Sensor actuator and camera module including the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sensor actuator, comprising: a first movable body having an image sensor having an imaging surface disposed thereon; a second movable body spaced apart from the first movable body in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface; a fixed body accommodating the first movable body and the second movable body; and a driver configured to provide a driving force to the first movable body, wherein the first movable body and the second movable body move together in a direction parallel to the imaging surface, and the first movable body rotates relative to the second movable body. The present disclosure also relates to a camera module including the sensor actuator.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0002129 filed on January 6, 2022, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a sensor actuator and a camera module including the same. Background Art

[0004] The camera module may be used in mobile communication terminals such as smart phones, tablet PCs, and laptop computers.

[0005] The camera module may include an actuator having a focus adjustment function and a shake correction function to generate high-resolution images.

[0006] For example, the focus may be adjusted by moving the lens module in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, or the shake may be corrected by moving the lens module in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0007] However, as the performance of camera modules improves, the weight of the lens module may increase, and it may be difficult to precisely control the driving force of image stabilization due to the weight of a driver for moving the lens module.

[0008] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This Summary is provided to briefly introduce a selection of inventive concepts that will be further described in the Detailed Description below. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] In a general aspect, a sensor actuator includes: a first movable body on which an image sensor having an imaging surface is provided; a second movable body spaced apart from the first movable body in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface; a fixed body accommodating the first movable body and the second movable body; and a driver configured to provide a driving force to the first movable body, wherein the first movable body and the second movable body move together in a direction parallel to the imaging surface, and the first movable body rotates relative to the second movable body.

[0011] The sensor actuator may further include a first ball member provided between the fixed body and the second movable body and configured to support the second movable body so that the second movable body moves in a first direction and a second direction parallel to the imaging plane.

[0012] The first guide groove and the second guide groove for accommodating the first ball member may be provided on surfaces of the fixed body and the second movable body that are opposed to each other in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface.

[0013] Each of the first guide groove and the second guide groove may have a shape having a length in a direction parallel to the imaging surface, and the first guide groove and the second guide groove may have respective lengths in a direction intersecting each other.

[0014] The sensor actuator may further include a second ball member provided between the first movable body and the second movable body and configured to support the first movable body so that the first movable body rotates.

[0015] A third guide groove and a fourth guide groove for accommodating the second ball member may be provided on surfaces of the first movable body and the second movable body opposite to each other in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface, and the second ball member may contact each of the third guide groove and the fourth guide groove at three points.

[0016] The center of gravity of the first movable body may overlap with the second ball member in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane.

[0017] The sensor actuator may further include a first ball member and a second ball member, the first ball member being disposed between the fixed body and the second movable body and being configured to support the second movable body so that the second movable body can move in a first direction and a second direction parallel to the imaging surface, the second ball member being disposed between the first movable body and the second movable body and being configured to support the first movable body so that the first movable body can rotate, wherein a magnetic material may be disposed on each of the first movable body, the second movable body and the fixed body so that a magnetic force can act between the first movable body and the second movable body and between the second movable body and the fixed body.

[0018] At least three magnetic bodies can be set on each of the first movable body and the second movable body, and the at least three magnetic bodies can form a triangular shape, and the center of the triangular shape and the center of gravity of the first movable body can overlap with the second ball member in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface.

[0019] The driver may include a first driver and a second driver, the first driver being configured to generate a driving force in a first axial direction parallel to the imaging plane, and the second driver being configured to generate a driving force in a second axial direction parallel to the imaging plane, wherein the first axial direction and the second axial direction may be perpendicular to each other, wherein the first driver may include a first magnet provided on one of the first movable body and the fixed body and a first coil provided on the other of the first movable body and the fixed body, and wherein the second driver may include a second magnet provided on one of the first movable body and the fixed body and a second coil provided on the other of the first movable body and the fixed body.

[0020] The driver may also include a third driver configured to generate a driving force in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane, wherein the third driver may include a third magnet arranged on one of the first movable body and the fixed body and a third coil arranged on the other of the first movable body and the fixed body.

[0021] The driver may further include a fourth driver configured to generate a driving force in a direction parallel to the imaging plane, wherein the fourth driver may include a fourth magnet arranged on one of the first movable body and the fixed body and a fourth coil arranged on the other of the first movable body and the fixed body, and wherein the fourth magnet and the fourth coil may be arranged so that the driving force can act at a position spaced apart from the center of the first movable body.

[0022] In another general aspect, a camera module includes: a lens module including one or more lenses; a housing accommodating the lens module; a fixed body coupled to the housing; a first movable body and a second movable body accommodated in the fixed body and spaced apart from each other in an optical axis direction; and an image sensor disposed on a surface of the first movable body, wherein the first movable body and the second movable body move together in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the first movable body is configured to rotate relative to the second movable body.

[0023] The camera module may also include a first ball member and a second ball member, the first ball member is arranged between the fixed body and the second movable body, and is configured to support the second movable body so that the second movable body can move in a first axial direction and a second axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the second ball member is arranged between the first movable body and the second movable body, and is configured to support the first movable body so that the first movable body can rotate.

[0024] Three or more first ball members may be provided, and one second ball member may be provided, and wherein the center of gravity of the first movable body may overlap with the second ball member in the optical axis direction.

[0025] The camera module may also include: a first driver configured to move the first movable body and the second movable body in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; a second driver configured to move the first movable body and the second movable body in a second axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; and a third driver configured to rotate the first movable body relative to the second movable body.

[0026] In another general aspect, the sensor actuator includes: a first movable body; an image sensor having an imaging surface arranged on the first movable body; and a driver including: a first magnet facing the first coil on the first movable body to drive the first movable body in a first direction parallel to the imaging surface; a second magnet facing the second coil on the first movable body to drive the first movable body in a second direction parallel to the imaging surface and intersecting the first direction; and one or more of a third magnet and a fourth magnet, the third magnet facing the third coil on the first movable body to rotate the first movable body around the first direction and / or the second direction, and the fourth magnet facing the fourth coil on the first movable body to rotate the first movable body around a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0027] The sensor actuator may further include a second movable body, wherein the first movable body may be arranged on the second movable body, wherein the second movable body may move in a first direction and a second direction with the first movable body, and wherein the first movable body may rotate relative to the second movable body around one or more of the first direction and the second direction and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0028] The sensor actuator may further include a first ball member and a second ball member, wherein the second movable body may be provided on the first ball member, the second ball member may be provided on the second movable body, and the first movable body may be provided on the second ball member.

[0029] The camera module may include: a lens module including one or more lenses; a housing accommodating the lens module; a fixing body coupled to the housing; and a sensor actuator accommodated in the fixing body, wherein light passing through the one or more lenses is incident on an imaging surface.

[0030] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the appended claims, the accompanying drawings, and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sensor actuator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a traction device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3 is a plan view illustrating a first housing and a first movable body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C and Figure 4D is a diagram showing an example in which the first movable body moves.

[0035] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a modified example of .

[0036] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which the first movable body rotates.

[0037] Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a fourth driver according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a camera module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Throughout the drawings and detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions, and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, although examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0042] The following detailed description is provided to help the reader gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications and equivalents of the methods, devices and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely an example, and except for operations that must occur in a specific order, it is not limited to the order set forth herein, but can be changed, which will be apparent after understanding this disclosure. In addition, for the sake of clarity and brevity, the description of features well known in the art may be omitted.

[0043] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways to implement the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure.

[0044] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, a region, or a substrate is described as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, the element may be directly “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” the other element, or one or more other elements may be present between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is described as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, there are no other elements between the element and the other element.

[0045] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items; similarly, "at least one" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items.

[0046] Although terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various members, components, regions, layers, or portions, these members, components, regions, layers, or portions are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one member, component, region, layer, or portion from another member, component, region, layer, or portion. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, a first member, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as a second member, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0047] Spatially relative terms such as "above," "upper," "below," "lower," etc. may be used herein for descriptive convenience to describe the relationship of one element relative to another element as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to covering the orientations depicted in the accompanying drawings, these spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, an element described as being "above" or "above" relative to another element will be "below" or "lower" relative to the other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term "above" covers both the orientations of "above" and "below." The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0048] The terms used herein are for describing various examples only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the articles "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. The terms "comprise", "include" and "have" indicate 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.

[0049] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, variations in the shapes shown in the drawings may occur. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings but include variations in shapes that occur during manufacturing.

[0050] It should be noted that herein, use of the word “may” with respect to an example, for example, regarding what an example may include or implement, means that there is at least one example that includes or implements such feature, and all examples are not limited thereto.

[0051] The features of the examples described herein may be combined in various ways that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure.In addition, although the examples described herein have various configurations, other configurations that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure are also possible.

[0052] One or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a sensor actuator that may improve image stabilization performance and a camera module including the sensor actuator.

[0053] The sensor actuator according to the exemplary embodiment may be one of the components of the camera module. In addition, the camera module may be mounted on a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device may be implemented as a portable electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal, a smart phone, or a tablet PC.

[0054] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sensor actuator according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 , the sensor actuator 100 may include a first movable body 110 , a second movable body 120 , a fixed body 130 , and a driver 140 .

[0056] The image sensor 111 may be provided on the first movable body 110 , and the first movable body 110 may be provided to move relative to the fixed body 130 .

[0057] The first movable body 110 may be configured to move together with the image sensor 111. For example, the first movable body 110 may include a sensor substrate 112 on which the image sensor 111 is mounted and a sensor plate 113 coupled to the sensor substrate 112.

[0058] The image sensor 111 may be provided on one surface of the sensor substrate 112, and the other surface of the sensor substrate 112 may be coupled to the sensor board 113. In addition, the sensor substrate 112 may be connected to the connector 160 for transmitting the signal of the image sensor 111 to an external device. For example, the sensor substrate 112 and the connector 160 may be electrically connected via the flexible substrate 150. A plurality of bridges 151 that flexibly bend according to the movement of the image sensor 111 may be provided on the flexible substrate 150 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 8 ).

[0059] The signal of the image sensor 111 may be transmitted to other electronic components through the sensor substrate 112 , the flexible substrate 150 , and the connector 160 .

[0060] The fixing body 130 may include a first shell 131 and a second shell 133, and may further include components fixed to and coupled to the first shell 131 and the second shell 133. For example, the fixing body 130 may include a first magnet 141a, a second magnet 142a, a third magnet 143a, and a fourth magnet 144a, which will be described later.

[0061] The first housing 131 and the second housing 133 may be coupled to each other, and the first movable body 110 and the second movable body 120 may be accommodated in an internal space provided by the coupling between the first housing 131 and the second housing 133 .

[0062] The driver 140 may move the image sensor 111 , the first movable body 110 , and the second movable body 120 .

[0063] The first movable body 110 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the imaging surface 111a of the image sensor 111 is oriented by the driver 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the driver 140 can compensate for the camera module 10, 20 (see FIG. 1 ) on which the image sensor 111 is mounted. Figure 10 and Figure 11 ) The jitter that occurs during imaging.

[0064] The driver 140 can move the first movable body 110 on which the image sensor 111 is mounted in a first axial direction (X-axis direction) and a second axial direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis). The first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction) may intersect each other. For example, the driver 140 can move the first movable body 110 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and / or the second axial direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), and thus, shake can be corrected.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the direction in which the imaging surface 111a of the image sensor 111 is oriented may be referred to as the optical axis (Z axis) direction. That is, the first movable body 110 can move relative to the fixed body 130 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0066] In the drawings, a configuration in which the first movable body 110 can move in a direction parallel to the imaging surface 111 a may indicate that the first movable body 110 can move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0067] In addition, the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction) are examples of two directions that are perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) and intersect with each other, and in an exemplary embodiment, the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction) can be understood as two directions that are perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) and intersect with each other.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the driver 140 can rotate the first movable body 110 on which the image sensor 111 is mounted. For example, the first movable body 110 can rotate around a first axial direction (X-axis direction) and / or around a second axial direction (Y-axis direction) as a rotation axis. In addition, the first movable body 110 can rotate around an optical axis (Z-axis) as a rotation axis.

[0069] The sensor actuator 100 may include a second movable body 120 disposed between the first movable body 110 and the fixed body 130. The second movable body 120 may include a guide plate 121 and a component fixed and coupled to the guide plate 121 (eg, a first magnetic body 124).

[0070] The first movable body 110 and the second movable body 120 can be configured to move together in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis). For example, the first movable body 110 and the second movable body 120 can move together in a first axial direction (X axis direction) and / or a second axial direction (Y axis direction).

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the first ball member B1 may be disposed between the fixed body 130 and the second movable body 120 .

[0072] A first guide groove 132 and a second guide groove 123 for accommodating at least a portion of the first ball member B1 may be respectively provided in the fixed body 130 and the second movable body 120. For example, the first guide groove 132 and the second guide groove 123 may be formed on surfaces of the fixed body 130 and the second movable body 120 that are opposite to each other in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0073] The first ball member B1 may be disposed between the first guide groove 132 of the fixed body 130 and the second guide groove 123 of the second movable body 120. Therefore, when the second movable body 120 moves in the fixed body 130, the second movable body 120 may be guided by the first ball member B1 so that the first movable body 110 may move smoothly.

[0074] The first guide groove 132 and the second guide groove 123 may have a shape having a length in a direction intersecting each other (see Figure 3 For example, the first guide groove 132 may extend in a direction parallel to the imaging surface 111a of the image sensor 111, and the second guide groove 123 may also extend in a direction parallel to the imaging surface 111a of the image sensor 111. Here, the direction in which the first guide groove 132 extends and the direction in which the second guide groove 123 extends may intersect each other.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the first guide groove 132 may have a length in a first axial direction (X-axis direction), and the second guide groove 123 may have a length in a second axial direction (Y-axis direction). The first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction) may be perpendicular to each other on a plane parallel to the imaging surface 111a of the image sensor 111.

[0076] Therefore, the second movable body 120 can move relative to the fixed body 130 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0077] When a driving force is generated in the first axial direction (X-axis direction), both the first movable body 110 and the second movable body 120 can move in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) relative to the fixed body 130. In addition, when a driving force is generated in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction), both the first movable body 110 and the second movable body 120 can move in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction) relative to the fixed body 130.

[0078] In another exemplary embodiment, the first guide groove 132 and the second guide groove 123 may have shapes that do not restrict the rolling direction of the first ball member B1. For example, the first guide groove 132 and the second guide groove 123 may have polygonal or circular shapes larger than the diameter of the first ball member B1.

[0079] In another exemplary embodiment, the first guide groove 132 may have a shape that contacts the first ball member B1 at three points so that the first ball member B1 can rotate at the same position, and the second guide groove 123 may have a polygonal shape or a circular shape whose size is larger than the diameter of the first ball member B1.

[0080] The first ball member B1 may include at least three balls, and the first guide groove 132 and the second guide groove 123 may include guide grooves whose number corresponds to the number of balls included in the first ball member B1.

[0081] For example, refer to Figure 3 , three first ball members B1 may be provided, and the three first ball members B1 may be provided in a triangle shape.

[0082] Alternatively, refer to Figure 5 , four first ball members B1 may be provided. In this case, the three first ball members B1 may be provided in a triangular shape, and one of the ball members may be provided at the center of the triangle. Figure 5 The second ball member B2 is not shown in the figure, and the first ball member B1 may be provided on the lower surface of the guide plate 121 , and the second ball member B2 may be provided on the upper surface of the guide plate 121 .

[0083] The first ball member B1 , the first guide groove 132 , and the second guide groove 123 may guide the movement of the second movable body 120 so that the second movable body 120 may perform translational movement on the XY plane.

[0084] Reference Figure 1 , the second ball member B2 may be disposed between the first movable body 110 and the second movable body 120 .

[0085] The first movable body 110 and the second movable body 120 may include a third guide groove 114 and a fourth guide groove 122, respectively, for accommodating at least a portion of the second ball member B2. For example, the third guide groove 114 and the fourth guide groove 122 may be formed on surfaces of the first movable body 110 and the second movable body 120 that are opposite to each other in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0086] The second ball member B2 may be disposed between the third guide groove 114 of the first movable body 110 and the fourth guide groove 122 of the second movable body 120. The second ball member B2 may include a ball and may be disposed so that the optical axis (Z axis) or the center line of the imaging surface 111a (a virtual line passing through the center of the imaging surface 111a and extending parallel to the optical axis (Z axis)) may pass through the second ball member B2.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the centers of gravity of the first movable body 110 and the second ball member B2 may overlap in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0088] The second ball member B2 can contact the third guide groove 114 at three points and can contact the fourth guide groove 122 at three points. Therefore, the position of the second ball member B2 can be fixed between the third guide groove 114 and the fourth guide groove 122 (see FIG. Figure 3 ).

[0089] Therefore, when the first movable body 110 rotates relative to the second movable body 120, the second ball member B2 can form a rotation axis.

[0090] The first movable body 110 can rotate relative to the second movable body 120 about a first axial direction (X-axis direction) and / or about a second axial direction (Y-axis direction) as a rotation axis. In addition, the first movable body 110 can rotate relative to the second movable body 120 about an optical axis (Z-axis) as a rotation axis.

[0091] Figure 2 are diagrams illustrating a traction device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0092] Since the first movable body 110 is supported to rotate relative to the second movable body 120, it may be necessary to determine the position of the first movable body 110 (hereinafter referred to as the initial position) when the driving force of the driver 140 does not work. In addition, the first movable body 110 and the second movable body 120 may need to contact and maintain contact with the second ball member B2.

[0093] Furthermore, the second movable body 120 and the fixed body 130 may need to come into contact with the first ball member B1 and maintain contact with the first ball member B1 .

[0094] To this end, the sensor actuator 100 may include a pulling device.

[0095] Reference Figure 2The pulling device may include a first magnetic body 124 and second magnetic bodies 125 and 126 that are disposed opposite to each other in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. Magnetic attraction may act between the first magnetic body 124 and the second magnetic bodies 125 and 126. For example, the first magnetic body 124 may be a permanent magnet, and the second magnetic bodies 125 and 126 may be a yoke. As another example, both the first magnetic body 124 and the second magnetic bodies 125 and 126 may be permanent magnets.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, a first magnetic body 124 as a permanent magnet may be provided in the second movable body 120 disposed between the first movable body 110 and the fixed body 130. In addition, second magnetic bodies 125 and 126 may be provided on the first movable body 110 and the fixed body 130, respectively, in positions opposing the first magnetic body 124 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0097] The first movable body 110 and the fixed body 130 can be pulled toward the second movable body 120 by the magnetic force generated between the first magnetic body 124 and the second magnetic bodies 125 and 126, and therefore, the fixed body 130 and the second movable body 120 can be in close contact with the first ball member B1, and the first movable body 110 and the second movable body 120 can be in close contact with the second ball member B2.

[0098] When the magnetic force generated between the first magnetic body 124 and the second magnetic bodies 125 and 126 is concentrated on one side, the first movable body 110 can be tilted relative to the second movable body 120. Therefore, at least three of the first magnetic bodies 124 and correspondingly at least three of the second magnetic bodies 125 and 126 can be arranged so that at least three pairs of magnetic forces can act.

[0099] When three first magnetic bodies 124 and three second magnetic bodies 125 and 126 are provided, the three first magnetic bodies 124 may be provided in a triangular shape, and the three second magnetic bodies 125 and 126 may also be provided in a corresponding triangular shape.

[0100] Furthermore, the center of the triangle and the center of gravity of the first movable body 110 may overlap with the second ball member B2 and the optical axis (Z axis) in one direction.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the center of the triangle, the center of the second ball member B2 , and the center of gravity of the first movable body 110 may overlap in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0102] Refer again Figure 1 In example embodiments, the driver 140 may include a first driver 141 , a second driver 142 , a third driver 143 , and a fourth driver 144 .

[0103] The first driver 141 can generate driving force in the first axial direction, the second driver 142 can generate driving force in the second axial direction, the third driver 143 can generate driving force in the optical axis direction, and the fourth driver 144 can generate driving force in the first axial direction or the second axial direction.

[0104] The first driver 141 may include a first magnet 141a coupled to one of the first movable body 110 and the fixed body 130 and a first coil 141b coupled to the other. The first magnet 141a and the first coil 141b may be disposed opposite to each other in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. Figure 1 , the first magnet 141 a may be coupled to the second housing 133 , and the first coil 141 b may be coupled to the first movable body 110 , but positions of the first magnet 141 a and the first coil 141 b may be interchanged.

[0105] One surface of the first magnet 141a may be magnetized so that the N pole and the S pole may be arranged in the second axial direction. That is, one surface of the first magnet 141a opposite to the first coil 141b may have the N pole and the S pole, and a neutral region may be formed between the N pole and the S pole in the first axial direction.

[0106] A driving force can be generated in the second axial direction by the electromagnetic force between the first magnet 141a and the first coil 141b, and therefore, both the first movable body 110 and the second movable body 120 can move in the second axial direction (see FIG. Figure 4A and Figure 4B ).

[0107] The second driver 142 may include a second magnet 142a coupled to one of the first movable body 110 and the fixed body 130 and a second coil 142b coupled to the other. The second magnet 142a and the second coil 142b may be disposed opposite to each other in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. Figure 1 , the second magnet 142a may be coupled to the second housing 133, and the second coil 142b may be coupled to the first movable body 110, but the positions of the second magnet 142a and the second coil 142b may be interchanged.

[0108] One surface of the second magnet 142a may be magnetized so that the N pole and the S pole may be arranged along the first axial direction. That is, one surface of the second magnet 142a opposite to the second coil 142b may have the N pole and the S pole, and a neutral region between the N pole and the S pole may be formed in the second axial direction.

[0109] A driving force can be generated in the first axial direction by the electromagnetic force between the second magnet 142a and the second coil 142b, and therefore, both the first movable body 110 and the second movable body 120 can be moved in the first axial direction (see Figure 4C and 4D ).

[0110] The third driver 143 may include a third magnet 143a coupled to one of the first movable body 110 and the fixed body 130 and a third coil 143b coupled to the other. The third magnet 143a and the third coil 143b may be disposed opposite to each other in the optical axis (Z axis) direction. Figure 1 , the third magnet 143a may be coupled to the second housing 133, and the third coil 143b may be coupled to the first movable body 110, but the positions of the third magnet 143a and the third coil 143b may be interchanged.

[0111] One surface of the third magnet 143a may be magnetized to have an N pole or an S pole. That is, one surface of the third magnet 143a opposite to the third coil 143b may have an N pole or an S pole.

[0112] A driving force can be generated in the optical axis direction by the electromagnetic force between the third magnet 143a and the third coil 143b, and thus the first movable body 110 can rotate around the first axis relative to the second movable body 120 (see FIG. Figure 6 The first movable body 110 may rotate around the second axis as a rotation axis according to the position or arrangement form of the third driver 143 .

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, the third driver 143 may include two third magnets 143a and two third coils 143b spaced apart from each other to rotate the first movable body 110 relative to the second movable body 120 around the first axis and the first movable body 110 relative to the second movable body 120 around the second axis.

[0114] The fourth driver 144 may include a fourth magnet 144a coupled to one of the first movable body 110 and the fixed body 130 and a fourth coil 144b coupled to the other. The fourth magnet 144a and the fourth coil 144b may be disposed opposite to each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis). Figure 1 , the fourth magnet 144a may be coupled to the first housing 131, and the fourth coil 144b may be coupled to the first movable body 110, but the positions of the fourth magnet 144a and the fourth coil 144b may be interchanged.

[0115] The fourth magnet 144a may be provided on the inner side surface of the first housing 131, and the fourth coil 144b may be provided on the side surface of the first movable body 110. Figure 1 , the fourth magnet 144a and the fourth coil 144b may be disposed opposite to each other in the second axial direction, but the fourth magnet 144a and the fourth coil 144b may also be disposed opposite to each other in the first axial direction.

[0116] In addition, the fourth magnet 144a can be spaced apart from the center of the inner surface of the first shell 131, and the fourth coil 144b can also be spaced apart from the center of the side surface of the first movable body 110, which can rotate the first movable body 110 by the driving force of the fourth driver 144.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth driver 144 may include two fourth magnets 144a and two fourth coils 144b spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth driver 144 may include two fourth magnets 144a and two fourth coils 144b spaced apart from each other in a diagonal direction of the image sensor 111 (see FIG. Figure 9 ).

[0119] One surface of the fourth magnet 144a may be magnetized to have an N pole or an S pole. That is, one surface of the fourth magnet 144a opposite to the fourth coil 144b may have an N pole or an S pole.

[0120] A driving force can be generated in the second axial direction by the electromagnetic force between the fourth magnet 144a and the fourth coil 144b. Since the fourth magnet 144a and the fourth coil 144b can be spaced apart from the center of the inner side surface of the first shell 131 and the center of the side surface of the first movable body 110, respectively, the first movable body 110 can be rotated around the optical axis as a rotation axis by the driving force generated between the fourth magnet 144a and the fourth coil 144b (see FIG. Figures 7 to 9 ).

[0121] Each of the first to fourth drivers 141 to 144 may include a position sensor to sense the position of the first movable body 110. For example, the first driver 141 may include a first position sensor 141c disposed opposite the first magnet 141a, the second driver 142 may include a second position sensor 142c disposed opposite the second magnet 142a, the third driver 143 may include a third position sensor 143c disposed opposite the third magnet 143a, and the fourth driver 144 may include a fourth position sensor 144c disposed opposite the fourth magnet 144a. Each position sensor may be a Hall sensor.

[0122] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0123] Reference Figure 10 , the camera module 10 in the exemplary embodiment may include a lens module 200 , a housing 300 accommodating the lens module 200 , and a sensor actuator 100 .

[0124] At least one lens for imaging a subject may be accommodated in the lens module 200. When one lens or a plurality of lenses are provided, the one lens or the plurality of lenses may be provided in the lens module 200 along an optical axis (Z axis).

[0125] The lens module 200 may have a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0126] In another exemplary embodiment, the lens module 200 may include a lens barrel and a lens holder. In this case, at least one lens may be accommodated in the lens barrel, and the lens barrel may be coupled to the lens holder.

[0127] The housing 300 may accommodate the lens module 200 , and the housing 300 may be coupled to the sensor actuator 100 .

[0128] The sensor actuator 100 may be the sensor actuator 100 in the above-described exemplary embodiment.

[0129] The image sensor 111 can be set on the sensor actuator 100, and the image sensor 111 can be moved in a first axial direction (X-axis direction) and a second axial direction (Y-axis direction) by the driver 140, can be rotated around the first axis and / or the second axis as a rotation axis, and can be rotated around the optical axis (Z axis) as a rotation axis.

[0130] Therefore, an optical image stabilization function may be performed by the movement of the image sensor 111 .

[0131] The camera module 10 in the exemplary embodiment can perform shake correction by moving the image sensor 111 instead of the lens module 200. Since the image sensor 111 having a relatively light weight is moved, the image sensor 111 can be moved with a smaller driving force. Therefore, the camera module can have a reduced size.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens module 200 is movable in the optical axis direction relative to the housing 300. Therefore, a focus adjustment function can be performed by the movement of the lens module 200. A driver for moving the lens module 200 may include a magnet and a coil.

[0133] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a camera module according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0134] Reference Figure 11 , the camera module 20 in another exemplary embodiment may include a housing 300 , a reflective member R, a lens module 200 , and a sensor actuator 100 .

[0135] In an exemplary embodiment, the optical axis (Z axis) of the lens module 200 may be directed in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the portable electronic device (a direction from the front surface to the rear surface of the portable electronic device or the opposite direction).

[0136] For example, the optical axis (Z axis) of the lens module 200 may be formed in the width direction or the length direction of the portable electronic device.

[0137] When components included in the camera module are stacked in a thickness direction of the portable electronic device, the thickness of the portable electronic device may increase, which may be problematic.

[0138] However, in the camera module 20 of the exemplary embodiment, since the optical axis (Z axis) of the lens module 200 is formed in the width direction or the length direction of the portable electronic device, the thickness of the portable electronic device may be reduced.

[0139] The reflective member R and the lens module 200 may be provided in the housing 300. However, the reflective member R and the lens module 200 may be provided in different housings, and the housings may be coupled to each other.

[0140] The reflective member R may be configured to change the direction of light. For example, the direction of light incident into the housing 300 may be changed by the reflective member R to be directed toward the lens module 200. The reflective member R may be a mirror or a prism that reflects light.

[0141] The sensor actuator 100 may be coupled to the housing 300 .

[0142] The sensor actuator 100 may be the sensor actuator 100 according to the above-described exemplary embodiment.

[0143] The image sensor 111 can be set on the sensor actuator 100, and the image sensor 111 can be moved in a first axial direction (X-axis direction) and a second axial direction (Y-axis direction) by the driver 140, can be rotated around the first axis and / or the second axis as a rotation axis, and can be rotated around the optical axis (Z axis) as a rotation axis.

[0144] Therefore, an optical image stabilization function may be performed by the movement of the image sensor 111 .

[0145] According to the above-described exemplary embodiments, the sensor actuator and the camera module including the same can improve optical image stabilization performance.

[0146] References in this article Figures 1 to 11The sensor actuator 100, image sensor 111, the driver for moving the lens module, driver 140, first driver 141, second driver 142, third driver 143, fourth driver 144, first position sensor 141c, second position sensor 142c, third position sensor 143c, fourth position sensor 144c, sensors, and other devices, equipment, units, modules, and components described herein are implemented by hardware components or represent hardware components. Where appropriate, examples of hardware components that can be used to perform the operations described herein 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 (e.g., 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 prescribed manner to achieve a desired result. In one example, the processor or computer includes (or is connected to) one or more memories storing 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 in this article. The hardware components can also access, manipulate, process, create and store data in response to the execution of instructions or software. For simplicity, the singular term "processor" or "computer" can be used to describe the examples described herein, but multiple processors or computers can be used in other examples, 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. A hardware component can have any one or more different processing configurations, examples of which include single processors, 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.

[0147] Figures 1 to 11 The method for performing the operations described herein shown in the is performed by computing hardware, for example, by one or more processors or computers implemented as described above, executing 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.

[0148] For controlling computing hardware (for example, one or more processors or computers) to realize hardware components and perform the instructions or software of the method as described above can be written into computer programs, code segments, instructions or any combination thereof, for indicating or configuring one or more processors or computers individually or collectively to operate as machines or special-purpose computers to perform the operations performed by the hardware components and the method as described above. In one example, the instructions or software include machine code directly executed by one or more processors or computers, such as the 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. Any programming language can be used to write instructions or software based on the block diagrams and flow charts shown in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding description used herein, and the accompanying drawings and description disclose algorithms for performing the operations performed by the hardware components and methods as described above.

[0149] Instructions or software for controlling computing hardware (e.g., one or more processors or computers) to implement hardware components and perform the methods described above, as well as any associated data, data files, and data structures, may 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 storage, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), card-type memory such as a multimedia card micro 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 so 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 on a network-connected computer system so 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.

[0150] Although specific examples have been shown and described above, it will be apparent after understanding this disclosure that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Appropriate results may still be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. Sensor actuator, including: a first movable body including a sensor substrate and a sensor plate, an image sensor having an imaging surface being provided on one surface of the sensor substrate and the other surface of the sensor substrate being coupled to the sensor plate; a second movable body spaced apart from the first movable body in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane; a fixed body, accommodating the first movable body and the second movable body; as well as a driver configured to provide a driving force to the first movable body, The first movable body and the second movable body move together in a direction parallel to the imaging surface, and the first movable body rotates relative to the second movable body.

2. The sensor actuator according to claim 1, further comprising: The first ball member is provided between the fixed body and the second movable body and is configured to support the second movable body so that the second movable body can move in a first direction and a second direction parallel to the imaging plane.

3. The sensor actuator according to claim 2, wherein: A first guide groove and a second guide groove for accommodating the first ball member are provided on surfaces of the fixed body and the second movable body that are opposed to each other in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane.

4. The sensor actuator according to claim 3, in, Each of the first guide groove and the second guide groove has a shape having a length in a direction parallel to the imaging surface, and The first guide groove and the second guide groove have respective lengths in directions intersecting each other.

5. The sensor actuator according to claim 1, further comprising: The second ball member is provided between the first movable body and the second movable body and is configured to support the first movable body so that the first movable body can rotate.

6. The sensor actuator according to claim 5, wherein: A third guide groove and a fourth guide groove for accommodating the second ball member are provided on surfaces of the first movable body and the second movable body that are opposite to each other in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface, and the second ball member contacts each of the third guide groove and the fourth guide groove at three points.

7. The sensor actuator according to claim 5, wherein: The center of gravity of the first movable body overlaps with the second ball member in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane.

8. The sensor actuator according to claim 1, further comprising: a first ball member disposed between the fixed body and the second movable body and configured to support the second movable body so that the second movable body moves in a first direction and a second direction parallel to the imaging plane; as well as a second ball member disposed between the first movable body and the second movable body and configured to support the first movable body so that the first movable body rotates, A magnetic material is provided on each of the first movable body, the second movable body, and the fixed body, so that a magnetic force acts between the first movable body and the second movable body and between the second movable body and the fixed body.

9. The sensor actuator according to claim 8, in, At least three magnetic bodies are provided on each of the first movable body and the second movable body, and the at least three magnetic bodies form a triangle shape, and wherein the center of the triangular shape and the center of gravity of the first movable body overlap with the second ball member in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane.

10. The sensor actuator according to claim 1, in, The driver includes a first driver configured to generate a driving force in a first axial direction parallel to the imaging surface and a second driver configured to generate a driving force in a second axial direction parallel to the imaging surface. wherein the first axial direction and the second axial direction are perpendicular to each other, wherein the first driver includes a first magnet provided on one of the first movable body and the fixed body and a first coil provided on the other of the first movable body and the fixed body, and The second driver includes a second magnet provided on one of the first movable body and the fixed body, and a second coil provided on the other of the first movable body and the fixed body.

11. The sensor actuator according to claim 10, in, The driver further includes a third driver configured to generate a driving force in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface, and The third driver includes a third magnet provided on one of the first movable body and the fixed body, and a third coil provided on the other of the first movable body and the fixed body.

12. The sensor actuator according to claim 10, in, The driver further includes a fourth driver configured to generate a driving force in a direction parallel to the imaging surface, wherein the fourth driver includes a fourth magnet provided on one of the first movable body and the fixed body and a fourth coil provided on the other of the first movable body and the fixed body, and The fourth magnet and the fourth coil are arranged so that a driving force acts on a position spaced apart from the center of the first movable body.

13. Camera module, including: a lens module comprising a lens barrel and one or more lenses housed in the lens barrel; a housing for accommodating the lens module; a fixed body coupled to the housing; a first movable body and a second movable body accommodated in the fixed body and spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction; as well as an image sensor provided on a surface of the first movable body, wherein the first movable body includes a sensor substrate and a sensor plate, the image sensor is provided on one surface of the sensor substrate, and the sensor plate is coupled to the other surface of the sensor substrate, and Here, the first movable body and the second movable body move together in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the first movable body is configured to rotate relative to the second movable body.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, further comprising: a first ball member disposed between the fixed body and the second movable body and configured to support the second movable body so that the second movable body moves in a first axial direction and a second axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; as well as The second ball member is provided between the first movable body and the second movable body and is configured to support the first movable body so that the first movable body can rotate.

15. The camera module according to claim 14, in, three or more first ball members are provided, and one second ball member is provided, and wherein the center of gravity of the first movable body overlaps with the second ball member in the optical axis direction.

16. The camera module according to claim 13, further comprising: a first driver configured to move the first movable body and the second movable body in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; a second driver configured to move the first movable body and the second movable body in a second axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; and a third driver configured to rotate the first movable body relative to the second movable body.

17. A sensor actuator comprising: a first movable body including a sensor substrate and a sensor plate coupled to one surface of the sensor substrate; an image sensor having an imaging surface, disposed on the other surface of the sensor substrate; as well as Drivers, including: a first magnet facing the first coil on the first movable body to drive the first movable body in a first direction parallel to the imaging plane, a second magnet facing the second coil on the first movable body to drive the first movable body in a second direction parallel to the imaging plane and intersecting the first direction, and one or more of a third magnet and a fourth magnet, wherein the third magnet faces the third coil on the first movable body to rotate the first movable body around the first direction and / or the second direction, and the fourth magnet faces the fourth coil on the first movable body to rotate the first movable body around a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

18. The sensor actuator according to claim 17, further comprising a second movable body, in, The first movable body is provided on the second movable body, wherein the second movable body and the first movable body move in the first direction and the second direction, and The first movable body is rotatable relative to the second movable body around one or more of the first direction and the second direction and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

19. The sensor actuator of claim 18, further comprising a first ball member and a second ball member, in, The second movable body is provided on the first ball member, the second ball member is provided on the second movable body, and the first movable body is provided on the second ball member.

20. Camera module, including: a lens module, comprising one or more lenses; a housing for accommodating the lens module; a fixed body coupled to the housing; as well as The sensor actuator according to claim 17, housed in the fixed body, The light passing through the one or more lenses is incident on the imaging surface.

Images