Actuator for a camera

Abstract

Provided is an actuator for a camera, including: an OIS carrier that mounts a lens module or an image sensor and moves the lens module or the image sensor in at least one of a first direction that is perpendicular to an optical axis direction and a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; an AF carrier that accommodates the OIS carrier and moves the OIS carrier in the optical axis direction; and a housing that accommodates the AF carrier, wherein the AF carrier has an opening portion such that the OIS carrier faces the housing, and the OIS carrier includes an auxiliary stopper that protrudes to be able to contact the housing through the opening portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuator for a camera, and more particularly to an actuator capable of achieving autofocus and image stabilization. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of hardware technology for image processing and the increasing demand from users for image capture, functions such as autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) are not only implemented in standalone camera devices, but also in camera modules installed in mobile terminals such as mobile phones and smartphones.

[0003] The autofocus function refers to the function of adjusting the focal length of the subject by linearly moving a support frame with a lens in the optical axis direction, thereby generating a clear image in the image sensor (CMOS, CCD, etc.) located at the rear of the lens.

[0004] In addition, the shakiness correction function refers to the function of improving image sharpness by adaptively moving the carrier with the lens in the direction of compensating for lens shakiness when the lens shakes due to hand shakiness.

[0005] In a typical method of implementing AF or OIS functions, one approach is to place a magnet (coil) on a moving body (carrier) and a coil (magnet) on a fixed body (housing or another form of carrier, etc.), and then generate an electromagnetic force between the coil and the magnet to move the moving body in the direction of the optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0006] On the other hand, in order to achieve physical support of the carrier and position restoration of the carrier, there is a device that connects the carrier to the wire. However, when such a device is used, the physical properties of the wire may be easily deformed due to the internal and external environment, which may reduce the driving accuracy. In particular, when the weight and size of the lens increase due to the high specifications of the lens, the driving performance may be further degraded.

[0007] To address the issues associated with this type of wire, a new approach has recently been adopted: inserting balls between the moving and stationary bodies to maintain an appropriate distance between them. Furthermore, the rotational movement of the balls and their point contact minimize friction, allowing for more flexible and precise movement of the support frame.

[0008] In a device or actuator that integrates AF and OIS functions, AF must move in the direction of the optical axis, while OIS must move in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, the AF support and OIS support are realized by a composite physical structure that is stacked on top of each other.

[0009] Because the AF support moves along the optical axis, a certain gap is maintained between the AF support and the housing. However, because the OIS support moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the gap between the OIS support and the AF support changes according to the movement of the OIS support, and thus the electromagnetic force applied to the magnet also changes.

[0010] At this point, depending on the movement of the OIS support frame, the magnet's ability to provide driving force to the OIS support frame is limited in the range where the OIS support frame is furthest from the AF support frame.

[0011] Furthermore, a recent trend has emerged where the weight of the moving target increases due to factors such as the increased weight of the lens module or the increased pixel count of the image sensor in actuators that combine OIS and AF support frames. However, to address this trend, given the limited space available for the moving camera module, it is necessary to develop technologies that can prevent collisions between components within this confined space and increase the driving force. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide an actuator for a camera that can prevent collisions between constituent elements in a limited space and increase driving force.

[0014] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide an actuator for a camera that, according to the movement of the OIS carrier, can provide sufficient driving force to the OIS carrier in the range where the OIS carrier is furthest from the AF carrier.

[0015] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide an actuator for a camera that can drive a lens module or image sensor over a longer stroke by increasing the driving force.

[0016] Other objects and advantages of the invention will be understood from the following detailed description and will become clearer from exemplary embodiments of the invention. Moreover, it will be readily understood that the objects and advantages of the invention can be achieved by the means shown in the appended claims and combinations thereof.

[0017] Technical means to solve the problem

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an actuator for a camera, comprising: an OIS carrier mounted with a lens module or an image sensor, for moving the lens module or the image sensor in at least one of a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; an AF carrier housing the OIS carrier and for moving the OIS carrier in the optical axis direction; and a housing housing the AF carrier, wherein the AF carrier has an opening such that the OIS carrier faces the housing, and the OIS carrier includes an auxiliary stop protruding to be able to contact the housing through the opening.

[0019] When the OIS support frame moves in at least one of the first and second directions due to external impact, the auxiliary stop contacts the housing to restrict the movement of the OIS support frame.

[0020] The first gap is formed between the AF support frame and the housing to allow the AF support frame to move, and the second gap is formed between the OIS support frame and the AF support frame to provide space for movement.

[0021] Furthermore, a third gap is formed between the auxiliary stop and the housing, the third gap being larger than the second gap and smaller than the sum of the first gap and the second gap.

[0022] Furthermore, when the auxiliary stop contacts the housing, the sum of the first gap and the second gap is maintained by the fourth gap.

[0023] Furthermore, the OIS support frame includes a first magnet and a second magnet, and the housing includes a first drive coil and a second drive coil. The first drive coil generates an electromagnetic force on the first magnet, causing the OIS support frame to move in the first direction, and the second drive coil generates an electromagnetic force on the second magnet, causing the OIS support frame to move in the second direction.

[0024] Furthermore, the auxiliary stop members are respectively disposed on both sides of the first magnet and the second magnet, protruding toward the housing side.

[0025] Furthermore, the thicknesses of the first magnet and the second magnet are formed in a manner corresponding to the length of the auxiliary stop.

[0026] Furthermore, when the auxiliary stop contacts the housing, a fifth gap is formed between the first magnet and the first drive coil and between the second magnet and the second drive coil, and the fifth gap is smaller than the fourth gap.

[0027] Furthermore, a sixth gap is formed between the first magnet and the second magnet and the first drive coil and the second drive coil, and the sixth gap is the sum of the third gap and the fifth gap.

[0028] Furthermore, the actuator for a camera of the present invention also includes an intermediate guide that guides the OIS carrier to move in the first direction or the second direction.

[0029] Invention Effects

[0030] According to the present invention, by providing an auxiliary stop on one side of the OIS support frame to prevent collisions between the constituent components, even if the volume of the original shock absorber is reduced, the same or better function as the original shock absorber can be provided. Therefore, the space of the drive unit (magnet and coil) can be further guaranteed, and the driving force can be increased in a limited space without adding space for the actuator.

[0031] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the gap between the magnet and the coil can be minimized while the thickness of the magnet can be increased. Therefore, even when the OIS support frame moves to the furthest point between the OIS support frame and the AF support frame, sufficient driving force can be provided to the OIS support frame.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the lens module or image sensor can be driven over a longer distance by increasing the driving force, and this method can be effectively applied not only to image sensors and lens modules with large size and weight, but also to product reliability.

[0033] The effects that can be obtained by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other technical effects not described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an actuator (hereinafter referred to as "actuator") for a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is an exploded view showing the configuration of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the function of the OIS in the X-axis direction of the actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the function of the OIS in the Y-axis direction of the actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the function of the optical axis direction AF of the actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 This is an internal plan view of an existing actuator used in cameras.

[0040] Figure 8 It is magnification Figure 7 A magnified view of part A.

[0041] Figure 9 This is an internal plan view of the actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 10 It is magnification Figure 9 A magnified view of part A.

[0043] Figure Labels

[0044] 100: Actuator for cameras

[0045] 140: OIS support frame

[0046] 143: Auxiliary stop

[0047] 130: Intermediate Guide

[0048] 150: Housing

[0049] 160: AF support frame

[0050] 170: Outer Cover Detailed Implementation

[0051] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in this specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted based on the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present invention, on the principle of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0052] Therefore, the embodiments and drawings described herein are merely preferred embodiments for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be understood that other equivalent substitutions and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an actuator (hereinafter referred to as "actuator") for a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is an exploded view showing the configuration of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] In the following text, we will first refer to Figures 1 to 3 The overall configuration of the actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention is described, and embodiments of the present invention for implementing each AF function and OIS function will be described in detail later.

[0055] The actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment that achieves the functions of autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) together by driving the lens module 190 or the image sensor (not shown). However, according to the embodiment, the actuator 100 of the present invention can also be implemented as an actuator for OIS function only.

[0056] Figures 1 to 3 The Z-axis direction shown is the optical axis along which light enters the lens module 190, and corresponds to the direction along which the AF support 160 moves back and forth as described later. Furthermore, the optical axis refers to the central axis of the lens module 190 when it is driven, and also refers to the central axis of the image sensor (not shown) when it is driven.

[0057] Furthermore, the X-axis and Y-axis directions, perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis direction), refer to the directions along which the lens module 190 or image sensor moves via OIS to compensate for hand tremors. In the following description, the X-axis direction will be referred to as the first direction and the Y-axis direction as the second direction. However, from a relative perspective, this is merely an example, and either the X-axis or Y-axis direction can be the first direction, while the other direction can be the second direction.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 100 can realize the OIS function and AF function by driving the lens module 190 or the image sensor. However, in the following, as an embodiment, a method for realizing the OIS function and AF function by driving the lens module 190 will be described.

[0059] The actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an OIS support frame 140, an intermediate guide 130, a housing 150, an AF support frame 160, an outer cover 170, and a lens module 190.

[0060] The actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a structure in which the following components are connected in sequence: housing 150, AF support frame 160, intermediate guide 130, OIS support frame 140, lens module 190, and outer cover 170. An opening for mounting the lens module 190 may be formed in the center of these components. (Not shown in the figures) An image sensor may be disposed below the housing 150.

[0061] The lens module 190 is mounted in the OIS carrier 140, and the intermediate guide 130 is formed below the OIS carrier 140. The OIS carrier 140 and the intermediate guide 130 are housed in the AF carrier 160. Furthermore, with the OIS carrier 140 and the intermediate guide 130 housed, the AF carrier 160 is housed in the housing 150.

[0062] Inside the AF support frame 160, the OIS support frame 140 can move in at least one of the first and second directions.

[0063] The OIS support frame 140 includes a first magnet M1 and a second magnet M2, and the AF support frame 160 includes a third magnet M3. Furthermore, the housing 150 includes a first drive coil C1, a second drive coil C2, and a third drive coil C3, respectively facing the first magnet M1, the second magnet M2, and the third magnet M3.

[0064] In the case where the first driving coil C1, the second driving coil C2 and the third driving coil C3 are embedded in the substrate 155, they can be disposed in the inner peripheral surface of the housing 150.

[0065] The AF support 160 has an opening 163 such that the OIS support 140 faces the housing 150. Specifically, the AF support 160 has an opening 163 such that the first magnet M1 disposed in the OIS support 140 faces the first drive coil C1 disposed in the housing, and the second magnet M2 disposed in the OIS support 140 faces the second drive coil C2 disposed in the housing. The OIS support 140 has a central opening for mounting the lens module 190, while exposing the image sensor (not shown) in the optical axis direction. Thus, the image sensor can sense light entering from the lens module 190.

[0066] The image sensor can be formed from a camera device, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

[0067] If the AF support 160 moves back and forth along the optical axis, the lens module 190 also moves back and forth along the optical axis. By adjusting the focal length between the lens module 190 and the image sensor, the AF function is achieved. This will be described in detail below.

[0068] A first guide rail 131 is formed on the upper part of the intermediate guide 130 along a first direction, and a second guide rail 141 facing the first guide rail 131 is formed on the lower part of the OIS support frame 140. Furthermore, a first OIS ball B1 is disposed between the first guide rail 131 and the second guide rail 141.

[0069] A third guide rail 132 is formed at the lower part of the intermediate guide 130 along the second direction, and a fourth guide rail 161 facing the third guide rail 132 is formed at the upper part of the AF support frame 160. Furthermore, a second OIS ball B2 is disposed between the third guide rail 132 and the fourth guide rail 161.

[0070] A fifth guide rail 162 is formed on the outer side of the AF support frame 160 along the optical axis, and a sixth guide rail (not shown) is formed on the inner side of the housing 150 facing the fifth guide rail 162. Furthermore, the AF ball bearing B3 is disposed between the fifth guide rail 162 and the sixth guide rail (not shown).

[0071] The stop 125 serves to limit the upward movement of the AF carrier 160 in the optical axis direction.

[0072] The outer cover 170 can be configured to cover the housing 150. The image sensor can be fixed to the lower part of the housing 150. Thus, according to an embodiment of the invention, the actuator 100 can achieve both OIS and AF functions by moving the lens module 190 in three axial directions while the image sensor is fixed.

[0073] Of course, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 100 may also replace the lens module 190 with an image sensor in the OIS support frame 140 and the AF support frame 160. Furthermore, with the lens module 190 fixed, the OIS function and the AF function can be realized by moving the image sensor in the three-axis direction.

[0074] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the function of the OIS in the X-axis direction of the actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the function of the OIS in the Y-axis direction of the actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 100 includes a first guide rail 131 formed on the upper part of the intermediate guide 130 along a first direction (X-axis direction); a second guide rail 141 formed on the lower part of the OIS support frame 140 facing the first guide rail 131; and a first OIS ball B1 disposed between the first guide rail 131 and the second guide rail 141.

[0076] The first OIS ball B1 can move the OIS support frame 140 in the first direction by rolling between the first guide rail 131 and the second guide rail 141.

[0077] The first guide rail 131 may be formed at each corner of the first intermediate guide 130, and the second guide rail 141 may also be formed at each corner of the OIS support frame 140, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] The first magnet M1 is disposed on one side of the OIS support frame 140 and is arranged between the two first OIS balls B1 along the first direction.

[0079] The first drive coil C1 is disposed on the inner side of the housing 150, facing the first magnet M1. A Hall sensor may be disposed inside the first drive coil C1.

[0080] When the OIS function is implemented in the first direction (X-axis direction), the OIS carrier 140 moves relative to the housing 150 in the first direction within the internal space of the AF carrier 160.

[0081] The Hall sensor sends an electrical signal to the operating driver (not shown) corresponding to the direction and magnitude of the movement caused by hand tremors, and the operating driver can control the application of power corresponding to the magnitude and direction to the first drive coil C1. That is, the OIS support frame 140 can be moved through feedback control between the Hall sensor and the operating driver.

[0082] When power is applied to the first drive coil C1, the first drive coil C1 generates an electromagnetic force on the first magnet M1 disposed in the OIS support frame 140. By means of this electromagnetic force, the first OIS ball B1 rolls between the first guide rail 131 and the second guide rail 141, thereby causing the OIS support frame 140 to move in the first direction.

[0083] Since the lens module 190 is integrated with the OIS support frame 140, when the OIS support frame 140 moves in the first direction, the lens module 190 also moves in the first direction. This compensates for hand tremors in the first direction.

[0084] Reference Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 100 includes a third guide rail 132 formed along a second direction (Y-axis direction) on the lower part of the intermediate guide 130; a fourth guide rail 161 formed facing the third guide rail 132 on the upper part of the AF support frame 160; and a second OIS ball B2 disposed between the third guide rail 132 and the fourth guide rail 161.

[0085] The second OIS ball B2 can move the OIS carrier 140 in the second direction by rolling between the third guide rail 132 and the fourth guide rail 161.

[0086] The third guide rail 132 may be formed at each corner of the first intermediate guide 130, and the fourth guide rail 161 may also be formed at each corner of the AF support frame 160, but is not limited thereto.

[0087] The second magnet M2 is disposed on one side of the OIS support frame 140 adjacent to the second magnet M1, and is arranged between the two second OIS balls B2 along the second direction.

[0088] The second drive coil C2 is disposed on the inner side of the housing 150 facing the second magnet M2, and the Hall sensor can be disposed on the inner side of the second drive coil C2.

[0089] When the OIS function is implemented in the second direction (Y-axis direction), the OIS carrier 140 moves relative to the housing 150 in the second direction within the internal space of the AF carrier 160.

[0090] The Hall sensor sends an electrical signal to the operating driver (not shown) corresponding to the direction and magnitude of the movement caused by hand tremor, and the operating driver can control the application of power corresponding to the magnitude and direction to the second drive coil C2. That is, the OIS support frame 140 can be moved through feedback control between the Hall sensor and the operating driver.

[0091] When power is applied to the second drive coil C2, the second drive coil C2 generates an electromagnetic force on the second magnet M2 disposed in the OIS support frame 140. By means of this electromagnetic force, the second OIS ball B2 rolls between the third guide rail 132 and the fourth guide rail 161, thereby causing the OIS support frame 140 to move in the second direction.

[0092] Since the lens module 190 is integrated with the OIS support frame 140, when the OIS support frame 140 moves in the second direction, the lens module 190 also moves in the second direction. This compensates for hand tremors in the second direction.

[0093] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the function of the optical axis direction AF of the actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Reference Figure 6According to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 100 includes a fifth guide rail 162 formed on the outer side of the AF support frame 160 along the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction); a sixth guide rail (not shown) formed on the inner side of the housing 150 facing the fifth guide rail 162; and an AF ball B3 disposed between the fifth guide rail 162 and the sixth guide rail (not shown).

[0095] The AF ball B3 can move the AF carrier 160 in the optical axis direction by rolling between the fifth guide rail 162 and the sixth guide rail (not shown).

[0096] The fifth guide rail 162 can be formed on both sides of the outer side of the AF support frame 160 with the third magnet M3.

[0097] The third magnet M3 is disposed between the fifth guide rails 162, and the third drive coil C3 is disposed on the inner side of the housing 150 facing the third magnet M3. The Hall sensor can be disposed on the inner side of the third drive coil C3.

[0098] The AF carrier 160 can be moved via feedback control between a Hall sensor and an operating actuator.

[0099] The housing 150 has a moving space for the AF support frame 160. Furthermore, the AF support frame 160 is disposed inside the housing 150 and moves relative to the housing 150 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0100] When a power source of appropriate size and orientation is applied to the third drive coil C3, the third drive coil C3 generates an electromagnetic force on the third magnet M3 disposed in the AF carrier 160. By means of this electromagnetic force, the AF ball B3 rolls between the fifth guide rail 162 and the sixth guide rail (not shown), thereby causing the AF carrier 160 to move in the optical axis direction.

[0101] The OIS carrier 140 is housed within the AF carrier 160. Since the lens module 190 is combined with the OIS carrier 140, when the AF carrier 160 moves in the optical axis direction, the OIS carrier 140 and the lens module 190 also move in the optical axis direction to adjust the focal length between the lens module 190 and the image sensor.

[0102] The movement of the OIS carrier 140 in the first and second directions and the movement of the AF carrier 160 in the optical axis direction can be driven independently by each individual process and physical structure. Therefore, the movement in each direction can not only be performed separately, but also simultaneously in multiple mutually combined directions (XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ, etc.).

[0103] Figure 7This is an internal plan view of an existing actuator used in cameras. Figure 8 It is magnification Figure 7 A magnified view of part A.

[0104] in, Figure 8 (a) is a diagram showing a state where no external impact occurs to the product equipped with the actuator due to falling or other reasons. Figure 8 (b) is a state diagram of an external impact.

[0105] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 Existing actuators for cameras include an OIS carrier 30 with a lens module 90 mounted on it; an AF carrier 60 that houses the OIS carrier 30; and a housing 50 that houses the AF carrier 60.

[0106] Among them, the OIS carrier 30 moves the lens module 90 in the first direction and the second direction, and the AF carrier 60 moves the OIS carrier 30 in the optical axis direction.

[0107] The OIS support frame 30 includes a first magnet M1 and a second magnet M2, and the housing 50 includes a first drive coil C1 and a second drive coil C2 facing the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2.

[0108] Among them, a first shock absorber D1 and a second shock absorber D2 can be installed in the AF support frame 60 to reduce the impact that occurs when the AF support frame 60 contacts the housing 50.

[0109] Reference Figure 8 (a) A first gap G1 is formed between the AF support frame 60 and the housing 50 for moving the AF support frame 60, and a second gap G2 is formed between the OIS support frame 30 and the AF support frame 60 for providing space for movement. For example, the first gap G1 can be 0.1 mm and the second gap G2 can be 0.22 mm.

[0110] Among them, reference Figure 8 (b) Due to external impact, even if both the first gap G1 and the second gap G2 are completely damaged, a safety distance greater than or equal to the fourth gap G4 must be maintained between the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2 and the first drive coil C1 and the second drive coil C2. This is to prevent damage caused by collisions between the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2 and the first drive coil C1 and the second drive coil C2, and to maintain reliability. For example, the fourth gap G4 can be 0.09 mm.

[0111] In summary, such as Figure 8As shown in (a), in the absence of external impact, a third gap G3 is formed between the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2 and the first drive coil C1 and the second drive coil C2. The third gap G3 is the sum of the first gap G1, the second gap G2, and the fourth gap G4. For example, the third gap G3 can be 0.41 mm.

[0112] On the other hand, in the absence of external impact, the first gap G1 between the AF support frame 60 and the housing 50 remains constant due to the movement of the AF support frame 60 in the optical axis direction. However, as the OIS support frame 30 moves in both the first and second directions perpendicular to the optical axis, the second gap G2 between the OIS support frame 30 and the AF support frame 60 changes according to the movement of the OIS support frame 30, thereby changing the electromagnetic force applied to the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2.

[0113] As described above, since a relatively large third gap G3 (e.g., 0.41 mm) is formed between the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2 and the first drive coil C1 and the second drive coil C2, the driving force provided to the OIS support frame 30 is limited in the range where the OIS support frame is furthest from the AF support frame, depending on the movement of the OIS support frame 30.

[0114] In particular, the aforementioned problems make the product difficult to implement and reduce its reliability when the size and weight of the image sensor and lens module increase, and when long-stroke drive of the image sensor and lens module is required.

[0115] Figure 9 This is an internal plan view of the actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 It is magnification Figure 9 A magnified view of part A.

[0116] in, Figure 10 (a) is a state diagram showing that no external impact has occurred to the product equipped with actuator 100 due to falling or other reasons. Figure 10 (b) is a state diagram of an external impact.

[0117] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 As described above, the actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an OIS support frame 140 on which a lens module 190 is mounted; an AF support frame 160 for housing the OIS support frame 140; and a housing 150 for housing the AF support frame 160.

[0118] The OIS support frame 140 moves the lens module 190 in the first direction and the second direction, and the AF support frame 160 moves the OIS support frame 140 in the optical axis direction.

[0119] The OIS support frame 140 includes a first magnet M1 and a second magnet M2, and the housing 150 includes a first drive coil C1 and a second drive coil C2 facing the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2.

[0120] The AF support frame 160 may be equipped with a first shock absorber D1 and a second shock absorber D2 to reduce the impact when the AF support frame 160 contacts the housing 150.

[0121] Reference Figure 10 (a) A first gap G1 is formed between the AF support frame 160 and the housing 150 for moving the AF support frame 160, and a second gap G2 is formed between the OIS support frame 140 and the AF support frame 160 for providing space for movement. For example, the first gap G1 can be 0.1 mm and the second gap G2 can be 0.22 mm.

[0122] According to an embodiment of the invention, the OIS support frame 140 of the actuator 100 may include an auxiliary stop 143, which protrudes to be able to contact the housing 150 through an opening 163 provided in the AF support frame 160. Thus, when the OIS support frame 140 moves in at least one of a first and a second direction due to an external impact, the auxiliary stop 143 contacts the inner surface of the housing 150, restricting the movement of the OIS support frame 140.

[0123] Reference Figure 10 (a) In the absence of external impact, a third gap G3 is formed between the auxiliary stop 143 and the housing 150. For example, the third gap G3 can be 0.24 mm.

[0124] The third gap G3 is larger than the second gap G2 so as not to interfere with the OIS drive of the OIS support frame 140.

[0125] Furthermore, the third gap G3 is smaller than the sum of the first gap and the second gap G1+G2 to prevent collisions between the OIS support frame 140 and the AF support frame 160 due to external impacts.

[0126] Therefore, referring to Figure 10 (b) Due to an external impact, when the auxiliary stop 143 contacts the housing 150, the first gap G1 and the second gap G2 are not completely broken, and the sum of the first gap G1 and the second gap G2 maintains a fourth gap G4. For example, the AF support frame 160 contacts the housing 150, and a fourth gap G4 is maintained between the OIS support frame 140 and the AF support frame 160.

[0127] Furthermore, when the auxiliary stop 143 contacts the housing 150, at least one of the following maintains a fifth gap G5 as a safety distance: between the first magnet M1 and the first drive coil C1, and between the second magnet M2 and the second drive coil C2. For example, the fifth gap G5 can be 0.09 mm.

[0128] Therefore, even in the event of an external impact, damage to the first drive coil C1 and the second drive coil C2 due to contact between the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2 and the first drive coil C1 and the second drive coil C2 can be prevented, thus maintaining reliability.

[0129] In the absence of external impact, a sixth gap G6 is formed between the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2 and the first drive coil C1 and the second drive coil C2. The sixth gap G6 is the sum of the third gap G3 and the fifth gap G5. For example, the sixth gap G6 can be 0.33 mm.

[0130] As described above, the actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention forms a third gap G3 smaller than that of conventional actuators between the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2 and the first drive coil C1 and the second drive coil C2.

[0131] Auxiliary stop members 143 are respectively disposed on both sides of the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2, protruding toward the housing 150. Thus, the thickness of the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2 can be formed in a manner corresponding to the length of the auxiliary stop member 143.

[0132] Therefore, the actuator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can minimize the gap between the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2 and the first drive coil C1 and the second drive coil C2, while increasing the thickness of the first magnet M1 and the second magnet M2. Thus, even when the OIS support frame 140 moves, sufficient driving force can be provided to the OIS support frame 140 in the range where the OIS support frame is furthest from the AF support frame.

[0133] Furthermore, the actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can drive the lens module 190 or the image sensor with a longer stroke by increasing the driving force, and can not only be effectively applied to image sensors and lens modules with large size and weight, but also achieve product reliability.

[0134] In summary, the actuator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following advantages: by providing an auxiliary stop 143 on one side of the OIS support frame 140 to prevent collisions between the constituent elements, even if the volume of the original first shock absorber D1 and the second shock absorber D2 is reduced, it can provide the same or better function as the original first shock absorber D1 and the second shock absorber D2. Therefore, it can further ensure the space of the drive unit (first magnet M1 and second magnet M2 and first drive coil C1 and second drive coil C2), and can increase the driving force in a limited space without adding space to the actuator 100.

[0135] The present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It should be understood that various changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

[0136] In the above description of the present invention, terms such as "first" and "second" are merely conceptual terms used to identify components relative to each other, and therefore should not be interpreted as terms used to indicate a specific order, priority, etc.

[0137] To emphasize or highlight the technical content of the present invention, the accompanying drawings illustrating the invention and its embodiments may be shown in a slightly exaggerated manner. However, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various modifications in light of the above description and the illustrations without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An actuator for a camera, characterized in that, include: The OIS support frame moves in at least one of a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; An AF support frame accommodates the OIS support frame and moves together with the OIS support frame in the optical axis direction; as well as Housing, housing the AF support frame, The AF support frame has an opening, such that the OIS support frame faces the housing. The OIS support frame includes an auxiliary stop that protrudes to allow contact with the housing through the opening. A first gap is formed between the AF support frame and the housing to allow the AF support frame to move. A second gap is formed between the OIS support frame and the AF support frame to provide space for movement.

2. The actuator for a camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the OIS support frame moves in at least one of the first and second directions due to external impact, the auxiliary stop contacts the housing to restrict the movement of the OIS support frame.

3. The actuator for a camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The OIS support frame is equipped with a lens module or an image sensor.

4. The actuator for a camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, A third gap is formed between the auxiliary stop and the housing, the third gap being larger than the second gap and smaller than the sum of the first gap and the second gap.

5. The actuator for a camera according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the auxiliary stop contacts the housing, the sum of the first gap and the second gap maintains a fourth gap.

6. The actuator for a camera according to claim 5, characterized in that, The OIS support frame includes a first magnet and a second magnet. The housing includes a first drive coil and a second drive coil. The first drive coil generates an electromagnetic force on the first magnet, causing the OIS support frame to move in the first direction. The second drive coil generates an electromagnetic force on the second magnet, causing the OIS support frame to move in the second direction.

7. The actuator for a camera according to claim 6, characterized in that, The auxiliary stoppers are respectively disposed on both sides of the first magnet and the second magnet.

8. The actuator for a camera according to claim 7, characterized in that, The thicknesses of the first magnet and the second magnet are formed in a manner corresponding to the length of the auxiliary stop.

9. The actuator for a camera according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the auxiliary stop contacts the housing, a fifth gap is formed between at least one of the first magnet and the first drive coil and between the second magnet and the second drive coil, and the fifth gap is smaller than the fourth gap.

10. The actuator for a camera according to claim 9, characterized in that, A sixth gap is formed between the first magnet and the second magnet and between the first drive coil and the second drive coil, and the sixth gap is the sum of the third gap and the fifth gap.

11. The actuator for a camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an intermediate guide that guides the OIS carrier to move in the first direction or the second direction.

Images