Camera actuator, camera module including the same, and camera device

Abstract

A camera actuator according to an embodiment may include: a housing; a prism unit disposed in the housing; and a driving unit configured to tilt the prism unit, wherein the prism unit may include: a prism mover having a receiving portion; and a prism disposed in the receiving portion; and the housing may include a guiding portion having sidewalls and an inclined surface disposed on the sidewalls.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to a camera actuator, a camera module including the camera actuator, and a camera device. Background Art

[0002] A camera module performs a function of photographing an object and storing it as an image or a moving image, and is installed on a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a drone, a vehicle, or the like.

[0003] Meanwhile, an ultra-small camera module is built into a portable device such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, and a laptop computer. Such a camera module can perform an auto focus (AF) function to automatically adjust the distance between an image sensor and a lens to adjust the focal length of the lens.

[0004] In addition, in recent years, a camera module can perform a zoom function of magnifying or reducing an object by increasing or decreasing the magnification of a distant object by means of a zoom lens.

[0005] Furthermore, in recent years, a camera module employs an image stabilization (IS) technique to correct or prevent image blurring caused by camera movement due to an unstable fixing device or user movement.

[0006] Such an image stabilization (IS) technique includes an optical image stabilizer (OIS) technique and an image stabilization technique using an image sensor.

[0007] The OIS technique is a technique for correcting movement by changing an optical path, and the image stabilization technique using an image sensor is a technique for correcting movement by mechanical and electronic methods, but the OIS technique is often used.

[0008] In addition, a vehicle camera module is a product for transmitting an image around or inside a vehicle to a display, and can be mainly used for a parking assist and a driving assist system.

[0009] In addition, a vehicle camera module detects lanes and vehicles around the vehicle and collects and transmits relevant data, thereby enabling an ECU to warn or control the vehicle.

[0010] Meanwhile, a zoom actuator is used for the zoom function of a camera module. However, when the mechanical movement of the actuator moves the lens, frictional torque is generated, and there are technical problems such as a decrease in driving force, an increase in power consumption, or deterioration of control characteristics due to the frictional torque.

[0011] Specifically, in order to achieve optimal optical characteristics by using multiple zoom lens groups in a camera module, the alignment between the multiple lens groups and the alignment between the multiple lens groups and the image sensor should be well matched. However, when eccentricity occurs where the centers of the lens groups deviate from the optical axis, tilt occurs as a lens tilting phenomenon, or misalignment occurs between the central axis of the lens group and the image sensor, a change in the viewing angle or defocusing will occur, which has an adverse effect on image quality or resolution.

[0012] At the same time, when moving the lens for the zoom function in the camera module, increasing the separation distance in the area where friction occurs to reduce the frictional torque resistance, there is a contradiction in the technical problem that when performing a zoom movement or the reverse of a zoom movement, the lens eccentricity or lens tilt deepens.

[0013] At the same time, in an image sensor, the higher the pixels, the higher the resolution, and the pixel size becomes smaller. When the pixel size becomes smaller, the amount of light received simultaneously will decrease. Therefore, in a darker environment, in a high-pixel camera, image jitter caused by camera shake when the shutter speed is slow occurs more severely.

[0014] Therefore, in recent years, the OIS function is essential for taking images without distortion when using a high-pixel camera in the dark or for moving images.

[0015] At the same time, OIS technology is a method of correcting image quality by changing the light path by moving the lens or image sensor of the camera. In particular, in OIS technology, the movement of the camera is sensed by a gyro sensor, and the distance by which the lens or image sensor should move is calculated based on the movement.

[0016] For example, OIS correction methods include a lens movement method and a module tilt method. In the lens movement method, only the lens in the camera module is moved to realign the center of the image sensor and the optical axis. On the other hand, the module tilt method is a method of moving the entire module including the lens and the image sensor.

[0017] Specifically, the module tilt method has the following advantages. The correction range of the module tilt method is wider than that of the lens movement method and the focal length between the lens and the image sensor is fixed, so image distortion can be minimized.

[0018] At the same time, in the case of the lens movement method, a Hall sensor is used to sense the position and movement of the lens. On the other hand, in the module tilt method, a light reflector is used to sense the movement of the module. However, both methods use a gyro sensor to sense the movement of the camera user.

[0019] The OIS controller uses the data recognized by the gyro sensor to predict the position where the lens or module should move in order to compensate for the user's movement.

[0020] In recent years, according to the technological trend, there is a need for an ultra-thin and ultra-small camera module. However, due to the space limitation for OIS driving in the ultra-small camera module, there is a problem that it is difficult to implement the OIS function applicable to a general large camera, and there is also a problem that an ultra-thin and ultra-small camera module cannot be achieved when applying OIS driving.

[0021] On the other hand, according to the undisclosed internal technology, the optical path is controlled by using a predetermined variable lens for driving OIS. However, in recent camera modules, the higher the pixels of the camera, the larger the size of the variable lens for OIS driving to increase the received light amount so as to obtain a clearer image quality. But when the size of the variable lens increases, there is a technical contradiction that the size of the variable lens cannot be increased to the required level due to the limited thickness of the camera module.

[0022] In addition, in the traditional OIS technology, the OIS driver is arranged at the side surface of the solid-state lens assembly within the limited size of the camera module. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to ensure sufficient light amount because the size of the lens subjected to OIS is limited.

[0023] Specifically, in order to achieve the best optical characteristics in the camera module, the alignment between the lens groups during OIS implementation should be well matched by the movement of the lens or the tilt of the module. However, in the traditional OIS technology, when eccentricity where the center of the sphere between the lens groups deviates from the optical axis or tilt occurs as a lens tilt phenomenon, there is a problem of having an adverse effect on the image quality or resolution.

[0024] In addition, the traditional OIS technology can achieve AF or zoom while driving OIS. However, due to the space limitation of the camera module and the position of the driving unit of the traditional OIS technology, the OIS magnet and the AF or zoom magnet are arranged close to each other, and magnetic field interference is caused. Therefore, there is a problem that the OIS driving cannot be normally executed, causing eccentricity or tilt phenomenon.

[0025] Furthermore, in the traditional OIS technology, since a mechanical driving device is required to move the lens or tilt the module, there are problems of complex structure and increased power consumption.

[0026] Meanwhile, as described above, the camera module can be applied to a vehicle together with a radar or the like for an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Therefore, this will not only greatly affect the convenience of the driver, but also greatly affect the safety or life of the driver or pedestrians.

[0027] For example, an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) includes: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), which automatically decelerates or stops in the event of a collision without the driver having to step on the brakes; a Lane-Keeping Assist System (LKAS), which maintains the lane by adjusting the driving direction in the event of a lane departure; Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), which maintains a distance from the vehicle ahead when driving at a predetermined speed; Active Blind Spot Detection (ABSD), which detects the risk of collision in the blind spot and helps change lanes to a safe lane; and a Surround View Monitor (AVM), which visually shows the vehicle's surrounding environment, and so on.

[0028] In such an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), the camera module is used as a core part together with the radar, and the application ratio of the camera module is gradually increasing.

[0029] For example, in the case of an Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB), a front camera sensor and a radar sensor are used to detect a vehicle or a pedestrian ahead, and can automatically provide emergency braking when the driver does not control the vehicle.

[0030] Alternatively, in the case of a Driving Steering Assist System (LKAS), the camera sensor detects whether the driver leaves the lane without an operation such as turning on the turn signal, and can automatically steer the steering wheel to maintain the lane.

[0031] In addition, in the case of a Surround View Monitoring System (AVM), the surrounding environment of the vehicle can be visually shown by camera sensors placed on all sides of the vehicle.

[0032] When the camera module is applied to the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) of a vehicle, due to the vibration of the vehicle, OIS technology becomes more important, and the accuracy of OIS data may be directly related to the safety and lives of drivers and pedestrians. In addition, when implementing AF or zoom, multiple lens assemblies are driven by the electromagnetic force between magnets and coils, but there is a problem of magnetic field interference occurring between the magnets mounted on each lens assembly. Due to this magnetic field interference between the magnets, the AF or zoom operation cannot be correctly performed, so there is a problem of reduced thrust.

[0033] In addition, there is also a problem of eccentricity or tilting phenomena caused by the magnetic field interference between the magnets.

[0034] If there is a problem with the accuracy of camera control, or if the thrust decreases due to such magnetic field interference, or if an eccentricity or tilting phenomenon is caused, it may directly affect the safety or lives of users, drivers or pedestrians.

[0035] In addition, when each component of the camera module (such as a magnet, etc.) detaches in a severely vibrating environment such as a vehicle, it may also cause major problems such as thrust, accuracy, control, and mechanical reliability.

[0036] Meanwhile, in the prior art, a Hall sensor is disposed inside the winding of a coil to detect a change in the magnetic flux of a predetermined magnet mounted on a moving lens housing, thereby detecting the position of the lens housing.

[0037] However, when the Hall sensor is positioned inside the coil, the distance between the Hall sensor and the magnet is determined by the height of the coil.

[0038] However, in the prior art, the movement of the moving lens housing requires thrust, and in order to ensure such thrust, the height of the coil needs to be higher than a predetermined height.

[0039] However, when the height of the coil is increased in this way, the magnetic flux of the magnet is blocked by the coil, so there is a technical contradiction in which the sensitivity of the Hall sensor disposed inside the coil is weakened.

[0040] According to the applicant's undisclosed internal technology, to solve this problem, the optimal points of the sensitivity of the Hall sensor and the thrust are set by a coil of an appropriate height.

[0041] Meanwhile, the content described in the project only provides background information of the present disclosure and does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0042] Technical Problem

[0043] One of the technical problems of the embodiment is to provide an ultra-small and ultra-thin actuator and a camera module including the ultra-small and ultra-thin actuator.

[0044] In addition, one of the technical problems of the embodiment is to provide a camera actuator that can solve the technical contradiction imposed on the thickness limitation of the camera module when the variable lens size increases, so as to increase the amount of received light to obtain a clear image quality, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0045] In addition, one of the technical problems of the embodiment is to provide a camera actuator that can solve the technical contradiction imposed on the thickness limitation of the camera module when the variable lens size increases, so as to increase the amount of received light to obtain a clear image quality, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0046] In addition, one of the technical problems of the embodiments is to provide a camera actuator capable of achieving optimal optical characteristics by minimizing the occurrence of eccentricity or tilting phenomena when implementing OIS, a camera module including the camera actuator, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0047] In addition, one of the technical problems of the embodiments is to provide a camera actuator capable of preventing magnetic field interference with AF or zoom magnets when implementing OIS, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0048] In addition, one of the technical problems of the embodiments is to provide a camera actuator that prevents magnetic field interference between magnets mounted on each lens assembly when the plurality of lens assemblies are driven by the electromagnetic force between the magnet and the coil when implementing AF or zoom, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0049] In addition, the embodiments are directed to providing a camera actuator capable of preventing the magnet from detaching from the yoke, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0050] In addition, one of the technical problems of the embodiments is to provide a camera actuator capable of implementing OIS with low power consumption, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0051] In addition, one of the technical problems of the embodiments is to provide a camera actuator capable of preventing frictional torque from being generated when the lens moves by zooming in the camera module, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0052] In addition, one of the technical problems of the embodiments is to provide a camera actuator capable of preventing the occurrence of lens eccentricity, lens tilt, or the phenomenon that the central axis of the image sensor does not coincide with the center of the lens during the displacement of the lens by zooming in the camera module, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0053] In addition, one of the technical problems of the embodiments is to provide a camera actuator capable of increasing the sensitivity of the Hall sensor while increasing the thrust, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0054] The technical problems of the embodiments are not limited to those described in this project, and include those technical problems that can be grasped from the entire description of the present invention.

[0055] Technical solutions

[0056] A camera actuator according to an embodiment may include: a housing; a prism unit disposed in the housing; and a driving unit for tilting the prism unit, wherein the prism unit includes: a prism mover including a receiving portion; and a prism disposed in the receiving portion, and wherein the housing may include a sidewall and a guiding portion including an inclined surface disposed on the sidewall.

[0057] In addition, the guiding portion may include an inclined area that is inclined in a direction away from the optical axis.

[0058] In addition, the guiding portion may include a track for guiding a predetermined moving portion.

[0059] In addition, the inclined area may be formed on at least one of the track and the bottom surface between the tracks.

[0060] In addition, the bottom surface between the tracks may include a bottom inclined area and a flat surface that is between the optical axis and the bottom inclined area.

[0061] In addition, the guiding portion may include a first guiding portion and a second guiding portion, and the first guiding portion and the second guiding portion may be symmetric about the optical axis.

[0062] In addition, a first moving portion may be disposed between the housing and the sidewall.

[0063] In addition, the height of the track from the sidewall of the housing may be constant.

[0064] In addition, the track may include an inclined area and a flat area that is between the inclined area and the optical axis.

[0065] In addition, the prism unit may include a sidewall and a first moving portion and a first stopper disposed on the sidewall.

[0066] In addition, the guiding portion may include a track for guiding the first moving portion.

[0067] In addition, a camera actuator according to an embodiment includes: a housing; a prism unit disposed in the housing; and a driving unit for tilting the prism unit, wherein the prism unit may include a sidewall and a first moving portion and a first stopper disposed on the sidewall, and wherein the housing may include a guiding portion including a track for guiding the first moving portion.

[0068] In addition, the shortest length from the sidewall to the uppermost portion of the first moving portion may be longer than the shortest length from the sidewall to the uppermost portion of the first stopper.

[0069] In addition, the first moving part may have a spherical or hemispherical shape.

[0070] In addition, the guiding part may include an inclined area that is inclined in a direction away from the optical axis.

[0071] In addition, the inclined area may be formed on at least one of the track and the bottom surface between the tracks.

[0072] In addition, the bottom surface between the tracks may include a bottom inclined area and a flat surface that is between the optical axis and the bottom inclined area.

[0073] In addition, the guiding part may include a first guiding part and a second guiding part, and the first guiding part and the second guiding part may be symmetric about the optical axis.

[0074] In addition, the housing may include an opening that is formed between the first guiding part and the second guiding part.

[0075] In addition, the driving unit may include a coil part and a magnet facing the coil part, and the coil part or the magnet of the driving unit may be disposed in the opening.

[0076] In addition, the first moving part may be disposed between the housing and the side wall.

[0077] In addition, the side wall of the prism unit may include a recess, and the first moving part is disposed in the recess.

[0078] In addition, the height of the track from the side wall of the housing may be constant.

[0079] In addition, the track may include an inclined area and a flat area that is between the inclined area and the optical axis.

[0080] In addition, the driving unit may include a circuit board, and the circuit board may include a first substrate area and a second circuit board area. The first substrate area is disposed on the side wall of the housing, and the second circuit board area is disposed on the bottom surface of the housing.

[0081] Moreover, the circuit board of the driving unit may have an L shape.

[0082] In addition, a third recess may be included on the bottom surface of the prism mover, and the second magnet may be disposed in the third recess.

[0083] In addition, the driving unit may further include a first magnet and a first back yoke. The first magnet is disposed on the front surface of the first substrate area, and the first back yoke is disposed on the rear surface of the first substrate area.

[0084] In addition, the horizontal width of the first back yoke may be smaller than the horizontal width of the first magnet.

[0085] In addition, a camera actuator according to an embodiment includes: a housing; a prism unit disposed in the housing; a driving unit for tilting the prism unit; and an elastic member disposed between the housing and the prism unit, wherein the elastic member includes: a first elastic member disposed in a central region corresponding to the center of the prism unit; and a plurality of second elastic members spaced apart from the first elastic member, wherein the first elastic member and the second elastic members include springs, wherein the spring constant of the first elastic member is defined as a first spring constant, wherein the spring constant (k) of the second elastic member is defined as a second spring constant, and wherein the first spring constant and the second spring constant may be different from each other.

[0086] In addition, the second spring constant may be less than the first spring constant.

[0087] In addition, the second spring constant may be 20% to 80% of the first spring constant.

[0088] In addition, the second elastic member includes: a first sub-elastic member and a second sub-elastic member spaced apart from the first elastic member in a first direction; and a third and a fourth sub-elastic member spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the first elastic member may be disposed between the first sub-elastic member and the second sub-elastic member and between the third sub-elastic member and the fourth sub-elastic member.

[0089] In addition, the prism unit may be configured to be rotatable in the second direction about a first virtual line formed by the first elastic member and the first sub-elastic member and the second sub-elastic member as a reference axis.

[0090] In addition, the prism unit may be configured to be rotatable in the first direction about a second virtual line formed by the first elastic member and the third sub-elastic member and the fourth sub-elastic member as a reference axis.

[0091] In addition, a first groove corresponding to the first elastic member and a second groove corresponding to the second elastic member are provided on an inner surface of the housing facing the prism unit, and wherein a third groove corresponding to the first elastic member and a fourth groove corresponding to the second elastic member are provided on an outer surface of the prism unit facing the inner surface of the housing, wherein both ends of the first elastic member are configured to be inserted into the first groove and the third groove, and wherein both ends of the second elastic member may be configured to be inserted into the second groove and the fourth groove.

[0092] In addition, the first elastic member may be fixedly disposed in at least one of the first groove and the third groove.

[0093] In addition, the second elastic member may be fixedly disposed in at least one of the second groove and the fourth groove.

[0094] In addition, a camera actuator according to an embodiment includes: a housing; a prism unit disposed in the housing; a driving unit for tilting the prism unit; and an elastic member disposed between the housing and the prism unit, wherein the housing includes an inner surface and first to fifth recesses formed in the inner surface, and wherein the center of the first recess may be included in a region connecting the centers of the second to fifth recesses.

[0095] In addition, the size of the first recess may be larger than the size of each of the second to fifth recesses.

[0096] Moreover, a virtual straight line connecting the second recess and the third recess may be orthogonal to a virtual straight line connecting the fourth recess and the fifth recess.

[0097] In addition, the first recess includes a point at which a virtual straight line connecting the second recess and the third recess intersects a virtual straight line connecting the fourth recess and the fifth recess.

[0098] In addition, the spring constant of the elastic member disposed in the first recess may be greater than the spring constant of the elastic members disposed in the second to fifth recesses.

[0099] Advantageous Effects

[0100] According to an embodiment, there are the following technical effects that it is possible to provide a camera actuator that is ultra-thin and ultra-small, and a camera module including the ultra-thin and ultra-small camera actuator.

[0101] For example, according to an embodiment, the driving units are arranged to utilize the space below the prism unit and overlap each other, so there are the following technical effects that it is possible to provide a camera actuator that is ultra-thin and ultra-small, and a camera module including the ultra-thin and ultra-small camera actuator.

[0102] For example, according to an embodiment, there are the following technical effects that in a state where a first moving part (see Figure 4c ) is provided, when optical image stabilization (OIS) is achieved by tilting the prism unit to a first axis or a second axis by an electromagnetic force which is the driving force of the driving unit, the occurrence of eccentricity or tilting phenomena can be minimized, thereby achieving optimal optical characteristics, and an ultra-thin and ultra-small camera actuator can be realized.

[0103] In addition, according to the embodiment, there are the following technical effects. The technical effect is that a camera actuator capable of ensuring sufficient light quantity can be provided by eliminating the lens size limitation of the lens assembly of the optical system when implementing OIS, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0104] For example, according to the present embodiment, by arranging the drive unit on the lower side of the prism unit, the size limitation of the lens in the lens assembly of the optical system can be solved when implementing OIS, and there are the following technical effects. The technical effect is that a camera actuator capable of ensuring sufficient light quantity can be provided, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0105] In addition, according to the embodiment, the prism unit is tilt-controlled to the first axis or the second axis by the electromagnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet provided on the prism mover 334 as described below and the first coil and the second coil (see Figure 6a ). Thus, there are the following technical effects. The technical effect is that the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt phenomenon is minimized and the best optical characteristics are exhibited when implementing OIS.

[0106] In addition, according to the embodiment, there are the following technical effects. The technical effect is that a camera actuator capable of achieving the best optical characteristics by minimizing the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt phenomenon when implementing OIS can be provided, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0107] For example, according to the embodiment, the drive unit is stably arranged on the housing, and the prism unit is tilt-controlled to the first axis or the second axis. Thus, there are the following technical effects. The technical effect is that the best optical characteristics can be achieved by minimizing the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt phenomenon when implementing OIS.

[0108] In addition, according to the embodiment, there are the following technical effects. The technical effect is that a camera actuator capable of implementing OIS with low power consumption can be provided, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0109] For example, according to the embodiment, different from the conventional method of moving multiple solid lenses, OIS is implemented by including a drive unit and tilt-controlling the prism unit to the first axis or the second axis. Thus, there are the following technical effects. The technical effect is that a camera actuator capable of implementing OIS with low power consumption can be provided, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0110] In addition, the camera actuator according to the embodiment and the camera module including the camera actuator have a technical effect of being able to solve the problem of frictional torque generation during zooming. For example, according to the embodiment, the lens assembly is driven in a state where a first guiding portion and a second guiding portion that are precisely numerically controlled in a base are coupled. Thus, by reducing the frictional torque, the frictional resistance can be reduced, and there are technical effects such as increased driving force, reduced power consumption, and improved control characteristics during zooming.

[0111] In the prior art, when a guide rail is provided on the base itself, a gradient occurs depending on the injection molding direction, so there are difficulties in dimension management. If the injection molding is improper, there are technical problems such as an increase in frictional torque and a decrease in driving force.

[0112] On the other hand, according to the embodiment, the first guiding portion and the second guiding portion that are separately formed and assembled from the base are separately used without arranging a guide rail on the base itself. Thus, there is a special technical effect that can prevent a gradient from being generated depending on the injection molding direction.

[0113] In addition, the camera actuator according to the embodiment and the camera module including the camera actuator have the following technical effect, which is to increase the sensitivity of the Hall sensor while increasing the thrust.

[0114] In addition, according to the embodiment, there is the following technical effect, which is to be able to provide a camera actuator that can prevent magnetic field interference with magnets for AF or zooming when implementing OIS, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0115] In addition, according to the embodiment, there is the following technical effect, which is to provide a camera actuator that can prevent magnetic field interference between magnets mounted on each lens assembly when implementing AF or zooming, when the plurality of lens assemblies are driven by the electromagnetic force between the magnet and the coil, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0116] In addition, the present embodiment has the following technical effect, which is to be able to provide a camera actuator that can prevent the magnet from being separated from the yoke, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0117] In addition, in the embodiment, a plurality of elastic members are arranged between the prism unit and the housing to place the prism unit in a set position. Thus, there is the following technical effect, which is to be able to provide an ultra-thin and ultra-small camera actuator, and a camera module including the ultra-thin and ultra-small camera actuator.

[0118] In addition, according to the embodiment, a separate magnet and yoke for fixing the prism unit to the housing can be omitted. Thus, there is a technical effect that a thin camera actuator and a camera module including the thin camera actuator can be provided.

[0119] In addition, according to the embodiment, an elastic member is disposed between the housing and the prism unit, and the prism unit can be tilted about a first axis or a second axis by the driving force of the driving unit. Specifically, the prism unit can be tilted about the first axis or the second axis by a first elastic member and a plurality of second elastic members having different spring constants. That is, tilt control about the first axis or the second axis is performed by an electromagnetic force that is the driving force of the driving unit. Thus, when implementing OIS, optimal optical characteristics can be obtained by minimizing the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt.

[0120] The technical effects of the embodiment are not limited to those described in this item and include those that can be understood from the entire description of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0121] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0122] Figure 2a is one in which in accordance with Figure 1 a perspective view of the camera module of the embodiment shown in which the housing is omitted.

[0123] Figure 2b is according to Figure 2a an exploded perspective view of the camera module of the embodiment shown.

[0124] Figure 3a is in accordance with Figure 2b a perspective view of a second camera actuator according to a first embodiment in the camera module of the embodiment shown.

[0125] Figure 3b is according to Figure 3a an exploded perspective view of the second camera actuator according to the first embodiment shown.

[0126] Figure 4a is in Figure 3b a perspective view of a prism unit in the second camera actuator according to the first embodiment shown.

[0127] Figure 4b is Figure 4a an exploded perspective view of the prism unit shown.

[0128] Figure 4c is Figure 4b an exploded perspective bottom view of the prism unit shown.

[0129] Figure 5a Is Figure 3b A perspective view of the housing in the second camera actuator of the embodiment shown in

[0130] Figure 5b Is Figure 5a A detailed view of the guide portion in the housing shown in

[0131] Figure 5c An example of the second guide portion of the housing in another embodiment.

[0132] Figure 6a Is Figure 3b A perspective view of the OIS drive unit in the second camera actuator of the embodiment shown in

[0133] Figure 6b Is Figure 6a An exploded perspective view of the OIS drive unit in the second camera actuator shown in

[0134] Figure 7a Is Figure 3a A perspective view of the second camera actuator in the embodiment shown in

[0135] Figure 7b Is along Figure 7a A horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line A1 - A1' in the second camera actuator of the embodiment shown in

[0136] Figure 7c Is Figure 7b An exemplary view of the inclination in the first axial direction in the first planar reference cross-sectional view of the second camera actuator in the embodiment shown in

[0137] Figure 8a Is Figure 3a A perspective view of the second camera actuator in the embodiment shown in

[0138] Figure 8b Is Figure 8a The second planar reference cross-sectional view of the second camera actuator in the embodiment shown in

[0139] Figure 8c Is Figure 8b An exemplary view of the inclination in the second axial direction in the second planar reference cross-sectional view of the second camera actuator in the embodiment shown in

[0140] Figure 9a Is Figure 4a The first modification of the prism unit in the second camera actuator of the embodiment shown in

[0141] Figure 9b Is Figure 9aThe second modification of the prism unit in the second camera actuator of the embodiment shown in

[0142] Figure 10 is Figure 4a The third modification of the prism unit in the second camera actuator of the embodiment shown in

[0143] Figure 11a is according to Figure 2b Perspective view of the second camera actuator according to the second embodiment in the camera module of the embodiment shown in

[0144] Figure 11b Exploded perspective view of the second camera actuator according to the embodiment

[0145] Figure 12a View of the driving unit of the second camera actuator

[0146] Figure 12b View of the housing of the second camera actuator

[0147] Figure 12c and Figure 12d View of the prism unit of the second camera actuator

[0148] Figure 13 Perspective view in which a part of the second camera actuator is omitted

[0149] Figure 14 Front view according to the arrangement of the housing, driving unit and prism unit of the embodiment

[0150] Figure 15 and Figure 16 View showing the connection relationship between the housing, prism unit and elastic member in the second camera actuator

[0151] Figure 17a and Figure 17b View according to the arrangement relationship of the elastic member of the embodiment

[0152] Figure 18a and Figure 18b View showing the operation of the second camera actuator according to the embodiment

[0153] Figure 19 Perspective view of the first camera actuator according to the embodiment

[0154] Figure 20 is where in Figure 19 Perspective view in which a part of the structure is omitted in the first camera actuator shown in

[0155] Figure 21 is where in Figure 19Exploded perspective view with a part of the structure omitted in the first camera actuator shown in the figure.

[0156] Figure 22 Is Figure 21 Perspective view of the first guide part and the second guide part in the first camera actuator shown in the figure.

[0157] Figure 23a Is Figure 21 Perspective view of the first lens assembly in the first camera actuator shown in the figure.

[0158] Figure 23b Is where in Figure 23a Perspective view with a part of the structure removed from the first lens assembly shown in the figure.

[0159] Figure 24 Is a driving example diagram of a camera actuator according to an embodiment.

[0160] Figure 25 Is along the Figure 19 Cross-sectional view taken along line C1 - C2 in the first camera actuator of the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0161] Figure 26a Is Figure 25 Enlarged view of the S region shown in the figure.

[0162] Figure 26b Is Figure 25 Detailed view of the S region shown in the figure.

[0163] Figure 26c Shows magnetic flux data according to the separation distance between the magnet and the position detection sensor in the example and the comparative example.

[0164] Figure 27a Is a perspective view of the first driving unit in the first camera module according to an embodiment.

[0165] Figure 27b Shows data of the magnetic flux density distribution in the comparative example.

[0166] Figure 27c Shows data of the magnetic flux density distribution in the example.

[0167] Figure 28 Is an explanatory diagram of an integrated body of a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0168] Figure 29 Is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which the camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0169] Figure 30 Is a perspective view of a vehicle to which the camera module according to an embodiment is applied. Detailed Embodiments

[0170] In the following, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the present invention may be modified in various ways and take various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and are described in detail below as examples. It is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, the present invention will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative ways falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0171] Although terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Additionally, terms specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the embodiments are only used to describe the embodiments and do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0172] When describing embodiments, when an element is described by terms such as "above (on) or below (under)", "front (in front) or rear (behind)", the terms "above (on) or below (under)", "front (in front) or rear (behind)" may include the meaning that two elements are in direct contact with each other, or one or more other components are disposed between the two elements to form. In addition, when expressed as "above (upper)" or "below (under)", it may include not only the upper direction based on one element but also the lower direction.

[0173] In addition, relational terms such as "above / on" and "below / under" used hereinafter do not necessarily require or imply any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements, and may be used to distinguish any entity or element from another entity or element.

[0174] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module 1000A according to an embodiment, Figure 2a is one in which in Figure 1 the housing 100C is omitted from the camera module 1000A of the embodiment shown in, and Figure 2b is according to Figure 2a a perspective exploded view of the camera module 1000A of the embodiment shown in.

[0175] Referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2a and Figure 2b , the camera module 1000A according to an embodiment may include a plurality of camera actuators. For example, the camera module 1000A according to an embodiment may include a first camera actuator 100 and a second camera actuator 300. The embodiment may include a housing 100C that protects the first camera actuator 100 and the second camera actuator 300.

[0176] The first camera actuator 100 may be electrically connected to the first circuit board 410, and the second camera actuator 300 may be electrically connected to a second circuit board (not shown). The first circuit board 410 and the second circuit board may also be electrically connected.

[0177] The first camera actuator 100 supports one or more lenses and may move the lenses up and down according to a control signal of a predetermined control unit, thereby performing an autofocus function or a zoom function. Additionally, the second camera actuator 300 may be an optical image stabilizer (OIS) actuator, but is not limited thereto.

[0178] The OIS actuator as the second camera actuator 300 will be mainly described below. After that, the first camera actuator 100 will be described.

[0179] (First Embodiment)

[0180] Figure 3a is a perspective view of a second camera actuator 300 according to a first embodiment in a camera module 1000A according to the embodiment shown in Figure 2b and Figure 3b is an exploded perspective view of the second camera actuator 300 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3a .

[0181] Referring to Figure 3a and Figure 3b , the second camera actuator 300 according to the embodiment may include: a housing 310; a driving unit 320 disposed on the housing 310; and a prism unit 330 disposed on the driving unit 320. The driving unit 320 may be electrically connected to a second circuit board (not shown).

[0182] According to the embodiment, by disposing the driving unit 320 on the housing 310, there is a technical effect that it is possible to provide an ultra-thin and ultra-small camera actuator and a camera module including the ultra-thin and ultra-small camera actuator.

[0183] Additionally, according to the embodiment, by disposing the driving unit 320 under the prism unit 330, there is a technical effect that it is possible to ensure sufficient light amount by solving the size limitation of the lenses in the lens assembly of the optical system when implementing OIS.

[0184] Additionally, the embodiment has the driving unit 320 stably disposed on the housing 310, and the prism unit 330 is tilt-controlled on the first axis or the second axis. Thus, there is a technical effect that it minimizes the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt phenomena in the OIS implementation method to provide optimal optical characteristics.

[0185] In addition, according to the embodiment, the prism unit 330 is tilt-controlled about the first axis or the second axis by using the driving unit 320. Different from moving a plurality of existing solid lenses, there is the following technical effect, which is that OIS can be achieved in this way, so that OIS can be achieved with low power consumption.

[0186] <Second camera actuator 300>

[0187] The second camera actuator 300 of the embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0188] Figure 4a is a perspective view of the prism unit 330 in the second camera actuator of the first embodiment shown in Figure 3b is an exploded perspective view of the prism unit 330 shown in Figure 4b is Figure 4a and is an exploded perspective bottom view of the prism unit 330 shown in Figure 4c is Figure 4b In the present embodiment, the prism unit 330 may include a prism mover 334 having a receiving portion 334A, and a prism 332 disposed on the receiving portion 334A of the prism mover 334.

[0189] Referring to Figures 4a to 4c in the second camera actuator of the embodiment, the prism unit 330 may include a prism mover 334 having a receiving portion 334A, and a prism 332 disposed on the receiving portion 334A of the prism mover 334.

[0190] The prism mover 334 may include a plurality of outer surfaces. For example, the prism mover 334 may have a first outer surface 334S1, second outer surfaces 334S2 extending from both ends of the first outer surface 334S1, and a third outer surface 334S3 having an inclined surface. The third outer surface 334S3 may serve as a mounting portion for the prism 332.

[0191] In the embodiment, a first recess 334R1 and a second recess 334R2 may be provided on the first outer surface 334S1 of the prism mover 334. The first recess 334R1 and the second recess 334R2 may include holes or grooves.

[0192] In Figure 4b the first recess 334R1 and the second recess 334R2 are shown in a groove shape, but are not limited thereto. A first magnet 332M1 (refer to Figure 6a ) may be disposed in the first recess 334R1. Meanwhile, in the exemplary embodiment, the first recess 334R1 may include two separate recesses, and a first-second magnet (not shown) having a size that can be accommodated in the two separate recesses may be provided.

[0193] A first moving portion 336B may be disposed in the second recess 334R2. The first moving portion 336B may have a spherical or hemispherical shape. Although the first moving portion 336B is shown inFigure 4a and Figure 4b is shown in the form of a ball bearing in, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. One or more second recesses 334R2 may be included, and the first moving part 336B may also be disposed in each second recess 334R2. The first moving part 336B may be disposed between the housing 310 and the first outer surface 334S1 of the prism mover 334.

[0194] Reference Figure 4c , a third recess 334R3 may be provided on the bottom surface of the prism mover 334, and a second magnet 332M2 (reference Figure 6a ) described below may be provided. Additionally, in an embodiment, the first outer surface 334S1 of the prism mover 334 may include a single or a plurality of first stoppers 334P1. The first stoppers 334P1 may be provided one each in the up and down directions in the y-axis direction to serve as stoppers.

[0195] The first stopper 334P1 may have a hemispherical or spherical shape. In Figure 4b , the first stopper 336P1 has a hemispherical shape and is shown as a protrusion integral with the first outer surface 334S1 of the prism mover 334, but is not limited thereto.

[0196] In an embodiment, the shortest length from the first outer surface 334S1 of the prism mover 334 to the uppermost part of the first moving part 336B may be longer than the shortest length from the first outer surface 334S1 to the uppermost part of the first stopper 334P1. Accordingly, the height of the first moving part 336B is higher than the height of the first stopper 334P1, such that the first moving part 336B may perform a sliding motion when tilted in the first direction, and the first moving part 336B may serve as a central axis for tilting in the second direction when tilted in the second direction.

[0197] According to an embodiment, the prism unit 330 is tilt-controlled about the first axis or the second axis by an electromagnetic force between a first magnet 332M1 and a second magnet 332M2 provided on the prism mover 334 and a first coil unit 333C1 and a second coil unit 333C2 (reference Figure 6a ) described below. Thus, there is the following technical effect that the occurrence of eccentricity or tilting phenomena is minimized when implementing OIS to provide optimal optical characteristics.

[0198] Next, Figure 5a is Figure 3b a perspective view of the housing 310 in the second camera actuator of the embodiment shown in, Figure 5b is Figure 5a a detailed view of the guide part 316T in the housing shown in.

[0199] ReferenceFigure 5a The housing 310 may include a housing body 312B, and one or more of a first housing side wall 312S1 and a second housing side wall 312S2.

[0200] The housing body 312B may include a first housing hole 314H1 in which a first magnet 332M1 may be disposed, and a second housing hole 314H2 in which a first coil portion 333C1 may be disposed. The first housing side wall 312S1 may include a third housing hole 314H3 in which a second coil portion 333C2 may be disposed. Additionally, the first housing side wall 312S1 may include a guiding portion 316T. The guiding portion 316T may be disposed on the housing to guide the inclination of the prism unit 330.

[0201] The guiding portion 316T may be disposed as one or more. For example, referring to Figure 5a , the guiding portion 316T includes a first guiding portion 316T1 and a second guiding portion 316T2, and the first guiding portion 316T1 and the second guiding portion 316T2 may be symmetric about the optical axis. Moreover, the housing 310 may include an opening 314H3 formed between the first guiding portion 316T1 and the second guiding portion 316T2.

[0202] Next, referring to Figure 5b , the guiding portion 316T may include a track for guiding the first moving portion 336B. For example, the guiding portion 316T may include a first track 316S1 and a second track 316S2 disposed on the first housing side wall 312S1, and an inclined recess 316R disposed between the first track 316S1 and the second track 316S2. The guiding portion 316T may include an inclined region that is inclined in a direction away from the optical axis. In an embodiment, the inclined region may be a flat inclined region or a curved inclined region. Meanwhile, the inclined region shown in the figure is a flat inclined region, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0203] In an embodiment, the inclined region may be formed on at least one of the track and the bottom surface between the tracks. For example, referring to Figure 5b , the inclined region may be formed on the first track 316S1 and the second track 316S2. Additionally, the inclined region may be formed in the bottom of the track in which the inclined recess 316R is disposed.

[0204] According to an embodiment, in a state where the first moving portion 336B (refer to Figure 4c ) is disposed in the inclined recess 316R, the prism unit 330 is tilt-controlled to a first axis or a second axis by an electromagnetic force that is a driving force of the driving unit 320. Thus, during OIS implementation, the best optical characteristics can be obtained by minimizing the occurrence of eccentricity or inclination phenomena, and there is a technical effect of being able to implement a camera actuator that is ultra-thin and ultra-small.

[0205] Next, Figure 5c is an example of the second guiding portion 316T2 of the housing 310 in another embodiment.

[0206] In another embodiment, the second guiding portion 316T2 may have a constant height from the side wall 312S1 of the housing of the track, and the bottom surface between the tracks may include an inclined area. For example, the second guiding portion 316T2 may include a third track 316S3 and a fourth track 316S4 provided on the first housing side wall 312S1, and a second inclined recess 316R2 provided between the third track 316S3 and the fourth track 316S4.

[0207] The second guiding portion 316T2 may include an inclined area and a flat area located between the optical axis and the inclined area. For example, in the second guiding portion 316T2, the bottom surface between the third track 316S3 and the fourth track 316S4 may include a bottom inclined area 316BS and a flat surface 316F provided between the optical axis and the bottom inclined area.

[0208] In addition, the third guiding portion (not shown) may only include the bottom inclined area 316BS without a flat surface on the bottom surface between the third track 316S3 and the fourth track 316S4. Thus, the inclined bottom surface 316BS may be inclined from the starting point of the bottom surface between the tracks.

[0209] Next, Figure 6a is Figure 3b a perspective view of the driving unit 320 in the second camera actuator of the embodiment shown in Figure 6b is Figure 6a an exploded perspective view of the driving unit 320 in the second camera actuator shown in

[0210] Referring to Figure 6a and Figure 6b, the driving unit 320 serves as an OIS driving unit and may include a driving unit circuit board 321, a first coil portion 333C1, a second coil portion 333C2, a first magnet 332M1, a second magnet 332M2, a first Hall sensor HS1, and a second Hall sensor HS2. For example, the driving unit 320 may include a driving unit circuit board 321, a first coil portion 333C1 disposed on a first substrate region 321a of the driving unit circuit board 321, a first magnet 332M1 disposed at a position corresponding to the first coil portion 333C1, a second coil portion 333C2 disposed in a second substrate region 321b of the driving unit circuit board 321, a second magnet 332M2 disposed at a position corresponding to the second coil portion 333C2, a first Hall sensor HS1 disposed on the first coil portion 333C1; and a second Hall sensor HS2 disposed on the second coil portion 333C2.

[0211] The driving unit circuit board 321 may include a circuit board having a wiring pattern, and the wiring pattern may be electrically connected to, such as, a rigid printed circuit board (rigid PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (flexible PCB), and a rigid-flexible printed circuit board (rigid-flexible PCB).

[0212] The driving unit circuit board 321 may include a first substrate region 321a and a second substrate region 321b, and is connected to a predetermined power source (not shown), and may apply power to each of the first coil portion 333C1 disposed on the first substrate region 321a and the second coil portion 333C2 disposed on the second substrate region 321b. Additionally, the driving unit 320 may further include a first back yoke 335 disposed on the rear surface of the first substrate region 321a. In an embodiment, the first back yoke 335 may be arranged to have a smaller width than the first magnet 322M1 to have a restoring force toward the center.

[0213] According to an embodiment, through the electromagnetic force between the first magnet 332M1 and the second magnet 332M2 and the first coil portion 333C1 and the second coil portion 333C2, the prism unit 330 is tilt-controlled on the first axis or the second axis. Thus, there is the following technical effect that the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt phenomenon is minimized when implementing OIS to provide optimal optical characteristics.

[0214] In an embodiment, the first axial horizontal width of the first magnet 332M1 may be greater than the first axial horizontal width of the first coil portion 333C1 corresponding to the first magnet. Thus, even when the prism unit moves, the first magnet 332M1 and the first coil portion 333C1 may overlap, whereby the corresponding region may be maintained, and thus the electromagnetic force may be stably ensured to ensure the driving force.

[0215] In addition, in the embodiment, the second axial horizontal width of the second magnet 332M2 may be greater than the second axial horizontal width of the corresponding second coil portion 333C2. Thus, even when the prism unit moves, the second magnet 332M2 and the second coil portion 333C2 can overlap, whereby the corresponding area can be maintained, and thus the electromagnetic force can be stably ensured to ensure the driving force.

[0216] According to the embodiment, in a state where the first moving portion 336B is disposed in the inclined recess 316R, the prism unit 330 is tilt-controlled to the first axis or the second axis by the electromagnetic force that is the driving force of the driving unit 320. Thus, during the implementation of OIS, the best optical characteristics can be obtained by minimizing the occurrence of eccentricity or tilting phenomena, and there is a technical effect that a camera actuator that can be realized to be ultra-thin and ultra-small can be achieved.

[0217] Next, Figure 7a is Figure 3a a perspective view of the second camera actuator in the embodiment shown in Figure 7b is Figure 7a a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1' in the second camera actuator 300 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7c is Figure 7b an exemplary view of the tilt in the first axial (Z1) direction in the first plane reference cross-sectional view of the second camera actuator 300 in the embodiment shown in

[0218] Referring to Figure 7b and Figure 7c The second camera actuator 300 of the embodiment tilt-controls the prism unit 330 on the first axis or the second axis by the electromagnetic force between the first magnet 332M1 and the second magnet 332M2 and the first coil portion 333C1 and the second coil portion 333C2 provided on the prism mover 334. Thus, there is the following technical effect that the occurrence of eccentricity or tilting phenomena is minimized when implementing OIS to provide the best optical characteristics.

[0219] For example, referring to Figure 7c By tilt-controlling the prism unit 330 to the first axis by the electromagnetic force between the first magnet 33M1 and the first coil portion 334C1, when implementing OIS, there is the following technical effect that the occurrence of eccentricity or tilting phenomena is minimized to obtain the best optical characteristics.

[0220] For example, when a repulsive force F1a is generated between the first-first magnet 332M1a and the first coil unit 333C1, and when an attractive force F1b is generated between the first-second magnet 332M1b and the first coil unit 333C1, the first moving unit 336B can slide along the inclined surface of the guide unit 316T, and the optical path in the prism 332 can be inclined by a first angle Θ1 due to the height difference of the inclined surface. Thus, the optical movement path Z1 to Z1b can be controlled. The first angle can be ±1° to 1.5°, that is, 2° to 3°.

[0221] Thus, according to the embodiment, the prism unit 330 is tilt-controlled in the first axis by the electromagnetic force between the first magnet 332M1 and the first coil unit 333C1. Thus, when OIS is implemented, there is the following technical effect, which is to minimize the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt phenomena to obtain the best optical characteristics.

[0222] Next, Figure 8a is Figure 3a a perspective view of the second camera actuator 300 in the embodiment shown in Figure 8b is Figure 8a a second planar reference cross-sectional view of the second camera actuator in the embodiment shown in, and Figure 8c is Figure 8b an exemplary view of the tilt in the second axial (Z2) direction in the second planar reference cross-sectional view of the second camera actuator in the embodiment shown in

[0223] Referring to Figure 8b and Figure 8c the second camera actuator 300 of the embodiment is tilt-controlled in the second axis by the electromagnetic force between the second magnet 332M2 provided on the prism mover 334 and the second coil unit 333C2. Thus, there is the following technical effect, which is to minimize the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt phenomena to provide the best optical characteristics when OIS is implemented.

[0224] For example, when a repulsive force F2a is generated between the first region (right side) of the second magnet 332M2 and the second coil unit 333C2, and when an attractive force F2b is generated between the second region (left side) of the second magnet 332M2 and the second coil 333C2, the prism 332 can be tilted by a second angle Θ2. Thus, the optical movement path (Z2 to Z2b) can be controlled. The second angle Θ2 can be ±1° to 1.5°, that is, 2° to 3°.

[0225] In this case, in the embodiment, the prism mover 334 can include one or more first stoppers 334P1 on the first outer surface 334S1. The first stoppers 334P1 can be provided one each in the up and down directions in the y-axis direction to serve as stoppers.

[0226] Thus, according to the embodiment, the prism unit 330 is tilt-controlled in the first axis by the electromagnetic force between the first magnet 332M1 and the first coil unit 333C1. Thus, when OIS is implemented, there is the following technical effect that the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt phenomenon is minimized to obtain the best optical characteristics.

[0227] Figure 9a Yes Figure 4a A first modification example 330A1 of the prism unit in the second camera actuator of the embodiment shown in

[0228] According to the first modification example 330A1 of the prism unit of the embodiment, different from Figure 4a the prism mover 334 may include a second moving portion 336P2 on the first outer surface 334S1 instead of the first moving portion 336B. The shape of the second moving portion 336P2 may be a hemispherical shape, and when tilting is implemented, a sliding operation may be performed. The second moving portion 336P2 may be integrally formed, wherein the prism mover 334 protrudes from the first outer surface 334S1, but is not limited thereto.

[0229] Next, Figure 9b Yes Figure 9a A second modification example 330A2 of the prism unit in the second camera actuator of the embodiment shown in

[0230] According to the second modification example 330A2 of the prism unit of the embodiment, different from Figure 9a the prism mover 334 may include a second stopper 334B2 on the first outer surface 334S1 instead of the first stopper 334P1. The second stopper 334B2 may be arranged to be placed in a predetermined recess. The second stopper 334B2 may be in the form of a ball bearing, but is not limited thereto.

[0231] Next, Figure 10 Yes Figure 4a A third modification example 330A3 of the prism unit in the second camera actuator of the embodiment shown in

[0232] According to the third modification example 330A3 of the prism unit of the embodiment, different from Figure 4a the prism mover 334 may include a second moving portion 334B2 on the first outer surface 334S1 instead of the first stopper 334P1. The second moving portion 336B2 may be arranged to be placed in a predetermined recess. The second moving portion 334B2 may be in the form of a ball bearing, but is not limited thereto.

[0233] (Second Embodiment)

[0234] Figure 11a It is according toFigure 2b Perspective view of a second camera actuator according to a second embodiment in the camera module 1000A of the embodiment shown in Figure 11b Exploded perspective view of a second camera actuator according to an embodiment.

[0235] Reference Figures 11a - 11b , the second camera actuator 300B according to the second embodiment may include a housing 310, a prism unit 330 disposed in the housing 310, and a driving unit 320 for tilting the prism unit 330.

[0236] In addition, the second camera actuator 300B may further include a cover member 301. The cover member 301 may include an accommodation space therein, and at least one side surface may be open. For example, the cover member 301 may have a structure in which a plurality of side surfaces connected to each other are open. Specifically, the cover member 301 may have the following structure, in which a front surface through which light is incident from the outside, a lower surface corresponding to the first camera actuator 100, and a rear surface opposite to the front surface are open, and a light movement path of the prism unit 330 to be described below may be provided.

[0237] The cover member 301 may include a rigid material. For example, the cover member 301 may include a material such as resin or metal, and may support the housing 310 disposed in the accommodation space. For example, the cover member 301 is disposed to surround the housing 310, the driving unit 320, and the prism unit 330, and may support the components.

[0238] Specifically, the prism unit 330 to be described below may be moved by the driving unit 320 in a first direction and / or a second direction. In this case, the cover member 310 may fix the housing and the driving unit 320 in a set position, thereby providing a more accurate light movement path. Moreover, the cover member 301 may prevent the housing 310 from escaping to the outside of the second camera actuator 300B by the elastic force of the elastic member 350. For example, the cover member 301 may serve as a stopper that restricts the housing 310 to move only within a selected range. The cover member 301 may be omitted depending on the layout relationship of the housing 310, the driving unit 320, and the prism unit 330.

[0239] Figures 12a - 12d Perspective view of each configuration of a second camera actuator according to a second embodiment.

[0240] Reference Figures 12a - 12d, the second camera actuator 300B may include a housing 310, a driving unit 320, and a prism unit 330. Specifically, the driving unit 320 may include a driving unit circuit board 321, a plurality of coil portions 323, and a plurality of magnets 325, and the prism unit 330 may include a prism 332 and a prism mover 334.

[0241] According to an embodiment, by providing the driving unit 320 disposed on the housing 310, there is a technical effect that it is possible to provide an ultra-thin and ultra-small camera actuator, and a camera module including the ultra-thin and ultra-small camera actuator.

[0242] In addition, according to an embodiment, by disposing the driving unit 320 under the prism unit 330, there is a technical effect that it is possible to ensure a sufficient amount of light by solving the lens size limitation in the lens assembly of the optical system when implementing OIS.

[0243] In addition, according to an embodiment, the driving unit 320 is stably disposed on the housing 310, and the prism unit is tilt-controlled to the first axis or the second axis. Thus, there is a technical effect that it is possible to achieve optimal optical characteristics by minimizing the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt phenomenon when implementing OIS.

[0244] In addition, according to an embodiment, different from the conventional method of moving a plurality of solid lenses, OIS is implemented by including the driving unit 320 and tilt-controlling the prism unit 330 to the first axis or the second axis. Thus, there is a technical effect that it is possible to provide a camera actuator capable of implementing OIS with low power consumption, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0245] Next, reference will be made to Figures 12a - 12d Each configuration of the second camera actuator 300B will be described in detail.

[0246] <The driving unit 320>

[0247] Figure 12a is a view of the driving unit 320 of the second camera actuator 300B.

[0248] Figure 12a , the driving unit 320 may include a driving unit circuit board 321, a coil portion 323, and a magnet 325.

[0249] The drive unit circuit board 321 can be connected to a predetermined power source (not shown) to apply power to the coil unit 323. The drive unit circuit board 321 can include a circuit board having a wiring pattern, and the wiring pattern can be electrically connected to, such as, a rigid printed circuit board (rigid PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (flexible PCB), and a rigid-flexible printed circuit board (rigid-flexible PCB).

[0250] The coil unit 323 can be electrically connected to the drive unit circuit board 321. The coil unit 323 can include one or more coil parts. For example, the coil unit 323 can include a first coil part 323a, a second coil part 323b, and a third coil part 323c.

[0251] The first to third coil parts 323a, 323b, and 323c can be spaced apart from each other. For example, the drive unit circuit board 321 can have a shape, and the first coil part 323a and the second coil part 323b can be respectively disposed on the first surface and the second surface of the drive unit circuit board 321 that face each other. Additionally, the third coil part 323c can be disposed on the third surface that connects the first surface and the second surface of the drive unit circuit board 321.

[0252] The magnet 325 can include one or more magnets. For example, the magnet 325 can include a first magnet 325a, a second magnet 325b, and a third magnet 325c disposed in a region corresponding to the coil unit 323. Specifically, the first magnet 325a can be disposed on a region corresponding to the first coil part 323a on the first surface. Moreover, the second magnet 325b can be disposed on a region corresponding to the second coil part 323b on the second surface. Moreover, the third magnet 325c can be disposed on a region corresponding to the third coil part 323c on the third surface.

[0253] The drive unit 320 can further include a Hall sensor. For example, the Hall sensor can include: a first Hall sensor HS1 that is disposed adjacent to one of the coil parts selected from the first coil part 323a and the second coil part 323b; and a second Hall sensor (not shown) that is disposed adjacent to the third coil part 323c.

[0254] The drive unit 320 can tilt the prism unit 330. The drive unit 320 can control the tilt of the prism unit 330 about a first axis or a second axis.

[0255] <Housing (310)>

[0256] Figure 12b is a view of the housing 310 of the second camera actuator 300B.

[0257] Figure 12b , the housing 310 may include an accommodation space for accommodating the prism unit 330. The housing 310 may include a plurality of inner surfaces. For example, the housing 310 may include: a first inner surface 310S1 corresponding to the first surface of the driving unit circuit board 321; a second inner surface 310S2 corresponding to the second surface of the driving unit circuit board 321; and a third inner surface 310S3 corresponding to the third surface of the driving unit circuit board 321.

[0258] Specifically, the housing 310 may include: a first inner surface 310S1 corresponding to the first coil portion 323a; a second inner surface 310S2 corresponding to the second coil portion 323b; and a third inner surface 310S3 corresponding to the third coil portion 323c.

[0259] In addition, the housing 310 may include a fourth inner surface 310S4 that is connected to the first inner surface 310S1 and the second inner surface 310S2 and is connected to the third inner surface 310S3.

[0260] The housing 310 may include a plurality of housing holes 311H. The housing holes 311H may be through holes passing through the outer surface and the inner surface of the housing 310. The plurality of housing holes 311H may include first to third housing holes 311H1, 311H2, and 311H3. The first housing hole 311H1 may be a through hole passing through the first inner surface 310S1 and the outer surface corresponding to the first inner surface 310S1. The second housing hole 311H2 may be a through hole passing through the second inner surface 310S2 and the outer surface corresponding to the second inner surface 310S2. The third housing hole 311H3 may be a through hole passing through the third inner surface 310S3 and the outer surface corresponding to the third inner surface 310S3.

[0261] The first housing hole 311H1 may be provided in a region corresponding to the first coil portion 323a. Moreover, the first housing hole 311H1 may have dimensions and a shape corresponding to the dimensions and shape of the first coil portion 323a. Thus, the first coil portion 323a may be provided by being partially or completely inserted into the first housing hole 311H1.

[0262] The second housing hole 311H2 may be provided in a region corresponding to the second coil portion 323b. Moreover, the second housing hole 311H2 may have dimensions and a shape corresponding to the dimensions and shape of the second coil portion 323b. Thus, the second coil portion 323b may be provided by being partially or completely inserted into the second housing hole 311H2.

[0263] The third housing hole 311H3 may be provided in a region corresponding to the third coil portion 323c. Moreover, the third housing hole 311H3 may have dimensions and a shape corresponding to the dimensions and shape of the third coil portion 323c. Accordingly, the third coil portion 323c may be provided by being partially or completely inserted into the third housing hole 311H3.

[0264] The housing 310 may include at least one groove. For example, the groove may be provided on at least one surface of the housing 310. Specifically, the groove may be provided on the fourth inner surface 310S4 of the housing 310. The groove may have a concave shape on the fourth inner surface 310S4 in the outer surface direction (Z-axis direction) of the housing 310.

[0265] The groove of the housing 310 may include a first groove 311H and a second groove 313H.

[0266] The first groove 311H may be provided in a central region of the fourth inner surface 310S4. Specifically, the first groove 311H may overlap the center of the fourth inner surface 310S4 in the Z-axis direction. The first groove 311H may be provided in a region that overlaps the center of a prism unit 330 to be described below in the Z-axis direction.

[0267] A plurality of second grooves 313H may be provided on the fourth inner surface 310S4. The second grooves 313H may be provided in the same size as the first groove 311H and may be provided in different sizes. For example, the width of the first groove 311H may be greater than the width of each of the plurality of second grooves 313H. Moreover, the depth of the first groove 311H may be greater than the depth of each of the plurality of second grooves 313H.

[0268] The plurality of second grooves 313H may be provided adjacent to the first groove 311H and may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of second grooves 313H may be provided around the first groove 313H. For example, the plurality of second grooves 313H may include a first sub-second groove 313H1 and a second sub-second groove 313H2 that are spaced apart from the first groove 311H in a first direction (x-axis direction). Additionally, the plurality of second grooves 313H may include a third sub-second groove 313H3 and a fourth sub-second groove 313H4 that are spaced apart from the first groove 311H in a second direction (y-axis direction).

[0269] The first sub-second groove 313H1 may be provided adjacent to the first inner surface 310S1, and the second sub-second groove 313H2 may be provided adjacent to the second inner surface 310S2. Moreover, the third sub-second groove 313H3 may be provided adjacent to the third inner surface 310S3.

[0270] That is, the first groove 311H can be disposed between the first sub-second groove 313H1 and the second sub-second groove 313H2 in the first direction (x-axis direction). Moreover, the first groove 311H can be disposed between the third sub-second groove 313H3 and the fourth sub-second groove 313H4 based on the second direction (y-axis direction).

[0271] The center of the first groove 311H can be included in the region connecting the centers of the second grooves 313H. For example, the center of the first groove 311H can be positioned in the region connecting the centers of the first to fourth sub-second grooves 313H1, 313H2, 313H3, and 313H4. Specifically, the center of the first groove 311H can intersect a virtual straight line connecting the first sub-second groove 313H1 and the second sub-second groove 313H2. Additionally, the center of the first groove 311H can intersect a virtual straight line connecting the third sub-second groove 313H3 and the fourth sub-second groove 313H4.

[0272] The virtual straight line connecting the first sub-second groove 313H1 and the second sub-second groove 313H2 can intersect the virtual straight line connecting the third sub-second groove 313H3 and the fourth sub-second groove 313H4. Specifically, the virtual straight line connecting the first sub-second groove 313H1 and the second sub-second groove 313H2 can be orthogonal to the virtual straight line connecting the third sub-second groove 313H3 and the fourth sub-second groove 313H4. The first groove 311H can include the point where the two virtual straight lines intersect.

[0273] <Prism unit 330>

[0274] Figure 12c and Figure 12d is a view of the prism unit 330 of the second camera actuator 300B.

[0275] Reference Figure 12c and Figure 12d As shown, the prism unit 330 can be disposed in the housing 310. Specifically, the prism unit 330 can be disposed in the accommodation space of the housing 310.

[0276] The prism unit 330 can include a prism 332 and a prism mover 334 disposed on the prism 332.

[0277] The prism 332 can be a right-angled prism. The prism 332 can reflect the direction of light incident from the outside. That is, the prism 332 can change the path of light incident on the second camera actuator 300B from the outside to be directed toward the first camera actuator 100.

[0278] The prism mover 334 can be provided on the prism 332. The prism mover 334 can be provided to surround the prism 332. At least one side of the prism mover 334 can be open and can include an accommodation space therein. Specifically, the prism mover 334 can have a structure in which a plurality of outer surfaces connected to each other are open. For example, the prism mover 334 can have a structure in which the outer surfaces corresponding to the prism 332 are open, and can include an accommodation space defined by the receiving portion 334A therein.

[0279] The prism mover 334 can include an inner surface 335S. The inner surface 335S can be the inner surface constituting the receiving portion 334A. The receiving portion 334A can have a shape corresponding to the prism 332. The inner surface 335S of the receiving portion 334A can be in direct contact with the prism 332.

[0280] The prism mover 334 can include a step 326. The step 326 can be provided in the receiving portion 334A. The step 326 can be used as a guide and / or a placement portion for the prism 332. Specifically, a protrusion corresponding to the step 326 can be formed on the outer side of the prism 332. The prism 332 can be provided in the receiving portion 334A such that the protrusion is guided by the step 326 of the prism mover 334. Thus, the prism mover 334 can effectively support the prism 332. In addition, the prism 332 can be placed at a set position and can have improved alignment characteristics within the prism mover 334.

[0281] The prism unit 330 can include a plurality of outer surfaces. For example, the prism mover 334 of the prism unit 330 can include a plurality of outer surfaces. The prism mover 334 can include: a first outer surface 330S1 corresponding to the first inner surface 310S1 of the housing 310; a second outer surface 330S2 corresponding to the second inner surface 310S2; a third outer surface 330S3 corresponding to the third inner surface 310S3; and a fourth outer surface 330S4 corresponding to the fourth inner surface 310S4.

[0282] The prism mover 334 can include at least one groove. For example, the groove can be provided on at least one outer surface of the prism mover 334. Specifically, the groove can be provided on the fourth outer surface 334S4 of the prism mover 334. The groove can have a concave shape on the fourth outer surface 330S4 in the direction of the receiving portion 334A (Z-axis direction).

[0283] The grooves of the prism mover 334 can include a third groove 338H and a fourth groove 339H.

[0284] The third groove 338H may be provided in a central region of the fourth outer surface 330S4. Specifically, the third groove 338H may overlap with the center of the fourth outer surface 330S4 in the Z-axis direction. The third groove 338H is provided to face the first groove 311H. The third groove 338H may be provided in a region corresponding to the first groove 311H. Specifically, the third groove 338H may be provided in a region overlapping with the center of the first groove 311H in the Z-axis direction. Moreover, the third groove 338H may be provided in a region overlapping with the center of the prism unit 330 in the Z-axis direction. The third groove 338H may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of the first grooves 311H.

[0285] A plurality of fourth grooves 339H may be provided on the fourth outer surface 330S4. The fourth grooves 339H may be provided to have the same size as the third groove 338H and may be provided in different sizes. For example, the width of the third groove 338H may be greater than the width of each of the plurality of fourth grooves 339H. Moreover, the depth of the third groove 338H may be greater than the depth of each of the plurality of fourth grooves 339H.

[0286] The plurality of fourth grooves 339H may be provided adjacent to the third groove 338H and may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of fourth grooves 339H may be provided around the third groove 338H. For example, the plurality of fourth grooves 339H may include a first sub-fourth groove 339H1 and a second sub-fourth groove 339H2 spaced apart from the third groove 338H in a first direction (x-axis direction). Additionally, the plurality of fourth grooves 339H may include a third sub-fourth groove 339H3 and a fourth sub-fourth groove 339H4 spaced apart from the third groove 338H in a second direction (y-axis direction).

[0287] The center of the third groove 338H may be included in a region connecting the centers of the fourth grooves 339H. For example, the center of the third groove 338H may be positioned in a region connecting the centers of the first to fourth sub-fourth grooves 339H1, 339H2, 339H3, and 339H4. Specifically, the center of the third groove 338H may intersect with a virtual straight line connecting the first sub-fourth groove 339H1 and the second sub-fourth groove 339H2. Additionally, the center of the third groove 338H may intersect with a virtual straight line connecting the third sub-fourth groove 339H3 and the fourth sub-fourth groove 339H4.

[0288] The virtual straight line connecting the first sub-fourth groove 339H1 and the second sub-fourth groove 339H2 may intersect the virtual straight line connecting the third sub-fourth groove 339H3 and the fourth sub-fourth groove 339H4. Specifically, the virtual straight line connecting the first sub-fourth groove 339H1 and the second sub-fourth groove 339H2 may be orthogonal to the virtual straight line connecting the third sub-fourth groove 339H3 and the fourth sub-fourth groove 339H4. The third groove 338H may include a point at which the two virtual straight lines intersect.

[0289] The fourth groove 339H may be arranged to face the second groove 313H. The fourth groove 339H may be provided in a region corresponding to the second groove 313H. Specifically, the plurality of fourth grooves 339H may be provided in a region overlapping with the plurality of second grooves 313H in the Z-axis direction. For example, the first sub-fourth groove 339H1 may overlap with the first sub-second groove 313H1, and the second sub-fourth groove 339H2 may overlap with the second sub-second groove 313H2. Additionally, the third sub-fourth groove 339H3 may overlap with the third sub-second groove 313H3, and the fourth sub-fourth groove 339H4 may overlap with the fourth sub-second groove 313H4.

[0290] That is, the third groove 338H and the fourth groove 339H of the prism unit 330 may be formed corresponding to the first groove 311H and the second groove 313H of the housing 310, such that a space for arranging the elastic member 350 described below can be provided between the first to fourth grooves 311H, 313H, 338H, and 339H.

[0291] The prism mover 334 may include a plurality of recesses. The recesses may be grooves having a concave shape on the outer surface of the prism mover 334 in the direction of the first space 335. The plurality of recesses may include a first recess 337R1, a second recess 337R2, and a third recess 337R3. For example, the first recess 337R1 may be provided on the first outer surface 330S1. The first recess 337R1 may be provided in a region corresponding to the first housing hole 311H1. Moreover, the second recess 337R2 may be provided on the second outer surface 330S2. The second recess 337R2 may be provided in a region corresponding to the second housing hole 311H2. Moreover, the third recess 337R3 may be provided on the third outer surface 330S3. The third recess 337R3 may be provided in a region corresponding to the third housing hole 311H3. That is, the first housing hole 311H1 may correspond to the first coil portion 323a, the second housing hole 311H2 may correspond to the second coil portion 323b. Moreover, the third housing hole 311H3 may correspond to the third coil portion 323c.

[0292] The magnet 325 can be disposed in a recess. For example, the first magnet 325a can be disposed in the first recess 337R1, the second magnet 325b can be disposed in the second recess 337R2, and the third magnet 325c can be disposed in the second recess 337R2. Each of the three recesses 337R3 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0293] Figure 13 is a perspective view in which a part of the second camera actuator is omitted, Figure 14 is a front view of the arrangement of the housing 310, the drive unit 320, and the prism unit 330 according to an embodiment.

[0294] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 , according to an embodiment, the second camera actuator 300B can include an elastic member 350. The elastic member 350 can be disposed between the housing 310 and the prism unit 330.

[0295] The elastic member 350 can have a shape extending from the inner side of the housing 310 to the outer side of the prism unit 330. That is, the elastic member 350 can have a shape extending in the y-axis direction.

[0296] The elastic member 350 can include a spring. Specifically, the spring 350 can include a spring having a predetermined spring constant. For example, the elastic member 350 can include a helical spring.

[0297] The elastic member 350 can control the moving direction and / or the moving amount of the prism unit 330 moved by an external driving force (e.g., the coil unit 323 and the magnet 325).

[0298] Specifically, the prism unit 330 can be disposed between a first coil unit 323a, a second coil unit 323b, a first magnet 325a, and a second magnet 325b that are arranged to face each other in a first direction (Z-axis direction). In addition, the prism unit 330 can be arranged to face the third coil unit 323c and the third magnet 325c in a second direction (y-axis direction).

[0299] That is, the embodiment can tilt-control the prism unit 330 on the first axis or the second axis by the electromagnetic force between the first to third magnets 325a, 325b, and 325c and the first to third coil units 323a, 323b, and 323c disposed on the prism mover 334. Thus, when OIS is implemented, there is the following technical effect that the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt phenomenon is minimized to obtain the best optical characteristics.

[0300] Figure 15 and Figure 16 are views showing the coupling relationship between the housing, the prism unit, and the elastic member in the second camera actuator.

[0301] Reference Figure 13 、 Figure 15 and Figure 16 According to the embodiments, the elastic member 350 may include a plurality of elastic members. For example, the elastic member 350 may include a first elastic member 351 and a second elastic member 353 that are spaced apart from each other.

[0302] The first elastic member 351 and the second elastic member 353 may extend from the housing 310 toward the prism unit 330. That is, the first elastic member 351 and the second elastic member 353 may have a shape extending in the y-axis direction.

[0303] The first elastic member 351 may be disposed in a central region corresponding to the center of the prism unit 330. The first elastic member 351 may be disposed in a region corresponding to the center of the fourth inner surface 310S4 of the housing 310. The first elastic member 351 may be disposed in a region corresponding to the center of the fourth outer surface 330S4 of the prism unit 330. The center of the first elastic member 351 may overlap with the center of the fourth outer surface 330S4 in the vertical direction.

[0304] The first elastic member 351 may be disposed in the first groove 311H and the third groove 338H. One end of the first elastic member 351 may directly contact the bottom surface of the first groove 311H. The other end opposite to the one end of the first elastic member 351 may directly contact the bottom surface of the third groove 338H. That is, both ends of the first elastic member 351 may be disposed in the first groove 311H and the third groove 338H. Thus, the first elastic member 351 may serve as a central axis and may form a predetermined space between the fourth inner surface 310S4 of the housing 310 and the fourth outer surface 330S4 of the prism unit 330.

[0305] The second elastic member 353 may be disposed adjacent to the first elastic member 351. The second elastic member 353 may be disposed around the first elastic member 351. The second elastic member 353 may be disposed in the second groove 313H and the fourth groove 339H. One end of the second elastic member 353 may directly contact the bottom surface of the second groove 313H. The other end opposite to the one end of the second elastic member 353 may directly contact the fourth groove 339H. That is, a plurality of portions of both ends of the second elastic member 353 may be disposed in the second groove 313H and the fourth groove 339H. Thus, the second elastic member 353 may be used to maintain balance and may form a predetermined space between the fourth inner surface 310S4 of the housing 310 and the fourth outer surface 330S4 of the prism unit 330.

[0306] The second elastic member 353 may include a plurality of sub-elastic members. For example, the second elastic member 353 may include first to fourth sub-elastic members 353a, 353b, 353c, and 353d disposed around the first elastic member 351.

[0307] Specifically, the first sub-elastic member 353a may be disposed in the first sub-second groove 313H1 and the first sub-fourth groove 339H1. Moreover, the second sub-elastic member 353b may be disposed in the second sub-second groove 313H2 and the second sub-fourth groove 339H2. Moreover, the third sub-elastic member 353c may be disposed in the third sub-second groove 313H3 and the third sub-fourth groove 339H3. Moreover, the fourth sub-elastic member 353d may be disposed in the fourth sub-second groove 313H4 and the fourth sub-fourth groove 339H4.

[0308] The first sub-elastic member 353a and the second sub-elastic member 353b may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first elastic member 351 in a first direction (x-axis direction). That is, the first elastic member 351 may be disposed between the first sub-elastic member 353a and the second sub-elastic member 353b. In this case, the distance between the first elastic member 351 and the first sub-elastic member 353a may be equal to the distance between the first elastic member 351 and the second sub-elastic member 353b.

[0309] Moreover, the third sub-elastic member 353c and the fourth sub-elastic member 353d may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first elastic member 351 in a second direction (y-axis direction). That is, the first elastic member 351 may be disposed between the third sub-elastic member 353c and the fourth sub-elastic member 353d. In this case, the distance between the first elastic member 351 and the third sub-elastic member 353c may be equal to the distance between the first elastic member 351 and the fourth sub-elastic member 353d. That is, when observing the elastic member 350 from above, the virtual lines connecting the centers of the first to fourth sub-elastic members 353a, 353b, 353c, and 353d to the first elastic member 351 may be arranged in a cross shape (+).

[0310] The first to fourth sub-elastic members 353a, 353b, 353c, and 353d may correspond to each other. For example, the first to fourth sub-elastic members 353a, 353b, 353c, and 353d may have corresponding shapes and dimensions to each other. Moreover, the first to fourth sub-elastic members 353a, 353b, 353c, and 353d may have corresponding spring constant (k) values to each other.

[0311] The first elastic member 351 may have a spring constant different from that of the second elastic member 353. For example, the first elastic member 351 may have a spring constant value k defined as a first spring constant k1, while the second elastic member 353 may have a spring constant value k defined as a second spring constant k2.

[0312] In this case, the second spring constant k2 may be less than the first spring constant k1. Specifically, the second spring constant k2 may be about 20% to about 80% of the first spring constant k1.

[0313] When the second spring constant k2 is less than about 20% of the first spring constant k1, it may be difficult to control the movement of the prism unit 330. That is, since the second elastic member 353 may tilt along the first axis or the second axis even under a very slight driving force, it is difficult to control the movement of the prism unit 330. Additionally, when the second spring constant k2 exceeds about 80% of the first spring constant k1, a large driving force may be required to control the prism unit 330. Thus, preferably, the first spring constant k1 and the second spring constant k2 satisfy the above range to effectively control the prism unit 330.

[0314] That is, the first elastic member 351 is disposed on the central region of the prism unit 330 and has a relatively large spring constant (k) value to serve as a central axis and a support axis, and the second elastic members 353 may be arranged around the first elastic member 351 in a set direction and at a set interval to balance the prism unit 330.

[0315] Figures 17a - 17b is a view showing the arrangement relationship of the elastic members according to an embodiment.

[0316] Reference Figures 17a - 17b , the elastic member 350 may be disposed on at least one of the housing 310 and the prism unit 330.

[0317] First, reference Figure 17a, the elastic member 350 can be disposed on the prism unit 330. For example, a part of one end of the first elastic member 351 can be disposed in the third groove 338H. Additionally, a part of one end of the second elastic member 353 can be disposed in the fourth groove 339H. Specifically, a part of one end of the first sub-elastic member 353a can be disposed in the first sub-fourth groove 339H1, and a part of one end of the second sub-elastic member 353b can be disposed in the second sub-fourth groove 339H2. Additionally, a part of one end of the third sub-elastic member 353c can be disposed in the third sub-fourth groove 339H3, and a part of one end of the fourth sub-elastic member 353d can be disposed in the fourth sub-fourth groove 339H4. The first elastic member 351 and the second elastic member 353 can be fixed to the prism unit 330. Specifically, the first elastic member 351 and the second elastic member 353 can be fixed to the third groove 338H and the fourth groove 339H. The first elastic member 351 and the second elastic member 353 can be coupled to the housing 310 while being fixed to the prism mover 334.

[0318] Moreover, referring to Figure 17b , the elastic member 350 can be disposed on the housing 310. For example, a part of the other end opposite to one end of the first elastic member 351 can be disposed in the first groove 311H. Additionally, a part of the other end opposite to one end of the second elastic member 353 can be disposed in the second groove 313H. Specifically, a part of the other end of the first sub-elastic member 353a can be disposed in the first sub-second groove 313H1, and a part of the other end of the second sub-elastic member 353b can be disposed in the second sub-second groove 313H2. Additionally, a part of the other end of the third sub-elastic member 353c can be disposed in the third sub-second groove 313H3, and a part of the other end of the fourth sub-elastic member 353d can be disposed in the fourth sub-second groove 313H4. The first elastic member 351 and the second elastic member 353 can be fixed to the housing 310. Specifically, the first elastic member 351 and the second elastic member 353 can be fixed to the first groove 311H and the second groove 313H. The first elastic member 351 and the second elastic member 353 can be coupled to the prism mover 334 while being fixed to the housing 310.

[0319] The first elastic member 351 can be fixedly disposed in at least one of the first groove 311H and the third groove 338H. Moreover, the second elastic member 353 can be fixed in at least one of the second groove 313H and the fourth groove 339H.

[0320] In addition, the embodiment can tilt and control the prism unit 330 on the first axis or the second axis by the electromagnetic force between the first to third magnets 325a, 325b, and 325c and the first to third coil portions 323a, 323b, and 323c provided on the prism mover 334. Therefore, there is the following technical effect that the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt is minimized when implementing OIS to achieve the best optical characteristics.

[0321] For example, in the embodiment, in a state where the elastic member 350 provided between the housing 310 and the prism unit 330 is provided, the prism unit 330 is tilt-controlled by the driving force of the driving unit 320 on the first axis or the second axis. Therefore, when implementing OIS, the best optical characteristics can be obtained by minimizing the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt, and there is a technical effect that a camera actuator that can be made ultrathin and ultra-small can be realized.

[0322] In addition, the prism unit 330 according to the embodiment can be fixed in the housing 310 by the cover member 301 and the elastic member 350. Therefore, a separate magnet and yoke for fixing the prism unit 330 in the housing 310 can be omitted, and a thinner camera actuator can be realized.

[0323] Figure 18a and Figure 18b is a view showing the operation of the second camera actuator according to the embodiment.

[0324] Reference Figures 18a - 18b , the prism unit 330 according to the embodiment can be tilt-controlled by the driving force of the driving unit 320 along the first axis or the second axis.

[0325] First, referring to Figure 18a , the prism unit 330 can be arranged to be rotatable and movable in the second direction, with the virtual first line L1 formed by the first elastic member 351, the first sub-elastic member 353a, and the second sub-elastic member 353b as the reference axis. Specifically, the driving unit 320 can rotate the prism unit 330 in the vertical direction.

[0326] For example, a repulsive force can be generated between the third-first coil portion adjacent to the elastic member 350 in the third coil portion 323c and the third-first magnet adjacent to the elastic member 350 in the third magnet 325c. In addition, an attractive force can be generated between the third-second coil portion away from the elastic member 350 in the third coil portion 323c and the third-second magnet away from the elastic member 350 in the third magnet 325c.

[0327] Thus, the prism unit 330 can be tilted downward with respect to the first line L1 as a reference axis. That is, the prism unit 330 can be tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the first line L1 in the vertical direction. Thus, the movement path of the light incident on the prism unit 330 can be controlled.

[0328] In addition, referring Figure 18b , the prism unit 330 can be arranged to be rotatable in the first direction, with a virtual second line L2 formed by the first elastic member 351, the third sub-elastic member 353c, and the fourth sub-elastic member 353d as the reference axis. Specifically, the driving unit 320 can rotate the prism unit 330 in the left-right direction.

[0329] For example, a repulsive force can be generated between the first-first coil portion in the first coil portion 323a adjacent to the elastic member 350 and the first-first magnet in the first magnet 325a adjacent to the elastic member 350. In addition, an attractive force can be generated between the first-second coil portion in the first coil portion 323a away from the elastic member 350 and the first-second magnet in the first magnet 325a away from the elastic member 350.

[0330] In addition, a repulsive force can be generated between the second-first coil portion in the second coil portion 323b adjacent to the elastic member 350 and the second-first magnet in the second magnet 325b adjacent to the elastic member 350. In addition, an attractive force can be generated between the second-second coil portion in the second coil portion 323b away from the elastic member 350 and the second-second magnet in the second magnet 325b away from the elastic member 350.

[0331] Thus, the prism unit 330 can be tilted in the left-right direction with respect to the second line L2 as the reference axis. That is, the prism unit 330 can be tilted at a predetermined angle based on the second line L2 in the left-right direction. Thus, the movement path of the light incident on the prism unit 330 can be controlled.

[0332] The first camera actuator 100 of the camera module according to an embodiment will be described below.

[0333] <The first camera actuator 100>

[0334] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the first camera actuator 100 according to an embodiment, Figure 20 is a perspective view in which a part of the structure of the first camera actuator shown in Figure 19 is omitted, and Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view in which a part of the structure of the first camera actuator shown in Figure 19 is omitted.

[0335] ReferringFigure 19 According to an embodiment, the first camera actuator 100 may include a base 20, a circuit board 410 disposed outside the base 20, a fourth driving unit 142, and a third lens assembly 130.

[0336] Figure 20 is a perspective view in which the base 20 and the circuit board 410 in Figure 19 are omitted, and with reference to Figure 20 According to an embodiment, the first camera actuator 100 includes a first guide part 210, a second guide part 220, a first lens assembly 110, a second lens assembly 120, a third driving unit 141, and a fourth driving unit 142.

[0337] The third driving unit 141 and the fourth driving unit 142 may include a coil or a magnet.

[0338] For example, when the third driving unit 141 and the fourth driving unit 142 include coils, the third driving unit 141 may include a first coil part 141b and a first yoke 141a, and the fourth driving unit 142 may include a second coil part 142b and a second yoke 142a.

[0339] Alternatively, conversely, the third driving unit 141 and the fourth driving unit 142 may include magnets.

[0340] In the Figure 21 xyz-axis directions shown, the z-axis may refer to the optical axis direction or a direction parallel thereto, the xz plane represents the ground, the x-axis may refer to a direction perpendicular to the z-axis on the ground (xz plane), and the y-axis may refer to a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0341] With reference to Figure 21 According to an embodiment, the first camera actuator 100 may include a base 20, a first guide part 210, a second guide part 220, a first lens assembly 110, a second lens assembly 120, and a third lens assembly 130.

[0342] For example, according to an embodiment, the first camera actuator 100 may include: a base 20; a first guide part 210 disposed on one side of the base 20; a second guide part 220 disposed on the other side of the base 20; a first lens assembly 110 corresponding to the first guide part 210; a second lens assembly 120 corresponding to the second guide part 220; a first ball bearing 117 (see Figure 23a ), the second lens assembly being disposed between the first lens assembly 110 and the first guide part 210; and a second ball bearing (not shown) disposed between the second guide part 220 and the second lens assembly 120.

[0343] In addition, the embodiment may include a third lens assembly 130 disposed in front of the first lens assembly 110 in the optical axis direction.

[0344] Specific features of the camera device according to the embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0345] <Guide portion>

[0346] Reference Figure 20 and Figure 21 According to an embodiment, the embodiment may include: a first guide portion 210 disposed adjacent to the first side wall 21a of the base 20; and a second guide portion 220 disposed adjacent to the second side wall 21b of the base 20.

[0347] The first guide portion 210 may be disposed between the first lens assembly 110 and the first side wall 21a of the base 20.

[0348] The second guide portion 220 may be disposed between the second lens assembly 120 and the second side wall 21b of the base 20. The first side wall 21a and the second side wall 21b of the base may be disposed to face each other.

[0349] According to an embodiment, the lens assembly is driven in a state where the first guide portion 210 and the second guide portion 220 accurately numerically controlled in the base are coupled to each other, so that the frictional resistance is reduced by reducing the frictional torque. Therefore, there are technical effects such as increasing the driving force, reducing the power consumption, and improving the control characteristics during zooming.

[0350] Therefore, according to an embodiment, there is the following complex technical effect that the image quality or resolution can be significantly improved by preventing the occurrence of lens eccentricity, lens tilt, and misalignment of the central axis of the lens group and the image sensor while minimizing the frictional torque during zooming.

[0351] In the prior art, when the guide rail is provided in the base itself, a gradient is generated in the injection molding direction. Therefore, there is a difficulty in size control, and there is a technical problem that the frictional torque increases and the driving force decreases when the injection molding is not correctly performed.

[0352] On the other hand, according to an embodiment, the first guide portion 210 and the second guide portion 220 formed separately from the base 20 are separately applied without arranging the guide rail on the base itself. Therefore, there is the following special technical effect that the generation of a gradient along the injection molding direction can be prevented.

[0353] The base 20 can be injection-molded in the Z-axis direction. In the prior art, when the rail is integrally formed with the base, there is a problem that the straight line of the rail is distorted due to the gradient generated during the injection molding of the rail in the Z-axis direction.

[0354] According to an embodiment, since the first guide portion 210 and the second guide portion 220 are injection-molded separately from the base 20, compared with the prior art, the generation of the gradient can be significantly prevented. Thus, there is the following special technical effect that precise injection molding can be performed and the generation of the gradient caused by injection molding can be prevented.

[0355] In an embodiment, the first guide portion 210 and the second guide portion 220 can be injection-molded on the X-axis, and the injection-molded length can be shorter than that of the base 20. In this case, when the rails 212 and 222 are provided on the first guide portion 210 and the second guide portion 220, the generation of the gradient during injection molding can be minimized, and there is a technical effect that the possibility of the straight line distortion of the rail is low.

[0356] Figure 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the first guide portion 210 and the second guide portion 220 of a camera actuator according to an embodiment.

[0357] Reference Figure 22 , in an embodiment, the first guide portion 210 may include one or more first rails 212. Additionally, the second guide portion 220 may include one or more second rails 222.

[0358] For example, the first rail 212 of the first guide portion 210 may include a first-first rail 212a and a first-second rail 212b. The first guide portion 210 may include a first support portion 213 between the first-first rail 212a and the first-second rail 212b.

[0359] According to an embodiment, two rails are provided for each lens assembly. Thus, there is the following technical effect that even if any one of the rails is distorted, the accuracy can be ensured by the other rail.

[0360] Additionally, according to an embodiment, two rails are provided for each lens assembly. Thus, there is the following technical effect that even if there is a problem of the friction force of the ball bearings as described below at any one of the rails, the driving force can be ensured due to the smooth operation of the cloud drive of the other rail.

[0361] The first rail 212 can be connected from one surface of the first guide portion 210 to its other surface.

[0362] The camera actuator according to an embodiment and a camera module including the camera actuator solve the problems generated by lens eccentricity or tilt during zooming, and align multiple lens groups to prevent a change in viewing angle or defocusing. Therefore, there is a technical effect that the image quality or resolution is significantly improved.

[0363] For example, according to an embodiment, the first guiding part 210 includes a first-first track 212a and a first-second track 212b, and the first-first track 212a and the first-second track 212b guide the first lens assembly 110. Therefore, there is a technical effect that the alignment accuracy can be improved.

[0364] In addition, according to an embodiment, since the two tracks for each lens assembly are provided, the distance between the balls described below can be ensured to be relatively large. Therefore, there is the following technical effect, which is that the driving force can be increased, magnetic field interference can be prevented, and tilting during the stop or movement of the lens assembly can be prevented.

[0365] In addition, the first guiding part 210 may include a first guiding protrusion 215 that extends in the side surface direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first track 212. The first protrusion 214p may be included on the first guiding protrusion 215. For example, the first protrusion 214p may include a first-first protrusion 214p1 and a first-second protrusion 214p2.

[0366] Reference Figure 22 , in an embodiment, the second guiding part 220 may include a single or multiple second tracks 222.

[0367] For example, the second track 222 of the second guiding part 220 may include a second-first track 222a and a second-second track 222b. The second guiding part 220 may include a second supporting part 223 between the second-first track 222a and the second-second track 222b. The second track 222 may be connected from one surface of the second guiding part 210 to its other surface.

[0368] In addition, the second guiding part 220 may include a second guiding protrusion 225 that extends in the side surface direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the second track 222. The second protrusion 224p including a second-first protrusion 224p1 and a second-second protrusion 224p2 may be included on the second guiding protrusion 225.

[0369] The first-first protrusion 214p1 and the first-second protrusion 214p2 of the first guiding part 210 and the second-first protrusion 224p1 and the second-second protrusion 224p2 of the second guiding part 220 may be coupled to the third housing 21 of the third lens assembly 130 described below.

[0370] According to an embodiment, the first guiding part 210 includes a first-first track 212a and a first-second track 212b, and the first-first track 212a and the first-second track 212b guide the first lens assembly 110. Thus, there is a technical effect that the alignment accuracy can be improved.

[0371] In addition, according to an embodiment, the second guiding part 220 includes a second-first track 222a and a second-second track 222b, and the second-first track 222a and the second-second track 222b guide the second lens assembly 120. Thus, there is a technical effect that the alignment accuracy can be improved.

[0372] Furthermore, two tracks are provided for each lens assembly. Thus, there is the following technical effect that even if any one of the tracks is distorted, the accuracy can be ensured by the other track.

[0373] In addition, according to an embodiment, since the two tracks are provided for each lens assembly, the distance between the balls described below can be ensured to be relatively large. Thus, there are the following technical effects that the driving force can be increased, magnetic field interference can be prevented, and tilting during the stop or movement of the lens assembly can be prevented.

[0374] Moreover, according to an embodiment, the two tracks are provided for each lens assembly. Thus, there is the following technical effect that even if there is a problem of the friction force of the balls described below at any one of the tracks, the driving force can be ensured due to the smooth operation of the cloud drive of the other track.

[0375] Moreover, according to an embodiment, the first guiding part 210 and the second guiding part 220 formed separately from the base 20 are applied separately without providing a guide rail on the base itself. Thus, there is a special technical effect that a gradient along the injection molding direction can be prevented.

[0376] In the prior art, when the guide rail is provided in the base itself, a gradient is generated along the injection molding direction. Thus, there is a difficulty in dimension control, and there are technical problems that the frictional torque increases and the driving force decreases when the injection molding is not performed normally.

[0377] Next, Figure 23a is a perspective view of the first lens assembly 110 of the camera actuator according to the embodiment shown in Figure 21 and Figure 23b is a perspective view in which a part of the structure of the first lens assembly 110 shown in Figure 23a is removed.

[0378] Briefly refer to Figure 21, an embodiment may include: a first lens assembly 110 that moves along a first guide portion 210; and a second lens assembly 120 that moves along a second guide portion 220.

[0379] Referring again to Figure 23a , the first lens assembly 110 may include: a first lens barrel 112a on which a first lens 113 is disposed; and a first drive unit housing 112b on which a first drive unit 116 is disposed. The first lens barrel 112a and the first drive unit housing 112b may be a first housing, and the first housing may be in a cylindrical shape or a lens barrel shape. The first drive unit 116 may be a magnet drive unit, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and in some cases, a coil may be disposed therein.

[0380] In addition, the second lens assembly 120 may include: a second lens barrel (not shown) on which a second lens (not shown) is disposed; and a second drive unit housing (not shown) on which a second drive unit (not shown) is disposed. The second lens barrel (not shown) and the second drive unit housing (not shown) may be a second housing, and the second housing may be in a cylindrical shape or a lens barrel shape. The second drive unit may be a magnet drive unit, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and in some cases, a coil may be disposed therein.

[0381] The first drive unit 116 may correspond to two first tracks 212, and the second drive unit may correspond to two second tracks 222.

[0382] In an embodiment, a single or multiple balls can be used for driving. For example, an embodiment may include: a first ball bearing 117 disposed between the first guide portion 210 and the first lens assembly 110; and a second ball bearing (not shown) disposed between the second guide portion 220 and the second lens assembly 120.

[0383] For example, in an embodiment, the first ball bearing 117 may include: a single or multiple first-first ball bearings 117a disposed above the first drive unit housing 112b; and a single or multiple first-second ball bearings 117b disposed below the first drive unit housing 112b.

[0384] In an embodiment, the first-first ball bearing 117a in the first ball bearing 117 may move along the first-first track 212a which is one of the first tracks 212, and the first-second ball bearing 117b in the first ball bearing 117 may move along the first-second track 212b which is the other track of the first tracks 212.

[0385] The camera actuator according to the embodiment and the camera module including the camera actuator solve the problems generated by lens eccentricity or tilt during zooming, and align multiple lenses well to prevent the occurrence of a change in viewing angle or defocus, and thus there is a technical effect of significantly improving the image quality or resolution.

[0386] For example, according to the embodiment, the first guiding portion includes the first-first track and the first-second track, and the first-first track and the first-second track guide the first lens assembly 110. Thus, there is the following technical effect that the alignment accuracy between the second lens assembly 110 and the optical axis can be improved when the first lens assembly 110 moves.

[0387] Also refer to Figure 23b In an embodiment, the first lens assembly 110 may include a first component groove 112b1, and the first ball bearing 117 is disposed on the first component groove. The second lens assembly 120 may include a second component groove (not shown), and the second ball bearing is disposed on the second component groove.

[0388] The first component groove 112b1 of the first lens assembly 110 may be multiple. In this case, the distance in the optical axis direction between two of the multiple first component grooves 112b1 may be longer than the thickness of the first lens barrel 112a.

[0389] In an embodiment, the first component groove 112b1 of the first lens assembly 110 may be V-shaped. In addition, the second component groove (not shown) of the second lens assembly 120 may be V-shaped. In addition to the V shape, the first component groove 112b1 of the first lens assembly 110 may also be U-shaped, or a shape that contacts the first ball bearing 117 at two or three points. Additionally, in addition to the V shape, the second component groove (not shown) of the second lens assembly 120 may also be U-shaped, or a shape that contacts the first ball bearing 117 at two or three points.

[0390] Next, Figure 24 is a driving example diagram of the camera actuator according to the embodiment.

[0391] Refer to Figure 24Describe the interaction that generates the electromagnetic force DEM between the first magnet 116 and the first coil unit 141b in the camera module according to the embodiment.

[0392] As Figure 24 shown, the magnetization method of the first magnet 116 of the camera module according to the embodiment may be a vertical magnetization method. For example, in the embodiment, all the N poles 116N and S poles 116S of the first magnet 116 may be magnetized to face the first coil unit 141b. Thus, the N poles 116N and S poles 116S of the first magnet 116 may be respectively set to correspond to the regions where the current flows in the y-axis direction perpendicular to the ground at the first coil unit 141b.

[0393] Refer to Figure 24 , in the embodiment, a magnetic force DM is applied in the direction opposite to the x-axis at the N pole 116N of the first magnet 116, and when the current DE flows in the y-axis direction in the region of the first coil unit 141b corresponding to the N pole 116N, the electromagnetic force DEM acts in the Z-axis direction according to Fleming's left-hand rule.

[0394] In addition, in the embodiment, a magnetic force DM is applied in the x-axis direction at the S pole 116S of the first magnet 116, and when the current DE flows in the direction opposite to the y-axis perpendicular to the ground at the first coil unit 141b corresponding to the S pole 116S, the electromagnetic force DEM acts in the Z-axis direction according to Fleming's left-hand rule.

[0395] At this time, since the third driving unit 141 including the first coil unit 141b is in a fixed state, the first lens assembly 110, which is the moving part on which the first magnet 116 is disposed, reciprocates in the direction parallel to the Z-axis direction along the track of the first guide part 210 by the electromagnetic force DEM according to the current direction. The electromagnetic force DEM can be controlled to be proportional to the current DE applied to the first coil unit 141b.

[0396] Similarly, an electromagnetic force DEM is generated between the second magnet (not shown) and the second coil unit 142b of the camera module according to the embodiment, and thus, the second lens assembly 120 can be horizontally moved along the track of the second guide part 220 with respect to the optical axis.

[0397] As described above, when implementing AF or zoom in the prior art, multiple lens assemblies are driven by the electromagnetic force between magnets and coils, and in order to obtain the position information of the lens assembly, a Hall sensor is disposed inside the winding of the coil. The inside of the winding of the coil in which the Hall sensor is disposed may be hollow. The Hall sensor can obtain the position information of the lens assembly by sensing the change in the magnetic flux of the magnet disposed in the lens assembly. However, when the Hall sensor is positioned inside the coil, the distance between the Hall sensor and the magnet is determined by the height of the coil.

[0398] However, in the prior art, in order to move the lens assembly, a thrust force is required, and in order to ensure such a thrust force, the height of the coil needs to be higher than a predetermined height.

[0399] However, when the height of the coil increases as described above, the distance between the Hall sensor and the magnet increases due to the increased coil. Thus, since the magnetic flux of the magnet is blocked, there is a technical contradiction in that the sensitivity of the magnetic flux sensed by the Hall sensor disposed inside the coil decreases. On the contrary, when the height of the coil decreases, the electromagnetic force between the magnet and the coil weakens, and the thrust force for AF or zoom driving deteriorates.

[0400] According to the applicant's private internal technology, in order to solve these problems, the optimal points of the sensitivity of the Hall sensor and the thrust force are set by a coil having an appropriate height. In addition, the deterioration of the thrust force or the weakening of the sensitivity of the Hall sensor cause problems in the accuracy of all camera controls, and result in eccentricity or tilting of the camera module, thus directly relating to the safety or life of the driver or pedestrian as the user.

[0401] One of the technical problems of the embodiment is to provide a camera actuator capable of increasing the sensitivity of the Hall sensor while increasing the thrust force, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0402] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C1-C2 in the first camera actuator of the embodiment shown in Figure 19 below.

[0403] Refer to Figure 25 , the first camera actuator 100 according to the embodiment may include a base 20 and a lens assembly disposed in the base 20. For example, the third lens assembly 130, the first lens assembly 110, and the second lens assembly 120 may be sequentially disposed in the base 20 based on the light incident direction, and the image sensor 180 may be disposed on the rear side of the second lens assembly 120.

[0404] As described above, the first camera actuator 100 according to the embodiment may be driven by the electromagnetic force of a predetermined magnet and coil unit.

[0405] For example, referring to Figure 25 , in the camera actuator according to the embodiment, the first lens assembly 110 may include a first driving unit 116 and a third driving unit 141, and the second lens assembly 120 may include a second driving unit 126 and a fourth driving unit 142.

[0406] The first driving unit 116 and the second driving unit 126 may be magnet driving units, and the third driving unit 141 and the fourth driving unit 142 may be coil driving units, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0407] The case where the first driving unit 116 and the second driving unit 126 are magnet driving units respectively, and the third driving unit 141 and the fourth driving unit 142 are coil driving units respectively will be described below.

[0408] In the camera module according to the embodiment, in the first lens assembly 110, the first driving unit 116 may include a first magnet 116b and a first yoke 116a, and the third driving unit 141 may include a first coil portion 141b and a third yoke 141a. The third driving unit 141 may include a first circuit board 41 between the first coil portion 141b and the third yoke 141a.

[0409] In addition, the embodiment may include: a first spacer 141c disposed in the base 20; and a first position detection sensor 71 disposed on the first spacer 141c. The first spacer 141c may be formed of any one or more of polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP), but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0410] The first position detection sensor 71 may be a magnetic sensor. For example, the first position detection sensor 71 may be any one of a solid magnetic sensor (such as a Hall sensor), a coil magnetic sensor, a resonance magnetic sensor, etc., but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0411] In addition, in the camera module according to the embodiment, in the second lens assembly 120, the second driving unit 126 may include a second magnet 126b and a second yoke 126a, and the fourth driving unit 142 may include a second coil portion 142b and a fourth yoke 142a. The fourth driving unit 142 may include a second circuit board 42 between the second coil portion 142b and the fourth yoke 142a.

[0412] In addition, an embodiment may include: a second spacer 142c disposed in the base 20; and a second position detection sensor 72 disposed on the second spacer 142c. The second spacer 142c may be formed of any one or more of polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP), but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0413] The second position detection sensor 72 may be any one of magnetic sensors such as a coil magnetic sensor, a solid magnetic sensor (such as a Hall sensor), a resonant magnetic sensor, etc., but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0414] Next, reference will be made to Figure 25 and Figures 26a to 26c to describe the technical features of the setting structure of the position sensor in the embodiment.

[0415] Figure 26a is Figure 25 an enlarged view of the S region shown in Figure 26b and Figure 25 is a detailed view of the S region shown in

[0416] First, referring to Figure 25 and Figure 26a , an embodiment may include: a base 20; a first lens assembly 110 disposed in the base 20; a third driving unit 141, which is a coil driving unit disposed in the base 20; a first spacer 141c disposed in the base 20; and a first position detection sensor 71 disposed on the first spacer 141c.

[0417] The third driving unit 141 may include a first circuit board 41a disposed between the first coil portion 141b and the third yoke 141a.

[0418] The first coil portion 141b and the first position detection sensor 71 may be electrically connected to the first circuit board 41a.

[0419] Next, referring to Figure 26b , the first spacer 141c may include: a first support portion 141c1; and a first protrusion 141c3 protruding from the first support portion 141c1. The first position detection sensor 71 may be disposed on the first protrusion 141c3, and the first protrusion 141c3 may be disposed in the hollow of the first coil portion 141b serving as a coil driving portion.

[0420] In this case, the embodiment may include a first connection portion 141c2 connecting the first protrusion 141c3 and the first support portion 141c1.

[0421] Reference Figure 26b Figure 26b , the first circuit board 41a may include a first substrate region 41a1 disposed on the first spacer 141c and a second substrate region 41a3 disposed to be spaced apart from the first substrate region 41a1. The first circuit board 41a may include a second-second substrate region 41a2 connecting the first substrate region 41a1 and the second substrate region 41a3. The first position detection sensor 71 may be disposed on the second substrate region 41a3, and the second substrate region 41a3 may be disposed in the hollow of the first coil portion 141b that is a coil driving unit.

[0422] In addition, reference Figure 25 Figure 25 , the embodiment may include: a base 20; a second lens assembly 120 disposed in the base 20; a fourth driving unit 142 that is a coil driving unit disposed in the base 20; a second spacer 142c disposed in the base 20; and a second position detection sensor 72 disposed on the second spacer 142c.

[0423] In addition, the second spacer 142c may also adopt the technical features of the first spacer 141c. For example, reference Figure 25 Figure 25 , the second spacer 142c may include a second protrusion (not shown) protruding from a second support portion (not shown), the second position detection sensor 72 may be disposed on the second protrusion, and the second protrusion may be disposed in the hollow of the fourth driving unit 142 that is a coil driving unit.

[0424] The second protrusion may include a second placement portion (not shown), and the second position detection sensor 72 may be disposed on the second placement portion.

[0425] In addition, reference Figure 25 Figure 25 , the second circuit board 41b may include a third substrate region (not shown) disposed on the second spacer 142c and a fourth substrate region disposed to be spaced apart from the third substrate region. The second circuit board 41b may include a fourth-second substrate region connecting the third substrate region and the fourth substrate region.

[0426] The second position detection sensor 72 may be disposed on the fourth-second substrate region, and the fourth-second substrate region may be disposed in the hollow of the fourth driving unit 142 that is a coil driving unit.

[0427] Refer to again Figure 26b, the first lens assembly 110 can be driven in the optical axis direction by the electromagnetic force (DEM) between the first magnet 116b of the first driving unit 116 and the first coil part 141b of the third driving unit 141. At this time, the electromagnetic force (DEM) is affected by the distance (DCM) between the first magnet 116b and the first coil part 141b.

[0428] The magnetic flux of the magnet sensed by the Hall sensor changes according to the separation distance between the Hall sensor and the magnet. Therefore, the performance of the position detection of the Hall sensor is affected. For example, Figure 26c The magnetic flux data according to the separation distance between the magnet and the position detection sensor 71 in the example and the comparative example are shown.

[0429] In the conventional internal technology, the height of the coil part should be ensured to guarantee the thrust. In the prior art, as the height of the coil part increases according to the PCB on which the Hall sensor is arranged under the coil part, the separation distance between the magnet and the Hall sensor increases. Therefore, there is the following technical limitation, that is, the first distance DH1 between the magnet and the Hall sensor spaced apart should be guaranteed to be at least 800 μm (micrometers) or more. Therefore, in the conventional internal technology (comparative example), the magnetic flux detected by the Hall sensor is guaranteed to be at a level of about 50 mT (millitesla). In addition, in the conventional internal technology, when the coil height increases, the magnetic flux of the magnet that may be introduced into the Hall sensor arranged in the hollow part of the coil is partially blocked, reducing the sensitivity of the Hall sensor.

[0430] On the other hand, according to the embodiment, the first spacer 141c includes a first protrusion 141c3 protruding from the first support part 141c1, and the first position detection sensor 71 is arranged on the first protrusion 141c3. Therefore, the second distance DH2 between the first magnet 116b and the first position detection sensor 71 is significantly reduced. Therefore, there is a technical effect that the magnetic flux of the first magnet 116b sensed by the first position detection sensor 71 is significantly increased.

[0431] For example, according to the embodiment, since the first position detection sensor 71 is arranged on the first protrusion 141c3, the second distance DH2 between the first magnet 116b and the first position detection sensor 71 can be guaranteed to be 400 μm or less, which is twice shorter than the corresponding distance in the comparative example. Therefore, there is a unique technical effect that the magnetic flux between the first magnet 116b and the first position detection sensor 71 can be guaranteed to be about 150 mT, which is three times higher than that in the comparative example.

[0432] In addition, according to the embodiment, since the first position detection sensor 71 is disposed on the first protrusion 141c3, even if the first position detection sensor 71 is disposed in the airspace of the first coil portion 141b, it is almost exposed to the first magnet 116b. Thus, there is a special technical effect of significantly reducing the blocking of the magnetic flux by the first coil portion 141b.

[0433] Therefore, the camera actuator according to the embodiment and the camera module including the camera actuator have a unique technical effect of simultaneously increasing the thrust and the sensitivity of the Hall sensor.

[0434] Next, one of the technical problems of the embodiment is to provide a camera actuator that can prevent magnetic field interference between magnets mounted on each lens assembly when a plurality of lens assemblies are driven by an electromagnetic force between a magnet and a coil when implementing AF or zoom, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0435] In addition, one of the technical problems of the embodiment is to provide a camera actuator that can prevent the magnet and the yoke from detaching, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0436] Next, reference will be made to Figures 27a to 27c Describe the magnetic field interference prevention structure of the embodiment.

[0437] Next, Figure 27a is a perspective view of the first driving unit 116 of the camera module according to the embodiment. Refer to Figure 27a , in the embodiment, the first driving unit 116 may include a first magnet 116b and a first yoke 116a, and the first yoke 116a may include a first support portion 116a1 and a first side protrusion 116a2 extending from a side surface of the first support portion 116a1 toward the first magnet 116b. The first side protrusion 116a2 may be disposed on two side surfaces of the first magnet 116b. In addition, the first yoke 116a may include a first fixing protrusion 116a3 extending in a different direction, for example, extending in a direction opposite to the first side protrusion 116a2. The first fixing protrusion 116a3 may be disposed at approximately the middle position of the first support portion 116a1, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0438] Similarly, in the embodiment, the second driving unit 126 may include a second magnet 126b and a second yoke 126a, and the second yoke 126a may include a second support portion (not shown) and a second side protrusion extending from a side surface of the second support portion toward the second magnet 126b (see the structure of the second yoke 126a in Figure 25 ).

[0439] The second side protrusion can be provided on two side surfaces of the second magnet 126b. Additionally, the second yoke 126a can include second fixing protrusions (not shown) extending in different directions, for example, extending in a direction opposite to the second side protrusion. The second fixing protrusion can be provided at approximately the middle position of the second support portion, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0440] In the prior art, additionally, when AF or zoom is implemented, multiple lens assemblies are driven by the electromagnetic force between magnets and coils, and there is a problem of magnetic field interference occurring between the magnets installed in each lens assembly. There is a problem that AF or zoom driving cannot be correctly performed, and the thrust deteriorates due to this magnetic field interference between the magnets. Additionally, there is an eccentricity or tilt phenomenon caused by the magnetic field interference between the magnets.

[0441] When problems occur in the accuracy of camera control due to this magnetic field interference, or the thrust deteriorates, or an eccentricity or tilt problem is caused, it may be directly related to the safety or life of the driver or pedestrian as the user.

[0442] For example, Figure 27b Data showing the magnetic flux density distribution in the comparative example is shown. Figure 27b The comparative example is the applicant's unpublished internal technology, having a structure in which a back yoke of a magnet is applied to perform a magnetic flux shielding function. By applying the back yoke technology to the magnet, the magnetic flux shielding performance is improved, but there are the following technical problems.

[0443] For example, referring to Figure 27b , this figure is the magnetic flux density data between the corresponding magnets installed in the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly. Thus, there are the following problems, that is, magnetic field interference (IF) occurs between the corresponding magnets, and thrust loss occurs due to magnetic flux leakage (LE) generated in each magnet.

[0444] Particularly, in the case of a high magnification zoom actuator applied in recent years, there are the following problems, that is, not only magnetic field interference occurs between the permanent magnets of the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly as the moving lenses, but also magnetic field interference (IF) occurs with the OIS magnet.

[0445] Due to the magnetic field interference (IF), the movement of each group is disturbed. As a result, there is a problem that the input current also increases.

[0446] According to an embodiment, a yoke in a magnet driving unit of the first lens assembly 110 or the second lens assembly 120 includes a side protrusion extending to a side surface of a magnet. Thus, there is the following special technical effect, which is that it is possible to provide a camera actuator that can prevent magnetic field interference between magnets mounted on each lens assembly when multiple lens assemblies are driven by an electromagnetic force between a magnet and a coil when achieving AF or zoom, and a camera module including the camera actuator.

[0447] For example, Figure 27c Data showing the magnetic flux density distribution in the example is shown.

[0448] Referring to Figure 27c , this figure is the magnetic flux density data between corresponding magnets installed in the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly, and the yoke in the magnet driving unit of the first lens assembly 110 and the second lens assembly 120 includes a side protrusion extending to the side surface of the magnet. Thus, the accuracy of camera control can be significantly improved.

[0449] In addition, according to an embodiment, a yoke in a magnet driving unit of the first lens assembly 110 or the second lens assembly 120 includes a side protrusion extending to a side surface of the magnet to prevent leakage flux generated in the magnet, and the side protrusion is provided in a region having a high magnetic flux density, so the magnetic flux is concentrated (FC). Thus, there is the following technical effect, which is that the thrust is significantly increased by increasing the density between magnetic flux lines and the coil to increase the Lorentz force.

[0450] Next, Figure 28 is an explanatory view of an integrated body 315 of a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0451] The first camera actuator 100 may be disposed in a first body region 315a of an integrated body 315 of a camera module according to another embodiment, and the second camera actuator 300 may be disposed in a second body region 315b.

[0452] Next, Figure 29 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal 1500 to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0453] As Figure 29 shown, a mobile terminal 1500 according to an embodiment may include a camera module 100, a flash module 1530, and an autofocus device 1510 disposed on a back surface.

[0454] The camera module 1000 may include an image capturing function and an autofocus function. For example, the camera module 1000 may include an autofocus function using an image.

[0455] The camera module 1000 processes still images or moving image frames obtained by an image sensor in a shooting mode or a video call mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on a predetermined display unit and can be stored in a memory. A camera (not shown) can be disposed on a front surface of a main body of the mobile terminal.

[0456] For example, the camera module 1000 can include a first camera module 1000A and a second camera module 1000B, and OIS can be implemented through the first camera module 1000A together with an AF or zoom function.

[0457] The flash module 1530 can include a light-emitting device that emits light therein. The flash module 1530 can be operated through a camera operation of the mobile terminal or through user control.

[0458] The autofocus device 1510 can include one of packages of surface-emitting laser elements as a light-emitting unit.

[0459] The autofocus device 1510 can include an autofocus function using a laser. The autofocus device 1510 can be mainly used under conditions where the autofocus function of an image using the camera module 1000 has deteriorated, for example, in a close-range environment of 10 m or less or in a dark environment. The autofocus device 1510 can include a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, the light-emitting unit including a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) semiconductor device, and the light-receiving unit converting light energy into electrical energy, such as a photodiode.

[0460] Next, Figure 30 is a perspective view of a vehicle 700 to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0461] For example, Figure 30 is an exterior appearance of a vehicle having a vehicle driving assistance device to which the camera module 1000 according to an embodiment is applied.

[0462] Reference Figure 30 , the vehicle 700 according to an embodiment can include wheels 13FL and 13FR that are rotated by a power source, and a predetermined sensor. The sensor can be a camera sensor 2000, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0463] The camera 2000 can be a camera module to which the camera module 1000 according to an embodiment is applied.

[0464] The vehicle 700 according to an embodiment can collect image information through an image sensor 2000 that captures a front image or a surrounding image, and can determine an unrecognized condition of a lane by using the image information and generate a virtual lane when unrecognized.

[0465] For example, the camera sensor 2000 may collect a front image by photographing in front of the vehicle 700, and a processor (not shown) may collect image information by analyzing the objects included in the front image.

[0466] For example, when lanes corresponding to indirect road markings, adjacent vehicles, driving obstacles, and objects such as median strips, curbs, and roadside trees are photographed in the image captured by the camera sensor 2000, the processor detects such objects and includes them in the image information.

[0467] In this case, the processor may collect distance information of the objects detected by the camera sensor 2000 to further supplement the image information. The image information may be information about the objects captured in the image.

[0468] Such a camera sensor 2000 may include an image sensor and an image processing module. The camera sensor 2000 may process still images or moving images obtained by the image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD). The image processing module may process the still images or moving images collected by the image sensor to extract necessary information, and may transmit the extracted information to the processor.

[0469] At this time, the camera sensor 2000 may include a stereo camera to improve the measurement accuracy of the objects and ensure more information, such as the distance between the vehicle 700 and the objects, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0470] The features, structures, and effects described in the above embodiments are included in at least one embodiment, but not limited to one embodiment. In addition, those skilled in the art of the embodiments can even combine or modify the features, structures, effects, etc. shown in each embodiment with respect to other embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the content related to such combinations and such modifications is also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0471] In addition, the above mainly describes the embodiments, but they are only examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains should understand that several variations and applications not proposed above can be made without departing from the basic features of the embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be changed. In addition, it should be understood that the differences related to such variations and such applications are included in the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera actuator, comprising: A housing; A prism unit, which is disposed in the housing; A driving unit, which is used to tilt the prism unit; And, An elastic member, which is disposed between the housing and the prism unit, Wherein, the elastic member includes: A first elastic member, which is disposed in a central region corresponding to the center of the prism unit, and A plurality of second elastic members, which are spaced apart from the first elastic member, and Wherein, the first elastic member and the second elastic members include springs, Wherein, the second elastic member includes: A first sub-elastic member and a second sub-elastic member, which are spaced apart from the first elastic member in a first direction; and A third sub-elastic member and a fourth sub-elastic member, which are spaced apart from the first elastic member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and Wherein, the first elastic member is disposed in the region between the first sub-elastic member and the second sub-elastic member and in the region between the third sub-elastic member and the fourth sub-elastic member.

2. The camera actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The spring constant of the first elastic member is defined as a first spring constant, Wherein, the spring constant (k) of the second elastic member is defined as a second spring constant, and Wherein, the first spring constant and the second spring constant are different from each other.

3. The camera actuator according to claim 2, wherein, The second spring constant is less than the first spring constant.

4. The camera actuator according to claim 3, wherein, The second spring constant is 20% to 80% of the first spring constant.

5. The camera actuator according to claim 4, wherein, The virtual lines connecting the centers of the first to fourth sub-elastic members and the first elastic member are arranged in a cross shape (+).

6. The camera actuator according to claim 4, wherein, The prism unit is arranged to be rotatable about a first virtual line formed by the first elastic member and the first sub-elastic member and the second sub-elastic member as a reference axis in the second direction.

7. The camera actuator according to claim 4, wherein The prism unit is arranged to be rotatable about a second virtual line formed by the first elastic member and the third sub-elastic member and the fourth sub-elastic member as a reference axis in the first direction.

8. The camera actuator according to claim 2, wherein, The housing includes: A first groove, which is formed on the inner surface of the housing facing the prism unit and corresponds to the first elastic member; and A second groove, which is formed on the inner surface of the housing facing the prism unit and corresponds to the second elastic member, Wherein, the prism unit includes: A third groove, which is formed on the outer surface of the prism unit facing the inner surface of the housing and corresponds to the first elastic member; and A fourth groove, which is formed on the outer surface of the prism unit facing the inner surface of the housing and corresponds to the second elastic member; Wherein, both ends of the first elastic member are arranged to be inserted into the first groove and the third groove, and Wherein, both ends of the second elastic member are arranged to be inserted into the second groove and the fourth groove.

9. The camera actuator according to claim 8, wherein, The first elastic member is fixed and disposed in at least one of the first groove and the third groove.

10. The camera actuator according to claim 8, wherein, The second elastic member is fixed and disposed in at least one of the second groove and the fourth groove.

11. A camera actuator, comprising: A housing; A prism unit disposed in the housing; A drive unit for tilting the prism unit; And An elastic member disposed between the housing and the prism unit, wherein the housing includes an inner surface and first to fifth recesses formed in the inner surface, wherein the center of the first recess is included in a region connecting the centers of the second to fifth recesses, wherein the second recess and the third recess are spaced apart from the first recess in a first direction, wherein the fourth recess and the fifth recess are spaced apart from the first recess in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the first recess is disposed in a region between the second recess and the third recess and in a region between the fourth recess and the fifth recess.

12. The camera actuator according to claim 11, wherein, The size of the first recess is larger than the size of each of the second to fifth recesses.

13. The camera actuator according to claim 11, wherein, A virtual straight line connecting the second recess and the third recess is orthogonal to a virtual straight line connecting the fourth recess and the fifth recess.

14. The camera actuator according to claim 13, wherein, The first recess includes a point at which a virtual straight line connecting the second recess and the third recess intersects a virtual straight line connecting the fourth recess and the fifth recess.

15. The camera actuator according to claim 11, wherein, The elastic member includes: A first elastic member disposed in the first recess; and A second elastic member disposed in the second to fifth recesses; wherein the spring constant of the first elastic member is greater than the spring constant of the second elastic member disposed in the second to fifth recesses.

16. A camera module, comprising: A first camera actuator, and A second camera actuator, wherein the second camera actuator includes: A housing; A prism unit disposed in the housing; A drive unit for tilting the prism unit; and An elastic member disposed between the housing and the prism unit, wherein the elastic member includes: A first elastic member disposed in a central region corresponding to the center of the prism unit; and A plurality of second elastic members spaced apart from the first elastic member, and wherein the first elastic member and the second elastic members include springs, wherein the spring constant of the first elastic member is defined as a first spring constant, wherein the spring constant (k) of the second elastic member is defined as a second spring constant, and wherein the second spring constant is less than the first spring constant, wherein the second elastic member includes: A first sub-elastic member and a second sub-elastic member spaced apart from the first elastic member in a first direction; and a third sub-elastic member and a fourth sub-elastic member, the third sub-elastic member and the fourth sub-elastic member being spaced apart from the first elastic member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the first elastic member is disposed in a region between the first sub-elastic member and the second sub-elastic member and in a region between the third sub-elastic member and the fourth sub-elastic member.

17. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein, The first camera actuator includes: a base; a guiding portion disposed on the base; a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly disposed in the base and moving along the guiding portion; and a third lens assembly disposed in front of the first lens assembly in the optical axis direction.

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