Sensor-driven actuator

Abstract

A sensor driving actuator includes an image sensor, an OIS carrier which mounts the image sensor and moves the image sensor in at least one of a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, an AF carrier for moving the image sensor in the optical axis direction, a first housing which accommodates the OIS carrier and the AF carrier, a flexible circuit board which extends from an upper portion of the OIS carrier on which the image sensor is mounted and is bent along an outer surface of the first housing in each of the optical axis direction and a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and a second housing which accommodates the first housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera actuator, and more specifically, to an actuator capable of achieving autofocus and optical image stabilization by driving a sensor. Background Technology

[0002] With advancements in hardware technology for image processing and increasing user demands for image capture, features such as autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) are being implemented in standalone camera devices and camera modules installed in mobile terminals such as mobile phones and smartphones.

[0003] Autofocus function refers to the function of adjusting the focal length relative to the object by linearly moving a carrier equipped with a lens or the like along the optical axis, thereby producing a clear image on an image sensor (CMOS, CCD, etc.) located at the rear of the lens.

[0004] In addition, optical image stabilization refers to the function of improving image sharpness by adaptively moving the carrier equipped with the lens to compensate for the lens shaking due to hand tremors.

[0005] One of the representative methods for achieving AF or OIS functionality is to mount a magnet (coil) on a movable body (carrier), mount the coil (magnet) on a fixed body (casing, another type of carrier, etc.), and then generate an electromagnetic force between the coil and the magnet, thereby moving the movable body in the direction of the optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0006] Additionally, there are devices that connect wires to a carrier to physically support the carrier and restore its position. However, the wires in these devices are prone to changes in physical properties due to internal and external environmental factors, which can reduce driving accuracy. In particular, driving performance may be further reduced when the weight and size of the lens increase due to its high specifications.

[0007] Recently, in order to solve the problem of linear devices, a structure has been applied in which ball bearings are inserted between the movable body and the fixed body to maintain a constant and appropriate distance between the movable body and the fixed body, and the friction is minimized by the rotational movement of the ball bearings and the point contact with the ball bearings, thereby making the carrier move more smoothly and accurately.

[0008] In the case of a device or actuator with integrated AF and OIS functions, the AF needs to move in the direction of the optical axis, and the OIS needs to move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, the device or actuator is implemented as a complex physical structure with AF and OIS carriers stacked on top of each other.

[0009] Existing actuators perform optical image stabilization by moving a lens module in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. However, because the lens module accounts for a large portion of the camera module's weight, there are issues with the lens assembly's movement accuracy and the camera module's performance reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a sensor driving actuator that can relatively easily implement OIS and AF, and improve the reliability of the camera module by driving the sensor instead of driving the lens module.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor driving actuator that facilitates the movement of the image sensor when implementing OIS and AF by employing a flexible circuit board with a curved structure.

[0013] Other objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will become clearer from the embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the objects and advantages of the present invention may be achieved by the components disclosed in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a sensor-driven actuator, comprising: an image sensor; an OIS carrier on which the image sensor is mounted, the OIS carrier being configured to move the image sensor in at least one of a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; an AF carrier configured to move the image sensor in the optical axis direction; a first housing configured to house the OIS carrier and the AF carrier; a flexible circuit board extending from the upper portion of the OIS carrier on which the image sensor is mounted and bending along the outer surface of the first housing in both the optical axis direction and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis; and a second housing configured to house the first housing.

[0016] In this case, at least a portion of the flexible circuit board can be disposed between the outer surface of the first housing and the inner surface of the second housing.

[0017] In addition, a space for the flexible circuit board to move can be provided between the outer surface of the first housing and the inner surface of the second housing.

[0018] Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can include a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other, and as the image sensor moves, the flexible circuit board can move in the moving space along at least one of the optical axis, the first direction, and the second direction.

[0019] In addition, the flexible circuit board may include: a first plate member and a second plate member, respectively attached to two opposite sides of the image sensor; a third plate member and a fourth plate member, respectively extending from the first plate member and the second plate member and bent in the optical axis direction; a fifth plate member and a sixth plate member, respectively extending from the third plate member and the fourth plate member and bent in a first direction; and a seventh plate member and an eighth plate member, respectively extending from the fifth plate member and the sixth plate member and bent in a second direction.

[0020] In this case, the flexible circuit board can be configured such that the fifth board component is separated from the sixth board component and the seventh board component is separated from the eighth board component.

[0021] Furthermore, as the image sensor moves, the first plate component and the second plate component can move in the optical axis direction.

[0022] Furthermore, as the image sensor moves, the third plate component and the fourth plate component can move in the first direction.

[0023] Furthermore, as the image sensor moves, the fifth and sixth plate components can move in the second direction.

[0024] Furthermore, the sensor-driven actuator of the present invention may also include an intermediate guide disposed between the OIS carrier and the AF carrier.

[0025] In this configuration, the OIS carrier may include a first magnet and a second magnet, and the first housing may include: a first drive coil facing the first magnet; and a second drive coil facing the second magnet.

[0026] Furthermore, the sensor drive actuator of the present invention may further include: a first guide rail formed on the upper part of the OIS carrier along a second direction; a second guide rail formed on the lower part of the intermediate guide and facing the first guide rail; and a first OIS ball disposed between the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

[0027] Furthermore, the sensor drive actuator of the present invention may also include: a third guide rail formed on the upper part of the intermediate guide along a first direction; a fourth guide rail formed on the lower part of the AF carrier and facing the third guide rail; and a second OIS ball disposed between the third guide rail and the fourth guide rail.

[0028] In addition, the AF carrier may include a third magnet, and the first housing may include a third drive coil facing the third magnet.

[0029] Furthermore, the sensor drive actuator of the present invention may also include: a fifth guide rail formed on the outer portion of the AF carrier along the optical axis; a sixth guide rail formed on the inner portion of the first housing and facing the fifth guide rail; and an AF ball disposed between the fifth guide rail and the sixth guide rail.

[0030] Beneficial effects

[0031] According to the present invention, the actuator corrects for camera shake and achieves autofocus by moving a relatively lightweight image sensor, rather than moving the lens module, which accounts for most of the weight of the camera module. Therefore, OIS and AF can be implemented relatively easily, and the reliability of the camera module can be improved.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the flexible circuit board has a structure that bends along three axial directions, which makes it possible to minimize the tension (load) applied to the flexible circuit board by moving the image sensor during the implementation of OIS and AF. Therefore, the movement of the image sensor can be advantageous.

[0033] The effects that can be obtained by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other effects not mentioned above. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a sensor-driven actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is an exploded connected view showing the construction of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view taken by cutting line IV-IV in the figure.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a view showing the state in which a flexible circuit board is mounted on an image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a view showing the state in which a flexible circuit board is disposed between a first housing and a second housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a view used to explain the OIS function of the actuator in the X-axis direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a view used to explain the OIS function of the actuator in the Y-axis direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 9This is a view used to explain the optical axis direction AF function of the actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a view used to explain the function of the flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the terms or words used in the specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best describe his / her own invention.

[0044] Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely the best preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the full technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace the exemplary embodiments can be made at the time of filing this application.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a sensor-driven actuator (hereinafter referred to as "actuator") according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is an exploded, connected view showing the structure of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view taken by cutting line IV-IV in the figure, and Figure 5 This is a view showing the state in which the flexible circuit board is mounted on an image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 6 This is a view showing the state in which a flexible circuit board is disposed between a first housing and a second housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] In the following text, we will first refer to Figures 1 to 6 The general structure of the actuator of the present invention will be described below, followed by a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention for implementing AF and OIS functions.

[0047] The actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment that simultaneously achieves both autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) by driving the image sensor 120. However, the actuator 100 of the present invention can of course be implemented as an actuator for OIS only.

[0048] The Z-axis direction shown in the figure is the optical axis direction, which is the direction in which light is introduced into the lens module 190. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the direction in which the AF carrier 160 moves forward or backward, as will be described below. Furthermore, the optical axis refers to the central axis of the image sensor 120.

[0049] Additionally, the X-axis and Y-axis directions are perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis direction), representing the directions in which the image sensor 120 moves via OIS to compensate for shaky hands. In the following description, the X-axis direction is referred to as the first direction, and the Y-axis direction as the second direction. However, from a relative perspective, the X-axis and Y-axis directions are merely examples. Of course, either the X-axis or Y-axis direction can be the first direction, while the other can be the second direction.

[0050] The actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a flexible circuit board 110, an image sensor 120, a stop 125, an OIS carrier 130, an intermediate guide 140, a first housing 150, an AF carrier 160, a second housing 170, and a lens module 190.

[0051] The actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a structure in which the OIS carrier 130, intermediate guide 140, AF carrier 160, first housing 150 and lens module 190 are sequentially connected on the basis of the second housing 170.

[0052] Image sensor 120 is mounted on OIS carrier 130, and intermediate guide 140 is disposed above OIS carrier 130. In this case, OIS carrier 130 and intermediate guide 140 are housed in AF carrier 160. Furthermore, AF carrier 160 is housed in first housing 150.

[0053] Therefore, the OIS carrier 130 can move within the AF carrier 160 along at least one of the first and second directions. The AF carrier 160 can move within the first housing 150 along the optical axis.

[0054] In this case, since the OIS carrier 130 is housed within the AF carrier 160, the OIS carrier 130 can move together with the AF carrier 160 when the AF carrier 160 moves.

[0055] Unlike the configuration shown in the accompanying drawings, the image sensor 120 can be mounted on the AF carrier 160, and the AF carrier 160 can be housed within the OIS carrier 130. In this case, the intermediate guide 140 is positioned above the OIS carrier 130, and the OIS carrier 130 is housed within the first housing 150.

[0056] Therefore, the AF carrier 160 can move along the optical axis within the OIS carrier 130. The OIS carrier 130 can move within the first housing 150 along at least one of the first and second directions.

[0057] In this case, since the AF carrier 160 is housed within the OIS carrier 130, the AF carrier 160 can move together with the OIS carrier 130 when the OIS carrier 130 moves.

[0058] The OIS carrier 130 has a first magnet M1 and a second magnet M2, and the AF carrier 160 has a third magnet M3. In addition, the first housing 150 has a first drive coil C1, a second drive coil C2, and a third drive coil C3 facing the first magnet M1, the second magnet M2, and the third magnet M3, respectively.

[0059] In this case, the first driving coil C1, the second driving coil C2 and the third driving coil C3 can be mounted on the substrate 155 and disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the first housing 150.

[0060] The OIS carrier 130 has an opening formed at its center to expose the image sensor 120 in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the image sensor 120 can detect light entering from the lens module 190.

[0061] In this case, the image sensor 120 may include image capturing elements such as charge-coupled devices (CCDs) and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS).

[0062] When the AF carrier 160 moves forward or backward along the optical axis, the image sensor 120 located at the rear end of the actuator 100 also moves forward or backward along the optical axis, thereby adjusting the focal length between the image sensor 120 and the lens module 190 and realizing the AF function. A detailed description will follow.

[0063] The intermediate guide 140 is disposed between the OIS carrier 130 and the AF carrier 160.

[0064] A first guide rail 131 is formed on the upper part of the OIS carrier 130 along a second direction, and a second guide rail 141 is formed on the lower part of the intermediate guide 140 and faces the first guide rail 131. In addition, a first OIS ball B1 is disposed between the first guide rail 131 and the second guide rail 141.

[0065] The third guide rail 142 is formed on the upper part of the intermediate guide 140 along the first direction, and the fourth guide rail 162 is formed on the lower part of the AF carrier 160 and faces the third guide rail 142. In addition, the second OIS ball B2 is disposed between the third guide rail 142 and the fourth guide rail 162.

[0066] The fifth guide rail 161 is formed on the outer portion of the AF carrier 160 along the optical axis, and the sixth guide rail (not shown) is formed on the inner portion of the first housing 150 and faces the fifth guide rail 161. In addition, the AF ball B3 is disposed between the fifth guide rail 161 and the sixth guide rail (not shown).

[0067] The stop 125 is used to limit the downward movement of the AF carrier 160 in the optical axis direction.

[0068] The lens module 190 can be fixed to the first housing 150. As described above, the actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can realize OIS and AF functions by moving the image sensor 120 along three axes while the lens module 190 is fixed.

[0069] The flexible circuit board 110 is attached to the center of two opposite sides of the image sensor 120. In this case, the flexible circuit board 110 may be a printed circuit board configured to send electrical signals to and receive electrical signals from the image sensor 120. Furthermore, the second housing 170 houses the first housing 150.

[0070] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The flexible circuit board 110 is attached to the center of two opposite sides of the image sensor 120 and is bent along the outer surface of the first housing 150 in the optical axis direction and in both a first and a second direction. However, this is provided for illustrative purposes only. The flexible circuit board 110 can be applied as an FPCB structure bent in the optical axis direction and in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0071] Specifically, the flexible circuit board 110 may include a first plate member 111 and a second plate member 112 respectively attached to two opposite sides of the image sensor 120, a third plate member 113 and a fourth plate member 114 extending from the first plate member 111 and the second plate member 112 and bent in the optical axis direction, a fifth plate member 115 and a sixth plate member 116 extending from the third plate member 113 and the fourth plate member 114 and bent in a first direction, and a seventh plate member 117 and an eighth plate member 118 extending from the fifth plate member 115 and the sixth plate member 116 and bent in a second direction.

[0072] At least a portion of the flexible circuit board 110 may be disposed between the outer surface of the first housing 150 and the inner surface of the second housing 170. Furthermore, a movement space may be provided between the outer surface of the first housing 150 and the inner surface of the second housing 170, allowing the flexible circuit board 110 to move therein.

[0073] Therefore, when the image sensor 120 moves, the flexible circuit board 110 can move in at least one of the optical axis direction, the first direction, and the second direction within the movement space between the outer surface of the first housing 150 and the inner surface of the second housing 170. A detailed description of this will follow.

[0074] The flexible circuit board 110 can be configured such that the fifth plate member 115 and the sixth plate member 116 are separated from each other, and the seventh plate member 117 and the eighth plate member 118 are separated from each other. In addition, the second housing 170 may have a slit through which the seventh plate member 117 and the eighth plate member 118 are exposed to the outside in a second direction.

[0075] Figure 7 This is a view used to explain the OIS function of the actuator in the Y-axis direction according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 This is a view used to explain the OIS function of the actuator in the X-axis direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Reference Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 100 includes a first guide rail 131 formed on the upper part of the OIS carrier 130 along a second direction (Y-axis direction), a second guide rail 141 formed on the lower part of the intermediate guide 140 and facing the first guide rail 131, and a first OIS ball B1 disposed between the first guide rail 131 and the second guide rail 141.

[0077] The first OIS ball B1 can roll between the first guide rail 131 and the second guide rail 141, and cause the OIS carrier 130 to move in the second direction.

[0078] The first guide rail 131 may be formed at each corner of the OIS carrier 130, and the second guide rail 141 may also be formed at each corner of the intermediate guide 140. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0079] The first magnet M1 is mounted upright on the upper part of the OIS carrier 130 and is disposed between the two first OIS balls B1 along the second direction.

[0080] The first drive coil C1 is disposed on the inner surface of the first housing 150 and faces the first magnet M1. In this case, the Hall sensor can be disposed inside the first drive coil C1.

[0081] In order to achieve the OIS function in the second direction (Y-axis direction), the OIS carrier 130 moves along the second direction in the internal space of the AF carrier 160 based on the first housing 150.

[0082] The Hall sensor can send an electrical signal to the operating driver (not shown), which corresponds to the direction and magnitude of movement caused by hand tremor. The operating driver can execute control to apply power to the first drive coil C1 with an amplitude and direction corresponding to the electrical signal. That is, the OIS carrier 130 can be moved through feedback control between the Hall sensor and the operating driver.

[0083] When power is applied to the first drive coil C1, the first drive coil C1 generates an electromagnetic force on the first magnet M1 mounted on the OIS carrier 130, and the first OIS ball B1 rolls between the first guide rail 131 and the second guide rail 141 by the electromagnetic force, causing the OIS carrier 130 to move in the second direction.

[0084] In this case, because the image sensor 120 is connected to the OIS carrier 130, when the OIS carrier 130 moves in the second direction, the image sensor 120 also moves in the second direction. Therefore, the hand shakiness problem is corrected by the component in the second direction.

[0085] Reference Figure 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 100 includes a third guide rail 142 formed on the upper part of the intermediate guide 140 along a first direction (X-axis direction), a fourth guide rail 162 formed on the lower part of the AF carrier 160 and facing the third guide rail 142, and a second OIS ball B2 disposed between the third guide rail 142 and the fourth guide rail 162.

[0086] The second OIS ball B2 can roll between the third guide rail 142 and the fourth guide rail 162 while moving the intermediate guide 140 in the first direction.

[0087] The third guide rail 142 may be formed at each corner of the intermediate guide 140, and the fourth guide rail 162 may also be formed at each corner of the AF carrier 160. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0088] The second magnet M2 is mounted upright on the upper part of the OIS carrier 130 and is disposed between the two second OIS balls B2 along the first direction.

[0089] The second drive coil C2 can be disposed on the inner surface of the first housing 150 and facing the second magnet M2, and the Hall sensor can be disposed inside the second drive coil C2.

[0090] In order to achieve the OIS function in the first direction (X-axis direction), the intermediate guide 140 moves in the first direction within the internal space of the AF carrier 160 based on the first housing 150.

[0091] The Hall sensor sends an electrical signal to the operating driver (not shown), which corresponds to the direction and magnitude of movement caused by hand tremor. The operating driver performs control to apply power to the second drive coil C2 with an amplitude and direction corresponding to the electrical signal. That is, the intermediate guide 140 can be moved through feedback control between the Hall sensor and the operating driver.

[0092] When power is applied to the second drive coil C2, the second drive coil C2 generates an electromagnetic force on the second magnet M2 mounted on the OIS carrier 130, and the second OIS ball B2 rolls between the third guide rail 142 and the fourth guide rail 162 by the electromagnetic force, causing the intermediate guide 140 to move in the first direction.

[0093] In this configuration, the image sensor 120 is coupled to the OIS carrier 130, and the OIS carrier 130 is coupled to the intermediate guide 140. Therefore, when the intermediate guide 140 moves in the first direction, the OIS carrier 130 and the image sensor 120 also move in the first direction. Thus, hand shakiness is corrected by the component in the first direction.

[0094] As described above, the actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention corrects for camera shake by moving the relatively lightweight image sensor 120 instead of the lens module 190, which accounts for most of the weight of the camera module. Therefore, OIS can be implemented relatively easily and the reliability of the camera module can be improved.

[0095] Figure 9 This is a view used to explain the optical axis direction AF function of the actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Reference Figure 9 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 100 includes a fifth guide rail 161 formed on the outer portion of the AF carrier 160 along the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), a sixth guide rail (not shown) formed on the inner portion of the first housing 150 and facing the fifth guide rail 161, and an AF ball B3 disposed between the fifth guide rail 161 and the sixth guide rail (not shown).

[0097] The AF ball B3 can roll between the fifth guide rail 161 and the sixth guide rail (not shown), and move the AF carrier 160 in the optical axis direction.

[0098] The fifth guide rail 161 can be formed on two opposite sides of the outer surface of the AF carrier 160, and a third magnet M3 is provided on the outer surface of the AF carrier 160.

[0099] The third magnet M3 can be disposed between the fifth guide rails 161. The third drive coil C3 can be disposed on the inner surface of the first housing 150 and facing the third magnet M3. The Hall sensor can be disposed inside the third drive coil C3.

[0100] The AF carrier 160 can be moved via feedback control between the Hall sensor and the operating driver.

[0101] The first housing 150 provides space for the movement of the AF carrier 160. Furthermore, the AF carrier 160 is disposed within the first housing 150 and moves along the optical axis (Z-axis direction) based on the first housing 150.

[0102] When an electric current of appropriate magnitude and direction is applied to the third drive coil C3, the third drive coil C3 generates an electromagnetic force on the third magnet M3 mounted on the AF carrier 160, and the AF ball B3 rolls between the fifth guide rail 161 and the sixth guide rail (not shown) by the electromagnetic force, causing the AF carrier 160 to move in the optical axis direction.

[0103] The AF carrier 160 houses the OIS carrier 130, and the OIS carrier 130 is coupled to the image sensor 120. Therefore, when the AF carrier 160 moves in the optical axis direction, the OIS carrier 130 and the image sensor 120 can also move in the optical axis direction. As a result, the focal length between the lens module 190 and the image sensor 120 is adjusted.

[0104] The movement of the OIS carrier 130 in the first and second directions, and the movement of the AF carrier 160 in the optical axis direction, are performed independently by separate processing and separate physical structures. Therefore, movement in each direction can be performed independently. Alternatively, movement in multiple combinations of directions (XY, XZ, YZ, XYZ, etc.) can, of course, be performed simultaneously.

[0105] According to the actuator 100 of the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the first magnet to the third magnet M1, M2 and M3 and the first drive coil to the third drive coil C1, C2 and C3 are vertically arranged along the optical axis direction, thereby significantly reducing the thickness of the actuator 100 (based on the optical axis direction).

[0106] Recently, the width of the main substrate has increased considerably due to the increasing width of the screen display device in portable terminals. Since the size of the actuator 100 of the present invention is increased only in the width direction (i.e., the horizontal direction based on the optical axis), a structure that more appropriately conforms to the trend of portable terminals can be realized.

[0107] Figure 10 This is a view used to explain the function of the flexible circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] The first plate member 111 and the second plate member 112 can be attached to two opposite sides of the image sensor 120, and the third to sixth plate members 113, 114, 115 and 116 can be disposed in a movable space provided between the outer surface of the first housing 150 and the inner surface of the second housing 170. Furthermore, the fifth plate member 115 and the sixth plate member 116, as well as the seventh plate member 117 and the eighth plate member 118, can be separated from each other and at least partially exposed to the outside of the first housing 150 and the second housing 170.

[0109] In this configuration, the first plate member 111 and the second plate member 112 facilitate the movement of the image sensor 120 in the optical axis direction. Furthermore, the third plate member 113 and the fourth plate member 114 facilitate the movement of the image sensor 120 in a first direction, and the fifth plate member 115 and the sixth plate member 116 facilitate the movement of the image sensor 120 in a second direction.

[0110] Reference Figure 10 When the image sensor 120 moves in the optical axis direction to realize the AF function in the optical axis direction, the first plate member 111 and the second plate member 112 also move in the optical axis direction as the image sensor 120 moves.

[0111] That is, the first plate member 111 and the second plate member 112 are attached to the image sensor 120, and the image sensor 120 is mounted on the OIS carrier 130, while the AF carrier 160 houses the OIS carrier 130. Therefore, when the image sensor 120 moves in the optical axis direction through the operation of the AF carrier 160, the first plate member 111 and the second plate member 112 can move in the optical axis direction as the image sensor 120 moves.

[0112] In this configuration, the first plate member 111 and the third plate member 113, as well as the second plate member 112 and the fourth plate member 114, each have a structure that bends in the optical axis direction. Therefore, when the first plate member 111 and the second plate member 112 move, the tension (load) applied to them can be minimized. This facilitates the movement of the image sensor 120 in the optical axis direction.

[0113] In addition, refer to Figure 10 As the image sensor 120 moves in the first direction to realize the OIS function in the first direction, the third plate member 113 and the fourth plate member 114 also move in the movement space along the first direction as the image sensor 120 moves.

[0114] That is, the first plate member 111 and the second plate member 112 are attached to the image sensor 120, and the image sensor 120 is mounted on the OIS carrier 130. Therefore, when the image sensor 120 moves in the first direction through the operation of the OIS carrier 130, the third plate member 113 and the fourth plate member 114 can move in the first direction in the movement space disposed between the first housing 150 and the second housing 170 as the image sensor 120 moves.

[0115] In this configuration, the first plate member 111 and the third plate member 113, as well as the second plate member 112 and the fourth plate member 114, each have a structure that bends in the optical axis direction, and the third plate member 113 and the fifth plate member 115, as well as the fourth plate member 114 and the sixth plate member 116, each have a structure that bends in the first direction. Therefore, when the third plate member 113 and the fourth plate member 114 move, the tension (load) applied to them can be minimized. This facilitates the movement of the image sensor 120 in the first direction.

[0116] Furthermore, the separation of the fifth plate member 115 from the sixth plate member 116 and the separation of the seventh plate member 117 from the eighth plate member 118 further minimizes the tension (load) applied to the third plate member 113 and the fourth plate member 114 when they move. Therefore, this further facilitates the movement of the image sensor 120 in the first direction.

[0117] In addition, refer to Figure 10 As the image sensor 120 moves in the second direction to realize the OIS function in the second direction, the fifth plate member 115 and the sixth plate member 116 also move in the second direction in the movement space as the image sensor 120 moves.

[0118] That is, the first plate member 111 and the second plate member 112 are attached to the image sensor 120, and the image sensor 120 is mounted on the OIS carrier 130. Therefore, when the image sensor 120 moves in the second direction due to the operation of the OIS carrier 130, the fifth plate member 115 and the sixth plate member 116 can move in the second direction in the movement space disposed between the first housing 150 and the second housing 170 as the image sensor 120 moves.

[0119] In this configuration, the third plate member 113 and the fifth plate member 115, as well as the fourth plate member 114 and the sixth plate member 116, each have a structure that bends in the first direction, and the fifth plate member 115 and the seventh plate member 117, as well as the sixth plate member 116 and the eighth plate member 118, each have a structure that bends in the second direction. Therefore, when the fifth plate member 115 and the sixth plate member 116 move, the tension (load) applied to them can be minimized. This facilitates the movement of the image sensor 120 in the second direction.

[0120] Furthermore, the separation of the fifth plate member 115 from the sixth plate member 116 and the separation of the seventh plate member 117 from the eighth plate member 118 further minimizes the tension (load) applied to the fifth plate member 115 and the sixth plate member 116 when they move. Therefore, this further facilitates the movement of the image sensor 120 in the second direction.

[0121] The present invention has been described with reference to limited embodiments and accompanying drawings, but is not limited thereto. The described embodiments may be modified or altered by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the invention and within the scope of its equivalents, including the appended claims.

[0122] In the above description of the present invention, modifications such as first and second are merely instrumental conceptual terms used to distinguish the constituent elements from each other and should not be construed as terms used to indicate any particular order, priority, etc.

[0123] The description of the invention and the accompanying drawings, used for illustrative purposes, may be slightly exaggerated to emphasize or highlight the technical content according to the invention. However, it should be understood that various modifications and applications can be made at the level of those skilled in the art, taking into account the disclosure and illustrations in the specification and drawings.

[0124] Industrial applicability

[0125] The sensor-driven actuator according to the present invention can be applied to stand-alone camera devices as well as camera modules installed in mobile terminals such as mobile phones and smartphones.

Claims

1. A sensor-driven actuator, comprising: Image sensor; An OIS carrier on which the image sensor is mounted is configured to move the image sensor in at least one of a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. An AF carrier is configured to move the image sensor in the direction of the optical axis. A first housing is configured to accommodate the OIS carrier and the AF carrier; A flexible circuit board is configured to send electrical signals to and receive electrical signals from the image sensor, extend from the upper part of the OIS carrier on which the image sensor is mounted, and bend along the outer surface of the first housing in the optical axis direction and in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, the flexible circuit board being configured to move as the image sensor moves; as well as The second housing is configured to accommodate the first housing. The flexible circuit board includes: The first plate component and the second plate component are respectively attached to two opposite sides of the image sensor; The third plate member and the fourth plate member extend from the first plate member and the second plate member, respectively, and are bent in the direction of the optical axis; The fifth and sixth plate members extend from the third and fourth plate members, respectively, and are bent in the first direction; and The seventh plate member and the eighth plate member extend from the fifth plate member and the sixth plate member, respectively, and are bent in the second direction.

2. The sensor-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the flexible circuit board is disposed between the outer surface of the first housing and the inner surface of the second housing.

3. The sensor-driven actuator according to claim 2, wherein, The space for moving the flexible circuit board is provided between the outer surface of the first housing and the inner surface of the second housing.

4. The sensor-driven actuator according to claim 3, wherein, The direction perpendicular to the optical axis includes the first direction and the second direction, which are perpendicular to each other, and as the image sensor moves, the flexible circuit board moves in the moving space in at least one of the optical axis, the first direction, and the second direction.

5. The sensor-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible circuit board is configured such that the fifth board component is separated from the sixth board component and the seventh board component is separated from the eighth board component.

6. The sensor-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein, As the image sensor moves, the first plate component and the second plate component move in the direction of the optical axis.

7. The sensor-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein, As the image sensor moves, the third plate component and the fourth plate component move in the first direction.

8. The sensor-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein, As the image sensor moves, the fifth plate member and the sixth plate member move in the second direction.

9. The sensor-driven actuator according to claim 1, further comprising: An intermediate guide is disposed between the OIS carrier and the AF carrier.

10. The sensor-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The OIS carrier includes a first magnet and a second magnet, and The first housing includes: A first driving coil, facing the first magnet; and The second drive coil faces the second magnet.

11. The sensor-driven actuator according to claim 9, further comprising: A first guide rail is formed on the upper part of the OIS carrier along the second direction; A second guide rail is formed on the lower part of the intermediate guide member and faces the first guide rail; and The first OIS ball is disposed between the first guide rail and the second guide rail.

12. The sensor-driven actuator according to claim 9, further comprising: A third guide rail is formed on the upper part of the intermediate guide along the first direction; A fourth guide rail is formed on the lower part of the AF carrier and faces the third guide rail; and The second OIS ball is disposed between the third guide rail and the fourth guide rail.

13. The sensor-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The AF carrier includes a third magnet, and the first housing includes a third drive coil facing the third magnet.

14. The sensor-driven actuator according to claim 1, further comprising: The fifth guide rail is formed on the outer portion of the AF carrier along the optical axis. A sixth guide rail is formed on the inner portion of the first housing and faces the fifth guide rail; and AF ball bearings are disposed between the fifth guide rail and the sixth guide rail.

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