Optical path change module and camera module

Abstract

An optical path changing module and a camera module are disclosed. An optical path changing module includes: a first rotation retaining member; a reflection member disposed on the first rotation retaining member and configured to change an optical path; a second rotation retaining member configured to support the first rotation retaining member; and a module housing that houses the second rotation retaining member. The first rotation retaining member is coupled to the second rotation retaining member and configured to rotate about a first pivot axis. The second rotation retaining member is coupled to the module housing and configured to rotate about a second pivot axis that intersects the first pivot axis.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2020 - 0150242, filed with the Korean Patent Office on November 11, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The following description relates to an optical path changing module and a camera module including the optical path changing module. Background Art

[0004] Recently, camera modules have been provided as a standard feature in portable electronic devices (such as tablet personal computers (PCs), laptop computers, etc., in addition to smart phones). In addition, functions such as an auto - focus (AF) function, a zoom function, an optical image stabilization (OIS) function, etc. have been added to the camera modules of mobile terminals.

[0005] However, in order to implement functions such as the AF function, the zoom function, and the OIS function, the structure of the camera module may become complex and the size of the camera module may increase. Therefore, the size of the portable electronic device equipped with the camera module also increases.

[0006] In addition, when directly moving a lens or an image sensor to implement optical image stabilization (OIS), the weight of the lens or the image sensor itself and the weight of other components to which the lens or the image sensor is attached should be considered. Therefore, a certain degree of driving force is required, which may increase power consumption.

[0007] The above information is provided only as background information to assist in understanding the present disclosure. No determination or assertion is made as to whether any of the above applies as prior art to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The "Summary of the Invention" is provided to briefly introduce a selection of concepts further described in the "Detailed Description" below. The "Summary of the Invention" is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] In one general aspect, an optical path changing module includes: a first rotation holder; a reflection member disposed on the first rotation holder and configured to change an optical path; a second rotation holder configured to support the first rotation holder; and a module housing that houses the second rotation holder. The first rotation holder is coupled to the second rotation holder and configured to rotate about a first pivot axis. The second rotation holder is coupled to the module housing and configured to rotate about a second pivot axis that intersects the first pivot axis.

[0010] The first pivot axis may extend through the reflection member.

[0011] The first rotation retaining member may include a mounting surface for mounting the reflection member and include a shaft coupling portion provided on the back surface of the mounting surface such that the shaft coupling portion is rotatably coupled to the second rotation retaining member.

[0012] The optical path changing module may further include: a sleeve inserted into the shaft coupling portion and having ends respectively formed with slots; and a shaft coupled to the second rotation retaining member and having ends respectively inserted into the slots.

[0013] The shaft may be in point contact with the sleeve and coupled to the sleeve.

[0014] The second rotation retaining member may include side portions respectively provided on both sides of the first rotation retaining member and a connecting portion connecting the side portions to each other. The second pivot axis may extend through the side portions.

[0015] The optical path changing module may further include: a sleeve inserted into one of the side portions and having an end formed with a slot; and a shaft coupled to the module housing and having an end inserted into the slot.

[0016] The optical path changing module may further include: a first driving portion configured to rotate the first rotation retaining member about the first pivot axis, and a second driving portion configured to rotate the second rotation retaining member about the second pivot axis.

[0017] The first driving portion may include: a first magnet portion provided on the lower surface of the shaft coupling portion; and a first coil portion facing the first magnet portion and spaced apart from the first magnet portion by a predetermined distance.

[0018] The second driving portion may include: a second magnet portion provided on the outer surface of one of the side portions; and a second coil portion facing the second magnet portion and spaced apart from the second magnet portion by a predetermined distance.

[0019] The second driving portion may be provided on the outer surface of one of the side portions and above the second pivot axis. The first driving portion may be provided below the second pivot axis and parallel to the second driving portion.

[0020] The first driving portion may include a helical spring member. One end of the helical spring member may be fastened to the shaft coupling portion, and the other end of the helical spring member may be fastened to the second rotation retaining member.

[0021] The second driving part may include a helical spring member. One end of the helical spring member may be fastened to the side portion, and the other end of the helical spring member may be fastened to the module housing.

[0022] One or both of the first driving part and the second driving part may include a helical spring member. The helical spring member may be formed of a shape memory alloy.

[0023] The optical path changing module may further include: a sleeve fastened to one of the side portions and having an end portion formed with a first slot; a shaft fastened to the module housing and having an end portion formed with a second slot; and a spherical member inserted into the first slot and the second slot to connect the sleeve and the shaft to each other.

[0024] The optical path changing module may further include: a sleeve inserted into the shaft coupling portion and having an end portion formed with a first slot; a shaft coupled to the second rotation retaining member and having an end portion formed with a second slot; and a spherical member inserted into the first slot and the second slot to connect the sleeve to the shaft.

[0025] The shaft coupling portion may include a slot formed on the first pivot axis. The optical path changing module may further include a shaft, one end of which is inserted into the slot and the other end of which is fastened to the second rotation retaining member.

[0026] In another general aspect, an optical path changing module includes: a first rotation retaining member; a reflection member disposed on the mounting surface of the first rotation retaining member and configured to change an optical path; and a second rotation retaining member configured to support the first rotation retaining member. The first rotation retaining member may include a shaft coupling portion disposed on the back surface of the mounting surface such that the shaft coupling portion is rotatably coupled to the second rotation retaining member. The shaft coupling portion may include a slot formed along the pivot axis of the first rotation retaining member. The second rotation retaining member may be inserted into the slot such that the second rotation retaining member is in point contact with the shaft coupling portion.

[0027] In yet another general aspect, a camera module includes an optical path changing module, which includes: a first rotation retaining member; a reflecting member disposed on the first rotation retaining member and configured to change an optical path of incident light; a second rotation retaining member configured to support the first rotation retaining member; and a module housing that houses the second rotation retaining member. The camera module further includes: a lens module disposed within the module housing and including a plurality of lenses; and an image sensor module configured to convert light passing through the plurality of lenses into an electrical signal. The first rotation retaining member is coupled to the second rotation retaining member and configured to rotate about a first pivot axis. The second rotation retaining member is coupled to the module housing and configured to rotate about a second pivot axis that intersects the first pivot axis.

[0028] Other features or aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device according to an example.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an example.

[0031] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a partially exploded perspective view of the camera module shown in

[0032] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an optical path changing module according to an example.

[0033] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a bottom perspective view of the optical path changing module shown in

[0034] Figure 6 is Figure 4 an exploded perspective view of the optical path changing module shown in

[0035] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Figure 4 I-I' of

[0036] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Figure 4 II-II' of

[0037] Figure 9 and Figure 10 are cross-sectional views of an optical path changing module according to another example.

[0038] Figure 11 and Figure 12Is a cross-sectional view of an optical path changing module according to another example.

[0039] Figure 13 Is a partially exploded perspective view of a camera module according to another example.

[0040] Figure 14 Is Figure 13 A perspective view of the optical path changing module shown in

[0041] Figure 15 Is Figure 14 A bottom perspective view of the optical path changing module shown in

[0042] Figure 16 Is Figure 14 An exploded perspective view of the optical path changing module shown in

[0043] Figure 17 Is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' of Figure 14

[0044] Figure 18 Is Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV' of

[0045] Figure 19 Is a partially exploded perspective view of a camera module according to another example.

[0046] Figure 20 Is Figure 19 A perspective view of the optical path changing module shown in

[0047] Figure 21 Is Figure 20 A bottom perspective view of the optical path changing module shown in

[0048] Figure 22 Is Figure 20 An exploded perspective view of the optical path changing module shown in

[0049] Figure 23 Is Figure 20 A cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' of

[0050] Figure 24 Is Figure 20 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' of

[0051] Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, like reference numerals refer to like elements. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale and the relative dimensions, proportions, and depictions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Description

[0052] ​The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in obtaining a thorough understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, variations, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will become apparent after understanding the present disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and not limited to those set forth herein, but may be changed as will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure, except for operations that must be performed in a particular order. Additionally, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0053] The features described herein may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. On the contrary, the examples described herein are provided only to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein, which will become more apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application. Hereinafter, although embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly "on", directly "connected to", or directly "coupled to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements interposed therebetween. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element, there may be no other elements interposed therebetween. As used herein, a "portion" of an element may include the entire element or less than the entire element.

[0055] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the related listed items and any combination of any two or more thereof; similarly, "at least one of... " includes any one of the related listed items and any combination of any two or more thereof.

[0056] Although terms such as "first", "second", and "third" may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited to these terms. On the contrary, these terms are only used to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or section from another. Thus, the first component, part, region, layer, or section mentioned in the examples described herein may also be referred to as the second component, part, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the various examples.

[0057] Spatial relative terms may be used herein, such as "above", "upper", "below", and "lower", to describe the relationship of one element shown in the figures to another element. In addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, such spatial relative terms are also intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as "above" or "upper" relative to another element will then be "below" or "lower" relative to that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term "above" encompasses both the above and below orientations. The device may have other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0058] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various examples only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The articles "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" specify the presence of the stated features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0059] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the drawings may vary. Accordingly, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings, but include changes in shape that occur during manufacturing.

[0060] As will become apparent after understanding the disclosure, the features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways. Additionally, although the examples described herein have various configurations, other configurations are possible as will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application.

[0061] In this document, it should be noted that the term "may" is used with respect to examples, e.g., with respect to features that an example may include or implement, meaning that there is at least one example in which such a feature is included or implemented, while not all examples are limited thereto.

[0062] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device 1000 according to an example.

[0063] Referring to Figure 1 , the portable electronic device 1000 may be a portable electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal, a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc., equipped with a camera module 400. However, the portable electronic device 1000 is not limited to the foregoing examples.

[0064] As Figure 1As shown, the camera module 400 is configured to capture an image of an object. The camera module 400 may include a plurality of lenses.

[0065] The camera module 400 may be arranged such that the optical axis (Z-axis) of each lens is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1000 (e.g., the Y-axis direction, or the direction from the front face to the back face of the portable electronic device 1000, or the direction opposite to the direction from the front face to the back face of the portable electronic device 1000).

[0066] As an example, the optical axis (Z-axis) of the lenses included in the camera module 400 may extend along the width direction or the length direction of the portable electronic device 1000.

[0067] Thus, even when the camera module 400 has functions such as an autofocus (AF) function, a zoom function, an optical image stabilization (OIS) function, etc., the thickness of the portable electronic device 1000 does not increase. Therefore, the portable electronic device 1000 can be miniaturized.

[0068] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the camera module 400 according to an example. Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the camera module 400.

[0069] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the camera module 400 may include, for example, an optical path changing module 100, a lens module 200, and an image sensor module 300.

[0070] The optical path changing module 100 may change the direction in which light travels. For example, the traveling direction of the incident light L incident through the opening 421 of the module cover 420 may be changed by the optical path changing module 100 to be directed toward the lens module 200. Thus, the traveling direction of the light L (the direction in which the incident light L enters the optical path changing module 100) may be changed to match the optical axis (Z-axis) direction when passing through the optical path changing module 100. To this end, the optical path changing module 100 may include a reflecting member 110 configured to reflect the incident light L to change the optical path of the incident light L.

[0071] The lens module 200 may include a plurality of lenses through which the light traveling in the direction changed by the optical path changing module 100 passes. The image sensor module 300 may include an image sensor 310 configured to convert the light passing through the plurality of lenses into an electrical signal and a printed circuit board (PCB) 320.

[0072] The optical path changing module 100, the lens module 200, and the image sensor module 300 may be disposed within the module housing 410.

[0073] The module housing 410 may have an accommodation space, and the optical path changing module 100, the lens module 200, and the image sensor module 300 are sequentially disposed in the accommodation space along the optical axis direction. The module cover 420 may be coupled to the module housing 410 to form the housing of the camera module 400.

[0074] In addition, the circuit board 430 may be coupled to the module housing 410. The circuit board 430 may be electrically connected to a driving unit, which will be described below, and the driving unit is configured to provide an electrical signal to the actuator. The circuit board 430 may be a flexible PCB (FPCB), but is not limited thereto.

[0075] The circuit board 430 may be disposed along the outer surface of the module housing 410. The circuit board 430 may be formed in various shapes and coupled to the module housing 410, and at least a portion of the circuit board 430 may be disposed to cover the opening 414 of the module housing 410.

[0076] The circuit board 430 may be a substrate for an optical image stabilization (OIS) component for compensating for jitter such as user hand shake. In this regard, the circuit board 430 may include a gyro sensor to detect user hand shake. In addition, the circuit board 430 may include a driving unit IC for providing a driving signal to the driving unit 160 (see Figure 5 ) to be described later.

[0077] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the optical path changing module 100 according to an example. Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the optical path changing module 100. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the optical path changing module 100. Figure 7 is along Figure 4 sectional view taken along line I-I'. Figure 8 is along Figure 4 sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0078] Referring to Figures 4 to 8 , the optical path changing module 100 may include a reflecting member 110, a first rotary holder 120 on which the reflecting member 110 is mounted, a second rotary holder 130 supporting the first rotary holder 120, and a driving unit or driving assembly 160.

[0079] The reflecting member 110 may change the direction in which light travels. For example, a mirror or prism configured to reflect light may be used as the reflecting member 110.

[0080] The reflecting member 110 may be fixed to the first rotary holder 120. The first rotary holder 120 may have a mounting surface 121 on which the reflecting member 110 is mounted.

[0081] The mounting surface 121 of the first rotary holding member 120 may be an inclined surface. As an example, the mounting surface 121 may be inclined at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis (Z-axis) of the plurality of lenses.

[0082] The first rotary holding member 120 on which the reflecting member 110 is mounted may be coupled to a second rotary holding member 130 to be movable within the second rotary holding member 130. As an example, the first rotary holding member 120 may rotate about a first axis (Y-axis) within the second rotary holding member 130. Thus, when mounted on the first rotary holding member 120, the reflecting member 110 may rotate about the first axis (Y-axis) together with the first rotary holding member 120.

[0083] The first pivot axis P1 (i.e., the pivot axis of the first rotary holding member 120) and the second pivot axis P2 (i.e., the pivot axis of the second rotary holding member 130) may be set perpendicular to each other. Additionally, the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 may be set to intersect each other. The phrase "set to intersect each other" may mean that the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 are set to intersect at one or more points.

[0084] Additionally, the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 may be set to pass through the reflection point of the incident light L incident on the reflecting member 110.

[0085] The second rotary holding member 130 may rotate about a second axis (X-axis) within the module housing 410. Thus, as the second rotary holding member 130 moves, the first rotary holding member 120 and the reflecting member 110 may also rotate about the second axis (X-axis).

[0086] The first axis (Y-axis) and the second axis (X-axis) are perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), and the first axis (Y-axis) and the second axis (X-axis) are perpendicular to each other.

[0087] The first rotary holding member 120 may include a shaft coupling portion 124 provided on the back surface of the mounting surface 121. The shaft coupling portion 124 is a portion where the first pivot axis P1 (i.e., the pivot axis of the first rotary holding member 120) is provided, and it is rotatably coupled to the second rotary holding member 130.

[0088] The first pivot axis P1 may be set to extend through the reflecting member 110. More specifically, the first pivot axis P1 may be formed by an axis passing through the shaft coupling portion 124 and the reflecting member 110.

[0089] For example, the first pivot axis P1 may be formed by coupling a first shaft 137 to a first sleeve 126. For example, the first pivot axis P1 may be formed by inserting the first sleeve 126 into the shaft coupling portion 124 of the first rotary holding member 120 and coupling the first shaft 137 to each of the two ends of the first sleeve 126.

[0090] The first sleeve 126 may have a cylindrical shape and may have concave slots 126a formed at both ends thereof, respectively. Accordingly, two first shafts 137 may be provided. Each first shaft 137 may be coupled to the first sleeve 126 by inserting a first end of each first shaft 137 into a corresponding slot 126a.

[0091] As Figure 7 shown, the slots 126a of the first sleeve 126 may be formed to have a depth increasing in a direction toward the center of the first sleeve 126. For example, each slot 126a may be formed as a conical groove. However, the shape of the slot 126a is not limited to a conical shape.

[0092] The first end of the first shaft 137 inserted into the end of the corresponding slot 126a may be formed as a tip. Accordingly, the first shaft 137 may be arranged such that the first end forms a point contact with the center of the corresponding slot 126a, and thus the contact area between the first shaft 137 and the first sleeve 126 may be significantly reduced. The first end of the first shaft 137 may be formed to be sharper than the slot 126a.

[0093] Since the first end of the first shaft 137 is arranged to form a point contact with the center of the corresponding slot 126a, the first rotary holder 120 may rotate about a first pivot axis P1 connecting the first ends of the first shafts 137 to each other.

[0094] The second end of the first shaft 137 may be firmly fastened to the second rotary holder 130. Accordingly, the first rotary holder 120 may be coupled to the second rotary holder 130 to be rotatable about the first pivot axis P1.

[0095] The first rotary holder 120 may include a fastening hole 125 formed in the shaft coupling portion 124 along the first pivot axis P1, and the first sleeve 126 may be inserted into the fastening hole 125 to be fixed to the shaft coupling portion 124. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above configuration and various modifications may be made. For example, the first sleeve 126 may be omitted and the slot may be directly formed in the shaft coupling portion 124.

[0096] The second rotary holder 130 may be arranged to be rotatable about a second axis (X-axis) within the module housing 410. Accordingly, the first rotary holder 120 and the reflecting member 110 may rotate about the second axis (X-axis) together with the second rotary holder 130.

[0097] The second rotation retaining member 130 may be coupled to the first rotation retaining member 120 such that the second rotation retaining member 130 covers a portion of the first rotation retaining member 120. To this end, the second rotation retaining member 130 may include side portions 131 respectively disposed on both sides of the first rotation retaining member 120, and a connecting portion 133 connecting the two side portions 131 to each other.

[0098] Since the first rotation retaining member 120 may rotate about the first pivot axis P1 within the second rotation retaining member 130, the first rotation retaining member 120 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the side portions 131 to prevent interference with each other. Accordingly, the distance between the two side portions 131 may be greater than the width of the first rotation retaining member 120.

[0099] The second pivot axis P2 (i.e., the pivot axis of the second rotation retaining member 130) may be disposed in the two side portions 131.

[0100] The second pivot axis P2 may extend through the two side portions 131 and the module housing 410. The second pivot axis P2 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the side surfaces of the side portions 131. Similar to the first pivot axis P1, the second pivot axis P2 may include second sleeves 138 respectively coupled to the side portions 131, and second shafts 139 having first ends respectively coupled to the second sleeves 138 and second ends coupled to the module housing 410.

[0101] As Figure 8 shown, the end of the second sleeve 138 facing the second shaft 139 may include a slot 138a, and the second shaft 139 may have a first end (which may be a tip) that can be inserted into the slot 138a of the second sleeve and may be coupled to the second sleeve 138.

[0102] The side portions 131 may include fastening holes 132 formed along the second pivot axis P2, and the second sleeves 138 are fastened through the fastening holes 132. The module housing 410 may include fastening holes 412 formed along the second pivot axis P2, and the second shafts 139 may be fastened through the fastening holes 412. Each of the two second shafts 139 may be firmly coupled to the fastening holes 412 on opposite sides of the module housing 410 to insert the first ends of each of the two second shafts 139 into the slots 138a of the corresponding second sleeves 138.

[0103] Since the first rotation retaining member 120 is disposed between the two second sleeves 138, the slot 138a may be formed only at one end of the second sleeve 138 facing the module housing 410.

[0104] The contact structure between the second sleeve 138 and the second shaft 139 may be the same point contact structure as the point contact structure between the first sleeve 126 and the first shaft 137 described above, and thus a detailed description of the point contact structure between the second sleeve 138 and the second shaft 139 is omitted.

[0105] The second rotation holding member 130 may include a holding member support portion 134 protruding from the connecting portion 133 toward the first rotation holding member 120. The first shaft 137 coupled to the first rotation holding member 120 may be fastened to the holding member support portion 134. Accordingly, the holding member support portion 134 may protrude from the connecting portion 133 by a predetermined distance to provide a space in which the first rotation holding member 120 can rotate.

[0106] Two holding member support portions 134 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the shaft coupling portion 124 may be inserted between the two holding member support portions 134. Accordingly, the two holding member support portions 134 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the shaft coupling portion 124.

[0107] The first shaft 137 may be fastened to the holding member support portions 134, respectively. Thus, each holding member support portion 134 may include a fastening hole 135 formed along the first pivot axis P1, and the corresponding first shaft 137 is fastened through the fastening hole 135.

[0108] The driving unit 160 may provide a driving force to rotate the second rotation holding member 130 about the second axis and to rotate the first rotation holding member 120 about the first axis.

[0109] The driving unit 160 may include a first magnet portion 141 and a second magnet portion 151, and a first coil portion 142 and a second coil portion 152 that are provided to be spaced apart from the first magnet portion 141 and the second magnet portion 151 by a predetermined distance and face the first magnet portion 141 and the second magnet portion 151, respectively.

[0110] When power is supplied to the first coil portion 142 and the second coil portion 152, due to the electromagnetic interaction between the magnet portions 141 and 151 and the coil portions 142 and 152, respectively, the first rotation holding member 120 or the second rotation holding member 130 on which the magnet portions 141 and 151 are respectively installed may rotate about the first axis (Y-axis) or the second axis (X-axis), respectively.

[0111] Specifically, the driving unit 160 may include a first driving unit 140 configured to rotate the first rotation holding member 120 and a second driving unit 150 configured to rotate the second rotation holding member 130.

[0112] The first driving unit 140 may include a first magnet portion 141 mounted on the first rotation holding member 120 and a first coil portion 142 spaced apart from the first magnet portion 141 by a predetermined distance at a position facing the first magnet portion 141.

[0113] The first magnet part 141 may include one or more magnets and may be coupled to the lower part of the shaft coupling part 124. For this, the lower part of the shaft coupling part 124 may include a slot for inserting the first magnet part 141.

[0114] The first coil part 142 may include one or more coils. As Figure 7 shown, the first coil part 142 may be mounted on the circuit board 430 at a position facing the first magnet part 141. For this, the module housing 410 may include a first opening 414a formed to have an area facing the lower part of the shaft coupling part 124, and the circuit board 430 may be arranged such that at least a part of the circuit board 430 covers the first opening 414a. In addition, at least a part of the first coil part 142 may be disposed in the first opening 414a of the module housing 410.

[0115] The yoke 143 may be disposed between the first magnet part 141 and the shaft coupling part 124 to form an effective magnetic circuit. The yoke 143 may be formed of a metallic material and may introduce a magnetic field flow to increase the intensity of the magnetic field.

[0116] The second driving part 150 may include a second magnet part 151 mounted on the outer surface of one side part 131 of the second rotation holder 130, and a coil part 152 spaced a predetermined distance from the second magnet part 151 at a position facing the second magnet part 151.

[0117] The second driving part 150 may be mounted on only one of the two side parts 131. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and if necessary, the second driving part 150 may be mounted on the two side parts 131.

[0118] The second magnet part 151 may include one or more magnets and may be coupled to the outer surface of one side part 131. For this, the outer surface of one side part 131 may include a slot for inserting and disposing the second magnet part 151.

[0119] The second coil part 152 may include one or more coils and may be mounted on the circuit board 430 at a position facing the second magnet part 151. For this, the module housing 410 may include a second opening 414b formed in the area facing one side part 131, and the circuit board 430 may be arranged such that at least a part of the circuit board 430 covers the second opening 414b. In addition, at least a part of the second coil part 152 may be disposed in the second opening 414b of the module housing 410.

[0120] Similar to the first driving part 140, a yoke 153 may be disposed between the second magnet part 151 and one side part 131 to form an effective magnetic circuit.

[0121] The camera module 400 can rotate the optical path changing module 100 to compensate for blurring of an image or jitter of a video caused by reasons such as user hand shake during image capture or video capture.

[0122] For example, when jitter occurs due to user hand shake or the like during image capture or video capture, a relative displacement corresponding to the jitter can be provided to the first rotation holding member 120 and the second rotation holding member 130 to compensate for the jitter.

[0123] The OIS function can be implemented by rotating the reflection member 110 having a light weight, rather than by directly moving the lens module 200 or the image sensor 310. Therefore, the power consumption of the camera module 400 can be significantly reduced.

[0124] In addition, the optical path changing module 100 may include a first pivot axis P1 disposed below the mounting surface 121 on which the reflection member 110 is mounted. In addition, the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 may be disposed to intersect. Thereby, the rotation radius of the reflection member 110 can be significantly reduced, and thus the size of the camera module 400 can be significantly reduced.

[0125] Moreover, since the shaft and the sleeve forming the pivot axis are disposed in point contact with each other, the frictional force applied during pivoting can be significantly reduced. Therefore, the power consumption for rotating the reflection member 110 can be significantly reduced.

[0126] The present disclosure is not limited to the above examples, and various modifications can be made.

[0127] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an optical path changing module 100' according to another example. Figure 9 Shows along Figure 4 a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section taken along line I-I' of Figure 10 shows along Figure 4 a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section taken along line II-II' of

[0128] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the optical path changing module 100' has a configuration similar to that of the optical path changing module 100, but the difference between them is that the first sleeve ( Figure 7 126 of Figure 8 and the second sleeve (

[0129] Since the first sleeve 126 is omitted, the shaft coupling portion 124' of the first rotation retaining member 120' in the optical path changing module 100' may include slots 124a formed in the upper and lower surfaces of the shaft coupling portion 124' instead of fastening holes. The slots 124a may be formed along the first pivot axis P1 and may have the same shape and size as the above-mentioned slots 126a formed at both ends of the first sleeve 126. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration.

[0130] Similarly, since the second sleeve 138 is omitted, the second rotation retaining member 130' of the optical path changing module 100' may include a side portion 131' that includes slots 131a formed in the outer surface facing the module housing 410 instead of fastening holes. The slots 131a may have the same shape and size as the above-mentioned slots 138a of the second sleeve 138. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration.

[0131] Figure 11 and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an optical path changing module 100'' according to another example. Figure 11 shows a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section taken along the Figure 4 line I-I' Figure 12 shows a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section taken along the Figure 4 line II-II'.

[0132] Referring to Figure 11 and Figure 12 the optical path changing module 100'' may include a spherical member 170 disposed between the first shaft 137' of the first rotation retaining member 120 and the first sleeve 126, and a spherical member 170 disposed between the second sleeve 138 and the second shaft 139' of the second rotation retaining member 130''.

[0133] The end of the first shaft 137' facing the first sleeve 126 may not be formed to have a sharp shape, but may include a slot 137a to easily couple the spherical member 170 to the first shaft 137'. Thus, at least a part of the spherical member 170 may be inserted into the slot 126a of the first sleeve 126, and another part of the spherical member 170 may be inserted into the slot 137a of the first shaft 137'.

[0134] The spherical member 170 may form a line contact with the first shaft 137' or the first sleeve 126. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the shapes of the slot 137a and the slot 126a may be modified such that the spherical member 170 forms a point contact with the first shaft 137' and the first sleeve 126.

[0135] Similarly, the end of the second shaft 139' may also include a slot 139a. At least a part of the spherical member 170 may be inserted into the slot 138a of the corresponding second sleeve 138, and another part of the spherical member 170 may be inserted into the slot 139a of the corresponding second shaft 139'.

[0136] In addition, a lubricant may be provided on the surface of the spherical member 170 to reduce the frictional force with the first shaft 137' and the second shaft 139', as well as with the first sleeve 126' and the second sleeve 138.

[0137] The spherical member 170 is not limited to Figure 11 and Figure 12 examples. The spherical member 170 may be applied to examples where the first sleeve 126 and the second sleeve 138 are omitted. Figure 9 and Figure 10 examples.

[0138] Figure 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of a camera module 401 according to another example. Figure 14 is Figure 13 a perspective view of the optical path changing module 100''' shown in Figure 15 is Figure 14 a bottom perspective view of the optical path changing module 100''' shown in Figure 16 is Figure 14 an exploded perspective view of the optical path changing module 100''' shown in Figure 17 is along Figure 14 the line III-III' taken cross-sectional view. Figure 18 is along Figure 14 the line IV-IV' taken cross-sectional view.

[0139] Referring to Figures 13 to 18 , the optical path changing module 100''' may include a first driving part 140' and a second driving part 150'. The first driving part 140' may be arranged parallel to the second driving part and located below the second driving part 150', rather than being arranged below the shaft coupling part 124.

[0140] The first driving part 140' may be arranged on two side surfaces of the mounting surface 121, rather than being arranged below the mounting surface 121. For this purpose, the first rotation retaining member 120'' may include first seating parts 145 located on both sides of the mounting surface 121'.

[0141] The first seating portion 145 can be formed in a flat plate shape and can be arranged to be orthogonal to the mounting surface 121. The first magnet portion 141' of the first driving portion 140' can be mounted on the first seating portion 145. Therefore, the shape of the first seating portion 145 is not limited to a plate shape and can be modified into various shapes as long as the first magnet portion 141' can be located within the first seating portion 145.

[0142] Since the first driving portion 140' is arranged below the second driving portion 150', a side portion 131' of the second rotation retaining member 130''' can be formed to have an open area for arranging the first seating portion 145. For example, the second driving portion 150' can be arranged above the second pivot axis P2, and the first driving portion 140' can be arranged below the second pivot axis P2. Additionally, the first seating portion 145 and the second rotation retaining member 130''' can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so that the first rotation retaining member 120'' can rotate without being interfered with by the second rotation retaining member 130'''.

[0143] The second driving portion 150' can include a second seating portion 155, and a second magnet portion 151' is located within the second seating portion 155. The second seating portion 155 can be formed to have a shape similar to that of the first seating portion 145 and can be arranged to be parallel to the first seating portion 145, with the second pivot axis P2 being located between the first seating portion 145 and the second seating portion 155.

[0144] Accordingly, the first coil portion 142' and the second coil portion 152' can also be arranged to be parallel to the circuit board 430. Additionally, the module housing 410' can include an opening 414c, the first coil portion 142' and the second coil portion 152' are inserted into the opening 414c, and at least a portion of the circuit board 430 can be arranged to cover the opening 414c.

[0145] Similar to the above-described embodiments, yokes 143' and 153' can be respectively interposed between the first magnet portion 141' and the first seating portion 145 and between the second magnet portion 151' and the second seating portion 155.

[0146] The optical path changing module 100''' can include two first driving portions 140', and the two first driving portions 140' are respectively arranged on two side surfaces of the first rotation retaining member 120''.

[0147] The first rotation retaining member 120'' should rotate about the first axis (Y-axis). Therefore, if the two first driving portions 140' are simultaneously driven in the same direction (Z-axis), it may be difficult to rotate the first rotation retaining member 120''.

[0148] Accordingly, only one of the two first driving units 140' may be configured to be selectively driven, or the two first driving units 140' may be configured to be driven in opposite directions (Z-axis direction, -Z-axis direction). Additionally, when the torque provided by one first driving unit 140' is sufficient, only one first driving unit 140' may be provided.

[0149] The two second driving units 150' may be driven in the same direction, and the second rotation holding member 130''' may rotate about the X-axis. For example, the second driving unit 150' may be driven in the Z-axis direction to move the second rotation holding member 130''', so that the second rotation holding member 130''' may rotate about the second pivot axis P2.

[0150] In Figures 13 to 18 the example of, a description is given of the case where the second driving units 150' are respectively provided on both sides of the second rotation holding member 130'''. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, when the torque provided by a single driving unit is sufficient, the second driving unit 150' may be provided on only one side of the second rotation holding member 130'''.

[0151] Figure 19 is a partially exploded perspective view of a camera module 402 according to another example. Figure 20 is Figure 19 a perspective view of the optical path changing module 100''' shown in Figure 21 is a bottom perspective view of the optical path changing module 100'''. Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of the optical path changing module 100'''. Figure 23 is along Figure 20 the line V-V' of Figure 24 is along Figure 20 the line VI-VI' of

[0152] Referring to Figures 19 to 24 , the optical path changing module 100''' may include a first driving unit 240 and a second driving unit 250. One or both of the first driving unit 240 and the second driving unit 250 may be a helical spring member. Accordingly, hereinafter, the first driving unit 240 and the second driving unit 250 will be referred to as the "first helical spring member" and the "second helical spring member".

[0153] The first helical spring member 240 may be disposed between the lower surface of the shaft coupling portion 124 of the first rotation holding member 120 and one holding member support portion 134 of the second rotation holding member 130. One end 240a of the first helical spring member 240 may be fastened to the lower surface of the shaft coupling portion 124, and the other end 240b of the first helical spring member 240 may be fastened to one holding member support portion 134 of the second rotation holding member 130.

[0154] The second helical spring member 250 may be disposed between one side portion 131 of the second rotary holder 130 and the module housing 410. One end 250a of the second spring member 250 may be fastened to the outer surface of the one side portion 131, and the other end 250b of the second helical spring member 250 may be fastened to the inner surface of the module housing 410.

[0155] The first helical spring member 240 and the second helical spring member 250 may be formed of a shape memory alloy. In this case, when power is supplied to the first helical spring member 240 or the second helical spring member 250, the first helical spring member 240 or the second helical spring member 250 may be deformed in a direction in which the length of the first helical spring member 240 or the second helical spring member 250 decreases or increases. When the power supply is cut off, the deformed first helical spring member 240 or second helical spring member 250 may return to their original state.

[0156] Accordingly, the first helical spring member 240 and the second helical spring member 250 may rotate the first rotary holder 120 or the second rotary holder 130 by current control using the properties of the shape memory alloy.

[0157] To this end, both ends of the first helical spring member 240 and the second helical spring member 250 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 430.

[0158] For example, the first helical spring member 240 may be disposed to be wound around the first sleeve 126. One end 240a of the first helical spring member 240 may be connected to the circuit board 430 through the first connection wire 242, where the circuit board 430 is disposed outside the holder support portion 134. The other end 240b of the first helical spring member 240 may be connected to the circuit board 430 through the holder support portion 134. To this end, the shaft coupling portion 124 may include a groove for disposing the first helical spring member 240.

[0159] In addition, the first connection wire 242 may be formed of a wire that can be stretched as the first rotary holder 120 rotates. For example, the first connection wire 242 may be formed of a wire that can be formed into a coil to be elastically stretched. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example and various modifications may be made. For example, the first connection wire 242 may be formed of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0160] The second helical spring member 250 may be disposed to be wound around a second shaft 139 disposed between the one side portion 131 and the module housing 410. One end 250a of the second helical spring member 250 may be disposed on the outer surface of the module housing 410 through the second connection wire 252. The other end 250b of the second helical spring member 250 may be connected to the circuit board 430 through the module housing 410.

[0161] The second connection line 252 may be formed in the same manner as the first connection line 242, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0162] In Figures 19 to 24 the example of, a description is given of the case where each of the first driving part 240 and the second driving part 250 includes a single helical spring member. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and various modifications can be made if necessary. For example, each of the first driving part 240 and the second driving part 250 may include a plurality of helical spring members.

[0163] According to the disclosure herein, the optical path changing module and the camera module including the optical path changing module can simplify the structure and reduce the size while implementing functions such as an autofocus (AF) function, a zoom function, and an optical image stabilization (OIS) function. Thus, the optical path changing module and the camera module according to the disclosure herein can significantly reduce power consumption.

[0164] Although specific examples have been illustrated and described above, it will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure that various changes can be made to the form and details of these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are considered to be illustrative only and not for limiting purposes. The description of the features or aspects in each example is considered to be applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results can also be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner, and / or are replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not defined by the specific embodiments, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An optical path changing module, comprising: A first rotating and holding member, including a shaft coupling portion; A reflecting member, disposed on the first rotating and holding member and configured to change the optical path; A second rotating and holding member, configured to support the first rotating and holding member; And A module housing, accommodating the second rotating and holding member, Wherein the first rotating and holding member is coupled to the second rotating and holding member and configured to rotate about a first pivot axis together with the reflecting member, The second rotating and holding member is coupled to the module housing and configured to rotate about a second pivot axis intersecting the first pivot axis together with the first rotating and holding member and the reflecting member, The shaft coupling portion includes a first slot formed on the first pivot axis, The optical path changing module further includes a first shaft, one end of the first shaft is coupled to the first slot, and the other end of the first shaft is fastened to the second rotating and holding member, and The first rotating and holding member and the second rotating and holding member are in point contact on the first pivot axis and coupled to each other.

2. The optical path changing module according to claim 1, wherein the first pivot axis extends through the reflecting member.

3. The optical path changing module according to claim 2, wherein the first rotating and holding member includes a mounting surface for mounting the reflecting member, and the shaft coupling portion is disposed on the back of the mounting surface such that the shaft coupling portion can be rotatably coupled to the second rotating and holding member.

4. The optical path changing module according to claim 3, further comprising A sleeve, inserted into the shaft coupling portion and having ends respectively formed with the first slot.

5. The optical path changing module according to claim 4, wherein the first shaft has an end inserted into the first slot, and The first shaft is in point contact with the sleeve and coupled to the sleeve.

6. The optical path changing module according to claim 3, wherein the second rotating and holding member includes side portions respectively disposed on both sides of the first rotating and holding member, and a connecting portion connecting the side portions to each other, and Wherein the second pivot axis extends through the side portions.

7. The optical path changing module according to claim 6, further comprising: A sleeve, inserted into one of the side portions and having an end formed with a second slot; And A second shaft, coupled to the module housing and having an end inserted into the second slot.

8. The optical path changing module according to claim 6, further comprising: A first driving portion, configured to rotate the first rotating and holding member about the first pivot axis, and A second driving portion, configured to rotate the second rotating and holding member about the second pivot axis.

9. The optical path changing module according to claim 8, wherein the first driving portion includes: A first magnet portion, disposed on the lower surface of the shaft coupling portion; And A first coil portion, facing the first magnet portion and spaced from the first magnet portion by a predetermined distance.

10. The optical path changing module according to claim 8, wherein the second driving portion includes: A second magnet portion, disposed on the outer surface of one of the side portions; And The second coil part faces the second magnet part and is spaced apart from the second magnet part by a predetermined distance.

11. The optical path changing module according to claim 8, wherein the second driving part is disposed on an outer surface of one of the side parts and is disposed above the second pivot axis; and wherein the first driving part is disposed parallel to the second driving part below the second pivot axis.

12. The optical path changing module according to claim 8, wherein the first driving part includes a helical spring member, and wherein one end of the helical spring member is fastened to the shaft coupling part, and the other end of the helical spring member is fastened to the second rotation holder.

13. The optical path changing module according to claim 8, wherein the second driving part includes a helical spring member, and wherein one end of the helical spring member is fastened to the side part, and the other end of the helical spring member is fastened to the module housing.

14. The optical path changing module according to claim 8, wherein one or both of the first driving part and the second driving part include a helical spring member, and wherein the helical spring member is formed of a shape memory alloy.

15. The optical path changing module according to claim 6, further comprising: a sleeve fastened to one of the side parts and having an end formed with a second slot; a second shaft fastened to the module housing and having an end formed with a third slot; and a spherical member inserted into the second slot and the third slot to connect the sleeve and the second shaft to each other.

16. The optical path changing module according to claim 3, wherein The first shaft has an end formed with a second slot, and the optical path changing module further comprises: a sleeve inserted into the shaft coupling part and having an end formed with the first slot; and a spherical member inserted into the first slot and the second slot to connect the sleeve to the first shaft.

17. An optical path changing module, comprising: a first rotation holder; a reflection member disposed on a mounting surface of the first rotation holder and configured to change an optical path; and a second rotation holder configured to support the first rotation holder, wherein the first rotation holder includes a shaft coupling part disposed on a back surface of the mounting surface such that the shaft coupling part is rotatably coupled to the second rotation holder, wherein the shaft coupling part includes a slot formed along a pivot axis of the first rotation holder, and the first rotation holder is configured to rotate about the pivot axis together with the reflection member, and wherein the second rotation holder is coupled to the first rotation holder by a shaft inserted into the slot such that the first rotation holder and the second rotation holder are in point contact with each other on the pivot axis and are coupled to each other.

18. A camera module, comprising: an optical path changing module, comprising: a first rotation holder including a shaft coupling part; a reflection member disposed on the first rotation holder and configured to change an optical path of incident light; a second rotation holder configured to support the first rotation holder; and a module housing accommodating the second rotation holder; A lens module, which is disposed within the module housing and includes a plurality of lenses; and An image sensor module, which is configured to convert light passing through the plurality of lenses into an electrical signal, wherein the first rotation retaining member is coupled to the second rotation retaining member and is configured to rotate about a first pivot axis together with the reflection member, the second rotation retaining member is coupled to the module housing and is configured to rotate about a second pivot axis intersecting the first pivot axis together with the first rotation retaining member and the reflection member, the shaft coupling portion includes a first slot formed on the first pivot axis, the optical path changing module further includes a first shaft, one end of the first shaft is coupled to the first slot, and the other end of the first shaft is fastened to the second rotation retaining member, and the first rotation retaining member and the second rotation retaining member are in point contact with each other on the first pivot axis and are coupled to each other.

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