Aperture module and camera module

Abstract

An aperture module and a camera module are provided. The aperture module includes: a blade unit including a plurality of blades configured to form an incident hole through which light passes, the plurality of blades being disposed in (2M-1) layers along an optical axis direction, the plurality of blades disposed in each layer being disposed as (2N + 1) members, where M and N are natural numbers other than 0; a rotor on which the plurality of blades are rotatably disposed; and an aperture driver configured to rotate the rotor and change a size of the incident hole. Among the plurality of blades, the blades disposed in different layers of the (2M-1) layers at least partially overlap in the optical axis direction, and the blades disposed in the same layer of the (2M-1) layers do not overlap each other in the optical axis direction.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0075899 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 14, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The following description relates to an aperture module and a camera module including the aperture module. Background Art

[0004] Camera modules are implemented in portable electronic devices such as, but not limited to, smart phones.

[0005] In a typical digital camera, a mechanical aperture may be provided to change the amount of light incident into a lens based on an image capturing environment. However, in an example of a camera module implemented in a small device such as a portable electronic device, it may be difficult to provide an aperture separately.

[0006] For example, the weight of the camera module may increase due to various components driving the aperture, and thus autofocus or optical image stabilization (OIS) operations may be degraded. It may be advantageous to improve image quality while significantly reducing the increase in thickness of the portable electronic device due to the aperture.

[0007] The above information is presented as background information only to assist in understanding the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above may be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] In general, an aperture module includes: a blade unit including a plurality of blades configured to form an incident hole through which light passes, the plurality of blades being arranged in (2M-1) layers in an optical axis direction, and the plurality of blades arranged in each layer being arranged in (2N+1) components, wherein M and N are natural numbers other than 0; a rotor on which the plurality of blades are rotatably disposed; and an aperture driver configured to rotate the rotor and change a size of the incident hole, wherein, among the plurality of blades, blades arranged in different layers of the (2M-1) layers at least partially overlap in the optical axis direction, while blades arranged in the same layer of the (2M-1) layers do not overlap with each other in the optical axis direction.

[0010] As the rotor rotates and the size of the incident hole increases, the overlapping area between the blades set in different layers of the (2M-1) layers can increase, and as the size of the incident hole decreases, the overlapping area between the blades set in different layers of the (2M-1) layers can decrease.

[0011] The entrance aperture formed by multiple blades can have an odd number of angles.

[0012] The aperture module may further include: a base portion on which the rotor is placed; a ball member disposed between the rotor and the base portion and configured to rotatably support the rotor; and a rolling groove extending in the rotation direction of the rotor and accommodating the ball member in a rolling motion, wherein the rolling grooves are arranged to face each other in the rotor and the base portion in the optical axis direction.

[0013] The ball member may include a main ball member, and the rolling groove may include a main rolling groove that contacts the main ball member at four points.

[0014] The main rolling groove includes a first main rolling groove arranged in the rotor and a second main rolling groove arranged in the base part to face the first main rolling groove, and the first main rolling groove and the second main rolling groove can be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined angle based on an axis parallel to the optical axis direction, and the main ball member contacts each of the first main rolling groove and the second main rolling groove at two points.

[0015] The first main rolling groove and the second main rolling groove may each be arranged in a "V" shape.

[0016] The ball component may also include a sub-ball component, and the rolling groove may also include a sub-rolling groove arranged to contact the sub-ball component at at least two points, wherein the length of the sub-rolling groove in the radial direction may be greater than the diameter of the sub-ball component, so that the sub-ball component is movable in the radial direction.

[0017] The sub-rolling groove may include a first sub-rolling groove arranged on the rotor and a second sub-rolling groove arranged on the base portion to face the first sub-rolling groove, and the sub-ball member may contact each of the first sub-rolling groove and the second sub-rolling groove at a point on an axis parallel to the optical axis direction.

[0018] The sub-ball member may also contact one of the first sub-rolling groove and the second sub-rolling groove at a point on an axis parallel to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0019] The aperture module may further include a base portion, on which the rotor is rotatably disposed, wherein the aperture driver may include: an aperture magnet, arranged on the rotor to face the base portion; and an aperture coil, arranged on the base portion to face the aperture magnet, wherein the aperture magnet is arranged as a plurality of aperture magnets, and the plurality of aperture magnets are arranged in a circumferential direction based on the center of the incident hole.

[0020] The aperture magnet may be disposed below the rotor, and may be disposed between the rotor and the base portion based on the optical axis direction.

[0021] The aperture magnet may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the rotor, and may be provided between the rotor and the base portion based on a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0022] In general, a camera module includes: a housing; a lens barrel disposed within the housing and having a plurality of lenses disposed therein; and an aperture module configured to control the amount of light incident on the plurality of lenses, wherein the aperture module includes: a blade unit including a plurality of blades configured to form an incident hole through which light passes, the plurality of blades being disposed in (2M-1) layers in an optical axis direction, the plurality of blades disposed in each layer being disposed in (2N+1) components, wherein M and N are natural numbers other than 0; a rotor on which the plurality of blades are rotatably disposed; an aperture driver configured to change the size of the incident hole by rotating the rotor; and a controller configured to control the aperture driver and adjust the size of the incident hole, wherein, in the blade unit, blades disposed in different layers of the (2M-1) layers at least partially overlap in the optical axis direction, and blades disposed in the same layer of the (2M-1) layers do not overlap each other in the optical axis direction, and wherein the aperture module has a fixed relative position relative to the housing in the optical axis direction.

[0023] The camera module may further include an autofocus unit, which is accommodated in the optical axis direction with respect to the housing and the aperture module in relative motion and has a lens barrel arranged therein, wherein when the autofocus unit moves upward relative to the optical axis direction, the controller can reduce the size of the incident hole, and when the autofocus unit moves downward relative to the optical axis direction, the controller can increase the size of the incident hole.

[0024] The camera module may further include a drop detection sensor configured to measure acceleration and generate a drop signal when a drop of the camera module is detected, wherein the controller may be configured to open the incident aperture to a maximum size when the drop signal is generated.

[0025] Other features and examples will be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1A perspective view of an exemplary camera module is shown in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0027] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0028] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0029] Figure 4 A perspective view of an exemplary aperture module is shown in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0030] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary aperture module is shown in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0031] Figure 6 Shown from another direction Figure 5 Exploded three-dimensional diagram.

[0032] Fig. 7A Shown along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II', and Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A Magnified view of area A in FIG.

[0033] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a view showing a change of an incident hole.

[0034] Fig. 9 A top view of a base portion with ball members and rolling grooves disposed thereon is shown.

[0035] Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the primary ball member and primary rolling groove is shown.

[0036] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B A cross-sectional view of a sub-ball member and a sub-rolling groove is shown.

[0037] Fig.12 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary aperture module is shown in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0038] Fig.13 Shown from another direction Fig.12 Exploded three-dimensional diagram.

[0039] Fig.14 A top view of a base portion of an exemplary aperture module according to one or more embodiments is shown, with a ball member and a rolling groove disposed thereon.

[0040] Throughout the drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise described or provided, the same reference numerals in the drawings may be understood to refer to the same or similar elements, features and structures. For clarity, illustration and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions and descriptions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following specific embodiments are provided to help the reader obtain a comprehensive understanding of the method, device and / or system described herein. However, after understanding the disclosure of the application, various changes, modifications and equivalents of the method, device and / or system described herein will be apparent. For example, the order of operations described herein and / or the order within the operation are only examples, and are not limited to the order set forth herein, but can be changed as will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the application, except for the order of operations that must occur in a certain order and / or the order within the operation. As another example, the order of operations and / or the order within the operation can be performed in parallel, except for at least a portion of the order of operations that must occur in a certain order (e.g., a specific order) and / or at least a portion of the order within the operation. In addition, in order to improve clarity and brevity, the description of features known after understanding the disclosure of the application can be omitted.

[0042] The features described herein can be implemented in different forms and will not be interpreted as being limited to the examples described herein. On the contrary, the examples described herein are provided only to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, devices and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application. In this article, the term "may" is used with respect to an example or an embodiment, such as what an example or an embodiment may include or implement, meaning that there is at least one example or embodiment that includes or implements this feature, and all examples and embodiments are not limited thereto. The terms "example" or "implementation" used herein have the same meaning, for example, the wording "in one example" has the same meaning as "in one embodiment", and "in one or more examples" has the same meaning as "in one or more embodiments".

[0043] The terms used herein are only used to describe various examples and are not used to limit the present disclosure. The wordings "one", "a kind of" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As non-limiting examples, the terms "include", "comprise" and "have" specify the existence of stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, nor exclude the existence of substitutions that replace the features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof. In addition, although an embodiment can set forth the existence of such terms "include", "comprise" and "have" specifying stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, there may be other embodiments in which one or more of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof are not present.

[0044] Throughout the specification, when a component, element, or layer is described as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to," or "engaged to" another component, element, or layer, it may be directly "on" (e.g., in contact with), directly "connected to," directly "coupled to," or directly "engaged to" the other component, element, or layer, or there may reasonably be one or more other components, elements, or layers between them. When a component, element, or layer is described as being "directly" "on," "directly connected to," "directly coupled to," or "directly engaged to" another component, element, or layer, there are no other components, elements, or layers between them. Similarly, expressions such as "between" and "immediately between," and "adjacent to" and "immediately adjacent to" may also be interpreted as described above.

[0045] Although terms such as "first", "second" and "third" or A, B, (a), (b) etc. may be used herein to describe various components, assemblies, regions, layers or parts, these components, assemblies, regions, layers or parts are not limited by these terms. Each of these terms is not used to define the essence, order or sequence of, for example, the corresponding component, component, region, layer or part, but is only used to distinguish the corresponding component, component, region, layer or part from other components, components, regions, layers or parts. Therefore, the first component, first component, first region, first layer or first part mentioned in the examples described herein may also be referred to as the second component, second component, second region, second layer or second part without departing from the teaching of the examples.

[0046] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items. The phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," etc. are intended to have separate meanings, and these phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," etc. also include examples in which one or more of A, B, and C may be present (e.g., any combination of one or more of A, B, and C), unless the corresponding description and implementation require that such a list (e.g., "at least one of A, B, and C") be interpreted as having a combined meaning.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) will be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and in particular in the context of the disclosure of the present application, and should not be interpreted as an idealized or overly formal meaning, unless explicitly defined as such in this article.

[0048] One or more examples may provide an aperture module and a camera module including the same, in which image quality may be improved while a thickness increase of an aperture may be significantly reduced.

[0049] An exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments may be installed in an electronic device. In a non-limiting example, the camera module may be installed on a portable terminal, a laptop computer, a virtual reality (VR) device, glasses, etc. However, the exemplary electronic device in which the camera module may be installed is not limited to the above-mentioned devices. In an example, the camera module may be installed on any portable electronic device such as, but not limited to, a portable game console, etc.

[0050] An exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments may include a plurality of lens modules. For example, the camera module may include a first lens module and a second lens module configured to be movable in the optical axis direction. In addition, the camera module may further include a housing configured to accommodate the first lens module and the second lens module.

[0051] The camera module can be configured to significantly reduce the jitter of the first lens module and the second lens module caused by external impact. For example, the camera module may include a device for fixing the position of the first lens module and the second lens module (in a non-driven state). As a specific example, the camera module may include a magnet and a yoke member. The magnet may be disposed on the first lens module, and the yoke member may be disposed on the second lens module and the housing. The magnet may be disposed on a first yoke member disposed in the housing and a second yoke member disposed in the housing, so that in a non-driven state of the lens module, the position of the first lens module relative to the housing and the relative position of the second lens module relative to the first lens module can always remain constant.

[0052] The camera module configured as described above can drive a plurality of lens modules in the direction of the optical axis to increase the focus shift width while significantly reducing the variation of the lens modules due to external impact.

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments, and Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0055] Reference together Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an exemplary camera module 100 according to an embodiment may include a housing 110, a lens barrel 200 in which a plurality of lenses (not shown) are disposed, an image stabilization unit 400 that accommodates the lens barrel 200 and is movable in first and second directions (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis, an autofocus unit 300 that accommodates the lens barrel 200 and the image stabilization unit 400 and is accommodated in the housing 110 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), a housing 120 that covers the housing 110, and an aperture module 500 that adjusts the amount of incident light incident on the lens barrel 200. In addition, a bearing cover 330 disposed between the housing 120 and the autofocus unit 300 may be further included to cover the autofocus unit 300 from an upper portion in the optical axis direction.

[0056] The lens barrel 200 may accommodate a plurality of lenses (not shown) therein to capture an image of an object, and the plurality of lenses may be arranged along an optical axis (Z axis) in the lens barrel 200 and mounted in the lens barrel 200. According to an embodiment of the lens barrel 200, a plurality of lenses may be provided as many as possible, and the respective lenses may have optical characteristics, such as the same or different refractive indices.

[0057] The lens barrel 200 may be accommodated in the image stabilization unit 400 based on the optical axis direction, and the image stabilization unit 400 may be accommodated in the auto focus unit 300 , and the auto focus unit 300 may be sequentially accommodated in the housing 110 .

[0058] The housing 110 may have a substantially box shape with an open top, and the autofocus unit 300 may be movably disposed in the optical axis direction in the internal space of the housing 110. The image stabilization unit 400 may be movably accommodated in the autofocus unit 300 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The lens barrel 200 may be accommodated and installed in the image stabilization unit 400.

[0059] The lens barrel 200 may be configured to be movable in the optical axis direction together with the autofocus unit 300 to perform a focusing operation. A focus driver to be described later may move the autofocus unit 300 in the optical axis direction, and at this time, the lens barrel 200 accommodated in the autofocus unit 300 may also move in the optical axis direction.

[0060] In addition, the lens barrel 200 can be configured to be movable in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis and in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction together with the image stabilization unit 400 to correct hand shake of the user. In an example, based on a shake correction driver 450 to be described later, the lens barrel 200 can be moved in the first direction and the second direction together with the image stabilization unit 400.

[0061] On the other hand, in an example, the camera module 100 may include an image sensor (not shown) that converts light incident through the lens barrel 200 into an electrical signal.

[0062] The image sensor is a device that converts light incident through the lens barrel 200 into an electric signal, and may be, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

[0063] The electrical signal converted by the image sensor may be output as an image through a display of the portable device.

[0064] In an example, the image sensor may be mounted on the substrate 150 and may be disposed below the housing 110 along an optical axis direction.

[0065] Reference Figure 3 The focus driver may include a focus magnet 351a and a focus coil 351b that generate a driving force in the optical axis direction. In addition, a position sensor (not shown), such as a Hall sensor, may be provided to detect the position of the lens barrel 200 in the optical axis direction.

[0066] The focus magnet 351a and the focus coil 351b may be disposed to face each other. In an example, the focus magnet 351a may be mounted on the auto focus unit 300, and the focus coil 351b may be disposed on the housing 110 to face the focus magnet 351a.

[0067] Specifically, the focusing magnet 351a is disposed on a surface of the autofocus unit 300, and the focusing coil 351b and the position sensor can be disposed on a substrate 150, which is mounted on the shell 110 and disposed on a surface of the shell 110, and the one surface of the shell 110 faces the one surface of the autofocus unit 300.

[0068] In the above structure, the focus magnet 351 a is a moving member that moves with the auto focus unit 300 based on the optical axis direction, and the focus coil 351 b may be referred to as a fixed member that is fixed to the housing 110 and does not move with the auto focus unit 300 .

[0069] However, the installation positions of the focus magnet 351 a and the focus coil 351 b are not particularly limited as long as they have any structure that generates an electromagnetic influence to drive the auto focus unit 300 in the direction of the optical axis.

[0070] When power is supplied to the focus coil 351b, the auto focus unit 300 may move in the optical axis direction by electromagnetic influence between the focus magnet 351a and the focus coil 351b. At this time, the position sensor may sense the optical axis direction position of the auto focus unit 300.

[0071] The auto focus unit 300 may include a carrying portion 310 in which the lens barrel 200 is accommodated, and a carrying cover 330 covering the carrying portion 310 at an upper portion in the optical axis direction.

[0072] Since the auto focus unit 300 accommodates the lens barrel 200 , when the auto focus unit 300 moves in the optical axis direction by the focus driver, the lens barrel 200 also moves in the optical axis direction.

[0073] In addition, according to an embodiment, since the lens barrel 200 is accommodated in the image stabilization unit 400, and the autofocus unit 300 accommodates the lens barrel 200 and the image stabilization unit 400 together, when the autofocus unit 300 moves in the direction of the optical axis, the lens barrel 200 and the image stabilization unit 400 also move in the direction of the optical axis.

[0074] In an example, when the focus driver operates, the auto focus unit 300 , the image stabilization unit 400 , the lens barrel 200 , and the aperture module 500 may also move in the direction of the optical axis.

[0075] On the other hand, when the auto focus unit 300 moves, the focus rolling member 360 is disposed between the auto focus unit 300 and the housing 110 to reduce friction therebetween. The focus rolling member 360 may be a ball bearing in the form of a ball.

[0076] The focus rolling member 360 can be set between the autofocus unit 300 and the housing 110 on both sides of the focus magnet 351a (or the focus coil 351b), so that it can support the movement of the autofocus unit 300 relative to the housing 110 in the direction of the optical axis and reduce the friction generated during the movement.

[0077] In addition, a focus yoke 351c may be mounted on the substrate 150. In an example, the focus yoke 351c may be disposed to face the focus magnet 351a with the focus coil 351b interposed therebetween.

[0078] Since attractive force acts between the focus yoke 351c and the focus magnet 351a in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, the focus rolling member 360 can maintain contact with the auto focus unit 300 and the housing 110 based on the attractive force between the focus yoke 351c and the focus magnet 351a.

[0079] In addition, the focus yoke 351c can also be used to focus the magnetic force of the focus magnet 351a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent leakage magnetic flux from occurring. For example, the focus yoke 351c and the focus magnet 351a can form a magnetic circuit.

[0080] On the other hand, as described above, in order to compensate for image shaking caused by factors such as hand shaking of the user, the lens barrel 200 may move in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis and in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction.

[0081] For example, when shaking occurs due to hand shaking of a user during an image capturing operation, the image stabilization unit 400 compensates for (cancels or corrects) the shaking by providing a relative displacement corresponding to the shaking to the lens barrel 200 .

[0082] The image stabilization unit 400 accommodates the lens barrel 200. The image stabilization unit 400, in which the lens barrel 200 is accommodated, may be accommodated in the autofocus unit 300 at an upper portion in the optical axis direction. The image stabilization unit 400 may be moved in a first direction and a second direction relative to the autofocus unit 300 based on a shake correction driver 450 to be described later.

[0083] For example, the image stabilization unit 400 may be accommodated in the auto focus unit 300 , and may be movable in the first direction and the second direction together with the lens barrel 200 .

[0084] In an example, the image stabilization unit 400 may include a lens holder 410 and a holder frame 420, wherein the lens holder 410 accommodates the lens barrel 200 and moves in a first direction relative to the autofocus unit 300 together with the lens barrel 200, and the holder frame 420 moves in a second direction relative to the lens holder 410 and the autofocus unit 300 together with the lens barrel 200.

[0085] The lens holder 410 may be driven by a shake correction driver 450 , and specifically, by a first shake correction driver 451 to be described later, and may move relative to the holder frame 420 and the auto focus unit 300 in a first direction together with the lens barrel 200 .

[0086] The holder frame 420 may be driven by the shake correction driver 450 , and specifically, by a second shake correction driver 452 to be described later, and may move relative to the lens holder 410 and the auto focus unit 300 in the second direction together with the lens barrel 200 .

[0087] The shake correction driver 450 may be provided in plurality to generate driving force in different directions to perform shake correction. In an example, the shake correction driver 450 may include a first shake correction driver 451 generating driving force in a first direction and a second shake correction driver 452 generating driving force in a second direction.

[0088] Based on the first shake correction driver 451 , the lens holder 410 may move in the first direction, and based on the second shake correction driver 452 , the holder frame 420 may move in the second direction.

[0089] The first and second jitter correction drivers 451 and 452 may include first and second jitter correction magnets 451a and 452a and first and second jitter correction coils 451b and 452b, respectively. In addition, each of the first and second jitter correction drivers 451 and 452 may include a position sensor (not shown), such as a Hall sensor.

[0090] The first shake correction magnet 451a and the second shake correction magnet 452a may be disposed to face the first shake correction coil 451b and the second shake correction coil 452b, respectively.

[0091] In the example, the first shake correction magnet 451a and the second shake correction magnet 452a can be mounted on the image stabilization unit 400, and the first shake correction coil 451b and the second shake correction coil 452b can be set on the substrate 150 mounted on the housing 110, and can be mounted on the housing 110 at positions facing the corresponding first shake correction magnet 451a and the second shake correction magnet 452a, respectively.

[0092] In this structure, based on the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the first shake correction magnet 451a or the second shake correction magnet 452a is a moving component that moves in the first direction or the second direction together with the lens barrel 200, and the first shake correction coil 451b or the second shake correction coil 452b can be a fixed component fixed to the housing 110.

[0093] However, the installation positions of the first and second shake correction magnets 451a and 452a and the first and second shake correction coils 451b and 452b are not limited to the above positions as long as the structure generates electromagnetic influence to drive the image stabilization unit 400 in the first and second directions.

[0094] When power is supplied to the first shake correction coil 451b, the lens holder 410 of the image stabilization unit 400 may move in the first direction by electromagnetic influence between the first shake correction magnet 451a and the first shake correction coil 451b. At this time, the position sensor may sense the position of the image stabilization unit 400 in the first direction.

[0095] Similarly, when power is supplied to the second shake correction coil 452b, the holder frame 420 of the image stabilization unit 400 may move in the second direction based on the electromagnetic influence between the second shake correction magnet 452a and the second shake correction coil 452b. At this time, the position sensor may sense the position of the image stabilization unit 400 in the second direction.

[0096] Since the lens barrel 200 can be installed in the image stabilization unit 400, when the image stabilization unit 400 moves in the first direction and the second direction, the lens barrel 200 can also move in the first direction and the second direction. At this time, since the image stabilization unit 400 can be accommodated in the autofocus unit 300, the image stabilization unit 400 and the lens barrel 200 installed therein can move in the first direction and the second direction relative to the autofocus unit 300.

[0097] In an example, through this structure, the image stabilization unit 400 can move in the first direction and the second direction relative to the autofocus unit 300 together with the lens barrel 200, and thus, shaking caused by hand shaking of the user or the like can be offset.

[0098] In addition, when the image stabilization unit 400 moves, the shake correction rolling member 460 may be disposed between the image stabilization unit 400 and the auto focus unit 300 to reduce friction therebetween. The shake correction rolling member 460 may be a ball bearing in the form of a ball.

[0099] The shake correction rolling member 460 may include a first shake correction rolling member 461 and a second shake correction rolling member 462, wherein the first shake correction rolling member 461 is arranged between the lens holder 410 and the holder frame 420 to reduce friction when moving along the first direction and guide in the first direction, and the second shake correction rolling member 462 is arranged between the holder frame 420 and the autofocus unit 300 to reduce friction when moving along the second direction and guide in the second direction.

[0100] A printed circuit board on which an image sensor is mounted may be disposed under the housing 110 .

[0101] The housing 120 may be coupled to surround the outer surface of the housing 110 and may protect internal components of the camera module 100. The housing 120 may be combined with the housing 110 to surround the outer surface of the housing 110 and may protect internal components of the camera module 100.

[0102] In an example, the housing 120 may shield electromagnetic waves so that electromagnetic waves generated from the camera module 100 do not affect other electronic components in the portable device.

[0103] In addition, since the portable device may be equipped with various electronic components in addition to the camera module 100 , the housing 120 may shield electromagnetic waves so that electromagnetic waves generated from these electronic components do not affect the camera module 100 .

[0104] The housing 120 may be formed of a metal material and may be grounded to a ground pad provided on the printed circuit board. Thus, electromagnetic waves may be shielded.

[0105] In addition, the camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments may include a controller (not shown) configured to adjust the size of the incident hole of the aperture module 500. The controller may adjust the size of the incident hole of the aperture module 500 by controlling the aperture driver 520 (see Figure 5 ) to rotate blades 551 (see Figure 5 ) to adjust the size of the entrance hole 505.

[0106] The controller may adjust the size of the incident hole 505 through a feedback circuit based on various data of the camera module 100 collected using a sensor or the like.

[0107] In an example, when a signal or event that an impact force is expected to occur is detected, such as the falling of the camera module 100, the controller may open the incident hole 505 to the maximum to prevent the lens of the lens barrel 200 from contacting the blade 551 and being damaged.

[0108] Specifically, the camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments may further include a drop detection unit (not shown). As an example, the drop detection unit may include a gyroscope sensor. In an example in which the camera module 100 falls, the drop detection unit measures acceleration to determine that the camera module 100 is falling and generates a drop detection signal (or drop signal). When the drop detection signal is generated from the drop detection unit, the controller opens the incident hole 505 to the maximum, thereby preventing the lens of the lens barrel 200 and the blade 551 forming the incident hole 505 from contacting each other and being damaged.

[0109] As another example, the controller may adjust the size of the incident hole 505 according to whether the auto focus unit 300 is movable or the position of the lens barrel 200 in the direction of the optical axis.

[0110] Specifically, in the camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments, the aperture module 500 may be disposed in the housing 110 or the casing 120 so as not to move regardless of the movement of the auto focus unit 300 and the image stabilization unit 400 .

[0111] When the autofocus unit 300 operates and the lens barrel 200 moves upward along the optical axis direction, the light incident on the lens of the lens barrel 200 increases and the F value may change. Therefore, the controller may make the F value constant by reducing the incident hole 505. On the contrary, when the autofocus unit 300 operates and the lens barrel 200 moves downward based on the optical axis direction, the amount of light incident on the lens decreases. The F value may change due to the operation of the autofocus unit 300. Therefore, the controller may make the F value constant by increasing the size of the incident hole 505.

[0112] On the other hand, the aperture module 500 is a device configured to selectively change the amount of light (incident amount) incident to the lens barrel 200 .

[0113] In the example, refer to Figure 4 The aperture module 500 includes a plurality of blades 551 driven by an aperture driver 520, and can continuously realize different sizes of incident holes 505. The user can select a size with an appropriate F value from the various sizes of the incident hole 505 according to the shooting environment so that light is incident on the lens barrel 200.

[0114] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an aperture module according to one or more embodiments, Figure 5is an exploded perspective view of an aperture module according to one or more embodiments, Figure 6 Observed from the other direction Figure 5 Exploded stereogram of Fig. 7A It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II', and Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A Magnified view of area A in FIG.

[0115] Reference Figures 4 to 6 , the aperture module 500 according to one or more embodiments includes an aperture opening having an incident hole 505 and an aperture driver 520 that changes a size of the incident hole 505 .

[0116] The aperture opening is a structure including an incident hole 505, through which light incident on the lens barrel 200 passes, and may include a base 510, a rotor 530 rotatably disposed on the base 510, an annular plate 540 disposed on the rotor 530 or the base 510 and connected to the base 510, a plurality of blades 551 that rotate based on the rotation of the rotor 530 and form the incident hole 505, and an aperture cover 570 configured to cover the plurality of blades 551 at an upper portion in the direction of the optical axis.

[0117] In addition, the aperture opening may further include an aperture spacer 560 disposed between the blade unit 550 and the aperture cover 570 to form a space therebetween.

[0118] The aperture opening may be disposed above the lens barrel 200 along the optical axis direction, for example, in front of the lens barrel 200 based on the path of light incidence. The base 510, the rotor 530, the plurality of blades 551, the aperture spacer 560, and the aperture cover 570 may be sequentially disposed in the optical axis direction.

[0119] At this time, the cover hole 575 provided in the aperture cover 570, the spacer hole 565 provided in the aperture spacer 560, the rotor hole 535 of the rotor 530, the plate hole 545 of the annular plate 540, and the base hole 515 provided in the base 510 can be arranged to at least partially overlap with the incident hole 505 based on the optical axis. With this structure, the light that has passed through the incident hole 505 can be incident on the lens barrel 200.

[0120] The base 510 provides a space in which the rotor 530 is seated.

[0121] The base 510 is arranged to be movable in the direction of the optical axis, the first direction and the second direction together with the lens barrel 200 so that the distance to the lens barrel 200 does not change during the focusing operation and the shake correction operation. In addition, for structural simplification, the base 510 can be arranged not to move together with the lens barrel 200.

[0122] For example, as long as the incident hole 505 of the aperture opening can be disposed in front of the lens barrel 200 along the optical axis direction, the coupling position or method of the base part 510 is not particularly limited.

[0123] The iris cover 570 is provided to cover the plurality of blades 551 at the upper portion of the iris module 500 in the optical axis direction, and may be combined with the base portion 510 .

[0124] The rotor 530 may be provided in a ring shape having a rotor hole 535 at the center thereof and may be rotatably provided on the base 510. The rotor 530 may rotate based on an aperture driver 520 to be described later to rotate the plurality of blades 551, thereby changing the size of the incident aperture 505.

[0125] The annular plate 540 may be coupled to the base part 510 on an upper portion of the base part 510 in the optical axis direction. The annular plate 540 may be provided with a plurality of blade shafts 542 protruding upward in the optical axis direction and may provide a rotation center for a plurality of blades 551 of the blade unit 550.

[0126] The blade unit 550 may include a plurality of blades 551. The plurality of blades 551 may be arranged along a circumferential direction around an axis parallel to the optical axis direction to form an incident hole 505.

[0127] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In the blade unit 550, a plurality of blades 551 may be provided in a plurality of layers. With this structure, light leakage may be prevented and reliability may be improved.

[0128] The plurality of blades 551 may be arranged in the rotor 530 along the circumferential direction, and a surface facing the center of the plurality of blades 551 may define an incident hole 505. The size of the incident hole 505 may be changed according to the corresponding arrangement angles of the plurality of blades 551. For example, when the blades 551 are rotated by the rotation of the rotor 530, the size of the incident hole 505 may be changed.

[0129] On the other hand, in order to improve the image quality, the angle of the incident hole 505 formed by the blade unit 550 may be, for example, an odd number.

[0130] In an example, when the blade unit 550 has an even number of blades 551 and the incident hole 505 has an even number of sides, since respective sides on which diffraction occurs face each other, halos generated on the sides facing each other may overlap and image quality may deteriorate.

[0131] On the other hand, for example, when the multiple blades 551 of the blade unit 550 are arranged in an odd number and the incident hole 505 has an odd number of sides, since the corresponding sides on which diffraction occurs are arranged to be staggered rather than facing each other, the halos do not overlap with each other, and thus the image quality degradation caused by the halos can be significantly reduced.

[0132] In this example, one blade 551 may form an angle into the incident aperture 505 .

[0133] Therefore, in an example, the total number of the plurality of blades 551 may be an odd number.

[0134] Therefore, in an example, the blades 551 of the blade unit 550 may be arranged in an odd number of layers, and the blades 551 arranged in each layer may also be arranged in an odd number.

[0135] In the example, even if the blade units 550 are provided in an even number of layers, by changing the number of blades 551 provided in each layer, an example in which the total number of the plurality of blades 551 is an odd number may be assumed.

[0136] In this example, the incident hole can be formed at an odd angle, but the number of blades 551 should be different for each layer. Therefore, not only the structure becomes complicated and the manufacturing cost may increase, but there is also a problem that the shape of the incident hole is unstable.

[0137] Therefore, according to one or more embodiments, in the blade unit 550, the plurality of blades 551 may be disposed in odd-numbered layers along the optical axis direction, and in an example, the number of blades 551 disposed in each layer may be an odd number other than 1.

[0138] Therefore, the total number of blades 551 is an odd number, so that the entrance aperture 505 also has an odd number of angles.

[0139] In an example, in the blade unit 550, a plurality of blades 551 may be disposed in (2M-1) layers, and (2N+1) blades 551 may be disposed in each layer, where M and N are positive integers.

[0140] In this example, as described above, for structural simplification, the number of blades 551 provided in each layer may be the same.

[0141] In the example, Figure 6 , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown in FIG. 5 , in the blade unit 550 , blades 551 are provided in a first layer 550 - 1 , a second layer 550 - 2 , and a third layer 550 - 3 , and in an example, three blades 551 may be provided for each layer.

[0142] In addition, at least a portion of the blades 551 disposed in different layers may overlap with each other in the optical axis direction, while the blades 551 disposed in the same layer are disposed so as not to overlap with each other in the optical axis direction.

[0143] With this structure, light leakage can be prevented, and increase in size of the aperture module 500 in the optical axis direction due to the arrangement of the blades 551 can be restricted.

[0144] In the example, Figure 6 , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown in FIG. 5 , the blades 551 disposed in the first layer 550 - 1 , the blades 551 disposed in the second layer 550 - 2 , and the blades 551 disposed in the third layer 550 - 3 may at least partially overlap in the optical axis direction.

[0145] In addition, the plurality of blades 551 provided in the first layer 550 - 1 , the plurality of blades 551 provided in the second layer 550 - 2 , or the plurality of blades 551 provided in the third layer 550 - 3 may be provided so as not to overlap with each other in the optical axis direction.

[0146] In this example, “disposed in the same layer as each other” means “disposed on one virtual plane”, and “disposed in different layers” means “disposed on a plurality of different virtual planes”.

[0147] On the other hand, in an example in which the number of layers is one, when the incident hole 505 is formed such that the plurality of blades 551 do not overlap each other, light may leak through a gap between a blade 551 and an adjacent blade 551 due to assembly tolerance.

[0148] In an example in which the number of layers is two, since the number of blades 551 may vary for each layer, it may be structurally complex.

[0149] When the number of layers is three, the increase in thickness of the aperture module 500 in the optical axis direction can be significantly reduced while the number of blades 551 in each layer remains the same. In addition, the incident aperture 505 formed by the plurality of blades 551 can have an odd number of angles.

[0150] In the example, with this structure, the incident hole 505 can have an odd number of angles, and thus, three layers are provided, which are the optimal number of layers, thereby reducing the height of the aperture module 500 itself and limiting the size increase in the optical axis direction.

[0151] Therefore, the incident aperture 505 formed by the plurality of blades 551 of the blade unit 550 may have an odd number of angles.

[0152] On the other hand, in the above description and drawings, it is shown that the blade unit 550 is provided with three layers (M=2), and three blades 551 may be provided in each layer (N=1). However, the example is not limited to a specific number as long as it satisfies the above relational expression.

[0153] Therefore, through the above relationship, the aperture module 500 according to one or more embodiments can prevent image quality deterioration due to halo while restricting an increase in the size of the aperture module 500 in the optical axis direction.

[0154] In addition, when the rotor 530 rotates and the size of the incident hole 505 changes, the overlapping area between the blades 551 arranged in different layers in the optical axis direction can be proportionally changed, such as Fig. 8A and Figure 8B as shown in .

[0155] In the example, as the rotor 530 rotates, the size of the incident hole 505 increases, and the overlapping area between the multiple blades 551 arranged in different layers in the optical axis direction increases, and as the size of the incident hole 505 decreases, the overlapping area between the multiple blades 551 arranged in different layers in the optical axis direction can decrease.

[0156] In addition, if Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown in , the plurality of blades 551 may be arranged in various shapes such as but not limited to a dart shape, a straight line, etc., as long as they have a structure in which surfaces facing the center are combined to form the incident hole 505.

[0157] In the example, the shape of the blade 551 can be any shape as long as a plurality of blades 551 can be arranged to form the incident hole 505. Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown in , the plurality of blades 551 may all have the same shape, but at least one of the plurality of blades 551 may have a shape different from the other blades 551 .

[0158] In addition, the shapes of the plurality of blades 551 are not particularly limited as long as the plane facing the center forms the incident hole 505 while preventing overlap or interference between the blades 551 disposed in the same layer in the optical axis direction.

[0159] On the other hand, each of the blades 551 of the blade unit 550 may be provided with a blade hole 552 receiving the blade shaft 542 of the annular plate 540 , and a guide hole 553 receiving the guide shaft 533 of the rotor 530 .

[0160] The blade shafts 542 may be spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular plate 540. The blade shafts 542 may protrude upward from the annular plate 540 in the optical axis direction and may be accommodated in the blade holes 552. Since the annular plate 540 may be coupled to the base 510 and may not rotate, the blade shafts 542 may provide a rotation axis when the plurality of blades 551 rotate. The blade shafts 542 may be formed as many as the number of the plurality of blades 551.

[0161] The guide shafts 533 may be spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotor 530. The guide shafts 533 may protrude upward from the rotor 530 in the optical axis direction and may be inserted into the guide holes 553. The guide shafts 533 may be formed as many as the number of blades 551. At this time, the guide holes 553 accommodating the guide shafts 533 may be provided in an elliptical shape or a slit shape to be guided by the guide shafts 533.

[0162] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a view showing a change of an incident hole. Fig. 8A shows a state in which the entrance aperture 505 is minimally opened, and Figure 8B A state is shown in which the entrance aperture 505 is maximally opened.

[0163] Reference Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , the rotor 530 may be rotated by the aperture driver 520. When the rotor 530 rotates, the plurality of blades 551 respectively rotate based on the guide shaft 533 inserted into the guide hole 553 using the blade shaft 542 as a rotation shaft. Therefore, when the aperture driver 520 rotates the rotor 530, the plurality of blades 551 may also be driven to change the size of the incident hole 505.

[0164] In an example, the plurality of blades 551 may respectively rotate about the blade shaft 542 by the guide shaft 533 , and at this time, the shape of a plane facing the center of the plurality of blades 551 may change so that the size of the incident hole 505 may change.

[0165] On the other hand, Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As shown in FIG. 5 , the side surface of the base portion 510 is recessed to provide a stopper receiving groove 512 , and the rotor 530 may be provided with a stopper 532 that protrudes from an outer circumferential surface and is at least partially received in the stopper receiving groove 512 .

[0166] Since the stopper 532 may be arranged to move at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction within the stopper receiving groove 512 , the rotor 530 may be prevented from excessively rotating beyond an implementation range.

[0167] Therefore, the interval between the stopper accommodating grooves 512 may be formed at the position of the stopper 532 where the incident hole 505 is opened to the maximum and the position of the stopper 532 where the incident hole 505 is opened to the minimum.

[0168] The aperture driver 520 rotates the rotor 530, thereby changing the size of the incident hole 505. The aperture driver 520 rotates the rotor 530 to drive the blade unit 550, and thus, the size of the incident hole 505 can be changed.

[0169] The aperture driver 520 may include an aperture magnet 520a and an aperture coil 520b. The aperture magnet 520a and the aperture coil 520b may be disposed to face each other.

[0170] In this example, the aperture magnet 520a may be provided as a plurality of aperture magnets, and may be provided on a virtual circle with the center O of the incident hole 505 as the center point. For example, the plurality of aperture magnets 520a may be provided along the circumferential direction based on the center O of the incident hole 505 (see Fig. 9 ).

[0171] On the other hand, the aperture magnet 520a may be accommodated between the rotor 530 and the base 510, specifically, in a magnet accommodation groove 531 formed in the rotor 530. The aperture coil 520b may be provided on an aperture circuit board 519 provided to face the lower surface of the rotor 530.

[0172] In an example, the aperture magnet 520 a may be disposed below the rotor 530 , and may face the aperture coil 520 b based on the optical axis direction.

[0173] In this example, the aperture magnet 520 a may be a moving member that is accommodated in the rotor 530 and rotates together with the rotor 530 , and the aperture coil 520 b may be a fixed member that is provided on the aperture circuit board 519 and may not rotate together with the rotor 530 .

[0174] In addition, refer to Figure 6 , the aperture position sensor 521 is set on the aperture circuit board 519 to sense the rotation angle of the rotor 530, etc.

[0175] When power is supplied to the aperture coil 520 b , the rotor 530 in which the aperture magnet 520 a is accommodated may rotate based on an axis parallel to the optical axis direction due to electromagnetic influence between the aperture magnet 520 a and the aperture coil 520 b .

[0176] On the other hand, the installation positions of the aperture magnet 520 a and the aperture coil 520 b are not limited thereto as long as they have a structure that generates an electromagnetic influence to rotate the rotor 530 .

[0177] The aperture driver 520 may further include an aperture drive yoke 520c, which is disposed to face the aperture magnet 520a and the aperture coil 520b. In an example, the aperture magnet 520a may be disposed between the aperture drive yoke 520c and the aperture coil 520b. With this structure, the aperture drive yoke 520c allows the magnetic force of the aperture magnet 520a to be focused, thereby preventing leakage magnetic flux from occurring.

[0178] In addition, the aperture module 500 according to one or more embodiments may further include a pulling yoke 522 disposed to face the aperture driver 520 .

[0179] The pulling yoke 522 may be disposed below the base 510 and may be disposed to face the aperture drive yoke 520c, the aperture magnet 520a, and the aperture coil 520b. The rolling member 580 described later may be stably contacted between the rotor 530 and the base 510 by the attraction between the pulling yoke 522 and the aperture magnet 520a.

[0180] In addition, the pulling yoke 522 can focus the magnetic force of the aperture magnet 520a, thereby preventing the occurrence of leakage magnetic flux. In an example, the pulling yoke 522 and the aperture magnet 520a can form a magnetic circuit.

[0181] The pulling yoke 522 may be provided with a yoke hole 525 communicating with the incident hole 505 , so that light incident through the incident hole 505 may be incident to the lens barrel 200 .

[0182] In addition, the pulling yoke 522 may be provided with a yoke recess 524 that is recessed in the circumferential direction of the yoke hole 525. The yoke recess 524 may adjust the magnetic resistance generated between the aperture magnet 520a and the pulling yoke 522, so that when current is not applied to the aperture coil 520b, the incident aperture 505 may maintain a preset initial state.

[0183] In an example, the yoke recess 524 may be such that the position where the magnetic flux between the aperture magnet 520a and the pull yoke 522 is maximized becomes the initial state of the entrance aperture 505. In this example, the preset initial state of the entrance aperture 505 may refer to a position where the entrance aperture 505 is minimally opened (see Fig. 8A ) or maximum opening (see Figure 8B ) status.

[0184] Fig. 9 A top view of a base portion with ball members and rolling grooves disposed thereon is shown, and Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of the main ball component and the main rolling groove. Fig.11A is a cross-sectional view of the sub-ball member and the sub-rolling groove in the first state, and Fig. 11BIt is a cross-sectional view of the sub-ball component and the sub-rolling groove in the second state.

[0185] Refer to Figures 9 to 11B The aperture module 500 according to one or more embodiments may include a ball member 580 (581, 582) disposed between the rotor 530 and the base 510 to support the rotation of the rotor 530, and a rolling groove 590 to accommodate the ball member 580. In addition, the aperture magnet 520a, the ball member 580, and the rolling groove 590 may be disposed on a virtual circle with the center O of the incident hole 505 as the center point.

[0186] Specifically, between the base 510 and the rotor 530 , the aperture magnet 520 a , the ball member 580 , and the rolling groove 590 may be disposed along a circumferential direction based on the center O of the incident hole 505 .

[0187] The ball members 580 may be provided as a plurality of ball members, specifically, at least three ball members, between the rotor 530 and the base 510 .

[0188] The rolling grooves 590 may be provided to support the ball members 580 provided between the rotor 530 and the base 510, and may be provided in the same number as the number of the ball members 580. Based on the center O of the incident hole 505, the rolling grooves 590 may extend in a circumferential direction between the rotor 530 and the base 510 to support the circumferential rolling motion of the ball members 580 according to the rotation of the rotor 530.

[0189] The rolling groove 590 may be provided in the rotor 530 and the base portion 510 so as to face each other in the optical axis direction.

[0190] The rolling groove 590 includes a main rolling groove 591 and a sub-rolling groove 592 . The main rolling groove 591 is configured to support the rolling movement of the main ball member 581 , and the sub-rolling groove 592 is configured to support the rolling movement of the sub-ball member 582 .

[0191] The main rolling groove 591 includes a first main rolling groove 591a and a second main rolling groove 591b. The first main rolling groove 591a is arranged on the base part 510 to support the lower part of the main ball member 581, and the second main rolling groove 591b faces the first main rolling groove 591a in the optical axis direction to support the upper part of the main ball member 581.

[0192] The sub-rolling groove 592 includes a first sub-rolling groove 592a and a second sub-rolling groove 592b. The first sub-rolling groove 592a is arranged on the base part 510 to support the lower part of the sub-ball component 582, and the second sub-rolling groove 592b faces the first sub-rolling groove 592a in the optical axis direction to support the upper part of the sub-ball component 582.

[0193] As will be described later, the main rolling groove 591 is provided so as to contact the main ball member 581 at a total of four points (see Fig.10 ), and the sub-rolling groove 592 may contact the sub-ball member 582 at a total of 2 to 3 points (see Fig.11A and Fig. 11B ).

[0194] Therefore, when the rolling groove 590 is provided as a plurality of rolling grooves, only one of them may be the main rolling groove 591 and the rest may be sub-rolling grooves 592 in consideration of assembly tolerance. According to one or more embodiments, a total of three rolling grooves 590 may be provided (see Fig. 9 ), one of which is the main rolling groove 591, and the other two can be set as sub-rolling grooves 592.

[0195] Reference Fig.10 , the main ball member 581 may contact the main rolling groove 591 at four points. A center point (not shown) of the main ball member 581 may be disposed between the base 510 and the rotor 530 .

[0196] The first main rolling groove 591 a and the second main rolling groove 591 b may be spaced apart at a predetermined angle based on an axis parallel to the optical axis direction, and disposed to contact the main ball member 581 .

[0197] In an example, the first main rolling groove 591a and the second main rolling groove 591b of the main rolling groove 591 may be arranged in a "diamond" or "V" shape, and each of the first main rolling groove 591a and the second main rolling groove 591b may contact the main ball member 581 at two points. Therefore, the main rolling groove 591 not only supports the rolling motion of the main ball member 581, but also can guide the proper direction of the rolling motion.

[0198] On the other hand, the shape of the main rolling groove 591 is not limited to the above description and may be variously set.

[0199] 11, considering the assembly tolerance in manufacturing, etc., the sub-ball member 582 may contact the sub-rolling groove 592 at at least two points. The first sub-rolling groove 592a and the second sub-rolling groove 592b of the sub-rolling groove 592 may be arranged as follows: shape, "Π" shape or "quadrilateral shape" to contact the sub-ball component 582 at 2 points or 3 points.

[0200] In an example where the sub-rolling groove 592 makes four-point contact with the ball member 580 like the main rolling groove 591, the ball member 580 may be stuck in the rolling groove 590 due to a slight error such as assembly tolerance, and thus may not be able to rotate. Therefore, the contact point of the sub-rolling groove 592 may be smaller than the contact point of the main rolling groove 591.

[0201] Through this structure, the sub-rolling groove 592 can mainly support the rolling movement of the sub-ball member 582, and the sub-ball member 582 is guided along the circumferential direction by the sub-rolling groove 592.

[0202] On the other hand, considering the operation of the sub-rolling groove 592, the smaller the number of contact points between the sub-ball member 582 and the sub-rolling groove 592, the better the friction is reduced.

[0203] Fig.11A is a view showing the arrangement of the sub-rolling groove 592 and the sub-ball member 582 in the first state, and Fig. 11B is a view showing the arrangement of the sub-rolling groove 592 and the sub-ball member 582 in the second state.

[0204] Reference Fig.11A In the first state before the rotor 530 rotates, the sub-ball member 582 can make two-point contact with the sub-rolling groove 592. Fig. 11B , in the second state in which the rotor 530 rotates, the sub-ball member 582 may be moved to the outside of the base hole 515 by centrifugal force and may contact the sub-rolling groove 592 at three points.

[0205] In an example, by configuring the sub ball member 582 to move a predetermined interval in the radial direction in the sub rolling groove 592 , the sub ball member 582 and the sub rolling groove 592 can make two-point contact with each other for a predetermined time even when the rotor 530 rotates.

[0206] Therefore, the sub-rolling groove 592 may have a length in the radial direction that is greater than the diameter of the sub-ball member 582 , so that the sub-ball member 582 may also move in the radial direction under the action of the centrifugal force.

[0207] Therefore, the friction force generated when the rotor 530 is initially driven can be effectively reduced.

[0208] In addition, in the second state in which the rotor 530 rotates, the sub-rolling grooves 592 and the sub-ball members 582 may be in contact at intervals of approximately 90 degrees based on an axis parallel to the optical axis, which is the rotation center of the rotor 530 .

[0209] Specifically, the lower and upper portions of the sub-ball member 582 contact the first sub-rolling groove 592a provided on the base 510 and the second sub-rolling groove 592b provided on the rotor 530 at intervals of 180 degrees (parallel to the optical axis), respectively.

[0210] In addition, the sub-ball member 582 may also contact the first sub-rolling groove 592a or the second sub-rolling groove 592b at one point. In an example, the sub-ball member 582 may also contact the second sub-rolling groove 592b at one point in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby contacting at intervals of 90 degrees.

[0211] Therefore, even in the example of three-point contact, contact is made at intervals of 90 degrees based on an axis parallel to the optical axis, and therefore, the friction force generated between the sub-ball member 582 and the sub-rolling groove 592 can be significantly reduced.

[0212] At this time, the center point (not shown) of the sub-ball member 582 may be disposed within the first sub-rolling groove 592a or the second sub-rolling groove 592b.

[0213] On the other hand, according to the embodiment, since the aperture magnet 520a is horizontally arranged on the base portion 510 (see Fig. 9 ), although it is advantageous to reduce the height of the aperture module 500, there is a limitation in increasing the size of the base hole 515 due to the area of ​​the aperture magnet 520a itself.

[0214] If the base hole 515 is relatively small in size, the aperture module 500 provided in the camera module 100 may be limited according to the diameter of the lens barrel 200. In addition, if the base hole 515 is small in size, increasing the amount of light incident to the lens barrel 200 may be limited.

[0215] Fig.12 shows an exploded perspective view of an aperture module according to one or more embodiments, Fig.13 Shows the view from another direction Fig.12 An exploded perspective view of Fig.14 A top view of a base portion in an aperture module according to one or more embodiments is shown, on which a ball member and a rolling groove are disposed.

[0216] In the aperture module 500 ′ according to one or more embodiments, the aperture magnet 520 a may be disposed in a vertically standing state.

[0217] In the example, the difference between the aperture module 500 according to the previous exemplary embodiment and the aperture module 500 ′ according to the current embodiment is the arrangement of the aperture magnet 520 a and the relationship between the rotor 530 and the aperture circuit board 519 accordingly, and the other structure is the same.

[0218] Hereinafter, the aperture module 500 ′ according to one or more embodiments will be described with respect to differences, and contents overlapping with the above description will be omitted.

[0219] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.13The aperture module 500' according to one or more embodiments is provided with a magnet receiving groove 531 on the outer circumferential surface of the rotor 530, and the aperture magnet 520a is received in the magnet receiving groove 531. The aperture magnet 520a may be provided on the side of the rotor 530 in an upright shape.

[0220] The aperture circuit board 519 may be disposed to surround the base portion 510 from the side so that the aperture coil 520 b faces the aperture magnet 520 a .

[0221] In an example, the aperture magnet 520 a is disposed between a side surface of the rotor 530 and a side surface of the base 510 , and may face the aperture coil 520 b in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis or in a radial direction.

[0222] In an example, the aperture magnet 520 a is disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the rotor 530 , and may face the aperture coil 520 b based on a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0223] Reference Fig.14 , the aperture magnet 520a may have a predetermined curvature in the circumferential direction with respect to the center O of the incident hole 505. In addition, the aperture magnet 520a and the rolling groove 590 may be disposed on a virtual circle with the center O of the incident hole 505 as the center point.

[0224] By this structure, the aperture module 500' according to the current embodiment is advantageous in increasing the size of the base hole 515 compared to the previous embodiment. The base 510 is configured to face the lens barrel 200 and can allow a relatively large amount of light to be incident to the lens of the lens barrel 200.

[0225] As described above, according to one or more embodiments, an aperture module and a camera module including the same are provided, in which image quality can be improved while significantly reducing an increase in thickness of the aperture module.

[0226] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after understanding the disclosure of the present application that various changes in form and detail may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are considered to be descriptive only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each example is considered to be applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may also be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents.

[0227] Therefore, in addition to the above disclosure, the scope of the disclosure may also be defined by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are to be construed as being included in the disclosure.

Claims

1. An aperture module, comprising: a blade unit including a plurality of blades, the plurality of blades being configured to form an incident hole through which light passes, the plurality of blades being arranged in (2M-1) layers in an optical axis direction, the plurality of blades arranged in each layer being arranged in (2N+1) members, wherein M and N are natural numbers other than 0; a rotor on which the plurality of blades are rotatably mounted; and an aperture drive configured to rotate the rotor and change the size of the entrance aperture, Among the multiple blades, blades arranged in different layers of the (2M-1) layers at least partially overlap in the optical axis direction, while blades arranged in the same layer of the (2M-1) layers do not overlap with each other in the optical axis direction.

2. The aperture module according to claim 1, wherein: As the rotor rotates and the size of the incident hole increases, the overlapping area between the blades arranged in different layers of the (2M-1) layers increases, and as the size of the incident hole decreases, the overlapping area between the blades arranged in different layers of the (2M-1) layers decreases.

3. The aperture module according to claim 1, wherein: The entrance aperture formed by the plurality of blades has an odd angle.

4. The aperture module according to claim 1, wherein: The aperture module also includes: a base portion, on which the rotor is placed; a ball member provided between the rotor and the base portion and configured to rotatably support the rotor; and a rolling groove extending in the rotation direction of the rotor and accommodating the ball member in a rolling motion, Among them, the rolling grooves are provided so as to face each other in the optical axis direction in the rotor and the base portion.

5. The aperture module according to claim 4, wherein: The ball member includes a main ball member, and The rolling groove includes a main rolling groove that contacts the main ball member at four points.

6. The aperture module according to claim 5, wherein: The main rolling groove includes a first main rolling groove provided in the rotor and a second main rolling groove provided in the base portion to face the first main rolling groove, and The first main rolling groove and the second main rolling groove are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined angle based on an axis parallel to the optical axis direction, and the main ball member contacts each of the first main rolling groove and the second main rolling groove at two points.

7. The aperture module according to claim 6, wherein: The first main rolling groove and the second main rolling groove are each arranged in a "V" shape.

8. The aperture module according to claim 5, wherein: The ball member further includes a sub-ball member, and The rolling groove further includes a sub-rolling groove arranged to contact the sub-ball member at at least two points. Wherein, the length of the sub-rolling groove in the radial direction is greater than the diameter of the sub-ball component, so that the sub-ball component can move in the radial direction.

9. The aperture module according to claim 8, wherein: The sub-rolling groove includes a first sub-rolling groove provided on the rotor and a second sub-rolling groove provided on the base portion to face the first sub-rolling groove, and The sub-ball member contacts each of the first sub-rolling groove and the second sub-rolling groove at a point on an axis parallel to the optical axis direction.

10. The aperture module according to claim 9, wherein: The sub-ball member also contacts one of the first sub-rolling groove or the second sub-rolling groove at a point on an axis parallel to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

11. The aperture module according to claim 1 , further comprising a base, the rotor being rotatably mounted on the base. in, The aperture driver comprises: an aperture magnet disposed on the rotor to face the base portion; and an aperture coil disposed on the base portion to face the aperture magnet, The aperture magnet is configured as a plurality of aperture magnets, and the plurality of aperture magnets are arranged in a circumferential direction based on the center of the incident hole.

12. The aperture module according to claim 11, wherein: The aperture magnet is disposed below the rotor and between the rotor and the base portion based on the optical axis direction.

13. The aperture module according to claim 11, wherein: The aperture magnet is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the rotor, and is provided between the rotor and the base portion based on a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

14. A camera module, comprising: case; a lens barrel disposed in the housing and having a plurality of lenses disposed therein; as well as an aperture module configured to control the amount of light incident on the plurality of lenses, Wherein, the aperture module comprises: a blade unit including a plurality of blades, the plurality of blades being configured to form an incident hole through which light passes, the plurality of blades being arranged in (2M-1) layers in an optical axis direction, the plurality of blades arranged in each layer being arranged in (2N+1) members, wherein M and N are natural numbers other than 0; a rotor on which the plurality of blades are rotatably mounted; an aperture driver configured to change the size of the entrance aperture by rotating the rotor; and a controller configured to control the aperture driver and adjust the size of the entrance aperture; wherein, in the blade unit, blades arranged in different layers of the (2M-1) layers at least partially overlap in the optical axis direction, and blades arranged in the same layer of the (2M-1) layers do not overlap with each other in the optical axis direction, and Wherein, the aperture module has a fixed relative position relative to the housing in the direction of the optical axis.

15. The camera module according to claim 14, further comprising an auto focus unit which is accommodated in the optical axis direction with respect to the housing and the aperture module in relative motion and has the lens barrel disposed therein, in, When the auto focus unit moves upward relative to the optical axis direction, the controller reduces the size of the incident hole, and when the auto focus unit moves downward relative to the optical axis direction, the controller increases the size of the incident hole.

16. The camera module of claim 14, further comprising a drop detection sensor configured to measure acceleration and generate a drop signal when a drop of the camera module is detected, in, The controller is configured to open the entrance aperture to a maximum size when the drop signal is generated.

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