Camera module

Abstract

Disclosed in an embodiment of the present application is a camera module, comprising: a first support; a lens module accommodated in the first support; a second support arranged outside the first support; and a shaft arranged between the first support and the second support, wherein the second support comprises a shaft seating groove in which the shaft is seated and which is open in the direction of the optical axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiment relates to a camera module. Background Technology

[0002] A camera is a device that captures images of objects or moving images, and is installed in portable devices, drones, vehicles, etc. To improve image quality, camera devices or camera modules may have image stabilization (IS) functions that correct or prevent image shake caused by user movement, autofocus (AF) functions that automatically adjust the distance between the image sensor and the lens to arrange the focal length of the lens, and zoom functions that use zoom lenses to increase or decrease magnification to capture images of objects at long distances.

[0003] Simultaneously, as the number of pixels in an image sensor increases, the resolution increases, and the pixel size decreases. With the smaller size, the amount of light received by a pixel in the same amount of time decreases. Therefore, as the number of pixels in a camera increases, image shake caused by hand shakiness, which occurs in dark environments due to reduced shutter speed, may become more severe. Optical image stabilization (OIS), which corrects motion by altering the optical path, is a typical image stabilization technique.

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

[0005] Meanwhile, actuators for OIS can be positioned around the lens. In this case, the actuators for OIS may include actuators for tilting along two axes, namely, an actuator perpendicular to the optical axis Z for tilting along the X-axis and an actuator for tilting along the Y-axis.

[0006] However, due to the recent demand for ultra-thin and ultra-compact camera devices, there are many space constraints on the arrangement of actuators for OIS, and it may be difficult to ensure sufficient space for tilting or moving the lens for OIS or the camera device including the lens and image sensor. Furthermore, as the number of pixels in a camera increases, the size of the lens is preferably increased to increase the amount of light received, but due to the space occupied by the actuators for OIS, there may be limitations on increasing the lens size.

[0007] In addition, there is a problem that AF cannot be executed accurately due to OIS. Summary of the Invention

[0008] [Technical Objective]

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a camera device that can accurately perform autofocus (AF) even when moving by optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a camera module having a structure that is independent of the linearity of motion during autofocus (AF).

[0011] The objectives to be achieved by this invention are not limited to these, and may include objectives or effects that can be recognized through the technical solutions or modes of the invention described below.

[0012] [Technical Solution]

[0013] One aspect of the present invention provides a camera module including a lens module housed in a first bracket, a second bracket disposed outside the first bracket, and a shaft disposed between the first bracket and the second bracket, wherein the second bracket includes a shaft mounting groove in which the shaft is mounted and the shaft mounting groove is open along the optical axis.

[0014] The maximum length from the optical axis to the first coil section can be greater than the maximum length from the optical axis to the first support.

[0015] The second support may include a support protrusion adjacent to and protruding inward from the shaft mounting groove, and the side surface of the shaft mounting groove may be inclined in an outward direction and have a width that increases in the outward direction.

[0016] The camera module may also include a magnet section and a first coil section surrounding the magnet section.

[0017] The first support may include a support base, a first protrusion protruding outward from the outer surface of the support base, and a second protrusion protruding outward from the outer surface of the support base, wherein the first protrusion may be disposed above the second protrusion.

[0018] The first coil portion may be disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0019] The first coil section may have a closed loop and may be positioned between the first support and the second support.

[0020] The first coil section can move within the height of the internal region of the magnet section along the optical axis of any pole.

[0021] The magnet section may include multiple magnets, and the multiple magnets may be arranged parallel to each other along a first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0022] The second support may also include a magnet mounting portion, on which the magnet is mounted.

[0023] [Beneficial Effects]

[0024] According to an embodiment, a camera module that accurately performs autofocus (AF) even when moving via optical image stabilization (OIS) can be provided.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the embodiments, a camera module with improved reliability can be realized.

[0026] According to an embodiment, a camera module with improved power efficiency can be provided.

[0027] The various useful advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to the above description, and can be more easily understood through the description of specific embodiments of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the lens module, first bracket, first coil section, shaft, second bracket, and magnet section connected according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded 3D diagram.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a lens module according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the first bracket, the first coil portion, and the shaft according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the first bracket, the first coil section, and the shaft according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a side view showing the first bracket, the first coil portion, and the shaft according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing a second support and a magnet portion according to an embodiment, wherein the second support and the magnet portion are connected.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a top view showing the second support and magnet portion according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a view used to describe the operation of the camera module according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 12yes Figure 11 Side view.

[0040] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view of line KK' in the middle.

[0041] Figure 14 This is a top view showing the second support, magnet part, third support, second coil part, coil substrate, main substrate, connecting part and connector part according to the embodiment.

[0042] Figure 15 This is a top view showing the main substrate according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 16 This is a view showing an optical device including a camera module according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0044] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described, and can be implemented in various different forms, and one or more components of the embodiments may be selectively combined, substituted and used within the scope of the spirit of the invention.

[0046] Furthermore, unless explicitly and specifically defined by the context, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) are to be interpreted in the sense that would be commonly understood by one of those skilled in the art, and the meaning of commonly used terms (such as those defined in dictionaries) will be interpreted in the context of the relevant art.

[0047] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for descriptive purposes only and does not limit the invention.

[0048] In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form includes its plural form, and in the case of describing "at least one (or one or more) of A, B, and C", it may include at least one combination of all possible combinations of A, B, and C.

[0049] Furthermore, when describing the components of the present invention, terms such as "first", "second", "A", "B", "(a)", "(b)" may be used.

[0050] These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and the nature, order, etc., of the elements are not limited by these terms.

[0051] Furthermore, when an element is referred to as “connected,” “linked,” or “coupled” to another element, this description can include both cases where the element is directly connected, coupled, or linked to another element, and cases where the element is connected or coupled to another element and another element is positioned between them.

[0052] Furthermore, when any element is described as being formed or disposed "above" or "below" another element, this description includes both cases where the two elements are formed or disposed in direct contact with each other and cases where one or more other elements are inserted between the two elements. Additionally, when an element is described as being formed "above" or "below" another element, this description can include cases where one element is formed on the upper or lower side relative to the other element.

[0053] The optical device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0054] Optical devices may include any of the following: cellular phones, mobile phones, smartphones, portable smart devices, digital cameras, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), and navigation devices. However, the types of optical devices are not limited to these, and any means for capturing images may be included in the optical device.

[0055] The optical device may include a main body. The main body may be strip-shaped. Alternatively, the main body may have one of various structures, such as sliding, folding, swinging, and pivoting types, wherein two or more sub-bodies are coupled to be relatively movable. The main body may include a housing (outer shell, casing, or cover) forming the exterior. For example, the main body may include a front housing and a rear housing. Various electronic components of the optical device may be mounted in the space formed between the front and rear housings. This will be referred to... Figure 16 Describe it.

[0056] The optical device may include a display. The display may be mounted on a surface of the optical device's body. The display may output images. The display may output images captured by a camera. The optical device may include a camera.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a camera module according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2According to an embodiment, the camera module 100 may include a lens module 110, a first bracket 120, a first coil portion 130, a shaft 140, a second bracket 150, a magnet portion 160, a third bracket 170, a second coil portion 180, a coil substrate 190, a main substrate MP, a connecting portion CP, and a connector portion CN. These components will be briefly described, and their details will be described below.

[0059] First, the lens module 110 may include at least one lens. Light passing through the at least one lens can be provided to an image sensor, which is disposed below the lens module 110 or on the main substrate MP, as will be described below. Although the image sensor is not shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification, it may be disposed below the lens module or mounted on the main substrate MP to receive light.

[0060] In this specification, light passing through lens module 110 can move along the optical axis OX. The optical axis OX can correspond to the center of lens module 110.

[0061] The first support 120 may include a hole located at its central portion. Furthermore, the lens module 110 may be located within the hole. In other words, the first support 120 may be configured to surround the lens module 110. According to an embodiment, the first support 120 may be disposed outside the lens module 110. The inner surface of the first support 120 may correspond to the shape of the outer surface of the lens module 110. For example, the lens module 110 may have a circular or polygonal shape. Furthermore, the first support 120 may have a circular or polygonal shape corresponding to the shape of the lens module 110.

[0062] Furthermore, the inner surface of the first bracket 120 may have a threaded structure. Additionally, the lens module 110 may have a groove structure corresponding to the threaded structure formed in the inner surface of the first bracket 120. Therefore, the first bracket 120 can be coupled to the lens module 110 disposed therein. However, the coupling method is not limited to this.

[0063] In addition, the first bracket 120 can be connected to the first coil section 130 and the shaft 140, which will be described below.

[0064] The first coil portion 130 may be disposed outside the first bracket 120, and the first coil portion 130 may be disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, both of which are disposed outside the first bracket 120. Furthermore, the first coil portion 130 may be mounted on the second protrusion. Additionally, the shaft 140 may be disposed in a shaft groove formed in the second protrusion. This will be described in detail below.

[0065] The first coil portion 130 may be disposed outside the first support 120. The first coil portion 130 may have a closed-loop shape. Furthermore, the first coil portion 130 may be electrically connected to the main substrate MP disposed below it. The electrical connection may be performed by wires or the like. Moreover, with this configuration, current may flow through the first coil portion 130 in a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction opposite to the clockwise direction.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the first bracket 120 and the lens module 110 can move upward or downward depending on the direction of the current flowing through the first coil portion 130 (clockwise or counterclockwise). In other words, the lens module 110 can move along the optical axis (Z-axis or OX direction). Therefore, the camera module 100 according to the embodiment can perform an autofocus function. In this specification, the term "inward" can refer to the direction toward the optical axis, and the term "outward" can refer to the opposite direction to "inward". For example, "inward" can refer to the direction from the second bracket toward the first bracket, and the term "outward" can refer to the direction from the first bracket toward the second bracket.

[0067] Furthermore, the first coil portion 130 can be positioned inside the magnet portion 160. The magnet portion 160 can be disposed at a predetermined distance from the first coil portion 130.

[0068] The shaft 140 may be positioned below the first support 120. Furthermore, the outermost surface of the shaft 140 may be positioned outside the outermost surface of the first support 120.

[0069] The shaft 140 can be placed in the shaft groove of the second bracket 150. Furthermore, the shaft 140 can move along the shaft groove. In other words, the first bracket 120 connected to the shaft 140 can move along the optical axis direction to correspond to the movement of the shaft 140 along the shaft groove (along the optical axis direction).

[0070] The second support 150 may have a hollow shape. Therefore, the first support 120, the coil portion 130, and the shaft 140 may be positioned in the hole of the central portion. According to an embodiment, the second support 150 may be positioned outside the first support 120, the coil portion 130, and the shaft 140 to surround the first support 120, the coil portion 130, and the shaft 140.

[0071] The second support 150 can have a closed-loop shape. Alternatively, the second support can have a circular shape. Furthermore, due to the electromagnetic interaction between the magnet portion 160 and the second coil portion 180 (described below), the second support 150 can move in a direction perpendicular to a third direction or the optical axis (a first or second direction). That is, optical image stabilization (OIS) can be performed.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the second bracket 150 may include magnet seating portions and shaft seating grooves, with a magnet portion 160 disposed in the magnet seating portion and a shaft disposed in the shaft seating groove. The magnet seating portions and shaft seating grooves may be upwardly open grooves. In this case, the upper part of each shaft seating groove may be open, allowing the shaft 140 to be seated and move along the optical axis.

[0073] The magnet section 160 can be positioned within the magnet mounting portion of the second bracket 150. The magnet mounting portion can be a groove as described above.

[0074] The magnet part 160 and the second support 150 can be connected using adhesive components or the like.

[0075] Furthermore, the magnet section 160 may include a plurality of magnets. According to an embodiment, the magnet section 160 may include four magnets. In addition, two magnets may face each other along a first direction (X-axis direction), and the remaining two magnets may face each other along a second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0076] Furthermore, multiple magnetic poles can be positioned on both surfaces of each magnet. For example, the magnets can be mounted in a bipolar magnetized manner. That is, in each magnet, the S pole and N pole can be sequentially arranged in the inner region along a third direction (Z-axis direction), and the N pole and S pole can be sequentially arranged in the outer region along a third direction (Z-axis direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this bipolar arrangement.

[0077] The third support 170 may be disposed outside the second support 150 and the magnet portion 160. The third support 170 may be divided into multiple third supports 170. For example, the third support 170 may be divided into a number of magnets corresponding to the number of magnets in the magnet portion or a number of coils in the second coil portion 180. However, the third support 170 is not limited to this.

[0078] The third bracket 170 can be connected to the coil substrate 190 and the second coil portion 180, which will be described below. Furthermore, the third bracket 170 can be disposed on and connected to the main substrate MP. Therefore, in the camera module 100 according to the embodiment, the third bracket 170 can support the lens module 110, the first bracket 120, and the third bracket 170.

[0079] The second coil portion 180 can be positioned to correspond to the magnet portion 160. The second coil portion 180 may include a plurality of coils. The plurality of coils can be positioned to correspond to a plurality of magnets in the magnet portion 160. According to an embodiment, the number of the plurality of coils may be four.

[0080] The plurality of coils can be positioned outside the plurality of magnets to correspond to the magnets. Furthermore, current can flow through each of the plurality of coils. That is, electromagnetic interaction may occur between the second coil portion 180 and the magnet portion 160. Furthermore, an electromagnetic force can be generated based on the electromagnetic interaction, and the second support 150 can be moved by the generated electromagnetic force in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (the third direction or Z-axis direction). Furthermore, the first support 120 and the lens module 110 can move together with the second support 150 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to correspond to the movement of the second support 150. Therefore, the camera module 100 according to the embodiment can perform OIS (Optical Image Switching).

[0081] The coil substrate 190 can be electrically connected to the second coil section 180. The coil substrate 190 can be connected to the third support 170. Therefore, multiple coil substrates 190 can be provided to correspond to the number of coils in the second coil section 180 or the number of third supports 170. In addition, the coil substrate 190 can be disposed on the main substrate MP and electrically connected to the main substrate MP.

[0082] The main substrate MP can be positioned below the lens module 110, the first support 120, etc. The main substrate MP can be formed of various materials. Furthermore, the driver DR can be positioned on the main substrate MP. The driver DR can generate drive signals for performing autofocus (AF) or OIS. The drive signals can be generated as control signals received from an external application processor (AP). For example, the drive signals can be signals related to the magnitude or direction of the current supplied to the first coil section or the second coil section.

[0083] The connector CP can be connected to the main substrate MP. That is, the connector CP is a part used to improve the space constraints of the main substrate MP, and the connector CN can be disposed between the main substrate and the connector CP. The connector CP can extend in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (e.g., a first direction or a second direction). Therefore, in mobile phones, optical devices, etc., camera modules can be miniaturized.

[0084] The connector part CN can be connected to one end of the connecting part CP. That is, the connector part CN can be electrically connected to an external device, such as the processor of a mobile device.

[0085] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the lens module, first bracket, first coil section, shaft, second bracket, and magnet section connected according to an embodiment. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded 3D diagram.

[0086] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4According to the embodiment, the lens module 110, the first bracket 120, the first coil part 130, the shaft 140, the second bracket 150, and the magnet part 160 can be connected to each other.

[0087] In this configuration, the lens module 110, the first support 120, the first coil portion 130, and the shaft 140 can move in a direction different from the moving direction of the second support 150 and the magnet portion 160. That is, the lens module 110, the first support 120, the first coil portion 130, and the shaft 140 can move along the optical axis direction from the shaft mounting groove of the second support 150.

[0088] Furthermore, as described above, the lens module 110 can be disposed inside the first bracket 120. Furthermore, the first bracket 120 can be disposed inside the first coil portion 130. Furthermore, the first bracket and the first coil portion 130 can be positioned inside the outermost surface of the shaft 140. Furthermore, the lens module 110, the first bracket 120, the first coil portion 130, and the shaft 140 can be positioned inside the second bracket 150. Furthermore, the lens module 110, the first bracket 120, the first coil portion 130, and the shaft 140 can be positioned inside the magnet portion 160.

[0089] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a lens module according to an embodiment.

[0090] Reference Figure 5 According to the embodiment, the lens module 110 can be formed of at least one lens. As described above, the lens module 110 can be moved along the optical axis direction by the electromagnetic force between the first coil portion 130 and the magnet portion 160. Alternatively, according to the embodiment, the lens module 110 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction by the electromagnetic force between the second coil portion and the magnet portion 160. The above can also be applied to the lens module 110.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the first bracket, the first coil portion, and the shaft according to an embodiment. Figure 7 This is a top view showing the first bracket, the first coil portion, and the shaft according to an embodiment, and Figure 8 This is a side view showing the first bracket, the first coil portion, and the shaft according to an embodiment.

[0092] Reference Figures 6 to 8 According to an embodiment, the bracket 120 may include a base portion 121, a first protrusion 122, and a second protrusion 123. The base portion 121 may be positioned inward.

[0093] Furthermore, the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 123 may be provided on the outside of the base portion 121. Additionally, the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 123 may be portions provided along the outer surface of the base portion 121 and protruding outwards.

[0094] First, the inner surface of the base portion 121 may have a circular shape and a threaded structure as described above.

[0095] The first protrusion 122 may be provided on the outer surface of the base portion 121. In addition, the first protrusion 122 may protrude outward from the outer surface of the base portion 121.

[0096] Furthermore, a second protrusion 123 may be provided on the outer surface of the base portion 121. Furthermore, the second protrusion 123 may be configured to be separate from the first protrusion 122. The second protrusion 123 may be positioned below the first protrusion 122. Furthermore, the second protrusion 123 may protrude outward from the outer surface of the base portion 121. Therefore, a groove may be formed between the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 123.

[0097] Furthermore, the first coil portion 130 may be disposed in the formed groove. That is, the first coil portion 130 may be disposed between the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 123. Furthermore, the first coil portion 130 may be mounted on the second protrusion 123.

[0098] Furthermore, the second protrusion 123 may include a downwardly opening shaft groove 123a. Each shaft may be disposed in a shaft groove 123a. An adhesive member may be applied in the shaft groove 123a, and the shaft may be disposed in the shaft groove 123a due to the adhesive member.

[0099] Therefore, according to the embodiment, the first coil portion 130 can be configured to be separate from the shaft 140 in a third direction. For example, the first coil portion 130 can be disposed above the shaft 140.

[0100] In this embodiment, the maximum length d1 from the optical axis OX to the first coil portion 130 can be greater than the maximum length d2 from the optical axis OX to the first protrusion 122. That is, based on the optical axis OX, the first coil portion 130 can be disposed outside the first protrusion 122, thus having a predetermined separation space dd1. Therefore, in the first coil portion 130, the magnetic force received from the magnet of the magnet portion facing the first coil portion 130 is not reduced by the first protrusion 122. Therefore, in the camera module according to this embodiment, the driving efficiency of the first coil portion can be improved.

[0101] Furthermore, the maximum length d3 from the optical axis OX to the axis 140 can be greater than the maximum length d1 from the optical axis OX to the first coil portion 130 or the maximum length d2 from the optical axis OX to the first protrusion 122. With this configuration, OIS is performed, and therefore, even when the first support and the second support move together in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, contact between the first support and the second support can be prevented. Furthermore, by providing a separation space between the first support and the second support, the generation of frictional force due to contact between the first support and the second support can be prevented.

[0102] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing a second support and a magnet portion according to an embodiment, wherein the second support and the magnet portion are connected. Figure 10 This is a top view showing the second support and magnet portion according to an embodiment.

[0103] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to the embodiment, the second support 150 may include a magnet mounting portion (or groove) 150h and a shaft mounting groove 150g.

[0104] As described above, the magnet mounting slot 150h can be positioned to correspond to a plurality of magnets in the magnet section 160. According to an embodiment, the magnet mounting slot 150h can be arranged parallel to a first direction (X-axis direction) or a second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0105] Furthermore, the shaft mounting slot 150g can be positioned adjacent to the magnet mounting slot 150h. According to an embodiment, the shaft mounting slot 150g can be symmetrically arranged with respect to either the first virtual line LX1 or the second virtual line LX2. In an embodiment, the first virtual line LX1 can be parallel to a first direction (X-axis direction) and can be the bisector of a magnet positioned parallel to the first direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, the second virtual line LX2 can be parallel to a second direction (Y-axis direction) and can be the bisector of a magnet positioned parallel to the second direction (Y-axis direction). The optical axis OX can pass through the intersection of the first virtual line LX1 and the second virtual line LX2.

[0106] With this construction, even when the shaft 140 moves along the shaft mounting groove 150g, the shaft 140 will not tilt in one direction. Furthermore, as described above, the shaft mounting groove 150g can open upwards. Additionally, the width of each shaft mounting groove 150g can be constant along a third direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, even when the shaft moves along the shaft mounting groove 150g in either the optical axis or a third direction (Z-axis direction), the shaft will not tilt relative to the optical axis in one direction.

[0107] Furthermore, the maximum length of the shaft mounting groove 150g can be greater than the maximum length of the area in the second bracket 150 excluding the shaft mounting groove 150g. That is, the inner surface of the shaft mounting groove 150g can be positioned further inward than the inner surface of the area in the second bracket 150 excluding the shaft mounting groove 150g. Therefore, the shaft mounting groove 150g can easily support the shaft 140 and simultaneously perform a stop function along a third direction (Z-axis direction). In this case, the maximum length can be the difference between the maximum length from the optical axis OX to the inner surface and the maximum length from the optical axis OX to the outer surface.

[0108] Furthermore, the second bracket 150 may include a lower surface f2, a first side surface f1a, and a second side surface f1b of the shaft mounting groove 150g. The lower surface f2 of the shaft mounting groove 150g may be positioned between the first side surface f1a and the second side surface f1b of the shaft mounting groove 150g. Additionally, the second bracket 150 may include bracket protrusions 150p disposed adjacent to the shaft mounting groove 150g and protruding inwardly. Each bracket protrusion 150p may contact the first side surface f1a and the second side surface f1b of the shaft mounting groove 150g.

[0109] Furthermore, since the shaft only contacts a portion of the first side surface f1a and a portion of the second side surface f1b of the shaft mounting groove 150g, the contact area between the shaft and the second bracket 150 can be minimized. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the shaft's linearity along a third direction or optical axis, depending on the shape of the contact area between the shaft and the second bracket 150. In the camera module according to the embodiment, the first bracket can move along a third direction or optical axis with improved linearity.

[0110] The bracket protrusion 150p can contact the shaft. Furthermore, a portion of the shaft 140 can be positioned at the shaft mounting groove 150g. In other words, at least a portion of the shaft 140 can overlap with the shaft mounting groove 150g along a third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0111] Furthermore, the curvature of the support protrusion 150p can be the same as the curvature of the outer surface of the shaft that contacts the support protrusion 150p. Therefore, the support protrusion 150p can easily support the shaft. In addition, the support protrusion 150p can be formed inward to compensate for the gap between the second support 150 and the first support 120.

[0112] Furthermore, at least a portion of the lower surface f2 of the shaft mounting groove 150g can overlap with the shaft 140 along a third direction (Z-axis direction). With this configuration, the shaft 140 can be mounted on and supported by the lower surface f2 of the shaft mounting groove 150g. For example, the lower surface f2 of the shaft mounting groove 150g can be used as a support or stop for the shaft.

[0113] Furthermore, the side surfaces f1a and f1b of the shaft mounting groove 150g can be inclined outwards. Therefore, the width of the shaft mounting groove 150g according to the embodiment can increase from the inside out. With this configuration, the movement of the shaft can be independent of the structure of the second support 150. Therefore, gradient-based shaft movement can be precisely performed along a third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0114] In another embodiment, the second support 150 may include only the shaft mounting groove 150g and not the support protrusion 150p. In other words, the shaft may contact the shaft mounting groove 150g but not the support protrusion 150p and may be supported by the sidewalls of the shaft mounting groove 150g. Even in this case, as described above, the side surfaces f1a and f1b of the shaft mounting groove 150g may be inclined outwards. Therefore, the width of each shaft mounting groove 150g according to the embodiment can increase from the inside out. With this configuration, the movement of the shaft can be independent of the structure of the second support 150. Therefore, the movement of the shaft according to the gradient can be precisely performed along a third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0115] Furthermore, the shaft mounting groove 150g prevents the shaft 140 from separating, thus improving the reliability of the assembly. Additionally, even when the shaft 140 applies an outward force to the second bracket 150 to perform OIS, contact between the shaft 140 and the side surfaces f1a and f1b of the shaft mounting groove 150g is prevented. Therefore, frictional forces that generate noise can be prevented, and the first bracket can move precisely along the optical axis or a third direction (Z-axis direction) without tilting.

[0116] Figure 11 This is a view used to describe the operation of the camera module according to an embodiment. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The side view, and Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view of line KK' in the middle.

[0117] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The current can flow clockwise (based on the upper surface) through the first coil section 130. Furthermore, in the internal region of the magnet section 160, the N pole can be located at the upper part, and the S pole can be located at the lower part. That is, in the magnet, multiple magnetic poles can be located at two surfaces. For example, the magnet can be a unipolar or bipolar magnetized type.

[0118] According to an embodiment, in the internal region of each magnet, the S pole and N pole can be arranged sequentially along a third direction (Z-axis direction), and in the external region, the N pole and S pole can be arranged sequentially along a third direction (Z-axis direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement of the two poles.

[0119] Furthermore, the first coil portion 130 can move only in the upper part of the internal region along a third direction (Z-axis). In other words, the range of movement OR of the first coil portion 130 can correspond to any one of the magnetic poles (e.g., the N pole) in the internal region of the magnet portion. According to an embodiment, the range of movement OR of the first coil portion 130 can be the same as the height of any one of the magnetic poles (e.g., the N pole) in the internal region of the magnet portion along a third direction (Z-axis).

[0120] Therefore, the direction of the magnetic field applied to the first coil section 130 can be inward. In other words, the magnetic field, which is a factor in the interaction between the first coil section 130 and the magnet section 160, can be generated in the inward direction. Based on this, the movement of the lens module, etc., caused by electromagnetic force will be described.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the magnet section 160 may include a first magnet 161 to a fourth magnet 164. Furthermore, the first magnet 161 and the third magnet 163 may be arranged parallel to each other along a first direction (X-axis direction) and may face each other. Additionally, the second magnet 162 and the fourth magnet 164 may be arranged parallel to each other along a second direction (Y-axis direction) and may face each other.

[0122] In this configuration, the first magnet 161 generates a magnetic field B1 in the direction opposite to the first direction (X-axis direction), and the current I1 flows through the first coil section 130 in the direction opposite to the second direction. Therefore, an electromagnetic force F1 is generated by the magnetic field B1 and the current I1 in the direction opposite to the third direction (Z-axis direction) (downward).

[0123] Furthermore, a magnetic field B2 is generated by the second magnet 162 along the second direction (Y-axis direction), and a current I2 flows through the first coil section 130 in the region facing the N pole of the second magnet 162 in a direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, an electromagnetic force F2 is generated by the magnetic field B2 and the current I2 in a direction opposite to the third direction (Z-axis direction) (downward).

[0124] Furthermore, a magnetic field B3 is generated by the third magnet 163 along the first direction (X-axis direction), and a current I3 flows through the first coil section 130 along the second direction (Y-axis direction) in the region (N pole) facing the third magnet 163. Therefore, an electromagnetic force F3 is generated by the magnetic field B3 and the current I3 in a direction opposite to the third direction (Z-axis direction) (downward).

[0125] Furthermore, a magnetic field B4 is generated by the fourth magnet 164 in a direction opposite to the second direction, and a current I4 flows through the first coil section 130 in the region facing the fourth magnet 164 along the first direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, an electromagnetic force F4 is generated by the magnetic field B4 and the current I4 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). In this case, the first coil section 130, the first support, and the first lens tube can be moved in the third direction (Z-axis direction) or downward direction by the electromagnetic forces F1 to F4.

[0126] Furthermore, when the current flows counterclockwise through the first coil section 130, the first lens tube can move in the opposite direction to the third direction or in the upward direction.

[0127] Reference Figure 13 According to the embodiment, a portion of the outer surface of the shaft 140 may be surrounded by the shaft groove 123a. Furthermore, another portion of the outer surface of the shaft 140 may be positioned in the shaft mounting groove 150g.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the area S1 of the shaft 140 surrounded by the shaft groove 123a can be larger than the area S2 located in the shaft mounting groove 150g. With this configuration, even if the first support 120 moves, the shaft 140 can be prevented from separating from the shaft mounting groove 150g. That is, the reliability between components can be improved.

[0129] Furthermore, the first support 120 and the shaft 140 can be connected by an adhesive member OE, etc. For example, the adhesive member OE can be positioned on the shaft groove 123a, and the shaft 140 can be positioned on the adhesive member OE.

[0130] Furthermore, the outer surface 123e of the second protrusion 123 can be inclined outward. Specifically, the outer surface 123e of the second protrusion 123 can be further away from the optical axis as it approaches the shaft 140. This configuration ensures a sufficient separation distance between the first support 120 and the second support 150, thus preventing AF operation malfunctions due to contact between the first and second supports. Additionally, it also improves the connection force between the first support 120 and the shaft 140.

[0131] Figure 14 This is a top view showing the second support, magnet portion, third support, second coil portion, coil substrate, main substrate, connecting portion, and connector portion according to an embodiment. Figure 15 This is a top view showing the main substrate according to an embodiment.

[0132] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15The second support 150 may have the hollow shape described above. Therefore, the first support 120, coil portion 130, shaft 140, etc., may be positioned in the hole of the central portion. According to an embodiment, the second support 150 may be positioned outside the first support 120, coil portion 130, and shaft 140 to surround the first support 120, coil portion 130, and shaft 140.

[0133] The magnet section 160 can be positioned on the magnet mounting portion of the second bracket 150. The magnet mounting portion can be a groove as described above.

[0134] The third support 170 may be disposed outside the second support 150 and the magnet portion 160. The third support 170 may be divided into multiple third supports 170. For example, the third support 170 may be divided into a number of magnets or a number of coils corresponding to the number of the second coil portion 180. However, the third support 170 is not limited to this.

[0135] The third bracket 170 can be connected to the coil substrate 190 and the second coil portion 180, which will be described below. Furthermore, the third bracket 170 can be disposed on and connected to the main substrate MP. Therefore, in the camera module 100 according to the embodiment, the third bracket 170 can support the lens module 110 and the first bracket 120.

[0136] The second coil portion 180 can be positioned to correspond to the magnet portion 160. The second coil portion 180 may include a plurality of coils. The plurality of coils can be positioned to correspond to a plurality of magnets in the magnet portion 160. According to an embodiment, the number of the plurality of coils may be four.

[0137] Multiple coils can be disposed outside multiple magnets to correspond to the magnets. Furthermore, current can flow through each of the multiple coils. That is, electromagnetic interaction may occur between the second coil portion 180 and the magnet portion 160. Furthermore, an electromagnetic force can be generated based on the electromagnetic interaction, and the second support 150 can be moved by the generated electromagnetic force in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (the third direction or Z-axis direction). Furthermore, the first support 120 and the lens module 110 can move together with the second support 150 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to correspond to the movement of the second support 150. Therefore, the camera module 100 according to the embodiment can perform OIS (Optical Image Switching).

[0138] The coil substrate 190 can be electrically connected to the second coil section 180. The coil substrate 190 can be coupled to the third support 170. Therefore, multiple coil substrates 190 can be provided to correspond to the number of coils in the second coil section 180 or the number of third supports 170. Furthermore, the coil substrate 190 can be disposed on and electrically connected to the main substrate MP. According to an embodiment, the coil substrate 190 can make electrical contact with the electrode terminals PJ disposed on the main substrate MP. Therefore, mechanical and electrical connections can be easily performed.

[0139] The main substrate MP can be positioned below the lens module 110, the first support 120, etc. The main substrate MP can be formed of various materials. Furthermore, the driver DR can be positioned on the main substrate MP. The driver DR can generate drive signals for performing AF or OIS. The drive signals can be generated as control signals received from an external AP. For example, the drive signals can be signals related to the magnitude or direction of the current supplied to the first coil section or the second coil section.

[0140] The connector CP can be connected to the main substrate MP. That is, the connector CP is a part used to improve the space constraints of the main substrate MP, and the connector CN can be disposed between the main substrate and the connector CP. The connector CP can extend in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (e.g., a first direction or a second direction). Therefore, in mobile phones and the like, the camera module can be miniaturized.

[0141] The connector CN can be connected to one end of the connector CP. That is, the connector CN can be electrically connected to an external device, such as the processor of a mobile device.

[0142] Figure 16 This is a view showing an optical device including a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0143] Reference Figure 16 As described above, the optical device according to the embodiment may include a front housing fc, a rear housing rc, and a camera module 100, which is disposed in each of the front housing fc and the rear housing rc or between the front housing fc and the rear housing rc.

[0144] Furthermore, the optical device 10 according to the embodiment may include a camera module 100. Therefore, the optical device can capture images through the camera module 100 that outputs images. Furthermore, as described above, the optical device may include a camera module in which, when AF is performed, motion based on gradients, i.e., noise generation, is reduced.

[0145] Although the invention has been described primarily with reference to embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather the embodiments are merely exemplary, and various modifications and applications not shown above can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the invention. For example, components specifically described in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. Furthermore, differences from such modifications and applications should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: First support; The lens module is housed in the first bracket; The second bracket is disposed outside the first bracket; as well as A shaft is positioned between the first bracket and the second bracket. The second bracket includes a shaft mounting groove, in which the shaft is mounted and the shaft mounting groove is open along the optical axis. The second bracket includes a bracket protrusion that is adjacent to and protrudes inward from the shaft mounting groove; and The side surface of the shaft mounting groove is inclined in the outward direction and has a width that increases in the outward direction.

2. The camera module according to claim 1 further includes a first coil portion disposed outside the first bracket. in, The maximum length from the optical axis to the first coil section is greater than the maximum length from the optical axis to the first support.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: Magnet section; as well as The first coil portion surrounds the magnet portion.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The first support includes: Support base; A first protrusion protrudes outward from the outer surface of the support base; and The second protrusion protrudes outward from the outer surface of the support base. The first protrusion is positioned above the second protrusion.

5. The camera module according to claim 4 further includes a first coil portion disposed outside the first bracket, wherein, The first coil portion is disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

6. The camera module according to claim 1 further includes a first coil portion disposed outside the first bracket, wherein, The first coil section has a closed loop and is disposed between the first bracket and the second bracket.

7. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein, The first coil portion moves within the height of the optical axis direction of any pole in the internal region of the magnet portion.

8. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein: The magnet section includes multiple magnets; and The plurality of magnets are arranged parallel to a first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

9. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein, The second bracket also includes a magnet mounting portion, on which the magnet portion is mounted.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein, The magnet mounting portion and the shaft mounting groove are arranged symmetrically with respect to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

11. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein, The magnet mounting portions are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

12. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The shaft mounting slot opens upwards.

13. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the shaft mounting groove is constant along the optical axis direction.

14. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The maximum length of the shaft mounting groove is greater than the maximum length of the area in the second bracket excluding the shaft mounting groove.

15. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The inner surface of the shaft mounting groove is positioned further inward than the inner surface of the area of ​​the second bracket other than the shaft mounting groove.

16. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The second bracket includes the lower surface of the shaft mounting groove, a first side surface, and a second side surface.

17. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein, The lower surface of the shaft mounting groove is positioned between the first side surface and the second side surface of the shaft mounting groove.

18. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein, The second bracket includes a bracket protrusion that is adjacent to and protrudes inward from the shaft mounting groove.

19. The camera module according to claim 18, wherein, The bracket protrusion contacts the first and second side surfaces of the shaft mounting groove.

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