Sensor shift module and camera module having the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sensor shift module and a camera module having the sensor shift module. The camera module includes: a housing; a carrier that is movable in a first direction and disposed in the housing; a first body that is movably disposed within the carrier; an image sensor disposed on the first body and having an imaging surface facing the first direction; and a support ball disposed between the carrier and the first body. The first body moves relative to the carrier perpendicular to the first direction while being supported by the support ball.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2021 - 0162475, filed on November 23, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a sensor shift module for achieving optical image stabilization by driving an image sensor and a camera module having the sensor shift module. Background art

[0004] With the development of communication technologies, mobile devices such as smart phones can be widely popularized, and thus, the demand for the functions of cameras in mobile devices can gradually increase. For example, cameras included in mobile devices can be manufactured to provide advanced shooting functions (e.g., autofocus function, anti - shake function, etc.) that can be achieved in digital single - lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, although their size is small.

[0005] An image stabilization (IS) function (e.g., a hand - shake correction function) is a function for preventing image blurring that occurs when the camera shakes during the exposure time and is necessary when shooting in low - light environments with a large amount of shake and a long exposure time. Image stabilization is mainly classified into digital image stabilization (DIS), electronic IS (EIS), and optical IS (OIS). Among them, OIS (optical IS) can correct the optical path by moving a lens or an image sensor in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby fundamentally preventing image degradation caused by vibration. Since OIS requires a mechanical actuator, the implementation of the device may be complex, but it provides the maximum compensation for performance instead of high cost.

[0006] Since the lens barrel contains an optical system, a relatively large amount of force may be required to drive the lens barrel. Since the image sensor is relatively light, it may be advantageous to drive the image sensor to achieve the image stabilization function with a relatively small amount of force.

[0007] On the other hand, cameras used in mobile devices mainly provide a shake compensation function to prevent shake only in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when taking a photo. However, there may be cases where it is necessary to move the image sensor in more different directions to compensate for shake in a more dynamic environment, such as when recording a video with a mobile device.

[0008] The above information is presented only as background information to help understand the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made as to whether any of the above can be applied as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is provided to introduce some concepts further described in the following detailed description in a simplified form. The present invention is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] In one general aspect, a camera module includes: a housing; a carrier that is movable in a first direction and disposed in the housing; a first body that is movably disposed within the carrier; an image sensor disposed on the first body and having an imaging surface facing the first direction; and a support ball disposed between the carrier and the first body. The first body moves relative to the carrier perpendicular to the first direction while being supported by the support ball.

[0011] The camera module may further include an autofocus driver and a ball member. The autofocus driver includes an autofocus actuator that moves the carrier in the first direction relative to the housing, and the ball member is disposed between the carrier and the housing.

[0012] The autofocus actuator may include an autofocus coil and an autofocus magnet. The autofocus coil is coupled to one of the housing and the carrier, and the autofocus magnet is coupled to the other of the carrier and the housing and faces the autofocus coil in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] The camera module may further include a yoke disposed on one side of the autofocus coil.

[0014] The autofocus actuator may be disposed below the carrier and includes an autofocus coil and an autofocus magnet. The autofocus coil is coupled to one of the housing and the carrier, and the autofocus magnet is coupled to the other of the housing and the carrier and faces the autofocus coil in the first direction.

[0015] The camera module may further include a first elastic member disposed between the carrier and the housing. The ball member may be disposed on one side of the carrier, and the first elastic member may be disposed on the other side of the carrier to push the carrier toward the ball member.

[0016] The camera module may further include a second elastic member disposed between the lower portion of the carrier and the housing to support the carrier in the first direction.

[0017] The camera module may further include: a second body movably disposed on the first body, wherein the image sensor may be disposed on the second body; a first driver for moving the second body relative to the vehicle in a direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second driver for rotating the second body relative to the vehicle about an axis parallel to the first direction; and a third driver for rotating the second body about an axis perpendicular to the first direction relative to the first body.

[0018] The third driver may include an inclined guide ball disposed between the first body and the second body, wherein the inclined guide ball may provide a center of inclination of the second body relative to the first body.

[0019] The first body may be disposed between the lower surface of the second body and the bottom surface of the vehicle.

[0020] The first driver may include a first actuator, and the first actuator may include a first drive magnet and a first drive coil. The first drive magnet is disposed on the second body, and the first drive coil is disposed on the vehicle in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and faces the first drive magnet.

[0021] The second driver may include a second actuator, wherein the second actuator may include a second drive magnet and a second drive coil. The second drive magnet is disposed on the second body, and the second drive coil is disposed on the vehicle to face the second drive magnet in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0022] The second body may have four side surfaces forming a quadrilateral, and the first drive magnet and the second drive magnet may be respectively disposed on different side surfaces among the four side surfaces.

[0023] The second body may have a first side and a second side forming a corner, and the second drive magnet may be disposed on the first side or the second side and may be positioned near the corner.

[0024] The third driver may include a third actuator, wherein the third actuator may include a third drive magnet and a third drive coil. The third drive magnet is disposed on the second body, and the third drive coil is disposed on the vehicle to face the third drive magnet in the first direction.

[0025] The third drive magnet may be the first drive magnet or the second drive magnet.

[0026] The third driver may further include a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member respectively disposed on the first body and the second body, and the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member face each other in the first direction.

[0027] In another general aspect, a sensor shift module includes: a vehicle; a support ball disposed on the vehicle; a first body disposed on the support ball and movable in a plane; an inclined guide ball disposed on the first body; a second body disposed on the inclined guide ball and rotatable about a first direction perpendicular to the plane, and rotatable about a second direction and a third direction perpendicular to the first direction; and an image sensor disposed on the second body and having an imaging surface facing the first direction.

[0028] The camera module may include a sensor shift module, a housing, and a ball member, wherein the vehicle may be movable in a first direction and disposed in the housing, and the ball member may be disposed between the vehicle and the housing.

[0029] The camera module may further include: an autofocus actuator configured to move the vehicle in a first direction relative to the housing; a first actuator including a first drive magnet and configured to move the second body in a direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the vehicle; a second actuator including a second drive magnet and configured to rotate the second body about an axis parallel to the first direction relative to the vehicle; and a third actuator including one or more of the first drive magnet and the second drive magnet and configured to rotate the second body about an axis perpendicular to the first direction relative to the first body.

[0030] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the claims, the drawings, and the following detailed description. Description of the Drawings

[0031] Figure 1 Schematically shows components constituting a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2A Shows a sensor shift module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2B Shows actuators constituting an OIS driver according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2C Shows a lower surface of a first movable body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 Shows an arrangement of support balls in an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Shows an arrangement of a first OIS driver and a second OIS driver according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5A and Figure 5BShows the movement of a second movable body caused by a first OIS driver according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0038] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Shows the rolling of a second movable body caused by a second OIS driver according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0039] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Shows the tilting of a first movable body caused by a third OIS driver according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0040] Figure 9 Shows a camera module according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 10 Shows a camera module according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Shows a camera module according to a third exemplary embodiment and a fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, like reference numerals denote like elements. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, proportions, and descriptions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Description

[0044] Hereinafter, although examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0045] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely an example and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but may be changed as will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure, except for operations that must occur in a certain order. In addition, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.

[0046] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and will not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Instead, the examples described herein are provided only to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure.

[0047] In this document, it should be noted that the use of the term "may" with respect to an example or embodiment, such as what an example or embodiment may include or implement, means that there is at least one example or embodiment that includes or implements this feature, and all examples and embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0048] Throughout the specification, when an element (such as a layer, region, or substrate) is described as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements intervening between them. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly" "on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no other elements intervening between them.

[0049] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items; likewise, "at least one of..." includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items.

[0050] Although terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various components, elements, regions, layers, or parts, these components, elements, regions, layers, or parts are not limited by these terms. Instead, these terms are only used to distinguish one component, element, region, layer, or part from another. Thus, the first component, first element, first region, first layer, or first part referred to in the examples described herein may also be referred to as the second component, second element, second region, second layer, or second part without departing from the teachings of the examples.

[0051] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "upper," "below," "lower," etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another as shown in the figures. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, such spatial relative terms are intended to also encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "above" or "upper" relative to another element will then be "below" or "lower" relative to the other element. Thus, the term "above" encompasses both the above and below orientations, depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various examples only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The articles "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" specify the presence of the stated features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0053] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the drawings may vary. Accordingly, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0054] As will be apparent after obtaining an understanding of the present disclosure, the features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways. In addition, although the examples described herein have various configurations, as will be apparent after obtaining an understanding of the present disclosure, other configurations are also possible.

[0055] In this document, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction respectively represent directions parallel to the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis as shown in the drawings. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the X direction is a concept that includes the +X axis direction and the -X axis direction, and the same applies to the Y direction and Z direction.

[0056] When two directions (or axes) in this document are parallel or perpendicular to each other, it also includes the case where the two directions (or axes) are respectively substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to each other. For example, a first axis and a second axis that are perpendicular to each other indicate that the first axis and the second axis form an angle of 90 degrees or close to 90 degrees.

[0057] Paragraphs starting with "In one example / In an example" in this document do not necessarily refer to the same example. Specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner consistent with the present disclosure.

[0058] In this document, "configured to" means that a component includes the structure necessary to implement a certain function.

[0059] One aspect of the present disclosure can enable a camera to provide effective optical image stabilization with very little power. In addition, the object of the present disclosure can be achieved by driving an image sensor in different directions to provide an autofocus (AF) control function and an excellent shake correction function.

[0060] 1. Camera module

[0061] Figure 1 Components constituting the camera module 1 according to an exemplary embodiment are schematically shown.

[0062] In one example, the camera module 1 includes a lens module 20 and an image sensor 11. The lens module 20 includes at least one lens 21 and a lens barrel 22 that houses the at least one lens 21. Light L passes through the lens module 20 and strikes the imaging surface of the image sensor 11. The camera module 1 may include a first AF driver 23 that moves the lens module 20 in the optical axis direction to adjust the focal length. The first AF driver 23 may include, for example, a coil and a magnet that face each other. The coil may be fixedly coupled to the lens module 20, the magnet may be coupled to a fixed body such as a housing, and the electromagnetic interaction between the coil and the magnet may cause the lens module 20 to move in the optical axis direction.

[0063] Focus adjustment may be achieved by driving the image sensor 11 instead of the lens module 20. For example, a second AF driver 13 may move the image sensor 11 in the optical axis direction. Examples of the second AF driver 13 will be described with reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10

[0064] In an example, the camera module 1 may include a sensor shift module 10. The sensor shift module 10 may include components required to implement the OIS function or the AF function by driving the image sensor 11. For example, the sensor shift module 10 may include the image sensor 11 and a part of one or both of the OIS driver 12 and the second AF driver 13 for driving the image sensor 11. The sensor shift module 10 may refer only to the OIS driver 12 other than the image sensor 11.

[0065] In one example, in addition to the lens module 20 and the image sensor 11, the camera module 1 may further include optical elements. In one example, the camera module 1 may include two or more lens modules. For example, the first optical element 30 and / or the second optical element 40 may be a lens module different from the lens module 20.

[0066] In an example, the camera module 1 may include an optical path changing element disposed in front of the lens module 20. For example, the first optical element 30 may be a prism or a mirror. In another example, the optical path changing element may be disposed between the image sensor 11 and the lens module 20. For example, the second optical element 40 may be a prism or a mirror.

[0067] Hereinafter, the sensor shift module 100 described with reference to Figures 2A to 8 may be applied to the camera module 1 of Figure 1

[0068] 2. Sensor Shift

[0069] Figure 2A FIG. shows a sensor shift module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.Figure 2B An actuator constituting an OIS driver according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 2C A traction device between a first movable body and a fixed body in an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0070] The sensor shift module 100 may include an OIS driver. The OIS driver may include at least one of a first OIS driver, a second OIS driver, and a third OIS driver, which will be described later. The first OIS driver moves the image sensor 111 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the second OIS driver rotates the image sensor 111 based on an axis parallel to the optical axis, and the third OIS driver may rotate the image sensor 111 based on an axis perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0071] Figure 1 The OIS driver 12 of the camera module 1 may include one or more of a first OIS driver, a second OIS driver, and a third OIS driver.

[0072] 2.1. Translation + Rolling OIS

[0073] 2.1.1. Structure

[0074] The sensor shift module 100 may include a first OIS driver for driving the image sensor 111. In an example, the sensor shift module 100 includes a second movable body (also referred to as a second main body) 110 and a first movable body (also referred to as a first main body) 130 for carrying the second movable body 110. The second movable body 110 includes the image sensor 111. The second movable body 110 may be movably disposed within the first movable body 130. The second movable body 110 is a component that moves together with the image sensor 111. For example, the second movable body 110 may include a sensor substrate 112 on which the image sensor 111 is mounted and a sensor holder 113 coupled to the sensor substrate 112. The second movable body 110 may be moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis relative to the fixed body 170 by the first OIS driver.

[0075] Refer to Figure 2B , signals of the image sensor 111 may be sent to another electronic component (e.g., an image signal processor (ISP)) through the sensor substrate 112 and the connector 190.

[0076] In the example, the sensor shift module 100 may include a first OIS driver that moves the image sensor 111 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O. Through the first OIS driver, the second movable body 110 may move relative to the fixed body 170 in a direction orthogonal to the direction facing the imaging surface 111a of the image sensor 111. In the example, the first OIS driver may compensate for jitter in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O of the electronic device or camera module 1 in which the image sensor 111 is mounted. In the example, the first OIS driver may move the image sensor 111 in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis O. The first direction and the second direction may cross each other. For example, the first OIS driver may move the second movable body 110 in the X direction and / or the Y direction perpendicular to the Z axis, and thus, may correct jitter in the X direction and / or jitter in the Y direction.

[0077] In this document, the direction facing the imaging surface 111a of the image sensor 111 may be referred to as the optical axis O direction. For example, the second movable body 110 may move relative to the fixed body 170 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O. In the drawings of the present disclosure, the optical axis O parallel to the Z axis is shown, and thus the Z direction refers to the direction parallel to the optical axis O. In addition, the X direction or the Y direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the optical axis O. For example, in the present disclosure, moving the second movable body 110 in the X direction may be understood as moving the second movable body 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O. As another example, as shown in Figure 2A , the first drive magnet 121 and the first drive coil 122 face each other in the X direction, and may be understood as the first drive magnet 121 and the first drive coil 122 facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O. In addition, the X direction or the Y direction is an example of two directions perpendicular to the optical axis and intersecting each other, and in the present disclosure, the X direction and the Y direction may be understood as two directions perpendicular to the optical axis O and intersecting each other.

[0078] In the example, the sensor shift module 100 may include a second OIS driver that rotates the image sensor 111 about an axis parallel to the optical axis O. Through the second OIS driver, the second movable body 110 may rotate relative to the fixed body 170 about an axis parallel to the direction facing the imaging surface 111a of the image sensor 111. In the example, the second OIS driver may correct the rotation of the electronic device or camera module 1 in which the image sensor 111 is mounted about an axis parallel to the optical axis O.

[0079] 2.1.2. First Actuator (Translation)

[0080] Refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B, in the example, the first OIS driver includes a first actuator 120 disposed between the fixed body 170 and the second movable body 110. In the example, the first actuator 120 may include a first drive magnet 121 coupled to the second movable body 110 and a first drive coil 122 coupled to the fixed body 170. For example, referring to Figure 2A , in one example, the first drive coil 122 and the first drive magnet 121 are respectively coupled to the inner side of the fixed body 170 and one side of the second movable body 110. The first drive magnet 121 and the first drive coil 122 face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O (e.g., the X direction or the Y direction). The electromagnetic interaction between the first drive magnet 121 and the first drive coil 122 causes the second movable body 110 to move relative to the fixed body 170 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O.

[0081] The first OIS driver may include a plurality of first actuators 120, and each of the first actuators 120 may include a first drive magnet 121 and a first drive coil 122. For example, the first OIS driver may include a 1-1 actuator 120-1 disposed on the first side surface 110a-1 of the second movable body 110 and a 1-2 actuator 120-2 disposed on the second side surface 110a-2 of the second movable body 110. Referring to Figure 2B , the 1-1 actuator 120-1 includes a 1-1 drive magnet 121-1 and a 1-1 drive coil 122-1. The 1-2 actuator 120-2 includes a 1-2 drive magnet 121-2 and a 1-2 drive coil 122-2.

[0082] , in the example, the first OIS driver may further include a yoke 123 disposed on one side of the first drive magnet 121 and / or the first drive coil 122. The yoke 123 attached to one side of the first drive coil 122 concentrates the magnetic field generated in the first drive coil 122 in the direction toward the first drive magnet 121. Since the yoke 123 is disposed on one side of the first drive coil 122, it is possible to prevent or minimize the influence of the magnetic field generated by the first drive coil 122 on other electronic components. The yoke 123 attached to one side of the first drive magnet 121 concentrates the magnetic field generated in the first drive magnet 121 in the direction toward the first drive coil 122.

[0083] In this document, the first drive coil 122 and the first drive magnet 121 are described as being respectively coupled to the fixed body 170 and the second movable body 110, but this is for ease of description, and in another example, the first drive coil 122 and the first drive magnet 121 may be respectively coupled to the second movable body 110 and the fixed body 170.

[0084] 2.1.3. Second Actuator (Rolling)

[0085] Referring to Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the example, the second OIS driver includes a second actuator 150 disposed between the fixed body 170 and the second movable body 110. In the example, the second actuator 150 may include a second drive magnet 151 coupled to the second movable body 110 and a second drive coil 152 coupled to the fixed body 170. For example, referring to Figure 2A In one example, the second drive coil 152 and the second drive magnet 151 are respectively coupled to the inner surface of the fixed body 170 and one side of the second movable body 110. The second drive magnet 151 and the second drive coil 152 face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O. The electromagnetic interaction between the second drive magnet 151 and the second drive coil 152 can cause the second movable body 110 to rotate relative to the fixed body 170 about an axis parallel to the optical axis O.

[0086] The second OIS driver may include a plurality of second actuators 150, and each of the second actuators 150 may include a second drive magnet 151 and a second drive coil 152. For example, the second OIS driver may include a 2-1 actuator 150-1 disposed on the third side surface 110a-3 of the second movable body 110 and a 2-2 actuator 150-2 disposed on the fourth side surface 110a-4 of the second movable body 110. Referring to Figure 2B The 2-1 actuator 150-1 includes a 2-1 drive magnet 151-1 and a 2-1 drive coil 152-1. The 2-2 actuator 150-2 includes a 2-2 drive magnet 151-2 and a 2-2 drive coil 152-2.

[0087] In the example, the second OIS driver may further include a yoke 153 disposed on one side of the second drive magnet 151 and / or the second drive coil 152. The yoke 153 attached to one side of the second drive coil 152 causes the magnetic field generated in the second drive coil 152 to concentrate in the direction toward the second drive magnet 151. When the yoke 153 is disposed on one side of the second drive coil 152, the magnetic field generated by the second drive coil 152 can be prevented from affecting other electronic components, or its influence can be significantly reduced. The yoke 153 attached to one side of the second drive magnet 151 causes the magnetic field generated by the second drive magnet 151 to concentrate in the direction toward the second drive coil 152.

[0088] In this document, the second drive coil 152 and the second drive magnet 151 are described as being respectively coupled to the fixed body 170 and the second movable body 110, but this is for ease of description, and in another example, the second drive coil 152 and the second drive magnet 151 may be respectively coupled to the second movable body 110 and the fixed body 170.

[0089] 2.1.4. Ball guide / support

[0090] The first movable body 130 (or the second movable body 110) can be moved in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis O by the first OIS driver or the second OIS driver. This movement of the first movable body 130 can be supported by the support ball 141. The support ball 141 can partially constitute the first OIS driver or the second OIS driver.

[0091] The second movable body 110 can be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis O by the third OIS driver. This movement of the second movable body 110 can be supported by the tilt guide ball 164.

[0092] The first movable body 130 is disposed between the second movable body 110 and the fixed body 170. For example, the first movable body 130 can be disposed between the lower surface 110d of the second movable body 110 and the bottom surface 171 of the fixed body 170. The first movable body 130 can guide or support the movement of the second movable body 110. The second movable body 110 is rotatably supported by the tilt guide ball 164 disposed on the first movable body 130. The first movable body 130 can be disposed on the bottom surface 171 of the fixed body 170 and can move in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis O, and thus, the second movable body 110 can move relative to the fixed body 170 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis O.

[0093] Figure 3 The arrangement of the support ball 141 in an exemplary embodiment is shown. The support ball 141 is disposed between the lower surface 131 of the first movable body 130 and the bottom surface 171 of the fixed body 170. For example, referring to Figure 3 , three support balls 141 can be disposed on the bottom surface 171 of the fixed body 170. The first movable body 130 and the fixed body 170 can include grooves for partially accommodating the support ball 141. For example, the first groove 142 and the second groove 143 can be respectively disposed in the fixed body 170 and the first movable body 130.

[0094] At least one of the first groove 142 and the second groove 143 can be configured such that the support ball 141 can move within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O relative to the fixed body 170 or the first movable body 130. For example, the second groove 143 can be formed to contact the support ball 141 at a point, and the support ball 141 can roll or slide within the second groove 143 within a predetermined range. Thus, the first movable body 130 or the second movable body 110 can be moved relative to the fixed body 170 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis O by the first OIS driver or the second OIS driver.

[0095] In an example, the first OIS driver may include a first position sensor capable of measuring how much the second movable body 110 has moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O. The first position sensor may be a Hall sensor or a magnetoresistive sensor. In an example, the first position sensor may be disposed within the first drive coil 122 to face the first drive magnet 121. The interior of the coil refers to the empty space corresponding to the winding center of the coil.

[0096] In another example, the first OIS driver includes a sensing magnet different from the first drive magnet 121, and the first position sensor may be disposed to face the sensing magnet. For example, the first position sensor and the sensing magnet may be disposed to face the fixed body 170 or the first movable body 130 in the optical axis direction (e.g., in the Z direction), respectively.

[0097] In an example, the first OIS driver may include a second position sensor capable of measuring how much the second movable body 110 has rotated along an axis parallel to the optical axis O. The second position sensor may be a Hall sensor or a magnetoresistive sensor. In an example, the second position sensor may be disposed within the second drive coil 152 to face the second drive magnet 151.

[0098] In another example, the second OIS driver includes a sensing magnet different from the second drive magnet 151, and the second position sensor may be disposed to face the sensing magnet. For example, the second position sensor and the sensing magnet may be disposed to face the fixed body 170 or the first movable body 130 in the optical axis direction (e.g., in the Z direction), respectively.

[0099] The second position sensor may be the same component as the first position sensor. For example, one position sensor may be used to measure the translational motion (e.g., the motion performed by the first OIS driver) and the rotational motion (e.g., the motion performed by the second OIS driver) of the second movable body 110.

[0100] 2.1.5. Actuator Arrangement

[0101] Figure 4A and Figure 4B shows an arrangement of the first OIS driver and the second OIS driver according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0102] Referring to Figure 2B 、 Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the second movable body 110 may include four side surfaces 110a-1, 110a-2, 110a-3, and 110a-4 that form a quadrilateral, and two adjacent ones of the four side surfaces 110a-1, 110a-2, 110a-3, and 110a-4 form a corner.

[0103] The second movable body 110 may include a first side surface 110a-1, a second side surface 110a-2, a third side surface 110a-3, and a fourth side surface 110a-4 along the clockwise direction. A first corner 110b-1 is formed at the boundary between the first side surface 110a-1 and the second side surface 110a-2, a second corner 110b-2 is formed at the boundary between the second side surface 110a-2 and the third side surface 110a-3, a third corner 110b-3 is formed at the boundary between the third side surface 110a-3 and the fourth side surface 110a-4, and a fourth corner 110b-4 is formed at the boundary between the fourth side surface 110a-4 and the first side surface 110a-1. The side surface 110a of the second movable body 110 may be the side surface of the sensor holder 113.

[0104] In one example, the four side surfaces 110a-1, 110a-2, 110a-3, and 110a-4 are parallel to the horizontal side 111b or the vertical side 111c of the image sensor 111, and the four corners 110b may be located on the diagonal directions D1 and D2 of the image sensor 111.

[0105] The first actuator 120 and the second actuator 150 may be respectively disposed on different sides of the four side surfaces 110a-1, 110a-2, 110a-3, and 110a-4. For example, the 1-1 actuator 120-1, the 1-2 actuator 120-2, the 2-1 actuator 150-1, and the 2-2 actuator 150-2 are respectively disposed at the first side surface 110a-1, the second side surface 110a-2, the third side surface 110a-3, and the fourth side surface 110a-4.

[0106] Refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the second actuator 150 constituting the second OIS driver may be positioned close to the corner 110b of the second movable body 110. By disposing the second actuator 150 close to the corner 110b, the second movable body 110 can be effectively rotated.

[0107] Refer to Figure 4A , the 1-1 actuator 120-1 and the 1-2 actuator 120-2 constituting the first OIS driver are located in the central portions of the first side surface 110a-1 and the second side surface 110a-2. The 2-1 actuator 150-1 and the 2-2 actuator 150-2 constituting the second OIS driver are respectively disposed on the third side surface 110a-3 and the fourth side surface 110a-4. The 2-1 actuator 150-1 and the 2-2 actuator 150-2 may be respectively disposed adjacent to the second corner 110b-2 and the third corner 110b-3.

[0108] Refer toFigure 4B The 2-1 actuator 150-1 and the 2-2 actuator 150-2 that constitute the second OIS driver are respectively disposed on the third side surface 110a-3 and the fourth side surface 110a-4. The 2-1 actuator 150-1 and the 2-2 actuator 150-2 may be respectively disposed adjacent to the third corner 110b-3 and the fourth corner 110b-4.

[0109] 2.2. Tilt OIS

[0110] 2.2.1. Structure

[0111] Referring to Figure 2A , the sensor shift module 100 may include a third OIS driver. The sensor shift module 100 may include a third OIS driver that moves the second movable body 110 relative to the fixed body 170. The third OIS driver may rotate the second movable body 110 relative to the fixed body 170 based on an axis perpendicular to the optical axis O (e.g., Figure 2B the first axis A1 or the second axis A2 in

[0112] The first movable body 130 may be movably disposed within the fixed body 170. The second movable body 110 may be moved relative to the fixed body 170 by the third OIS driver. The image sensor 111 may be coupled to the second movable body 110. The image sensor 111 may be movably coupled to the first movable body 130. For example, the image sensor 111 may be coupled to the second movable body 110, and the second movable body 110 may be movably coupled to the first movable body 130. The second movable body 110 may be moved relative to the fixed body 170 by the first OIS driver or the second OIS driver.

[0113] 2.2.2. Third Actuator (Tilt)

[0114] Referring to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the third OIS driver includes a third actuator 160 disposed between the fixed body 170 and the second movable body 110. The third actuator 160 may include a third drive magnet 161 coupled to the second movable body 110 and a third drive coil 162 coupled to the fixed body 170 to face the third drive magnet 161.

[0115] In an example, the third actuator 160 may further include a yoke 163. The yoke 163 may be disposed on one side of the third drive magnet 161 and / or the third drive coil 162.

[0116] In an example, the third drive magnet 161 may be the first drive magnet 121 of the first OIS driver or the second drive magnet 151 of the second OIS driver. For example, the first drive magnet 121 or the second drive magnet 151 may partially constitute the third OIS driver. For example, one or more of the 1-1 drive magnet 121-1, 1-2 drive magnet 121-2, 2-1 drive magnet 151-1, and 2-2 drive magnet 151-2 may be used as the third drive magnet 161. Therefore, the component described as the third drive magnet 161 in this document may be understood as the first drive magnet 121 or the second drive magnet 151.

[0117] The third OIS driver may include a plurality of third actuators 160, and each of the third actuators 160 may include a third drive magnet 161 and a third drive coil 162. For example, referring to Figure 2B , the third OIS driver may include four third actuators 160 corresponding to the 1-1 actuator 120-1, 1-2 actuator 120-2, 2-1 actuator 150-1, and 2-2 actuator 150-2, respectively.

[0118] In one example, the third actuator 160 may include a 3-1 actuator 160-1, a 3-2 actuator 160-2, a 3-3 actuator 160-3, and a 3-4 actuator 160-4.

[0119] Referring to Figure 2B , the 3-1 actuator 160-1 includes a 3-1 drive magnet 161-1 and a 3-1 drive coil 162-1. The 3-2 actuator 160-2 includes a 3-2 drive magnet 161-2 and a 3-2 drive coil 162-2. The 3-3 actuator 160-3 includes a 3-3 drive magnet 161-3 and a 3-3 drive coil 162-3. The 3-4 actuator 160-4 includes a 3-4 drive magnet 161-4 and a 3-4 drive coil 162-4.

[0120] The driving magnets 121-1 of 1-1, the driving magnets 121-2 of 1-2, the driving magnets 151-1 of 2-1, and the driving magnets 151-2 of 2-2 can be used as the driving magnets 161-1, 161-2, 161-3, and 161-4 of the actuators 160-1 of 3-1, the actuators 160-2 of 3-2, the actuators 160-3 of 3-3, and the actuators 160-4 of 3-4, respectively. The driving coils 162-1 of 3-1, the driving coils 162-2 of 3-2, the driving coils 162-3 of 3-3, and the driving coils 162-4 of 3-4 can be disposed opposite to the driving magnets 121-1 of 1-1, the driving magnets 121-2 of 1-2, the driving magnets 151-1 of 2-1, and the driving magnets 151-2 of 2-2, respectively.

[0121] The third OIS driver can rotate the second movable body 110 based on the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. The first axis A1 and the second axis A2 can be perpendicular to the optical axis O and intersect each other. For example, the first axis A1 can be parallel to the Y axis, and the second axis A2 can be parallel to the X axis.

[0122] The actuator 160-1 of 3-1 or the actuator 160-3 of 3-3 can provide a torque to the second movable body 110 in the direction of the first axis A1. When a current is applied to the driving coil 162-1 of 3-1, an attractive force or a repulsive force is generated between the driving coil 162-1 of 3-1 and the driving magnet 121-1 of 1-1, so that the second movable body 110 can be tilted relative to the fixed body 170 (or the first movable body 130) based on the first axis A1 perpendicular to the optical axis O. When a current is applied to the driving coil 162-3 of 3-3, an attractive force or a repulsive force is generated between the driving coil 162-3 of 3-3 and the driving magnet 151-1 of 2-1, so that the second movable body 110 is tilted relative to the fixed body 170 (or the first movable body 130) based on the first axis A1 perpendicular to the optical axis O.

[0123] The actuator 160-2 of 3-2 and the actuator 160-4 of 3-4 can provide a torque to the second movable body 110 in the direction of the second axis A2. When a current is applied to the driving coil 162-2 of 3-2, an attractive force or a repulsive force is generated between the driving coil 162-2 of 3-2 and the driving magnet 121-2 of 1-2, thereby tilting the second movable body 110 relative to the fixed body 170 (or the first movable body 130) based on the second axis A2 perpendicular to the optical axis O. When a current is applied to the driving coil 162-4 of 3-4, an attractive force or a repulsive force is generated between the driving coil 162-4 of 3-4 and the driving magnet 151-2 of 2-2, thereby tilting the second movable body 110 relative to the fixed body 170 (or the first movable body 130) based on the second axis A2 perpendicular to the optical axis O.

[0124] In an example, a part of the 3-1 drive coil 162-1, 3-2 drive coil 162-2, 3-3 drive coil 162-3, or 3-4 drive coil 162-4 may be omitted. In an example, any one of the 3-1 actuator 160-1 and 3-3 actuator 160-3 that provide a moment in the Y direction may be omitted. In an example, any one of the 3-2 actuator 160-2 and 3-4 actuator 160-4 that provide a moment in the X direction may be omitted. For example, the third OIS driver may include only the 3-1 actuator 160-1 and 3-2 actuator 160-2. As another example, the third OIS driver may include only the 3-3 actuator 160-3 and 3-4 actuator 160-4.

[0125] 2.2.3. Ball guide

[0126] In an example, the third OIS driver may include an inclined guide ball 164 disposed between the second movable body 110 and the first movable body 130. The inclined guide ball 164 may provide a center of inclination of the second movable body 110 relative to the first movable body 130. For example, the second movable body 110 may be inclined about the inclined guide ball 164. Referring to Figure 2A , the lower surface 110d of the second movable body 110 and the upper surface 132 of the first movable body 130 face each other in the direction of the optical axis O, and a groove for partially accommodating the inclined guide ball 164 may be formed in the lower surface 110d of the second movable body 110 and the upper surface 132 of the first movable body 130.

[0127] 2.2.4. Traction

[0128] Figure 2C The lower surface of the first movable body according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Referring to Figure 2A and Figure 2C , in an example, the third OIS driver may include a traction unit that is respectively disposed on the second movable body 110 and the first movable body 130 and faces each other in a direction parallel to the optical axis O. The traction unit may include a first magnetic member 165 and a second magnetic member 166. Magnetic attraction is generated between the first magnetic member 165 and the second magnetic member 166, thereby pulling the second movable body 110 to the upper surface 132 of the first movable body 130. Accordingly, the inclined guide ball 164 may remain in contact with the first movable body 130 and the second movable body 110, which helps the second movable body 110 to smoothly incline relative to the first movable body 130.

[0129] One of the first magnetic member 165 and the second magnetic member 166 can be a magnet, and the other can be a magnet or a magnetic yoke. For example, the first magnetic member 165 can be a magnet, and the second magnetic member 166 can be a magnetic yoke.

[0130] Referring to Figure 2C , a plurality of second magnetic members 166 can be disposed around the tilt guiding ball 164. A plurality of first magnetic members 165 corresponding to the plurality of second magnetic members 166 can be arranged on the upper surface 132 of the first movable body 130.

[0131] In an example, the third OIS driver can include a third position sensor configured to measure the amount of tilt of the second movable body 110. The third position sensor can be a Hall sensor or a magnetoresistive sensor.

[0132] In an example, the third position sensor can be disposed within the third drive coil 162 and can face the first drive magnet 121 or the second drive magnet 151.

[0133] In an example, the third OIS driver can include a sensing magnet facing the third position sensor. In one example, one of the first magnetic member 165 and the second magnetic member 166 can be a magnet, and the other can be a magnetic yoke, and the magnetic member that is a magnet can be used as the sensing magnet. For example, referring to Figure 2A , the first magnetic member 165 can be a magnet, the second magnetic member 166 can be a magnetic yoke, the first magnetic member 165 includes a penetrating portion on the inner side, and the third position sensor can be disposed in the penetrating portion.

[0134] 2.3. Movement

[0135] 2.3.1. Translational movement

[0136] Figure 5A and Figure 5B shows the movement of the second movable body caused by the first OIS driver according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0137] Referring to Figure 5A , the 1-1 actuator 120-1 can move the second movable body 110 in the X direction relative to the fixed body 170. When a current is applied to the 1-1 drive coil 122-1, an attractive or repulsive force in the X direction can be generated between the 1-1 drive coil 122-1 and the 1-1 drive magnet 121-1, thereby moving the second movable body 110 (or the image sensor 111) in the -X direction or the +X direction.

[0138] Referring to Figure 5B, the 1-2 actuator 120-2 can move the second movable body 110 in the Y direction relative to the fixed body 170. When a current is applied to the 1-2 drive coil 122-2, an attractive or repulsive force in the Y direction can be generated between the 1-2 drive coil 122-2 and the 1-2 drive magnet 121-2, thereby moving the second movable body 110 (or the image sensor 111) in the -Y direction or the +Y direction.

[0139] 2.3.2. Rolling motion

[0140] Figure 6A and Figure 6B shows the rolling of the second movable body 110 caused by the second OIS driver according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0141] Referring to Figure 6A , the 2-1 actuator 150-1 and the 2-2 actuator 150-2 can rotate the second movable body 110 counterclockwise relative to the fixed body 170. The 2-1 actuator 150-1 and the 2-2 actuator 150-2 can provide a counterclockwise torque to the second movable body 110. For example, a Lorentz force is generated between the 2-1 drive magnet 151-1 and the 2-1 drive coil 152-1, and thus, the force F1 can act on the 2-1 drive magnet 151-1. A Lorentz force is generated between the 2-2 drive magnet 151-2 and the 2-2 drive coil 152-2, and thus, the force F2 can act on the 2-2 drive magnet 151-2. The forces F1 and F2 can rotate the second movable body 110 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0142] Referring to Figure 6B , the 2-1 actuator 150-1 and the 2-2 actuator 150-2 can rotate the second movable body 110 clockwise relative to the fixed body 170. The 2-1 actuator 150-1 and the 2-2 actuator 150-2 can provide a clockwise torque to the second movable body 110. For example, a Lorentz force is generated between the 2-1 drive magnet 151-1 and the 2-1 drive coil 152-1, and thus, the force F3 can act on the 2-1 drive magnet 151-1. A Lorentz force is generated between the 2-2 drive magnet 151-2 and the 2-2 drive coil 152-2, and thus, the force F4 can act on the 2-2 drive magnet 151-2. The forces F3 and F4 can rotate the second movable body 110 clockwise.

[0143] 2.3.3. Tilt motion

[0144] Figure 7 and Figure 8 shows the tilt of the first movable body 130 according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0145] Referring toFigure 7 and Figure 8 The third OIS driver can rotate the image sensor 111 based on an axis perpendicular to the optical axis. For example, the third OIS driver can rotate the second movable body 110 clockwise or counterclockwise about the tilt guide ball 164.

[0146] In Figure 7 and Figure 8 are shown the 3-1 actuator 160-1 and the 3-3 actuator 160-3 responsible for the rotation of the first movable body 130 in the direction of the first axis A1 (or the Y-axis direction). Although not shown, the second movable body 110 can be rotated based on different axes perpendicular to the optical axis (e.g., Figure 2B the first axis A1 or the second axis A2 in

[0147] Referring to Figure 7 when a current is applied to the 3-1 drive coil 162-1, a repulsion is generated between the 3-1 drive magnet 161-1 and the 3-1 drive coil 162-1, thereby rotating the second movable body 110 in the counterclockwise direction. Additionally or alternatively, when a current is applied to the 3-3 drive coil 162-3, an attraction is generated between the 3-3 drive magnet 161-3 and the 3-3 drive coil 162-3, thereby rotating the second movable body 110 in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the fixed body 170 (or the first movable body 130).

[0148] Referring to Figure 8 when a current is applied to the 3-1 drive coil 162-1, an attraction is generated between the 3-1 drive magnet 161-1 and the 3-1 drive coil 162-1, thereby rotating the second movable body 110 in the clockwise direction. Additionally or alternatively, when a current is applied to the 3-3 drive coil 162-3, a repulsion occurs between the 3-3 drive magnet 161-3 and the 3-3 drive coil 162-3, thereby rotating the second movable body 110 clockwise with respect to the fixed body 170 (or the first movable body 130).

[0149] In an example, one of the 3-1 actuator 160-1 and the 3-3 actuator 160-3 in the third OIS driver can be omitted. This is because each of the 3-1 actuator 160-1 and the 3-3 actuator 160-3 can rotate the second movable body 110 clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0150] 3. Sensor Shift AF

[0151] Figure 9 Shows a camera module 200 according to a first exemplary embodiment. Figure 10Shows a camera module 300 according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0152] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , in one example, the camera modules 200 and 300 may include a housing 210, a lens barrel 220, an image sensor 111, an AF carrier 270, and an AF driver. The lens barrel 220 includes at least one lens, and the lens barrel 220 is coupled to the housing 210. The image sensor 111 may be movably coupled to the AF carrier 270. For example, the AF carrier 270 and the image sensor 111 may correspond to one or more embodiments of the Figures 2A to 8 fixed body 170 and the image sensor 111.

[0153] The sensor shift module 300 may be disposed within the AF carrier 270. The sensor shift module 300 may include some or all of the components that make up the sensor shift module 100 described with reference to Figures 2A to 8 . For example, the sensor shift module 300 may include a driver for moving the image sensor 111 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O relative to the AF carrier 270, or for rotating the image sensor 111 based on an axis parallel to the optical axis O, or for rotating the image sensor 111 based on an axis perpendicular to the optical axis O.

[0154] The AF driver may include a ball guide structure, a traction device, and an AF actuator. Figure 9 and Figure 10 's AF driver may correspond to the Figure 1 second AF driver 13.

[0155] Referring to Figure 9 , the image sensor 111 may be mounted on the AF carrier 270, and the AF carrier 270 may move in the direction of the optical axis O relative to the housing 210. A ball member 231 may be disposed between the AF carrier 270 and the housing 210. The ball member 231 may include a plurality of balls.

[0156] The ball member 231 may be disposed between the first sidewall 271 of the AF carrier 270 and the first sidewall 211 of the housing 210. One or more guide grooves for partially accommodating the ball member 231 may be formed in the first sidewall 271 of the AF carrier 270 and the first sidewall 211 of the housing 210. The one or more guide grooves may extend in a direction parallel to the optical axis O and guide the movement of the AF carrier 270 in the direction of the optical axis O.

[0157] The AF actuator 240 may be disposed between the AF carrier 270 and the housing 210. The AF actuator 240 may include an AF coil 241 and an AF magnet 242 facing each other. In an example, the AF coil 241 and the AF magnet 242 may be respectively disposed in the housing 210 and the AF carrier 270. In another example, the AF coil 241 and the AF magnet 242 may be respectively disposed on the AF carrier 270 and the housing 210.

[0158] In an example, the AF actuator 240 may include an AF coil 241 and an AF magnet 242 facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O (e.g., the X direction). When a current flows through the AF coil 241, the AF carrier 270 may move in the direction of the optical axis O relative to the housing 210 by the electromagnetic interaction (e.g., Lorentz force) between the AF coil 241 and the AF magnet 242.

[0159] A device for pulling the AF carrier 270 to the side wall of the housing 210 may be disposed between the AF carrier 270 and the housing 210. In one example, referring to Figure 9 , the pulling yoke 251 may be disposed on one side of the AF coil 241, and the AF carrier 270 may be pulled toward the first side wall 211 of the housing 210 by the attractive force between the pulling yoke 251 and the AF magnet 242. Accordingly, the ball member 231 remains in contact with the AF carrier 270 and the housing 210, and thus, the AF carrier 270 may smoothly move in the direction of the optical axis O.

[0160] Referring to Figure 10 , in an example, the AF actuator 340 may be disposed below the AF carrier 270. For example, the AF magnet 342 may be disposed on the lower surface of the AF carrier 270. The AF coil 341 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the housing 210. In an example, the AF magnet 342 and the AF coil 341 may face each other in a direction parallel to the optical axis O (e.g., the Z direction). When a current flows through the AF coil 341, an attractive force or a repulsive force may be generated between the AF coil 341 and the AF magnet 342, thereby moving the AF carrier 270 in the direction of the optical axis O.

[0161] Referring to Figure 10, a first elastic member 281 for pushing the AF carrier 270 towards the first side wall 211 of the housing 210 may be disposed between the AF carrier 270 and the housing 210. A first elastic member 281 for pushing the AF carrier 270 towards the first side wall 211 of the housing 210 may be disposed between the second side wall 272 of the AF carrier 270 and the second side wall 212 of the housing 210. The ball member 231 may be disposed on one side of the AF carrier 270, and the first elastic member 281 may be disposed on the other side of the AF carrier 270. The first elastic member 281 may be disposed between the AF carrier 270 and the housing 210, and the AF carrier 270 may be pushed in the direction in which the ball member 231 is located. Accordingly, the ball member 231 remains in contact with the AF carrier 270 and the housing 210, and thus, the AF carrier 270 may move smoothly in the direction of the optical axis O. The first elastic member 281 may be a leaf spring. For example, the first elastic member 281 may be provided in the form of a leaf spring that protrudes and bends towards the AF carrier 270 (e.g., in the -X direction).

[0162] Referring to Figure 10 , a yoke 351 may be disposed on one side of the AF coil 341, and magnetic attraction occurs between the yoke 351 and the AF magnet 342, thereby pulling the AF carrier 270 towards the bottom surface of the housing 210. In the example, the AF driver may include a second elastic member 282 disposed below the AF carrier 270. The second elastic member 282 may support the AF carrier 270. When the AF carrier 270 moves in the direction of the optical axis O from the initial position, the second elastic member 282 may deform to provide a restoring force, thereby returning the AF carrier 270 to its initial position. The second elastic member 282 may be provided in the form of a leaf spring. For example, referring to Figure 10 , the second elastic member 282 may be a leaf spring that protrudes and bends towards the AF carrier 270. Figure 10 The first elastic member 281 and / or the second elastic member 282 of Figure 9 may also be applied to the camera module 200 shown in

[0163] 4. Examples of Adding a Camera Module

[0164] Figure 11 and Figure 12 show camera modules 400 and 500 according to the third exemplary embodiment and the fourth exemplary embodiment.

[0165] Referring to Figure 11, the camera module 400 may include a plurality of lens barrels 420. For example, the camera module 400 may include three lens barrels 421, 422, and 423. The lens barrels 420 may be fixedly coupled to the housing 410. The camera module 400 may include an optical path changing member 430 disposed on the object side of the foremost lens barrel 421. The optical path changing member 430 converts the path of light and may be, for example, a prism or a mirror. The AF carrier 270 on which the image sensor 111 is mounted may be movably disposed in the housing 410 in the direction of the optical axis O, and the description related to the internal configuration and AF driving of the AF carrier 270 is the same as that in Figure 9 and Figure 10 .

[0166] Referring to Figure 12 , the optical path changing member 530 may be disposed in front of the image sensor 111, and the lens barrel 520 may be disposed on one side of the optical path changing member 530. The light passing through the lens barrel 520 may be reflected by the optical path changing member 530 to reach the image sensor 111. The AF carrier 270 on which the image sensor 111 is mounted may be movably disposed in the housing 510 in the direction of the optical axis O, and the description related to the internal configuration and AF driving of the AF carrier 270 is the same as that in Figure 9 and Figure 10 .

[0167] As described above, according to the example, even with a small amount of power, the camera can provide an effective autofocus function and an optical image stabilization function. Alternatively, according to the example, an excellent shake correction function can be achieved by driving the image sensor in different directions.

[0168] As described herein for Figures 1 to 12The described AF driver, first AF driver 23, second AF driver 13, OIS driver, first OIS driver, second OIS driver, and third OIS driver, OIS driver 12, sensor, sensor shift module, sensor shift module 10, sensor shift module 100, sensor shift module 300, image sensor, actuator, first actuator 120, second actuator 150, and third actuator 160, first position sensor, second position sensor, and third position sensor, processor, memory, and other devices, apparatuses, units, modules, and components are implemented by or represent hardware components. Examples of hardware components that can be used to perform the operations described herein, where appropriate, include controllers, sensors, generators, drivers, memories, comparators, arithmetic logic units, adders, subtractors, multipliers, dividers, integrators, and any other electronic components configured to perform the operations described herein. In other examples, one or more of the hardware components that perform the operations described herein are implemented by computing hardware, such as by one or more processors or computers. The processor or computer can be implemented by one or more processing elements, such as logic gate arrays, controllers, and arithmetic logic units, digital signal processors, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers, field programmable gate arrays, programmable logic arrays, microprocessors, or any other device or combination of devices configured to respond and execute instructions in a defined manner to achieve a desired result. In one example, the processor or computer includes or is connected to one or more memories that store instructions or software executed by the processor or computer. The hardware components implemented by the processor or computer can execute instructions or software, such as an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the OS, to perform the operations described herein. The hardware components can also access, manipulate, process, create, and store data in response to the execution of the instructions or software. For simplicity, the singular terms "processor" or "computer" can be used in the description of the examples described herein, but in other examples, multiple processors or computers can be used, or the processor or computer can include multiple processing elements or multiple types of processing elements, or both. For example, a single hardware component or two or more hardware components can be implemented by a single processor, or two or more processors, or a processor and a controller. One or more hardware components can be implemented by one or more processors, or a processor and a controller, and one or more other hardware components can be implemented by one or more other processors, or another processor and another controller. One or more processors, or a processor and a controller, can implement a single hardware component, or two or more hardware components.Hardware components can have any one or more of different processing configurations. Examples of processing configurations include a single processor, independent processors, parallel processors, single instruction single data (SISD) multiprocessing, single instruction multiple data (SIMD) multiprocessing, multiple instruction single data (MISD) multiprocessing, and multiple instruction multiple data (MIMD) multiprocessing.

[0169] The method for performing the operations described herein, shown in Figures 1 to 12 is performed by computing hardware, such as by one or more processors or computers, which are implemented as described above to execute instructions or software to perform the operations performed by the method described herein. For example, a single operation, or two or more operations, can be performed by a single processor, or two or more processors, or a processor and a controller. One or more operations can be performed by one or more processors, or a processor and a controller, and one or more other operations can be performed by one or more other processors, or another processor and another controller. One or more processors, or a processor and a controller, can perform a single operation, or two or more operations.

[0170] Instructions or software for controlling computing hardware (e.g., one or more processors or computers) to implement the hardware components and perform the methods described above can be written as a computer program, code segment, instruction, or any combination thereof, for individually or jointly instructing or configuring one or more processors or computers to operate as a machine or special-purpose computer to perform the operations performed by the hardware components and the methods described above. In one example, the instructions or software include machine code directly executable by one or more processors or computers, such as machine code generated by a compiler. In another example, the instructions or software include high-level code executed by one or more processors or computers using an interpreter. The instructions or software can be written in any programming language based on the block diagrams and flowcharts shown in the figures and the corresponding descriptions used herein, which disclose algorithms for performing the operations performed by the hardware components and the methods described above.

[0171] Instructions or software for controlling computing hardware (e.g., one or more processors or computers) to implement the hardware components and execute the methods as described above, and any associated data, data files, and data structures can be recorded, stored, or fixed in or on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage media include read-only memory (ROM), random access programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), flash memory, non-volatile memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD+R, CD-RW, CD+RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-R LTH, BD-RE, Blu-ray or optical disc memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), card-type memory such as a micro multimedia card or card (e.g., Secure Digital (SD) or Extreme Digital (XD)), magnetic tape, floppy disk, magneto-optical data storage device, optical data storage device, hard disk, solid state disk, and any other device configured to store instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures in a non-transitory manner and provide the instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures to one or more processors or computers such that the one or more processors or computers can execute the instructions. In one example, the instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures are distributed across a network-connected computer system such that the instructions and software and any associated data, data files, and data structures are stored, accessed, and executed by one or more processors or computers in a distributed manner.

[0172] While specific examples have been illustrated and described above, it will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure that various changes in form and detail may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are considered to be illustrative only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of a feature or aspect in each example is considered to be applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. The described techniques may be performed in a different order, and / or the components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits may be combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents, so long as appropriate results can be obtained. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not defined by the detailed description but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents will be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: A housing; A lens module including at least one lens; A carrier capable of moving in a first direction and disposed in the housing; A first body movably disposed within the carrier; An image sensor disposed on the first body and including an imaging surface facing the first direction; And A support ball disposed between the carrier and the first body, Wherein the first body moves relative to the carrier perpendicular to the first direction in a state supported by the support ball.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: An autofocus driver including an autofocus actuator that moves the carrier in the first direction relative to the housing; And A ball member disposed between the carrier and the housing.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The autofocus actuator includes: An autofocus coil coupled to one of the housing and the carrier; and An autofocus magnet coupled to the other of the carrier and the housing and facing the autofocus coil in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, further comprising a yoke disposed on one side of the autofocus coil.

5. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The autofocus actuator is disposed below the carrier and includes an autofocus coil and an autofocus magnet, wherein the autofocus coil is coupled to one of the housing and the carrier, and the autofocus magnet is coupled to the other of the housing and the carrier and faces the autofocus coil in the first direction.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, further comprising a first elastic member disposed between the carrier and the housing, Among them, The ball member is disposed on one side of the carrier, and the first elastic member is disposed on the other side of the carrier to push the carrier toward the ball member.

7. The camera module according to claim 5, further comprising a second elastic member disposed between the lower part of the carrier and the housing to support the carrier in the first direction.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: A second body movably disposed on the first body, wherein the image sensor is disposed on the second body; A first driver for moving the second body relative to the carrier in a direction perpendicular to the first direction; A second driver for rotating the second body relative to the carrier about an axis parallel to the first direction; and A third driver for rotating the second body relative to the first body about an axis perpendicular to the first direction.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The third driver includes an inclined guide ball disposed between the first body and the second body, wherein the inclined guide ball provides a center of inclination of the second body relative to the first body.

10. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The first body is disposed between the lower surface of the second body and the bottom surface of the carrier.

11. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The first driver includes a first actuator, and the first actuator includes a first drive magnet and a first drive coil. The first drive magnet is disposed on the second body, and the first drive coil is disposed on the vehicle in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and faces the first drive magnet.

12. The camera module according to claim 11, wherein, The second driver includes a second actuator. Among them, the second actuator includes a second drive magnet and a second drive coil. The second drive magnet is disposed on the second body, and the second drive coil is disposed on the vehicle to face the second drive magnet in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein, The second body includes four side surfaces forming a quadrilateral, and the first drive magnet and the second drive magnet are respectively disposed on different side surfaces among the four side surfaces.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein, The second body includes a first side and a second side forming a corner, and the second drive magnet is disposed on the first side or the second side and is positioned near the corner.

15. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein, The third driver includes a third actuator. Among them, the third actuator includes a third drive magnet and a third drive coil. The third drive magnet is disposed on the second body, and the third drive coil is disposed on the vehicle to face the third drive magnet in the first direction.

16. The camera module according to claim 15, wherein, The third drive magnet is the first drive magnet or the second drive magnet.

17. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein, The third driver further includes a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member respectively disposed on the first body and the second body. The first magnetic member and the second magnetic member face each other in the first direction.

18. A sensor displacement module, comprising: A vehicle; A support ball disposed on the vehicle; A first body disposed on the support ball and capable of moving in a plane while being supported by the support ball; An inclined guide ball disposed on the first body; A second body disposed on the inclined guide ball, capable of rotating about a first direction perpendicular to the plane, and capable of rotating about a second direction and a third direction perpendicular to the first direction; And An image sensor disposed on the second body and including an imaging surface facing the first direction.

19. A camera module, comprising: The sensor displacement module according to claim 18; A housing; And A ball member, Wherein the vehicle is capable of moving in the first direction and is disposed in the housing, and Wherein the ball member is disposed between the vehicle and the housing.

20. The camera module according to claim 19, further comprising: An autofocus actuator configured to move the vehicle in the first direction relative to the housing; A first actuator including a first drive magnet and configured to move the second body in a direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the vehicle; A second actuator including a second drive magnet and configured to rotate the second body relative to the vehicle about an axis parallel to the first direction; And A third actuator, including one or more of the first drive magnet and the second drive magnet, and configured to rotate the second body relative to the first body about an axis perpendicular to the first direction.

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