Camera module and electronic device including the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a camera module including a housing, a carrier disposed opposite the housing in a first direction and moving in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a ball member disposed between opposite surfaces of the carrier and the housing. The housing is in contact with the ball member at a first point, and the carrier is in contact with the ball member at a second point. A distance from a center of the ball member to the first point in the first direction is greater than a distance from the center of the ball member to the second point in the first direction. The present disclosure also relates to an electronic device including the camera module.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0126284, filed on September 28, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The following description relates to a camera module, and for example to the camera module's autofocus function and optical image stabilization function. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, camera modules have been adopted in mobile communication terminals such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops. Camera modules can be equipped with autofocus and optical image stabilization.

[0005] Autofocus can be achieved by moving a lens or a structure including a lens relative to the housing along the optical axis. A spherical element can be disposed between the lens barrel or a support portion including the lens barrel and the housing to reduce friction when the lens barrel / support portion moves relative to the housing. The spherical element disposed between the lens barrel / support portion and the housing can function as a wheel and can support the lens barrel / support portion to move relative to the housing with relatively small force.

[0006] The spherical component can roll according to the relative movement between the lens barrel / support and the housing. When the lens barrel / support moves relative to the housing, the spherical component can move a corresponding amount. The lens barrel can be supported by the inner wall of the housing by the magnetic attraction (traction force) between the traction magnet and the traction yoke. However, when the point of application of the traction force is not aligned with the area where the spherical component supports the lens barrel, undesirable vibrations may occur between the two components. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The summary portion of this invention is intended to provide a brief overview of the chosen inventive concepts, which will be further described in the detailed description portion below. This summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] In one general aspect, the camera module includes: a housing; a support portion configured to be opposite the housing in a first direction and movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a ball member disposed between opposing surfaces of the support portion and the housing. The housing contacts the ball member at a first point, and the support portion contacts the ball member at a second point. The distance from the center of the ball member to the first point in the first direction is greater than the distance from the center of the ball member to the second point in the first direction.

[0009] The ball component can be disposed between the housing and the load-bearing part, and can be configured to support the load-bearing part in a first direction.

[0010] The camera module may further include: a first magnetic member disposed in the carrier; and a second magnetic member disposed in the housing and configured to generate a magnetic attraction between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member in a first direction.

[0011] The spherical component may include at least three spherical components. When the supporting part moves relative to the housing, the center of the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component may be located in the region with the at least three spherical components as vertices.

[0012] Two or more of the at least three ball components may be disposed on one side of the movement path of the first magnetic component, and one or more of the at least three ball components may be disposed on the other side of the movement path of the first magnetic component.

[0013] The spherical component can be partially accommodated in a first groove provided within the housing and a second groove provided within the support portion.

[0014] The spherical component may be supported by the first groove at one or both points in the first groove, and by the second groove at two points in the second groove.

[0015] The first groove may have a V-shaped cross-sectional surface, and the second groove may have a quadrilateral cross-sectional surface.

[0016] One or both of the first and second grooves can be formed by a metal component inserted into the support portion.

[0017] When the ball component is supported by the first groove at two points in the first groove, the distance between the two points in the first groove can be less than the distance between the support points of the ball component in the second groove.

[0018] The side surface of the first groove may be inclined at a first angle relative to the opposite surface. The side surface of the second groove may be inclined at a second angle relative to the opposite surface or be perpendicular. The second angle may be greater than the first angle.

[0019] The camera module may also include at least one lens. The support portion may be configured to move in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the at least one lens.

[0020] In another general aspect, the camera module includes: a housing; a support portion configured to move relative to the housing; and a ball member disposed between the support portion and the housing. The ball member is configured to roll while in contact with the housing. When the ball member rolls without slipping while in contact with both the support portion and the housing, the radius of rotation (r1) of the ball member relative to the housing is greater than the radius of rotation (r2) of the ball member relative to the support portion.

[0021] The ratio of the amount of movement of the spherical component relative to the shell to the amount of movement of the bearing component relative to the shell can be determined by r1 / (r1+r2), and this ratio can be greater than 0.58 and less than 1.0.

[0022] The camera module may further include: a first magnetic member disposed in the carrier; and a second magnetic member disposed in the housing and configured to generate a magnetic attraction between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member.

[0023] The spherical component may include at least three spherical components. When the supporting part moves relative to the housing, the center of the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component may be located in the region with the at least three spherical components as vertices.

[0024] The spherical component may include: two first spherical components disposed on one side of the first magnetic component relative to the movement path of the first magnetic component; and a second spherical component disposed on the other side of the first magnetic component relative to the movement path. When the support portion moves relative to the housing, the center of the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component may be disposed in a triangular region with the two first spherical components and the second spherical component as vertices.

[0025] In another general aspect, the camera module includes: a housing; a support portion configured to move relative to the housing in an optical axis direction; two or more ball members disposed between the support portion and the housing, and configured to roll in the optical axis direction to guide the movement of the support portion in the optical axis direction; a first magnetic member disposed in the support portion; and a second magnetic member disposed in the housing and configured to generate a magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic members to maintain contact between the two or more ball members and the support portion and the housing. When the support portion moves relative to the housing, the center of the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic members is located in a region with the two or more ball members as vertices.

[0026] Two or more ball components may include at least three ball components.

[0027] The at least three spherical components may include: two first spherical components positioned on one side of the first magnetic component relative to the movement path of the first magnetic component; and a second spherical component positioned on the other side of the first magnetic component relative to the movement path. The region with the at least three spherical components as vertices may be a triangle with the two first spherical components and the second spherical component as vertices.

[0028] The support portion can be opposite the housing in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. One of the two or more spherical components can contact the housing at a first point and can contact the support portion at a second point. The distance from the center of the spherical component to the first point in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be greater than the distance from the center of the spherical component to the second point in the same direction.

[0029] The ratio of the distance the ball component moves relative to the housing in the optical axis direction to the distance the bearing part moves relative to the housing in the optical axis direction among two or more ball components can be greater than 0.58 and less than 1.0.

[0030] In another general aspect, the electronic device includes a camera module comprising: a housing mounted in the electronic device; a support portion configured to be opposite the housing in a first direction and movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a lens module attached to the support portion and configured to move together with the support portion in the second direction; and a ball member disposed between opposing surfaces of the support portion and the housing. The housing contacts the ball member at a first point, and the support portion contacts the ball member at a second point. The distance from the center of the ball member to the first point in the first direction is greater than the distance from the center of the ball member to the second point in the first direction.

[0031] The second direction can be parallel to the optical axis of the lens module.

[0032] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 1 An exploded stereoscopic view of the camera module.

[0035] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I' in the diagram.

[0036] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 An enlarged view of part B shown in the image.

[0037] Figure 5 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 1 Another exploded stereoscopic view of the camera module.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the focus adjustment unit of the lens driving device according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8 This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 7 A diagram of the position sensing unit of the camera module.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a ball member disposed between the housing and the support portion according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a comparison between the amount of movement of the support portion and the ball member relative to the housing according to the embodiment.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a comparison between the amount of movement of the support portion and the ball member relative to the housing according to another embodiment.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the amount of movement of the ball member according to the embodiment and the amount of movement of the attraction center according to the drive of the bearing.

[0045] Figure 13 This includes a graph showing a comparison between the amount of movement of the bearing portion and the amount of movement of the ball component according to the embodiment.

[0046] Figures 14A to 14I This is a diagram showing the grooves provided in one side and the other side of the ball member according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 15 and Figure 16 This is an exploded perspective view showing the jitter correction unit according to an embodiment.

[0048] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scale, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The following detailed embodiments are provided to help readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described in this application. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents to the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described in this application will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. For example, the order of operations described in this application is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth in this application, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, but can be changed, as will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity and conciseness, descriptions of features well-known in the art may be omitted.

[0050] The features described in this application may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described in this application. Rather, the examples described in this application have been provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0051] It should be noted that in this application, the use of the term "may" (e.g., regarding what an implementation or example may include or implement) with respect to an implementation or example means that there exists at least one implementation or example that includes or implements such features, and not all implementations and examples are limited thereto.

[0052] Throughout this specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element, the element may be directly "on," directly "connected to," or directly "attached to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element, there are no other elements between the element and the other element.

[0053] As used in this application, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items.

[0054] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used in this application to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or portions, these components, parts, regions, layers, or portions are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or portion from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described in this application, the first component, first part, first region, first layer, or first portion mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as a second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0055] Spatial relative terms such as “above,” “above,” “below,” and “below” may be used in this application for descriptive convenience to describe the relationship of one element relative to another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to covering the orientation depicted in the drawings, these spatial relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “above” or “above” another element would be located “below” or “below” that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term “above” covers both orientations of “above” and “below”. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used in this application should be interpreted accordingly.

[0056] The terminology used in this application is for describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form as well. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” indicate 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.

[0057] Variations in the shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may occur due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the examples described in this application are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the accompanying drawings, but include shape variations that may occur during manufacturing.

[0058] The features of the examples described in this application can be combined in various ways that will become apparent after gaining an understanding of the disclosure of this application. Furthermore, although the examples described in this application have multiple configurations, other configurations that will become apparent after gaining an understanding of the disclosure of this application are also possible.

[0059] The embodiments disclosed in this application relate to a lens driving device and a camera module including the lens driving device, which can be applied, for example, to portable electronic devices such as mobile communication terminal devices, smartphones, tablet PCs, etc.

[0060] The camera module can be implemented as an optical device for acquiring images or videos, and can include a lens configured to refract light reflected from an object and a lens driving device configured to move the lens to adjust the focus or correct jitter.

[0061] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a camera module 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the camera module 100.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The camera module 100 may include, for example, a lens barrel 200; a lens drive device 500 configured to move the lens barrel 200; an image sensor unit (or image sensor assembly) 600 configured to convert light incident through the lens barrel 200 into an electrical signal; a housing 120 configured to house the lens barrel 200 and the lens drive device 500; and a casing 110 configured to cover the housing 120.

[0063] The lens barrel 200 may have a hollow cylindrical shape to accommodate multiple lenses for imaging an object, and the multiple lenses may be mounted in the lens barrel 200 along the optical axis. The required number of multiple lenses may be arranged according to the design of the lens barrel 200, and the lenses may have optical properties such as having the same refractive index or having different refractive indices.

[0064] For example, the lens driving device 500 can adjust the focus by moving the lens barrel 200 in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) (hereinafter referred to as the "optical axis direction"), and can correct jitter while imaging by moving the lens barrel 200 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0065] The lens driving device 500 may include a focus adjustment unit (or focus adjustment assembly) 300 configured to adjust the focus and a jitter correction unit 400 (or jitter correction assembly) for correcting jitter.

[0066] For example, the image sensor unit 600 may include an image sensor 610 and a printed circuit board 620 on which the image sensor 610 is mounted, and may also include an infrared filter. The infrared filter can block light in the infrared range that is incident through the lens barrel 200.

[0067] Image sensor 610 can convert light incident through lens barrel 200 into electrical signals. For example, image sensor 610 can be a charge-connected device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS).

[0068] The electrical signal converted by the image sensor 610 can be output as an image through the display unit of the portable electronic device.

[0069] The image sensor 610 can be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 620 via wire bonding.

[0070] The lens barrel 200 and the lens drive device 500 can be housed in the housing 120. For example, the housing 120 can have an open upper and lower portion, and the lens barrel 200 and the lens drive device 500 can be housed in the housing 120.

[0071] The image sensor unit 600 can be disposed in the lower part of the housing 120.

[0072] The housing 110 can be attached to the housing 120 to surround the outer surface of the housing 120 and to protect the internal components of the camera module 100.

[0073] Furthermore, the housing 110 can shield electromagnetic waves. For example, the housing 110 can be formed of a metallic material and can be grounded to a grounding pad provided on the printed circuit board 620, thereby shielding electromagnetic waves. For example, the housing 110 can shield electromagnetic waves so that electromagnetic waves generated from the camera module 100 do not affect other electronic components in the portable electronic device on which the camera module 100 is installed. In addition, since various electronic components other than the camera module can be installed on the portable electronic device, the housing 110 can shield electromagnetic waves so that electromagnetic waves generated from the electronic components do not affect the camera module 100.

[0074] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I' in the diagram. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 An enlarged view of part B shown in the image. Figure 5 This is another exploded perspective view showing the camera module 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the focus adjustment unit 300 of the lens driving device 500 according to an embodiment.

[0075] Reference Figures 3 to 6 The focus adjustment unit 300 of the lens driving device 500 according to the embodiment is described.

[0076] In the lens driving device 500, the lens barrel 200 can be moved to focus on the object. For example, in one embodiment, the focus adjustment unit 300 can be configured to move the lens barrel 200 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0077] The focus adjustment unit 300 may include a support portion 310 configured to accommodate the lens barrel 200, and a focus adjustment drive unit (or focus adjustment drive assembly) configured to generate a driving force to move the lens barrel 200 and the support portion 310 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0078] The focus adjustment drive unit may include, for example, a magnet 320a and a coil 330a.

[0079] The magnet 320a can be mounted on the support portion 310. For example, the magnet 320a can be mounted on one surface of the support portion 310.

[0080] The coil 330a can be mounted on the housing 120. For example, the coil 330a can be mounted on the housing 120 by attaching a substrate 130 to which the coil 330a is attached. Figure 2 Coil 330a is not shown, but coil 330a can be fixed to substrate 130 and can be positioned opposite coil 452 of jitter correction unit 400.

[0081] The magnet 320a may be a movable component mounted on the support portion 310 and configured to move together with the support portion 310 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. The coil 330a may be a fixed member fixed to the housing 120. However, this disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned configuration, and the positions of the magnet 320a and the coil 330a may be interchanged.

[0082] When power is supplied to coil 330a, the carrier 310 can move in the direction of the optical axis (Z axis) by the electromagnetic force between magnet 320a and coil 330a.

[0083] Since the lens barrel 200 is housed in the support portion 310, the lens barrel 200 can also move in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction by moving the support portion 310.

[0084] When the support portion 310 moves, the rolling member 370 can be disposed between the support portion 310 and the housing 120 to reduce the friction between the support portion 310 and the housing 120. The rolling member 370 may have a spherical shape.

[0085] Rolling members 370 can be disposed on both sides of the magnet 320a. In an embodiment, when the magnet 320a is attached to one side surface of the support portion 310, the rolling members 370 can be configured to support the support portion 310 while contacting the side surface. For example, when the magnet 320a moves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), a portion of the rolling members 370 can be disposed on one side of the movement path of the magnet 320a, while another portion can be disposed on the other side of the movement path of the magnet 320a.

[0086] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the rolling member 370 may be configured in a spherical shape, and for ease of description, it will be referred to as a spherical member below.

[0087] In an embodiment, the ball member 370 may include three ball members disposed between the support portion 310 and the housing 120. For example, two ball members (e.g., Figure 12 371a and 371b) can be disposed on one side of magnet 320a, and a single ball component (e.g., Figure 12372) can be disposed on the other side of magnet 320a. However, the size, number, and arrangement of the ball members 370 shown in the figure are merely examples and are not limited to the examples shown. In embodiments, the size, number, and arrangement of the ball members 370 can vary. For example, three ball members can be disposed on one side and the other side of magnet 320a. As another example, ball members with different diameters can be disposed between housing 120 and support portion 310.

[0088] The first magnetic yoke 350 can be disposed in the housing 120, and the first magnetic yoke 350 can generate an attractive force between the magnet 320a and the first magnetic yoke 350 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0089] Therefore, the ball member 370 can maintain contact with the support portion 310 and the housing 120 by the attractive force formed between the first magnetic yoke 350 and the magnet 320a. The ball member 370 can maintain contact with the support portion 310 and the housing 120, so that even when adjusting the focal length, the lens barrel 200 can always move in a direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0090] Furthermore, the first magnetic yoke 350 can also be configured to focus the magnetic force of the magnet 320a. Therefore, leakage of magnetic flux can be prevented.

[0091] As an example, the first magnetic yoke 350 and the magnet 320a can form a magnetic circuit.

[0092] In one embodiment, magnet 320a may be included in the drive unit for adjusting autofocus (AF), but in another embodiment, a magnetic component different from magnet 320a may generate a magnetic attraction with the first yoke 350. The magnetic component may include a yoke or a magnet, and when the other magnetic component is a yoke, the first yoke 350 may be replaced by a magnet.

[0093] In this embodiment, the magnet 320a can be driven in the optical axis direction, and the length of the first yoke 350 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction can be longer than the length of the magnet 320a in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. When the length of the first yoke 350 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction is shorter than the length of the magnet 320a in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, and the magnet 320a moves in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the attractive force used to point the center of the magnet 320a toward the center of the first yoke 350 may increase.

[0094] Therefore, the restoring force of magnet 320a returning to its original position may increase, the amount of current required to move magnet 320a may increase, and the power consumption may increase.

[0095] However, when the length of the first yoke 350 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction is longer than the length of the magnet 320a in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the attractive force used to point the center of the magnet 320a toward the center of the first yoke 350 can be relatively reduced, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0096] Reference Figure 4 The second magnetic yoke 340 can be disposed between the support portion 310 and the magnet 320a. The second magnetic yoke 340 can be configured to focus the magnetic force of the magnet 320a. Therefore, leakage of magnetic flux can be prevented. For example, the second magnetic yoke 340 and the magnet 320a can form a magnetic circuit.

[0097] Magnet 320b and coil 330b can also be configured to ensure sufficient driving force during focus adjustment.

[0098] When the area where the magnet is mounted is reduced in line with the trend of reducing the size of the camera module, the size of the magnet may decrease, and therefore, sufficient driving force required for focus adjustment cannot be guaranteed.

[0099] According to the embodiment, magnets 320a and 320b can be attached to different surfaces of the support portion 310, and coils 330a and 330b can be disposed on different surfaces of the housing 120 to face magnets 320a and 320b. Therefore, even when the mounting area of ​​the magnets is small, sufficient driving force required for focus adjustment can be provided.

[0100] Reference Figure 6 In the modified example, one of the multiple magnets 320a and 320b mounted on different surfaces of the support 310, magnet 320a can be opposite to coil 330a, and magnet 320b can be opposite to position sensor 360.

[0101] In other words, one of the multiple magnets 320a and 320b, magnet 320a can be used as a driving magnet, while the other magnet 320b can be used as a sensing magnet.

[0102] In this configuration, since the coil 330a and the position sensor 360 are positioned on different surfaces of the housing 120 and spaced apart from each other, a spatial edge can be formed on the surface on which the coil 330a is mounted. Therefore, the number of windings of the coil 330a can be increased, thereby enhancing the driving force.

[0103] Furthermore, since the coil 330a and the position sensor 360 are disposed on different surfaces of the housing 120 and spaced apart from each other, the influence of the electric field of the coil 330a on the position sensor 360 can be reduced. Therefore, the sensing accuracy of the position sensor 360 can be improved.

[0104] In one implementation, a closed-loop control method that detects the position of the lens barrel 200 and provides feedback can be used.

[0105] Therefore, position sensor 360 may be needed for closed-loop control. For example, position sensor 360 could be a Hall sensor. As another example, position sensor 360 could be replaced by a position sensing unit configured to measure inductance. (See reference...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is described in detail.

[0106] The position sensor 360 can be disposed inside or outside the coil 330a, and the position sensor 360 can be mounted on the substrate 130 on which the coil 330a is mounted.

[0107] Furthermore, the position sensor 360 can be integrated with the circuitry that provides drive signals to the focus adjustment unit 300 (see [link]). Figure 5 However, its implementation is not limited to this, and the position sensor 360 and the circuitry can be configured as separate components.

[0108] When the camera module is turned on, the position sensor 360 can detect the initial position of the lens barrel 200 and move the lens barrel 200 to the initial set position through the drive signal of the circuit device.

[0109] The lens barrel 200 can be moved from the initial set position to the target position.

[0110] During focus adjustment, the lens barrel 200 can move forward and backward (in both directions) from the initial set position along the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0111] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing the camera module 100-1 according to an embodiment. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the position sensing unit (or position sensing component) of the camera module 100-1 according to an embodiment.

[0112] Figure 7 The camera module shown can have the same features as... Figure 2 The camera module shown uses a different position sensor than the one described. Therefore, Figure 7 The camera module in the middle can be related to the elements used to sense the position of the lens barrel 200 and Figure 2 The camera module is separated from the main camera module. For simplicity, the following will explain... Figure 7 The overlapping descriptions will not be repeated in the discussion.

[0113] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8In one embodiment, the camera module 100-1 may include a position sensing unit for closed-loop control. The position sensing unit may include a sensing coil 362 and a controller. The controller may receive inductance values ​​from the sensing coil 362 and may detect the position of the lens barrel 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0114] Similar to coil 330a, sensing coil 362 can also be configured as a copper foil pattern, which is laminated and embedded in substrate 130.

[0115] The sensing coil 362 can be configured to face the sensing yoke 361 disposed adjacent to the magnet 320a. The sensing yoke 361 can be mounted on a surface of the support portion 310, and the sensing yoke 361 can be formed of a conductor or a magnetic material.

[0116] The sensing coil 362 can be positioned opposite the sensing yoke 361 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis). Furthermore, the sensing coil 362 can be positioned adjacent to the coil 330a.

[0117] When the support portion 310 moves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the sensing yoke 361, which is mounted on the support portion 310, can also move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the inductance of the sensing coil 362 can change. The controller can receive the inductance value from the sensing coil 362 and can detect the position of the lens barrel 200 (position in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction)).

[0118] Therefore, the position of the sensing yoke 361 can be detected based on the change in inductance of the sensing coil 362. Since the sensing yoke 361 is mounted on the support portion 310, the lens barrel 200 is housed in the support portion 310, and the support portion 310 moves together with the lens barrel 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the position of the lens barrel 200 (position in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction)) can be detected based on the change in inductance of the sensing coil 362.

[0119] The sensing coil 362 may include a plurality of coils aligned with each other along the optical axis (Z-axis direction). For example, the sensing coil 362 may include two coils arranged along the optical axis (Z-axis direction). One of the two coils will be referred to as the first sensing coil 362a, and the other will be referred to as the second sensing coil 362b.

[0120] The position sensing unit may also include at least one capacitor, and the at least one capacitor and the sensing coil 362 may form an oscillating circuit. For example, the at least one capacitor may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of coils included in the sensing coil 362, such that each of the at least one capacitor corresponds to one coil of the sensing coil 362. For example, a capacitor and a coil 362a or 362b may be configured in the form of an LC oscillator.

[0121] The position sensing unit can determine the displacement of the lens barrel 200 based on the change in frequency of the oscillation signal generated by the oscillation circuit. Specifically, when the inductance of the sensing coil 362 forming the oscillation circuit changes, the frequency of the oscillation signal generated by the oscillation circuit can change, and the displacement of the lens barrel 200 can be detected based on this frequency change.

[0122] In one embodiment, the sensing coil 362 may be opposite to the sensing yoke 361, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The sensing yoke 361 may be omitted, and the sensing coil 362 may be positioned opposite to the magnet 320a.

[0123] In the following further description, it should be understood that the description relating to camera module 100 can be applied in the same way. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Camera module 100-1.

[0124] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a ball member 370 disposed between the housing 120 and the support portion 310 according to an embodiment.

[0125] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 In one embodiment, the ball member 370 may be disposed between the housing 120 and the support portion 310. Each of the housing 120 and the support portion 310 may include a guide for receiving a portion of the ball member 370.

[0126] In one embodiment, the guide for the ball member 370 may include grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312 recessed into a surface of the housing 120 or the support portion 310. In another embodiment, the grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312 may extend in the direction of movement of the support portion 310 (or in a direction parallel to the optical axis).

[0127] When the grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312 extend parallel to the optical axis, the direction of movement of the ball member 370, which is partially accommodated in the grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312, can be determined to be parallel to the optical axis. Since the ball member 370 moves along the direction in which the grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312 extend, the grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312 provided on both sides of the ball member 370 can guide the support portion 310 to move relative to the housing 120 in a direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0128] In an embodiment, the ball member 370 may include a first ball member 371 disposed on one side of the magnet 320a and a second ball member 372 disposed on the other side of the magnet 320a. In this disclosure, referring to the magnet 320a (or the movement path of the magnet 320a), the ball member 371 is disposed in the -X direction and will be referred to as the first ball member 371, and the ball member 372 is disposed in the +X direction and will be referred to as the second ball member 372. In the following description, for ease of description, the first ball member 371 and the second ball member 372 may be collectively referred to as a single ball member 370. However, the ball member 370 may include two or more ball members. For example, the first ball member 371 may include two or more first ball members.

[0129] In one embodiment, the support portion 310 and the housing 120 may include recesses 121, 122, 311, and 312 for partially accommodating the ball member 370. In another embodiment, the housing 120 and the support portion 310 may each include a first recess 121 and a second recess 311 for partially accommodating the first ball member 371. The housing 120 and the support portion 310 may each include a third recess 122 and a fourth recess 312 for partially accommodating the second ball member 372. In another embodiment, the first recess 121 and the second recess 311 may be disposed on one side relative to the movement path of the magnet 320a, and the third recess 122 and the fourth recess 312 may be disposed on the other side relative to the movement path of the magnet 320a.

[0130] In one embodiment, the guides that contact the ball member 370 on both sides of the ball member 370 may have different shapes. The first groove 121 and the second groove 311 may be asymmetrical relative to the first ball member 371 disposed between them. The third groove 122 and the fourth groove 312 may also be asymmetrical relative to the second ball member 372 disposed between them.

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional surfaces of the first groove 121 and the second groove 311, perpendicular to the length direction, may be different from each other. The first groove 121 may have a V-shaped cross-sectional surface, while the second groove 311 may have a quadrilateral cross-sectional surface. Furthermore, the cross-sectional surfaces of the third groove 122 and the fourth groove 312, perpendicular to the length direction, may be different from each other. The third groove 122 may have a cross-sectional surface with a wide bottom surface (relative to the fourth groove 312), while the fourth groove 312 may have a cross-sectional surface with a narrow bottom surface (relative to the third groove 122).

[0132] In some embodiments, the portions defining the grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312 for accommodating the ball member 370 in the support portion 310 or the housing 120 may be made of a material different from that of the other portions of the support portion 310. For example, the bottom surface defining the first groove 121 and / or the second groove 311 and the sidewalls extending from the bottom surface may be made of metal.

[0133] In one embodiment, the support portion 310 may include a metal portion comprising first to fourth recesses 121, 122, 311, and 312 configured to receive the ball member 370. In another embodiment, the metal portion may be integrated with the support portion 310. For example, the support portion 310 may include a plastic and a metal portion, the metal portion being double-injected (or insert-molded) into the plastic. Thus, the metal portion double-injected into the support portion 310 may define at least a portion of the first to fourth recesses 121, 122, 311, and 312.

[0134] Because metal has relatively high strength, even when the ball component 370 rolls while in contact with the grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312 formed by the metal, the first to fourth grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312 cannot be deformed or damaged. Therefore, the focus adjustment function of the camera module 100 can be performed stably over a relatively long period of time.

[0135] Specifically, in the first to fourth grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312, the grooves provided in the bearing portion 310 (i.e., the first groove 121 and the second groove 311) can have a relatively large contact angle with the ball member 370, and when the ball member 370 presses the first to fourth grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312, a relatively large force can be applied to the contact points of the first to fourth grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312. Therefore, it is desirable that the first to fourth grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312 be formed as metallic portions.

[0136] Figure 10This is a diagram showing a comparison between the amount of movement of the support portion 310 and the ball member 370 relative to the housing 120 in the embodiment. Figure 11 It shows the basis and Figure 10 A diagram comparing the amount of movement of the support portion 310 and the ball member 370 relative to the housing 120 in another embodiment that is different from the implementation of the method.

[0137] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 The first ball component 371 is shown, along with a first groove 121 and a second groove 311 for guiding the first ball component 371.

[0138] Figure 10 The diagram on the left shows Figure 9 The cross-sections of the first spherical member 371 and the first groove 121 and the second groove 311 that accommodate the first spherical member 371 are shown. Figure 10 The middle figure shows the positional relationship between the housing 120, the first spherical member 371, and the support portion 310 at a reference time point. Figure 10 The diagram on the right shows the positional relationship between the housing 120, the first ball member 371, and the support portion 310 when the support portion 310 moves a predetermined distance relative to the housing 120 after a predetermined time period from the reference time point.

[0139] Reference Figure 10 The first ball member 371 can contact the first groove 121 and the second groove 311. When the support portion 310 moves relative to the housing 120 in the optical axis direction, the first ball member 371 can roll in the optical axis direction while maintaining contact with the support portion 310 and the housing 120 (the force maintaining the contact can be formed by the magnet 320a and the first yoke 350 respectively provided in the support portion 310 and the housing 120).

[0140] In one embodiment, the first rotation radius r1 (or rolling radius) of the first ball member 371 relative to the first groove 121 may be different from the second rotation radius r2 of the first ball member 371 relative to the second groove 311. In another embodiment, the first rotation radius r1 may be greater than the second rotation radius r2.

[0141] Reference Figure 10The first ball member 371 may have two contact points with the first groove 121 and the second groove 311. In an embodiment, the distance W1 between the contact points of the first ball member 371 and the first groove 121 may be less than the distance W2 between the contact points of the first ball member 371 and the second groove 311. In an embodiment, the first contact angle θ1 of the first ball member 371 relative to the first groove 121 may be different from the second contact angle θ2 of the first ball member 371 relative to the second groove 311. In an embodiment, the first contact angle θ1 may be less than the second contact angle θ2.

[0142] Reference Figure 10 The first ball member 371 can roll relative to both the housing 120 and the support portion 310 according to the AF drive. In this case, the first rolling distance of the first ball member 371 relative to the housing 120 may be different from the second rolling distance of the first ball member 371 relative to the support portion 310. In this document, "rolling distance" refers to the length of the line through which the contact point between the first ball member 371 and the first groove 121 rolls, and the length of the line through which the contact point between the first ball member 371 and the second groove 311 rolls.

[0143] Since the first radius of rotation r1 of the first ball component 371 relative to the first groove 121 is greater than the second radius of rotation r2 of the first ball component 371 relative to the second groove 311, the first rolling distance can be greater than the second rolling distance. Assuming the first ball component 371 rotates by θ relative to the grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312 without slipping, the first rolling distance of the first ball component 371 rolling on the first groove 121 can be r1×θ, and the second rolling distance of the first ball component 371 rolling on the second groove 311 can be r2×θ. Since r1 is greater than r2, the first rolling distance can be greater than the second rolling distance.

[0144] Reference Figure 10 When the support portion 310 moves relative to the housing 120 in the optical axis direction, the first ball member 371 can move in the optical axis direction. In this case, the first distance d1 that the support portion 310 moves relative to the housing 120 may be different from the second distance d2 that the first ball member 371 moves relative to the housing 120.

[0145] When the supporting part 310 moves a first distance d1 relative to the housing 120, the second distance d2 that the first ball member 371 moves relative to the housing 120 can be shorter than the first distance d1 that the supporting part 310 moves relative to the housing 120. When the first ball member 371 rotates θ, the first distance d1 that the first ball member 371 moves relative to the housing 120 can be r1×θ, and the first distance d1 that the supporting part 310 moves relative to the housing 120 can be (r1+r2)×θ. Because r1 and r2 are both positive numbers, the first distance d1 can be greater than the second distance d2.

[0146] The ratio of the second distance d2 that the first ball member 371 moves relative to the housing 120 to the first distance d1 that the support portion 310 moves relative to the housing 120 can be defined as the ball rolling constant. That is, when the support portion 310 moves the first distance d1 relative to the housing 120, the second distance d2 that the first ball member 371 moves relative to the housing 120 can be obtained by multiplying the first distance d1 by the ball rolling constant.

[0147] Assuming the first ball component 371 simply rolls (or rotates without sliding) relative to the first groove 121 and the second groove 311 disposed on both sides of the first ball component 371, when the first ball component 371 rotates by θ, the first distance d1 can be (r1+r2)×θ, and the second distance d2 can be r1×θ. Therefore, the ball rolling constant can be expressed as r1 / (r1+r2).

[0148] For example, when the first rotation radius r1 and the second rotation radius r2 are the same, the ball rolling constant can be 0.5. In an embodiment, with the first groove 121 and the second groove 311, the first rotation radius r1 can be configured to be greater than the second rotation radius r2, and therefore, the ball rolling constant r1 / (r1+r2) can have a value greater than 0.5.

[0149] In this embodiment, the ball rolling constant can have a value greater than 0.58 and less than 1.0. In this embodiment, the first groove 121 and the second groove 311 can be configured such that the ball rolling constant can have a value close to 1.0. Since the second rotation radius r2 has a smaller value than the first rotation radius r1, the ball rolling constant can have a value close to 1.0. For example, when the second rotation radius r2 is 0, the ball rolling constant can be 1.0.

[0150] Figure 11 The second ball member 372 and the third groove 122 and the fourth groove 312 for guiding the second ball member 372 are shown.

[0151] Figure 11 The diagram on the left shows the second spherical component 372 and its housing. Figure 9The cross-sections of the third groove 122 and the fourth groove 312 of the second spherical member 372 are shown. Figure 11 The middle figure shows the positional relationship of the housing 120, the second spherical member 372, and the support portion 310 at a reference time point. Figure 11 The diagram on the right shows the positional relationship between the housing 120, the second ball member 372, and the support portion 310 when the support portion 310 moves a predetermined distance relative to the housing 120 after a predetermined time period from the reference time point.

[0152] Reference Figure 11 The second ball member 372 can contact the third groove 122 and the fourth groove 312. When the support portion 310 moves relative to the housing 120 in the optical axis direction, the second ball member 372 can roll in the optical axis direction while maintaining contact with the support portion 310 and the housing 120.

[0153] In one embodiment, the third rotation radius r3 (or rolling radius) of the second ball member 372 relative to the third groove 122 may be different from the fourth rotation radius r4 of the second ball member 372 relative to the fourth groove 312. In one embodiment, the third rotation radius r3 may be greater than the fourth rotation radius r4.

[0154] Reference Figure 11 The second ball member 372 may have two contact points with the fourth groove 312. In an embodiment, the second ball member 372 may have a single contact point with the third groove 122. That is, the second ball member 372 may be supported at a single point by the bottom surface of the third groove 122.

[0155] Reference Figure 11 The second ball member 372 can roll relative to both the housing 120 and the support portion 310 according to the AF drive. In this case, the third rolling distance of the second ball member 372 relative to the housing 120 may be different from the fourth rolling distance of the second ball member 372 relative to the support portion 310. Here, "rolling distance" refers to the length of the line through which the contact point between the second ball member 372 and the third groove 122 rolls, and the length of the line through which the contact point between the second ball member 372 and the fourth groove 312 rolls.

[0156] Since the third rotation radius r3 of the second ball component 372 relative to the third groove 122 is greater than the fourth rotation radius r4 of the second ball component 372 relative to the fourth groove 312, the third rolling distance can be greater than the fourth rolling distance. Assuming the second ball component 372 rotates by θ relative to the third groove 122 and the fourth groove 312 without slipping, the third rolling distance of the second ball component 372 rolling on the third groove 122 can be r3 × θ, and the fourth rolling distance of the second ball component 372 rolling on the fourth groove 312 can be r4 × θ. Since r3 is greater than r4, the third rolling distance can be greater than the fourth rolling distance.

[0157] Reference Figure 11 When the support portion 310 moves relative to the housing 120 in the optical axis direction, the second ball member 372 can move in the optical axis direction. In this case, the third distance d3 that the support portion 310 moves relative to the housing 120 can be different from the fourth distance d4 that the second ball member 372 moves relative to the housing 120.

[0158] When the supporting part 310 moves a third distance d3 relative to the housing 120, the fourth distance d4 that the second ball member 372 moves relative to the housing 120 can be shorter than the third distance d3 that the supporting part 310 moves relative to the housing 120. When the second ball member 372 rotates θ, the fourth distance d4 that the second ball member 372 moves relative to the housing 120 can be r3×θ, and the third distance d3 that the supporting part 310 moves relative to the housing 120 can be (r3+r4)×θ. Since r3 and r4 are both positive numbers, the third distance d3 can be greater than the fourth distance d4.

[0159] When the third rotation radius r3 and the fourth rotation radius r4 are the same, the ball rolling constant can be 0.5. For the third groove 122 and the fourth groove 312, when the third rotation radius r3 is greater than the fourth rotation radius r4, the ball rolling constant r3 / (r3+r4) can have a value greater than 0.5.

[0160] In this embodiment, the ball rolling constant can have a value greater than 0.58 and less than 1.0. In this embodiment, the third groove 122 and the fourth groove 312 can be configured such that the ball rolling constant can have a value close to 1.0. Since the fourth rotation radius r4 has a smaller value than the third rotation radius r3, the ball rolling constant can have a value close to 1.0. In this embodiment, the first to fourth rotation radii r1, r2, r3, and r4 can be configured such that the ball rolling constant is approximately 1.0, which allows the first ball member 371 and the second ball member 372 to stably support the bearing portion 310. (Refer to...) Figure 12 To describe its detailed description.

[0161] Reference Figures 9 to 11 The first groove 121 accommodating the first spherical member 371 and the third groove 122 accommodating the second spherical member 372 can have different shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the first spherical member 371 may have two contact points with the first groove 121, while the second spherical member 372 may have a single contact point with the second groove 311. However, the shapes of the first to fourth grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312 accommodating the spherical members 370 are not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and in other embodiments, the shapes of the first to fourth grooves 121, 122, 311, and 312 can vary. For example, the third groove 122 may have a V-shaped cross-sectional surface similar to the cross-sectional surface of the first groove 121, and the second spherical member 372 may be supported by the third groove 122 at two points.

[0162] In the illustrated embodiment, the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 have the same shape, but this disclosure is not limited to this example. This disclosure only provides a reference configuration for limiting the relationship between pairs of grooves 121 and 311 and grooves 122 and 312 that are opposite to each other on both sides of a particular ball member 370 (e.g., radius of rotation, contact angle, ball rolling contact with the ball member 370), and does not limit the relationship between grooves that are not opposite to each other among the first to fourth grooves 121, 122, 311 and 312 (e.g., the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 or the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312).

[0163] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the amount of movement of the first ball members 371a and 371b and the second ball member 372 according to the embodiment, as well as the amount of movement of the attraction center driven by the support portion 310.

[0164] exist Figure 12 In the middle, the load-bearing part 310 can be supported by three ball members 371a, 371b and 372. Figure 12 The three spherical components 371a, 371b and 372 shown can be Figure 2 A portion of the spherical component 370 shown. Furthermore, it is set... Figure 12 The first spherical components 371a and 371b on the left side of the coordinate diagram can correspond to those set in the coordinate diagram. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first spherical member 371 on the left side of the magnet 320a shown. Set in... Figure 12 The second spherical component 372 on the right side of the coordinate diagram can correspond to the one set in the coordinate diagram. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second spherical member 372 on the left side of the magnet 320a shown.

[0165] exist Figure 12In the diagram, the dashed lines represent the positions of the first ball members 371a and 371b, the second ball member 372, and the region (A1) defined by the first ball members 371a and 371b and the second ball member 372 at a reference time point. This region is the area where the center point (P1) of the attractive force applied to the support portion 310 is located. The solid lines represent the positions of the first ball members 371a and 371b, the second ball member 372, and the region (A1') defined by the first ball members 371a and 371b and the second ball member 372 after the support portion 310 moves upward (in the +Z direction) relative to the housing 120. This region is the area where the center point (P2) of the attractive force applied to the support portion 310 is located.

[0166] The attractive force can be a force acting between the support portion 310 and the housing 120, and may include, for example, a magnetic attractive force acting between the first magnetic yoke 350 of the support portion 310 and the magnet 320a of the housing 120. Due to the magnetic attractive force between the first magnetic yoke 350 and the magnet 320a, this attractive force can be directed toward one surface of the housing 120 (e.g., Figure 2 The magnetic attraction force acts on the bearing portion 310 in the -Y direction. In this case, the magnetic attraction force can act over the entire limited area of ​​the magnet 320a. In this disclosure, the center (or center point, or operating point) of the magnetic attraction force can be the point where the resultant force of the attraction force applied to the magnet 320a is applied.

[0167] In this embodiment, the center of the attractive force applied to the support portion 310 may be located in regions A1 and A1' (hereinafter referred to as support regions A1 and A1') defined by the first spherical members 371a and 371b and the second spherical member 372 supporting the support portion 310. For example, when the support portion 310 is supported by three spherical members 371a, 371b and 372, the support regions A1 and A1' may have a triangular shape connecting the center points of the three spherical members 371a, 371b and 372. The support regions A1 and A1' may each have the three spherical members 371a, 371b and 372 as vertices.

[0168] In this embodiment, referring to the side surface (or XZ plane) of the support portion 310, the point where the attractive force is applied can be set in a triangle defined by the center points of the three ball members 371a, 371b, and 372. Since the center of the attractive force is set in the triangle, the support portion 310 can be stably supported by the housing 120.

[0169] In this embodiment, even after the support portion 310 has moved a predetermined distance relative to the housing 120 according to the AF drive, the center of the attraction force can be set in the support region A1'.

[0170] Reference Figure 12When the bearing portion 310 moves 0.5 unit length in the Z-axis direction, the center of the attractive force can also move 0.5 unit length. The ball members 371a, 371b and 372 supporting the bearing portion 310 can also move in the direction in which the center of the attractive force moves.

[0171] The center of the attractive force applied to the support portion 310 can be located in the support regions A1 and A1'. Since the distance the center of the attractive force moves is the same as the distance the support portion 310 moves, the support regions may need to move a distance similar to the distance the support portion 310 moves, thereby stably supporting the support portion 310.

[0172] However, the distance that the ball components 371a, 371b, and 372 move relative to the housing 120 (e.g., Figure 10 The second distance d2 in the middle, or the distance that the ball members 371a, 371b, and 372 follow the support portion 310 may be less than the amount of movement of the support portion 310 (e.g., Figure 10 The first distance d1 in the reference time point. Therefore, assuming that the center of the attraction force is set at the center of the support region A1 relative to the reference time point, the point at which the attraction force is applied may deviate from the center of the support region A1' depending on the movement of the support part 310. When this point deviates from the center of the support region, the support part 310 may be difficult to support stably by the ball members 371a, 371b and 372.

[0173] According to the embodiment, the ball member 370 can move a distance similar to the amount of movement of the support portion 310. The concept that the ball member 370 can move a distance similar to the amount of movement of the support portion 310 can be interpreted as meaning that even if the amount of movement of the support portion 310 is large, the center of the attractive force applied to the support portion 310 can be located in the support area defined by the ball member 370.

[0174] Reference Figure 10 When the second rotation radius r2 is designed to be smaller than the first rotation radius r1, the ball rolling constant can be approximated as 1, and the moving distance of the ball component 370 (second distance d2) can be closer to the moving distance of the bearing part 310 (first distance d1).

[0175] When the first rotation radius r1 and the second rotation radius r2 are almost the same, the center of the attractive force applied to the bearing portion 310 may not be located in the triangle connecting the support points. For example, when the ball components 371a, 371b and 372 are at the reference time point as... Figure 12As shown, the three ball joints 371a, 371b, and 372 can move 0.5 when the support portion 310 moves 1 relative to the housing 120. In this case, since the center of attraction is located on the boundary of the triangle, the three ball joints 371a, 371b, and 372 may unstablely support the support portion 310. When a minor impact or vibration occurs, the contact between the ball joints 371a, 371b, and 372 and the housing 120 or the support portion 310 may be released, causing the support portion 310 to vibrate, which may reduce image quality and potentially damage the internal components of the camera.

[0176] Specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein can be effectively applied as the AF drive distance increases. This is likely because a longer AF drive distance results in a greater distance that the center of the attraction force applied to the support portion 310 moves further, and the center of the attraction force may easily deviate from the support area via the ball member 370. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, even in a camera module 100 providing a relatively long AF drive distance, the support portion 310 can be stably supported, and stable AF performance and excellent image quality can be expected.

[0177] Figure 13 This includes a graph comparing the amount of movement of the support portion 310 with the amount of movement of the ball member 370. Specifically, Figure 13 This illustrates a comparison between the amount of movement of the center point of the attractive force applied to the support portion 310 and the amount of movement of the ball member 370 when the support portion 310 moves back and forth relative to the housing 120 in the optical axis direction. Figure 13 In the curve diagram, the Y-axis represents the relative displacement between the bearing part 310 and the ball component 370.

[0178] In the implementation, Figure 13 The solid line in the figure represents the displacement of the center point of the attractive force applied to the bearing part 310 over time, and the dashed line represents the displacement of the spherical member 370 over time. Figure 13 The dotted lines in the figure represent the displacement of the ball component 370 over time in a conventional ball rolling structure, wherein the grooves 121, 122, 311 and 312 provided on both sides of the ball component 370 are symmetrical.

[0179] Reference Figure 13 In this embodiment, the ball member 370 can move a distance similar to the movement of the support portion 310. In a conventional ball rolling structure, the ball member 370 can move half the movement of the support portion 310.

[0180] When the ball member 370 moves a distance similar to the movement of the support portion 310, the support area for supporting the support portion 310 can also be provided adjacent to the support portion 310, which can help to stably support the support portion 310. Alternatively, the ball member 370 can stably support the support portion 310 even when the support portion 310 moves a relatively long distance. In conventional ball rolling structures, since the support area only moves about half the amount of movement of the support portion 310, the movable portion of the support portion 310 can be narrower than that of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0181] Figures 14A to 14I This is a diagram showing grooves provided on one and the other sides of the ball member 370 according to an embodiment. For example, a combination of grooves provided on both sides of the first ball member 371 or the second ball member 372 can be... Figures 14A to 14I One of the examples shown.

[0182] In an embodiment, the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 disposed on the side of the support portion 310 may include inclined surfaces. The second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 may be defined by a bottom surface and a side surface 310b extending from the bottom surface, and the side surface 310b may be almost perpendicular to the bottom surface or may be inclined relative to the bottom surface.

[0183] limited Figures 9 to 11 The side surfaces of the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 shown can have a shape that extends almost perpendicularly from the bottom surface. Therefore, the ball member 370 can contact the corner of the end corresponding to the side surface 310b (the end spaced apart from the bottom surface).

[0184] Reference Figure 14A The second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 provided in the support portion 310 may have side surfaces 310b that are inclined to the bottom surface or the opposite surface of the support portion 310 and the housing 120. Therefore, the ball member 370 can contact the side surface 310b.

[0185] In an embodiment, the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 provided on the side of the housing 120 may also include a side surface 120b that is inclined relative to the bottom surface or the opposite surface of the support portion 310 and the housing 120.

[0186] In this embodiment, the ball member 370 can contact the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 provided on the housing 120 side at a first angle θ1, and can contact the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 provided on the support portion 310 side at a second angle θ2. Each of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 can have a value greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0187] In this case, the first rotation radius r1 of the ball member 370 relative to the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 provided on the housing 120 side can be obtained by multiplying the radius R of the ball member by sin(θ1), and the second rotation radius r2 relative to the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 provided on the support portion 310 side can be obtained by multiplying the radius R of the ball member by sin(θ2).

[0188] In an implementation, the second angle θ2 can be configured to be smaller than the first angle θ1. In other words, the second rotation radius r2 can be configured to be smaller than the first rotation radius r1.

[0189] In one embodiment, the housing 120 and the support portion 310 may include corresponding surfaces 120a and 310a that are opposite to each other in a first direction (Y-axis direction). A ball member 370 may be disposed between the opposing surfaces 120a and 310a. The ball member 370 may contact each of the support portion 310 and the housing 120. The point of contact between the ball member 370 and the housing 120 and the center of the ball member 370 may be spaced apart by r1 in the first direction. Furthermore, the point of contact between the ball member 370 and the support portion 310 and the center of the ball member 370 may be spaced apart by r2 in the first direction. The value of r2 may be less than the value of r1.

[0190] In one embodiment, a ball assembly consisting of at least one ball member 370 may be disposed between the housing 120 and the support portion 310. For example, Figure 12 The spherical components 371a, 371b and 372 shown can form a single spherical group.

[0191] When the support portion 310 moves relative to the housing 120 in the Z-axis direction, the ball member 370 can roll relative to the housing 120 and the support portion 310. When the ball member 370 rotates by θ, the first distance d1 can be (r1+r2)×θ, and the second distance d2 can be r1×θ. Therefore, the ball rolling constant of the ball member 370 relative to the grooves provided on both sides can be calculated as r1 / (r1+r2). Alternatively, the ball rolling constant can be calculated as sin(θ1) / (sin(θ1)+sin(θ2)).

[0192] In one embodiment, since the second radius of rotation r2 is smaller than the first radius of rotation r1, the ball rolling constant r1 / (r1+r2) can have a value greater than 0.5. In another embodiment, the second radius of rotation r2 can be configured to be much smaller than the first radius of rotation r1 (r2 / r1≈0), and the ball rolling constant can have a value of approximately 1.0.

[0193] In one implementation, since each of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 has a value of 0 degrees or greater and 90 degrees or less, and the second angle θ2 is less than the first angle θ1, the ball roll constant sin(θ1) / (sin(θ1)+sin(θ2)) can have a value greater than 0.5. In another implementation, since the second angle θ2 is less than the first angle θ1 (i.e., sin(θ1) / sin(θ2)≈0), the ball roll constant can have a value of approximately 1.0.

[0194] In one embodiment, the side surfaces 120b defining the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 in the housing 120 are inclined at a third angle θ3 relative to the surface 120a of the housing 120 opposite to the support portion 310. The side surfaces 310b defining the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 in the support portion 310 may be inclined at a fourth angle θ4 relative to the surface 310a of the support portion 310 opposite to the housing 120. The third angle θ3 may be smaller than the fourth angle θ4.

[0195] In an embodiment, the angle θ5 between the side surfaces 120b defining the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 in the housing 120 can be greater than the angle θ6 between the side surfaces 310b defining the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 in the support portion 310.

[0196] The first to fourth grooves 121, 122, 311 and 312 and Figure 14A The relationship between the spherical components 370 shown can be applied to Figures 14B to 14I The implementation method is shown. In Figures 14B to 14I In the illustrated embodiment, the first to fourth grooves 121, 122, 311 and 312 may have different shapes, but may include the same configuration in which the second rotation radius r2 is configured to be smaller than the first rotation radius r1.

[0197] Reference Figure 14B In this embodiment, the second groove 311 and the fourth grooves 311 and 312 of the support portion 310 may have a V-shape, and the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 of the housing 120 may have a quadrilateral shape. The ball member 370 may contact the corner of the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 of the housing 120.

[0198] Reference Figure 14CIn one embodiment, the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 provided in the support portion 310 may have a V-shape, and the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 provided in the housing 120 may have relatively wide bottom surfaces. The ball member 370 may have a single contact point that contacts the bottom surfaces of the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 provided in the housing 120.

[0199] Reference Figure 14D In the embodiment, the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 provided in the support portion 310 may have a quadrilateral shape, and the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 provided in the housing 120 may have a V-shaped shape.

[0200] Reference Figure 14E In this embodiment, the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 provided in the support portion 310 may be quadrilateral in shape, and the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 provided in the housing 120 may also be quadrilateral in shape. The ball member 370 may contact the corner of the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 provided in the housing 120.

[0201] Reference Figure 14F In this embodiment, the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 provided in the support portion 310 may have a quadrilateral shape, and the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 provided in the housing 120 may have relatively wide bottom surfaces. The ball member 370 may have a single contact point that contacts the bottom surfaces of the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 provided in the housing 120, and the first rotation radius r1 may be the same as the radius of the ball member 370.

[0202] exist Figures 14G to 14I In this embodiment, the radius of rotation of the ball member 370 relative to the second groove 311 and the fourth groove 312 provided in the support portion 310 can be 0. In this case, the distance the ball member 370 rolls relative to the support portion 310 can theoretically be 0, and the ball rolling constant can be 1.0. Therefore, since the ball member 370 moves together with the support portion 310, the moving distances of the ball member 370 and the support portion 310 can be the same.

[0203] Reference Figure 14H In one embodiment, the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 disposed in the housing 120 may have a quadrilateral shape. The spherical member 370 may contact the corner of the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 disposed in the housing 120. (See reference...) Figure 14IIn an embodiment, the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 disposed in the housing 120 may have relatively wide bottom surfaces. The ball member 370 may have a single contact point that contacts the bottom surfaces of the first groove 121 and the third groove 122 disposed in the housing 120, and the first radius of rotation r1 may be the same as the radius of the ball member 370. In an embodiment, the camera module 100 may have various functions (e.g., automatic focus adjustment and optical image stabilization) and may include components for implementing these functions. However, it is possible to apply... Figures 9 to 14I The camera module with the ball-rolling structure shown is not limited to the camera module 100 shown. In another embodiment, a part of the components included in the camera module 100 may be omitted. For example, components for implementing optical image stabilization may not be included in the camera module 100.

[0204] Figure 15 and Figure 16 This may be an exploded perspective view showing the jitter correction unit 400 according to an embodiment.

[0205] The jitter correction unit 400 can be used to correct image blur or video jitter caused by factors such as user hand tremors when acquiring images or videos.

[0206] For example, when tremors occur during imaging due to the user's hand shaking, the tremor correction unit 400 can compensate for the tremors by providing a relative displacement corresponding to the tremor to the lens barrel 200.

[0207] For example, the jitter correction unit 400 can correct jitter by moving the lens barrel 200 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0208] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 The jitter correction unit 400 may include a guide member for guiding the movement of the lens barrel 200 and a jitter correction drive unit (or jitter correction drive assembly) for generating a driving force to move the guide member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0209] The guiding components may include a frame 410 and a lens holder 420. The frame 410 and the lens holder 420 can be inserted into the support portion 310 and can be stacked in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, and can guide the movement of the lens barrel 200.

[0210] The frame 410 and lens holder 420 may include a space in which the lens barrel 200 can be inserted. The lens barrel 200 can be fixed to the lens holder 420 (see [link]). Figure 2 ).

[0211] The frame 410 and lens support 420 can move within the bearing portion 310 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) by the driving force generated by the jitter correction drive unit.

[0212] The jitter correction drive unit may include a first jitter correction drive unit 440 and a second jitter correction drive unit 450, and the first jitter correction drive unit 440 and the second jitter correction drive unit 450 may respectively include magnets 441 and 451 and coils 442 and 452.

[0213] The first jitter correction drive unit 440 can generate a driving force in the first axis (X-axis) direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), and the second jitter correction drive unit 450 can generate a driving force in the second axis (Y-axis) direction perpendicular to the first axis (X-axis).

[0214] The second axis (Y-axis) is perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) and the first axis (X-axis).

[0215] The first jitter correction drive unit 440 and the second jitter correction drive unit 450 can be configured to be orthogonally oriented to each other in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis). For example, the magnet 441 of the first jitter correction drive unit 440 and the magnet 451 of the second jitter correction drive unit 450 can be configured to be orthogonally oriented to each other in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0216] The magnets 441 and 451 of the first jitter correction drive unit 440 and the second jitter correction drive unit 450 can be mounted on the lens bracket 420 respectively, and the coils 442 and 452 opposite to the magnets 441 and 451 respectively can be mounted on the housing 120. Figure 15 and Figure 16 An example in which coils 442 and 452 are disposed on the side of the support portion 310 is shown for ease of description, but reference is not provided. Figure 2 Coils 442 and 452 can be mounted on housing 120 using substrate 130 as a medium.

[0217] Magnets 441 and 451 may be movable members configured to move together with lens support 420 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis). Coils 442 and 452 may be fixed members fixed to housing 120. However, the disclosure herein is not limited to the above configuration, and the positions of magnets 441 and 451 and coils 442 and 452 may be interchanged.

[0218] In one embodiment, a plurality of ball-shaped components may be provided to support the jitter correction unit 400. During jitter correction, the plurality of ball-shaped components may guide the frame 410 and the lens support 420, and may also maintain a gap between the support portion 310, the frame 410 and the lens support 420.

[0219] Multiple ball components may include a third ball component 700 and a fourth ball component 800.

[0220] The third ball component 700 can guide the movement of the jitter correction unit 400 in the first axis (X-axis) direction, and the fourth ball component 800 can guide the movement of the jitter correction unit 400 in the second axis (Y-axis) direction.

[0221] As an example, when a driving force is generated in the first axis (X-axis) direction, the third ball member 700 can roll in the first axis (X-axis) direction. Therefore, the third ball member 700 can guide the movement of the frame 410 and the lens support 420 in the first axis (X-axis) direction.

[0222] Furthermore, when a driving force is generated in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis), the fourth ball member 800 can roll in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis). Therefore, the fourth ball member 800 can guide the movement of the lens support 420 in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis).

[0223] The third ball component 700 may include a plurality of third ball components disposed between the support portion 310 and the frame 410, and the fourth ball component 800 may include a plurality of fourth ball components disposed between the frame 410 and the lens bracket 420.

[0224] Each of the first guide grooves 710a, 710b, 710c, 720a, 720b, and 720c accommodating the third ball component 700 can be formed in the opposing surfaces of the support portion 310 and the frame 410, which are opposite to each other in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. The first guide grooves 710a, 710b, 710c, 720a, 720b, and 720c can include multiple guide grooves.

[0225] The third ball component 700 can be accommodated in the first guide grooves 710a, 710b, 710c, 720a, 720b and 720c, and can be inserted between the support part 310 and the frame 410.

[0226] When the third ball member 700 is accommodated in the first guide grooves 710a, 710b, 710c, 720a, 720b, and 720c, the movement of the third ball member 700 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction and the second axis (Y-axis) direction can be restricted, and it can move only in the first axis (X-axis) direction. For example, the third ball member 700 can roll only in the first axis (X-axis) direction.

[0227] Therefore, the plane of each of the plurality of guide grooves 710a, 710b, 710c, 720a, 720b and 720c can have a rectangular shape, the length of which is greater than the width ...

[0228] Furthermore, some of the first guide grooves 710a, 710b, 710c, 720a, 720b and 720c may have a cross-section with a different shape than the other first guide grooves 710a, 710b, 710c, 720a, 720b and 720c.

[0229] For example, the first guide grooves 710b and 720b may have an almost “U” shaped cross-sectional surface, while the other first guide grooves 710a, 710c, 720a and 720c may have an almost “V” shaped cross-sectional surface.

[0230] The first guide grooves 710b and 720b, having a U-shaped cross-sectional surface, can be positioned at the position furthest from the third guide grooves 910 and 920 among the first guide grooves 710a, 710b, 710c, 720a, 720b, and 720c (see [reference]). Figure 15 and Figure 16 ).

[0231] Second guide grooves 810a, 810b, 810c, 820a, 820b, and 820c, respectively accommodating the fourth ball component 800, can be formed in the opposing surfaces of the frame 410 and the lens holder 420, which are opposite to each other in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. The second guide grooves 810a, 810b, 810c, 820a, 820b, and 820c may include multiple guide grooves.

[0232] The fourth ball component 800 can be accommodated in the second guide grooves 810a, 810b, 810c, 820a, 820b and 820c respectively, and can be inserted between the frame 410 and the lens bracket 420.

[0233] When the fourth ball member 800 is accommodated in the second guide grooves 810a, 810b, 810c, 820a, 820b, and 820c, the movement of the fourth ball member 800 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction and the first axis (X-axis) direction can be restricted, and it can move only in the second axis (Y-axis) direction. For example, the fourth ball member 800 can roll only in the second axis (Y-axis) direction.

[0234] Therefore, the plane of each of the second guide grooves 810a, 810b, 810c, 820a, 820b and 820c can have a rectangular shape, with its length in the second axis (Y-axis) direction being greater than its width in the first axis (X-axis) direction.

[0235] Furthermore, some of the second guide grooves 810a, 810b, 810c, 820a, 820b and 820c may have a cross-sectional surface with a different shape than the other second guide grooves.

[0236] For example, the second guide grooves 810b and 820b may have an almost “U” shaped cross-sectional surface, while the other second guide grooves 810a, 810c, 820a and 820c may have an almost “V” shaped cross-section.

[0237] The second guide grooves 810b and 820b, having a "U"-shaped cross-sectional surface, can be positioned among the second guide grooves 810a, 810b, 810c, 820a, 820b, and 820c at the position furthest from the third guide grooves 910 and 920 (see [reference]). Figure 15 and Figure 16 ).

[0238] In one embodiment, a fifth ball member 900 configured to support the movement of the lens holder 420 may be disposed between the support portion 310 and the lens holder 420.

[0239] The fifth ball component 900 can guide the movement of the lens support 420 in the first axis (X-axis) direction and the second axis (Y-axis) direction.

[0240] As an example, when a driving force is generated in the first axis (X-axis) direction, the fifth ball member 900 can roll in the first axis (X-axis) direction. Therefore, the fifth ball member 900 can guide the movement of the lens support 420 in the first axis (X-axis) direction.

[0241] Furthermore, when a driving force is generated in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis), the fifth ball member 900 can roll in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis). Therefore, the fifth ball member 900 can guide the movement of the lens support 420 in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis).

[0242] The fourth spherical component 800 and the fifth spherical component 900 can contact and support the lens holder 420. The fourth spherical component 800 and the fifth spherical component 900 can be disposed on different planes (see [reference]). Figure 15 and Figure 16 In other words, the plane on which the fourth spherical member 800 is mounted can be different from the plane on which the fifth spherical member 900 is mounted.

[0243] The lens holder 420 may include a magnet 441 of the first jitter correction drive unit 440 and a magnet 451 of the second jitter correction drive unit 450, and the fourth ball member 800 and the fifth ball member 900 may be respectively disposed on both sides of the magnet 441 and the magnet 451 (see Figure 16 ).

[0244] Therefore, each of the magnets 441 of the first jitter correction drive unit 440 and the magnets 451 of the second jitter correction drive unit 450 can be disposed between ball members disposed on different planes.

[0245] The third guide grooves 910 and 920 for accommodating the fifth ball component 900 can be formed on the opposing surfaces of the support portion 310 and the lens bracket 420 in the direction of the optical axis (Z axis).

[0246] The fifth ball component 900 can be accommodated in the third guide grooves 910 and 920, and can be inserted between the support portion 310 and the lens bracket 420.

[0247] When the fifth ball component 900 is accommodated in the third guide grooves 910 and 920, the movement of the fifth ball component 900 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction can be restricted, and the fifth ball component 900 can roll in the first axis (X-axis) direction and the second axis (Y-axis) direction.

[0248] Therefore, the planes of the third guide grooves 910 and 920 can have a circular shape. Thus, the shape of the planes of the third guide grooves 910 and 920 can differ from the shape of the planes of the first guide grooves 710a, 710b, 710c, 720a, 720b and 720c, and the shape of the planes of the second guide grooves 810a, 810b, 810c, 820a, 820b and 820c.

[0249] In another embodiment, when the fifth ball member 900 is received in the third guide grooves 910 and 920, the translational movement of the fifth ball member 900 in the X-axis or Y-axis direction can be restricted. For this purpose, the fifth ball member 900 may have at least three contact points with at least one of the third guide grooves 910 and 920. At least one of the third guide grooves 910 and 920 may have at least three bottom surfaces, and each bottom surface may be formed to be inclined relative to the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0250] For example, when at least one of the third guide grooves 910 and 920 has a triangular pyramid shape defined by three bottom surfaces, the fifth ball member 900 can be supported at three points, which can limit the movement of the fifth ball member 900 relative to the support portion 310 in the X-axis or Y-axis direction.

[0251] As another example, when at least one of the third guide grooves 910 and 920 has a quadrangular pyramid shape defined by four bottom surfaces, the fifth ball member 900 can be supported at four points, which can limit the movement of the fifth ball member 900 relative to the support portion 310 in the X-axis or Y-axis direction.

[0252] The third ball component 700 can roll in the first axis (X-axis) direction, the fourth ball component 800 can roll in the second axis (Y-axis) direction, and the fifth ball component 900 can roll in the first axis (X-axis) direction and the second axis (Y-axis) direction.

[0253] Therefore, in the implementation, the multiple ball components supporting the jitter correction unit 400 can have different degrees of freedom.

[0254] In the implementation, when power is applied to the jitter correction unit 400 and the jitter correction unit 400 moves by a driving force generated in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), the degree of freedom refers to the independent variables required to represent the movement of the third ball member 700, the fourth ball member 800, and the fifth ball member 900.

[0255] As an example, the fifth ball component 900 can roll on two axes (the first axis (X-axis) and the second axis (Y-axis)) by the driving force generated in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), and the third ball component 700 and the fourth ball component 800 can each roll along a single axis (the first axis (X-axis) and the second axis (Y-axis)).

[0256] Therefore, the degree of freedom of the fifth sphere component 900 can be greater than that of the third sphere component 700 and the fourth sphere component 800.

[0257] When the driving force Fx is generated in the first axis (X-axis) direction, the frame 410 and the lens support 420 can move together in the first axis (X-axis) direction.

[0258] The third ball component 700 and the fifth ball component 900 can roll along the first axis (X-axis). In this case, the movement of the fourth ball component 800 can be restricted.

[0259] Furthermore, when the driving force Fy is generated in the direction of the second axis (Y axis), the lens bracket 420 can move in the direction of the second axis (Y axis).

[0260] In this configuration, the fourth ball component 800 and the fifth ball component 900 can roll along the second axis (Y-axis). In this configuration, the movement of the third ball component 700 can be restricted.

[0261] When the ball component rolling along the first axis (X-axis) is referred to as the third ball component, and the ball component rolling along the second axis (Y-axis) is referred to as the fourth ball component, when the jitter correction unit 400 moves in the first axis (X-axis) direction, the fifth ball component 900 disposed between the support portion 310 and the lens bracket 420 can be used as the third ball component, and when the jitter correction unit 400 moves in the second axis (Y-axis) direction, the fifth ball component 900 can be used as the fourth ball component.

[0262] Therefore, in this case, the third and fourth spherical components have spherical components shared by each other.

[0263] In one implementation, the lens driving device 500 may use a closed-loop control method that senses the position of the lens barrel 200 and provides feedback during jitter correction.

[0264] Therefore, position sensors 443 and 453 can be provided for closed-loop control, and position sensors 443 and 453 can be disposed on the inner side of coil 442 of the first jitter correction drive unit 440 and coil 452 of the second jitter correction drive unit 450 (see...). Figure 16 ).

[0265] Position sensors 443 and 453 can be Hall sensors, and position sensors 443 and 453 can detect the position of the lens barrel 200 through the magnet 441 of the first jitter correction drive unit 440 and the magnet 451 of the second jitter correction drive unit 450.

[0266] In one embodiment, a magnetic yoke portion 380 may be provided to maintain contact between the jitter correction unit 400 and the third ball member 700, the fourth ball member 800, and the fifth ball member 900.

[0267] The yoke portion 380 can be fixed to the support portion 310 and can be opposite to the magnet 441 of the first jitter correction drive unit 440 and the magnet 451 of the second jitter correction drive unit 450 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0268] Therefore, an attractive force can be generated between the yoke portion 380 and the magnets 441 and 451 in the direction of the optical axis (Z axis).

[0269] Since the jitter correction unit 400 is pressed in the direction toward the yoke portion 380 by the attraction force acting between the yoke portion 380 and the magnets 441 and 451, the frame 410 and lens bracket 420 of the jitter correction unit 400 can remain in contact with the third ball member 700, the fourth ball member 800 and the fifth ball member 900.

[0270] For example, the lens holder 420 can be pressed against the frame 410 by the attraction force acting between the yoke portion 380 and the magnets 441 and 451, and thus the frame 410 can be pressed against the support portion 310.

[0271] The yoke portion 380 may include a first yoke portion 380a and a second yoke portion 380b, and may be formed of a material configured to generate an attractive force between magnets 441 and 451. For example, the yoke portion 380 may be formed of a magnetic material.

[0272] The first yoke portion 380a can be opposite to the magnet 441 of the first jitter correction drive unit 440 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, and the second yoke portion 380b can be opposite to the magnet 451 of the second jitter correction drive unit 450 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0273] In this configuration, the lengths of the first yoke portion 380a and the second yoke portion 380b in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) can correspond to or be less than the lengths of magnets 441 and 451 in the same direction. In this configuration, when magnets 441 and 451 move in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), the restoring force returning to the original position may increase due to the attractive force with the yoke portion 380.

[0274] During the shake correction process, it may be necessary to immediately and continuously move the lens barrel 200 along the first axis (X-axis) and the second axis (Y-axis) in response to the user's hand tremors.

[0275] As an example, since the camera module 100 shakes fast enough, reaching tens of Hz per second, it may be difficult to generate vibrations corresponding to the shake of the camera module 100 by using only the electromagnetic forces acting between magnets 441 and 451 and coils 442 and 452.

[0276] Therefore, by using the restoring force acting between magnets 441 and 451 and the yoke portion 380 and the electromagnetic force acting between magnets 441 and 451 and coils 442 and 452, the lens barrel 200 can move in the first axis (X-axis) direction and the second axis (Y-axis) direction.

[0277] Therefore, the lens barrel 200 can move continuously in response to vibration, and power consumption can be reduced.

[0278] In an embodiment, the yoke portion 380 may be configured to maintain the contact state between the frame 410 and the lens support 420 and the third ball member 700, the fourth ball member 800, and the fifth ball member 900, and a stop member 210 may be provided to prevent the third ball member 700, the fourth ball member 800, and the fifth ball member 900, the frame 410, and the lens support 420 from disengaging due to external impact (see [link]). Figure 2 ).

[0279] The stop 210 can be connected to the support portion 310 to cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the lens holder 420.

[0280] In this embodiment, since the guide members (frame 410 and lens support 420) for guiding the lens barrel 200 can be included in the carrier portion 310 for shake correction, the size of the lens drive device 500 and the camera module 100 can be increased compared to the example without shake correction function.

[0281] For example, with reference to the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the frame 410 and the lens holder 420 can be arranged sequentially in the support portion 310 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, and therefore, the size of the lens drive device 500 and the camera module 100 can be increased compared to the example without the frame 410 and the lens holder 420.

[0282] However, in the implementation, the size of the lens drive device 500 and the camera module 100 can be reduced even though the shake correction function is included.

[0283] The planes of frame 410 and lens support 420 can have different shapes. The positions of the centers of gravity of frame 410 and lens support 420 can be different.

[0284] For example, the plane of frame 410 can be almost “┓” shaped, and the plane of lens holder 420 can be almost “□” shaped.

[0285] Therefore, the area where the frame 410 is provided and the area where the frame 410 is not provided can exist between the support portion 310 and the lens bracket 420.

[0286] As an example, referring to the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, there may be regions in which the frame 410 and the lens support 420 overlap with each other, and regions in which the frame 410 and the lens support 420 do not overlap with each other.

[0287] The area where the frame 410 and the lens support 420 overlap each other in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction can be the area where the frame 410 is provided between the support part 310 and the lens support 420.

[0288] The area where the frame 410 and the lens holder 420 do not overlap in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction can be a region where the frame 410 is not provided between the support portion 310 and the lens holder 420. Therefore, in this region, the support portion 310 and the lens holder 420 can be directly opposite each other in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0289] The magnets 441 and 451 of the first jitter correction drive unit 440 and the second jitter correction drive unit 450, as well as the yoke portion 380, can be disposed in the area where the support portion 310 and the lens bracket 420 are directly opposite each other in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0290] In other words, the portion of the frame 410 corresponding to the region of the magnets 441 and 451 of the first jitter correction drive unit 440 and the second jitter correction drive unit 450 and the yoke portion 380 that are opposite each other in the optical axis (Z axis) direction can be open.

[0291] Therefore, with reference to the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the frame 410 may not be positioned between the magnets 441 and 451 of the first jitter correction drive unit 440 and the yoke portion 380, and thus, the magnets 441 and 451 may be positioned adjacent to the yoke portion 380.

[0292] In one embodiment, by configuring the planes of the frame 410 and the lens support 420 with different shapes, a region without the frame 410 can be formed between the support portion 310 and the lens support 420. By providing magnets 441 and 451 and the yoke portion 380 in this region, the magnets 441 and 451 can be positioned adjacent to the yoke portion 380.

[0293] Therefore, in the implementation, although the shake correction function is included, the size (height in the optical axis (Z axis) direction) of the lens drive device 500 and the camera module 100 can be reduced.

[0294] The mounting surface of the lens holder 420 that is attached to the magnets 441 and 451 may have a shape that protrudes further toward the bottom surface of the support portion 310 than other parts of the lens holder 420.

[0295] The fifth ball component 900 can be disposed between the bearing part 310 and the lens bracket 420, and can support the lens bracket 420.

[0296] The magnet 441 of the first jitter correction drive unit 440 and the magnet 451 of the second jitter correction drive unit 450 can be mounted on one surface and the other surface of the lens holder 420, orthogonal to each other, and when the attraction force acts between the magnets 441 and 451 and the yoke portion 380, a clamping force biased towards the yoke portion 380 can be applied to the lens holder 420.

[0297] In this case, since the frame 410 is not located in the region where the attraction force acts between the magnets 441 and 451 and the yoke portion 380, the lens support 420 can be tilted by the attraction force acting between the magnets 441 and 451 and the yoke portion 380.

[0298] However, in an embodiment, the fifth ball component 900 may be disposed between the support portion 310 and the lens bracket 420 to prevent the lens bracket 420 from tilting.

[0299] Since the fifth ball component 900 directly supports the lens bracket 420 between the bearing portion 310 and the lens bracket 420, the fifth ball component 900 can guide the movement of the lens bracket 420 in the first axis (X-axis) and the second axis (Y-axis) directions.

[0300] As described above, the frame 410 may not be located in the region where the attraction force acts between the magnets 441 and 451 and the yoke portion 380, and the fifth ball member 900 may be located in the region where the frame 410 is not located, so that the lens support 420 can be supported by the fifth ball member 900, and the size (height in the optical axis (Z axis) direction) of the lens drive device 500 and the camera module 100 can be reduced while including the shake correction function.

[0301] Since a biased clamping force is applied to the lens holder 420, the magnitudes of the clamping forces applied to the fourth ball member 800 and the fifth ball member 900 supporting the lens holder 420 can also be different from each other.

[0302] For example, since the clamping force applied to the lens support 420 in the region where the magnets 441 and 451 are opposite to the yoke portion 380 can be maximized, the clamping force applied to the fifth ball member 900 can be greater than the clamping force applied to the fourth ball member 800.

[0303] Furthermore, the clamping force applied to the fifth ball member 900 can be greater than the clamping force applied to the third ball member 700.

[0304] As the size of the lens driving device 500 and camera module 100 in the embodiment decreases, a portion of the lens barrel 200 can maintain a state where that portion of the lens barrel 200 protrudes outside the housing 110 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0305] As an example, even when the lens barrel 200 is set at its lowest point in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, a portion of the lens barrel 200 can protrude outside the housing 110.

[0306] According to the foregoing embodiments, the lens driving device and the camera module including the lens driving device can have a reduced size while having a shake correction function.

[0307] Furthermore, the camera module disclosed herein can stably support or house the lens, thereby providing excellent autofocus performance. For example, by including the camera module in the structure, the lens or lens-housed structure can be stably supported by the camera housing, and the drive distance of the lens required for autofocus adjustment can be increased.

[0308] While specific examples have been shown and described above, it will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may still be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this 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 this disclosure.

Claims

1. Camera module, including: case; The support portion is configured to be opposite the housing in a first direction and to move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A first spherical component is disposed between the opposing surfaces of the supporting portion and the housing; as well as The outer casing is configured to cover the housing. The housing and the supporting portion each include a first groove and a second groove arranged to face each other in the first direction and to partially accommodate the first spherical member. The first groove contacts the first spherical component at a first point, and the second groove contacts the first spherical component at a second point. The first point and the second point each have two contact points. Wherein, the first groove and the second groove are asymmetrical with respect to the first spherical member, and Wherein, the first distance from the center of the first spherical component to the first point in the first direction is greater than the second distance from the center of the first spherical component to the second point in the first direction, and Wherein, the ratio of the first distance to the sum of the first distance and the second distance is greater than 0.58 and less than 1.

0.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The first ball member is configured to support the load-bearing portion in the first direction.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: A first magnetic component is disposed in the bearing portion; as well as A second magnetic component is disposed in the housing and configured to generate a magnetic attraction between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component in the first direction.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, further comprising: The second spherical component is configured to be disposed between the support portion and the housing. The total number of spherical components included in the first spherical component and the second spherical component is at least three. When the supporting part moves relative to the housing, the center of the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is located in a region with at least three spherical members as vertices.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein, Two or more of the at least three ball components are disposed on one side of the movement path of the first magnetic component, and one or more of the at least three ball components are disposed on the other side of the movement path of the first magnetic component.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The first groove has a V-shaped cross-sectional surface, and the second groove has a quadrilateral cross-sectional surface.

7. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, One or both of the first groove and the second groove are formed by a metal member inserted into the support portion.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between two points in the first groove is less than the distance between the support points of the first ball component in the second groove.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The side surface of the first groove is inclined at a first angle relative to the opposing surface, and the side surface of the second groove is inclined at a second angle relative to the opposing surface or perpendicular to the opposing surface. The second angle is greater than the first angle.

10. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one lens, The supporting portion is configured to move in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the at least one lens.

11. Camera module, including: The housing includes a first recess; The support portion is configured to move relative to the housing and includes a second groove facing the first groove; A spherical component is disposed between the support portion and the housing, each of the spherical components being partially received in the first groove and the second groove; as well as The outer casing is configured to cover the housing. Wherein, the first groove and the second groove are asymmetrical with respect to the spherical member, and Wherein, the ball member is configured to roll while making contact with the housing and the supporting portion at two points respectively, and when the ball member rolls without slipping while in contact with the supporting portion and the housing, the first radius of rotation of the ball member relative to the housing is greater than the second radius of rotation of the ball member relative to the supporting portion, and Wherein, the ratio of the first rotation radius to the sum of the first rotation radius and the second rotation radius is greater than 0.58 and less than 1.

0.

12. The camera module according to claim 11, wherein, The ratio of the amount of movement of the spherical component relative to the housing to the amount of movement of the bearing portion relative to the housing is determined by the ratio of the first rotation radius to the sum of the first rotation radius and the second rotation radius.

13. The camera module according to claim 11, further comprising: A first magnetic component is disposed in the bearing portion; as well as A second magnetic component is disposed in the housing and configured to generate a magnetic attraction between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, in, The spherical component includes at least three spherical components, and When the supporting part moves relative to the housing, the center of the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is set in the region with the at least three spherical members as vertices.

15. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein, The spherical component includes: Two first ball components are positioned on one side of the first magnetic component relative to the movement path of the first magnetic component; and The second ball component is disposed on the opposite side of the first magnetic component relative to the movement path, and When the supporting part moves relative to the housing, the center of the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component is set in a triangular region with the two first spherical components and the second spherical component as vertices.

16. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein, The support portion is further configured to move in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the camera module, and the ball member is further configured to roll in a direction parallel to the optical axis to move.

17. A camera module, including: case; The support portion is configured to move relative to the housing in the optical axis direction; Two or more ball components are disposed between the support portion and the housing and configured to roll in the optical axis direction to guide the movement of the support portion in the optical axis direction; A first magnetic component is disposed in the bearing portion; A second magnetic component is disposed in the housing and configured to generate a magnetic attraction between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component to keep the two or more ball components in contact with the support portion and the housing; as well as The outer casing is configured to cover the housing. Among the two or more spherical components, one of the spherical components contacts the first groove of the housing at a first point and contacts the second groove of the bearing portion at a second point. The first point and the second point each have two contact points. Wherein, the first groove and the second groove are asymmetrical with respect to the spherical member, and Wherein, when the supporting part moves relative to the housing, the center of the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is located in the region with the two or more spherical members as vertices, and The ratio of the distance the ball component moves relative to the housing in the optical axis direction to the distance the bearing part moves relative to the housing in the optical axis direction is greater than 0.58 and less than 1.

0.

18. The camera module according to claim 17, wherein, The two or more spherical components include at least three spherical components.

19. The camera module according to claim 18, wherein, The at least three spherical components include: Two first ball components are positioned on one side of the first magnetic component relative to the movement path of the first magnetic component; and The second ball component is disposed on the opposite side of the first magnetic component relative to the movement path, and The region with the at least three spherical components as vertices is a triangle with the two first spherical components and the second spherical component as vertices.

20. The camera module according to claim 17, wherein, The supporting part is opposite to the housing in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Wherein, the distance from the center of the spherical component to the first point in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis is greater than the distance from the center of the spherical component to the second point in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

21. Electronic devices, including: Camera module, including: Housing, installed in the electronic device; The support portion is configured to be opposite the housing in a first direction and to move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A lens module is attached to the support portion and configured to move together with the support portion in the second direction; A spherical component is disposed between the opposing surfaces of the supporting portion and the housing; and The outer casing is configured to cover the housing. The housing and the supporting portion each include a first groove and a second groove arranged to face each other in the first direction and to partially accommodate the spherical member. The first groove contacts the ball component at a first point, and the second groove contacts the ball component at a second point. The first point and the second point each have two contact points. Wherein, the first groove and the second groove are asymmetrical with respect to the spherical member, and Wherein, the first distance from the center of the spherical member to the first point in the first direction is greater than the second distance from the center of the spherical member to the second point in the first direction, and Wherein, the ratio of the first distance to the sum of the first distance and the second distance is greater than 0.58 and less than 1.

0.

22. The electronic device according to claim 21, wherein, The second direction is parallel to the optical axis of the lens module.

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