Camera module

Abstract

A camera module, comprising: a housing having a first ball support surface provided on its inner surface; a driving body movably provided in the housing and having a second ball support surface provided on its outer surface; and a plurality of ball support members provided between the first ball support surface of the housing and the second ball support surface of the driving body. At respective first ends of the first ball support surface and the second ball support surface in the optical axis direction and at respective second ends of the first ball support surface and the second ball support surface in the optical axis direction, the distances between the first ball support surface and the second ball support surface in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction are different.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority benefits of Korean Patent Application Nos. 10 - 2020 - 0124398, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 25, 2020, and 10 - 2021 - 0115106, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 30, 2021, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field

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

[0004] Cameras have been standardly installed in portable electronic devices such as smart phones, desktop PCs, laptop computers, etc., and autofocus functions, optical image stabilization functions, zoom functions, etc. have been added to cameras for mobile terminals.

[0005] Meanwhile, a spherical actuator is adopted as a Z - axis driving method for autofocus (AF), and a driving body and a housing are supported by a plurality of main ball supports and a plurality of auxiliary ball supports.

[0006] However, when the main ball supports and the auxiliary ball supports for supporting the driving body change according to the operation of the main ball supports and the auxiliary ball supports for supporting the driving body, there is a problem that tilting may occur in the driving body. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present Summary of the Invention section is intended to introduce, in a brief form, a selection of inventive concepts, which will be further described in the Detailed Description section below. The Summary of the Invention section is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] A camera module that prevents tilting in a driving body.

[0009] In one general aspect, a camera module includes: a housing having a first ball - supporting surface provided on its inner surface; a driving body movably disposed in the housing and having a second ball - supporting surface provided on its outer surface; and a plurality of ball supports disposed between the first ball - supporting surface of the housing and the second ball - supporting surface of the driving body. At corresponding first ends of the first ball - supporting surface and the second ball - supporting surface in the optical axis direction and at corresponding second ends of the first ball - supporting surface and the second ball - supporting surface in the optical axis direction, the distance between the first ball - supporting surface and the second ball - supporting surface in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction is different from

[0010] The second ball support surface can be inclined relative to the optical axis direction.

[0011] The inclination angle of the second ball support surface is within ±8.0'.

[0012] The first ball support surface can be inclined relative to the optical axis direction.

[0013] The inclination angle of the first ball support surface is within ±8.0'.

[0014] The first ball support surface can be stepped in the optical axis direction.

[0015] The step width between the stepped surfaces of the first ball support surface has a value between 0.01 mm and 0.02 mm.

[0016] The second ball support surface can be stepped in the optical axis direction.

[0017] The step width between the stepped surfaces of the second ball support surface has a value between 0.01 mm and 0.02 mm.

[0018] The first ball support surface can include a first main ball support surface and a first auxiliary ball support surface spaced apart from the first main ball support surface, and the second ball support surface can include a second main ball support surface oppositely disposed with respect to the first main ball support surface to define a main ball rolling unit and a second auxiliary ball support surface oppositely disposed with respect to the first auxiliary ball support surface to define an auxiliary ball rolling unit. The plurality of ball supports can include a main ball support disposed in the main ball rolling unit and an auxiliary ball support disposed in the auxiliary ball rolling unit.

[0019] The auxiliary ball support can include a plurality of auxiliary ball supports, and at least two of the auxiliary ball supports can each contact the first auxiliary ball support surface and the second auxiliary ball support surface at three points.

[0020] The at least two auxiliary ball supports can each contact the first auxiliary ball support surface at one point and can contact the second auxiliary ball support surface at two points.

[0021] The at least two auxiliary ball supports can each contact the first auxiliary ball support surface at two points and can contact the second auxiliary ball support surface at one point.

[0022] The main ball support can include a plurality of main ball supports, and at least two of the main ball supports can each contact the first main ball support surface and the second main ball support surface at four points.

[0023] The first main ball support surface and the second main ball support surface forming the main ball rolling unit have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and the inclination angles of the first main ball support surface and the second main ball support surface forming the main ball rolling unit are within ±8.0'.

[0024] The first auxiliary ball support surface or the second auxiliary ball support surface forming the auxiliary ball rolling unit has a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and the inclination angle of the first auxiliary ball support surface or the second auxiliary ball support surface forming the auxiliary ball rolling unit has a value between -8.0' and -23'.

[0025] The first auxiliary ball support surface forming the auxiliary ball rolling unit has a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape. When the first auxiliary ball support surface forming the auxiliary ball rolling unit forms a stepped shape, the step width between the stepped surfaces of the first auxiliary ball support surface forming the auxiliary ball rolling unit has a value between 0.01 mm and 0.02 mm.

[0026] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, the claims, and the following detailed description. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device according to an example.

[0028] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a housing, a driving body, and a ball support provided in a camera module according to an example.

[0029] Figure 3 is an explanatory view schematically showing a plan view and a cross-section of a ball rolling unit.

[0030] Figure 4 is an explanatory view showing the acting point of the axial force between the housing and the driving body.

[0031] Figure 5 is an explanatory view showing a first modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0032] Figure 6 is an explanatory view showing a second modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0033] Figure 7 is an explanatory view showing a third modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0034] Figure 8 is an explanatory view showing a fourth modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0035] Figure 9 is an explanatory view showing a fifth modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0036] Figure 10It is an explanatory diagram showing a sixth modified example of a ball rolling unit.

[0037] Figure 11 It is an explanatory diagram showing a seventh modified example of a ball rolling unit.

[0038] Figure 12 It is an explanatory diagram showing an eighth modified example of a ball rolling unit.

[0039] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram showing a ninth modified example of a ball rolling unit.

[0040] Figure 14 It is an explanatory diagram showing a tenth modified example of a ball rolling unit.

[0041] Figure 15 It is an explanatory diagram showing an eleventh modified example of a ball rolling unit.

[0042] Figure 16 It is an explanatory diagram showing a twelfth modified example of a ball rolling unit.

[0043] Figure 17 It is an explanatory diagram showing a thirteenth modified example of a ball rolling unit.

[0044] Figure 18 It is an explanatory diagram showing a fourteenth modified example of a ball rolling unit.

[0045] Figure 19 It is an explanatory diagram showing a fifteenth modified example of a ball rolling unit.

[0046] Figure 20 It is an explanatory diagram showing a method for measuring the inclination of the first ball support surface of the main ball rolling unit and the auxiliary ball rolling unit.

[0047] Figure 21 It is an explanatory diagram showing a method for measuring the inclination and step of the first ball support surface of the main ball rolling unit and the auxiliary ball rolling unit.

[0048] Figure 22 It is an explanatory diagram showing the first ball support surface of the auxiliary ball rolling unit.

[0049] In all the drawings and the detailed description, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, proportions, and depictions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Description

[0050] The following specific embodiments are provided to assist the reader in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Except for operations that must occur in a specific order, the order of the operations described herein is merely exemplary and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but rather changes that will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made. Additionally, descriptions of functions and structures that are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be omitted for greater clarity and conciseness.

[0051] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Instead, the embodiments described herein are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0052] In this document, it should be noted that the use of the phrase "may" with respect to an example or embodiment (e.g., what may be included or implemented with respect to an example or embodiment) means that there is at least one example or embodiment in which such a feature is included or implemented, and all examples and embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0053] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, the element may be directly "on," directly "connected to," or directly "coupled to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements intervening between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no other elements intervening between the element and the other element.

[0054] As used herein, the phrase "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of them.

[0055] Although the terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various components, elements, regions, layers, or parts, these components, elements, regions, layers, or parts are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one component, element, region, layer, or part from another. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, first element, first region, first layer, or first part referred to in an example may also be referred to as the second component, second element, second region, second layer, or second part.

[0056] Spatial relative terms such as "above", "upper", "below", and "lower" may be used herein for convenience of description to describe the relationship of one element relative to another as shown in the figures. These spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "above" or "upper" relative to another element will be "below" or "lower" relative to that other element. Thus, the term "above" encompasses both the orientation of "above" and "below" depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0057] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various examples only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the articles "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" specify the presence of the stated features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0058] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the figures may vary. Accordingly, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the figures but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0059] The features of the examples described herein may be combined in various ways, which will be apparent after obtaining an understanding of the disclosure. Additionally, although the examples described herein have various configurations, it will be apparent after obtaining an understanding of the disclosure that other configurations are possible.

[0060] For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the figures may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, proportions, and depictions of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated.

[0061] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device according to an example.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1 , the portable electronic device 1 may be a portable electronic device on which a camera module 100 is mounted, such as a mobile communication terminal, a smart phone, a tablet PC, etc.

[0063] As Figure 1 shown, the camera module 100 is mounted on the portable electronic device 1 to image an object.

[0064] The camera module 100 includes a plurality of lenses, and the optical axes of the lenses may be parallel to the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1 (Z-axis direction, from the front surface of the portable electronic device 1 toward its rear surface, or vice versa).

[0065] The camera module 100 may have at least one of an AF function, a zoom function, and an OIS function. Accordingly, the plurality of lenses may move along the Z-axis (optical axis direction).

[0066] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a housing, a driving body, and a ball support provided in a camera module according to an example, and Figure 3 is an explanatory view schematically showing a plan view and a cross section of a ball rolling unit.

[0067] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the camera module 100 (see Figure 1 ) may include a housing 120, a driving body 140, and a ball support 160.

[0068] The housing 120 has an internal space to accommodate the driving body 140. The housing 120 may be in the shape of a hexahedron having an open upper and lower portions. In addition, the housing 120 and the driving body 140 form a ball rolling unit 180, and the ball support 160 is mounted on the ball rolling unit 180. A detailed description of the ball rolling unit 180 will be described later. For example, an AF coil 122 for raising the driving body 140 may be provided on one surface of the housing 120.

[0069] The driving body 140 is mounted to be raised in the housing 120 and has a hollow portion so that a lens holder (not shown) can be mounted. The driving body 140 may be provided with an AF magnet 142 disposed opposite to the AF coil 122. As described above, the driving body 140 may be raised from the housing 120 by the interaction between the AF coil 122 and the AF magnet 142. At the same time, a plurality of lenses (not shown) may be mounted in the lens holder, and the plurality of lenses may be arranged to be stacked in the vertical direction of the driving body 140, that is, in the Figure 1 and Figure 2 Z-axis direction of

[0070] The plurality of ball supports 160 are supported by the ball rolling unit 180. The ball supports 160 are provided between the housing 120 and the driving body 140 to smooth the movement of the driving body 140.

[0071] For example, the ball support 160 may include a plurality of main ball supports 162 provided on one side of the housing 120 and the driving body 140, and auxiliary ball supports 164 provided to be spaced apart from the main ball supports 162.

[0072] The main ball support 162 is disposed on one side of the AF coil 122 and the AF magnet 142 in the direction parallel to the optical axis, and the auxiliary ball support 164 is disposed on the other side of the AF coil 122 and the AF magnet 142 in the direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0073] As an example, the main ball support 162 may be provided with two first ball supports 162a and two second ball supports 162b, and the auxiliary ball support 164 may be provided with two first ball supports 164a and two second ball supports 164b. Among them, the sizes of the second ball supports 162b and 164b are respectively smaller than the sizes of the first ball supports 162a and 164a.

[0074] However, the structure is not limited thereto, and the second ball supports 162b and 164b may not be provided, and the number of the second ball supports 162b and 164b may be changed.

[0075] The ball rolling unit 180 is formed by the inner surface of the housing 120 and the outer surface of the driving body 140. As an example, the ball rolling unit 180 may include a main ball rolling unit 182 on which the main ball support 162 is mounted, and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 184 on which the auxiliary ball support 164 is mounted.

[0076] The ball rolling unit 180 may include a first ball support surface 185 provided in the housing 120, and a second ball support surface 186 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 185 and provided in the driving body 140. The main ball rolling unit 182 and the auxiliary ball rolling unit 184 are formed by the first ball support surface 185 and the second ball support surface 186.

[0077] As an example, the interval formed by the first ball support surface 185 and the second ball support surface 186 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis is different between one end and the other end in the optical axis direction. In other words, the second ball support surface 186 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 184 is formed to be inclined such that the interval between the second ball support surface 186 and the first ball support surface 185 becomes wider from one end to the other end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). That is, a contact avoidance unit 190 is formed in the ball rolling unit 180 to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 160. The contact avoidance unit 190 may be formed by an inclined surface.

[0078] Accordingly, one of the auxiliary ball supports 164, the first ball support 164a, is in two-point contact with the first ball support surface 185 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 184 and in one-point contact with the second ball support surface 186 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 184. As an example, the first ball support surface 185 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 184 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween, and the second ball support surface 186 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape.

[0079] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 182 also has a first ball support surface 185 and a second ball support surface 186, and the first ball support surface 185 and the second ball support surface 186 of the main ball rolling unit 182 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Accordingly, the main ball support 162 is in four-point contact with the main ball rolling unit 182.

[0080] As described above, since the ball supports 160 supported by the first ball support surface 185 and the second ball support surface 186 can be intentionally determined, the camera module 100 can be stably driven according to different arrangements. In other words, since the ball supports 160 in contact with the first ball support surface 185 and the second ball support surface 186 do not change according to different arrangements of the camera module 100, the tilting phenomenon occurring in the driving body 140 can be prevented.

[0081] As Figure 4 shown, the working point of the axial force between the housing and the driving body is located in the support triangle of the first ball support, the second ball support, and the third ball support, thereby performing driving. However, when the fourth ball support instead of the third ball support contacts the housing and the driving body, some working points deviate from the ball support triangle, and the driving body tilts as the supported ball support changes.

[0082] However, as described above, since the contact avoidance unit 190 is provided in the auxiliary ball rolling unit 184, the working point of the axial force between the housing 120 and the driving body 140 is located within the support triangle of three of the ball supports 160, so that driving can be performed.

[0083] Hereinafter, modification examples will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in the following drawings, a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the ball rolling unit are schematically shown to describe the ball rolling unit.

[0084] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a first modification example of the ball rolling unit.

[0085] Refer to Figure 5, the ball rolling unit 280 may include a main ball rolling unit 282 on which a main ball support 262 is mounted, and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 284 on which an auxiliary ball support 264 is mounted. A contact avoidance unit 290 is formed with a wider interval at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 260. The contact avoidance unit 290 may be formed of an inclined surface.

[0086] The ball rolling unit 280 may include a first ball support surface 285 provided in the housing 220, and a second ball support surface 286 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 285 and provided in the driving body 240.

[0087] As an example, the first ball support surface 285 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 284 is formed to be inclined such that the interval between the first ball support surface 285 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 284 and the second ball support surface 286 increases from one end to the other end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). The second ball support surface 286 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 284 is also formed to be inclined such that the interval between the second ball support surface 286 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 284 and the first ball support surface 285 increases from one end to the other end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0088] Accordingly, one of the auxiliary ball supports 264 is in two-point contact with the first ball support surface 285 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 284 and in one-point contact with the second ball support surface 286 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 284. As an example, the first ball support surface 285 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 284 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween, and the second ball support surface 286 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 284 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape.

[0089] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 282 also has a first ball support surface 285 and a second ball support surface 286, and the first ball support surface 285 and the second ball support surface 286 of the main ball rolling unit 282 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Accordingly, the main ball support 262 is in four-point contact with the main ball rolling unit 282.

[0090] As described above, since the ball supports 260 supported by the first ball support surface 285 and the second ball support surface 286 can be intentionally determined, the driving of the camera module 100 (see Figure 1 ) can be stabilized according to different arrangements. In other words, since the ball supports 260 in contact with the ball rolling unit 280 may not change according to different arrangements of the camera module 100, tilting phenomena occurring in the driving body 240 can be prevented.

[0091] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram showing a second modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0092] Referring to Figure 6 , the ball rolling unit 380 may include a main ball rolling unit 382 on which a main ball support 362 is mounted, and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 384 on which an auxiliary ball support 364 is mounted. In the ball rolling unit 380, in order to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 360, a contact avoidance unit 390 is formed having a wider interval at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., in the Z-axis direction). The contact avoidance unit 390 may be formed by a stepped surface and an inclined surface.

[0093] The ball rolling unit 380 may include a first ball support surface 385 provided in the housing 320, and a second ball support surface 386 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 385 and provided in the driving body 340.

[0094] As an example, the first ball support surface 385 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 384 is formed in a stepped shape such that the interval between the first ball support surface 385 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 384 and the second ball support surface 386 increases at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction), and the second ball support surface 386 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 384 is formed in an inclined shape such that the interval between the second ball support surface 386 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 384 and the first ball support surface 385 increases from one end toward the other end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0095] For example, the auxiliary ball support 364 makes two-point contact on the first ball support surface 385 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 384, and makes one-point contact on the second ball support surface 386 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 384. As an example, the first ball support surface 385 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 384 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween, and the second ball support surface 386 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 384 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape.

[0096] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 382 also includes a first ball support surface 385 and a second ball support surface 386, and the first ball support surface 385 and the second ball support surface 386 of the main ball rolling unit 382 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Accordingly, the main ball support 362 makes four-point contact with the main ball rolling unit 382.

[0097] As described above, since the ball supports 360 supported by the first ball support surface 385 and the second ball support surface 386 can be intentionally determined, the camera module 100 can be stabilized according to different arrangements (see Figure 1) The driving force. In other words, since the ball support 360 in contact with the ball rolling unit 380 may not change according to the different arrangements of the camera module 100, the tilting phenomenon occurring in the driving body 340 can be prevented.

[0098] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0099] Refer to Figure 7 , the ball rolling unit 480 may include a main ball rolling unit 482 in which a main ball support 462 is installed, and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 484 in which an auxiliary ball support 464 is installed. In the ball rolling unit 480, a contact avoidance unit 490 having a wider interval at one end formed in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) is formed to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 460. The contact avoidance unit 490 may be formed by an inclined surface.

[0100] The ball rolling unit 480 may include a first ball support surface 485 provided in the housing 420, and a second ball support surface 486 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 485 and provided in the driving body 440.

[0101] As an example, the first ball support surface 485 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 484 is formed to be inclined such that the interval between the first ball support surface 485 and the second ball support surface 486 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 484 increases from one end to the other end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0102] For example, the auxiliary ball support 464 makes two-point contact with the first ball support surface 485 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 484, and makes one-point contact with the second ball support surface 486 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 484.

[0103] As an example, the first ball support surface 485 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 484 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween, and the second ball support surface 486 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 484 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape.

[0104] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 482 also includes a first ball support surface 485 and a second ball support surface 486, and the first ball support surface 485 and the second ball support surface 486 of the main ball rolling unit 482 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Therefore, the main ball support 462 makes four-point contact with the main ball rolling unit 482.

[0105] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fourth modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0106] Refer toFigure 8 , the ball rolling unit 580 may include a main ball rolling unit 582 in which a main ball support 562 is installed, and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 584 in which an auxiliary ball support 564 is installed. In the ball rolling unit 580, a contact avoidance unit 590 is formed with a wider interval at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 560. The contact avoidance unit 590 may be formed by a stepped surface and an inclined surface.

[0107] The ball rolling unit 580 may include a first ball support surface 585 provided in the housing 520, and a second ball support surface 586 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 585 and provided in the driving body 540.

[0108] As an example, the first ball support surface 585 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 584 is formed to be inclined such that the interval between the first ball support surface 585 and the second ball support surface 586 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 584 increases from one end to the other end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction), and the second ball support surface 586 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 584 is formed to be stepped such that the interval between the second ball support surface 586 and the first ball support surface 585 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 584 increases at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0109] As an example, the auxiliary ball support 564 is in two-point contact with the first ball support surface 585 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 584, and in one-point contact with the second ball support surface 586 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 584. As an example, the first ball support surface 585 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 584 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween, and the second ball support surface 586 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 584 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape.

[0110] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 582 also includes a first ball support surface 585 and a second ball support surface 586, and the first ball support surface 585 and the second ball support surface 586 of the main ball rolling unit 582 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Therefore, the main ball support 562 is in four-point contact with the main ball rolling unit 582.

[0111] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a fifth modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0112] Refer to Figure 9, the ball rolling unit 680 may include a main ball rolling unit 682 on which a main ball support 662 is mounted, and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 684 on which an auxiliary ball support 664 is mounted. In the ball rolling unit 680, a contact avoidance unit 690 is formed with a wider interval at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 660. The contact avoidance unit 690 may be formed by a stepped surface.

[0113] The ball rolling unit 680 may include a first ball support surface 685 provided in the housing 620 and a second ball support surface 686 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 685 and provided in the driving body 640.

[0114] As an example, the first ball support surface 685 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 684 is formed in a stepped shape such that the interval between the first ball support surface 685 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 684 and the second ball support surface 686 increases at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0115] As an example, the auxiliary ball support 664 is in two-point contact with the first ball support surface 685 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 684 and in one-point contact with the second ball support surface 686 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 684.

[0116] As an example, the first ball support surface 685 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 684 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween, and the second ball support surface 686 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 684 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape.

[0117] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 682 also includes a first ball support surface 685 and a second ball support surface 686, and the first ball support surface 685 and the second ball support surface 686 of the main ball rolling unit 682 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Accordingly, the main ball support 662 is in four-point contact with the main ball rolling unit 682.

[0118] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a sixth modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0119] Refer to Figure 10 , the ball rolling unit 780 may include a main ball rolling unit 782 on which a main ball support 762 is mounted and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 784 on which an auxiliary ball support 764 is mounted. In the ball rolling unit 780, in order to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 760, a contact avoidance unit 790 is formed with a wider interval at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). The contact avoidance unit 790 may be formed by a stepped surface.

[0120] The ball rolling unit 780 may include a first ball support surface 785 provided in the housing 720 and a second ball support surface 786 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 785 and in the driving body 740.

[0121] As an example, the first ball support surface 785 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 784 is formed in a stepped shape such that the interval between the first ball support surface 785 and the second ball support surface 786 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 784 increases at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction), and the second ball support surface 786 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 784 is formed in a stepped shape such that the interval between the second ball support surface 786 and the first ball support surface 785 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 784 increases at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0122] As an example, the auxiliary ball support 764 contacts the first ball support surface 785 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 784 at two points and contacts the second ball support surface 786 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 784 at one point. As an example, the first ball support surface 785 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 784 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween, and the second ball support surface 786 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 784 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape.

[0123] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 782 also has a first ball support surface 785 and a second ball support surface 786, and the first ball support surface 785 and the second ball support surface 786 of the main ball rolling unit 782 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Thus, the main ball support 762 contacts the main ball rolling unit 782 at four points.

[0124] Figure 11 It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a seventh modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0125] Referring to Figure 11 , the ball rolling unit 880 may include a main ball rolling unit 882 on which the main ball support 862 is mounted and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 884 on which the auxiliary ball support 884 is mounted. In the ball rolling unit 880, a contact avoidance unit 890 having a wider interval at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) is formed to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 860.

[0126] The ball rolling unit 880 may include a first ball support surface 885 provided in the housing 820 and a second ball support surface 886 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 885 and in the driving body 840.

[0127] As an example, the second ball support surface 886 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 884 is formed to be inclined such that the interval between the second ball support surface 886 and the first ball support surface 885 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 884 increases from one end toward the other end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0128] For example, the auxiliary ball support 864 is in two-point contact with the first ball support surface 885 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 884 and in one-point contact with the second ball support surface 886 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 884.

[0129] As an example, the second ball support surface 886 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 884 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and the first ball support surface 885 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 884 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween.

[0130] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 882 also has a first ball support surface 885 and a second ball support surface 886, and the first ball support surface 885 and the second ball support surface 886 of the main ball rolling unit 882 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Accordingly, the main ball support 862 contacts the main ball rolling unit 882 at four points.

[0131] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an eighth modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0132] Refer to Figure 12 , the ball rolling unit 980 may include a main ball rolling unit 982 on which a main ball support 962 is mounted and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 984 on which an auxiliary ball support 964 is mounted. In the ball rolling unit 980, a contact avoidance unit 990 having a wider interval is formed at one end in the optical axis (i.e., the Z-axis direction) to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 960.

[0133] The ball rolling unit 980 may include a first ball support surface 985 provided in the housing 920 and a second ball support surface 986 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 985 and provided in the driving body 940.

[0134] As an example, the second ball support surface 986 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 984 is formed to be inclined such that the interval between the second ball support surface 986 and the first ball support surface 985 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 984 increases from one end toward the other end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0135] As an example, the auxiliary ball support 964 is in one-point contact with the first ball support surface 985 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 984 and in two-point contact with the second ball support surface 986 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 984.

[0136] As an example, the first ball support surface 985 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 984 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and the second ball support surface 986 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 984 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween.

[0137] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 982 also has a first ball support surface 985 and a second ball support surface 986, and the first ball support surface 985 and the second ball support surface 986 of the main ball rolling unit 982 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Thus, the main ball support 962 contacts the main ball rolling unit 982 at four points.

[0138] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ninth modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0139] Referring to Figure 13 , the ball rolling unit 1080 may include a main ball rolling unit 1082 on which a main ball support 1062 is mounted and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 1084 on which an auxiliary ball support 1064 is mounted. A contact avoidance unit 1090 having a wider interval at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) is formed in the ball rolling unit 1080 to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 1060. The contact avoidance unit 1090 may be formed by an inclined surface.

[0140] The ball rolling unit 1080 may include a first ball support surface 1085 provided in the housing 1020 and a second ball support surface 1086 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 1085 and provided in the driving body 1040.

[0141] As an example, the first ball support surface 1085 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1084 is formed to be inclined such that the interval between the first ball support surface 1085 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1084 and the second ball support surface 1086 increases from one end to the other end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction), and the second ball support surface 1086 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1084 is formed to be inclined such that the interval between the second ball support surface 1086 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1084 and the first ball support surface 1085 increases from one end to the other end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0142] As an example, the auxiliary ball support member 1064 is in point contact with the first ball support surface 1085 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1084 and in two-point contact with the second ball support surface 1086 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1084. As an example, the first ball support surface 1085 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1084 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and the second ball support surface 1086 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1084 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween.

[0143] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 1082 also has a first ball support surface 1085 and a second ball support surface 1086, and the first ball support surface 1085 and the second ball support surface 1086 of the main ball rolling unit 1082 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Accordingly, the main ball support member 1062 contacts the main ball rolling unit 1082 at four points.

[0144] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a tenth modified example of a ball rolling unit.

[0145] Refer to Figure 14 , the ball rolling unit 1180 may include a main ball rolling unit 1182 on which a main ball support member 1162 is mounted and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 1184 on which an auxiliary ball support member 1164 is mounted. In the ball rolling unit 1180, a contact avoidance unit 1190 having a wider interval is formed at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball support members 1160.

[0146] The ball rolling unit 1180 may include a first ball support surface 1185 provided in the housing 1120 and a second ball support surface 1186 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 1185 and provided in the driving body 1140.

[0147] As an example, the first ball support surface 1185 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1184 is formed in a stepped shape such that the interval between the first ball support surface 1185 and the second ball support surface 1186 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1184 increases at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction), and the second ball support surface 1186 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1184 is formed in an inclined shape such that the interval between the second ball support surface 1186 and the first ball support surface 1185 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1184 increases from one end toward the other end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0148] As an example, the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1164 is in one-point contact with the first ball support surface 1185 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1184 and in two-point contact with the second ball support surface 1186 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1184. As an example, the first support surface 1185 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1184 has a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and the second support surface 1186 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1184 has a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween.

[0149] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 1182 also has a first ball support surface 1185 and a second ball support surface 1186, and the first ball support surface 1185 and the second ball support surface 1186 of the main ball rolling unit 1182 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Accordingly, the main ball support 1162 is in four-point contact with the main ball rolling unit 1182.

[0150] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an eleventh modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0151] Refer to Figure 15 As shown, the ball rolling unit 1280 may include a main ball rolling unit 1282 on which a main ball support 1262 is mounted and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 1284 on which an auxiliary ball support 1264 is mounted. In the ball rolling unit 1280, a contact avoidance unit 1290 having a wider interval at one end formed in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) is provided to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 1260. The contact avoidance unit 1290 may be formed by an inclined surface.

[0152] The ball rolling unit 1280 may include a first ball support surface 1285 provided in the housing 1220 and a second ball support surface 1286 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 1285 and provided in the driving body 1240.

[0153] As an example, the first ball support surface 1285 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1284 is formed to be inclined such that the interval between the first ball support surface 1285 and the second ball support surface 1286 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1284 increases from one end toward the other end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0154] As an example, the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1264 is in one-point contact with the first ball support surface 1285 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1284 and in two-point contact with the second ball support surface 1286 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1284.

[0155] As an example, the first ball support surface 1285 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1284 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and the second ball support surface 1286 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween.

[0156] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 1282 also has a first ball support surface 1285 and a second ball support surface 1286, and the first ball support surface 1185 and the second ball support surface 1286 of the main ball rolling unit 1282 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Accordingly, the main ball support 1262 contacts the main ball rolling unit 1282 at four points.

[0157] Figure 16 It is an explanatory diagram showing a twelfth modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0158] Refer to Figure 16 , the ball rolling unit 1380 may include a main ball rolling unit 1382 on which a main ball support 1362 is mounted and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 1384 on which an auxiliary ball support 1364 is mounted.

[0159] In the ball rolling unit 1380, a contact avoidance unit 1390 having a wider interval at one end formed in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) is provided to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 1360.

[0160] The ball rolling unit 1380 may include a first ball support surface 1385 provided in the housing 1320 and a second ball support surface 1386 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 1385 and provided in the driving body 1340.

[0161] As an example, the first ball support surface 1385 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1384 is formed to be inclined such that the interval between the first ball support surface 1385 and the second ball support surface 1386 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1384 becomes wider from one end toward the other end in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the second ball support surface 1386 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1384 is formed to be stepped such that the interval between the second ball support surface 1386 and the first ball support surface 1385 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1384 becomes wider at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0162] As an example, the auxiliary ball support 1364 contacts the first ball support surface 1385 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1384 at one point and contacts the second ball support surface 1386 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1384 at two points.

[0163] As an example, the first ball support surface 1385 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1384 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and the second ball support surface 1386 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1384 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween.

[0164] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 1382 may have a first ball support surface 1385 and a second ball support surface 1386, and the first ball support surface 1385 and the second ball support surface 1386 of the main ball rolling unit 1382 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Thus, the main ball support 1362 contacts the main ball rolling unit 1382 at four points.

[0165] Figure 17 It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a thirteenth modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0166] Referring to Figure 17 , the ball rolling unit 1480 may include a main ball rolling unit 1482 on which a main ball support 1462 is mounted and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 1484 on which an auxiliary ball support 1464 is mounted.

[0167] In the ball rolling unit 1480, a contact avoidance unit 1490 is formed at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) with a wider interval to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 1460. The contact avoidance unit 1490 may be formed by a stepped surface.

[0168] The ball rolling unit 1480 may include a first ball support surface 1485 provided in the housing 1420 and a second ball support surface 1486 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 1485 and provided in the driving body 1440.

[0169] As an example, the first ball support surface 1485 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1484 is formed in a stepped shape such that the interval between the first ball support surface 1485 and the second ball support surface 1486 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1484 increases at one end in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0170] For example, the auxiliary ball support 1464 contacts the first ball support surface 1485 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1484 at one point and contacts the second ball support surface 1486 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1484 at two points.

[0171] As an example, the first ball support surface 1485 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1484 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and the second ball support surface 1486 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1484 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween.

[0172] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 1482 also has a first ball support surface 1485 and a second ball support surface 1486, and the first ball support surface 1485 and the second ball support surface 1486 of the main ball rolling unit 1482 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Thus, the main ball support 1462 contacts the main ball rolling unit 1482 at four points.

[0173] Figure 18 It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fourteenth modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0174] Refer to Figure 18 , the ball rolling unit 1580 may include a main ball rolling unit 1582 in which a main ball support 1562 is installed and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 1584 in which an auxiliary ball support 1564 is installed. A contact avoidance unit 1590 having a wider gap at one end formed in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) is provided to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 1560. The contact avoidance unit 1590 may be formed by a stepped surface.

[0175] The ball rolling unit 1580 may include a first ball support surface 1585 provided in the housing 1520 and a second ball support surface 1586 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 1585 and provided in the driving body 1540.

[0176] As an example, the first ball support surface 1585 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1584 is formed in a stepped shape to widen the interval from the second ball support surface 1586 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1584 at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction), and the second ball support surface 1586 is formed in a stepped shape to widen the interval from the first ball support surface 1585 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1584 at the one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0177] For example, the auxiliary ball support 1564 contacts the first ball support surface 1585 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1584 at one point and contacts the second ball support surface 1586 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1584 at two points.

[0178] As an example, the first ball support surface 1585 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1584 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and the second ball support surface 1586 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1584 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween.

[0179] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 1582 may also have a first ball support surface 1585 and a second ball support surface 1586, and the first ball support surface 1585 and the second ball support surface 1586 of the main ball rolling unit 1582 have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Accordingly, the main ball support 1562 contacts the main ball rolling unit 1582 at four points.

[0180] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fifteenth modified example of the ball rolling unit.

[0181] Refer to Figure 19 , the ball rolling unit 1680 may include a main ball rolling unit 1682 on which a main ball support 1662 is mounted and an auxiliary ball rolling unit 1684 on which an auxiliary ball support 1664 is mounted. In the ball rolling unit 1680, a contact avoidance unit 1690 is formed at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., in the Z-axis direction) with a wider interval to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of ball supports 1660. The contact avoidance unit 1690 may be formed of a stepped surface.

[0182] The ball rolling unit 1680 may include a first ball support surface 1685 provided in the housing 1620 and a second ball support surface 1686 provided opposite to the first ball support surface 1685 and provided in the driving body 1640.

[0183] As an example, the second ball support surface 1686 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1684 is formed in a stepped shape such that the interval from the first ball support surface 1685 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1684 is widened at one end in the optical axis direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction).

[0184] As an example, the auxiliary ball support 1664 contacts the first ball support surface 1685 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1684 at one point and contacts the second ball support surface 1686 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1684 at two points.

[0185] As an example, the first ball support surface 1685 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1684 may have a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and the second ball support surface 1686 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1684 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween.

[0186] As an example, the main ball rolling unit 1682 may also have a first ball support surface 1685 and a second ball support surface 1686, and the first ball support surface 1685 and the second ball support surface 1686 of the main ball rolling unit 1682 may have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween. Accordingly, the main ball support 1662 contacts the main ball rolling unit 1682 at four points.

[0187] Meanwhile, in the above embodiments, the case where the first ball support surface and the second ball support surface of the main ball rolling unit have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween, the first ball support surface of the auxiliary ball rolling unit has a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and the second ball support surface of the auxiliary ball rolling unit has a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween, or the case where the first ball support surface and the second ball support surface of the main ball rolling unit have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween, the first ball support surface of the auxiliary ball rolling unit has a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween, and the second ball support surface of the auxiliary ball rolling unit has a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape is shown as an example, but is not limited thereto.

[0188] That is, either one of the longitudinal cross-sections of the first ball support surface and the second ball support surface of the main ball rolling unit may have a '-' shape, and one of the longitudinal cross-sections of the first ball support surface and the second ball support surface of the auxiliary ball rolling unit may be a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape with a 90-degree angle therebetween.

[0189] Hereinafter, a method for measuring the inclination and step of the first ball support surface of the main rolling unit and the auxiliary rolling unit forming the ball rolling unit will be described.

[0190] Figure 20 It is an explanatory diagram showing a method for measuring the inclination of the first ball support surface of the main ball rolling unit and the auxiliary ball rolling unit.

[0191] Referring to Figure 20 , first, the first ball support surface 1785 forming the main ball rolling unit 1782 has a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and the first ball support surface 1785 forming the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1784 has a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape.

[0192] Herein, in the method for measuring the inclination of the first ball support surface of the main ball rolling unit and the auxiliary ball rolling unit, first, when the bottom surface (reference plane) of the housing 1720 is placed in the measuring device, the bottom surface of the housing 1720 is set as the origin. In this case, the origin is set as the origin for the first ball support surface 1785 of the main ball rolling unit 1782 and the origin for the first ball support surface 1785 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1784, respectively.

[0193] To measure the inclination angle of the first support surface 1785 of the main ball rolling unit 1782 with respect to the Z-axis direction, first, as Figure 20Two first contact lines L1 are set as shown, connecting the points where the main ball support 1762 contacts the first support surface 1785. Along the first contact line L1, the length in the Z-axis direction (optical axis direction) from the origin is measured at intervals of 0.1 mm. The inclination angle is calculated using the coordinates from the origin to each measurement point. In other words, the perpendicularity of two opposite surfaces with a longitudinal cross-sectional shape of '∧' is detected. In this case, when its inclination is 0, the two surfaces of the first support surface 1785 are set perpendicular to the bottom surface. As described above, the measured inclination angle of the first support surface 1785 of the main ball rolling unit 1782 can be within ±8.0'. In this case, 1° is 60'.

[0194] Next, to measure the inclination angle of the first support surface 1785 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1784 with respect to the Z-axis direction, as Figure 20 shown, a second contact line L2 is set, connecting the point where the auxiliary ball support 1764 contacts the first support surface 1785. Along the second contact line L2, the length in the Z-axis direction (optical axis direction) from the origin is measured at intervals of 0.1 mm. The inclination angle is calculated using the coordinates from the origin to each measurement point. In other words, the perpendicularity of the first support surface 1785 with a longitudinal cross-sectional shape of '-' is detected. In this case, when its inclination is 0, the first support surface 1785 is set perpendicular to the bottom surface. As described above, the measured inclination angle of the first support surface 1785 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1784 can have a value between -8.0' and -23'. Here, the - direction refers to the direction away from the ball support, which is the direction that does not contact the ball support.

[0195] Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for measuring the inclination and step of the first ball support surface of the main ball rolling unit and the auxiliary ball rolling unit, Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the first ball support surface of the auxiliary ball rolling unit.

[0196] Refer to Figure 21 and Figure 22 , first, the first ball support surface 1885 of the main ball rolling unit 1882 is formed to have a longitudinal cross-sectional shape of '∧', and the first ball support surface 1885 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1884 is formed to have a longitudinal cross-sectional shape of '∧'.

[0197] Here, in the method of measuring the inclination of the first ball support surface 1885 of the main ball rolling unit 1882, first, when the bottom surface (reference plane) of the housing 1820 is placed in the measuring device, the bottom surface of the housing 1820 is set as the origin. In this case, the origin is set as the origin for the ball support surface 1885 of the main ball rolling unit 1882 and the origin for the first ball support surface 1885 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1884, respectively.

[0198] To measure the inclination angle of the first support surface 1885 of the main ball rolling unit 1882 with respect to the Z-axis direction, first, as Figure 21 shown, two first contact lines L1 are set up, which connect the points where the main ball support 1862 contacts the first support surface 1885. Along the first contact line L1, the lengths in the Z-axis direction from the origin are measured at intervals of 0.1 mm in the Z-axis direction (optical axis direction). The inclination angle is calculated using the coordinates from the origin to each measurement point. In other words, the perpendicularity of two opposite surfaces with a longitudinal cross-sectional shape of '∧' is detected. In this case, when its inclination is 0, the two surfaces of the first support surface 1885 are set perpendicular to the bottom surface. As described above, the measured inclination angle of the first support surface 1885 of the main ball rolling unit 1882 can be within ±8.0'. In this case, 1° is 60'.

[0199] As Figure 22 shown, the first ball support surface 1885 of the auxiliary ball rolling unit 1884 can be formed in a stepped shape. To measure the step (i.e., step width) d1 of the stepped surface as described above, as Figure 21 shown, two second contact lines L2 are set up, which connect the points where the auxiliary ball support 1864 contacts the first support surface 1885. Along the second contact line L2, the lengths in the Z-axis direction from the origin are measured at intervals of 0.1 mm in the Z-axis direction (optical axis direction). The step is calculated using the origin and the coordinates of each measurement point. As described above, the value of the step d1 of the measured stepped surface can be between 0.01 mm and 0.02 mm.

[0200] Meanwhile, when forming an inclined ball support surface (i.e., the first ball support surface and / or the second ball support surface) in the first exemplary embodiment and the modified exemplary embodiment of the above ball rolling unit, the inclination angle of the ball support surface can have a value between -8.0' and -23', and when forming a stepped ball support surface (i.e., the first ball support surface and / or the second ball support surface) in the first exemplary embodiment and the modified exemplary embodiment, the step of the stepped surface of the ball support surface can have a value between 0.01 mm and 0.02 mm. When the ball support surface (i.e., the first ball support surface and / or the second ball support surface) in the first exemplary embodiment and the modified exemplary embodiment of the above ball rolling unit is arranged perpendicular to the bottom surface, the inclination angle of the ball support surface can be within ±8.0'.

[0201] As described above, according to various examples, there is an effect of preventing tilting from occurring in the driving body.

[0202] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein should be construed only in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. The description of the features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results can also be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in a different way and / or replaced or supplemented with other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: a housing including a first spherical support surface provided on an inner surface of the housing; a driving body movably provided in the housing and including a second spherical support surface provided on an outer surface of the driving body; a plurality of lenses stacked in the driving body; and a plurality of spherical support members provided between the first spherical support surface of the housing and the second spherical support surface of the driving body, wherein at corresponding first ends of the first spherical support surface and the second spherical support surface in the optical axis direction and at corresponding second ends of the first spherical support surface and the second spherical support surface in the optical axis direction, a distance between the first spherical support surface and the second spherical support surface in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction is different, wherein at least one of the first spherical support surface and the second spherical support surface forms a contact avoidance unit configured to prevent contact with at least one of the plurality of spherical support members, and wherein at least one of the first spherical support surface and the second spherical support surface is formed to have one of the following configurations: inclined with respect to the optical axis direction and stepped in the optical axis direction.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the second spherical support surface is inclined with respect to the optical axis direction.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein an inclination angle of the second spherical support surface is within -8.0', where a negative value means in a direction not in contact with the spherical support member.

4. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein the first spherical support surface is inclined with respect to the optical axis direction.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein an inclination angle of the first spherical support surface is within -8.0', where a negative value means in a direction not in contact with the spherical support member.

6. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein the first spherical support surface is stepped in the optical axis direction.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein a step width between stepped surfaces of the first spherical support surface has a value between 0.01 mm and 0.02 mm.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the first spherical support surface is inclined with respect to the optical axis direction.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein an inclination angle of the first spherical support surface is within -8.0', where a negative value means in a direction not in contact with the spherical support member.

10. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein the second spherical support surface is stepped in the optical axis direction.

11. The camera module according to claim 10, wherein a step width between stepped surfaces of the second spherical support surface has a value between 0.01 mm and 0.02 mm.

12. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the first spherical support surface is stepped in the optical axis direction.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein The step width between the stepped surfaces of the first ball support surface has a value between 0.01 mm and 0.02 mm.

14. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein, the second ball support surface is stepped in the optical axis direction.

15. The camera module according to claim 14, wherein, the step width between the stepped surfaces of the second ball support surface has a value between 0.01 mm and 0.02 mm.

16. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, the second ball support surface is stepped in the optical axis direction.

17. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein, the step width between the stepped surfaces of the second ball support surface has a value between 0.01 mm and 0.02 mm.

18. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, the first ball support surface includes a first main ball support surface and a first auxiliary ball support surface spaced apart from the first main ball support surface, wherein the second ball support surface includes a second main ball support surface disposed opposite to the first main ball support surface to define a main ball rolling unit and a second auxiliary ball support surface disposed opposite to the first auxiliary ball support surface to define an auxiliary ball rolling unit, and wherein the plurality of ball supports include a main ball support disposed in the main ball rolling unit and an auxiliary ball support disposed in the auxiliary ball rolling unit.

19. The camera module according to claim 18, wherein, the auxiliary ball support includes a plurality of auxiliary ball supports, and at least two of the auxiliary ball supports each contact the first auxiliary ball support surface and the second auxiliary ball support surface at three points.

20. The camera module according to claim 19, wherein, each of the at least two auxiliary ball supports contacts the first auxiliary ball support surface at one point and contacts the second auxiliary ball support surface at two points.

21. The camera module according to claim 19, wherein, each of the at least two auxiliary ball supports contacts the first auxiliary ball support surface at two points and contacts the second auxiliary ball support surface at one point.

22. The camera module according to claim 18, wherein, the main ball support includes a plurality of main ball supports, and at least two of the main ball supports each contact the first main ball support surface and the second main ball support surface at four points.

23. The camera module according to claim 18, wherein, the first main ball support surface and the second main ball support surface forming the main ball rolling unit have a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, wherein the inclination angle of the first main ball support surface and the second main ball support surface forming the main ball rolling unit is within -8.0', where the negative value refers to the direction in which it does not contact the ball support.

24. The camera module according to claim 18, wherein, The first auxiliary ball support surface or the second auxiliary ball support surface forming the auxiliary ball rolling unit has a '-' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, wherein the inclination angle of the first auxiliary ball support surface or the second auxiliary ball support surface forming the auxiliary ball rolling unit has a value between -8.0' and -23', where the negative value refers to the direction not in contact with the ball support.

25. The camera module according to claim 23, wherein, the first auxiliary ball support surface forming the auxiliary ball rolling unit has a '∧' longitudinal cross-sectional shape, wherein when the first auxiliary ball support surface forming the auxiliary ball rolling unit is formed in a stepped shape, the step width between the stepped surfaces of the first auxiliary ball support surface forming the auxiliary ball rolling unit has a value between 0.01 mm and 0.02 mm.

Images