Camera module and mobile device

Abstract

A camera module disclosed in embodiments of the present invention includes a substrate, an image sensor on the substrate, a lens holder having at least one lens on the image sensor, a holder guide spaced apart from an outer side of the lens holder and having a plurality of guides, a plurality of first elastic springs having one end connected to the lens holder and the other end connected to the holder guide, a plurality of second elastic springs connecting the plurality of guides of the holder guide to each other, and a driving member disposed around the lens holder, and the one end of the first elastic spring can move upward or downward in an optical axis direction together with the lens holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a camera module and a mobile device having the camera module. Background Technology

[0002] With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, camera modules mounted on portable devices such as smartphones and tablets are replacing portable cameras (digital cameras, etc.). Consequently, users take it for granted that high-specification cameras can be mounted on portable devices. However, with the rapid development of camera modules with high-resolution sensors and the development of multifunctional smartphones such as high-magnification phones and foldable phones, a segment of camera modules has become prominent, creating a demand for reducing the height of high-magnification camera modules. Recently, camera modules have been applied to mobile devices such as smartphones and vehicles. Furthermore, there is a need for camera modules with autofocus (AF) capabilities and lens holders that allow for tilting or tilting of portable devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a camera module having an elastic spring that is stretched or restored to move upward or downward relative to a lens holder in the optical axis direction. Embodiments of the present invention may provide a camera module in which a plurality of holder guides are coupled together and guide the movement of the lens holder in the optical axis direction by elastic springs. Embodiments of the present invention may provide a mobile device, such as a mobile terminal or a vehicle, incorporating this camera module.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a camera module that can be driven by a detachable lens holder. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide a camera module having a pop-out lens holder and controllable via AF and OIS functions using an internal lens holder.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a mobile device, such as a mobile terminal or a vehicle, having the camera module.

[0007] Technical solution

[0008] A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate; an image sensor on the substrate; a lens holder having at least one lens on the image sensor; a holder guide spaced apart from the outer side of the lens holder and having a plurality of guide portions; a plurality of first elastic springs, one end of the first elastic springs being connected to the lens holder and the other end of the first elastic springs being connected to the holder guide portions; a plurality of second elastic springs connecting the plurality of guide portions of the holder guide portion to each other; and a drive member disposed around the lens holder, wherein one end of the first elastic springs is movable upward or downward in the optical axis direction together with the lens holder.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the driving member may include a mover disposed on the outer or lower surface of the lens holder and a stator disposed on the substrate. The driving member may include a mover disposed on the outer or lower surface of the lens holder and a stator disposed on the inner side of the holder guide portion. The plurality of first elastic springs may be three or four, and the plurality of second elastic springs may be three or four. One end of the second elastic spring is connected to the lower guide portion, and the other end of the second elastic spring is connected to the upper guide portion. When the lens holder moves upward or downward in the optical axis direction, the upper guide portion moves upward or downward relative to the lower guide portion. When the upper guide portion moves, the second elastic spring can be stretched or restored. The holder guide portion may have a first guide portion stacked at the lower part and a second guide portion stacked at the upper part, the first guide portion and the second guide portion being combined by a plurality of grooves and a plurality of protrusions. One end of the second elastic spring is connected to the first guide portion, and the other end of the second elastic spring may be connected to the second guide portion. The holder guide portion may have two or more guide portions combined in the optical axis direction or horizontal direction. Each of the plurality of guide portions may be cylindrical.

[0010] A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate; an image sensor on the substrate; a first lens holder having a first lens on the object side; a cylindrical guide member surrounding the first lens holder; a cover disposed on both sides of the outer periphery of the guide member; a first drive member having an end engaging with the guide member; a second lens holder having a second lens between the image sensor and the first lens holder; a second drive member on the outer periphery of the second lens holder; and a plurality of first elastic springs, one end of the plurality of first elastic springs connected to the outside of the first lens holder and the other end of the first elastic springs connected to the cover, wherein the image sensor is aligned with the first lens and the second lens in the optical axis direction, and the guide member is rotated by the first drive member to cause the first lens holder to move upward or downward in the optical axis direction.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module includes: a main substrate disposed on the outer periphery between the first lens holder and the second lens holder; a main housing under the main substrate; a movable bracket, wherein the second lens holder is coupled to the movable bracket inside the main housing; and a suspension line connecting the main substrate and the substrate.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second driving member may include a first driving portion for moving the second lens holder and the substrate in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The first driving portion includes a first stator disposed under the main substrate and a first mover opposite to the first stator and fixed to the movable bracket. The first stator is a coil, and the first mover is a magnet. The movable bracket can be moved by the first driving portion in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. The second driving member includes a second driving portion, which includes a second mover. The second mover is a coil wound around the second lens holder. The second stator faces the second mover and is coupled to the movable bracket. The second driving portion can cause the second lens holder to move upward or downward in the optical axis direction. The guiding member has multiple cylindrical portions, including: a first cylindrical portion having multiple rotating grooves respectively engaging with the ends of the first driving member and a first inclined groove disposed between the first cylindrical portion and the first lens holder; a second cylindrical portion disposed between the first cylindrical portion and the first lens holder, and including multiple first protrusions engaging with the first inclined grooves and multiple second inclined grooves between the multiple first protrusions; a third cylindrical portion disposed between the second cylindrical portion and the first lens holder, and including second protrusions respectively engaging with the second inclined grooves and multiple circumferential grooves penetrating in the circumferential direction; and a fourth cylindrical portion disposed between the third cylindrical portion and the first lens holder, and including third protrusions engaging with the circumferential grooves, wherein the fourth cylindrical portion can move the first lens holder in the optical axis direction by rotating the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion, and the third cylindrical portion.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fourth cylindrical portion includes a plurality of guide protrusions on its inner periphery, the guide protrusions being able to engage with the outer guide groove of the first lens holder and connected to one end of the first elastic spring. The cover may include: a first cover disposed on both sides of the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion and connected to the other end of the first elastic spring; and a second cover disposed outside the first cover, wherein at least one of the first cover and the second cover is movable along the optical axis direction of the first elastic spring and can restrict the movement of the first lens holder. The plurality of first elastic springs may be three or four. The second driving member can drive the second lens holder for AF and OIS.

[0014] A mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a camera module.

[0015] Beneficial effects

[0016] The camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention has the effect of reducing horizontal movement or tilting when the lens holder moves in the optical axis direction. By connecting multiple holder guides to each other in the vertical direction and guiding the movement of the lens holder in the optical axis direction with an elastic spring connected to the holder guide and the lens holder, the movement distance of the elastic spring can be minimized, and the stress transmitted to the elastic spring can be minimized. Furthermore, it also has the effect of removing the ball guide or guide shaft according to the movement of the lens holder.

[0017] The camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention has a lens holder for ejection and a lens holder for AF and OIS, thus mode control is easy and has the effect of not having to move the entire module simultaneously. The lens holders for AF and OIS can be located inside the camera module to reduce the weight of the actuator. The camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention can reduce the weight of the moving lens and improve performance.

[0018] The reliability of the camera module and the mobile device having the camera module can be improved according to embodiments of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an example of a side sectional view of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The first variant of the camera module;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A second variant of the camera module;

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Example of a lens retainer driver in a camera module;

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The third variant of the camera module;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an example of the combination of a guide portion and a second elastic spring in a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a lens retainer and a first elastic spring are combined.

[0026] Figure 8This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A combined perspective view of the camera module;

[0028] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A perspective view of the lens holder in the pop-up state in the camera module;

[0029] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 An example of a side sectional view of a camera module;

[0030] Figure 12 This is an explanation Figure 11 A diagram illustrating an example of movement of a substrate containing an image sensor;

[0031] Figure 13 It is used for driving Figure 8 A perspective view of the movable bracket of the second lens holder in the camera module;

[0032] Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 (b) is an example of the AF of the second lens holder in a camera module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 8 An example of an exploded perspective view of a guide member in a camera module used to move the first lens holder;

[0034] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 15 A perspective view of the sliding structure surrounding the guide member of the first lens holder;

[0035] Figures 17 to 19 yes Figure 9 A side sectional view of the camera module, and a view showing the engagement relationship of the guide members for moving the first lens holder;

[0036] Figure 20 It has Figure 1 or Figure 8 An example of a mobile device with a camera module. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be implemented in various different forms. If within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more components may be selectively combined and substituted between embodiments. Furthermore, the terminology (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention, unless explicitly defined and described, can be interpreted as having a meaning generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Commonly used terms (e.g., terms defined in dictionaries) can be interpreted considering the context of the relevant art. Additionally, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, singular forms may include plural forms unless specifically described in the phrase, and when described as “at least one (or more than one) of A and / or B and C,” it may include at least one of all combinations that can be combined as A, B, and C. Furthermore, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe components of an embodiment of the present invention. These terms are intended only to distinguish components from other components and are not determined by their nature, order, or sequence. Furthermore, when a component is described as being "connected," "joined," or "engaged" with another component, this includes not only cases where the component is directly connected, joined, or engaged with the other component, but also cases where the component is "connected," "joined," or "engaged" due to another component between the two components. Additionally, when each component is described as being formed or positioned "above" or "below," "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more components are formed or positioned between two components. Moreover, when expressed as "above" or "below," it includes not only the upward direction based on a component, but also the downward direction based on a component.

[0038] The term "optical axis direction" used below is defined as the optical axis direction of the lens in the camera device. In this case, the optical axis of the lens can correspond to the optical axis of the image sensor. The "optical axis direction" can also correspond to the "vertical direction" or the "Z-axis direction." The term "autofocus function" used below is defined as the function that automatically focuses on the object by moving the lens along the optical axis direction according to the distance to the object, thereby obtaining a clear image of the object in the image sensor. "Autofocus" can be used interchangeably with "AF." The term "image correction function" used below is defined as the function that moves or tilts the lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction to counteract vibrations (movements) caused by external forces in the image sensor. "Image correction" can be used interchangeably with "optical image stabilization (OIS)."

[0039] Hereinafter, "dual-camera or triple-camera" and "camera device" are used interchangeably. That is, a camera device can be described as including two, three, or more lens modules. Optical devices can include any of the following: mobile phones, smartphones, portable smart devices, digital cameras, laptops, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), vehicle camera devices, and navigation systems. However, the type of optical device is not limited to these; any device used for capturing video or photographs can be included in an optical device. An optical device can include a main body. The main body can form the appearance of the optical device. The main body can house the camera device. A display unit can be disposed on one surface of the main body. For example, the display unit and the camera device can be disposed on one surface of the main body, and the camera device can be additionally disposed on another surface of the main body (a surface disposed opposite to the first surface). An optical device can include a display unit. The display unit can be disposed on one surface of the main body. The display unit can output images captured by the camera device. An optical device can include a camera device. The camera device can be disposed on the main body. At least a portion of the camera device can be housed inside the main body. Multiple camera devices can be disposed. The camera device can be disposed on one surface of the main body and another surface of the main body. The camera device can capture images of a subject. The camera device may include a lens drive mechanism. The lens drive mechanism may be a lens drive motor or a voice coil motor. The camera device may include at least one or both of an AF actuator and an OIS actuator.

[0040] <First Embodiment>

[0041] Figure 1 This is an example of a side sectional view of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The first variant of the camera module, Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A second variant of the camera module, Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An example of a lens retainer driver in a camera module. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The third variant of the camera module, Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of the connection between the guide portion and the second elastic spring in a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a lens holder and a first elastic spring are combined.

[0042] refer to Figure 1The camera module according to the present invention may include: a lens holder 510 having at least one lens 512; a substrate 560 disposed at the lower part of the lens holder 510; an image sensor 562 disposed on the substrate 560; a first elastic spring 530 connected at one end to the lens holder 510; a holder guide portion 520 covering the outer side of the lens holder 510 and connected to the first elastic spring 530; a plurality of second elastic springs 526 connecting the guide portions 521, 522 and 523 of the holder guide portion 520; a drive member 550 for driving the lens holder 510 in the optical axis direction; and a support plate 570 supporting the holder guide portion 520 and the substrate 560.

[0043] The lens holder 510 may have a through-hole therein and include one or more lenses 512. The lens holder 510 may be defined as a lens barrel. Each of the plurality of lenses 512 may have an incident surface and an exit surface, through which light enters and exits, and each of the plurality of lenses 512 may be aligned on the optical axis Lz. The plurality of lenses 512 and the image sensor 562 may overlap on the optical axis, or may be aligned on mutually orthogonal optical axes using a mirror (not shown). At least one or all of the plurality of lenses 512 may be made of plastic, or another or all of them may be made of glass.

[0044] The two ends of the first elastic spring 530 are connected to the lens holder 510 and the holder guide 520. The two ends of the first elastic spring 530 have a predetermined shape and can be stretched or compressed (or restored) in the direction of the optical axis Lz. A plurality of first elastic springs 530 can be spaced apart from each other along the outer periphery of the lens holder 510. One end of each first elastic spring 530 can be connected to the outside of the lens holder 510, and the other end of each first elastic spring 530 can be connected to the upper part of the holder guide 520.

[0045] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, two, three, four, or more first elastic springs 530A can be connected at both ends to the lens holder 510 and the holder guide 520B, respectively. The first elastic springs 530 can support the lens holder 510 as it moves along the optical axis and provide elasticity within a movable range of tension. That is, one end of the first elastic spring 530 can move upward or downward along the optical axis, and its other end can be fixed or move together with the movable holder guide 520B. The lens holder 510 can move along the optical axis for autofocus (AF) or zoom. The first elastic springs 530 can include coil springs or plate springs. One end of each first elastic spring 530 can be arranged at an equal angle relative to the optical axis Lz along the upper end and outer periphery of the lens holder 510.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, substrate 560 is disposed on support plate 570, and image sensor 562 may be disposed on the upper part of substrate 560. Image sensor 562 can convert light incident through lens 512 into electrical signals. Image sensor 562 may be any of charge-coupled device (CCD), complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), CPD, and CID. Multiple image sensors 562 may be configured, one of which may be a color (RGB) sensor and another may be a monochrome sensor. Image sensor 562 may be disposed on substrate 560. In image sensor 562, the ratio of the length of the long side to the length of the short side may be 4:3 or 16:9. Substrate 560 may include FPCB.

[0047] An optical filter (not shown) may be disposed on the image sensor 562, and the optical filter may protect the image sensor 562. The optical filter may be an infrared filter, and may prevent infrared light from incident on the image sensor 562. The optical filter may be formed by coating an infrared blocking coating material onto a flat optical filter, such as a cover glass, used to protect the imaging surface. The optical filter may be an infrared absorption filter or an infrared reflection filter. Here, the camera module may further include an internal lens holder, which has other lenses (multiple) between the image sensor 562 and a lens holder 510 having a lens 512 closest to the object side. The internal lens holder may be movable in the optical axis direction and / or horizontal direction by another driving member.

[0048] A retainer guide 520 is disposed on the outer periphery of the lens retainer 510 and can guide the outer periphery of the lens retainer 510. The retainer guide 520 supports the other end of the first elastic spring 530 and guides movement according to the stretching or compression (or recovery) of the first elastic spring 530. The lower end of the retainer guide 520 can be disposed on the support plate 570 along the outer side of the image sensor 562. The support plate 570 can support the entire camera module. A separate cover can be further disposed on the outer side of the retainer guide 520 to support the retainer guide 520. The retainer guide 520 includes a plurality of guides 521, 522 and 523, and the plurality of guides 521, 522 and 523 can have a cylindrical shape, or can have a cylindrical shape separated into at least two. The plurality of guides 521, 522 and 523 can be configured to overlap each other in the direction of the optical axis Lz. Multiple guides 521, 522 and 523 can be formed in the vertical direction to form two or more cylinders.

[0049] As another example, in the multiple guides 521, 522, 523, two or more concentric cylinders can overlap in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (horizontal direction). When overlapping in the horizontal direction, the inner / outer cylinders can be combined using separate assembly components. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the first guide portion 521A of the retainer guide portion 520 can be combined with the second guide portion 522A using a structure with protrusions 517, 519, and 527 and / or recesses 516 and 529. In this case, both the first guide portion 521A and the second guide portion 522A are cylindrical and can be formed of plastic material. The first guide portion 521A may include protrusions 517 and 519 projecting from its lower inner side, and the second guide portion 522A may include a recess 529 on its lower inner side, into which the protrusions 517, 519, and 527 are inserted. The second guide portion 522A has a separate recess 516 on its upper inner side to engage with the protrusion of the other guide portion, and the second guide portion 522A has an upper protrusion 518 to support a lens retainer inserted internally or to engage with the other end of the first elastic spring. The protrusions 517, 519, and 527 and the recess 529 can be hook-type couplings. Although the first guide portion 521A and the second guide portion 522A are set to cylindrical shapes, they can be set to individual cylindrical shapes of 1 / 2 size (i.e., 2 pieces), 1 / 3 size (i.e., 3 pieces), or 1 / 4 size (i.e., 4 pieces).

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when there are three guide portions 521, 522, and 523, including a first guide portion 521 located at the bottom, a second guide portion 522 located in the middle, and a third guide portion 523 located at the top, as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the first guide portion 521 and the second guide portion 522, as well as the second guide portion 522 and the third guide portion 523, can be combined into a combination structure of protrusions and grooves. Thus, since the first guide portion 521, the second guide portion 522, and the third guide portion 523 are coupled and support each other in the optical axis direction, they can be stably disposed on the outer side of the lens holder 10. As another example, the first guide portion 521, the second guide portion 522, and the third guide portion 523 can be combined into an outer / middle / inner layered structure, combined with each other into a combined structure, or connected by a second elastic spring.

[0051] The guide portions 521, 522, and 523 of the retainer guide portion 520 can be interconnected via second elastic springs 524 and 526. For example, one end 524A of the lower second elastic spring 524 can be connected to the first guide portion 521, and the other end 524B can be connected to the second guide portion 522; one end 526A of the upper second elastic spring 526 can be connected to the second guide portion 522, and the other end 526B can be connected to the third guide portion 523. Each of the lower second elastic spring 524 and the upper second elastic spring 526 can be interconnected as follows: Figure 6 As shown, for example, one end 534 of the second elastic spring 530B is connected to the inner side of the lower first guide portion 521A, and the other end 536 of the second elastic spring 530B can be connected to the inner side of the upper second guide portion 522A. The second elastic spring 530B may include a concave-convex shape to provide a predetermined elasticity between the two ends 534 and 536.

[0052] Thus, when the lens holder 510 moves from its outer side in the optical axis direction, the retainer guide 520 supports and guides the lens holder 510. During this time, the second elastic springs 524 and 526 are stretched and supported on the outer periphery of the moving lens holder 510. The total length of the second elastic springs 524 and 526 can be short, and they can prevent the width of the lens holder 510 from increasing in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, when the width of the lens holder 510 increases in the horizontal direction, there is a problem that the lens holder may wobble from side to side; this invention can prevent this problem. Correspondingly, it can prevent an increase in the size of the camera module. The lengths of the second elastic springs 524 and 526 can vary according to the outer diameter and range of movement of the lens holder 510.

[0053] The second elastic springs 524 and 526 can support reciprocating motion in the direction of the optical axis Lz from the inside of the guides 521, 522, and 523 of the retainer guide 520. The second elastic springs 524 and 526 can include coil springs or leaf springs. The multiple guides 521, 522, and 523 can have the same diameter as each other. As another example, the multiple guides 521, 522, and 523 can have a maximum lower diameter and a minimum upper diameter.

[0054] The drive member 550 may include a plurality of stators 552 disposed on the substrate 560 and a plurality of movers 554 disposed at the lower part of the lens holder 510. As another example, the drive member 550 may allow the holder guide 520 to move independently. In this case, the movers 554 may be disposed around the lower part of the holder guide 520 or around the center of the holder guide 520. The stators 552 may be coils or magnets, and the movers 554 may be magnets or coils. The stators 552 and movers 554 may face each other in the direction of the optical axis. As another example, the stators 552 and movers 554 may face each other in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The drive member 550 may include a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, and one or more may be disposed on the outer periphery of the lens holder 510, i.e., the lower side and / or outer side of the lens holder 510, but is not limited thereto. The drive member 550 in the camera module is a drive unit with different functions and may include an actuator for autofocus, an actuator for OIS, and an actuator for tilting. As another example, the drive member 550 may include a piezoelectric member. Here, the present invention raises or lowers the lens holder 510 in the optical axis direction by using the mover 554 in the drive member 550, at which time the movement of the lens holder 510 is connected to the holder guide 520. While supported by the first elastic spring 530, the holder guide 520 can move upward or downward in the optical axis direction by the stretching or compression (or recovery) of the second elastic springs 524 and 526. Therefore, the lens holder 510 is easy to move, and since the first elastic spring 530 and the second elastic springs 524 and 526 support the movement of the lens holder 510 in the optical axis direction, the lens holder 510 can be prevented from shifting or tilting in the horizontal direction.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, a sub-lens holder 511 with a lower lens 513 can be provided at the lower part of the lens holder 510. In this case, a drive member 551 can be provided on the outer periphery of the lens holder 510, and the drive member 551 has a mover 555 on the outside of the lens holder 510 and a stator 553 provided inside the holder guide 520 opposite thereto. The drive member 551 may include at least one of a piezoelectric member, an actuator, and a stepper motor. The sub-lens holder 511 can be moved up or down by a separate sub-drive member to perform AF, or it can be moved in the horizontal direction to perform OIS function, and the sub-drive member may include a mover attached to the sub-lens holder 511 and a stator opposite thereto.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the lens retainer 510 can be attached to the inside of the retainer guide 520A. For example, as Figure 7As shown, the retainer guide 520B and the lens retainer 510 can be joined internally / externally and can be interconnected by a first elastic spring 530A. Here, in the retainer guide 520B, the upper guide and the lower guide can be interconnected by a second elastic spring, which will be referred to below. Figure 6 The structure of the retainer guide 520A is as follows: the retainer guide 520A guides the movement of the lens retainer 510 in the optical axis direction, and for additional upward movement, the retainer guide 520A may have two or three guides that are vertically stacked and combined, and can be separated and moved by a second elastic spring.

[0057] In the drive member 550, the mover 554 can be disposed at the lower part or the outer side of the lens holder 510, and the stator 552 can be disposed on the substrate 560 opposite to the mover 554 or disposed inside the holder guide portion 520A. The drive member 550 may include at least one of a piezoelectric member, an actuator, or a stepper motor. Here, as another example, a first drive member for driving the lens holder 510 and a second drive member for driving the holder guide portion 520A may be disposed separately. The first drive member may be a VCM actuator, and the second drive member may be a piezoelectric member or a VCM actuator.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, a retainer guide portion 520A is provided on the outer circumference of the lens retainer 510. Two or three guide portions can be stacked and combined in the optical axis direction of the retainer guide portion 520A, and a second elastic spring can be attached to the center of the retainer guide portion 520A. Figure 5 As shown, in the drive member 550A, a plurality of movers 554A can be provided on the outer side of the lens holder 510, and a plurality of stators 552A can be provided on the inner side of the holder guide 520A at positions opposite to the movers 554A. The drive member 550A may include at least one of a piezoelectric member, an actuator, and a stepper motor. Here, as another example, in addition to the drive member for driving the lens holder 510, a separate sub-drive member for driving the holder guide 520A may be further included. The drive member may be an actuator, and the sub-drive member may be a piezoelectric member. When the holder guide 520A is driven by further providing such a sub-drive member, the overall movement distance of the lens can be increased. In addition, a sub-lens holder 511A may be provided at the lower part of the lens holder 510, and the sub-lens holder 511A may have a lens 513A and may be provided on the image sensor 562. The sub-lens holder 511A may have AF function and / or OIS function through a separate drive member.

[0059] Reference Figure 6An example is described for connecting a first guide portion and a second guide portion, as well as a first elastic spring and a second elastic spring. The first guide portion 521A and the second guide portion 522A have cylindrical shapes with through holes 512A therein and can be joined together. The first guide portion 521A has a plurality of grooves 529 on its outer side and a plurality of protrusions 517, 519, and 527 on its inner side. The second guide portion 522A has a plurality of grooves 516 on its inner side and a plurality of protrusions 517 on its outer side. Therefore, the inner protrusions 519 of the second guide portion 522A can be engaged between the inner grooves 529 and the protrusions 519 and 527 of the first guide portion 521A, and the outer protrusions 527 of the second guide portion 522A can be engaged with the outer grooves 529 of the first guide portion 521A. One end 534 of the second elastic spring 530B engages with the inner protrusion 527 of the lower first guide portion 521A, and the other end 536 engages with the inner protrusion 519 of the upper second guide portion 522A. A groove 516 is provided inside the second guide portion 522A. One end 534 and the other end 536 of the second elastic spring 530B engage with the groove 516, thereby providing a fastening or adhesive space between the two ends 534 and 536. The inner protrusion 518 of the first guide portion 521A and the second guide portion 522A can function as a stop protrusion, which restricts movement or guides the outer periphery of the lens holder during up-and-down movement. Here, the inner protrusion 518 of the second guide portion 522A can protrude to guide the outer side of the lens holder with a predetermined gap. The inner protrusion 518 of the second guide portion 522A can be connected to the other end of the first elastic spring, which is connected to the lens holder at one end, or the inner protrusion 518 of the second guide portion 522A can engage with another upper guide portion. Multiple second elastic springs 530B can be provided along the inner circumference where the first guide portion 521A and the second guide portion 522A engage. Since one end 534 of the second elastic spring 530B is connected to one side of the inner circumference of the first guide portion 520A, and the other end 536 is connected to one side of the inner circumference of the first guide portion 520A, the second elastic spring 530B can elastically move the second guide portion 522A upward or downward along the optical axis on the first guide portion 521A, and can be guided by the stop protrusion when returning to its original position. Two, three, four, or more second elastic springs 530B can be provided along the inner circumference of the first guide portion 521A and the second guide portion 522A.

[0060] Figure 7 This is an example of the invention, with a structure in which a first elastic spring 530A is disposed on the lens holder 510, and guide portions 520C, 520B, and 525 are disposed around the lens holder 510. (See reference) Figure 7An intermediate support 572 is disposed on a support plate 570, and at least one or two of the image sensor, optical filter, other sub-lens holders, and drive components can be disposed within the support plate 570. The lens holder 510, internal guide 520C, holder guide 520B, and external guide 525 can be supported on the support plate 570 and the intermediate support 572. The lens holder 510 can be connected to the holder guide 520B via a first elastic spring 530A. The first elastic spring 530A can support the movement of the lens holder 510 when it moves upward or downward in the optical axis direction. The internal guide 520C has multiple guides overlapping from the inside out, and is stretched or compressed (or restored) in the groove 592 of the outer guide 590 where the end of the drive component 580 is located by driving the external drive component 580. At this time, the outer guide 590 can rotate in the forward or reverse direction. When the outer guide rotates, the inner guide can move the lens holder 510 upward or downward in the optical axis direction. That is, the lens holder 510 can be moved upward or downward via the guide of the inner guide portion 520C by the drive member 580. Here, the guide of the inner guide portion 520C can change the driving force in the optical axis direction in the rotational direction through a combination of physical grooves or protrusions. At this time, when the lens holder 510 moves upward or downward in the optical axis direction, the first elastic spring 530A is stretched or contracted, and the holder guide portion 520B can support the other end 531 of the first elastic spring 530A. The drive member 580 can be implemented piezoelectrically.

[0061] As another example, in addition to the drive member 580, a sub-drive member for directly moving the lens holder 510 may be included, and this sub-drive member may be as follows: Figure 1 The lens holder 510 is shown to be located at its lower part. At this time, when the lens holder 510 passes through... Figure 1 When the drive member 550 moves upward or downward in the optical axis direction, the first elastic spring 530A is stretched or contracted, and the retainer guide 520B supports the first elastic spring 530A. As another example, multiple guides may overlap each other in the retainer guide 520B, and as... Figure 6 The second elastic spring 530B shown can be incorporated therein.

[0062] A support elastic spring 530C is provided on the intermediate bracket 572. The support elastic spring 530C is attached to the lower end of the external guide 525 or the retainer guide 520B, and the support elastic spring 530C can limit the movement of the external guide 525 or the retainer guide 520B in the optical axis direction to a predetermined distance.

[0063] <Second Embodiment>

[0064] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A combined perspective view of the camera module. Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A perspective view of the lens holder in the pop-up state of the camera module. Figure 11 yes Figure 9 An example of a side sectional view of the camera module. Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 A diagram illustrating an example of movement of a substrate containing an image sensor. Figure 13 It is used for driving Figure 8 A perspective view of the bracket for the second lens holder of the camera module. Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 (b) is Figure 9 An example of AF for the second lens holder in a camera module. Figure 15 It shows the use of movement Figure 8 Exploded perspective view of the cylindrical portion of the first lens holder. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Perspective view of the internal lens holder. Figures 17 to 19 yes Figure 9 This is a side sectional view of the camera module, illustrating the connection relationship of the cylindrical portion used to move the first lens holder. Figure 9 Structure and Figure 7 The structures are the same, but for the convenience of describing the second embodiment, the corresponding reference numerals will be given and described.

[0065] refer to Figures 8 to 11 According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the camera module may include: a first lens holder 110 having at least one first lens 112; a guide member 102 located outside the first lens holder 110; a first drive member 220; covers 130 and 140; an intermediate support 150; a main substrate 160; a second drive member 250; a main housing 170; a movable support 180; a second lens holder 310 having at least one second lens 312; a substrate 190; and an image sensor 192.

[0066] The first lens holder 110 has a cylindrical shape, includes at least one first lens 112, and has a plurality of guide grooves 115 formed on its outer circumference in the optical axis direction. The first lens 112 may include one or more lenses. The guide member 102 may have a cylindrical shape and may have a through hole 61 larger than the diameter of the first lens holder 110. The first lens holder 110 can be inserted into and engaged with the through hole 61 of the first lens holder 110. A guide protrusion 51 protruding in the vertical direction is provided on the inner circumference of the guide member 102, and the guide protrusion 51 can be inserted into and engaged with the guide grooves 115 of the first lens holder 110.

[0067] The guide member 102 rotates in the circumferential direction via the first drive member 220, and the first lens holder 110 moves in the optical axis direction via the rotation of the guide member 102. Figure 10 As shown, the guide member 102 can eject the first lens holder 110 in the Z-axis direction, or the first lens holder 110 can be returned to its original position by the first drive member 220. The guide member 102 can be rotated by the driving force transmitted to the outside of the first drive member 220. The first drive member 220 is coupled to the outer groove 127 of the guide member 102 and can be implemented as a piezoelectric element. When a voltage is applied to the first drive member 220, mechanical deformation is transmitted to the outer groove 127 of the guide member 102, thereby rotating the outer cylindrical portion of the guide member 102. When the first lens holder 110 is exposed to the outside of the moving device, the drive member can mount a piezoelectric element (e.g., VCM) that is not excessively large. The first drive member 220 and the guide member 102 can control the ejection of the first lens holder 110 to adjust the focusing and zoom magnification.

[0068] Covers 130 and 140 may include a plurality of first covers 130 disposed around guide member 102 and a plurality of second covers 140 disposed outside each first cover 130. The plurality of first covers 130 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of guide member 102, are arc-shaped, and face each other along the outer curved surface of guide member 102. The length of each first cover 130 may be less than half the circumference of guide member 102, for example, in the range of 1 / 3 to 1 / 5. The plurality of first covers 130 may face each other in the second axis Y direction. The second covers 140 have the same external shape as each first cover 130 and support the outer side of each first cover 130. The length of each second cover 140 may be less than half the circumference of guide member 102, for example, in the range of 1 / 3 to 1 / 5. The plurality of second covers 140 may face each other in the second axis Y direction.

[0069] like Figure 9 and 10As shown, one end of the first elastic spring 210 can be connected to the upper part of the first lens holder 110, and the other end can be connected to the first cover 130. The first elastic spring 210 can be implemented as a coil spring or a leaf spring, and can include a buffer structure with multiple steps or bends inside. When the first lens holder 110 moves upward or downward in the optical axis direction, the first elastic spring 210 provides and supports a predetermined elasticity. (Reference) Figure 8 and Figure 17 When the first cover 130 moves (i.e. pops out) in the optical axis direction of the first lens holder 110, the first cover 130 can move a predetermined distance or more, and can move along the outer surface of the guide member 102 in the optical axis direction. The first cover 130 can move together with the first elastic spring 210, and the stop protrusion 137 on its lower outer side can move along the stop groove 147 of the second cover 140. This movement can be limited by the stop 148 after moving a predetermined distance.

[0070] When the first cover 130 moves a predetermined distance or more in the optical axis direction, the second cover 140 can move from the outside of the first cover 130 in the optical axis direction. At this time, in the second cover 140, the stop protrusion 149 provided on the lower outer side moves along the inner groove 159 of the support protrusion 155, and this movement can be restricted on the inner groove 159.

[0071] like Figure 8 and Figures 15 to 19 As shown, the guide member 102 may include multiple cylindrical portions 120, 121, 122, and 123. The guide member 102 may include a first cylindrical portion 120 located on the outer side, a second cylindrical portion 121 located inside the first cylindrical portion 120, a third cylindrical portion 123 located inside the second cylindrical portion 121, and a fourth cylindrical portion 124 located inside the third cylindrical portion 123. The first cylindrical portion 120 may be disposed between the first cover 130 and the second cylindrical portion 121. The second cylindrical portion 121 may be disposed between the first cylindrical portion 120 and the third cylindrical portion 122. The third cylindrical portion 122 may be disposed between the second cylindrical portion 121 and the fourth cylindrical portion 123. The fourth cylindrical portion 123 may be disposed between the third cylindrical portion 122 and the first lens holder 110.

[0072] like Figure 15 and Figure 16As shown, the first cylindrical portion 120 has a plurality of rotating grooves 127 disposed on its outer circumference, and the end of the first driving member 220 can be engaged with each rotating groove 127. Each rotating groove 127 is recessed in the circumferential direction of the first cylindrical portion 120, and the end of the first driving member 220 can be inserted into and engaged with the rotating groove 127. The first cylindrical portion 120 can be rotated about the optical axis in a forward or reverse direction by the driving force of the first driving member 220. A plurality of first inclined grooves 125 are included in the region between the rotating grooves 127 of the first cylindrical portion 120, and each of the plurality of first inclined grooves 125 extends from the inside to the outside and can extend obliquely from the upper end to the lower end. A first protrusion 32 protruding from the lower outer circumference of the second cylindrical portion 121 can be inserted into the first inclined groove 125 of the first cylindrical portion 120. The first cylindrical portion 121 moves along the first inclined groove 125 and the first protrusion 32 in the optical axis direction by the rotation of the first cylindrical portion 120. Multiple first inclined grooves 125 may be configured to face each other on opposite sides. Multiple first protrusions 32 may protrude from opposite sides in opposite directions. Multiple second inclined grooves 31 are formed in the second cylindrical portion 121 in a penetrating manner from the inside out, and the second inclined grooves 31 extend obliquely from the upper end to the lower end. The third cylindrical portion 122 may have multiple second protrusions 33 protruding from the lower part of the outer periphery. The multiple second inclined grooves 31 face each other on opposite sides and may be respectively disposed in the region between the first inclined grooves 125. The multiple second protrusions 33 correspond to the second inclined grooves 31 and may protrude from opposite sides in opposite directions. When the second cylindrical portion 121 rotates and moves in the optical axis direction, the third cylindrical portion 122 may rotate and move in the optical axis direction.

[0073] like Figure 18 and 19As shown, the third cylindrical portion 122 may include a plurality of circumferential grooves 34 penetrating in the circumferential direction at its central portion. The length of the plurality of circumferential grooves 34 may be formed to be less than 1 / 2 of the circumferential length of the third cylindrical portion 122, for example, in the range of 1 / 3 to 1 / 5. The fourth cylindrical portion 123 may include a third protrusion 41 engaging with the circumferential grooves 34 at its outer central portion. The third protrusion 41 may be inserted into and engaged with the circumferential grooves 34 of the third cylindrical portion 122. When the third cylindrical portion 122 rotates and moves in the optical axis direction, the third protrusion 41 does not move in the circumferential direction but is positioned in the circumferential grooves 34. Therefore, the fourth cylindrical portion 123 does not rotate within the third cylindrical portion 122, but only moves in the optical axis direction. The fourth cylindrical portion 123 has a guide protrusion 51 that engages with a guide groove 115 on the outside of the first lens holder 110. The fourth cylindrical portion 123 moves in the optical axis direction, and the guide protrusion 51 can move the first lens holder 110 upward or downward in the optical axis direction through the guide groove 115. In other words, when the first cylindrical portion 120, the second cylindrical portion 121, and the third cylindrical portion 122 rotate and move in the optical axis direction, the fourth cylindrical portion 123 moves only in the optical axis direction to move the first lens holder 110 in the optical axis direction.

[0074] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, one end of the first elastic spring 210 is fixed to the guide protrusion 51 of the fourth cylindrical portion 123, and the other end can be attached to the upper part of the first cover 130. Therefore, when the first lens holder 110 moves upward or downward in the optical axis direction, the first elastic spring 210 supports and realizes the movement of the first lens holder 110 in the optical axis direction. When the first lens holder 110 moves upward in the optical axis direction, the first cover 130 moves in the upward direction (i.e., the object direction), and the movement distance of the first elastic spring 210 can be increased. Furthermore, when the first cover 130 moves in the optical axis direction, the second cover 140 can move, thereby increasing the movement distance of the first elastic spring 210. Therefore, the first lens holder 110 maximizes the movement distance in the upward direction and can be stably supported.

[0075] Covers 130 and 140, along with guide member 102, are mounted on intermediate support 150, which corresponds to first lens holder 110 via through-hole 62. Sub-springs 215 are mounted on intermediate support 150, connecting to and supporting the lower end of cover 130. Multiple sub-springs 215 are provided and can be coupled to the opposite side of the portion of lower end of cover 130 connected to the other end of first elastic spring 210. Intermediate support 150 supports support protrusion 155, which in turn supports and guides the outer sides of covers 130 and 140.

[0076] The main substrate 160 is disposed below the intermediate support 150. The main substrate 160 has a through hole 62 and can be positioned between the intermediate support 150 and the main housing 170. The main substrate 160 can have a smaller size than the intermediate support 150 and the main housing 170 and can be concealed from external exposure. The main housing 170 can accommodate the main substrate 160, the second lens holder 310, the movable support 180, and the substrate 190. For example, the main substrate 160, the second lens holder 310, the movable support 180, and the substrate 190 can extend to the bottom through the inner sidewall of the main housing 170.

[0077] like Figure 8 As shown, the main substrate 160 may be spaced apart from the substrate 190 having the image sensor 192. The main substrate 160 and the substrate 190 may be supported and electrically connected by an interposer 185 and a suspension wire 182. A second lens holder 310 may be coupled between the main substrate 170 and the substrate 190. The second lens holder 310 may include at least one or more second lenses 312. The second lenses 312 of the second lens holder 310 may be aligned in the optical axis direction with the first lens 112 of the first lens holder 110. The first lens 112 and the second lens 312 may be aligned in the optical axis direction with the image sensor 192.

[0078] like Figure 8 and Figure 13As shown, the movable support 180 may have multiple receiving grooves 81. A first drive portion 250 and a second drive portion 255 may be disposed between the movable support 180 and the main substrate 160. The first drive portion 250 and the second drive portion 255 may be defined as second drive members. Multiple second drive members may be disposed on the outer periphery of the second lens holder 310. The first drive portion 250 may include multiple first stators 252 and multiple first movers 254 opposite to the multiple first stators 252. The first stators 252 include coils and may be disposed in the lower corner region of the main substrate 160. The first movers 254 are respectively inserted into and coupled to the receiving grooves 81 of the movable support 180, and may include magnets opposite to the first stators 252. The first drive portion 250 may include an actuator for OIS. The second drive portion 255 may include a second mover 256 and multiple second stators 258. The second mover 256 includes a coil and may be wound along the outer circumference of the second lens holder 310. Multiple second stators 258 include magnets facing the second movers 256 and can be respectively disposed between the first movers 254. The second stators 258 can be coupled to receiving recesses 81 of the movable support 180, but are not limited thereto. The first movers 252 and the second stators 258 can be respectively coupled to different regions in the multiple receiving recesses 81 of the movable support 180. The second drive unit 255 may include an actuator for AF.

[0079] The movable support 180 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (horizontal direction) by the first drive unit 250. At this time, the suspension line 182 extending through the movable support 180 moves by the horizontal movement of the movable support 180, and the substrate 190 can move in the horizontal direction by the movement of the suspension line 182. That is to say, Figure 11 The substrate 190 can be moved to the side of the substrate. Figure 12 At the same position shown, the image sensor 192 can be moved by the first drive unit 250 to realize the OIS function.

[0080] When power is supplied to the second drive unit 255, an electromagnetic force is generated by the second mover 256 disposed around the second lens holder 310 and the second stator 258 opposite thereto, thereby moving the second lens holder 310 upward or downward in the optical axis direction. That is, as Figure 14 The position of the second lens holder 310 shown in (a) can be moved upward, and as... Figure 14As shown in (b), the second lens holder 310 is moved to a position adjacent to the first lens holder 110. Therefore, the second lens holder 310 can be operated by the second drive unit 255 for AF. The first drive unit 250 and the second drive unit 255 can be coupled to the movable bracket 180 and move together with the substrate 190 for OIS, or move the second lens holder 310 in the optical axis direction. The second lens holder 310 can be used for both AF and OIS, and because a coil is wound around the second lens holder 310, its weight can be reduced, and movement in the horizontal and optical axis directions can be easier.

[0081] Here, as Figure 13 As shown, a plurality of second elastic springs 240 are included to support the movement of the second lens holder 310. One end of each of the plurality of second elastic springs 240 can be connected to the movable bracket 180, and the other end can be connected to the second lens holder 310. The plurality of second elastic springs 240 can support the positional movement and return of the second lens holder 310. The first drive unit 250 and the second drive unit 255 may include Hall sensors for positioning the first stator 252 and the second stator 258. The Hall sensors can provide position information so that the positions of the second lens holder 310 and the movable bracket 180 can be moved to the correct positions.

[0082] Figure 20 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a mobile device, in which a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Figure 20 As shown, the mobile terminal 1500 may include a camera module 1520, a flash module 1530, and an autofocus device 1510 disposed on one side or the rear side. Here, the autofocus device 1510 may include a surface-emitting laser device and a light receiver as a light-emitting layer. The flash module 1530 may include an emitter that emits light. The flash module 1530 can be operated by operating the camera of the mobile terminal or by user control. The camera module 1520 may include image capture and autofocus functions. For example, the camera module 1520 may include an autofocus function using an image. The autofocus device 1510 may include an autofocus function using a laser. The autofocus device 1510 may be primarily used under conditions where the autofocus function using the image from the camera module 1520 degrades, such as at close range (10 meters or less) or in dark environments.

[0083] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but rather as illustrative. The scope of this embodiment should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all variations within the equivalent scope of this embodiment are included within the scope of this embodiment.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: substrate; An image sensor, the image sensor being mounted on the substrate; A lens holder having at least one lens on the image sensor; A retainer guide portion, which is spaced apart from the outer side of the lens retainer and has multiple guide portions; A plurality of first elastic springs, one end of each first elastic spring being connected to the lens retainer, and the other end of each first elastic spring being connected to the retainer guide; A plurality of second elastic springs connect the plurality of guide portions of the retainer guide portion to each other; as well as A driving member is disposed around the lens holder. One end of the first elastic spring moves upward or downward along the optical axis together with the lens holder.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The driving component includes a mover disposed on the outer or lower surface of the lens holder and a stator disposed on the substrate.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The driving member includes: a mover disposed on at least one of the outer side and lower surface of the lens holder; and a stator disposed on the inner side of the holder guide and facing the mover.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first elastic springs are three or four, and The plurality of second elastic springs may be three or four.

5. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, One end of each second elastic spring is connected to the lower guide portion of the plurality of guide portions, and the other end of each second elastic spring is connected to the upper guide portion of the plurality of guide portions. When the lens holder moves upward or downward along the optical axis, the upper guide portion moves upward or downward relative to the lower guide portion, and When the upper guide portion moves, the second elastic spring is stretched or restored.

6. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The retainer guide portion includes a first guide portion stacked at the bottom and a second guide portion stacked at the top. The first guide portion and the second guide portion are joined together by multiple grooves and multiple protrusions, and One end of the second elastic spring is connected to the first guide portion, and the other end of the second elastic spring is connected to the second guide portion.

7. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The retainer guide has two or three guides joined together in the optical axis direction or horizontal direction.

8. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of guide sections is cylindrical.

9. A mobile device having a camera module according to claim 1.

Images