etc., the size of such a camera module generally increases. For example, in an ordinary camera module, when the size of the camera module increases, it may affect the miniaturization of the portable electronic device in which such a camera module is installed.

[0058] For example, in a typical camera module, the number of stacked lenses for the zoom function increases, and when a plurality of stacked lenses are formed in the thickness direction of such a portable electronic device, the thickness of the portable electronic device also increases according to the number of stacked lenses. Therefore, generally, if the thickness of the portable electronic device does not increase, the number of stacked lenses cannot be sufficiently ensured, and the zoom performance is weakened.

[0059] In addition, in order to implement AF and OIS functions, an actuator for moving a lens group is generally installed along the optical axis direction or along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. When the optical axis (Z-axis) of such a lens group is formed in the thickness direction of a portable electronic device, the actuator for moving the lens group may also be installed in the thickness direction of the portable electronic device. Therefore, the thickness of the portable electronic device is generally increased.

[0060] However, the camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments can implement the OIS function through a driving wire made of a shape memory alloy, and the portable electronic device 1 can be made more compact than the above-described typical portable electronic device. For example, even in an exemplary embodiment of the portable electronic device 1 where a lens group is implemented.

[0061] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments, and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0062] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , for example, the camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments may include a fixed housing 110, a first rotating housing 120, a second rotating housing 130, a first driving wire 140, a second driving wire 150, a sub-module 160, and a flexible circuit board 170.

[0063] The fixed housing 110 may have a rectangular frame shape as more specifically shown in Figure 4 , and a first anti-interference groove 111 for preventing interference with the flexible circuit board 170 may be provided at the center or central portion of each of the lower ends of the four side surfaces of the shown rectangular frame. At the same time, a plurality of first connection members 112 connected to the corresponding first driving wire 140 may be provided in the fixed housing 110. For example, two first connection members 112 may be installed at the end of one surface of the inner surface of the fixed housing 110 and at the end of the other surface of the inner surface of the fixed housing 110 opposite to the one surface.

[0064] As an example, the first connection member 112 may include a first-first connection member 112a and a first-second connection member 112b. Among them, the first-first connection member 112a is installed at the lower end of one surface of the inner surface of the fixed housing 110, and the first-second connection member 112b is installed at the other lower end of the said one surface of the fixed housing 110 and is spaced apart from the first-first connection member 112a. The first connection member 112 may further include a first-third connection member 112c and a first-fourth connection member 112d. Among them, the first-third connection member 112c is disposed at the lower end of the other inner surface of the fixed housing 110 opposite to the surface where the first-first connection member 112a and the first-second connection member 112b are installed, and the first-fourth connection member 112d is disposed to be spaced apart from the first-third connection member 112c and is installed on the same surface as the surface where the first-third connection member 112c is installed. The relationship between the first-third connection member 112c and the first-fourth connection member 112d is similar to or a mirror image of the relationship between the first-first connection member 112a and the first-second connection member 112b.

[0065] The first connection member 112 may be electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 170, and thus each of the connection members 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d may be electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 170.

[0066] For example, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the fixed housing 110 may be provided with mounting holes 114, in which the corresponding first rotating shafts 102 are installed on two side walls facing each other.

[0067] The first rotating housing 120 may be rotatably installed in the fixed housing 110 along the first axis direction (for example, the X-axis direction, see Figure 3 ). For example, the first rotating housing 120 may be installed on the first rotating shaft 102 / installed by using the first rotating shaft 102 to rotate around the first rotating shaft 102.

[0068] Meanwhile, for example, the first rotating housing 120 may also have a rectangular frame shape. The first rotating housing 120 is provided with a first protrusion 122, and the first protrusion 122 is provided with a first mounting groove / entrance 122a, and the first rotating shafts 102 are installed at the outer surfaces of the corresponding two side walls of the first rotating housing 120. For example, one end of each first rotating shaft 102 is inserted and installed in the corresponding mounting hole 114 of the fixed housing 110, and the other end of each first rotating shaft 102 is inserted and installed in the corresponding first mounting groove / entrance 122a. Therefore, the first rotating housing 120 may rotate around or about the first rotating shaft 102.

[0069] In addition, the second connection member 123 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) can be installed on both sides / opposite sides of each first protrusion 122. For example, the first rotating housing 120 may be provided with corresponding first insertion grooves 124, and each second connection member 123 is inserted and installed on both sides / opposite sides of the first protrusion 122. As an example, using the corresponding first insertion grooves 124, two of the second connection members 123 can be installed in the central portion of the outer surface of the first rotating housing 120, and the other two of the second connection members 123 can be installed in the central portion of another outer surface of the first rotating housing 120.

[0070] For example, the second connection member 123 may include a second-first connection member 123a and a second-second connection member 123b. Among them, the second-first connection member 123a is disposed in the central portion of one surface of the first rotating housing 120 in one of the first insertion grooves 124 located on one side of the corresponding first protrusion 122; the second-second connection member 123b is disposed in another first insertion groove 124 located on the other side of the corresponding first protrusion 122 in the first insertion groove 124 and is arranged adjacent to the second-first connection member 123a. Similarly, the second connection member 123 may further include a second-third connection member 123c and a second-fourth connection member 123d. Among them, the second-third connection member 123c is installed in the central portion of another surface of the first rotating housing 120 (disposed on the opposite side of the one surface of the first rotating housing 120) in another one of the first insertion grooves 124, and the second-fourth connection member 123d is disposed in yet another one of the first insertion grooves 124 and is arranged adjacent to the second-third connection member 123c. For example, the relationship between the second-third connection member 123c and the second-fourth connection member 123d is similar to or a mirror image of the relationship between the second-first connection member 123a and the second-second connection member 123b.

[0071] As Figure 5 shown, the first rotating housing 120 may be provided with a through hole 126, and the second rotating shaft 104 is arranged to pass through the through hole 126, as will be described in further detail below. The through hole 126 is formed in the corresponding side wall of the first rotating housing 120 except for the corresponding side wall on / wherein the first protrusion 122 is provided. A second anti-interference groove 127 for preventing interference with the flexible circuit board 170 when the first rotating housing 120 rotates may be provided below the through hole 126. At the same time, the third connection member 128 can be installed on the corresponding inner surface of the first rotating housing 120. As an example, two of the third connection members 128 can be installed at the lower end portion of the inner surface of the first rotating housing 120 where the through hole 126 is formed.

[0072] As an example, the third connecting member 128 may include a third-first connecting member 128a and a third-second connecting member 128b. Among them, the third-first connecting member 128a is disposed at the lower end of one surface of the inner surface of the first rotating housing 120, and the third-second connecting member 128b is disposed at a position spaced apart from the third-first connecting member 128a and at the other lower end of the one surface of the inner surface of the first rotating housing 120. The third connecting member 128 may further include a third-third connecting member 128c and a third-fourth connecting member 128d. Among them, the third-third connecting member 128c is disposed at the lower end of the other surface of the inner surface of the first rotating housing 120, which is opposite to the one surface where the third-first connecting member 128a and the third-second connecting member 128b are installed. The third-fourth connecting member 128d is disposed at a position spaced apart from the third-third connecting member 128c and at the other lower end of the other surface of the first rotating housing 120. The relationship between the third-third connecting member 128c and the third-fourth connecting member 128d is similar to or a mirror image of the relationship between the third-first connecting member 128a and the third-second connecting member 128b.

[0073] The second rotating housing 130 is rotatably mounted in the first rotating housing 120 along a second axis direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first axis direction (e.g., the X-axis direction, see Figure 3 ). For example, the second rotating housing 130 may be mounted in the first rotating housing 120 to be rotatable about the second rotating axis 104. As an example, the second rotating housing 130 may also have a rectangular frame shape, as Figure 6 shown in more detail. Meanwhile, the second rotating housing 130 may be provided with second protrusions 132, and each second protrusion 132 is disposed to protrude from a corresponding surface of the second rotating housing 130. Each second protrusion 132 may be provided with a second mounting groove or inlet 132a, and the corresponding second rotating axis 104 of the second rotating housing 130 is disposed in the second mounting groove or inlet 132a.

[0074] In addition, the fourth connection member 133 may be respectively installed on both sides of each second protrusion 132. To this end, the second rotating housing 130 may be provided with corresponding second insertion grooves 134, and each fourth connection member 133 is respectively inserted and installed in the second insertion grooves 134, that is, installed along both sides of each second protrusion 132. For example, the fourth connection member 133 may include a fourth-first connection member 133a and a fourth-second connection member 133b, wherein the fourth-first connection member 133a is provided in the central portion of one surface of the second rotating housing 130, and the fourth-second connection member 133b is provided adjacent to the fourth-first connection member 133a. Therefore, the fourth-first connection member 133a and the fourth-second connection member 133b are located on both sides of the corresponding second protrusion 132. Similarly, the fourth connection member 133 may include a fourth-third connection member 133c and a fourth-fourth connection member 133d, wherein the fourth-third connection member 133c is installed in the central portion of the other surface of the second rotating housing 130, the fourth-fourth connection member 133d is provided adjacent to the fourth-third connection member 133c, and the relationship between the fourth-third connection member 133c and the fourth-fourth connection member 133d is similar to or a mirror image of the relationship between the fourth-first connection member 133a and the fourth-second connection member 133b.

[0075] As Figure 7 shown, each first driving wire 140 is connected to the first rotating housing 120 and made of a shape memory alloy. As an example, as described above, one end portion of each first driving wire 140 is respectively connected to the first connection member 112, and the other end portion of each first driving wire 140 is respectively connected to the second connection member 123.

[0076] For example, as Figure 7 shown, the first driving wire 140 may include a first-first driving wire 141, a first-second driving wire 142, a first-third driving wire 143, and a first-fourth driving wire 144, wherein one end of the first-first driving wire 141 is connected to the first-first connection member 112a and the other end is connected to the second-first connection member 123a; one end of the first-second driving wire 142 is connected to the first-second connection member 112b and the other end is connected to the second-second connection member 123b; one end of the first-third driving wire 143 is connected to the first-third connection member 112c and the other end is connected to the second-third connection member 123c; one end of the first-fourth driving wire 144 is connected to the first-fourth connection member 112d and the other end is connected to the second-fourth connection member 123d. Therefore, the first rotating housing 120 rotates about the first rotation axis 102 through the corresponding and selective extension and contraction of the first-first driving wire 141 to the first-fourth driving wire 144.

[0077] The second drive wire 150 is connected to the second rotating housing 130 and is made of a shape memory alloy. As an example, one end portion of each second drive wire 150 is respectively connected to the third connection member 128, and the other end portion of each second drive wire 150 is respectively connected to the above-mentioned fourth connection member 133. In the example, the first drive wire 140 and the second drive wire 150 can be respectively made / formed of the same shape memory alloy.

[0078] For example, as Figure 7 shown, the second drive wire 150 can include a second-first drive wire 151, a second-second drive wire 152, a second-third drive wire 153, and a second-fourth drive wire 154. Among them, one end of the second-first drive wire 151 is connected to the third-first connection member 128a and the other end is connected to the fourth-first connection member 133a. One end of the second-second drive wire 152 is connected to the third-second connection member 128b and the other end is connected to the fourth-second connection member 133b. One end of the second-third drive wire 153 is connected to the third-third connection member 128c and the other end is connected to the fourth-third connection member 133c. One end of the second-fourth drive wire 154 is connected to the third-fourth connection member 128d and the other end is connected to the fourth-fourth connection member 133d. Therefore, the second rotating housing 130 rotates around the second rotation axis 104 through the corresponding and selective extension and contraction of the second-first drive wire 151 to the second-fourth drive wire 154.

[0079] The sub-module 160 can be fixedly installed in / on the second rotating housing 130 so as to rotate together with the second rotating housing 130. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the sub-module 160 can include a housing 162 having an internal space and a lens holder 164 that is liftably installed in the housing 162. As another example, the lens holder 164 can include a plurality of lenses. In addition, the sub-module 160 can also represent including an AF drive unit that is configured to perform AF drive by controlling the height of the lens holder 164. The AF drive unit can be formed by, for example, a magnet and a coil. The magnet and the coil are arranged opposite to each other, and any one of the magnet and the coil is installed on the inner surface of the housing 162, and the other of the magnet and the coil is installed on the outer surface of the lens holder 164.

[0080] As described above and as Figure 8As shown, the flexible printed circuit board 170 is electrically connected to the first connection member 112, the second connection member 123, the third connection member 128, and the fourth connection member 133 described above, and has an opening 171 for preventing interference when the first rotating housing 120 and / or the second rotating housing 130 rotates. As an example, the flexible printed circuit board 170 may include a frame portion 172 having a rectangular frame shape, a base portion 173 disposed within the frame portion 172 and having a rectangular shape, a connection portion 174 connecting the base portion 173 and the frame portion 172, a connection portion 175 formed to extend inward from both sides of the frame portion 172 where the connection portion 174 is not formed, and an extension portion 176 formed outside the frame portion 172.

[0081] As an example, the first connection member 112 and the third connection member 128 may be connected to the flexible printed circuit board 170 through a wiring W. In addition, the second connection member 123 and the fourth connection member 133 may be directly connected to the flexible printed circuit board 170.

[0082] As described above, the first rotating housing 120 and the second rotating housing 130 may rotate about the first rotation axis 102 and the second rotation axis 104 through the first driving wire 140 and the second driving wire 150, respectively.

[0083] Therefore, compared with the prior method of using a driving unit for OIS driving having a coil and a magnet, in the configuration of one or more of the above examples, interference caused by electromagnetic waves with surrounding electronic components or from surrounding electronic components can be prevented or reduced. In addition, since the driving force is improved, when driving the OIS using the configuration of one or more of the above examples, the rotation angles of the first rotating housing 120 and the second rotating housing 130 can be increased compared with the prior method.

[0084] In addition, compared with the prior method of driving the OIS using a driving unit having a coil and a magnet, the configuration of one or more of the above examples may have a simpler structure while reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0085] Figures 9 to 11 is a diagram showing an exemplary operation of one or more configurations of the above-described camera module.

[0086] For example, referring to Figures 1 to 8 and Figure 9 , the first rotating housing 120 rotates about the first axis direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) through the extension and contraction of the first driving wire 140 formed of a shape memory alloy.

[0087] For example, the first-first drive line 141 and the first-third drive line 143 of the first drive line 140 can extend, and the first-second drive line 142 and the first-fourth drive line 144 of the first drive line 140 can contract.

[0088] Therefore, the first rotating housing 120 can rotate clockwise about the first rotation axis 102.

[0089] Optionally, the first-first drive line 141 and the first-third drive line 143 of the first drive line 140 are compressed, and the first-second drive line 142 and the first-fourth drive line 144 of the first drive line 140 extend. Thus, the first rotating housing 120 can rotate counterclockwise about the first rotation axis 102.

[0090] Meanwhile, referring to Figures 1 to 8 and Figure 10 , the second rotating housing 130 rotates about a second axis direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first axis direction by the extension and compression of the second drive line 150.

[0091] For example, the second-first drive line 151 and the second-fourth drive line 154 of the second drive line 150 are compressed, and the second-second drive line 152 and the second-third drive line 153 of the second drive line 150 extend. Thus, the second rotating housing 130 rotates counterclockwise about the second rotation axis 104 (see Figure 3 ). Optionally, the second-first drive line 151 and the second-fourth drive line 154 of the second drive line 150 extend, and the second-second drive line 152 and the second-third drive line 153 of the second drive line 150 are compressed. Thus, the second rotating housing 130 rotates clockwise about the second rotation axis 104.

[0092] Referring to Figures 1 to 8 and Figure 11 , the first rotating housing 120 and the second rotating housing 130 rotate about the first axis and the second axis respectively through the first drive line 140 and the second drive line 150.

[0093] For example, the first-first drive line 141 and the first-third drive line 143 of the first drive line 140 are compressed, and the first-second drive line 142 and the first-fourth drive line 144 of the first drive line 140 extend. Thus, the first rotating housing 120 rotates counterclockwise about the first rotation axis 102. Optionally, the second-first drive line 151 and the second-fourth drive line 154 of the second drive line 150 are compressed, and the second-second drive line 152 and the second-third drive line 153 of the second drive line 150 extend. Thus, the second rotating housing 130 rotates counterclockwise about the second rotation axis 104 (see Figure 3 ).

[0094] As described above, the first rotating housing 120 and the second rotating housing 130 can be individually rotated about the first axis and the second axis by the first driving wire 140 and the second driving wire 150, respectively.

[0095] As described above, by rotating the first rotating housing 120 and the second rotating housing 130 with the first driving wire 140 and the second driving wire 150, the driving force for rotating the first rotating housing 120 and the second rotating housing 130 can be improved as compared with the prior method. Further, for example, for one or more exemplary embodiments, the pitch angle and the roll angle, i.e., the rotation angle during OIS driving, can be increased as compared with the prior method.

[0096] Further, according to one or more exemplary embodiments, interference caused by electromagnetic waves can be suppressed as compared with the prior method, and at the same time, an available increased pitch angle and roll angle, i.e., the rotation angle during OIS driving, are provided as compared with the prior method.

[0097] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application that various changes in form and detail can be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein should be construed only in a descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation. The description of the features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results can also be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order and / or if the components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different way and / or replaced or supplemented with other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not defined by the specific embodiments, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: a fixed housing; a first rotating housing configured to rotate about a first axis within the fixed housing; a second rotating housing configured to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis within the first rotating housing; a sub-module fixed within the second rotating housing and accommodating a plurality of lenses; a first shape memory alloy drive wire connected between an inner surface of the fixed housing and an outer surface of the first rotating housing; and a second shape memory alloy drive wire connected between an inner surface of the first rotating housing and an outer surface of the second rotating housing.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein one end of the first shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to a first connection member on the inner surface of the fixed housing, and the other end of the first shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to a second connection member on the outer surface of the first rotating housing, and wherein one end of the second shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to a third connection member on the inner surface of the first rotating housing, and the other end of the second shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to a fourth connection member on the outer surface of the second rotating housing.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein two of the first shape memory alloy drive wires are arranged to form a pair of first shape memory alloy drive wires on one surface of the first rotating housing, and the other two of the first shape memory alloy drive wires are arranged to form another pair of first shape memory alloy drive wires on the other surface of the first rotating housing, and wherein the second shape memory alloy drive wire is arranged to form a pair of second shape memory alloy drive wires on each of the two sides of the first rotating housing adjacent to the one surface and the other surface of the first rotating housing, respectively.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein the first connection member includes a plurality of first connection members, two of the first connection members being arranged on corresponding lower end portions of one inner surface of the fixed housing, and the other two of the first connection members being arranged on corresponding lower end portions of the other inner surface of the fixed housing opposite to the one inner surface of the fixed housing, and wherein the second connection member includes a plurality of second connection members, two of the second connection members being arranged on a central portion of one outer surface of the first rotating housing, and the other two of the second connection members being arranged on a central portion of the other outer surface of the first rotating housing opposite to the one outer surface of the first rotating housing.

5. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein the third connection member includes a plurality of third connection members, two of the third connection members being arranged on corresponding lower end portions of one inner surface of the first rotating housing, and the other two of the third connection members being arranged on corresponding lower end portions of the other inner surface of the first rotating housing opposite to the one inner surface of the first rotating housing, and Among them, the fourth connection member includes a plurality of fourth connection members. Two of the fourth connection members are disposed on the central portion of one outer surface of the second rotating housing, and the other two of the fourth connection members are disposed on the central portion of the other outer surface of the second rotating housing opposite to the one outer surface of the second rotating housing.

6. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein, the first connection member includes a plurality of first connection members, the plurality of first connection members including a first-first connection member, a first-second connection member, a first-third connection member, and a first-fourth connection member. Among them, the first-first connection member is disposed at the lower end of the first inner surface of the fixed housing and is disposed opposite to the first outer surface of the first rotating housing. The first-second connection member is disposed on the first inner surface and is spaced apart from the first-first connection member. The first-third connection member is disposed at the lower end of the second inner surface of the fixed housing and is disposed opposite to the second outer surface of the first rotating housing. The first-fourth connection member is disposed on the second inner surface and is spaced apart from the first-third connection member. wherein the second connection member includes a plurality of second connection members, the plurality of second connection members including a second-first connection member, a second-second connection member, a second-third connection member, and a second-fourth connection member. Among them, the second-first connection member is disposed in the central portion of the first outer surface of the first rotating housing. The second-second connection member is disposed on the first outer surface of the first rotating housing adjacent to the second-first connection member. The second-third connection member is disposed in the central portion of the second outer surface of the first rotating housing. The second-fourth connection member is disposed on the second outer surface of the first rotating housing adjacent to the second-third connection member, and wherein the first shape memory alloy drive wire includes a plurality of first shape memory alloy drive wires, the plurality of first shape memory alloy drive wires including a first-first shape memory alloy drive wire, a first-second shape memory alloy drive wire, a first-third shape memory alloy drive wire, and a first-fourth shape memory alloy drive wire. Among them, the first-first shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the first-first connection member and the second-first connection member. The first-second shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the first-second connection member and the second-second connection member. The first-third shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the first-third connection member and the second-third connection member. The first-fourth shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the first-fourth connection member and the second-fourth connection member.

7. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein, The third connection member includes a plurality of third connection members, and the plurality of third connection members include a third-first connection member, a third-second connection member, a third-third connection member, and a third-fourth connection member. Among them, the third-first connection member is disposed at the lower end of the first inner surface of the first rotating housing and is arranged to face the first outer surface of the second rotating housing. The third-second connection member is arranged to be spaced apart from the third-first connection member on the first inner surface of the first rotating housing. The third-third connection member is disposed at the lower end of the second inner surface of the first rotating housing and is arranged to face the second outer surface of the second rotating housing. The third-fourth connection member is arranged to be spaced apart from the third-third connection member on the second inner surface of the first rotating housing. Among them, the fourth connection member includes a plurality of fourth connection members, and the plurality of fourth connection members include a fourth-first connection member, a fourth-second connection member, a fourth-third connection member, and a fourth-fourth connection member. Among them, the fourth-first connection member is disposed in the central portion of the first outer surface of the second rotating housing. The fourth-second connection member is arranged adjacent to the fourth-first connection member on the first outer surface of the second rotating housing. The fourth-third connection member is disposed in the central portion of the second outer surface of the second rotating housing. The fourth-fourth connection member is arranged adjacent to the fourth-third connection member on the second outer surface of the second rotating housing, and Among them, the second shape memory alloy drive wire includes a plurality of second shape memory alloy drive wires, and the plurality of second shape memory alloy drive wires include a second-first shape memory alloy drive wire, a second-second shape memory alloy drive wire, a second-third shape memory alloy drive wire, and a second-fourth shape memory alloy drive wire. Among them, the second-first shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the third-first connection member and the fourth-first connection member. The second-second shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the third-second connection member and the fourth-second connection member. The second-third shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the third-third connection member and the fourth-third connection member. The second-fourth shape memory alloy drive wire is connected to the third-fourth connection member and the fourth-fourth connection member.

8. The camera module according to claim 2, further comprising a flexible circuit board, the flexible circuit board being connected to the first connection member, the second connection member, the third connection member, and the fourth connection member, and including an opening for preventing interference when the first rotating housing or the second rotating housing is controlled to rotate.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, Among them, The first rotating housing is disposed on the first rotating shaft of the fixed housing, and the second rotating housing is disposed on the second rotating shaft of the first rotating housing.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein, the first rotating housing includes a first protrusion, the first protrusion is provided with a first mounting groove, and the first rotating shaft is disposed in the first mounting groove, and the second rotating housing includes a second protrusion, the second protrusion is provided with a second mounting groove, and the second rotating shaft is disposed in the second mounting groove.

11. The camera module according to claim 10, wherein, the first rotating housing includes a through hole, and the second rotating shaft passes through the through hole.

12. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, the sub-module includes a housing having an internal space, and a lens holder disposed in the housing.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein, the lens holder is configured to change the height of the lens within the housing.

14. A camera module, comprising: a fixed housing having a plurality of first connecting members respectively disposed on two opposite inner surfaces; a first rotating housing configured to rotate in the fixed housing about a first axis, having a plurality of second connecting members respectively opposite to the plurality of first connecting members on the surface of the first rotating housing, and having a plurality of third connecting members, the plurality of third connecting members including a plurality of third connecting members disposed on other surfaces of the first rotating housing; a second rotating housing configured to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis in the first rotating housing, and having a plurality of fourth connecting members disposed on surfaces respectively opposite to the third connecting members; a sub-module fixedly disposed on the inner surface of the second rotating housing and accommodating a plurality of lenses; a plurality of first shape memory alloy drive wires respectively connecting the plurality of first connecting members and the plurality of second connecting members; and a plurality of second shape memory alloy drive wires respectively connecting the plurality of third connecting members and the plurality of fourth connecting members.

15. The camera module according to claim 14, wherein, two of the first shape memory alloy drive wires are arranged to form a pair of first shape memory alloy drive wires on one surface of the first rotating housing, and the other two of the first shape memory alloy drive wires are arranged to form another pair of first shape memory alloy drive wires on another surface on a side of the first rotating housing opposite to the one surface of the first rotating housing, and wherein, two of the second shape memory alloy drive wires are arranged to form a pair of second shape memory alloy drive wires on each of the two sides of the first rotating housing adjacent to the one surface and the another surface of the first rotating housing respectively.

16. The camera module according to claim 14, further comprising a flexible circuit board, the flexible circuit board is respectively connected to the plurality of first connecting members, the plurality of second connecting members, the plurality of third connecting members and the plurality of fourth connecting members, and includes an opening for preventing interference when the first rotating housing or the second rotating housing is controlled to rotate.

17. The camera module according to claim 14, wherein, The first rotating housing is disposed on a first rotating shaft of the fixed housing, and the second rotating housing is disposed on a second rotating shaft of the first rotating housing.

18. A camera module comprising: a first housing having a first rotating member disposed along a first axis direction; a second housing having a second rotating member disposed along a second axis direction different from the first axis direction; a third housing including a lens sub-module that houses a plurality of lenses; and a plurality of shape memory alloy wires including a first shape memory alloy wire and a second shape memory alloy wire, the first shape memory alloy wire configured to control different rotations of the second housing using the first rotating member, and the second shape memory alloy wire configured to control different rotations of the third housing using the second rotating member, wherein the first shape memory alloy wire controls a rotational orientation of the second housing relative to the first housing about the first rotating member, and the second shape memory alloy wire controls a rotational orientation of the third housing relative to the second housing about the second rotating member, and wherein the first shape memory alloy wire is connected between an inner surface of the first housing and an outer surface of the second housing, and the second shape memory alloy wire is connected between an inner surface of the second housing and an outer surface of the third housing.

19. The camera module according to claim 18, further comprising a flexible circuit board configured to provide an electrical change to the first shape memory alloy wire, the electrical change correspondingly changing a rotational orientation of the second housing relative to the first housing about the first rotating member, and the flexible circuit board configured to provide an electrical change to the second shape memory alloy wire, the electrical change correspondingly changing a rotational orientation of the third housing relative to the second housing about the second rotating member.

20. The camera module according to claim 18, wherein, the first shape memory alloy wire includes a plurality of first shape memory alloy wires that respectively connect a first connecting member disposed inside the first housing to a second connecting member disposed outside the second housing.

21. The camera module according to claim 18 or 20, wherein, the second shape memory alloy wire includes a plurality of second shape memory alloy wires that respectively connect a third connecting member disposed inside the second housing to a fourth connecting member disposed outside the third housing.

22. A camera module comprising: a first housing having a first rotating member disposed along a first axis direction, and a first connecting member disposed inside the first housing; a second housing having a second rotating member disposed along a second axis direction different from the first axis direction, a second connecting member disposed outside the second housing and opposite to the first connecting member, and a third connecting member disposed inside the second housing; A third housing, comprising a lens sub-module that houses a plurality of lenses, and a fourth connection member disposed on an outer side of the third housing and opposite to the third connection member; A first shape memory alloy wire that connects the first connection member to the second connection member; And A second shape memory alloy wire that connects the third connection member to the fourth connection member.

23. The camera module according to claim 22, Wherein, The first connection member is disposed on two of the total four inner sides of the first housing, the second connection member is disposed on two outer sides of the second housing, the third connection member is disposed on two inner sides of the second housing, and the fourth connection member is disposed on two outer sides of the third housing.

24. The camera module according to claim 22, further comprising a flexible circuit board connected to the first connection member, the second connection member, the third connection member, and the fourth connection member.

25. The camera module according to claim 24, Wherein, The flexible circuit board further includes an opening for preventing interference when the second housing or the third housing is controlled to rotate relative to the first housing.

Images