Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes: a lens module including a lens and movably disposed in a housing; a first displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module, and having a width that varies according to coordinates in one direction in the lens module; and a second displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module, and having a width that varies according to coordinates in one direction in the lens module. The first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer are arranged such that coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the first displacement recognition layer among coordinates in one direction are different from coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the second displacement recognition layer among coordinates in one direction in the lens module.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2020 - 0157988, filed on November 23, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field

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

[0004] Generally, in a portable communication terminal such as a mobile phone, a PDA, or a portable PC, in addition to text and voice data, transmitting image data has recently become more common. In response to this trend, a camera module can be installed in the portable communication terminal so that such a terminal can transmit image data, allowing video chatting and the like to be performed.

[0005] Generally, a camera module included in a portable communication terminal may include a lens barrel having a lens therein and a housing that houses the lens barrel, and may also include an image sensor configured to convert an image of an object into an electrical signal. A camera module using a single - focus method for capturing an image of an object with a fixed focus can be used as the camera module. However, recently, a camera module including an actuator capable of auto - focus (AF) control has been adopted. In addition, the camera module can use an actuator for optical image stabilization (OIS) in order to reduce the resolution degradation caused by hand shake. Summary of the invention

[0006] Providing this summary is intended to introduce, in a brief form, a selection of inventive concepts that will be further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In one general aspect, a camera module includes: a lens module including a lens and movably disposed in a housing; a first displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module, and having a width that varies according to coordinates in one direction in the lens module; and a second displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module, and having a width that varies according to coordinates in one direction in the lens module. The first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer are arranged such that coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the first displacement recognition layer among coordinates in one direction are different from coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the second displacement recognition layer among coordinates in one direction in the lens module.

[0008] One of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer may have a plurality of maximum widths corresponding to different coordinates among the coordinates in one direction in the lens module. The difference between the coordinate corresponding to the maximum width of the first displacement recognition layer in one direction and the coordinate corresponding to the maximum width of the second displacement recognition layer in one direction may be greater than 1 / 8 times and less than 3 / 8 times the difference between the coordinates corresponding to the plurality of maximum widths of one of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer in one direction in the lens module.

[0009] The length of the first displacement recognition layer may be one cycle or more in the period of the width of the first displacement recognition layer. The length of the second displacement recognition layer may be one cycle or more in the period of the width of the second displacement recognition layer.

[0010] The shape of the first displacement recognition layer may be the same as the shape of the second displacement recognition layer. The difference between the coordinate corresponding to the maximum width of the first displacement recognition layer and the coordinate corresponding to the maximum width of the second displacement recognition layer may be 1 / 4 times the period of the width of the first displacement recognition layer.

[0011] Each of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer may have a sine-wave-shaped boundary line.

[0012] The rate of change of the width of each of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer according to the coordinates in one direction may change according to the coordinates in one direction in the lens module.

[0013] Each of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer may include any one or any combination of any two or more of copper, silver, gold, and aluminum.

[0014] The camera module may further include a recognition layer support member, which is arranged to move according to the movement of the lens module and has a surface on which the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer are provided.

[0015] The camera module may further include a plurality of sensing coils, and the plurality of sensing wires are arranged such that the inductance changes according to the movement of the corresponding displacement recognition layer among the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer in one direction.

[0016] The camera module may further include at least one sensing coil, and the sensing coil is arranged such that the inductance changes according to the movement of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer in one direction in the housing. At least a part of the at least one sensing coil may be arranged to overlap at least a part of each of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer in the normal direction of the surface of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer.

[0017] The camera module may further include: a substrate disposed in the housing, at least one sensing coil disposed on the substrate; a magnet configured to move according to the movement of the lens module; and a driving coil configured to output a magnetic flux for driving the magnet in the housing and disposed on a portion of the substrate different from the portion of the substrate on which at least one sensing coil is disposed.

[0018] The size of one of the at least one sensing coils may be smaller than the size of the driving coil.

[0019] The camera module may further include: a third displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module, and having a width that varies according to coordinates in a second direction in the lens module; and a fourth displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module, and having a width that varies according to coordinates in the second direction in the lens module. The third displacement recognition layer and the fourth displacement recognition layer may be arranged such that the coordinate corresponding to the maximum width of the third displacement recognition layer among the coordinates in the second direction is different from the coordinate corresponding to the maximum width of the fourth displacement recognition layer among the coordinates in the second direction. The one direction may be a first direction different from the second direction.

[0020] The camera module may further include: a fifth displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module, and having a width that varies according to coordinates in a third direction in the lens module different from the first direction and the second direction; and a sixth displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module, and having a width that varies according to coordinates in the third direction in the lens module. The fifth displacement recognition layer and the sixth displacement recognition layer may be arranged such that the coordinate corresponding to the maximum width of the fifth displacement recognition layer among the coordinates in the third direction is different from the coordinate corresponding to the maximum width of the sixth displacement recognition layer among the coordinates in the third direction.

[0021] One of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be the optical axis direction of the lens module, and the other directions among the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be perpendicular to the optical axis direction and perpendicular to each other.

[0022] The first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer may be arranged such that the separation distance between the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer is shorter than the separation distance from the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer to the third displacement recognition layer and the fourth displacement recognition layer.

[0023] In another general aspect, a camera module includes: a frame; a lens barrel disposed in the frame; a first displacement recognition layer disposed on the frame and having a width that varies along one direction; and a second displacement recognition layer disposed on the frame and having a width that varies differently from the width of the first displacement recognition layer along one direction.

[0024] The first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer may be arranged such that the maximum widths of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer are set at different corresponding positions in one direction.

[0025] Each of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer may have a wavy boundary line extending in one direction.

[0026] The first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer may be arranged such that the minimum widths of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer are set at different corresponding positions in one direction.

[0027] One direction may be a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens barrel or a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0028] The first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer may be configured to change the inductance of at least one sensing coil based on the movement of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer.

[0029] Other features and aspects will become apparent in accordance with the appended claims, the drawings, and the following detailed description. Description of the Drawings

[0030] Figure 1 is a combined perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4A is an enlarged view of a displacement recognition layer of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4B and Figure 4C is a view showing a change in the positional relationship between a displacement recognition layer and a sensing coil according to the movement of a lens module of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 5 is a graph showing the inductance of a sensing coil according to the one-way movement of a lens module of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6A It is a graph showing the inductances of a plurality of sensing coils respectively corresponding to a first displacement recognition layer and a second displacement recognition layer of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6B It is shown Figure 6A a graph of the arctangent processing values of the plurality of shown inductances.

[0038] Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, the same reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, proportions, and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Description

[0039] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described in this application. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described in this application will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the order of operations described in this application is merely exemplary and, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, is not limited to the order set forth in this application and may be changed, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, descriptions of functions and structures well known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be omitted for greater clarity and conciseness.

[0040] The features described in this application may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described in this application. Rather, the examples described in this application are provided only to make the disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0041] It should be noted that in this application, the use of the phrase "may" with respect to an embodiment or example (e.g., with respect to what an embodiment or example may include or implement) means that there is at least one embodiment or example in which such a feature is included or implemented, and all embodiments and examples are not limited thereto.

[0042] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, the element can be directly "on," directly "connected to," or directly "coupled to" the other element, or there can be one or more other elements between the element and the other element. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no other elements between the element and the other element.

[0043] As used in this application, the phrase "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of them.

[0044] Although the terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used in this application to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or section from another. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the examples described in this application, the first component, first part, first region, first layer, or first section mentioned in these examples can also be referred to as the second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second section.

[0045] Spatial relative terms such as "above," "upper," "below," and "lower" may be used in this application for convenience of description to describe the relationship of one element relative to another as shown in the figures. In addition to covering the orientations depicted in the figures, these spatial relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as being "above" or "upper" relative to another element will be "below" or "lower" relative to that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term "above" covers both the orientations of "above" and "below." The device can 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.

[0046] The terms used in this application are only for describing various examples and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. The phrases "comprises," "comprising," 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.

[0047] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, variations in the shapes shown in the drawings may occur. Accordingly, the examples described in this application are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings, but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0048] The features of the examples described in this application may be combined in various ways that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure. Additionally, although the examples described in this application have various configurations, other configurations that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure are also feasible.

[0049] Figure 1 is a combined perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0050] Referring to Figure 1 , the camera module 100 may include a housing unit 110 and a lens barrel 120. The housing unit 110 may include a housing 111 and a shielding case 112. The camera module 100 may include at least one of an autofocus control function or an optical image stabilization function. For example, in order for the camera module 100 to perform an autofocus control function and an optical image stabilization function, the lens barrel 120 may move in the optical axis direction and in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction within the housing unit 110, respectively.

[0051] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0052] Referring to Figure 2 , the camera module 200 may include a shielding case 210, a lens module 220, a housing 230, a stopper 240, an actuator 250, and a ball bearing unit 270.

[0053] The lens module 220 may include a lens barrel 221 and a lens holder 223 that houses the lens barrel 221 therein.

[0054] The lens barrel 221 may have a hollow cylindrical shape such that a plurality of lenses for capturing an image of an object are accommodated therein, and the plurality of lenses may be disposed in the lens barrel 221 so as to be stacked in the optical axis direction 1. The plurality of lenses may be any number of lenses necessary according to the design of the lens module 220, and may have optical characteristics such as the same or different refractive indices.

[0055] The lens barrel 221 may be coupled to the lens holder 223. For example, the lens barrel 221 may be inserted into a hollow portion formed in the lens holder 223, and the lens barrel 221 and the lens holder 223 may be connected to each other by a screw connection method or by an adhesive. The lens module 220 may be accommodated in the housing 230, and may move in the optical axis direction 1 for performing autofocus control.

[0056] The actuator 250 can drive the lens module 220 in the optical axis direction 1. To move the lens module 220 in the optical axis direction 1, the actuator 250 can include a magnet 251 mounted on one side of the lens holder 223 and a drive coil 253 arranged to face the magnet 251. The drive coil 253 can be mounted on a substrate 255, and the substrate 255 can be mounted on the housing 230 such that the drive coil 253 faces the magnet 251.

[0057] The actuator 250 can apply a drive signal to the drive coil 253. The actuator 250 can include an H-bridge circuit capable of driving in two directions and can apply the drive signal to the drive coil 253 by the voice coil motor method.

[0058] The actuator 250 can apply a drive signal to the drive coil 253 to move the lens module 220 in the optical axis direction 1. Specifically, the actuator 250 can apply a drive signal to the drive coil 253 to provide a driving force to the magnet 251, and the lens module 220 can be moved in the optical axis direction 1 by the driving force of the magnet 251. When a drive signal is provided to the drive coil 253, a magnetic flux can be generated in the drive coil 253. The magnetic flux of the drive coil 253 can interact with the magnetic field of the magnet 251 to generate a driving force for moving the lens module 220 in the optical axis direction 1 according to Fleming's left-hand rule.

[0059] The magnet 251 can include a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body. The first magnetic body and the second magnetic body can be formed by polarizing the magnet 251, and thus, the lens module 220 can be easily moved. The magnet 251 can be used by the actuator 250 to detect the position of the lens module 220.

[0060] The actuator 250 can include a sensing coil 257 mounted on the substrate 255 to face the displacement recognition layer 259. The sensing coil 257 can be arranged outside the drive coil 253, and as Figure 2 shown, the sensing coil 257 can include at least one coil.

[0061] The inductance of the sensing coil 257 can change according to the position change of the displacement recognition layer 259. Specifically, when the displacement recognition layer 259 moves in one direction, the magnitude of the eddy current of the displacement recognition layer 259 that affects the inductance of the sensing coil 257 can be changed, and the intensity of the magnetic field according to the eddy current can be changed. Therefore, the inductance of the sensing coil 257 can be changed.

[0062] The actuator 250 can determine the displacement of the lens module 220 based on the change in the inductance of the sensing coil 257. For example, the actuator 250 can additionally include at least one capacitor. The at least one capacitor and the sensing coil 257 can form a predetermined oscillation circuit. For example, the at least one capacitor can include a number of capacitors corresponding to the number of sensing coils 257, and one capacitor and one sensing coil 257 can be configured in the same form as a predetermined LC oscillator. In addition, the at least one capacitor and the sensing coil 257 can be configured in a well-known form similar to a Colpitts oscillator.

[0063] The actuator 250 can determine the displacement of the lens module 220 based on the change in the frequency of the oscillation signal generated by the oscillation circuit. Specifically, when the inductance of the sensing coil 257 forming the oscillation circuit changes, since the frequency of the oscillation signal generated by the oscillation circuit can change, the displacement of the lens module 220 can be detected based on the change in frequency.

[0064] The ball support unit 270 can be provided as a guiding device for guiding the movement of the lens module 220 when the lens module 220 moves in the optical axis direction 1 in the housing 230. The ball support unit 270 can include one or more ball supports. When the ball support unit 270 includes a plurality of ball supports, the plurality of ball supports can be arranged (e.g., aligned) in the optical axis direction 1. The ball support unit 270 can contact the outer surface of the lens holder 223 and the inner surface of the housing 230 to guide the movement of the lens module 220 in the optical axis direction 1. For example, the ball support unit 270 can be provided between the lens holder 223 and the housing 230, and can guide the movement of the lens module 220 in the optical axis direction by rolling motion.

[0065] The stopper 240 can be mounted on the housing 230 to limit the movement distance of the lens module 220. For example, the stopper 240 can be mounted in the internal space formed by the upper part of the housing 230, and the stopper 240 and the lens module 220 can be arranged to be spaced apart in the optical axis direction when no power is applied to the drive coil 253. Therefore, when power is applied to the drive coil 253 to move the lens module 220 in the optical axis direction, the movement distance of the lens module 220 can be limited by the stopper 240. In this case, the lens module 220 can move within a certain distance using the stopper 240. The stopper 240 can be made of an elastic material to reduce the impact when the stopper 240 and the lens module 220 collide with each other.

[0066] The shielding case 210 can be coupled to the housing 230 to surround the outer surface of the housing 230, and can function to shield the electromagnetic waves generated during the driving of the camera module 200.

[0067] When driving the camera module, electromagnetic waves are generated. When the electromagnetic waves are emitted to the outside, other electronic components may be affected, resulting in communication failure or malfunction. To prevent this, the shielding case 210 may be made of a metallic material and may be grounded to a ground pad of a substrate installed in an inner space formed by a lower portion of the case 230 to shield the electromagnetic waves. When an injection-molded product is provided as the shielding case 210, a conductive coating may be applied to an inner surface of the shielding case 210 to shield the electromagnetic waves. Conductive epoxy resin may be used as the conductive coating, but the conductive coating is not limited to conductive epoxy resin. Various materials having conductivity may be used for the conductive coating, and a method of attaching a conductive film or a conductive tape to the inner surface of the shielding case 210 is also possible.

[0068] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0069] Referring to Figure 3 , the camera module 300 may include a housing unit 310, an actuator unit 320, and a lens module 330.

[0070] The housing unit 310 may include a housing 311 and a shielding case 312. The housing 311 may be made of a material that is easily moldable. For example, the housing 311 may be made of a plastic material. One or more actuator units 320 may be mounted on the housing 311. For example, a part of the first actuator 321 may be mounted on a first side surface of the housing 311, and a part of the second actuator 322 may be mounted on second to fourth side surfaces of the housing 311. The housing 311 may be configured to accommodate the lens module 330 therein. For example, a space that completely or partially accommodates the lens module 330 may be formed in the housing 311.

[0071] The housing 311 may be in a form with six open surfaces. For example, a hole for mounting an image sensor may be formed on a lower surface of the housing 311, and a hole for mounting the lens module 330 may be formed on an upper surface of the housing 311. In addition, a hole into which a first driving coil 321a of the first actuator 321 is inserted may be formed on a first side surface of the housing 311, and holes into which second driving coils 322a of the second actuator 322 are inserted may be formed on second to fourth side surfaces of the housing 311.

[0072] The shielding case 312 may be configured to cover a part of the housing 311. For example, the shielding case 312 may be configured to cover an upper surface and four side surfaces of the housing 311. In other examples, the shielding case 312 may be configured to cover only four side surfaces of the housing 311, or the shielding case 312 may be configured to partially cover an upper surface and four side surfaces of the housing 311.

[0073] The actuator unit 320 may include a plurality of actuators. For example, the actuator unit 320 may include a first actuator 321 configured to move the lens module 330 in the Z-axis direction and a second actuator 322 configured to move the lens module 330 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0074] The first actuator 321 may be mounted on the housing 311 and the first frame 331 of the lens module 330. For example, a part of the first actuator 321 may be mounted on the first side surface of the housing 311, and the remaining part of the first actuator 321 may be mounted on the first side surface of the first frame 331. The first actuator 321 may move the lens module 330 in the optical axis direction ( Figure 3 the Z-axis direction in). For example, the first actuator 321 may include a first drive coil 321a, a first magnet 321b, a first substrate 321c, and at least one sensing coil 321d. The first drive coil 321a and the at least one sensing coil 321d may be formed on the first substrate 321c. The first substrate 321c may be mounted on the first side surface of the housing 311, and the first magnet 321b may be mounted on the first side surface of the first frame 331 to face the first substrate 321c.

[0075] The first actuator 321 may apply a drive signal to the first drive coil 321a. The first actuator 321 may include an H-bridge circuit capable of driving in two directions and may apply the drive signal to the first drive coil 321a by a voice coil motor method. When the drive signal is applied to the first drive coil 321a, a magnetic flux may be generated in the first drive coil 321a. The magnetic flux of the first drive coil 321a may interact with the magnetic field of the first magnet 321b to generate a driving force for the relative movement of the first frame 331 and the lens barrel 334 with respect to the housing 311. Similar to Figure 2 the actuator 250, the first actuator 321 may determine the displacement of the lens barrel 334 and the first frame 331 based on the inductance change of at least one sensing coil 321d. As shown, the first magnet 321b may be disposed on one surface 331c of the first frame 331. In another example, the first magnet 321b may be disposed on one of the corners 331d of the first frame 331.

[0076] The second actuator 322 may be mounted on the housing 311 of the lens module 330 and the third frame 333. For example, a part of the second actuator 322 may be mounted on the second to fourth side surfaces of the housing 311, and the remaining part of the second actuator 322 may be mounted on the second to fourth side surfaces of the third frame 333. Alternatively, the second actuator 322 may be mounted on the second to fourth corners where the first to fourth side surfaces of the housing 311 and the third frame 333 are in contact. In the above description, it has been described that the second actuator 322 may be formed on both the second to fourth side surfaces or the second to fourth corners of the third frame 333, but the actuators formed on each of the side surfaces or each of the corners may independently provide a driving force to the lens module 330. Therefore, according to an embodiment, the second actuator 322 may be formed on a part of the second to fourth side surfaces of the third frame 333. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, it may be assumed that the actuator formed on the second side surface may be the second actuator 322. However, it should be understood that the following description may be applied to the actuators formed on different side surfaces or different corners.

[0077] The second actuator 322 may move the lens module 330 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. For example, the second actuator 322 may include a second drive coil 322a, a second magnet 322b, a second substrate 322c, and at least one sensing coil 322d. The second drive coil 322a and at least one sensing coil 322d may be formed on the second substrate 322c. The second substrate 322c may generally be formed in a U-shaped configuration and may be mounted to surround the second to fourth side surfaces of the housing 311. The second magnet 322b may be mounted on the second side surface of the third frame 333 to face the second substrate 322c.

[0078] The second actuator 322 may change the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force generated between the second drive coil 322a and the second magnet 322b so that the second frame 332 or the third frame 333 can move relative to the first frame 331. The lens barrel 334 may move in the same direction as the second frame 332 or the third frame 333 by the movement of the second frame 332 or the third frame 333.

[0079] Similar to Figure 2 the actuator 250, the second actuator 322 may detect the position of the second frame 332 or the third frame 333 according to the inductance change of at least one sensing coil 322d.

[0080] The lens module 330 can be mounted on the housing unit 310. For example, the lens module 330 can be accommodated in the storage space formed by the housing 311 and the shielding case 312 so as to be movable in at least three axial directions.

[0081] The lens module 330 can include a plurality of frames. For example, the lens module 330 can include a first frame 331, a second frame 332, and a third frame 333. The first frame 331 can be movable relative to the housing 311. For example, the first frame 331 can be moved in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) of the housing 311 by the first actuator 321 described above. A plurality of guide grooves 331a and 331b can be formed in the first frame 331. For example, a first guide groove 331a longitudinally extending in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) can be formed on the first side surface of the first frame 331, and a second guide groove 331b longitudinally extending in a first direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction can be formed inwardly at the four corners of the lower surface of the first frame 331. The first frame 331 can be manufactured in a form with at least three open sides. For example, the second side surface to the fourth side surface of the first frame 331 can be open so that the second magnet 322b on the third frame 333 and the second drive coil 322a on the housing 311 face each other.

[0082] The second frame 332 can be mounted on the first frame 331. For example, the second frame 332 can be mounted in the internal space formed by the first frame 331. The second frame 332 can be movable relative to the first frame 331 in a first direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction. For example, the second frame 332 can be moved in a first direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction along the second guide groove 331b of the first frame 331. A plurality of third guide grooves 332a can be formed in the second frame 332. For example, four third guide grooves 332a extending in a second direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction can be formed at the corners of the second frame 332.

[0083] The third frame 333 can be mounted on the second frame 332. For example, the third frame 333 can be mounted on the upper surface of the second frame 332. The third frame 333 can be configured to be movable relative to the second frame 332 in a second direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction. For example, the third frame 333 can be moved in a second direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction along the third guide groove 332a of the second frame 332. A plurality of second magnets 322b can be mounted on the third frame 333. For example, at least two second magnets 322b can be respectively mounted on the second side surface to the fourth side surface of the third frame 333. For example, three second magnets 322b can be respectively mounted on the second side surface to the fourth side surface of the third frame 333.

[0084] The third frame 333 described above can be integrally formed with the second frame 332. In this case, the third frame 333 can be omitted, and the second frame 332 can move in a first direction (Y-axis direction) and a second direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0085] The lens module 330 may include a lens barrel 334. For example, the lens barrel 334 may include one or more lenses. The lens barrel 334 can be mounted on the third frame 333. For example, the lens barrel 334 can be inserted into the third frame 333 and can move integrally with the third frame 333. The lens barrel 334 can move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) and in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction). For example, the lens barrel 334 can move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) by a first actuator 321 and can move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) by a second actuator 322.

[0086] The ball support unit 340 can guide the movement of the lens module 330. For example, the ball support unit 340 can be configured to allow the lens module 330 to move smoothly in the optical axis direction and in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The ball support unit 340 may include a first ball support 341, a second ball support 342, and a third ball support 343. For example, the first ball support 341 can be disposed in a first guide groove 331a of the first frame 331 such that the first frame 331 can move smoothly in the optical axis direction. As another example, the second ball support 342 can be disposed in a second guide groove 331b of the first frame 331 such that the second frame 332 can move smoothly in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. As another example, the third ball support 343 can be disposed in a third guide groove 332a of the second frame 332 such that the third frame 333 can move smoothly in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0087] In an example, the first ball support 341 may include four first ball supports 341, and the second ball support 342 may include four second ball supports 342. Each of the first ball supports 341 may include at least three ball members, and at least three ball members of each of the first ball supports 341 may be respectively disposed in the first guide groove 331a. Additionally, each of the second ball supports 342 may include one or more ball members, and one or more ball members of each of the second ball supports 342 may be respectively disposed in the second guide groove 331b.

[0088] The lubricating material for reducing friction and noise can be filled in all parts where the ball support unit 340 is provided. For example, a viscous fluid can be injected into each of the guide grooves 331a, 331b, and 332a. A grease having excellent viscosity and lubricating properties can be used as the viscous fluid.

[0089] Figure 4A is an enlarged view of the displacement recognition layer of the camera module according to an embodiment. Figure 4B and Figure 4C is a view showing changes in the positional relationship between the displacement recognition layer and the sensing coil according to the movement of the lens module of the camera module according to an embodiment.

[0090] Referring to Figures 4A to 4C , the camera module may include a first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and a second displacement recognition layer 322f-2.

[0091] Each of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may be arranged to move according to the lens movement and may have a width that varies according to the coordinates in one direction (e.g., the X direction) in the lens module.

[0092] The eddy currents that can be formed in each of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may flow in one direction around the portion of each of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 that overlaps the central portion of the sensing coil 322d in the Y direction. Each of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may output magnetic flux due to the corresponding eddy currents. The magnitude of the eddy currents and the magnitude of the magnetic flux may be related to each other.

[0093] The magnitude of the eddy currents that can be formed in each of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may depend on the width of the portion of each of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 that overlaps the central portion of the sensing coil 322d in the Y direction. Since the central portion of the sensing coil 322d may move in the X direction, considering the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2, the magnitude of the eddy currents that can be formed in each of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may depend on the relative movement of the sensing coil 322d in the X direction or the movement of the lens module in the X direction.

[0094] Due to the magnetic flux and self - inductance of the sensing coil 322d, the inductance of the sensing coil 322d can be the sum or difference of mutual inductances, and thus can change according to the magnitude of the magnetic flux caused by eddy currents. The movement of the lens module (lens movement) can be detected based on the inductance of the sensing coil 322d.

[0095] Since the magnitude of the eddy current in each of the first displacement recognition layer 322f - 1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f - 2 can vary linearly according to the lens movement displacement, the lens movement can be sensed more precisely.

[0096] The first displacement recognition layer 322f - 1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f - 2 can be arranged such that the coordinates corresponding to the maximum width (e.g., the maximum width in the Z - direction (optical axis direction)) of the first displacement recognition layer 322f - 1 in one direction (e.g., the X - direction) of the lens module are different from the coordinates corresponding to the maximum width (e.g., the maximum width in the Z - direction) of the second displacement recognition layer 322f - 2 in one direction (e.g., the X - direction) of the lens module. For example, the coordinates corresponding to the minimum width W1 of the first displacement recognition layer 322f - 1 in the X - direction can be different from the coordinates corresponding to the minimum width of the second displacement recognition layer 322f - 2 in the X - direction. The coordinates corresponding to the maximum width W2 of the first displacement recognition layer 322f - 1 in the X - direction can be different from the coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the second displacement recognition layer 322f - 2 in the X - direction.

[0097] Therefore, the effect of the first displacement recognition layer 322f - 1 according to displacement in one direction in the pattern of changing the magnitude of the eddy current of the first displacement recognition layer 322f - 1 according to the relative movement of the first displacement recognition layer 322f - 1 can be complementary to the effect of the second displacement recognition layer 322f - 2 according to displacement in one direction in the pattern of changing the magnitude of the eddy current of the second displacement recognition layer 322f - 2 according to the relative movement of the second displacement recognition layer 322f - 2.

[0098] Therefore, the inductance of the sensing coil 322d can change more stably, depending on the integration of the factor that changes the inductance according to the change in the magnitude of the eddy current of the first displacement recognition layer 322f - 1 and the factor that changes the inductance according to the change in the magnitude of the eddy current of the second displacement recognition layer 322f - 2. In the camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the movement of the lens module can be detected more stably, accurately, linearly, and / or effectively.

[0099] According to the design, the sensing coil 322d can be composed of multiple sensing coils, and the factor that changes the inductance according to the change in the magnitude of the eddy current of the first displacement recognition layer 322f - 1 and the factor that changes the inductance according to the change in the magnitude of the eddy current of the second displacement recognition layer 322f - 2 are respectively applied to the multiple sensing coils.

[0100] In addition to generating information about lens movement, the inductance of each of the plurality of sensing coils can be used. Thus, a factor that changes the inductance according to a change in the magnitude of the eddy current of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 and a factor that changes the inductance according to a change in the magnitude of the eddy current of the second displacement identification layer 322f-2 can be used in an integrated manner. The camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can detect lens movement more linearly. For example, compared to a structure that uses a Hall sensor to detect the movement of the lens module, the camera module can detect lens movement more linearly and can have a longer range of unidirectional linear detection.

[0101] For example, one of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 and the second displacement identification layer 322f-2 can have a plurality of maximum widths W2 corresponding to different coordinates in one direction. The difference between the coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 in one direction (e.g., the X direction) of the lens module and the coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the second displacement identification layer 322f-2 in one direction (e.g., the X direction) of the lens module can be greater than 1 / 8 times and less than 3 / 8 times the difference between the coordinates corresponding to the plurality of maximum widths (e.g., the period of the width of one of the first displacement identification layer and the second displacement identification layer in the X direction) of one of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 and the second displacement identification layer 322f-2. When the period of the width of one of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 and the second displacement identification layer 322f-2 in the X direction corresponds to a phase of 360 degrees, the phase difference between the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 and the second displacement identification layer 322f-2 can be greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees.

[0102] Accordingly, the inductance of each of the plurality of sensing coils can be applied to the arctangent function as a denominator and a numerator, respectively, and the output value of the arctangent function can be more linear (substantially constant rate of change) with respect to lens movement.

[0103] For example, the X-direction length of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 can be one cycle or more in the period of the width of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1, and the X-direction length of the second displacement identification layer 322f-2 can be one cycle or more in the period of the width of the second displacement identification layer 322f-2. The width of each of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 and the second displacement identification layer 322f-2 can be repeated every cycle. The X-direction length of the period of the width of each of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 and the second displacement identification layer 322f-2 can be changed according to the sensing range of lens movement.

[0104] For example, the shapes of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may be the same as each other, and the difference between the coordinate corresponding to the maximum width of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 in one direction (e.g., the X direction) of the lens module and the coordinate corresponding to the maximum width of the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 in one direction (e.g., the X direction) of the lens module may be 1 / 4 times the period of the width of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 (corresponding to a phase difference of 90 degrees). Therefore, the change in the output value of the arctangent function with the inductance of each of the plurality of sensing coils applied as the denominator and the numerator can be the most linear with respect to the lens movement.

[0105] For example, the rate of change of the width of each of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 according to the coordinates in one direction (e.g., the X direction) may change according to the coordinates in one direction (e.g., the X direction) in the lens module. The boundary line of each of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may be curved. Therefore, since the factor that changes the inductance according to the change in the magnitude of the eddy current in the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the factor that changes the inductance according to the change in the magnitude of the eddy current in the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 can be more effectively and / or coordinately integrated, the lens movement can be sensed more linearly. For example, each of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may have a sinusoidal boundary line.

[0106] For example, each of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may include any one or any combination of two or more of copper, silver, gold, and aluminum. Since copper, silver, gold, and aluminum have relatively high electrical conductivity, the total magnitude of the eddy current formed in the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 according to the magnetic flux of the sensing coil 322d can be increased, and the sensitivity of the lens movement can be further improved.

[0107] For example, the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may be disposed on one surface (e.g., the upper surface, the lower surface, and the inner layer) of the recognition layer support member 322e. Therefore, since the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 can be respectively manufactured for the lens module and then assembled in the lens module, the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 can be implemented in a more flexible manner, and the width of each of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 can be implemented more precisely. For example, the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may be plated on one surface of the recognition layer support member 322e, or may be adhered to the recognition layer support member 322e in a manufactured state through an adhesive member (e.g., an adhesive polymer) to have a plate shape for the recognition layer support member 322e.

[0108] Return reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , according to an embodiment, the camera modules 200 and 300 may respectively include the displacement recognition layers 259 and 322f, and may also respectively include one or both of the recognition layer support members 258 and 322e and the sensing coils 257 and 322d.

[0109] Each of the recognition layer support members 258 and 322e may be configured to move according to the movement of the lens modules 220 and 330, and may have one surface on which each of the displacement recognition layers 259 and 322f is disposed. For example, each of the recognition layer support members 258 and 322e may be formed of an insulating material (e.g., a plastic material).

[0110] The first displacement recognition layer 259-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 259-2 included in the displacement recognition layers 259 and 322f respectively, and the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may be respectively disposed in the lens modules 220 and 330 to move according to the movement of the lens modules 220 and 330. For example, the first displacement recognition layer 259-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 259-2 may move in the vertical direction according to the vertical movement of the lens module 220, and the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may move in the horizontal direction according to the horizontal movement of the lens module 330.

[0111] The sensing coil 257 can be arranged such that the inductance changes according to the Z-direction movement of the first displacement identification layer 259-1 and the second displacement identification layer 259-2 in the housing 230, and the sensing coil 322d can be arranged such that the inductance changes according to the X-direction movement of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 and the second displacement identification layer 322f-2. For example, at least a part of the sensing coil 257 can be arranged to overlap at least a part of each of the first displacement identification layer 259-1 and the second displacement identification layer 259-2 in the normal direction (e.g., the horizontal direction) of a surface of the first displacement identification layer 259-1 and the second displacement identification layer 259-2, and at least a part of the sensing coil 322d can be arranged to overlap at least a part of each of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 and the second displacement identification layer 322f-2 in the normal direction (e.g., the Y-direction) of a surface of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 and the second displacement identification layer 322f-2.

[0112] The width of the portion of the first displacement identification layer 259-1 and the second displacement identification layer 259-2 that horizontally overlaps with the central portion of the sensing coil 257 can be changed according to the vertical movement of the first displacement identification layer 259-1 and the second displacement identification layer 259-2. Therefore, the inductance of the sensing coil 257 can be changed according to the vertical movement of the lens module 220, and the vertical movement of the lens module 220 can be sensed.

[0113] The width of the portion of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 and the second displacement identification layer 322f-2 that overlaps with the central portion of the sensing coil 322d in the Y-direction can be changed according to the movement of the first displacement identification layer 322f-1 and the second displacement identification layer 322f-2 in the X-direction. Therefore, the inductance of the sensing coil 322d can be changed according to the movement of the lens module 330 in the X-direction, and the movement of the lens module 330 in the X-direction can be sensed.

[0114] For example, the sensing coil 257 can include a plurality of sensing coils, and the number of the sensing coils 322d can be one. The number of the sensing coils 257 and 322d or the arrangement direction of the plurality of sensing coils is not limited.

[0115] For example, the arrangement direction of the sensing coil 257 can be rotated by 90 degrees. Therefore, the sensing coil 257 can be composed of a plurality of sensing coils arranged such that the inductance changes according to the vertical movement of the corresponding displacement identification layer among the first displacement identification layer 259-1 and the second displacement identification layer 259-2.

[0116] Refer to Figure 2, the substrate 255 of the camera module 200 can be disposed in the housing 230 and can provide a space for accommodating the sensing coil 257. The magnet 251 can be disposed to move in accordance with the movement of the lens module 220. The drive coil 253 can output a magnetic flux for driving the magnet 251 in the housing 230 and can be disposed on a portion of the substrate 255 different from the portion of the substrate on which the sensing coil 257 is disposed. For example, the size of one of the at least one sensing coil 257 can be smaller than the size of the drive coil 253.

[0117] For example, the substrate 255 can be a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board and can include wirings electrically connected to the sensing coil 257. The wirings can be electrically connected to an integrated circuit that can be disposed on the substrate 255. The integrated circuit can perform analog and / or digital processing based on the inductance of the sensing coil 257 to generate motion information of the lens module 220.

[0118] Referring to Figure 3 , the camera module 300 can further include any combination of any one or any two or more of a first substrate 321c, a second substrate 322c, a first magnet 321b, a second magnet 322b, a first drive coil 321a, a second drive coil 322a, a third displacement identification layer 322f-3, a fourth displacement identification layer 322f-4, a fifth displacement identification layer 321f-1, and a sixth displacement identification layer 321f-2.

[0119] The first substrate 321c and the second substrate 322c can correspond to Figure 2 the substrate 255 shown, the first magnet 321b and the second magnet 322b can correspond to Figure 2 the magnet 251 shown, and the first drive coil 321a and the second drive coil 322a can correspond to Figure 2 the drive coil 253 shown.

[0120] The third displacement identification layer 322f-3 and the fourth displacement identification layer 322f-4 can be arranged to move in accordance with the movement of the lens module 330 and can have a width that varies according to the coordinates in the second direction (e.g., the Z direction) in the lens module 330.

[0121] The third displacement identification layer 322f-3 and the fourth displacement identification layer 322f-4 can be arranged such that the coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the third displacement identification layer 322f-3 in the second direction (e.g., the Z direction) are different from the coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the fourth displacement identification layer 322f-4 in the second direction (e.g., the Z direction).

[0122] The first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 may be arranged such that the separation distance between the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 is shorter than the separation distance from the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1 and the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2 to the third displacement recognition layer 322f-3 and the fourth displacement recognition layer 322f-4.

[0123] The fifth displacement recognition layer 321f-1 and the sixth displacement recognition layer 321f-2 may be arranged to move in accordance with the movement of the lens module and may have a width that varies according to coordinates in a third direction (e.g., the Y direction) different from the first direction and the second direction (e.g., the X direction and the Z direction) in the lens module 330.

[0124] The fifth and sixth displacement recognition layers 321f may be arranged such that the coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the fifth displacement recognition layer 321f-1 in the third direction (e.g., the Y direction) are different from the coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the sixth displacement recognition layer 321f-2 in the third direction (e.g., the Y direction).

[0125] For example, one of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction (e.g., the X direction, the Z direction, and the Y direction) may be equal to the optical axis direction of the lens module 330, and the other directions among the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be perpendicular to the optical axis direction and may be perpendicular to each other. For example, the inductance based on two of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1, the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2, the third displacement recognition layer 322f-3, the fourth displacement recognition layer 322f-4, the fifth displacement recognition layer 321f-1, and the sixth displacement recognition layer 321f-2 may be used for autofocus control, and the inductance based on the remainder of the first displacement recognition layer 322f-1, the second displacement recognition layer 322f-2, the third displacement recognition layer 322f-3, the fourth displacement recognition layer 322f-4, the fifth displacement recognition layer 321f-1, and the sixth displacement recognition layer 321f-2 may be used for optical image stabilization control.

[0126] Figure 5 is a graph showing the inductance of a sensing coil according to the one-way movement of a lens module of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0127] Refer to Figure 5, the period of the width of the displacement recognition layers 259a, 259b, 259c, or 259d may correspond to a phase of 360 degrees. The normalized inductances of the displacement recognition layers 259a or 259c (where the portions CCa or CCc overlapping with the central portion of the sensing coil respectively correspond to the minimum width) may be the maximum values respectively, and the normalized inductances of the displacement recognition layers 259b or 259d (where the portions CCb or CCd overlapping with the central portion of the sensing coil respectively correspond to the maximum width) may be the minimum values respectively. In this case, the normalization may be that a specific weight is applied to the value of the inductance of each of the displacement recognition layers 259a, 259b, 259c, and 259d.

[0128] Figure 6A is a graph showing the inductances of a plurality of sensing coils respectively corresponding to a first displacement recognition layer and a second displacement recognition layer of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0129] Refer to Figure 6A , the phase difference between the first relative inductance L1 of the sensing coil corresponding to the first displacement recognition layer among the plurality of sensing coils and the second relative inductance L2 of the sensing coil corresponding to the second displacement recognition layer among the plurality of sensing coils may be 90 degrees. In this case, the relative inductance may be a value obtained by subtracting a specific value from the normalized inductance so that the average value becomes 0.

[0130] Figure 6B is a graph showing Figure 6A the arctangent processing values of the plurality of inductances shown in

[0131] Refer to Figure 6B , the arctangent processing value may linearly change according to the change of the phase.

[0132] When the first inductance and the second inductance of the plurality of sensing coils form a phase difference of 90 degrees with each other, one of the first inductance and the second inductance may correspond to {sin(phase)}, and the other may correspond to {cos(phase)}.

[0133] In the trigonometric function model, the angular range from the origin to a point on the circle may correspond to the phase of the period of the displacement recognition layer, the distance from the origin to a point on the circle may be r, and the X-direction vector value and the Y-direction vector value of the range from the origin to a point on the circle may be x and y respectively. {sin(phase)} may be (y / r), and {cos(phase)} may be (x / r). {tan(phase)} may be (y / x), {sin(phase)} / {cos(phase)}, and (the second inductance) / (the first inductance). Therefore, arctan{(the second inductance) / (the first inductance)} may correspond to the phase of the period of the displacement recognition layer and may be the arctangent processing value.

[0134] According to the embodiments disclosed in the present application, the movement of the lens module can be detected more stably, accurately, linearly, and / or effectively.

[0135] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application that various changes in form and detail can be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described in the present application are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of the features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Appropriate results can still be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments, but is defined by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Camera module, comprising: a lens module including a lens barrel and a lens disposed in the lens barrel, and movably disposed in a housing; a first displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module, and having a width that varies according to coordinates in one direction in the lens module; a second displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module, and having a width that varies according to coordinates in the one direction in the lens module; at least one sensing coil arranged such that the inductance changes according to the movement of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer in the one direction in the housing, and a magnet configured to move according to the movement of the lens module; wherein the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer are arranged spaced apart from each other in a width direction perpendicular to the one direction, and are arranged such that coordinates among the coordinates in the one direction corresponding to the maximum width of the first displacement recognition layer are different from coordinates among the coordinates in the one direction in the lens module corresponding to the maximum width of the second displacement recognition layer.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, one of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer has a plurality of maximum widths corresponding to different coordinates among the coordinates in the one direction in the lens module, wherein the difference between the coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the first displacement recognition layer in the one direction and the coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the second displacement recognition layer in the one direction is greater than 1 / 8 times and less than 3 / 8 times the difference between the coordinates corresponding to the plurality of maximum widths of one of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer in the one direction in the lens module.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, the length of the first displacement recognition layer is one cycle or more in a period of the width of the first displacement recognition layer, and the length of the second displacement recognition layer is one cycle or more in a period of the width of the second displacement recognition layer.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein, the shape of the first displacement recognition layer is the same as the shape of the second displacement recognition layer, and wherein the difference between the coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the first displacement recognition layer and the coordinates corresponding to the maximum width of the second displacement recognition layer is 1 / 4 times the period of the width of the first displacement recognition layer.

5. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein, each of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer has a sine-wave-shaped boundary line.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, the rate of change of the width of each of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer according to the coordinates in the one direction changes according to the coordinates in the one direction in the lens module.

7. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, each of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer includes any combination of any one or any two or more of copper, silver, gold, and aluminum.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising a recognition layer support member configured to move according to the movement of the lens module and having a surface on which the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer are provided.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, at least a part of the at least one sensing coil is arranged to overlap at least a part of each of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer in a direction normal to a surface of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, further comprising: a substrate disposed in the housing, the at least one sensing coil being disposed on the substrate; and a drive coil configured to output a magnetic flux for driving the magnet in the housing and disposed on a portion of the substrate different from a portion of the substrate on which the at least one sensing coil is disposed.

11. The camera module according to claim 10, wherein, the size of one of the at least one sensing coils is smaller than the size of the drive coil.

12. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: a third displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module and having a width that varies according to coordinates in a second direction in the lens module; and a fourth displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module and having a width that varies according to coordinates in the second direction in the lens module; wherein the third displacement recognition layer and the fourth displacement recognition layer are arranged such that coordinates among the coordinates in the second direction corresponding to the maximum width of the third displacement recognition layer are different from coordinates among the coordinates in the second direction corresponding to the maximum width of the fourth displacement recognition layer, and wherein the one direction is a first direction different from the second direction.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, further comprising: a fifth displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module and having a width that varies according to coordinates in a third direction in the lens module different from the first direction and the second direction; and a sixth displacement recognition layer disposed on the lens module, configured to move according to the movement of the lens module and having a width that varies according to coordinates in the third direction in the lens module, wherein the fifth displacement recognition layer and the sixth displacement recognition layer are arranged such that coordinates among the coordinates in the third direction corresponding to the maximum width of the fifth displacement recognition layer are different from coordinates among the coordinates in the third direction corresponding to the maximum width of the sixth displacement recognition layer.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein, one of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction is the optical axis direction of the lens module, and the other directions among the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to the optical axis direction and perpendicular to each other.

15. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein, the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer are arranged such that the separation distance between the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer is shorter than the separation distance from the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer to the third displacement recognition layer and the fourth displacement recognition layer.

16. A camera module, comprising: a frame; a lens barrel disposed in the frame; a lens disposed in the lens barrel along the optical axis direction; a first displacement recognition layer disposed on the frame and having a width that varies along one direction; a second displacement recognition layer disposed on the frame and having a width that varies differently from the width of the first displacement recognition layer along the one direction; at least one sensing coil arranged such that the inductance changes according to the movement of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer in the one direction, and a magnet disposed to move according to the movement of the frame; wherein the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction perpendicular to the one direction.

17. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein, the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer are arranged such that the maximum widths of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer are set at different corresponding positions in the one direction.

18. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein, each of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer has a wavy boundary line extending in the one direction.

19. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein, the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer are arranged such that the minimum widths of the first displacement recognition layer and the second displacement recognition layer are set at different corresponding positions in the one direction.

20. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein, the one direction is a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens barrel or a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Images