Camera actuator and camera device comprising the same

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a camera actuator, comprising: a housing; a mover disposed in the housing and comprising an optical member, and a driving part disposed in the housing to drive the mover, wherein: the driving part comprises a driving magnet, a driving coil placed opposite to the driving magnet, a sensor unit for sensing a position of the mover, and a board unit connected to the sensor unit; the sensor unit comprises a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit opposite to the first sensor unit and connected to the first sensor unit in series.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera actuator and a camera device including the camera actuator. Background Technology

[0002] A camera is a device that captures images of objects or moving pictures, and is mounted on portable devices, drones, or vehicles. To improve image quality, camera devices have image stabilization (IS), autofocus (AF), and zoom functions. Image stabilization corrects or prevents image shake caused by user movement, autofocus automatically adjusts the distance between the image sensor and the lens to adjust the lens's focal length, and zoom functions increase or decrease the magnification of distant objects using a zoom lens.

[0003] Meanwhile, in image sensors, as the number of pixels increases, the resolution increases, thus reducing the pixel size. As pixels become smaller, the amount of light received in the same amount of time is reduced. Therefore, when a camera has a higher pixel count, image shake caused by hand shakiness in dark environments can be more severe due to the reduced shutter speed. Optical image stabilization (OIS) technology, which corrects motion by altering the path of light, exists as a representative IS technology.

[0004] According to typical OIS technology, camera movement can be detected using sensors such as gyroscopes, and based on the detected movement, the lens or the camera module including the lens and image sensor can be tilted or moved. When tilting or moving the lens or the camera module including the lens and image sensor for OIS purposes, additional space needs to be ensured around the lens or camera module for tilting or moving the lens or camera module.

[0005] Simultaneously, the actuator for OIS can be positioned near the lens. In this case, the actuator for OIS may include an actuator responsible for tilting on the X-axis and an actuator responsible for tilting on the Y-axis, wherein the X-axis and Y-axis are perpendicular to the optical axis Z.

[0006] However, due to the requirements of ultra-thin and ultra-small camera devices, the space available for arranging actuators for OIS can be extremely limited, and ensuring sufficient space for tilting or moving for OIS is difficult for the lens or the camera module itself, which includes both the lens and the image sensor. Furthermore, it is preferable that the lens size becomes larger as the camera has a higher pixel count to increase the amount of light received. In this case, increasing the lens size is limited due to the space occupied by the actuators for OIS.

[0007] Furthermore, when all zoom, AF, and OIS functions are included in a camera device, the magnets used for OIS and the magnets used for AF or zoom functions are arranged close to each other, causing magnetic field interference.

[0008] In addition, there is a problem with noise generated by position sensors such as Hall sensors used for position detection. Summary of the Invention

[0009] [Technical Issues]

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a camera actuator that can be applied to ultra-thin, ultra-small and high-resolution cameras.

[0011] The present invention also aims to provide a camera actuator that minimizes the number of required input pins.

[0012] The present invention also aims to provide a camera actuator with minimal offset noise exposure.

[0013] [Technical Solution]

[0014] One aspect of the present invention provides a camera actuator comprising: a housing; a mover disposed in the housing and including optical components; and a drive portion disposed in the housing and driving the mover, wherein the drive portion includes a drive magnet, a drive coil disposed facing the drive magnet, a sensor unit for detecting the position of the mover, and a plate portion connected to the sensor unit, and the sensor unit includes a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit, the second sensor unit facing the first sensor unit and connected in series with the first sensor unit.

[0015] The board portion may include: a first board region; a second board region, the second board region being spaced apart from and corresponding to the first board region; and a third board region, the third board region being disposed between the first board region and the second board region, a first sensor unit being disposed in the first board region, and a second sensor unit being disposed in the second board region.

[0016] The camera actuator may also include a controller for outputting a drive signal to move the optical component to a target position based on position information of the optical component detected by the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit.

[0017] The controller can be set in either the first board area or the second board area.

[0018] The first sensor unit may include a detection signal terminal (1-1) with positive (+) polarity and a detection signal output terminal (2-1) with negative (-) polarity.

[0019] The second sensor unit may include a first (1-2) detection signal output terminal with positive (+) polarity and a second (2-2) detection signal output terminal with negative (-) polarity.

[0020] The board portion may include a first path, the first path connecting the (1-1)th detection signal output terminal and the controller; a second path, the second path connecting the (2-1)th detection signal output terminal and the (1-2)th detection signal output terminal; and a third path, the third path connecting the (2-2)th detection signal output terminal and the controller.

[0021] The second path can pass through the first board area, the second board area, and the third board area.

[0022] The lengths of the first path and the third path can be different from each other.

[0023] The housing may include a first housing side portion and a second housing side portion, the second housing side portion being configured to correspond to the first housing side portion.

[0024] The first housing side portion may include a first housing hole, the second housing side portion may include a second housing hole, the driving magnet may include a first magnet and a second magnet, the second magnet being configured to correspond to the first magnet, the driving coil may include a first coil and a second coil, the second coil being configured to correspond to the first coil, either the first coil or the first magnet may be disposed in the first housing hole, and either the second coil or the second magnet may be disposed in the second housing hole.

[0025] The first plate area can contact the first housing side portion, and the second plate area can contact the second housing side portion.

[0026] [Beneficial Effects]

[0027] According to embodiments of the present invention, a camera actuator applicable to ultra-thin, ultra-small, and high-resolution cameras can be provided. In particular, an optical image stabilizer (OIS) actuator can be efficiently configured without increasing the overall size of the camera device.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, tilting in the X-axis direction and tilting in the Y-axis direction do not generate magnetic field interference between them. Tilting in the X-axis direction and tilting in the Y-axis direction can be implemented with a stable structure without causing magnetic field interference with the autofocus (AF) or zoom actuator, thus enabling the implementation of precise OIS function.

[0029] According to embodiments of the present invention, when the lens size limitation is resolved, sufficient light can be ensured, and OIS can be implemented with low power consumption.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the embodiments, it is possible to implement a camera actuator that minimizes the number of required input pins.

[0031] Furthermore, it is possible to implement camera actuators that minimize exposure to offset noise. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the camera module according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of line AA'.

[0035] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the first camera actuator according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the first camera actuator according to an embodiment, with the masking cover and plate removed.

[0037] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of line BB'.

[0038] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of line CC'.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the second camera actuator according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the second camera actuator according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of line DD'.

[0042] Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of line EE'.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 A block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the position sensor section.

[0045] Figure 14 and Figure 15 It is used to describe Figure 13 A view of the connection relationships of the sensor units.

[0046] Figure 16 This is a view used to describe the connection relationships of sensor units according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 17 This is a view used to describe the connection relationship of sensor units according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the retainer according to an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 19 This is a bottom view of the retainer according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the first camera actuator according to an embodiment.

[0051] Figure 21 It is along Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of line FF'.

[0052] Figure 22 It is along Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of line GG'.

[0053] Figure 23 It is from Figure 22 The view when viewed from another direction.

[0054] Figure 24 This is a view of the first plate portion according to an embodiment.

[0055] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A magnified view of part K1 in the image.

[0056] Figure 26 yes Figure 24 A magnified view of part K2 in the image.

[0057] Figure 27 and Figure 28 This is a view used to describe the structure of a Hall sensor unit according to an embodiment.

[0058] Figure 29 This is a perspective view of a mobile terminal that uses a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0059] Figure 30 This is a perspective view of a vehicle that utilizes the camera module according to the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, and therefore specific embodiments are intended to be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0061] However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to this specific embodiment, and includes all variations, equivalents and substitutions included within the concept and scope of the invention.

[0062] Various components may be described using terms including ordinal numbers such as second and first, but the component is not limited by such terms. The term is used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, a second component may be referred to as a first component, and similarly, a first component may be referred to as a second component. The term "and / or" includes any one or a combination of the plurality of related listed items.

[0063] It should be understood that when a first component is "connected" or "linked" to a second component, the first component can be directly connected or linked to the second component, or a third component can exist between the first and second components. On the other hand, it should be understood that when the first component is "directly connected" or "directly linked" to the second component, there is no third component in between.

[0064] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless clearly indicated otherwise in the context. It should be understood that, in this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, portions or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, portions or combinations thereof.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical or scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Unless expressly defined in this application, terms defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant field and may not be interpreted in an ideal or overly prescriptive sense.

[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or corresponding parts will be indicated by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0067] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the camera module according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to an embodiment, and Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of line AA'.

[0068] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment, the camera module 1000 may include a cover CV, a first camera actuator 1100, a second camera actuator 1200, and a circuit board 1300. Here, the first camera actuator 1100 may be used interchangeably with the first actuator, and the second camera actuator 1200 may be used interchangeably with the second actuator.

[0069] The cover CV can cover the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200. The connection force between the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200 can be improved by the cover CV.

[0070] Furthermore, the cover CV can be made of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves. Therefore, the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200 inside the cover CV can be easily protected.

[0071] In addition, the first camera actuator 1100 may be an optical image stabilizer (OIS) actuator.

[0072] The first camera actuator 1100 may include a fixed-focus lens disposed in a predetermined cylinder (not shown). The fixed-focus lens may also be referred to as a "single-focus lens" or "single lens".

[0073] The first camera actuator 1100 can change the optical path. In an embodiment, the first camera actuator 1100 can vertically change the optical path via optical components therein (e.g., mirrors). Due to this configuration, even when the thickness of the mobile terminal decreases, the lens configuration, which is larger than the thickness of the mobile terminal, is located inside the mobile terminal by changing the optical path, thereby enabling the execution of magnification, autofocus (AF), and OIS functions.

[0074] The second camera actuator 1200 may be located at the rear end of the first camera actuator 1100. The second camera actuator 1200 may be coupled to the first camera actuator 1100. Furthermore, the coupling therebetween may be performed in various ways.

[0075] Furthermore, the second camera actuator 1200 can be a zoom actuator or an AF actuator. For example, the second camera actuator 1200 can support one or more lenses and move the lenses in response to a predetermined control signal from the controller to perform an AF function or a zoom function.

[0076] Circuit board 1300 can be disposed at the rear end of the second camera actuator 1200. Circuit board 1300 can be electrically connected to the second camera actuator 1200 and the first camera actuator 1100. In addition, multiple circuit boards 1300 can be provided.

[0077] The camera module according to the embodiment can be configured as one or more camera modules. For example, the multiple camera modules may include a first camera module and a second camera module.

[0078] Furthermore, the first camera module may include one or more actuators. For example, the first camera module may include a first camera actuator 1100 and a second camera actuator 1200.

[0079] Furthermore, the second camera module may include an actuator (not shown) disposed in a predetermined housing (not shown) and capable of driving the lens portion. The actuator may be a voice coil motor, a micro-actuator, or a silicon actuator, etc., and may be applied using various methods (such as electrostatic methods, thermal methods, dual piezoelectric wafer methods, and electrostatic force methods), but the invention is not limited thereto. Additionally, in this specification, the camera actuator may be referred to as an actuator, etc. Furthermore, a camera module including multiple camera modules may be installed in various electronic devices such as mobile terminals.

[0080] Reference Figure 3 According to the embodiments, the camera module may include a first camera actuator 1100 for performing OIS functions and a second camera actuator 1200 for performing zoom and AF functions.

[0081] Light can enter the interior of the camera module through an open area located on the upper surface of the first camera actuator 1100. In other words, light can enter the interior of the first camera actuator 1100 in the optical axis direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), and the optical path can be changed in the vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) by optical components. Furthermore, light can pass through the second camera actuator 1200 and be incident on the image sensor IS (PATH) located at one end of the second camera actuator 1200.

[0082] In this specification, the bottom surface is one side of the first direction. Furthermore, the first direction is the X-axis direction shown in the accompanying drawings, and can be used interchangeably with the second axis direction. The second direction is the Y-axis direction shown in the accompanying drawings, and can be used interchangeably with the first axis direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Furthermore, the third direction is the Z-axis direction shown in the accompanying drawings, and can be used interchangeably with the third axis direction. The third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. Here, the third direction (Z-axis direction) can correspond to the direction of the optical axis, the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction) are directions perpendicular to the optical axis, and the third direction can be tilted by the second camera actuator. This will be described in detail below.

[0083] Furthermore, in the following description of the second camera actuator 1200, the optical axis direction is a third direction (Z-axis direction), and the following directions will refer to this direction.

[0084] Furthermore, according to this configuration, the camera module according to the embodiment can modify the optical path to overcome the spatial limitations of the first and second camera actuators. In other words, the camera module according to the embodiment can extend the optical path while minimizing the thickness of the camera module due to the change in the optical path. Moreover, it should be understood that the second camera actuator can control the focus, etc., in the extended optical path to provide a high range of magnification.

[0085] Furthermore, the camera module according to the embodiment can implement the OIS function by controlling the optical path through the first camera actuator, thereby minimizing the occurrence of eccentricity or tilt and achieving optimal optical characteristics.

[0086] Furthermore, the second camera actuator 1200 may include an optical system and a lens drive section. For example, at least one of the first lens assembly, the second lens assembly, the third lens assembly, and the guide pin may be arranged in the second camera actuator 1200.

[0087] In addition, the second camera actuator 1200 may be equipped with a coil and a magnet to perform high magnification zoom function.

[0088] For example, the first and second lens assemblies can be movable lenses moved by coils, magnets, and guide pins, and the third lens assembly can be a fixed lens, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the third lens assembly can function as a focuser to form an image at a specific location, and the first lens assembly can function as a variator to re-image the image formed by the third lens assembly as a focuser at another location. Meanwhile, in the first lens assembly, the distance to the object or the image distance changes drastically, so the magnification may vary significantly. The first lens assembly as a variator can play a crucial role in changing the focal length or magnification of the optical system. Simultaneously, the image point formed by the first lens assembly as a variator can vary slightly depending on its position. Therefore, the second lens assembly can perform position compensation for the image formed by the variator. For example, the second lens assembly can function as a compensator to accurately image the image point formed by the first lens assembly as a variator at the actual position of the image sensor. For example, the first and second lens assemblies can be driven by electromagnetic forces caused by the interaction between the coil and the magnet. The above description can be applied to the lens assemblies described below.

[0089] Furthermore, when the OIS actuator and the AF or zoom actuator are arranged according to embodiments of the present invention, magnetic field interference with the magnet used for AF or zoom can be prevented during OIS operation. Since the first drive magnet of the first camera actuator 1100 is provided separately from the second camera actuator 1200, magnetic field interference between the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200 can be prevented. In this specification, OIS can be used interchangeably with terms such as hand shake correction, optical image stabilization, optical image correction, and shake correction.

[0090] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the second camera actuator according to an embodiment.

[0091] Reference Figure 4 According to an embodiment, the first camera actuator 1100 includes a first shield (not shown), a first housing 1120, a mover 1130, a rotating portion 1140, and a first drive portion 1150.

[0092] The mover 1130 may include a retainer 1131 and an optical component 1132 mounted on the retainer 1131. Furthermore, the rotating portion 1140 includes a rotating disk 1141, a first magnetic body 1142 having a connecting force with the rotating disk 1141, and a second magnetic body 1143 located inside the rotating disk 1141. Additionally, the first driving portion 1150 may include a driving magnet 1151, a driving coil 1152, a Hall sensor unit 1153, and a first plate portion 1154.

[0093] A first shield (not shown) may be located on the outermost side of the first camera actuator 1100 and is positioned to surround the rotating portion 1140 and the first drive portion 1150, which will be described below.

[0094] The first shield (not shown) can block or reduce electromagnetic waves generated from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of malfunctions in the rotating part 1140 or the first drive part 1150.

[0095] The first housing 1120 may be located inside the first shield (not shown). Furthermore, the first housing 1120 may be located inside the first plate portion 1154, as will be described below. The first housing 1120 may be mounted into or mated with and secured to the first shield (not shown).

[0096] The first housing 1120 may include a plurality of housing side portions. The first housing 1120 may include a first housing side portion 1121, a second housing side portion 1122, a third housing side portion 1123, and a fourth housing side portion 1124.

[0097] The first housing side portion 1121 and the second housing side portion 1122 can be arranged to face each other. In addition, the third housing side portion 1123 and the fourth housing side portion 1124 can be arranged between the first housing side portion 1121 and the second housing side portion 1122.

[0098] The third housing side portion 1123 may contact the first housing side portion 1121, the second housing side portion 1122, and the fourth housing side portion 1124. In addition, the third housing side portion 1123 may include a bottom surface that serves as the lower side of the first housing 1120.

[0099] Furthermore, the first housing side portion 1121 may include a first housing hole 1121a. The first coil 1152a, which will be described below, may be located in the first housing hole 1121a.

[0100] Furthermore, the second housing side portion 1122 may include a second housing hole 1122a. Additionally, the second coil 1152b, which will be described below, may be located within the second housing hole 1122a.

[0101] The first coil 1152a and the second coil 1152b can be connected to the first plate portion 1154. In an embodiment, the first coil 1152a and the second coil 1152b can be electrically connected to the first plate portion 1154 so that current can flow through it. This current is a component of the electromagnetic force that allows the second camera actuator to tilt relative to the X-axis.

[0102] Furthermore, the third housing side portion 1123 may include a third housing hole 1123a. A third coil 1152c, described below, may be located in the third housing hole 1123a. The third coil 1152c may be connected to the first plate portion 1154. Additionally, the third coil 1152c may be electrically connected to the first plate portion 1154, allowing current to flow through it. This current is a component of the electromagnetic force that tilts the second camera actuator relative to the Y-axis.

[0103] The fourth housing side portion 1124 may include a first housing recess 1124a. A first magnetic body 1142, which will be described below, may be disposed in the region facing the first housing recess 1124a. Therefore, the first housing 1120 may be magnetically or otherwise connected to the rotating disk 1141.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the first housing groove 1124a can be located on the inner or outer surface of the fourth housing side portion 1124. Therefore, the first magnetic body 1142 can also be positioned corresponding to the first housing groove 1124a.

[0105] Furthermore, the first housing 1120 may include a receiving portion 1125 defined by a first housing side portion 1121 to a fourth housing side portion 1124. The mover 1130 may be located in the receiving portion 1125.

[0106] The mover 1130 includes a retainer 1131 and an optical component 1132 disposed on the retainer 1131.

[0107] The retainer 1131 may be disposed on the receiving portion 1125 of the first housing 1120. The retainer 1131 may include a first outer prism surface to a fourth outer prism surface respectively corresponding to the first housing side portion 1121, the second housing side portion 1122, the third housing side portion 1123 and the fourth housing side portion 1124.

[0108] The mounting groove on which the second magnet 1143 can be mounted can be provided in the surface of the fourth outer prism facing the fourth housing side portion 1124.

[0109] Optical component 1132 can be mounted on holder 1131. For this purpose, holder 1131 may have a mounting surface, and the mounting surface may be formed by a receiving groove. Optical component 1132 may include a reflective portion disposed therein. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, optical component 1132 can reflect light reflected from the outside (e.g., an object) into the camera module. In other words, optical component 1132 can alter the path of the reflected light to overcome the spatial limitations of the first and second camera actuators. Therefore, it should be understood that the camera module is able to extend the optical path while minimizing its thickness, thus also providing a high range of magnification.

[0110] The rotating part 1140 includes a rotating disk 1141, a first magnetic body 1142 having a connecting force with the rotating disk 1141, and a second magnetic body 1143 located inside the rotating disk 1141.

[0111] The rotating disk 1141 can be coupled to the mover 1130 and the first housing 1120 already described above. For example, the position of the rotating disk 1141 can be maintained between the mover 1130 and the first housing 1120 by magnetic forces (e.g., attractive and repulsive forces) between the first magnetic body 1142 and the second magnetic body 1143. The rotating disk 1141 may include additional magnetic bodies (not shown) located therein.

[0112] Furthermore, the rotating disk 1141 can be positioned adjacent to the optical axis. Therefore, the actuator according to the embodiment can easily change the optical path based on the tilt of the first axis and the tilt of the second axis, as will be described below.

[0113] The rotating disk 1141 may include a first protrusion spaced apart from it in a first direction (X-axis direction) and a second protrusion spaced apart from it in a second direction (Y-axis direction). Furthermore, the first and second protrusions may project in directions opposite to each other. This will be described in detail below.

[0114] Furthermore, the first magnetic body 1142 may include multiple yokes, and the multiple yokes may be positioned to face each other relative to the rotating disk 1141. In an embodiment, the first magnetic body 1142 may include multiple yokes facing each other. Additionally, the rotating disk 1141 may be located between the multiple yokes.

[0115] The first magnetic element 1142 may be located inside the first housing 1120 as described above. Furthermore, as described above, the first magnetic element 1142 may be disposed on the inner or outer surface of the fourth housing side portion 1124. For example, the first magnetic element 1142 may be disposed on a groove formed in the outer surface of the fourth housing side portion 1124. Alternatively, the first magnetic element 1142 may be disposed on a first housing groove 1124a.

[0116] Furthermore, the second magnetic body 1143 can be located on the mover 1130, specifically on the outer surface of the retainer 1131. Due to this configuration, the rotating disk 1141 can be easily connected to the first housing 1120 and the mover 1130 using a connecting force generated by the magnetic force between the second magnetic body 1143 and the first magnetic body 1142. In this invention, the positions of the first magnetic body 1142 and the second magnetic body 1143 can be interchanged.

[0117] The first driving section 1150 may include a driving magnet 1151, a driving coil 1152, a Hall sensor unit 1153, and a first plate section 1154.

[0118] The driving magnet 1151 may include a plurality of magnets. In one embodiment, the driving magnet 1151 may include a first magnet 1151a, a second magnet 1151b, and a third magnet 1151c.

[0119] The first magnet 1151a, the second magnet 1151b, and the third magnet 1151c can be located on the outer surface of the retainer 1131. Furthermore, the first magnet 1151a and the second magnet 1151b can be positioned facing each other. Additionally, the third magnet 1151c can be located on the bottom surface of the outer surface of the retainer 1131. These will be described in detail below.

[0120] The drive coil 1152 may include multiple coils. In an embodiment, the drive coil 1152 may include a first coil 1152a, a second coil 1152b, and a third coil 1152c.

[0121] The first coil 1152a can be positioned facing the first magnet 1151a. Therefore, as described above, the first coil 1152a can be located in the first housing hole 1121a of the first housing side portion 1121.

[0122] Furthermore, the second coil 1152b can be positioned facing the second magnet 1151b. Therefore, as described above, the second coil 1152b can be located in the second housing hole 1122a of the second housing side portion 1122.

[0123] The first coil 1152a can be positioned facing the second coil 1152b. In other words, the first coil 1152a can be positioned symmetrical to the second coil 1152b with respect to a first direction (X-axis direction). This can also be applied to the first magnet 1151a and the second magnet 1151b. In other words, the first magnet 1151a and the second magnet 1151b can be positioned symmetrical to each other with respect to a first direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, the first coil 1152a, the second coil 1152b, the first magnet 1151a, and the second magnet 1151b can be arranged to at least partially overlap each other in a second direction (Y-axis direction). Due to this configuration, X-axis tilt can be precisely performed using the electromagnetic force between the first coil 1152a and the first magnet 1151a, and the electromagnetic force between the second coil 1152b and the second magnet 1151b, without tilting to one side.

[0124] The third coil 1152c can be positioned facing the third magnet 1151c. Therefore, as described above, the third coil 1152c can be located in the third housing hole 1123a of the third housing side portion 1123. The third coil 1152c can generate an electromagnetic force with the third magnet 1151c, thus enabling the mover 1130 and the rotating portion 1140 to tilt relative to the Y-axis of the first housing 1120.

[0125] Here, X-axis tilt is tilted relative to the X-axis, and Y-axis tilt is tilted relative to the Y-axis.

[0126] The Hall sensor unit 1153 may include a plurality of Hall sensors. The Hall sensors correspond to and are used interchangeably with the term "sensor unit," which will be described below. In an embodiment, the Hall sensor unit 1153 may include a first Hall sensor 1153a, a second Hall sensor 1153b, and a third Hall sensor 1153c.

[0127] The first Hall sensor 1153a can be located inside the first coil 1152a. Furthermore, the second Hall sensor 1153b can be configured to be symmetrical with respect to the first Hall sensor 1153a with respect to a first direction (X-axis direction) and a third direction (Z-axis direction). Additionally, the second Hall sensor 1153b can be located inside the second coil 1152b.

[0128] The first Hall sensor 1153a can detect changes in the magnetic flux inside the first coil 1152a. Furthermore, the second Hall sensor 1153b can detect changes in the magnetic flux in the second coil 1152b. Therefore, position sensing between the first magnet 1151a and the first Hall sensor 1153a, and between the second magnet 1151b and the second Hall sensor 1153b, can be performed. For example, the first camera actuator according to the embodiment can control X-axis tilt by using position sensing via the first Hall sensor 1153a and the second Hall sensor 1153b.

[0129] Furthermore, the third Hall sensor 1153c can be located inside the third coil 1152c. The third Hall sensor 1153c can detect changes in the magnetic flux inside the third coil 1152c. Therefore, position sensing between the third magnet 1151c and the third Hall sensor 1153c can be performed. The second camera actuator according to the embodiment can control the Y-axis tilt through position sensing.

[0130] The first board portion 1154 may be located below the first drive portion 1150. The first board portion 1154 may be electrically connected to the drive coil 1152 and the Hall sensor unit 1153. For example, the first board portion 1154 may be connected to the drive coil 1152 and the Hall sensor unit 1153 via surface mount technology (SMT). However, the invention is not limited to this method.

[0131] The first plate portion 1154 can be located between the first shield (not shown) and the first housing 1120, and is coupled to the first shield (not shown) and the first housing 1120. As described above, the coupling method can be various. Furthermore, through coupling, the drive coil 1152 and the Hall sensor unit 1153 can be located inside the outer surface of the first housing 1120.

[0132] The first board portion 1154 may include a circuit board with electrically connectable wiring patterns, such as a rigid printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible PCB, and a rigid-flex PCB. However, the invention is not limited to these types.

[0133] Details regarding the relationship between the Hall sensor unit 1153 and the first plate portion 1154 will be described below.

[0134] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the first camera actuator according to an embodiment, with the shielding cover and plate removed. Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of line BB', and Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of line CC'.

[0135] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The first coil 1152a can be located in the side portion 1121 of the first housing.

[0136] Furthermore, the first coil 1152a and the first magnet 1151a can be positioned facing each other. The first magnet 1151a can at least partially overlap with the first coil 1152a in a second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0137] Furthermore, the second coil 1152b can be located in the side portion 1122 of the second housing. Therefore, the second coil 1152b and the second magnet 1151b can be positioned facing each other. The second magnet 1151b can at least partially overlap with the second coil 1152b in a second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0138] Furthermore, the first coil 1152a and the second coil 1152b can overlap each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the first magnet 1151a and the second magnet 1151b can overlap each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Due to this configuration, the electromagnetic force applied to the outer surfaces of the holder (the outer surfaces of the first and second holders) is located on a parallel axis in the second direction (Y-axis direction), thereby enabling precise X-axis tilting.

[0139] Furthermore, a first receiving groove (not shown) may be located in the outer surface of the fourth retainer. Additionally, first protrusions PR1a and PR1b may be arranged in the first receiving groove. Therefore, when performing X-axis tilting, the first protrusions PR1a and PR1b can serve as a reference axis (or rotation axis) for tilting. Thus, the rotating disk 1141 and the mover 1130 can move in the left-right direction.

[0140] As described above, the second protrusion PR2 can be positioned in a groove on the inner surface of the fourth housing side portion 1124. Furthermore, when performing Y-axis tilting, the rotating disk and the mover can use the second protrusion PR2 as a reference axis for Y-axis tilting to rotate.

[0141] According to an embodiment, OIS can be performed via a first protrusion and a second protrusion.

[0142] refer to Figure 6 It can perform Y-axis tilting. In other words, the mover 1130 can rotate in the first direction (X-axis direction) to implement OIS.

[0143] In an embodiment, the third magnet 1151c disposed below the retainer 1131 can generate an electromagnetic force with the third coil 1152c to cause the mover 1130 to tilt or rotate in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0144] In detail, the rotating disk 1141 can be connected to the first housing 1120 and the mover 1130 via a first magnetic body 1142 inside the first housing 1120 and a second magnetic body 1143 inside the mover 1130. In addition, the first protrusions PR1a and PR1b can be separated in a first direction (X-axis direction) and supported by the first housing 1120.

[0145] Furthermore, the rotating disk 1141 can use the second protrusion PR2 protruding toward the mover 1130 as a reference axis (or axis of rotation) to rotate or tilt. In other words, the rotating disk 1141 can use the second protrusion PR2 as a reference axis to perform Y-axis tilting.

[0146] For example, OIS can be implemented by rotating the mover 1130 by a first angle θ1 (X1->X1b) in the X-axis direction through a first electromagnetic force F1A and F1B between a third magnet 1151c disposed in a third mounting groove and a third coil 1152c disposed in a third plate side portion. The first angle θ1 can be in the range of ±1° to ±3°. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0147] Reference Figure 7 It can perform X-axis tilting. In other words, the mover 1130 can rotate in a second direction (Y-axis direction) to implement OIS.

[0148] OIS can be implemented when the mover 1130 tilts or rotates in the Y-axis direction (or tilts in the X-axis).

[0149] In an embodiment, the first magnet 1151a and the second magnet 1151b arranged in the holder 1131 can generate electromagnetic forces with the first coil 1152a and the second coil 1152b respectively, thereby causing the rotating disk 1141 and the mover 1130 to tilt or rotate in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0150] The rotating disk 1141 can be rotated or tilted in a second direction (or tilted on the X-axis) using the first protrusion PR1 as a reference axis (or axis of rotation).

[0151] For example, OIS can be implemented by rotating the mover 1130 by a second angle θ2 (Y1->Y1a) in the Y-axis direction through an electromagnetic force F2A between the first magnet 1151a arranged in the first mounting groove and the first coil portion 1152a arranged in the first plate side portion, and an electromagnetic force F2B between the second magnet 1151b arranged in the first mounting groove and the second coil portion 1152b arranged in the second plate side portion. The second angle θ2 can be in the range of ±1° to ±3°. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0152] In this way, the second actuator according to the embodiment can control the rotation of the rotating disk 1141 and the mover 1130 in a first direction (X-axis direction) or a second direction (Y-axis direction) by the electromagnetic force between the drive magnet in the holder and the drive coil disposed in the housing, so as to minimize the occurrence of eccentricity or tilting when OIS is implemented, thereby providing optimal optical characteristics. Furthermore, as described above, "Y-axis tilt" corresponds to rotation or tilting in the first direction (X-axis direction), and "X-axis tilt" corresponds to rotation or tilting in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0153] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the second camera actuator according to an embodiment. Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the second camera actuator according to an embodiment. Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of line DD', and Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of line EE'.

[0154] Reference Figures 8 to 11 The second camera actuator 1200 according to an embodiment may include a lens portion 1220, a second housing 1230, a second drive portion 1250, a base (not shown), and a second plate portion 1270. Furthermore, the second camera actuator 1200 may also include a second shield (not shown), an elastic portion (not shown), and a connecting member (not shown). Moreover, the second camera actuator 1200 according to an embodiment may also include an image sensor IS.

[0155] The second shield (not shown) may be located in the area of ​​the second camera actuator 1200 (e.g., the outermost part) and is positioned to surround the components described below (lens portion 1220, second housing 1230, elastic portion (not shown), second drive portion 1250, base (not shown), second plate portion 1270 and image sensor IS).

[0156] The second shield (not shown) can block or reduce electromagnetic waves generated from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of malfunctions in the second drive section 1250.

[0157] The lens portion 1220 can be located inside the second shield (not shown). The lens portion 1220 can move in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the above-described AF function can be performed.

[0158] In detail, the lens portion 1220 may include a lens assembly 1221 and a lens barrel 1222.

[0159] Lens assembly 1221 may include at least one lens. Furthermore, although multiple lens assemblies 1221 may be provided, the following description will be based on one lens assembly 1221.

[0160] The lens assembly 1221 can be connected to the lens barrel 1222 and can be moved in the third direction (Z-axis direction) by the electromagnetic force generated by the fourth magnet 1252a and the fifth magnet 1252b connected to the lens barrel 1222.

[0161] The lens barrel 1222 may include an open area surrounding the lens assembly 1221. Furthermore, the lens barrel 1222 may be coupled to the lens assembly 1221 in various ways. Additionally, the lens barrel 1222 may include grooves in its side surfaces, and may be coupled to the fourth magnet 1252a and the fifth magnet 1252b via these grooves. The grooves may be coated with a bonding member, etc.

[0162] Furthermore, the lens barrel 1222 can be connected to a resilient portion (not shown) at its upper and rear ends. Therefore, the lens barrel 1222 can move in the third direction (Z-axis direction) and can be supported by the resilient portion (not shown). In other words, the lens barrel 1222 can be held in the third direction (Z-axis direction) while its position is maintained. The resilient portion (not shown) can be formed of a leaf spring.

[0163] The second housing 1230 may be disposed between the lens portion 1220 and the second shield (not shown). Furthermore, the second housing 1230 may be configured to surround the lens portion 1220.

[0164] A hole can be formed on the side of the second housing 1230. A fourth coil 1251a and a fifth coil 1251b can be arranged in the hole. The hole can be positioned to correspond to a groove in the lens barrel 1222.

[0165] The fourth magnet 1252a can be positioned to face the fourth coil 1251a. Furthermore, the fifth magnet 1252b can be positioned to face the fifth coil 1251b.

[0166] The elastic portion (not shown) may include a first elastic member (not shown) and a second elastic member (not shown). The first elastic member (not shown) may be coupled to the upper surface of the lens barrel 1222. The second elastic member (not shown) may be coupled to the lower surface of the lens barrel 1222. Furthermore, as described above, the first elastic member (not shown) and the second elastic member (not shown) may be formed of leaf springs. Furthermore, the first elastic member (not shown) and the second elastic member (not shown) may provide elastic force for the movement of the lens barrel 1222.

[0167] The second drive section 1250 can provide drive forces F3 and F4 for moving the lens section 1220 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). The second drive section 1250 may include a drive coil 1251 and a drive magnet 1252.

[0168] The lens portion 1220 can move in the third direction (Z-axis direction) by the electromagnetic force formed between the drive coil 1251 and the drive magnet 1252.

[0169] The drive coil 1251 may include a fourth coil 1251a and a fifth coil 1251b. The fourth coil 1251a and the fifth coil 1251b may be arranged in holes formed on the side of the second housing 1230. Furthermore, the fourth coil 1251a and the fifth coil 1251b may be electrically connected to the second plate portion 1270. Therefore, the fourth coil 1251a and the fifth coil 1251b can receive current, etc., through the second plate portion 1270.

[0170] The driving magnet 1252 may include a fourth magnet 1252a and a fifth magnet 1252b. The fourth magnet 1252a and the fifth magnet 1252b may be arranged in the groove of the lens barrel 1222 and may be positioned to correspond to the fourth coil 1251a and the fifth coil 1251b.

[0171] Furthermore, the second driving section 1250 may include a Hall sensor unit 1253. In an embodiment, the second driving section 1250 may include a fourth Hall sensor 1253a and a fifth Hall sensor 1253b. As described above, there may be multiple fourth Hall sensors 1253a and fifth Hall sensors 1253b, which will be connected in series as described below.

[0172] A base (not shown) may be located between the lens portion 1220 and the image sensor IS. Components such as filters may be fixed to the base (not shown). Furthermore, the base (not shown) may be configured to surround the image sensor IS. Due to this configuration, the reliability of the components can be improved because the image sensor is not contaminated by contaminants such as impurities.

[0173] Furthermore, the second camera actuator can be a zoom actuator or an AF actuator. For example, the second camera actuator can support one or more lenses and move the lenses in response to a predetermined control signal from the controller to perform an AF function or a zoom function.

[0174] Furthermore, the second camera actuator can perform fixed zoom or continuous zoom. For example, the second camera actuator can provide movement of the lens assembly 1221.

[0175] Similarly, the second camera actuator may include multiple lens assemblies. For example, at least one of a first lens assembly (not shown), a second lens assembly (not shown), a third lens assembly (not shown), and a guide pin (not shown) may be arranged in the second camera actuator. The above can be applied here. Therefore, the second camera actuator can perform a high magnification zoom function through the drive portion. For example, the first lens assembly (not shown) and the second lens assembly (not shown) may be moving lenses that move through the drive portion and the guide pin (not shown), and the third lens assembly (not shown) may be a fixed lens, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the third lens assembly (not shown) may act as a focuser for imaging light at a specific location, and the first lens assembly (not shown) may act as a zoomer for re-imaging the image formed by the third lens assembly (not shown) as a focuser at another location. Meanwhile, in the first lens assembly (not shown), the distance to the object or the image distance changes greatly, so the magnification may change greatly. The first lens assembly (not shown) as a zoomer can play an important role in changing the focal length or magnification of the optical system. At the same time, the image point formed by the first lens assembly (not shown) as a zoomer may vary slightly depending on the position. Therefore, the second lens assembly (not shown) can perform a position compensation function on the image formed by the zoom. For example, the second lens assembly (not shown) can perform a compensator function to accurately form the image point formed by the first lens assembly (not shown) as the zoom at the actual position of the image sensor.

[0176] The image sensor IS can be located inside or outside the second camera actuator. In one embodiment, as shown, the image sensor IS can be located inside the second camera actuator. The image sensor IS can receive light and convert the received light into electrical signals. Furthermore, the image sensor IS can have multiple pixels in an array. Additionally, the image sensor IS can be located on the optical axis.

[0177] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 A block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the position sensor section. Figure 14 and Figure 15 It is used to describe Figure 13 A view of the connection relationships of the sensor units, and Figure 16 This is a view used to describe the connection relationships of sensor units according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0178] Reference Figure 12The camera module may include an image sensor 110, an image signal processing unit 120, a display unit 130, a first lens driving part 140, a second lens driving part 150, a first position sensor part 160, a second position sensor part 170, a storage unit 180, and a controller 190.

[0179] As described above, the image sensor 110 processes an optical image of an object formed through a lens. To this end, the image sensor 110 can preprocess the image acquired through the lens. Furthermore, the image sensor 110 can convert the preprocessed image into electrical data and output the converted electrical data.

[0180] Image sensor 110 corresponds to image sensor IS. Furthermore, image sensor 110 has multiple photodetectors integrated as individual pixels, converting image information about the object into electrical data (e.g., image signals) and outputting the converted electrical data. Image sensor 110 accumulates the input light amount and outputs an image captured by the lens in synchronization with a vertical sync signal based on the accumulated light amount. In this case, the image is acquired by image sensor 110, which converts light reflected from the object into electrical signals. Simultaneously, color filters are needed to obtain a color image using image sensor 110, and for example, a color filter array (CFA) filter can be employed. A CFA allows only light representing one color to pass through each pixel, has a regularly arranged structure, and can have various shapes depending on the arrangement.

[0181] The image signal processing unit 120 processes the images output by the image sensor 110 on a frame-by-frame basis. In this case, the image signal processing unit 120 may be referred to as an image signal processor (ISP).

[0182] In this case, the image signal processing unit 120 may include a lens shading compensation unit (not shown). The lens shading compensation unit is a block for compensating for lens shading phenomena where the amount of light differs between the central and edge regions of the image. It receives lens shading setting values ​​(described below) from the controller 190 and compensates for the color in the central and edge regions of the image.

[0183] Furthermore, the lens shading compensation unit can receive shading variables set according to different lighting types and process the lens shading of the image based on the received variables. Therefore, the lens shading compensation unit can process lens shading by applying different shading levels according to the lighting type. Simultaneously, the lens shading compensation unit can receive shading variables set according to different automatic exposure weights applied to specific areas of the image to prevent saturation, and can process the lens shading of the image based on the received variables. More specifically, when the automatic exposure weight is applied to the central region of the image signal, the lens shading compensation unit compensates for brightness changes occurring in the edge regions of the image signal. In other words, when the image signal is saturated by illumination, the light intensity decreases from the center to the outside in a concentric circle pattern; therefore, compared to the center, the lens shading compensation unit compensates for brightness changes by amplifying the edge signals of the image signal.

[0184] Simultaneously, the image signal processing unit 120 can measure the sharpness of the image acquired by the image sensor 110. In other words, the image signal processing unit 120 can measure the sharpness of the image to check the focus accuracy of the image acquired by the image sensor 110. Sharpness can be measured for each image acquired based on the position of the focusing lens.

[0185] The display unit 130 displays the captured image (described below) under the control of the controller 190, and displays a settings screen required for capturing the image or a screen for selecting user operations.

[0186] The first lens driving section 140 can correspond to the first driving section 1140 (see...). Figure 4 In other words, the first lens drive section 140 can perform electromagnetic interactions between the first coil and the first magnet, and between the third coil and the third magnet, in response to control signals received from the controller 190. Furthermore, OIS can be performed through this interaction.

[0187] The second lens drive section 150 can correspond to the second drive section 1250 (see...). Figure 8 In other words, the second lens drive section 150 can perform electromagnetic interactions between the fourth coil and the fourth magnet, and between the fifth coil and the fifth magnet, in response to control signals received from the controller 190. Furthermore, zooming or autofocus can be performed through this interaction.

[0188] For example, the focusing lens can move along the optical axis.

[0189] The first position sensor section 160 includes multiple Hall sensors of the first camera actuator, and thus detects the position of the mover or optical component. In other words, the first position sensor section 160 can detect the position of a first drive portion disposed in the mover. This is used to control the position of the first mover or prism. Furthermore, the first position sensor section 160 provides position data for moving the mover or prism.

[0190] The second position sensor section 170 includes multiple Hall sensors of the second camera actuator 1200, and thus detects the position of the lens section 1220 (see [link]). Figure 9 In other words, the second position sensor portion 170 can detect the position of the second drive portion adjacent to the lens portion 1220. This is used to control the position of the lens portion. Furthermore, the second position sensor portion 170 provides position data for moving the lens portion.

[0191] Storage unit 180 stores data required for operating the camera module. Specifically, storage unit 180 can store information about the zoom position and focus position for each distance to the object. In other words, the focus position can be the position where the focusing lens accurately focuses on the object. Furthermore, the focus position can change based on the zoom position of the zoom lens and the distance to the object. Therefore, storage unit 180 stores data on the zoom position based on distance and the focus position corresponding to the zoom position.

[0192] The controller 190 controls the overall operation of the camera module. Specifically, the controller 190 can control the first position sensor section 160 and the second position sensor section 170 to provide AF functionality.

[0193] In other words, the controller 190 detects the position of the mover or optical component through the first position sensor portion 160. Preferably, the controller 190 detects the current position of the mover or optical component through the first position sensor portion 160 to move the mover or optical component to the target position.

[0194] Furthermore, when the current position of the mover or optical component is detected by the first position sensor section 160, the controller 190 supplies a control signal to the first lens drive section 140 based on the current position of the mover or optical component to move the mover or optical component to the target position.

[0195] Furthermore, the controller 190 detects the position of the lens portion via the second position sensor portion 170. The controller 190 detects the current position of the lens portion via the second position sensor portion 170 to move the lens portion to the target position.

[0196] Furthermore, when the current position of the lens portion is detected by the second position sensor portion 170, the controller 190 can supply a control signal to the second lens drive portion 150 to move the lens portion to the target position based on the current position of the lens portion.

[0197] In this case, the differential signal of the detection signal detected by the multiple sensor units constituting their respective sensor portions through the first position sensor portion 160 and the second position sensor portion 170 is input to the controller 190.

[0198] In other words, in this invention, each of the first position sensor portion 160 and the second position sensor portion 170 includes multiple sensor units (corresponding to the "Hall sensor" described above). Furthermore, the multiple sensor units perform detection operations at their mounting positions. In other words, the multiple sensor units can detect the position of the mover, the position of the lens portion, etc. In this case, in this invention, the positions of the mover or optical component and the lens portion can be detected using differential signals of the detection signals acquired by the multiple sensor units.

[0199] In this case, the signals detected by multiple sensor units can be input to the controller 190, so the position of the mover or optical component or the second lens assembly can be detected based on the differential signal of the signal.

[0200] However, in the above configuration, the amplifier and analog-to-digital converter should be arranged in each sensor unit. Furthermore, the controller 190 may include multiple connection terminals connected to the analog-to-digital converter, which is connected to each sensor unit.

[0201] In this invention, the digital data of the differential signal is acquired from the front end to the back end, and thus the acquired digital data can be input to the controller 190.

[0202] In other words, in this invention, digital data can be acquired through the first position sensor portion 160 and the second position sensor portion 170, and therefore only the acquired digital data can be input to the controller 190.

[0203] The first position sensor portion 160 and the second position sensor portion 170 will be described in detail below.

[0204] The first position sensor portion 160 and the second position sensor portion 170 may include the same configuration and can therefore be connected to the controller 190.

[0205] Reference Figure 13Each of the first position sensor portion 160 and the second position sensor portion 170 includes a plurality of sensor units 210, an amplifier 220 and an analog-to-digital converter 230.

[0206] The plurality of sensor units 210 include sensors for detecting position. Preferably, the plurality of sensor units 210 may be a plurality of Hall sensors, and the Hall sensors may correspond to the Hall sensors described in the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator. As a modification, the plurality of sensor units 210 may include a plurality of induction coils.

[0207] Multiple sensor units 210 can be connected to each other among sensors in each actuator that are used for the same axis of movement or tilting, and the sensors can be connected to an amplifier (AMP) 220. The connection structure of the multiple sensor units 210 will be described in more detail below.

[0208] In this invention, multiple sensor units 210 can be connected to each other, and an output terminal, serving as at least one terminal of a sensor unit, can be connected to an amplifier 220. When multiple sensor units 210 are present, the outermost sensor unit 210, or a sensor unit 210 connected to the outermost sensor unit, can be connected to the amplifier 220. Therefore, a signal representing the sum of the detection signals detected by the sensor units can be input to the amplifier 220. This signal is represented as the sum of the sensing ranges of the sensor units, and thus the sensing range of multiple sensor units 210 input to the amplifier 220 can be expanded compared to a single sensor unit.

[0209] Amplifier 220 may include a non-inverting (+) terminal and an inverting (-) terminal. Furthermore, amplifier 220 differentially amplifies the signal input to the non-inverting (+) terminal and the signal input to the inverting (-) terminal, and outputs the amplified signal to analog-to-digital converter 230. In other words, the output signal of the plurality of sensor units 210 has a magnitude of several millivolts (mV), which may be a magnitude not proportional to the input range of analog-to-digital converter 230. Therefore, amplifier 220 differentially amplifies and outputs the signal input through the non-inverting (+) terminal and the inverting (-) terminal to match the input range of analog-to-digital converter 230.

[0210] The analog-to-digital converter 230 can receive analog signals from the amplifier 220, and thus convert the received analog signals into digital signals and output the converted digital signals. Preferably, the analog-to-digital converter 230 can receive analog signals from the amplifier 220, convert the analog signals into multi-bit digital signals, and output the converted digital signals. In this case, the output signal of the analog-to-digital converter 230 can be represented as a value of 0 or 1.

[0211] In this case, the multiple sensor units 210 according to embodiments of the present invention can be configured as multiple Hall sensors.

[0212] The following describes the interconnection between Hall sensors when multiple sensor units 210 are configured as Hall sensors.

[0213] Reference Figure 14 Each Hall sensor in the multiple sensor units 210 comprises four terminals. In this case, two of the four terminals are input terminals, and the other terminals are output terminals.

[0214] In addition, the two input terminals are power input terminals, and the two output terminals are detection signal output terminals.

[0215] In this embodiment, the Hall sensor includes a first power supply terminal 211, a second power supply terminal 212, a first detection signal output terminal 213, and a second detection signal output terminal 214. Furthermore, the first power supply terminal 211 is a terminal that receives a power supply with a positive (+) polarity, and the second power supply terminal 212 is a terminal that receives a power supply with a negative (-) polarity. Additionally, the first detection signal output terminal 213 is a terminal that outputs a detection signal with a positive (+) polarity, and the second detection signal output terminal 214 is a terminal that outputs a detection signal with a negative (-) polarity.

[0216] In this case, the connection relationship between the two output terminals of the multiple Hall sensors constituting the multiple sensor units 210 varies depending on the position of the Hall sensors arranged on the camera module.

[0217] In other words, in each of the multiple Hall sensors, the first power terminal 211 can be connected to the positive (+) polarity of the power supply, and the second power terminal 212 can be connected to the negative (-) polarity of the power supply (or ground).

[0218] Furthermore, the detection signal output terminals of each of the multiple Hall sensors can have different connection relationships depending on their arrangement. In this case, the number of multiple Hall sensors is at least two. In other words, the multiple sensor units may include at least two sensor units.

[0219] First, we will describe the case where multiple sensor units are configured with three Hall sensors.

[0220] In one embodiment, in a Hall sensor between two Hall sensors, a first detection signal output terminal 213 and a second detection signal output terminal 214 are connected to the output terminals of the two Hall sensors arranged externally.

[0221] In this case, the scenario where multiple sensor units are configured with three Hall sensors will be described. When multiple sensor units are configured with three Hall sensors, two Hall sensors are arranged externally, and a third Hall sensor is arranged between the two externally arranged Hall sensors. In an embodiment, in the Hall sensor positioned between the two externally arranged Hall sensors, a first detection signal output terminal 213 and a second detection signal output terminal 214 are connected to the output terminals of the two externally arranged Hall sensors. Furthermore, in each of the two externally arranged Hall sensors, one of the two output terminals is connected to amplifier 220, and the other output terminal is connected to the adjacent Hall sensor.

[0222] Furthermore, the case where multiple sensor units are configured with two Hall sensors will be described. In an embodiment, the first detection signal output terminal of one Hall sensor and the second detection signal output terminal of the other Hall sensor can be connected to each other. Additionally, the second detection signal output terminal of one Hall sensor can be connected to amplifier 220, and the first detection signal output terminal of the other Hall sensor can be connected to amplifier 220. The following description will refer to this.

[0223] For example, refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 The sensor unit may include a first Hall sensor 210A and a second Hall sensor 210B connected in series. In this case, the first Hall sensor 210A and the second Hall sensor 210B may correspond to the first Hall sensor 1153a and the second Hall sensor 1153b. Alternatively, the first Hall sensor 210A and the second Hall sensor 210B may correspond to a plurality of third Hall sensors 1153c. Furthermore, the first Hall sensor 210A and the second Hall sensor 210B may correspond to the Hall sensors of the second camera actuator. Hereinafter, the states of the first Hall sensor 210A and the second Hall sensor 210B corresponding to the first Hall sensor 1153a and the second Hall sensor 1153b will be described.

[0224] The first Hall sensor 210A may include a first detection signal output terminal 213 and a second detection signal output terminal 214. In this case, the first detection signal output terminal 213 is connected to the non-inverting (+) terminal of the amplifier 220, and the second detection signal output terminal 214 is connected to the first detection signal output terminal 213' of the second Hall sensor 210B, which is connected in series with the first Hall sensor 210A. In other words, the second detection signal output terminal 214 of the first Hall sensor 210A can be connected to the first detection signal output terminal 213' of the second Hall sensor 210B.

[0225] The second Hall sensor 210B may also include a first detection signal output terminal 213' and a second detection signal output terminal 214'. The first detection signal output terminal 213' of the second Hall sensor 210B can be connected to the second detection signal output terminal 214' of the first Hall sensor 210A, and the second detection signal output terminal 214' can be connected to the inverting (-) terminal of the amplifier 220.

[0226] As described above, in the camera actuator according to the embodiment, multiple Hall sensors for performing position detection for tilting along the same axis can have output terminals connected in series. In this connection configuration, a signal corresponding to the sum of the sensing ranges of the multiple Hall sensors is input to amplifier 220. Furthermore, amplifier 220 can differentially amplify and output a signal corresponding to the sum of the input sensing ranges.

[0227] Therefore, this invention provides a differential sensing method with a wider detection range than single-sensing methods. Furthermore, in this invention, since differential signals from the interconnection of multiple position sensors are input to the input terminals of an amplifier, the exposure of the position sensor output signals to offset noise on the path to the controller can be minimized.

[0228] Furthermore, in this invention, since the differential signals of multiple position sensors are output in the sensing section, which includes multiple position sensors, amplifiers, and analog-to-digital converters, the number of patterns / pins connected from the driving section to the printed circuit board (PCB) can be minimized, and thus PCB space can be saved.

[0229] Furthermore, in this invention, since the differential values ​​of multiple position sensors relative to common-mode noise are obtained, it achieves strong resistance to both internal and external noise.

[0230] Furthermore, in this invention, depending on the operating environment of the camera module, either only the detection signal from a specific position sensor is sent to the amplifier stage, or the differential signals from multiple position sensors are sent to the amplifier stage. Therefore, in this invention, the optimal detection signal can be obtained in an environment where both sensing sensitivity and sensing range should be high.

[0231] Reference Figure 16 In this invention, one of the two output terminals of each of the multiple Hall sensors (first Hall sensor and second Hall sensor) connected to an external source is connected to a corresponding terminal of the non-inverting (+) terminal and the inverting (-) terminal of the amplifier 220, and the output terminals of other Hall sensors are connected to the output terminals of adjacent Hall sensors. Therefore, in this invention, the number of input pins required by the controller 190 can be minimized, and the exposure of the detection signal to offset noise on the path to the controller 190 can be minimized.

[0232] Figure 17 This is a view used to describe the connection relationship of sensor units according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0233] Reference Figure 17 The multiple sensor units include multiple induction coils 210C. Furthermore, each of the multiple induction coils includes two output terminals. In this case, one of the two output terminals can be one end of the induction coil, and the other output terminal can be the other end of the induction coil.

[0234] Furthermore, the ends of multiple induction coils can be connected to the ends of adjacent induction coils or to the non-inverting (+) or inverting (-) terminals of amplifier 220, corresponding to the connection relationship of the Hall sensor.

[0235] In other words, the first output terminal of the first induction coil can be connected to the non-inverting (+) terminal of the amplifier 220. Furthermore, the second output terminal of the first induction coil can be connected to the first output terminal of the next adjacent induction coil.

[0236] Furthermore, the first output terminal of the second arranged induction coil can be connected to the second output terminal of the previously arranged induction coil, and the second output terminal of the second arranged induction coil can be connected to the first output terminal of the next induction coil.

[0237] Furthermore, the first output terminal of the last arranged induction coil can be connected to the second output terminal of the previously arranged induction coil, and the second output terminal of the last arranged induction coil can be connected to the inverting (-) terminal of the amplifier 220.

[0238] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the retainer according to an embodiment, and Figure 19 This is a bottom view of the retainer according to this embodiment.

[0239] Reference Figures 18 to 19 The retainer 1131 may include a mounting surface 1131k on which the optical component 1132 is mounted. The mounting surface 1131k may be an inclined surface. In addition, the retainer 1131 may include a stepped portion 1131b on the mounting surface 1131k. Furthermore, in the retainer 1131, the stepped portion 1131b may be coupled to the boss 1132a of the optical component 1132.

[0240] The retainer 1131 may include multiple outer surfaces. For example, the retainer 1131 may include a first outer prism surface 1131S1, a second outer prism surface 1131S2, a third outer prism surface 1131S3, and a fourth outer prism surface 1131S4.

[0241] The first outer prism surface 1131S1 can be positioned to face the second outer prism surface 1131S2. In other words, the first outer prism surface 1131S1 can be arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the second outer prism surface 1131S2 with respect to the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0242] The first outer prism surface 1131S1 can be positioned adjacent to and facing the first housing side portion 1121. Furthermore, the second outer prism surface 1131S2 can be positioned adjacent to and facing the second housing side portion 1122.

[0243] Furthermore, the first outer prism surface 1131S1 may include a first mounting groove 1131S1a. Furthermore, the second outer prism surface 1131S2 may include a second mounting groove 1131S2a. The first mounting groove 1131S1a and the second mounting groove 1131S2a may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a first direction (X-axis direction).

[0244] Furthermore, a first magnet 1151a can be disposed on a first mounting groove 1131S1a, and a second magnet 1151b can be disposed in a second mounting groove 1131S2a. The first magnet 1151a and the second magnet 1151b can be arranged symmetrically with respect to a first direction (X-axis direction).

[0245] Therefore, as described above, due to the positions of the first and second mounting grooves, as well as the first and second magnets, the electromagnetic force induced by each magnet can be applied along the same axis to the first outer prism surface S1231S1 and the second outer prism surface S1231S2. For example, the region applied on the first outer prism surface S1231S1 (e.g., the portion with the strongest electromagnetic force) and the region applied on the second outer prism surface S1231S1 (e.g., the portion with the strongest electromagnetic force) can be located on an axis parallel to the second direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, X-axis tilting can be precisely performed.

[0246] The first magnet 1151a can be disposed on the first mounting groove 1131S1a, and the second magnet 1151b can be disposed in the second mounting groove 1131S2a.

[0247] The third outer prism surface 1131S3 may be an outer surface that contacts the first outer prism surface 1131S1 and the second outer prism surface 1131S2 and extends from one side of the first outer prism surface 1131S1 and the second outer prism surface 1131S2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Furthermore, the third outer prism surface 1131S3 may be located between the first outer prism surface 1131S1 and the second outer prism surface 1131S2. The third outer prism surface 1131S3 may be the bottom surface of the retainer 1131.

[0248] Furthermore, the third outer prism surface 1131S3 may include a third mounting groove 1131S3a. A third magnet 1151c may be disposed in the third mounting groove 1131S3a. The third outer prism surface 1131S3 may be positioned facing the third housing side portion 1123. Furthermore, the third housing hole 1123a and the third mounting groove 1131S3a may at least partially overlap each other in a first direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the third magnet 1151c in the third mounting groove 1131S3a and the third coil 1152c in the third housing hole 1123a may be positioned facing each other. Furthermore, the third magnet 1151c and the third coil 1152c can generate electromagnetic force, thus allowing the second camera actuator to tilt along the Y-axis.

[0249] Furthermore, X-axis tilting can be performed by multiple magnets (first magnet 1151a and second magnet 1151b), but Y-axis tilting can only be performed by a third magnet 1151c. In an embodiment, the area of ​​the third mounting groove 1131S3a can be larger than the area of ​​the first mounting groove 1131S1a or the second mounting groove 1131S2a. Due to this configuration, Y-axis tilting can be performed using current control similar to that used for X-axis tilting.

[0250] The fourth outer prism surface 1131S4 may be an outer surface that contacts the first outer prism surface 1131S1 and the second outer prism surface 1131S2 and extends from the first outer prism surface 1131S1 and the second outer prism surface 1131S2 in a first direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, the fourth outer prism surface 1131S4 may be located between the first outer prism surface 1131S1 and the second outer prism surface 1131S2.

[0251] The fourth outer prism surface 1131S4 may include a fourth mounting groove 1131S4a. The rotating disk 1141 may be located in the fourth mounting groove 1131S4a.

[0252] The fourth mounting groove 1131S4a can be positioned to face the first surface of the rotating disk.

[0253] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the first camera actuator according to an embodiment. Figure 21 It is along Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of line FF'. Figure 22 It is along Figure 20 The cross-sectional view of line GG', and Figure 23 It is from Figure 22 The view when viewed from another direction.

[0254] Reference Figures 20 to 23 The first plate portion 1154 can contact the first housing side portion 1121, the second housing side portion 1122, and the third housing side portion 1123. A first Hall sensor 1153a, a second Hall sensor 1153b, and a third Hall sensor 1153c can be mounted on the first plate portion 1154. Hereinafter, based on the above description of the sensor unit, the first Hall sensor 1153a and the second Hall sensor 1153b, which provide position data of the movement of the mover or optical component according to the X-axis tilt, will be described.

[0255] The first Hall sensor 1153a and the second Hall sensor 1153b can be respectively mounted on the first housing recess and the second housing recess. In an embodiment, the first Hall sensor 1153a and the second Hall sensor 1153b can be arranged symmetrically with respect to a first direction (X-axis direction) and a third direction (Z-axis direction). In other words, the first Hall sensor 1153a and the second Hall sensor 1153b can have the same height from the third housing side portion 1123 in the first direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, the first Hall sensor 1153a and the second Hall sensor 1153b can be spaced apart from the fourth housing side portion 1124 by the same distance in the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0256] Furthermore, the positions of the first Hall sensor 1153a and the second Hall sensor 1153b arranged on the first plate portion 1154 can correspond to each other.

[0257] Figure 24 This is a view of the first plate portion according to the embodiment. Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A magnified view of part of K1, Figure 26 yes Figure 24 A magnified view of part of K2, and Figure 27 and Figure 28 This is a view used to describe the structure of a Hall sensor unit according to an embodiment.

[0258] Reference Figures 24 to 26 According to the embodiment, the first plate portion 1154 may include a first plate region P1, a second plate region P2, and a third plate region P3.

[0259] The first plate region P1 can be disposed on one side of the first plate portion 1154. More specifically, the first plate region P1 can be disposed in contact with the first housing side portion. Therefore, the first Hall sensor and the first coil can be arranged on the first plate region P1. In other words, the first sensor unit 210A can be disposed in the first plate region P1. Furthermore, the first sensor unit 210A can be surrounded by the first coil in the first plate region P1. Hereinafter, the description will be based on the first sensor unit.

[0260] Furthermore, the second plate region P2 can be disposed on the other side of the first plate portion 1154. The second plate region P2 can be disposed in contact with the second housing side portion. Therefore, the second Hall sensor and the second coil described above can be arranged on the second plate region P2. In other words, the second sensor unit 210B can be disposed in the second plate region P2. Hereinafter, the description will be based on the second sensor unit. Furthermore, the second plate region P2 can be disposed corresponding to the first plate region P1 relative to the first direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the second plate region P2 can be disposed to at least partially overlap with the first plate region P1 in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0261] Furthermore, the second sensor unit 210B may be surrounded by the second coil in the second plate region P2. In this case, each of the first sensor unit 210A and the second sensor unit 210B may be disposed in the space formed by the inner surfaces of the first coil and the second coil, and may not be in contact with the inner surfaces of the coils.

[0262] Furthermore, the virtual straight line connecting the first sensor unit 210A and the second sensor unit 210B can be perpendicular to the optical axis. In this embodiment, the virtual straight line can be perpendicular to a first direction (X-axis direction) and a third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0263] Accordingly, the first Hall sensor may overlap with the second Hall sensor in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and may be configured to be symmetrical with respect to the second Hall sensor in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0264] Furthermore, the first coil can overlap with the second coil in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and can be configured to be symmetrical with respect to the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0265] The third plate region P3 can be located between the first plate region P1 and the second plate region P2. The third plate region P3 can be configured to contact the third housing side portion. Therefore, the third Hall sensor and the third coil can be arranged on the third plate region P3. As described above, multiple third Hall sensors can be provided, and the multiple third Hall sensors can be connected in series.

[0266] As described above, the controller 190 can be electrically connected to the first sensor unit 210A and the second sensor unit 210B.

[0267] In an embodiment, the first sensor unit 210A may include a (1-1) power supply terminal 211A, a (2-1) power supply terminal 212A, a (1-1) detection signal output terminal 213A, and a (2-1) detection signal output terminal 214A.

[0268] In addition, the second sensor unit 210B may include a (1-2) power supply terminal 211B, a (2-2) power supply terminal 212B, a (1-2) detection signal output terminal 213B, and a (2-2) detection signal output terminal 214B.

[0269] The above descriptions of the first power supply terminal, the second power supply terminal, the first detection signal output terminal, and the second detection signal output terminal can be applied equivalently to this configuration.

[0270] The (1-1) power supply terminal 211A, (2-1) power supply terminal 212A, (1-1) detection signal output terminal 213A, and (2-1) detection signal output terminal 214A of the first sensor unit 210A can be arranged to correspond to the (1-2) power supply terminal 211B, (2-2) power supply terminal 212B, (1-2) detection signal output terminal 213B, and (2-2) detection signal output terminal 214B of the second sensor unit 210B, respectively. In other words, the (1-1) power supply terminal 211A, the (2-1) power supply terminal 212A, the (1-1) detection signal output terminal 213A and the (2-1) detection signal output terminal 214A of the first sensor unit 210A, and the (1-2) power supply terminal 211B, the (2-2) power supply terminal 212B, the (1-2) detection signal output terminal 213B and the (2-2) detection signal output terminal 214B of the second sensor unit 210B can be arranged symmetrically to each other in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0271] Furthermore, the (1-1) power terminal 211A of the first sensor unit 210A can be connected to a power terminal in the first board portion 1154. The power terminal can be located inside or outside the controller. Similarly, the (1-2) power terminal 211B of the second sensor unit 210B can be connected to a power terminal in the first board portion 1154. The power terminal can be located inside or outside the controller.

[0272] The (2-1) power terminal 212A of the first sensor unit 210A and the (2-2) power terminal 212B of the second sensor unit 210B can be connected to each other. In an embodiment, the (2-1) power terminal 212A of the first sensor unit 210A and the (2-2) power terminal 212B of the second sensor unit 210B can be connected to a common ground.

[0273] The (1-1) detection signal output terminal 213A of the first sensor unit 210A can be electrically connected to the controller 190. In this case, the controller 190 can be located in either the first board region P1 or the second board region P2. In an embodiment, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the controller 190 can be located in the second board region P2, and will be described with reference to this.

[0274] The (1-1) detection signal output terminal 213A of the first sensor unit 210A can extend to the second board region P2 for connection to the controller 190. In the first board portion 1154, a first path PT1 can be formed between the controller 190 and the (1-1) detection signal output terminal 213A of the first sensor unit 210A. The first path PT1 can be an electrical pattern. Furthermore, the first path PT1 can extend from the second board region P2 through the third board region P3 to the first board region P1. In other words, the first path PT1 can pass through the first board region P1, the second board region P2, and the third board region P3. Additionally, the first sensor unit 210A can be connected via the first path PT1 to either the inverting (-) terminal or the non-inverting (+) terminal of the amplifier in the controller 190.

[0275] The (2-1) detection signal output terminal 214A of the first sensor unit 210A can be electrically connected to the (1-2) detection signal output terminal 213B of the second sensor unit 210B, and they can be electrically connected to each other. In this case, in the first board portion 1154, the second path PT2 can be formed between the (2-1) detection signal output terminal 214A of the first sensor unit 210A and the (1-2) detection signal output terminal 213B of the second sensor unit 210B. In other words, the second path PT2 can extend from the first board region P1 to the second board region P2. Alternatively, the second path PT2 can pass through the first board region P1, the second board region P2, and the third board region P3. Furthermore, the second path PT2 can pass through the third board region P3. In addition, the second path PT2 can be an electrical pattern.

[0276] The (2-2) detection signal output terminal 214B of the second sensor unit 210B can be connected to the controller 190. A third path PT3 can be formed between the (2-2) detection signal output terminal 214B of the second sensor unit 210B and the controller 190. The third path PT3 can be an electrical pattern. Furthermore, the third path PT3 can be disposed on the second board area P2. Additionally, the second sensor unit 210B can be connected via the third path PT3 to either the inverting (-) terminal or the non-inverting (+) terminal of the amplifier in the controller 190.

[0277] In an embodiment, the third path PT3 may have a different electrical length than the first path PT1. For example, the electrical length of the third path PT3 may be less than the electrical length of the first path PT1.

[0278] In an embodiment, the (1-1) detection signal output terminal 213A of the first sensor unit 210A can be connected to the non-inverting (+) terminal of the amplifier in the controller 190, and the (2-2) detection signal output terminal 214B of the second sensor unit 210B can be connected to the inverting (-) terminal of the amplifier in the controller 190.

[0279] Therefore, regarding the detection signal, both the first path PT1 and the second path PT2 can overlap with the first board region P1, the second board region P2, and the third board region P3. In other words, the first path PT1 and the second path PT2 can extend from the first board region P1 through the third board region P3 to the second board region P2, or they can extend from the second board region P2 through the third board region P3 to the first board region P1. Therefore, the second path PT2 and the first path PT1 have similar electrical lengths, and the third path PT3 exists only in the second board region P2, thus minimizing its electrical length.

[0280] Therefore, the first sensor unit 210A and the second sensor unit 210B can be electrically connected in series, and at the same time, the electrical length for connecting to the controller 190 or the amplifier in the controller can be reduced. Thus, the first board portion according to the embodiment can provide reduced resistance and noise. Similarly, as described above, a differential signal can be output to provide space savings for the first board portion.

[0281] Furthermore, multiple third Hall sensors can be connected in series and arranged in the third plate area P3.

[0282] Figure 29 This is a perspective view of a mobile terminal that uses a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0283] Reference Figure 29 The mobile terminal 1500 of the embodiment may include a camera module 1000, a flash module 1530 and an AF device 1510 disposed on its rear surface.

[0284] The camera module 1000 may include image capture functionality and autofocus (AF) functionality. For example, the camera module 1000 may include an AF function that uses an image.

[0285] The camera module 1000 processes image frames of still or moving images acquired by the image sensor in capture mode or video call mode.

[0286] The processed image frames can be displayed on a predetermined display unit and stored in memory. A camera (not shown) can be mounted on the front surface of the mobile terminal body.

[0287] For example, camera module 1000 may include a first camera module and a second camera module, and OIS and AF functions or zoom functions may be implemented by the first camera module and the second camera module.

[0288] The flash module 1530 may include a light-emitting element that emits light. The flash module 1530 can be operated via camera operation on a mobile terminal or by user control.

[0289] The AF device 1510 may include one of the packages of the surface-emitting laser element as a light-emitting unit.

[0290] The AF device may include laser-based AF functionality. The AF device 1510 can be used primarily when the AF functionality of the image from the camera module 1000 is degraded, for example, at a distance of approximately 10 meters or less, or in dark environments.

[0291] The AF device 1510 may include a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit includes a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VSSEL) semiconductor element, and the light-receiving unit (such as a photodiode) converts light energy into electrical energy.

[0292] Figure 30 This is a perspective view of a vehicle that utilizes the camera module according to the embodiment.

[0293] For example, Figure 30 It is an external view of a vehicle including a vehicle driving assistance device that applies a camera module 1000 according to an embodiment.

[0294] Reference Figure 30 According to an embodiment, the vehicle 700 may be equipped with wheels 13FL and 13FR that rotate via a power source and a predetermined sensor. The sensor may be a camera sensor 2000, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0295] Camera 2000 may be a camera sensor that incorporates camera module 1000 according to an embodiment. Vehicle 700 according to an embodiment can acquire image information by camera sensor 2000 capturing images of the front or surroundings, use the image information to determine whether lane lines are not recognized, and generate virtual lane lines when lane lines are not recognized.

[0296] For example, camera sensor 2000 can acquire a frontal image by photographing the front side of vehicle 700, and processor (not shown) can obtain image information by analyzing objects included in the frontal image.

[0297] For example, when an image captured by the camera sensor 2000 includes objects such as lane lines, adjacent vehicles, driving obstacles, and indirect road markings such as center lines, curbs, and street trees, the processor can detect the object and include it in the image information. In this case, the processor can also supplement the image information by acquiring information about the distance to the object detected by the camera sensor 2000.

[0298] Image information can be information about objects captured in the image. The camera sensor 2000 may include an image sensor and an image processing module.

[0299] The camera sensor 2000 can process still or moving images obtained by an image sensor (e.g., complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) or charge-coupled device (CCD)).

[0300] The image processing module can process still or moving images acquired by the image sensor, extract necessary information, and send the extracted information to the processor.

[0301] In this case, the camera sensor 2000 may include a stereo camera to improve the accuracy of object measurement and further ensure information such as the distance between the vehicle 700 and the object, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0302] The embodiments have been described above, but are merely illustrative and not limiting of the invention. Those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and applications not shown above without departing from the essential characteristics of these embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. Furthermore, differences associated with these modifications and applications should be interpreted as including within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera actuator, comprising: case; A mover, which is disposed in the housing and includes optical components; A rotating disk is disposed between the mover and the housing, and includes a first support portion and a second support portion spaced apart from each other and aligned to define a first axis. The driving section includes a coil and a magnet, the coil and the magnet being configured to drive the mover to tilt relative to the first axis. The sensor unit is configured to detect the position of the mover by detecting the magnetic field of the magnet; as well as The controller is electrically connected to the sensor unit; The magnet includes a first magnet and a second magnet; The coil includes a first coil positioned facing the first magnet in a direction perpendicular to the first axis and a second coil positioned facing the second magnet in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. The sensor unit includes a first sensor unit for detecting the first magnet and a second sensor unit for detecting the second magnet, wherein the second sensor unit is connected in series to the first sensor unit. Specifically, when the mover is tilted relative to the first axis, the distance between the first sensor unit and the first magnet decreases, while the distance between the second sensor unit and the second magnet increases. The first sensor unit includes a first-1 detection signal output terminal with positive (+) polarity and a second-1 detection signal output terminal with negative (-) polarity. The second sensor unit includes a first-2 detection signal output terminal with positive (+) polarity and a second-2 detection signal output terminal with negative (-) polarity. The first-1 detection signal output terminal is electrically connected to the controller, the second-1 detection signal output terminal is electrically connected to the first-2 detection signal output terminal, and the second-2 detection signal output terminal is electrically connected to the controller, so that the controller acquires the differential signals of the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit.

2. The camera actuator of claim 1, further comprising a plate portion connected to the sensor unit. in, The plate portion includes: First board area; The second plate region is configured to be spaced apart from and parallel to the first plate region; and The third plate area connects the first plate area and the second plate area; The third plate region is located between the first plate region and the second plate region.

3. The camera actuator of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to output a drive signal for moving the optical component to a target position based on position information of the optical component detected by the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit. in, The controller is located on either the first board area or the second board area.

4. The camera actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The first sensor unit and the second sensor unit are spaced apart from each other in a first direction.

5. The camera actuator according to claim 2, wherein, The mover is positioned between the first plate region and the second plate region.

6. The camera actuator according to claim 3, wherein, The plate portion includes: A first path, wherein the first path connects the first-1 detection signal output terminal and the controller; A second path, the second path connecting the second-1 detection signal output terminal and the first-2 detection signal output terminal; and The third path connects the second-second detection signal output terminal and the controller.

7. The camera actuator according to claim 6, wherein, The second path passes through the first plate region, the second plate region, and the third plate region.

8. The camera actuator according to claim 6, wherein, The drive section is configured to perform OIS by means of electromagnetic interaction between the drive magnet and the coil.

9. The camera actuator according to claim 2, wherein, The housing includes: The first housing side portion; and The second housing side portion is spaced apart from the first housing side portion in a first direction. The first plate region contacts the first housing side portion, and The second plate region is in contact with the second housing side portion.

10. The camera actuator according to claim 9, wherein, The first housing side portion includes a first housing hole. The second housing side portion includes a second housing hole. Either the first coil or the first magnet is disposed in the first housing hole, and Either the second coil or the second magnet is disposed in the second housing hole.

11. The camera actuator of claim 2, wherein, The first sensor unit and the first coil are disposed on the first plate area.

12. The camera actuator as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The second sensor unit and the second coil are disposed on the second plate area.

13. The camera actuator as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The second sensor unit overlaps with the first sensor unit in a first direction.

14. The camera actuator of claim 1, wherein, The second-1 detection signal output terminal is connected to the first-2 detection signal output terminal.

Images