Camera Module

Abstract

The camera module includes: a housing defining an internal space; a reflection module disposed in the internal space and including a reflection member and a bracket, the bracket being movably supported by an inner wall of the housing; and a lens module disposed in the internal space and including a lens aligned in an optical axis direction so that light reflected by the reflection member is incident on the lens. The lens module includes a lens barrel accommodating the lens, and a plurality of lens barrels move in the internal space in a substantially optical axis direction while being supported by a ball bearing. At least two of the lens barrels share a guide groove to guide the movement of the ball bearing.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0129132 filed on October 26, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0037838 filed on April 1, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

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

[0004] In addition to smartphones, camera modules have generally been installed in portable electronic devices such as tablet personal computers (PCs), laptop computers, etc., and an auto focus (AF) function, an optical image stabilization (OIS) function, a zoom function, etc. have been added to the camera modules of mobile terminals.

[0005] However, in order to implement various functions, the structure of the camera module has become complicated and the size of the camera module has increased, resulting in an increase in the size of a portable electronic device to which the camera module is to be mounted.

[0006] In addition, when the lens or image sensor is directly moved for optical image stabilization, it is necessary to consider the weight of the lens or image sensor itself and the weight of other components to which the lens or image sensor is attached. This requires a driving force exceeding a certain level, thereby increasing power consumption.

[0007] In addition, in order to realize the AF function and the zoom function, it is necessary to ensure a certain distance so that the lens can move in the optical axis direction. However, due to the thinness of the camera module, it may be difficult to realize this configuration. Summary of the invention

[0008] The purpose of providing this summary is to introduce a selection of inventive concepts in a concise form, and these inventive concepts will be further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the subject matter claimed, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the subject matter claimed.

[0009] A camera module having a simple configuration and a reduced size while implementing functions such as auto focus (AF), optical image stabilization (OIS), and zoom.

[0010] A camera module, in which the plurality of lens groups can be easily aligned in an optical axis direction despite having a plurality of lens groups.

[0011] In one general aspect, a camera module includes: a housing defining an internal space; a reflection module disposed in the internal space and including a reflection member and a bracket, the bracket being movably supported by an inner wall of the housing; and a lens module disposed in the internal space and including a lens aligned in an optical axis direction so that light reflected by the reflection member is incident on the lens. The lens module includes a lens barrel accommodating the lens, and a plurality of lens barrels move in the internal space in a substantially optical axis direction while being supported by a ball bearing. At least two of the lens barrels share a guide groove to guide the movement of the ball bearing.

[0012] The guide groove may be provided in a surface of the housing parallel to the optical axis direction.

[0013] At least two lens barrels sharing the guide groove may implement a zoom function, and another lens barrel among the plurality of lens barrels may implement an auto focus (AF) function.

[0014] At least two lens barrels sharing the guide groove may implement a zoom function, and the remaining lens barrels except the at least two lens barrels may implement an auto focus (AF) function.

[0015] The remaining lens barrels may include one lens barrel.

[0016] The plurality of lens barrels may include a first lens barrel and a second lens barrel, and the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel may share the guide groove.

[0017] The ball bearing may include a first ball bearing disposed between the housing and the first lens barrel and a second ball bearing disposed between the housing and the second lens barrel.

[0018] The first lens barrel may include a first magnet for interacting with a first coil disposed in the housing, and the second lens barrel may include a second magnet for interacting with a second coil disposed in the housing.

[0019] A ball bearing may be disposed between the bottom surface of the housing and the plurality of lens barrels, and a pull yoke and a pull magnet may be selectively disposed on the bottom surface of the housing and lower surfaces of the plurality of lens barrels.

[0020] At least some of the plurality of lens barrels may include a drive magnet disposed only on one side surface thereof, and the pull yoke or the pull magnet may be biased toward the one side surface on which the drive magnet is disposed relative to the center of the housing.

[0021] At least two lens barrels sharing the guide groove may have the same length in the optical axis direction.

[0022] At least two lens barrels sharing the guide groove may each include a lens seating portion and an extending portion extending in the optical axis direction.

[0023] Each of the extensions may include a drive magnet.

[0024] In another general aspect, a camera module includes: a housing defining an internal space; a reflection module disposed in the internal space and including a reflection member and a bracket, the bracket being movably supported by the inner wall of the housing; and a lens module disposed in the internal space and including a lens aligned in the optical axis direction so that light reflected by the reflection member is incident on the lens. The lens module includes a plurality of lens barrels accommodating lenses, and the plurality of lens barrels are moved in a substantially optical axis direction by a drive coil disposed in the housing and a drive magnet disposed in one or more of the lens barrels. A pull yoke and a pull magnet are selectively disposed on the bottom surface of the housing and on the lower surface of one or more of the lens barrels. The pull yoke or the pull magnet is offset toward one side surface of the housing relative to the center of the housing.

[0025] Some of the plurality of lens barrels may include a driving magnet only on one side surface.

[0026] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an example.

[0029] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an example.

[0030] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an example.

[0031] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a housing of a camera module according to an example.

[0032] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is a perspective view of a reflective module and a lens module coupled to a housing of a camera module according to an example.

[0033] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a board with a drive coil and a sensor mounted thereon coupled to a housing of a camera module according to an example.

[0034] Figure 8is an exploded perspective view of a rotating plate and a rotating bracket in a camera module according to an example.

[0035] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a housing and a rotating bracket in a camera module according to an example.

[0036] Fig.10 is an exploded perspective view of a housing and a lens barrel according to an example.

[0037] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a main board and coils and components mounted on the main board according to an embodiment.

[0038] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device according to an example.

[0039] In all drawings and detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For the purpose of clarity, illustration and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following specific embodiments are provided to help the reader obtain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices and / or systems described in this application. However, various changes, modifications and equivalents of the methods, devices and / or systems described in this application will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The order of operations described in this application is merely an example, and except for the operations that must occur in a specific order, it is not limited to the order set forth in this application, but can be changed, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, for greater clarity and brevity, the description of functions and structures known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be omitted.

[0041] The features described in this application can be implemented in different forms and should not be understood as being limited to the examples described in this application. Rather, the examples described in this application are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the scope of this disclosure will be fully conveyed to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0042] It should be noted that in this application, the use of the word "may" with respect to examples or embodiments, for example, with respect to what an example or embodiment may include or implement, means that there is at least one example or embodiment that includes or implements such features, and all examples and embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0043] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, a region, or a substrate is described as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, the element may be directly “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, or one or more other elements may be present between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is described as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, other elements may not be present between the element and the other element.

[0044] As used in this application, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items.

[0045] Although the terms "first", "second" and "third" may be used in this application to describe various members, components, regions, layers or parts, these members, components, regions, layers or parts are not limited by these terms. More specifically, these terms are only used to distinguish one member, component, region, layer or part from another member, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described in this application, the first member, first component, first region, first layer or first part mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as the second member, second component, second region, second layer or second part.

[0046] Spatially relative terms such as "above", "higher", "below", and "lower" may be used in this application for descriptive convenience to describe the relationship of one element relative to another element as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to covering the orientations depicted in the accompanying drawings, these spatially relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, an element described as being "above" or "higher" relative to another element will be "below" or "lower" relative to the other element. Therefore, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term "above" covers both "above" and "below" orientations. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used in this application should be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] The terms used in this application are only used to describe various examples and are not used to limit the present disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the articles "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms as well. The words "include", "comprise" and "have" indicate the presence of stated features, numbers, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof.

[0048] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, variations in the shapes shown in the drawings may occur. Therefore, the examples described in the present application are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings, but include variations in shapes that occur during manufacturing.

[0049] The features of the examples described in this application can be combined in various ways that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. In addition, although the examples described in this application have multiple configurations, other configurations that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application are also possible.

[0050] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device according to an example.

[0051] See also Figure 1 The portable electronic device 1 may be a portable electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), etc., in which the camera module 1000 is installed.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown in , the portable electronic device 1 may be provided with a camera module 1000 in order to capture an image of a subject.

[0053] The camera module 1000 may include a plurality of lenses, and the optical axis (Z-axis) of the lens may be set in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1 (the Y-axis direction or the direction from the front surface of the portable electronic device 1 to the rear surface of the portable electronic device 1, or the direction opposite to the direction from the front surface of the portable electronic device 1 to the rear surface of the portable electronic device 1).

[0054] Optical axes of the plurality of lenses provided in the camera module 1000 may be formed in the width direction or the length direction (X-axis direction or Z-axis direction) of the portable electronic device 1 .

[0055] Therefore, even when the camera module 1000 has an AF function, a zoom function, an OIS function, etc., the thickness of the portable electronic device 1 can be minimized. Therefore, the portable electronic device 1 can be made thinner.

[0056] The camera module 1000 may have an AF function, a zoom function, and an OIS function.

[0057] The camera module 1000 having the AF function, the zoom function, and the OIS function requires various components, resulting in an increase in the size of the camera module 1000 compared to a conventional camera module.

[0058] The increase in size of the camera module 1000 may cause problems associated with miniaturization of the portable electronic device 1 in which the camera module 1000 is mounted.

[0059] For example, camera modules have an increasing number of stacked lenses for a zoom function. When a plurality of lenses are stacked in the thickness direction of a portable electronic device, the thickness of the portable electronic device increases according to the number of stacked lenses. Therefore, a sufficient number of stacked lenses cannot be ensured without increasing the thickness of the portable electronic device, thereby deteriorating the zoom function.

[0060] In addition, in order to realize the AF function and the OIS function, it is necessary to move the actuators of the plurality of lens groups to be installed in the optical axis direction or in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. However, when the optical axis (Z axis) of the lens group is formed in the thickness direction of the portable electronic device, the actuator for moving the lens group should also be installed in the thickness direction. Therefore, the thickness of the portable electronic device increases.

[0061] However, since the optical axes (Z axes) of the plurality of lenses are arranged perpendicular to the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1, the portable electronic device 1 can be made thinner even when the camera module 1000 having the AF function, the zoom function, and the OIS function is mounted.

[0062] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an example, and Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an example, and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an example.

[0063] See also Figures 2 to 4 , the camera module 1000 includes a reflection module 1100 , a lens module 1200 , and an image sensor module 1300 which are disposed in a housing 1010 .

[0064] The reflection module 1100 is configured to change the traveling direction of light. As an example, the traveling direction of light incident through the opening portion 1031 of the cover 1030 covering the upper portion of the camera module 1000 may be changed by the reflection module 1100 to a direction toward the lens module 1200. To this end, the reflection module 1100 may include a reflection member 1110 configured to reflect light.

[0065] For example, the path of light incident through the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the camera module 1000 is changed by the reflection module 1100 so that the traveling direction of the incident light is the same as the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0066] The lens module 1200 includes a plurality of lenses through which light whose traveling direction is changed by the reflection module 1100 passes. The lens module 1200 includes at least three lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230. The AF function and the zoom function can be implemented according to the movement of the at least three lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0067] The image sensor module 1300 includes an image sensor 1310 that converts light passing through a plurality of lenses into an electrical signal and a printed circuit board 1320 on which the image sensor 1310 is mounted. In addition, the image sensor module 1300 may include an optical filter 1340 that filters light that has been incident through the lens module 1200. The optical filter 1340 may be an infrared cutoff filter.

[0068] In the internal space of the housing 1010 , the reflection module 1100 is disposed in front of the lens module 1200 , and the image sensor module 1300 is disposed behind the lens module 1200 .

[0069] See also Figures 2 to 10 , the camera module 1000 includes a reflection module 1100 , a lens module 1200 , and an image sensor module 1300 which are disposed in a housing 1010 .

[0070] The reflection module 1100, the lens module 1200, and the image sensor module 1300 are sequentially arranged from one side to the other side in the housing 1010. The housing 1010 is configured to have an internal space so that the reflection module 1100, the lens module 1200, and the image sensor module 1300 can all be embedded in the internal space (the printed circuit board 1320 included in the image sensor module 1300 can be attached to the outside of the housing 1010).

[0071] For example, the housing 1010 may be integrally provided such that the reflection module 1100 and the lens module 1200 are embedded in the inner space of the housing 1010. However, the configuration of the housing 1010 is not limited thereto, and for example, separate housings in which the reflection module 1100 and the lens module 1200 are respectively embedded may be connected to each other.

[0072] The housing 1010 may be covered with a cover 1030 so that the internal space is not exposed.

[0073] The cover 1030 includes an opening portion 1031 so that light is incident through the opening portion 1031, and the traveling direction of the light incident through the opening portion 1031 is changed by the reflection module 1100, thereby causing the light to be incident on the lens module 1200. The cover 1030 may be integrally provided to cover the entire housing 1010, or divided and provided as separate members that respectively cover the reflection module 1100 and the lens module 1200.

[0074] The reflection module 1100 includes a reflection member 1110 that reflects light. In addition, light incident on the lens module 1200 passes through a plurality of lens groups (at least three lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230), and is converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor 1310 and stored.

[0075] The housing 1010 includes a reflection module 1100 and a lens module 1200 in the internal space. In this regard, a space in which the reflection module 1100 is disposed and a space in which the lens module 1200 is disposed in the internal space of the housing 1010 may be distinguished from each other by a protruding wall 1007. In addition, the reflection module 1100 may be disposed at the front side of the protruding wall 1007, and the lens module 1200 may be disposed at the rear side of the protruding wall 1007. The protruding wall 1007 may be configured to protrude from both side walls of the housing 1010 toward the internal space.

[0076] In the case where the reflection module 1100 is disposed on the front side, the rotating bracket 1120 is closely attached to and supported on the inner wall surface of the housing 1010 by the attraction between the pulling yoke 1153 disposed on the inner wall surface of the housing 1010 and the pulling magnet 1151 disposed on the rotating bracket 1120. Although not shown in the drawings, the housing 1010 may also be provided with a pulling magnet, and the rotating bracket 1120 may also be provided with a pulling yoke. Hereinafter, the structure shown in the drawings will be described for ease of explanation.

[0077] The first ball bearing 1131 , the rotating plate 1130 , and the second ball bearing 1133 are disposed between the inner wall surface of the housing 1010 and the rotating bracket 1120 .

[0078] Since the first ball bearing 1131 and the second ball bearing 1133 are partially inserted into the guide grooves 1132, 1134, 1021, and 1121, and thus are closely attached to the guide grooves 1132, 1134, 1021, and 1121, when the rotating bracket 1120 and the rotating plate 1130 are inserted into the inner space of the housing 1010, a small space may be required between the rotating bracket 1120 and the protruding wall 1007. When the rotating bracket 1120 is mounted on the housing 1010, the rotating bracket 1120 is closely attached to the inner wall surface of the housing 1010 by the attraction between the pulling yoke 1153 and the pulling magnet 1151, thereby allowing a small space between the rotating bracket 1120 and the protruding wall 1007.

[0079] In this regard, a stopper 1050 having a hook shape may be provided which is assembled to the protruding wall 1007 while supporting the rotating bracket 1120 (even without the stopper 1050, the rotating bracket 1120 may be fixed by the attraction between the pulling magnet 1151 and the pulling yoke 1153). The stopper 1050 provided in a hook shape may be provided in a state where its hook portion is hooked on the upper portion of the protruding wall 1007 to face the rotating bracket 1120.

[0080] The stopper 1050 may be used as a bracket for supporting the rotating bracket 1120 when the reflection module 1100 is not driven, and may be used to control the movement of the rotating bracket 1120 when the reflection module 1100 is driven. The stopper 1050 may be respectively provided on the protruding walls 1007 protruding from the opposite side walls. A space may be provided between the stopper 1050 and the rotating bracket 1120 so that the rotating bracket 1120 rotates smoothly. The stopper 1050 may be formed of an elastic material, thereby allowing the rotating bracket 1120 to move smoothly while being supported by the stopper 1050.

[0081] The housing 1010 includes a first driving part 1140 and a second driving part 1240 configured to respectively drive the reflection module 1100 and the lens module 1200. The first driving part 1140 includes a plurality of coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b for driving the reflection module 1100, and the second driving part 1240 includes a plurality of coils 1241b, 1243b, and 1245b for driving the lens module 1200, wherein the lens module 1200 includes a first lens barrel 1210, a second lens barrel 1220, and a third lens barrel 1230.

[0082] In addition, since the multiple coils 1141b, 1143b, 1145b, 1241b, 1243b and 1245b are arranged in the shell 1010 in a state where they are mounted on the main board 1070, the shell 1010 may be provided with a plurality of through holes 1010a, 1010b, 1010c, 1010d, 1010e, 1010f and 1010g so that the multiple coils 1141b, 1143b, 1145b, 1241b, 1243b and 1245b are exposed to the internal space of the shell 1010.

[0083] As shown in the figure, the main board 1070 on which the coils 1141b, 1143b, 1145b, 1241b, 1243b and 1245b are mounted can be arranged in a single board. In this case, a single terminal can be provided so that the main board 1070 is easily connected to external power. However, the main board 1070 is not limited to this configuration, and can also be arranged in multiple boards by separating the board on which the coils for the reflection module 1100 are mounted from the board on which the coils for the lens module 1200 are mounted.

[0084] The reflection module 1100 can change the path of light incident through the opening portion 1031. When shooting a still image or a moving image, the still image may be blurred or the moving image may be shaken due to the user's hand shaking or other movements. In this case, the reflection module 1100 can stabilize the user's hand shaking or other movements by moving the rotating bracket 1120 on which the reflection member 1110 is mounted. For example, when shaking occurs when shooting a still image or a moving image due to the user's hand shaking or other movements, the relative displacement corresponding to the shaking is provided to the rotating bracket 1120 to compensate for the shaking.

[0085] The OIS function is implemented by the movement of the rotating bracket 1120 which has a relatively small weight due to not including a lens, etc., and thus power consumption for the OIS function can be significantly reduced.

[0086] That is, for OIS function implementation, the traveling direction of light is changed by moving the rotating bracket 1120 on which the reflective member 1110 is disposed without moving the lens barrel or the image sensor including a plurality of lenses so that light on which OIS is performed is incident to the lens module 1200 .

[0087] The reflection module 1100 includes a rotating bracket 1120 disposed to be supported by the housing 1010 , the reflection member 1110 is mounted on the rotating bracket 1120 , and the first driving part 1140 moves the rotating bracket 1120 .

[0088] The reflective member 1110 may change the traveling direction of light. For example, the reflective member 1110 may be a mirror or a prism that reflects light (for convenience of explanation, the reflective member 1110 is shown as a prism in the drawings).

[0089] The reflective member 1110 is fixed to the rotating bracket 1120. The rotating bracket 1120 has a mounting surface 1122 on which the reflective member 1110 is mounted.

[0090] The mounting surface 1122 of the rotating bracket 1120 may be an inclined surface so that the path of light changes. The mounting surface 1122 may be a surface inclined by 30° to 60° relative to the optical axis (Z axis) of the plurality of lenses. The inclined surface of the rotating bracket 1120 may be directed toward the opening portion 1031 of the cover 1030, and the light is incident on the opening portion 1031 of the cover 1030.

[0091] The rotating bracket 1120 on which the reflective member 1110 is mounted is installed to be movable in the internal space of the housing 1010. For example, the rotating bracket 1120 may be installed in the housing 1010 so as to be able to rotate around a first axis (X axis) and a second axis (Y axis). The first axis (X axis) and the second axis (Y axis) may refer to axes perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis) and may be perpendicular to each other.

[0092] The rotating bracket 1120 is supported in the housing 1010 by a first ball bearing 1131 aligned along a first axis (X axis) and a second ball bearing 1133 aligned along a second axis (Y axis), so that the rotating bracket 1120 rotates smoothly around the first axis (X axis) and the second axis (Y axis). As an example, two first ball bearings 1131 aligned along the first axis (X axis) and two second ball bearings 1133 aligned along the second axis (Y axis) are shown in the drawings. As described below, the rotating bracket 1120 can be rotated around the first axis (X axis) and the second axis (Y axis) by the first driving part 1140.

[0093] Since the ball bearings responsible for the first axis (X axis) and the second axis (Y axis) are respectively provided, two of the first ball bearings 1131 aligned along the first axis (X axis) can be provided in a cylindrical shape extending along the first axis direction (X axis direction), and two of the second ball bearings 1133 aligned along the second axis (Y axis) can be provided in a cylindrical shape extending along the second axis direction (Y axis direction). In this case, the guide grooves 1132, 1134, 1021 and 1121 can be provided in a semi-cylindrical shape to correspond to the shapes of the first ball bearings 1131 and the second ball bearings 1133.

[0094] In addition, the first ball bearing 1131 and the second ball bearing 1133 are respectively arranged on the front surface and the rear surface of the rotating plate 1130 (or optionally, the first ball bearing 1131 and the second ball bearing 1133 are respectively arranged on the rear surface and the front surface of the rotating plate 1130; that is, the first ball bearing 1131 can be aligned along the second axis (Y axis), and the second ball bearing 1133 can be aligned along the first axis (X axis); for ease of explanation, the structure shown in the drawings will be described below). The rotating plate 1130 can be arranged between the rotating bracket 1120 and the inner surface of the shell 1010.

[0095] The rotating bracket 1120 can be supported in the shell 1010 via the rotating plate 1130 through the attraction between the pulling magnet 1151 or pulling yoke set on the rotating bracket 1120 and the pulling yoke 1153 or pulling magnet set on the shell 1010 (the first ball bearing 1131 and the second ball bearing 1133 are also set between the rotating bracket 1120 and the shell 1010).

[0096] The guide grooves 1132 and 1134 may be provided on the front and rear surfaces of the rotating plate 1130 so that the first ball bearing 1131 and the second ball bearing 1133 are inserted. The guide grooves 1132 and 1134 may include a first guide groove 1132 into which the first ball bearing 1131 is partially inserted and a second guide groove 1134 into which the second ball bearing 1133 is partially inserted.

[0097] The housing 1010 may be provided with a third guide groove 1021 into which the first ball bearing 1131 is partially inserted, and the rotating bracket 1120 may be provided with a fourth guide groove 1121 into which the second ball bearing 1133 is partially inserted.

[0098] The first guide groove 1132, the second guide groove 1134, the third guide groove 1021 and the fourth guide groove 1121 described above can be set in a hemispherical or polygonal (polygonal or multi-conical) groove shape so that the first ball bearing 1131 and the second ball bearing 1133 can rotate easily.

[0099] The first ball bearing 1131 and the second ball bearing 1133 may function as bearings while rolling or sliding on the first guide groove 1132 , the second guide groove 1134 , the third guide groove 1021 , and the fourth guide groove 1121 .

[0100] The first ball bearing 1131 and the second ball bearing 1133 may have a structure in which the first ball bearing 1131 and the second ball bearing 1133 are fixedly disposed in at least one of the housing 1010, the rotating plate 1130, and the rotating bracket 1120. For example, the first ball bearing 1131 may be fixedly disposed in the housing 1010 or on the rotating plate 1130, and the second ball bearing 1133 may be fixedly disposed on the rotating plate 1130 or the rotating bracket 1120.

[0101] In this case, only the component facing the component to which the first ball bearing 1131 or the second ball bearing 1133 is fixedly provided may be provided with the guide groove, and the ball bearing may function as a friction bearing by sliding rather than rotating.

[0102] When the first ball bearing 1131 and the second ball bearing 1133 are fixedly disposed in any one of the housing 1010 , the rotating plate 1130 , and the rotating bracket 1120 , the first ball bearing 1131 and the second ball bearing 1133 may be disposed in a spherical shape, a hemispherical shape, or a circular protrusion shape.

[0103] In addition, the first ball bearing 1131 and the second ball bearing 1133 may be manufactured separately and then attached to any one of the housing 1010, the rotating plate 1130, and the rotating bracket 1120. Alternatively, the first ball bearing 1131 and the second ball bearing 1133 may be provided integrally with the housing 1010, the rotating plate 1130, or the rotating bracket 1120 when the housing 1010, the rotating plate 1130, or the rotating bracket 1120 is manufactured.

[0104] The first driving portion 1140 generates a driving force so that the rotating bracket 1120 can rotate about two axes.

[0105] As an example, the first driving part 1140 may include a plurality of magnets 1141a, 1143a, and 1145a, and a plurality of coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b, which may be arranged to face the plurality of magnets 1141a, 1143a, and 1145a, respectively.

[0106] When power is applied to the multiple coils 1141b, 1143b and 1145b, the rotating bracket 1120 on which the magnets 1141a, 1143a and 1145a are mounted can be rotated around the first axis (X axis) and the second axis (Y axis) through the electromagnetic effect between the multiple magnets 1141a, 1143a and 1145a and the multiple coils 1141b, 1143b and 1145b.

[0107] A plurality of magnets 1141a, 1143a, and 1145a are mounted on the rotating bracket 1120. As an example, the magnet 1141a may be mounted on a lower surface of the rotating bracket 1120, and the remaining magnets 1143a and 1145a may be mounted on a side surface of the rotating bracket 1120.

[0108] The plurality of coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b are mounted on the housing 1010. As an example, the plurality of coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b may be mounted on the housing 1010 through the main board 1070. The plurality of coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b are provided on the main board 1070, and the main board 1070 is mounted on the housing 1010.

[0109] In the drawings, an example is shown in which the main board 1070 is integrally provided so that the coil for the reflection module 1100 and the coil for the lens module 1200 are both mounted on the main board 1070. However, the main board 1070 may be provided as at least two separate boards, and the coil for the reflection module 1100 and the coil for the lens module 1200 are respectively mounted on the at least two separate boards.

[0110] When rotating the rotating bracket 1120 , a closed loop control method is used which includes sensing the position of the rotating bracket 1120 and providing feedback.

[0111] Therefore, closed loop control requires position sensors 1141c and 1143c. Position sensors 1141c and 1143c may be Hall sensors.

[0112] The position sensors 1141 c and 1143 c are disposed at the inner side or the outer side of the coils 1141 b and 1143 b , respectively, and may be mounted on the main board 1070 , wherein each of the coils 1141 b and 1143 b is mounted on the main board 1070 .

[0113] The main board 1070 may be provided with a gyro sensor (not shown) that senses jitter factors such as hand jitter or other movements of the user, and may be provided with a driver integrated circuit (IC; not shown) that provides driving signals to the plurality of coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b.

[0114] When the rotating bracket 1120 rotates about the first axis (X axis), the rotating plate 1130 rotates about the first ball bearing 1131 arranged along the first axis (X axis), which also rotates the rotating bracket 1120. In this case, the rotating bracket 1120 does not move relative to the rotating plate 1130.

[0115] In addition, when the rotating bracket 1120 rotates around the second axis (Y axis), the rotating bracket 1120 rotates around the second ball bearing 1133 arranged along the second axis (Y axis). In this case, the rotating plate 1130 does not rotate, and the rotating bracket 1120 thus moves relative to the rotating plate 1130.

[0116] That is, when the rotating bracket 1120 rotates around the first axis (X axis), the first ball bearing 1131 works, and when the rotating bracket 1120 rotates around the second axis (Y axis), the second ball bearing 1133 works. This is because, as shown in the figure, when the rotating bracket 1120 rotates around the first axis (X axis), the second ball bearing 1133 aligned along the second axis (Y axis) cannot move when assembled in the guide groove, and when the rotating bracket 1120 rotates around the second axis (Y axis), the first ball bearing 1131 aligned along the first axis (X axis) cannot move when assembled in the guide groove.

[0117] Light that has been reflected on the reflection module 1100 may be incident on the lens module 1200. Therefore, optical axes of stacked lenses provided in the lens module 1200 are aligned in a Z-axis direction, which is a direction in which light is emitted from the reflection module 1100.

[0118] See also Fig. 6A , the two lens barrels 1210 and 1220 at the rear are responsible for the zoom function, and the lens barrel 1230 at the front may be responsible for the AF function. In addition, the three lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 may be responsible for the zoom function and the AF function in various combinations.

[0119] Additional control over deformations is possible. Figure 6B , for example, the rear two lens barrels 1210 and 1220 perform a zoom function or an AF function individually or jointly, wherein, for example, the two lens barrels 1210 and 1220 are combined to perform a zoom function, and the lens barrel 1210 located at the rear is also responsible for the AF function, while the front lens barrel 1230 can remain fixed to the housing 1010. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, any one of the three lens barrels 1210, 1220 and 1230 can remain fixed to the housing 1010, and the remaining two lens barrels can be responsible for the zoom function or the AF function individually or jointly. In this case, the lens barrel (e.g., lens barrel 1230) fixed to the housing 1010 does not need to insert a ball bearing or the like between the housing 1010 and the drive magnet or the coil opposite to the drive magnet.

[0120] In addition, the housing 1010 is configured to include a space in which one front lens barrel 1230 and two rear lens barrels 1210 and 1220 are separated, but is not limited to this configuration. The three lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 may be disposed in the same space or in separate separate spaces.

[0121] The plurality of stacked lens groups disposed in the lens module 1200 may be respectively divided into at least three lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230. Even when the plurality of stacked lens groups are divided into and disposed in at least three lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230, the optical axes are aligned on the Z axis, which is the direction in which light is emitted from the reflection module 1100.

[0122] The lens module 1200 includes a second driving part 1240 to implement an AF function and a zoom function.

[0123] The lens module 1200 includes at least three lens barrels (a first lens barrel 1210, a second lens barrel 1220 and a third lens barrel 1230) in the internal space of the housing 1010, and a second driving part 1240 that moves the three lens barrels 1210, 1220 and 1230 relative to the housing 1010 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0124] The first to third lens barrels 1210 , 1220 , and 1230 are configured to move substantially in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction for an AF function or a zoom function.

[0125] In this regard, the second driving part 1240 generates a driving force to move the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction. That is, the second driving part 1240 implements the AF function or the zoom function by moving the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction, respectively.

[0126] The first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 may be configured to be supported on the bottom surface of the housing 1010. For example, the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 may be supported by ball bearings, respectively, on the bottom surface of the housing 1010. Hereinafter, an example in which the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 are respectively supported by ball bearings on the bottom surface of the housing 1010 will be mainly described.

[0127] As an example, the second driving part 1240 includes a plurality of magnets 1241a, 1243a, and 1245a, and a plurality of coils 1241b, 1243b, and 1245b disposed to face the magnets 1241a, 1243a, and 1245a, respectively.

[0128] When power is applied to the coils 1241b, 1243b and 1245b, the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220 and 1230 on which the magnets 1241a, 1243a and 1245a are respectively mounted can be moved in the optical axis (Z axis) direction through the electromagnetic effect between the magnets 1241a, 1243a and 1245a and the coils 1241b, 1243b and 1245b.

[0129] A plurality of magnets 1241a, 1243a, and 1245a are respectively mounted on the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230. As an example, the first magnet 1241a may be mounted on a side surface of the first lens barrel 1210, the second magnet 1243a may be mounted on a side surface of the second lens barrel 1220, and the third magnet 1245a may be mounted on a side surface of the third lens barrel 1230.

[0130] A plurality of coils 1241b, 1243b, and 1245b are mounted on the housing 1010 to face the plurality of magnets 1241a, 1243a, and 1245a, respectively. Since the plurality of magnets 1241a, 1243a, and 1245a are disposed on both side surfaces of the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230, and therefore the plurality of coils 1241b, 1243b, and 1245b may be disposed on both side walls of the housing 1010 so that the plurality of magnets 1241a, 1243a, and 1245a and the plurality of coils 1241b, 1243b, and 1245b face each other.

[0131] As an example, the main board 1070 may be mounted on the housing 1010 while having the plurality of coils 1241 b , 1243 b , and 1245 b mounted thereon.

[0132] When moving the first lens barrel to the third lens barrel 1210, 1220, and 1230, a closed-loop control method including sensing the positions of the first lens barrel to the third lens barrel 1210, 1220, and 1230 and providing feedback is used. Therefore, the closed-loop control requires position sensors 1241c, 1243c, and 1245c. The position sensors 1241c, 1243c, and 1245c may be Hall sensors.

[0133] The position sensors 1241 c , 1243 c , and 1245 c are respectively disposed at the inside or outside of the coils 1241 b , 1243 b , and 1245 b , and may be mounted on the main board 1070 , wherein each of the coils 1241 b , 1243 b , and 1245 b is mounted on the main board 1070 .

[0134] The first lens barrel 1210 and the second lens barrel 1220 are driven by a pair of coils and magnets. In this case, the coils and magnets can be arranged on either side. The coils and magnets can have an increased size to enhance the driving force. In this case, a plurality of position sensors 1241c and a plurality of position sensors 1243c can be provided for accurate position sensing. In the accompanying drawings, three position sensors 1241c and three position sensors 1243c are respectively arranged on the inner side of each of the coils 1241b and 1243b driving the first lens barrel 1210 and the second lens barrel 1220.

[0135] The first lens barrel 1210 is disposed in the housing 1010 so as to be movable in the optical axis (Z axis) direction. As an example, a plurality of third ball bearings 1215 are disposed between the first lens barrel 1210 and the bottom surface of the housing 1010 .

[0136] The plurality of third ball bearings 1215 serve as bearings for guiding the movement of the first lens barrel 1210 in the process of implementing the AF function and the zoom function.

[0137] The plurality of third ball bearings 1215 are configured to roll in the optical axis (Z axis) direction when a driving force is generated to move the first lens barrel 1210 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction. Therefore, the plurality of third ball bearings 1215 guide the movement of the first lens barrel 1210 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0138] A plurality of guide grooves 1214 and 1013 accommodating the third ball bearing 1215 are respectively formed on the lower surface of the first lens barrel 1210 and the bottom surface of the housing 1010 facing each other, and some of the guide grooves 1214 and 1013 may be elongated in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0139] The third ball bearing 1215 is received in the guide grooves 1214 and 1013 , and is inserted to fit between the first lens barrel 1210 and the housing 1010 .

[0140] Some or all of the guide grooves 1214 and 1013 may be elongated in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. In addition, the cross-sections of the guide grooves 1214 and 1013 may have various shapes, such as a circular shape and a polygonal shape.

[0141] The first lens barrel 1210 is pressed toward the bottom of the housing 1010 so that the plurality of third ball bearings 1215 can remain in contact with the first lens barrel 1210 and the housing 1010. To this end, a pull yoke 1016 can be mounted on the bottom surface of the housing 1010 to face a pull magnet 1216 mounted on the lower surface of the first lens barrel 1210. The pull yoke 1016 can be formed of a magnetic material. The pull magnet can be mounted on the bottom surface of the housing 1010, and the pull yoke can be mounted on the lower surface of the first lens barrel 1210.

[0142] The coil 1241b driving the first lens barrel 1210 is disposed on one side surface of the housing 1010. In this case, the electromagnetic force acts on one side surface of the first lens barrel 1210, and thus the pull magnet 1216 and the pull yoke 1016 may be biased from the center of the housing 1010 toward one side surface to facilitate the driving of the first lens barrel 1210. The first lens barrel 1210 may be provided with a magnet mounting portion extending to the side surface of the second lens barrel 1220 in the optical axis direction so as to increase the size of the magnet 1241a to enhance the driving force. In addition, in order to increase the size of the magnet 1243a to enhance the driving force, the second lens barrel 1220 may be provided with a magnet mounting portion extending to the side surface of the first lens barrel 1210 in the optical axis direction.

[0143] The coil 1243b driving the second lens barrel 1220 is disposed on another side surface of the housing 1010, which is an opposite side surface of the housing 1010 to one side surface on which the coil 1241b is disposed. In this case, when an electromagnetic force is applied to the other side surface of the second lens barrel 1220, the pull magnet 1226 and the pull yoke 1017 may be biased from the center of the housing 1010 toward the other side surface to facilitate driving of the second lens barrel 1220.

[0144] In addition, the coil 1245b that drives the third lens barrel 1230 may be disposed on both side surfaces or one side surface of the housing 1010. When the coil 1245b is disposed only on one side of the housing 1010, the pull magnet 1236 and the pull yoke 1018 may be offset from the center of the housing 1010 toward one side surface to facilitate driving the third lens barrel 1230, similar to the first lens barrel 1210 and the second lens barrel 1220. However, this refers to the case where the coil that drives the lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 is disposed only on one side surface of the one side surface and the other side surface. When the coils are disposed on both side surfaces, the pull magnet and the pull yoke may be disposed approximately at the center.

[0145] The second lens barrel 1220 is disposed in the housing 1010 to be movable in the optical axis (Z axis) direction. As an example, the second lens barrel 1220 may be disposed in front of the first lens barrel 1210 in parallel with the first lens barrel 1210 in the optical axis direction.

[0146] A plurality of fourth ball bearings 1225 are disposed between the second lens barrel 1220 and the bottom surface of the housing 1010 , and the second lens barrel 1220 may slide or roll relative to the housing 1010 through the fourth ball bearings 1225 .

[0147] The plurality of fourth ball bearings 1225 are configured to assist the rolling or sliding movement of the second lens barrel 1220 in the optical axis direction (Z axis direction) when a driving force is generated, so that the second lens barrel 1220 moves in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0148] A plurality of guide grooves 1224 and 1014 accommodating the fourth ball bearing 1225 are respectively formed on the lower surface of the second lens barrel 1220 and the bottom surface of the housing 1010 facing each other, and some of the guide grooves may be elongated in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0149] A plurality of fourth ball bearings 1225 are received in the guide grooves 1224 and 1014 , and are inserted to fit between the second lens barrel 1220 and the housing 1010 .

[0150] Each of the plurality of guide grooves 1224 and 1014 may be elongated in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. In addition, the cross-sections of the guide grooves 1224 and 1014 may have various shapes, such as a circular shape and a polygonal shape.

[0151] The second lens barrel 1220 is pressed toward the bottom surface of the housing 1010 so that the fourth ball bearing 1225 can maintain contact with the second lens barrel 1220 and the housing 1010 .

[0152] To this end, the pull yoke 1017 may be mounted on the bottom surface of the housing 1010 to face the pull magnet 1226 mounted on the second lens barrel 1220. The pull yoke 1017 may be a magnetic material. The pull magnet may be mounted on the bottom surface of the housing 1010, and the pull yoke may be mounted on the lower surface of the second lens barrel 1220.

[0153] The first lens barrel 1210 and the second lens barrel 1220 may have approximately the same length in the optical axis direction. The first lens barrel 1210 and the second lens barrel 1220 may include first and second lens seating portions 1210a and 1220a, respectively, and first and second extension portions 1210b and 1220b, each of which is provided with a lens array, and each of which extends from the first and second lens seating portions 1210a and 1220a in the optical axis direction.

[0154] The first lens barrel 1210 and the second lens barrel 1220 may include a first magnet 1241 a and a second magnet 1243 a in the first extension portion 1210 b and the second extension portion 1220 b , respectively.

[0155] The third lens barrel 1230 is disposed in the housing 1010 to be movable in the optical axis (Z axis) direction. As an example, the third lens barrel 1230 may be disposed in front of the second lens barrel 1220 in parallel with the second lens barrel 1220 in the optical axis direction.

[0156] A plurality of fifth ball bearings 1235 are disposed between the third lens barrel 1230 and the bottom surface of the housing 1010 , and the third lens barrel 1230 may slide or roll relative to the housing 1010 through the fifth ball bearings 1235 .

[0157] The plurality of fifth ball bearings 1235 are configured to assist the rolling or sliding movement of the third lens barrel 1230 in the optical axis direction (Z axis direction) when a driving force is generated, so that the third lens barrel 1230 moves in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0158] A plurality of guide grooves 1234 and 1015 accommodating the fifth ball bearing 1235 are respectively formed on the lower surface of the third lens barrel 1230 and the bottom surface of the housing 1010 facing each other, and some of the guide grooves may be elongated in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0159] A plurality of fifth ball bearings 1235 are received in the guide grooves 1234 and 1015 , and are inserted to be fitted between the third lens barrel 1230 and the housing 1010 .

[0160] Each of the plurality of guide grooves 1234 and 1015 may be elongated in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. In addition, the cross-sections of the guide grooves 1234 and 1015 may have various shapes, such as a circular shape and a polygonal shape.

[0161] The third lens barrel 1230 is pressed toward the bottom surface of the housing 1010 so that the fifth ball bearing 1235 can maintain contact with the third lens barrel 1230 and the housing 1010 .

[0162] To this end, the pull yoke 1018 may be mounted on the bottom surface of the housing 1010 to face the pull magnet 1236 mounted on the third lens barrel 1230. The pull yoke 1018 may be a magnetic material. The pull magnet may be mounted on the bottom surface of the housing 1010, and the pull yoke may be mounted on the lower surface of the third lens barrel 1230.

[0163] The guide grooves 1013, 1014, and 1015 provided in the housing 1010 to guide the movement of the third to fifth ball bearings 1215, 1225, and 1235 may each have a long groove shape extending in the optical axis direction, or may be guide grooves in which at least two of the guide grooves are connected to each other. In the case of at least two interconnected guide grooves among the guide grooves 1013, 1014, and 1015, the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 may be easily aligned in the optical axis direction.

[0164] An example is shown in which the guide grooves 1013 and 1014 provided in the moving paths of the first lens barrel 1210 and the second lens barrel 1220 are provided as a single guide groove in which the guide grooves 1013 and 1014 are connected to each other, and the third lens barrel 1230 is provided separately. Although not limited thereto, the guide grooves may be provided in a form in which only the guide grooves 1014 and 1015 for the movement of the second lens barrel 1220 and the third lens barrel 1230 are connected to each other or in which all the guide grooves 1013, 1014, and 1015 are connected.

[0165] The first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 are sequentially arranged in the optical axis direction, and the first lens barrel 1210 and the second lens barrel 1220 have coils 1241b and 1243b and magnets 1241a and 1243a on one side or the other side. The third lens barrel 1230 may be provided with coils 1245b and magnets 1245a on both sides.

[0166] Although not limited to this configuration, the coil 1245b and the magnet 1245a may be provided only on one side of the third lens barrel 1230 corresponding to the side of the first lens barrel 1210 on which the coil 1241b and the magnet 1241a are mounted. This is to arrange the coil 1245b and the magnet 1245a provided in the third lens barrel 1230 as little as possible so as not to be affected by the driving parts 1243b and 1243a of the second lens barrel 1220 adjacent to the third lens barrel 1230.

[0167] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a main board and coils and components mounted on the main board according to an example.

[0168] See also Fig.11 , the coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b of the first driving part 1140 for driving the reflection module 1100 and the plurality of coils 1241b, 1243b, and 1245b of the second driving part 1240 for driving the lens module 1200 may be mounted on the inner surface of the main board 1070. In addition, components 1178 such as passive elements, active elements, etc., a gyro sensor 1079, etc. may be mounted on the outer surface of the main board 1070. Therefore, the main board 1070 may be double-sided.

[0169] Specifically, the main board 1070 may include a first side plate 1071 and a second side plate 1072 disposed substantially parallel to each other, and a bottom plate 1073 connecting the first side plate 1071 and the second side plate 1072 to each other. A terminal portion 1074 for external power and signal connection may be connected to any one of the first side plate 1071 and the second side plate 1072 and the bottom plate 1073.

[0170] Some of the plurality of coils ( 1143 b ) and the sensor 1143 c of the first driving part 1140 for driving the reflection module 1100 and some of the plurality of coils ( 1241 b ) and the sensor 1241 c of the second driving part 1240 for driving the lens module 1200 may be mounted on the first side plate 1071 .

[0171] Some ( 1145 b ) of the plurality of coils of the first driving part 1140 for driving the reflection module 1100 and some ( 1243 b ) of the plurality of coils of the second driving part 1240 for driving the lens module 1200 and the sensor 1243 c may be mounted on the second side plate 1072 .

[0172] A coil 1141 b of the first driving part 1140 for driving the reflection module 1100 and a sensor 1141 c for sensing a position of the reflection module 1100 may be mounted on the bottom plate 1073 .

[0173] Although the first side panel 1071 is shown in the figure as having components 1178 such as various passive components and active components, a gyro sensor 1079, etc. mounted on the first side panel 1071, the components 1178, the gyro sensor 1079, etc. may also be mounted on the second side panel 1072, or appropriately divided and mounted on the first side panel 1071 and the second side panel 1072.

[0174] In addition, multiple coils 1141b, 1143b, 1145b, 1241b, 1243b and 1245b and position sensors 1141c, 1143c, 1241c, 1243c and 1245c installed on the first side plate 1071, the second side plate 1072 and the bottom plate 1073 can be divided and installed on each board differently according to the design of the camera module.

[0175] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device according to an example.

[0176] See also Fig.12 , the portable electronic device 2 may be a portable electronic device on which a plurality of camera modules 500 and 1000 are mounted, such as a mobile communication terminal, a smart phone, or a tablet PC.

[0177] A plurality of camera modules 500 and 1000 may be installed in the portable electronic device 2 .

[0178] At least one of the plurality of camera modules 500 and 1000 may be a Figures 2 to 10 A camera module 1000 is described.

[0179] That is, in the case of a portable electronic device including a dual camera module, at least one of the two camera modules may be provided as the camera module 1000 .

[0180] As described above, the camera module according to the various examples described in the present application and the portable electronic device including the camera module can have a simple structure and reduced size while implementing AF function, zoom function, OIS function, etc. In addition, power consumption can be significantly reduced.

[0181] The camera module may have a simple structure and a reduced size while implementing an AF function, an OIS function, a zoom function, etc.

[0182] Furthermore, even when a plurality of lens groups are provided, the examples described in the present application allow easy alignment in the optical axis direction.

[0183] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described in this application should be considered only in a descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes. The description of the features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may also be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are replaced or supplemented in different ways and / or by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by specific embodiments, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: A housing defining an internal space; as well as a lens module disposed in the internal space and comprising lenses aligned in the optical axis direction, wherein the lens module includes a plurality of lens barrels accommodating the lenses, and the plurality of lens barrels are configured to move in the optical axis direction in the internal space while being supported by ball bearings, The number of ball bearings supporting one side of a first lens barrel among the plurality of lens barrels is different from the number of ball bearings supporting the other side of the first lens barrel.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of lens barrels include the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel, and The number of ball bearings supporting one side of the first lens barrel is different from the number of ball bearings supporting one side of the second lens barrel.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The one side of the first lens barrel is supported by two or more ball bearings, and the other side of the first lens barrel is supported by one ball bearing, and Wherein, the one side of the second lens barrel is supported by one ball bearing, and the other side of the second lens barrel is supported by two or more ball bearings.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein: The first lens barrel includes a first lens seating portion accommodating a plurality of lenses and a first extending portion extending from one side of the first lens seating portion in the optical axis direction, and wherein the two or more ball bearings supporting the one side of the first lens barrel are disposed between a bottom surface of the housing and a lower surface of the first extending portion.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: the second lens barrel includes a second lens seating portion accommodating a plurality of lenses and a second extending portion extending from another side opposite to one side of the second lens seating portion in the optical axis direction, and Wherein, the two or more ball bearings supporting the other side of the second lens barrel are disposed between a bottom surface of the housing and a lower surface of the second extending portion.

6. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein: a first magnet is disposed on one surface of the first lens barrel, and The first magnet is arranged closer to the two or more ball bearings than the one ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings supporting the first lens barrel.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein: A pulling yoke is provided on one of a bottom surface of the housing and a lower surface of the first lens barrel, and a pulling magnet is provided on the other.

8. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein: At least one of the pulling yoke and the pulling magnet is biased toward the first magnet relative to the optical axis.

9. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein: A second magnet is disposed on one surface of the second lens barrel, and The second magnet is arranged closer to the two or more ball bearings than the one ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings supporting the second lens barrel.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein: A pulling yoke is provided on one of a bottom surface of the housing and a lower surface of the second lens barrel, and a pulling magnet is provided on the other.

11. The camera module according to claim 10, wherein: At least one of the pulling yoke and the pulling magnet is biased toward the second magnet relative to the optical axis.

12. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of lens barrels include a first lens barrel, a second lens barrel, and a third lens barrel.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein: The first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are arranged to be movable in the optical axis direction, and The third lens barrel is fixedly arranged relative to the housing.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, further comprising a reflection module, the reflection module comprising a reflection member, the reflection member configured to change a moving direction of light; in, Among the first to third lens barrels, the third lens barrel is arranged closest to the reflection module.

15. The camera module according to claim 14, wherein: The housing includes a first protruding wall, and the first protruding wall distinguishes a space in which the reflection module is disposed and a space in which the lens module is disposed.

16. The camera module according to claim 15, wherein: The housing includes a second protruding wall, and the second protruding wall partitions a space in which the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are disposed and a space in which the third lens barrel is disposed.

17. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein: The first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are configured to individually or collectively perform a zoom or auto focus function.

18. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are configured to individually or collectively perform a zoom or auto focus function.

Images