Lens drive motor, camera module and imaging device

Abstract

This invention relates to a lens drive motor, a camera module, and an imaging device. The lens drive motor includes: a base, a housing disposed on the base, a coil holder disposed within the housing, a first coil disposed on the coil holder, a magnet disposed on the housing, a second coil disposed on the base, and an upper spring connected to the upper surface of the housing and the upper surface of the coil holder. The first coil includes a first end and a second end. The upper spring includes a power input member and a power output member. Each of the power input member and the power output member of the upper spring includes a first support portion connected to the housing, a second support portion connected to the coil holder, an upper elastic portion including at least one curved portion formed to connect the first support portion and the second support portion, and a second protrusion extending from the second support portion. Solder electrically connects the second protrusion of the upper spring to the first end and the second end of the first coil.

Description

[0001] This invention is a second-generation divisional application of the first-generation divisional application with application number 202010397221.2 and title "Camera Module", filed on July 11, 2014 (divisional filing date May 12, 2020). The first-generation divisional application is a divisional application of the original invention patent application with application number 201480035199.X (international application number PCT / KR2014 / 006235) and title "Camera Module", filed on July 11, 2014 (entering the Chinese national phase on December 18, 2015). Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a camera module whose structure is designed to improve OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and AF (Autofocus) functions. Background Technology

[0003] When users take photos or videos with their handheld cameras, hand tremors are inevitable. Such tremors cause the camera to shake, resulting in blurry images and difficulty focusing on objects at close range.

[0004] To overcome this vibration caused by hand tremors, modern camera devices typically include an OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) module to reduce vibrations caused by hand tremors when the user holds the camera device and takes a picture. The OIS module compensates for hand tremors while the user is taking the picture.

[0005] In recent years, with the widespread adoption of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, mobile camera modules with AF (autofocus) adjustment capabilities and image stabilization functions have been developing.

[0006] Generally speaking, OIS modules use a lens displacement method that moves the image sensor horizontally based on the movement of the object in the xy coordinate system.

[0007] However, the lens shift method involves an AF module that wobble the lens unit, moving it not only along the x and y axes but also along the z axis. Therefore, the AF module requires space for this wobble. Consequently, the conventional lens shift method suffers from the following problem: it increases the width of the camera module, contradicting the goals of miniaturization and thinning of the imaging device.

[0008] In addition, the conventional lens shift method has another problem: the optical axis of the optical system vibrates because the lens moves horizontally in the AF module. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This disclosure is conceived to address the problems mentioned above. One object of this disclosure is to provide a camera module that is faster and more reliable than conventional AF and OIS functions, and that can be miniaturized and made thinner.

[0010] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a camera module with a structure that is easy to assemble.

[0011] In general, this disclosure provides a camera module comprising: a shield having a hollow portion formed on its upper side for exposing a lens and a fully open surface formed on its lower side; a base connected to the lower side of the shield; a housing disposed on the upper side of the base and configured to move along mutually orthogonal first and second directions on a surface perpendicular to an optical axis; a coil holder configured to move along the optical axis by being housed in the housing, and the coil holder including at least one lens; an actuator including a magnet portion, a first coil pattern portion, and a second coil portion, the magnet portion being disposed on an inner surface of the housing, the first coil pattern portion being disposed on an outer surface of the coil holder to move the coil holder along the optical axis, and the second coil portion being disposed on an upper surface of the base to move the housing housing housing the coil holder along the first and second directions; and a flexible substrate disposed between the second coil portion and the base to apply power for controlling the first coil pattern portion and the second coil portion, respectively.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the first coil pattern portion may be formed as a single coil pattern formed on the flexible substrate.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the first coil pattern portion may be formed as a double coil pattern formed on the flexible substrate.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the first coil pattern portion may be formed as a four-coil pattern formed on the flexible substrate.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the base may include: a base body formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner surface of the shield; an opening formed at the center of the base body; and a connecting portion that protrudes from the outer side of the base body and contacts the inner surface of the shield.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the housing may include at least two lower stops formed by protrusions on its lower surface, and the connecting portion of the base may include a plurality of recesses formed to restrict movement of the housing in the downward direction, the first direction, and the second direction by respectively accommodating the lower stops.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the coil frame may include at least two flanges formed perpendicularly on the outer circumferential surface of the coil frame, and the housing includes a plurality of receiving portions formed at predetermined intervals on the inner surface of the housing to receive the flanges.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the housing may include at least two upper stops that are respectively formed in a protruding manner on the upper surface of the housing and arranged adjacent to the shield.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the first coil pattern portion may be configured to face the inner surface of the magnet portion, and the second coil portion may be configured to face the lower surface of the magnet portion.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the magnet portion may include a neutral portion formed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis at its center.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the second coil portion and the flexible substrate can be connected by welding, and the base body can include a solder ball receiving groove formed to receive solder balls generated when the second coil portion and the flexible substrate are connected by welding.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the second coil portion may be formed as a four-coil pattern.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module may further include an elastic unit configured to transmit power applied by the flexible substrate to the first coil pattern portion and restrict movement of the coil frame along the optical axis direction, the first direction, or the second direction.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the elastic unit may include: an upper spring disposed at the upper part of the housing; a lower spring disposed at the lower part of the housing; and at least two lateral surface springs disposed between the housing and the base.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, two of the lateral surface springs may be electrically connected to the flexible substrate, the two lateral surface springs may be electrically connected to the upper spring, and the upper spring may be electrically connected to one end and the other end of the wound coil of the first coil pattern.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the camera module may further include a Hall sensor portion configured to sense the motion of the actuator by being mounted on the flexible substrate.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible substrate may include a Hall sensor receiving groove formed to accommodate the Hall sensor portion.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the Hall sensor portion may be arranged in a straight line with the magnet portion based on the optical axis.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the magnet portion may include four magnets formed at a predetermined interval of ninety degrees, and the Hall sensor may be formed by two Hall sensors arranged corresponding to adjacent magnets.

[0030] In another general aspect of this disclosure, a lens drive motor is provided, the lens drive motor comprising: a base; a housing disposed on an upper side of the base and configured to move along mutually orthogonal first and second directions on a surface perpendicular to an optical axis; a coil holder configured to move along the optical axis by being housed in the housing, and the coil holder including at least one lens; an actuator including a magnet portion, a first coil pattern portion, and a second coil portion, the magnet portion being disposed on an inner surface of the housing, the first coil pattern portion being disposed on an outer surface of the coil holder to move the coil holder along the optical axis, the second coil portion being disposed on an upper surface of the base to move the housing housing housing the coil holder along the first and second directions; and a flexible substrate disposed between the second coil portion and the base to apply power for controlling the first coil pattern portion and the second coil portion respectively.

[0031] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the first coil pattern portion may be formed as a single coil pattern formed on the flexible substrate.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the first coil pattern portion is formed as a double-coil pattern or a four-coil pattern formed on the flexible substrate.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the coil frame includes at least two flanges respectively formed perpendicularly on the outer circumferential surface of the coil frame, and the housing includes a plurality of receiving portions formed at predetermined intervals on the inner surface of the housing to receive the flanges.

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the first coil pattern portion may be configured to face the inner surface of the magnet portion, and the second coil portion may be configured to face the lower surface of the magnet portion.

[0035] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the magnet portion may include a neutral portion formed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis at its center.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the second coil portion and the flexible substrate can be connected by welding, and the base body can include a solder ball receiving groove formed to receive solder balls generated when the second coil portion and the flexible substrate are connected by welding.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the lens drive motor may further include an elastic unit configured to transmit power applied by the flexible substrate to the first coil pattern portion and restrict the movement of the coil frame along the optical axis direction, the first direction, or the second direction.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the elastic unit may include: an upper spring disposed at the upper part of the housing; a lower spring disposed at the lower part of the housing; and at least two lateral surface springs disposed between the housing and the base.

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, two of the lateral surface springs may be electrically connected to the flexible substrate, the two lateral surface springs may be electrically connected to the upper spring, and the upper spring may be electrically connected to one end and the other end of the wound coil of the first coil pattern.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the lens drive motor may further include a Hall sensor portion configured to sense the motion of the actuator by being mounted on the flexible substrate.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the flexible substrate may include a Hall sensor receiving groove formed to accommodate the Hall sensor portion.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the magnet portion may include four magnets formed at a predetermined interval of ninety degrees, and the Hall sensor may be formed by two Hall sensors arranged corresponding to adjacent magnets.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, an actuator is separately provided that interacts with the magnet section configured for autofocus function. Therefore, the camera module according to the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure has the advantages of speed and improved reliability compared to conventional AF and OIS functions.

[0044] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a lateral surface spring is provided, which gives the camera module according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure the advantages of enhanced shock resistance and anti-shake function.

[0045] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the second coil portion and the magnet portion are arranged in a straight line, thereby facilitating product assembly due to their mutual attraction.

[0046] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, patterned coils are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the coil holder, thereby enabling miniaturization and thinning of the camera module. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a camera module assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the base according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a coil holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an actuator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a view showing an elastic unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the deformed lateral surface spring is shown to facilitate understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 9 This is a side cross-sectional view along the diagonal direction of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 10a This is a schematic diagram illustrating the drive structure of an actuator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for moving a coil frame along the z-axis.

[0057] Figure 10b This is a schematic diagram illustrating the drive structure of an actuator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for moving the housing along the x-axis and y-axis.

[0058] Figure 11a This is a schematic diagram showing a first coil pattern portion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 11b This is a schematic diagram showing a first coil pattern portion according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 11c This is a schematic diagram showing a first coil pattern portion according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Unless otherwise specified herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In the event of a conflict between the conventional meaning of a term used herein and the conventional meaning of the corresponding term, the meaning of the term as defined herein shall prevail over the conventional meaning.

[0062] However, the terminology used herein is for the description of specific exemplary embodiments only. Therefore, the terminology used herein is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Consequently, the definitions of the terminology should be based on the overall content of this disclosure. The same reference numerals are used throughout this disclosure to refer to the same elements of the exemplary embodiments.

[0063] The camera module according to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure has fast and improved reliability in terms of AF and OIS functions, and can achieve enhanced durability of the camera module. These technical features of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a camera module assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Reference Figure 1The z-axis here refers to the direction of the optical axis, the x-axis here refers to the first direction orthogonal to the z-axis, and the y-axis here refers to the second direction orthogonal to both the z-axis and the x-axis.

[0066] Reference Figure 2 A camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may generally include a shield 100, a base 200, a coil holder 300, a housing 400, an actuator 500, a substrate 600, and an elastic unit 700.

[0067] A hollow portion 110 for exposing the lens is formed on the upper side of the shield 100, and a fully open surface (not shown) is formed on the lower side of the shield 100. The base 200 seals the open surface and is connected to the lower side of the shield 100. The connection method between the shield 100 and the base 200 will be described below.

[0068] The housing 400 is arranged on the upper side of the base 200 and is movable along the x-axis and y-axis directions. The coil holder 300 is moved along the z-axis (optical axis direction) by being housed in the housing 400, and the coil holder 300 includes at least one lens.

[0069] To facilitate the movement of the housing 400 and / or the coil holder 300, the actuator 500 may include a magnet portion 510 disposed on the inner surface of the housing 400, a first coil pattern portion 520 disposed on the outer surface of the housing 400 to move the coil holder 300 along the z-axis direction (optical axis direction), and a second coil portion 530 disposed on the upper surface of the base 200 to move the housing 400 housing the coil holder 300 along the x-direction and the y-direction (first direction and second direction).

[0070] Meanwhile, the substrate 600 can be disposed between the second coil portion 530 and the base portion 200 so as to apply power for controlling the first coil pattern portion 520 and the second coil portion 530 respectively.

[0071] Meanwhile, the elastic unit may include an upper spring 710 disposed on the upper part of the housing 400, a lower spring 720 disposed on the lower part of the housing 400, and at least two lateral surface springs 730 disposed between the housing and the base, so as to provide restoring force to the coil holder 300 or the housing 400 and supply the power applied by the substrate 600 to the first coil pattern portion 520.

[0072] In the following, each of these elements according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0073] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The upper side of the shield 100 has a hollow portion 110 for exposing the lens, and the lower side has an open surface (not shown).

[0074] The shield 100 can be attached to the connecting portion 220 of the base 200 in such a state that the inner surface of the shield 100 is attached to the connecting portion 220 of the base 200 (described below). For a tighter connection, at least one connecting hole 120 for connecting with the connecting protrusion 221 of the base 200 (described below) can be formed on the lower part of the lateral surface of the shield 100.

[0075] At the same time, although the mask 100 is shown as a hexahedron in this document, the shape of the mask 100 is not limited to this.

[0076] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the base 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] The base 200 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the open surface of the shield 100. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the base 200 is formed in a square shape. The base 200 is attached to the lower side of the shield 100 and supports from below the components housed in the shield 100 (which will be described below).

[0078] The base 200 may include: a base body 210, which is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner surface of the shield 100; an opening 210a, which is formed at the center of the base body 210; and a connecting portion 220, which protrudes on the outer side of the base body 210 and contacts the inner surface of the shield 100.

[0079] To facilitate a tight connection with the shield 100, a connecting protrusion 221 may be formed on the lateral surface of the connecting portion 220. Alternatively, the connecting protrusion 221 may be formed on the inner lateral surface of the shield 100, and a connecting hole 120 may be formed at the base 200.

[0080] Furthermore, a slotted lateral surface spring slot 211 may be formed on each side of the base body 210 for inserting a second connecting portion 732 of the lateral surface spring 730 (described below).

[0081] Furthermore, the base body may include a solder ball receiving groove 213 and a Hall sensor receiving groove 212 on its upper surface. The solder ball receiving groove 213 is formed to receive solder balls (not shown) generated when the second coil part 530 and the substrate 600 are connected by soldering. The Hall sensor receiving groove 212 is used to receive the Hall sensor part (described below), thereby minimizing the overall volume of the camera module.

[0082] A plurality of solder ball receiving grooves 213 may be formed at predetermined intervals on the upper surface of the base body 210. The Hall sensor receiving groove 212 may be formed in a straight line with the magnet section (described below) based on the z-axis direction (see...). Figure 9 ).

[0083] At the free end of the connecting portion 220, a recess 222 may be formed to restrict the downward movement of the housing 400 and the rotational movement of the x-axis and y-axis by respectively accommodating the lower stop portion 420 of the housing 400 (described below).

[0084] The recess 222 at the free end of the connecting portion 220 may be formed in a semi-circular shape. The lower surface of the recess 222, together with the lower stop portion 420 (described below), may restrict the downward movement of the housing 400, and the lateral surface of the recess 222 may restrict the rotational movement of the housing 400 along the x-axis and y-axis.

[0085] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a coil holder 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Reference Figure 4 The coil holder 300 can be housed within the housing 400, and the coil holder 300 may include a lens barrel (not shown) for photographing an object. The lens barrel may be formed as a cylindrical housing for securing at least one lens (not shown), and the lens barrel may be connected to the inside of the coil holder 300 by a threaded connection 301 or otherwise by a non-threaded connection method.

[0087] The coil holder 300 can be moved along the optical axis (z-axis direction) by means of the actuator 500 (described below).

[0088] Meanwhile, the coil holder 300 may include at least two flanges 310 that project vertically from its outer circumferential surface. The flanges 310 may be accommodated in a receiving portion 410 of the housing 400 (described below). This structure can restrict the downward movement of the coil holder 300.

[0089] The coil holder 300 may include a protruding retaining rib 320 on its outer peripheral surface to secure the first coil pattern portion 520 (described below). The retaining rib 320 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the coil holder 300 on the underside of the flange portion 310.

[0090] Furthermore, corresponding to the upper connecting hole 712a formed at the second support portion 712 of the upper spring 710 (described below), the coil holder 300 may include at least two upper connecting protrusions 330 formed by protrusion on its upper surface, and the coil holder 300 may include at least two prestop portions 340 formed by protrusion adjacent to the shield 100.

[0091] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a housing 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Reference Figure 5 The housing 400 can be arranged on the base 200 to support the coil frame 300.

[0093] When power is applied to the camera module, the housing 400 can be arranged in a floating manner on the base 200 (see...). Figure 9 ).

[0094] More specifically, the housing 400 may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the base 200. Although the base 200 and housing 400 are shown here as square, their shapes are not limited thereto.

[0095] On each lateral surface of the housing 400, a lateral connection protrusion 433 may be formed for connection with the first connection portion 731 (described below) of the lateral spring 730. Furthermore, a first connection hole 731a corresponding to the lateral connection protrusion 433 may be formed at the first connection portion 731 (described below) of the lateral spring 730.

[0096] Furthermore, an upper connecting protrusion 431 for connecting with the upper spring 710 (described below) may be formed on each upper surface of the housing 400 by protrusion. In addition, an upper connecting hole 711a corresponding to the upper connecting protrusion 431 may be formed at the first support portion 711 (described below) of the upper spring 710.

[0097] Furthermore, the housing 400 may include at least two upper stops 430 on its upper surface and at least two lower stops 420 on its lower surface, each of the at least two upper stops 430 being arranged adjacent to the upper inner surface of the shield 100, and each of the at least two lower stops 420 being floatingly arranged on the recess 222.

[0098] The upper stop portion 430 and the lower stop portion 420 can be formed in a straight line based on the z-axis to enhance impact resistance. In addition, the upper stop portion 430 and the lower stop portion 420 can be formed adjacent to the magnet portion 510 to prevent the housing 400 from deforming due to bending stress caused by the weight of the magnet portion 510.

[0099] Furthermore, the housing 400 may include a receiving portion 410 formed on the inner side of its lateral surface. The flange portion 310 of the coil holder 300 may be received in the receiving portion 410 to restrict downward movement of the coil holder 300. The receiving portion 410 may be formed as a convex edge and may protrude continuously on the inner lateral surface of the housing 400. Additionally, the receiving portions 410 may be formed at predetermined intervals as shown in the figure.

[0100] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an actuator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] By using two coil portions 520 and 530 disposed at the magnet portion 510, the actuator 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can realize AF function and OIS function.

[0102] As described above, the actuator 500 may include: a magnet portion 510 disposed on the inner surface of the housing 400; a first coil pattern portion 520 disposed on the outer surface of the coil holder 300 to move the coil holder 300 along the optical axis (z-axis); and a second coil portion 530 disposed on the upper surface of the base 200 to move the housing 400 accommodating the coil holder 300 along a first direction and a second direction (x-axis and y-axis directions).

[0103] Here, the first coil pattern portion 520 can be configured to face the inner surface of the magnet portion 510, and the second coil portion 530 can be configured to face the lower surface of the magnet portion 510.

[0104] More specifically, the first coil pattern portion 520 may be disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the coil holder 300 and may be electrically connected to the substrate 600 for control.

[0105] In other words, by using the current applied to the winding coil, the first coil pattern portion 520 can generate an electromagnetic field and interact with the electromagnetic field of the magnet portion 510, so as to move the coil holder 300 upward and downward along the optical axis (z-axis). This upward and downward movement of the coil holder 300 is limited by the upper spring 710 and the lower spring 720.

[0106] The power applied to the first coil pattern portion 520 can be applied via a pair of lateral springs 730 that pass sequentially through the substrate 600, face each other, and are electrically connected to the substrate 600, and an upper spring 710 that is electrically connected to the pair of lateral springs 730 facing each other. The specific electrical connection relationships for this structure will be described below.

[0107] Meanwhile, the second coil portion 530 can be disposed on the upper surface of the base 200 so that the housing accommodating the coil holder can move along the first direction and the second direction (x-axis and y-axis directions).

[0108] More specifically, the second coil portion 530 can be electrically connected to the substrate 600 by being mounted on the substrate 600, and the second coil portion 530 can be disposed in a plurality of magnets of the magnet portion 510. In the case where the magnet portion 510 includes four magnets formed at a predetermined interval of ninety degrees as shown in the figure, four second coil portions 530 can be disposed accordingly at a predetermined interval of ninety degrees.

[0109] Each of the four second coil sections 530 can be individually controlled by the substrate 600 (described below).

[0110] Of course, it may be necessary to arrange the second coil part 530 on a straight line with the magnet part 510 based on the optical axis (z axis) so that the housing 400 can move along the x-axis and y-axis directions.

[0111] The current applied through the substrate 600 can flow to the wound coil of the second coil section 530 to form an electromagnetic field, and the current can cause the housing 400 to move along the x-axis and y-axis directions by interacting with the electromagnetic field of the magnet section 510.

[0112] Meanwhile, considering the miniaturization of the camera module, and especially considering the reduction of the height in the optical axis (z-axis) direction, the second coil pattern section 530 can be formed as a patterned coil.

[0113] In this case, the lower surface of the second coil portion 530 can be mounted on the substrate 600 by soldering it to the lateral surface of the substrate 600. The solder balls generated during this soldering process may form a height along the z-axis direction of the camera module. Therefore, the base 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may include a solder ball receiving groove 213 formed to accommodate solder balls.

[0114] The relevance of the actuator 500 according to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described below.

[0115] Figure 10aThis is a schematic diagram illustrating the drive structure of an actuator 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for moving the coil holder 300 along the z-axis; and Figure 10b This is a schematic diagram showing the drive structure of an actuator 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for moving the housing 400 along the x-axis and y-axis.

[0116] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 10a and Figure 10b The first coil pattern portion 520 may include an annular portion 521 and a slot portion 522 formed in the center of the annular portion 521. An end 520a and another end 520b may be formed on the upper surface of the annular portion 521 by protrusion, so as to input and output power applied by the substrate 600.

[0117] The annular portion 521 may be a patterned coil in the shape of a ring to guide the applied current to flow in a certain direction. The slot portion 522 may be part of the substrate forming the annular portion 521 or may be removed by cutting. The substrate may be formed as a flexible printed circuit board capable of being wound on the outer peripheral surface of the coil holder 300.

[0118] The following text will describe the upward and downward motion of the coil frame 300 based on the z-axis.

[0119] Reference Figure 10a The upper part of the magnet section 510 may have an S pole located on its left (outer side) and an N pole located on its right (inner side), and conversely, the lower part of the magnet section 510 may have an N pole located on its left (outer side) and an S pole located on its right (inner side). In this case, when the current input (O) from the upper part of the first coil pattern section 520 flows downward and is output (X), the coil frame 300 may move upward due to the influence of the electromagnetic fields of the magnet section 510 and the first coil pattern section 520.

[0120] It will be obvious that by applying current to the first coil pattern section 520 in the opposite direction, the coil frame 300 can move in the downward direction, and the polarity of the magnet section 510 can be reversed.

[0121] The following text will describe the motion of the coil frame 400 to the right and left based on the x-axis and y-axis.

[0122] Reference Figure 10bThe upper part of the magnet section 510 may have an S pole located on its left (outer side) and an N pole located on its right (inner side), and conversely, the lower part of the magnet section 510 may have an N pole located on its left (outer side) and an S pole located on its right (inner side). In this case, when the current input (O) from the left side of the second coil section 530 flows to the right and is output (x), the housing 400 may move to the right due to the influence of the electromagnetic fields of the magnet section 510 and the second coil section 530.

[0123] It will be obvious that by applying current to the second coil section 530 in the opposite direction, the coil frame 300 can move in the left direction, and the polarity of the magnet section 510 can be reversed.

[0124] The magnet portion 510 may include a neutral portion (515) formed in the center of it in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (z-axis) so as to minimize the mutual interference between the first coil pattern portion 520 and the second coil portion 530.

[0125] Because the driving strength is negatively correlated with the current, magnetic flux density, and the distance between the coil and the magnet, the driving power of the camera module can be controlled by current control through the substrate 600.

[0126] Meanwhile, the first coil pattern portion 520 of this disclosure can be implemented in various exemplary embodiments.

[0127] Figure 11a This is a schematic diagram showing a first coil pattern portion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 11b This is a schematic diagram showing a first coil pattern portion according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 11c This is a schematic diagram showing a first coil pattern portion according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] As described above, because the first coil pattern portion 520 needs to be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the coil holder 300, the first coil pattern portion 520 can be formed as a patterned coil on a flexible substrate. In this case, as Figures 11a to 11c As shown, the annular portions formed on the flexible substrate can be formed in the form of one, two, or four. However, unlike what is shown, the annular portions can be formed in various numbers.

[0129] The first coil pattern portion 520, which includes one or more annular portions, can remove the space (S) between the individual annular portions, and thus has space to ensure that the internal components of the camera module can be further incorporated.

[0130] Figure 7 This is a view showing an elastic unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] Reference Figure 7 The elastic unit 700 may include an upper spring 710, a lower spring 720, and a lateral spring 730.

[0132] The upper spring 710, lower spring 720, and lateral spring 730 can be disposed on various surfaces of the housing 400. These springs can be implemented as ordinary disc springs. Alternatively, the upper spring 710, lower spring 720, and lateral spring 730 can each be formed as leaf springs in the shape of individual plates shaped by bending and cutting, to achieve higher production efficiency.

[0133] An upper spring 710 can be connected to the upper surface of the housing 400 and the upper surface of the coil holder 300 to support the coil holder 300. The upper spring 710 can be disposed on the upper part of the housing 400 to provide a restoring force to the coil holder 300 when it moves in an upward direction.

[0134] More specifically, the upper spring 710 may include a power input member 710a and a power output member 710b. Power applied by the substrate 600 flows into the power input member 710a, and the applied power is conducted from the power output member 710b to the first coil pattern portion 520 and flows out.

[0135] The power input component 710a and the power output component 710b can be formed as leaf springs symmetrical to each other about the optical axis. Alternatively, the power input component 710a and the power output component 710b can be formed as a single leaf spring. Furthermore, the power input component 710a and the power output component 710b can be formed as separate leaf springs to independently input / output power.

[0136] Each of the power input member 710a and power output member 710b of the upper spring 710 may include a first support portion 711 connected to the housing 400, a second support portion 712 connected to the coil holder 300, and an upper elastic portion 713, the upper elastic portion 713 including at least one curved portion formed to electrically connect the first support portion 711 and the second support portion 712.

[0137] As shown in the figure, the upper elastic part 713 can be formed as two curved parts between the first support part 711 and the second support part 712.

[0138] As described above, at least one upper connecting protrusion 431 may be formed on the upper surface of the housing 400, and at least one upper connecting hole 711a corresponding to the upper connecting protrusion 431 may be formed at the first support portion 711.

[0139] Furthermore, a first protruding portion 711b electrically connected to the lateral spring 730 (described below) may be formed at the first support portion 711.

[0140] Meanwhile, at least one upper connecting protrusion 330 may be formed on the upper surface of the coil holder 300, and at least one upper connecting hole 711a corresponding to the upper connecting protrusion 330 may be formed on the second support portion 712.

[0141] Furthermore, a second protruding portion 712b electrically connected to one end 520a and the other end 520b of a coil wound on the first coil pattern portion 520 can be formed at each of the second support portions 712 of the power input member 710a and the power output member 710b connected to the upper spring 710.

[0142] The first protruding portion 711b can be electrically connected to the lateral spring 730 by welding, and the second protruding portion 712b can be electrically connected to one end 520a and the other end 520b of the coil.

[0143] Meanwhile, the lower spring 720 can be disposed at the lower part of the housing 400 to support the lower side of the coil holder 300. Since the power of the substrate 600 is input or output in the lower spring 720, the lower spring 720 can be formed as a single leaf spring. The lower spring 720 may also include at least two lower holes 720a, 720b to be connected to a protrusion (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the coil holder 300.

[0144] Meanwhile, to dampen vibrations along the x and y axes, one side of the upper spring 730 can be connected to the lateral surface of the housing 400, and the other side of the upper spring 730 can be connected to the lateral surface of the base 200. Four such lateral springs 730 can be arranged at predetermined intervals of ninety degrees.

[0145] More specifically, each lateral spring 730 may include a first connecting portion 731 to be connected to the lateral surface of the housing 400, a second connecting portion 732 to be connected to the lateral surface of the base 200, and an elastic portion 733 formed perpendicular to the first connecting portion 731 and the second connecting portion 732.

[0146] The elastic portion 733 may include at least one curved portion formed thereon. Two elastic portions 733 in a shape facing each other may be formed in a single lateral spring 730.

[0147] A first connecting hole 731a corresponding to the lateral connecting protrusion 433 formed on the housing 400 may be formed at the first connecting portion 731 of the lateral spring 730.

[0148] Similarly, the second connecting part 732 can be connected to the base 200 in the same manner as the first connecting part 731.

[0149] Additionally, as described above, the second connecting portion 732 can be connected to the base 200 by forming a slotted lateral surface spring slot 211 with the same width as the second connecting portion 732, and the second connecting portion 732 is connected to the lateral surface spring slot 211 by sliding.

[0150] At least two lateral springs 730 facing each other may be provided on the lateral surfaces of the housing 400 and the base 200. Four lateral springs 730 may be provided on each of the four sides of the housing 400.

[0151] Here, the two second connecting portions 732 of the two lateral springs 730a and 730b in the lateral springs 730 can be electrically connected to the substrate 600, respectively. The first connecting portions 731 of the two lateral springs 730a and 730b can be electrically connected to the upper spring 710, respectively. The upper spring 710 can be electrically connected to one end 520a and the other end 520b of the wound coil of the first coil pattern portion 520.

[0152] This structure, used to apply power to the first coil pattern 520, does not require any additional or separate power supply cables, thus offering the advantages of improved reliability and durability of the camera module and the ability to miniaturize the product.

[0153] The substrate 600 may include two solder points 610a, 610b formed to be electrically connected to each of the second connecting portions 732 of the two lateral springs 730a, 730b (see Figure 2 Each of the two second connecting portions 732 may each include a welding portion 732a formed to be welded together with welding points 610a, 610b.

[0154] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a deformed lateral surface spring shown for understanding exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0155] In reference Figure 8 In the illustrated case, the lateral spring 730 is subjected to force in the leftward direction. Here, the lateral springs 730a located on both sides are subjected to force in the fx direction, and the lateral springs 730b located on the front and rear sides are subjected to force in the fy direction.

[0156] It may be required that one end and the other end of the elastic portion 733 in each of the lateral springs 730 be arranged vertically relative to the horizontally formed first connecting portion 731 and second connecting portion 732. At least one bend as the elastic portion 733 may be formed between the first connecting portion 731 and the second connecting portion 732. This structure can satisfy the following conditional equation.

[0157] <Conditional Equations>

[0158] Kx = 0.5 ~ 2.0 Ky

[0159] Kz = 5 ~ 100Kx

[0160] Where K is the spring constant.

[0161] In general, the spring constant in the x-axis direction can be roughly the same as that in the y-axis direction, while the value of the spring constant in the z-axis direction can be five to one hundred times greater than that in the x-axis and y-axis directions.

[0162] The conditional equation is based on the formula f = Kx. Here, f is the force exerted by the magnet and the coil, and x is the distance moved. In other words, when the value of K is small, the coil frame can be moved by the value of f. The spring constant, i.e., the value of K, can be considered in each of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions.

[0163] The lateral spring 730, which provides restoring force for movement in the x and y axes, takes into account movement in the z-axis direction to accommodate the weight of the lens housing coil holder 300 itself. Furthermore, it also takes into account situations where the camera is facing the ground or sky.

[0164] At the same time, refer to Figure 1 The substrate 600 can be mounted on the base 200 by being connected to the upper side of the base 200 in order to control the actuator 500. An image sensor (not shown) for converting optical signals transmitted through the lens into electrical signals and various other components can be mounted on the substrate 600.

[0165] Furthermore, the substrate 600 may include two solder points 610a and 610b to be electrically connected to the lateral spring 730 in order to apply power to the first coil pattern portion 520. As described above, the solder points 610a and 610b can be electrically connected to the solder portion 732a formed at the second connecting portion 732 of the lateral spring 730 by soldering.

[0166] By individually driving the two coil sections 520 and 530, that is, by individually driving the first coil pattern section 520 for moving the coil holder 300 along the z-axis direction (optical axis direction) and the second coil section 530 for moving the housing 400 accommodating the coil holder 300 along the x-axis and y-axis directions, the camera module according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has the advantageous effect of achieving fast and excellent AF and OIS functions.

[0167] Here, the structure and connection relationships of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0168] Figure 9 This is a diagonal side sectional view showing a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In other words, Figure 9 It is along Figure 1 The end view of the section AA in the figure.

[0169] Reference Figure 9 The housing 400 and the base 200 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner surface of the shield 100. Therefore, when the inner surface of the shield 100 is formed to be square, the housing 400 and the base 200 can also be formed to be square.

[0170] Under these conditions, when the cylindrical coil holder 300 housed in the housing 400 is taken into account, each magnet portion 510 of the actuator 500 can be arranged at each edge of the empty space in the housing 400 in order to effectively utilize the internal space of the shield 100. In other words, the magnet portion 510 may include four magnets 511, 512, 513, and 514 arranged at predetermined intervals at a ninety-degree angle on the inner surface of the housing 400.

[0171] Furthermore, the camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may further include a Hall sensor portion 900 configured to sense the movement of the magnet portion 510 by being disposed on the substrate 600. The Hall sensor portion 900 can sense the applied voltage and the intensity and phase of the current flowing into the coil, and can interact with the substrate 600 to precisely control the actuator 500.

[0172] The Hall sensor portion 900 can be disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 600. Alternatively, given that the second coil portion 530 may be mounted or patterned on the upper surface of the substrate 600, the Hall sensor portion 900 can be disposed by electrically connecting it to the lower surface of the substrate 600.

[0173] Furthermore, the Hall sensor portion 900 can be positioned in a straight line with the magnet portion 510 based on the optical axis. The Hall sensor portion 900 can be two Hall sensors respectively disposed at two adjacent edges of the substrate 600. Such a Hall sensor can be as follows: Figure 3 The Hall sensor is housed in the base 200 as shown.

[0174] The Hall sensor portion 900 can be positioned adjacent to the second coil portion 530 rather than adjacent to the magnet portion 510. However, given that the strength of the electromagnetic field generated by the magnet is hundreds of times greater than that generated by the coil, the influence of the second coil portion 530 can be disregarded in terms of sensing the movement of the magnet portion 510.

[0175] Meanwhile, the Hall sensor portion 900 can be disposed on the outer surface of the coil holder 300 or in a recess formed on the outer surface of the coil holder 300, rather than on the substrate 600. Furthermore, the first coil pattern portion 520 can be disposed on the outer surface of the coil holder 300, and the Hall sensor portion 900 can be disposed inside the first coil pattern portion 520. In this case, the Hall sensor portion 900 is not visible from the outside because it is covered by the first coil pattern portion 520. Alternatively, the Hall sensor portion 900 can be disposed on the outside of the first coil pattern portion 520.

[0176] When the Hall sensor portion 900 is arranged on the outside of the coil holder 300 in the manner described above, the terminals of the Hall sensor can be electrically connected to the upper spring 720 or the lower spring 710 to receive power applied by the substrate 600. In this case, the housing 400 arranged at the position corresponding to the Hall sensor may include a sensing magnet (not shown) disposed independently of the magnet portion 510. The Hall sensor portion 900 can sense the position of the coil holder 300 by sensing the magnetic force of the sensing magnet.

[0177] The exemplary embodiments described above are intended to be illustrative and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, variations, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Features, structures, methods, and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein can be combined in various ways to obtain other and / or alternative exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the technical scope of the claims with respect to this disclosure should be determined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lens drive motor, comprising: Base; A housing, the housing being disposed on the base; A coil holder, which is arranged in the housing; A first coil, the first coil being arranged on the coil frame; A magnet, the magnet being disposed on the housing; A second coil, the second coil being arranged on the base; as well as An upper spring is connected to the upper surface of the housing and the upper surface of the coil frame. The first coil includes a first end and a second end. The upper spring includes a power input component and a power output component. Each of the power input component and the power output component of the upper spring includes a first support portion, a second support portion, an upper elastic portion, and a second protrusion. The first support portion is connected to the housing, the second support portion is connected to the coil frame, the upper elastic portion includes at least one curved portion formed to connect the first support portion and the second support portion, and the second protrusion extends from the second support portion. The solder electrically connects the second protrusion of the upper spring to the first end and the second end of the first coil. The first coil is arranged on the outer surface of the coil frame. The coil frame includes a flange portion protruding from the outer surface of the coil frame. The flange portion is spaced apart from the first end and the second end of the first coil. The housing includes a receiving portion for accommodating the flange portion. The lower surface of the flange portion of the coil holder faces the upper surface of the receiving portion to restrict the downward movement of the coil holder. Wherein, the accommodating portion of the housing overlaps with the magnet in the optical axis direction, and The housing portion is arranged in the optical axis direction between the magnet and the flange portion of the coil frame.

2. The lens drive motor according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a first corner and a second corner opposite to each other, as well as a third corner and a fourth corner opposite to each other. Wherein, the first end of the first coil is arranged at a position corresponding to the first corner of the housing, and The second end of the first coil is positioned at a location corresponding to the second corner of the housing.

3. The lens drive motor according to claim 1, wherein, The first coil includes an annular portion disposed on the outer surface of the coil frame. Wherein, the first end of the first coil protrudes upward from the annular portion of the first coil, and The second end of the first coil protrudes upward from the annular portion of the first coil.

4. The lens drive motor according to claim 3, wherein, The first coil is formed as a coil pattern on a flexible substrate, and The first coil includes a slot formed at the center of the annular portion.

5. The lens drive motor according to claim 1, comprising a lateral spring electrically connected to the upper spring.

6. The lens drive motor according to claim 5, wherein, The lateral spring includes a first connecting portion connected to the lateral surface of the housing, a second connecting portion connected to the lateral surface of the base, and an elastic portion connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The elastic portion of the lateral spring includes at least one bent portion.

7. The lens drive motor according to claim 6, wherein, The lateral spring includes a first connecting hole formed on the first connecting portion of the lateral spring and corresponding to a lateral connecting protrusion formed on the housing.

8. The lens drive motor according to claim 6, wherein, The second connecting portion of the lateral spring is connected to the base. The base includes a lateral surface spring slot, which is a slot with a width equal to the width of the second connecting portion. The second connecting part is connected by sliding in the spring slot on the lateral surface.

9. The lens drive motor according to claim 5, comprising: The second coil section includes the second coil; as well as A substrate, wherein the substrate is disposed between the second coil portion and the base portion. The lateral spring is electrically connected to the substrate.

10. The lens drive motor according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the power input component and the power output component of the upper spring includes a first protrusion extending from the first support portion. The solder electrically connects the first protrusion of the upper spring to the lateral spring. The power applied by the substrate flows into the power input member, and The applied power is conducted to the first coil and flows out from the power output component.

11. The lens drive motor according to claim 2, wherein, The magnet includes a first magnet disposed at the first corner of the housing, a second magnet disposed at the second corner of the housing, a third magnet disposed at the third corner of the housing, and a fourth magnet disposed at the fourth corner of the housing. Wherein, the first end of the first coil is arranged at a position corresponding to the first magnet, and The second end of the first coil is positioned at a location corresponding to the second magnet.

12. The lens drive motor according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first end and the second end of the first coil includes a rectangular loop shape, and The lower surface of the flange portion of the coil frame is in direct contact with the upper surface of the receiving portion to restrict the downward movement of the coil frame.

13. The lens drive motor according to claim 1, wherein, The coil holder includes retaining ribs projecting from the outer surface of the coil holder to secure the first coil, and The fixing rib is disposed on the outer surface of the coil frame on the lower side of the flange.

14. The lens drive motor of claim 1, comprising a shielding cover that covers the housing and is coupled to the base. in, The base includes a base body, an opening, and a connecting portion. The base body is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner surface of the shield. The opening is formed at the center of the base body. The connecting portion is connected to the shield surface by protruding at the outer surface of the base body.

15. The lens drive motor according to claim 14, wherein, The housing includes a lower stop that protrudes from the lower surface of the housing. The connecting portion of the base includes a recess configured to restrict the movement of the housing by accommodating the lower stop portion of the housing. The housing includes an upper stop that protrudes from the upper surface of the housing and is arranged adjacent to the shield.

16. A lens drive motor, comprising: Base; A housing, the housing being disposed on the base; A coil holder, which is arranged in the housing; A magnet, the magnet being disposed on the housing; A first coil, the first coil being arranged on the coil frame and configured to move the coil frame in the optical axis direction; A second coil is arranged on the base and configured to move the housing in a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to the optical axis and to each other. as well as An upper spring is connected to the upper surface of the housing and the upper surface of the coil frame. The first coil includes a first end and a second end. The upper spring includes a power input component and a power output component. Each of the power input component and the power output component of the upper spring includes a first support portion, a second support portion, an upper elastic portion, and a second protrusion. The first support portion is connected to the housing, the second support portion is connected to the coil frame, the upper elastic portion includes at least one curved portion formed to connect the first support portion and the second support portion, and the second protrusion extends from the second support portion. The second protrusion of the upper spring is connected to the first end and the second end of the first coil. The housing includes a first corner and a second corner opposite to each other, as well as a third corner and a fourth corner opposite to each other. The first end of the first coil is positioned at a location corresponding to the first corner of the housing. The second end of the first coil is positioned at a location corresponding to the second corner of the housing. The first coil is arranged on the outer surface of the coil frame. The coil frame includes a flange portion protruding from the outer surface of the coil frame. The flange portion is spaced apart from the first end and the second end of the first coil. The housing includes a receiving portion for accommodating the flange portion. The lower surface of the flange portion of the coil holder faces the upper surface of the receiving portion to restrict the downward movement of the coil holder. Wherein, the accommodating portion of the housing overlaps with the magnet in the optical axis direction, and The housing portion is arranged in the optical axis direction between the magnet and the flange portion of the coil frame.

17. The lens drive motor according to claim 16, wherein, The first coil includes an annular portion disposed on the outer surface of the coil frame. Wherein, the first end of the first coil protrudes upward from the annular portion of the first coil, and The second end of the first coil protrudes upward from the annular portion of the first coil.

18. The lens drive motor according to claim 17, wherein, The first coil is formed as a coil pattern on a flexible substrate, and The first coil includes a slot formed at the center of the annular portion.

19. A camera module, comprising: Printed circuit board (PCB); An image sensor, wherein the image sensor is disposed on the PCB; The lens drive motor according to any one of claims 1 to 18; as well as A lens, which is connected to the coil frame of the lens drive motor.

20. A camera device comprising the camera module according to claim 19.

Images