Camera module

Abstract

A camera module includes: a housing; a reflecting member provided in the housing and changing a direction of light to a direction of an optical axis; a carrier carrying the reflective member and rotatable about a first axis with respect to the housing; and a first ball group disposed between the housing and the carrier, in which the first ball group includes a main ball member providing a first shaft of the carrier, and an auxiliary ball member disposed away from the first shaft, and one or both of the housing and the carrier partially accommodate the auxiliary ball member and include an auxiliary guide groove extending in a circumferential direction of the first shaft.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0026736 filed on February 26, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0073616 filed on June 7, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a camera module, and more particularly, to a camera module including a reflective member that changes an optical path of light. Background Art

[0004] The camera module can be installed in portable electronic devices such as tablet personal computers (PCs) or laptop computers and smart phones. An auto focus (AF) function, an optical image stabilization (OIS) function, a zoom function, etc. can be added to the camera module for the mobile terminal.

[0005] In addition, the camera module may include an actuator that directly moves the lens module or indirectly moves a reflection module that includes a reflection member for stabilizing an unstable optical image. In addition, the actuator may use a driving force generated by a magnet and a coil to move the lens module or the reflection module in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction.

[0006] In recent years, the demand for video shooting has increased rapidly. However, for example, when the video being shot continues to be unstable, it is difficult for the existing technology to accurately stabilize such unstable video.

[0007] Furthermore, when an object to be photographed moves during the shooting of a video thereof, it may be inconvenient to require the user to directly move the user's mobile communication terminal to adjust the direction of the camera module shooting the object to the moving object, and it may also be difficult for the user to accurately shoot the video.

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

[0009] The present summary is provided to introduce a selection of inventive concepts in a concise form, and these inventive concepts will be further described in the following detailed description. The present summary is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] In a general aspect, a camera module includes a housing, a reflective member disposed in the housing and changing the direction of light to the direction of an optical axis, a carrier carrying the reflective member and rotatable relative to the housing around a first axis, and a first ball group disposed between the housing and the carrier, wherein the first ball group includes a main ball member providing a first axis of the carrier, and an auxiliary ball member disposed away from the first axis, and wherein one or both of the housing and the carrier partially accommodates the auxiliary ball member and includes an auxiliary guide groove extending in a circumferential direction of the first axis.

[0011] The housing and the carrier may each partially accommodate the auxiliary ball member, and the auxiliary guide groove may include a first auxiliary guide groove located in the carrier and a second auxiliary guide groove located in the housing.

[0012] The length of the second auxiliary guide groove may be at least twice the length of the first auxiliary guide groove.

[0013] The auxiliary guide groove may support the auxiliary ball member at one point.

[0014] The auxiliary guide groove may be positioned such that the auxiliary ball member moves in the auxiliary guide groove in a radial direction of the first shaft.

[0015] The auxiliary guide groove may include a bottom surface and a wall surface extending from the bottom surface to each side thereof, and may be positioned so that the auxiliary ball member is spaced apart from the wall surface or contacts the wall surface at one point.

[0016] The wall surface may have a curved surface.

[0017] The auxiliary guide groove may have an arc-shaped cross section.

[0018] The radius of curvature of the cross section may be greater than the radius of the auxiliary ball member.

[0019] The diameter of the primary ball member may be different from the diameter of the auxiliary ball member.

[0020] The diameter of the main ball member may be greater than the diameter of the auxiliary ball member.

[0021] The camera module may further include a magnet provided in the carrier, and a yoke provided in the housing to face the magnet.

[0022] The auxiliary ball member may include two or more auxiliary ball members, and the magnet may be positioned so that magnetic attraction generated between the magnet and the yoke passes through the inside of a region connecting the main ball member and the two or more auxiliary ball members to each other.

[0023] The magnet may have an annular shape extending in a circumferential direction of the first axis, and a portion of an outer edge of the magnet is parallel to a line intersecting the first axis and perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0024] The magnet may have an annular shape extending at an angle of 90 degrees or more in a circumferential direction of the first axis with respect to a line which is parallel to the optical axis and intersects the first axis.

[0025] The camera module may further include a second magnet disposed in the carrier, wherein the second magnet may include a cylindrical surface having a central axis spaced apart from and parallel to the first axis.

[0026] The camera module may further include a lens module which refracts light incident from the reflective member in an optical axis direction and an image sensor module which converts the light refracted by the lens module into an electrical signal.

[0027] In another general aspect, a camera module includes a housing, a reflective member disposed in the housing and changing a direction of light to a direction of an optical axis, a carrier carrying the reflective member and rotatable relative to the housing around a first axis, and a first ball group disposed between the housing and the carrier, wherein the first ball group includes a main ball member providing a first axis of the carrier and an auxiliary ball member disposed away from the first axis, and the carrier includes a first auxiliary guide groove that partially accommodates the auxiliary ball member, the housing includes a second auxiliary guide groove that partially accommodates the auxiliary ball member, and a length of the second auxiliary guide groove is at least twice a length of the first auxiliary guide groove.

[0028] In another general aspect, a camera module includes a ball group disposed on an inner surface of a housing, a carrier disposed on the ball group, and a reflective member disposed on the carrier, the reflective member changing a direction of light to a direction of an optical axis, wherein the carrier rotates around a first axis, wherein the first axis passes through a main ball member of the ball group, and wherein an auxiliary ball member of the ball group moves along an auxiliary guide groove.

[0029] The auxiliary guide groove may extend in a circumferential direction of the first shaft.

[0030] The auxiliary guide groove may include a first auxiliary guide groove provided in the carrier and a second auxiliary guide groove provided in an inner surface of the housing, and the auxiliary ball member may be accommodated in the first auxiliary guide groove and the second auxiliary guide groove.

[0031] The auxiliary ball member may contact the auxiliary guide groove at one point.

[0032] The camera module may further include a magnetic member applying traction between the carrier and an inner surface of the housing, the auxiliary ball member may include two or more auxiliary ball members, and a center of the traction may be within a region surrounded by the ball group.

[0033] The magnetic member may include a magnet disposed in a carrier, and the magnet may have a ring shape in a cross section transverse to the first axis direction, and have one or both of a recess and an extension in the ring shape so that the center of the traction force is located within the area surrounded by the ball group.

[0034] The camera module may further include a rotating bracket disposed on the carrier to rotate around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the reflective member is disposed on the rotating bracket, and the outer circumference of the rotating bracket may include a cylindrical surface having a center of curvature farther from the cylindrical surface than the first axis.

[0035] The rotating support may contact an upper portion of the column of the carrier at an end of the rotation about the second axis.

[0036] In another general aspect, a camera module includes: a ball group disposed on an inner surface of a housing; a carrier disposed on the ball group; a reflective member disposed on the carrier to change a direction of light to a direction of an optical axis; and a magnetic member that applies a traction force between the carrier and the inner surface of the housing, wherein the carrier rotates around a first axis substantially parallel to the traction force, wherein the magnetic member includes a magnet having an annular shape in a cross section transverse to the first axis direction, and wherein an auxiliary ball member of the ball group moves along an auxiliary guide groove.

[0037] The magnet may include one or both of a notch and an extension in the annular shape to localize the pulling force within a predetermined area of ​​the carrier.

[0038] The first shaft of the carrier may include a main ball member of the ball set disposed at the center of the first shaft.

[0039] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, the claims, and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0041] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0042] Figure 3 is along with Figure 2 Direction of observation in different directions Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the camera module.

[0043] Figure 4 is a view illustrating that an optical image stabilization (OIS) function of a folding module may be driven in an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Figure 5is a view illustrating an imaging range of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Figure 6 is a view illustrating an OIS driver of a folder module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 7 is a view illustrating a lower surface of a first type carrier according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] Figure 8 is a view illustrating a bottom surface of a case supporting a carrier according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 9 is a view showing a support structure between a first type carrier and a case in an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Fig.10 is a view showing a lower surface of a second type carrier in an exemplary embodiment.

[0050] Fig.11 is a view showing a supporting structure between a second type carrier and a case in an exemplary embodiment.

[0051] Fig.12 is a view showing a lower surface of a third type carrier in an exemplary embodiment.

[0052] Fig.13 is a view showing a supporting structure between a third type carrier and a case in an exemplary embodiment.

[0053] Fig.14 : is a view showing interference occurring between the ball member and the guide grooves when the guide grooves formed on both sides of the ball member have lengths equal to each other.

[0054] Fig.15 2 is a view illustrating interference occurring between a ball member and a guide groove when guide grooves formed on both sides of a ball member have lengths different from each other in an exemplary embodiment.

[0055] Fig.16A A sway drive of a reflective member in an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0056] Fig. 16B A sway drive of a reflective member in another exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0057] Fig. 16C A sway drive of a reflective member in yet another exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0058] Fig.17 : is a view showing the relationship between the traction force and the supporting ball member in the exemplary embodiment.

[0059] Fig.18 is a side view of a rotating bracket housed in a carrier in an exemplary embodiment.

[0060] Fig.19 is a view showing the swivel mount rotated to the limit of its pitch range in an exemplary embodiment.

[0061] Fig. 20A A first type of pitch drive according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0062] Fig. 20B A second type of pitch drive according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0063] Fig. 20C A third type of pitch drive according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0064] Fig.21 A pitch drive is shown when the center of curvature of a magnet for driving pitch is disposed on a yaw axis in an exemplary embodiment.

[0065] Fig. 22 is a view showing a pitch driver when the center of curvature of a magnet for driving pitch is positioned to be spaced apart from a yaw axis in an exemplary embodiment.

[0066] In all drawings and detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions, and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Hereinafter, although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0068] The following specific embodiments are provided to help the reader gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices and / or systems described herein. However, after understanding the present disclosure, various changes, modifications and equivalents of the methods, devices and / or systems described herein will be apparent. For example, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, the order of operations described herein is merely an example and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but changes that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure may be made. In addition, for greater clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0069] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided only to illustrate some of the many possible ways to implement the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure.

[0070] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, a region, or a substrate is described as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, the element may be directly “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, or one or more other elements may be present between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is described as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, no other elements may be present between the element and the other element.

[0071] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items; similarly, “at least one of…” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items.

[0072] Although the terms "first", "second" and "third" may be used herein to describe various members, components, regions, layers or parts, these members, components, regions, layers or parts are not limited by these terms. More specifically, these terms are only used to distinguish one member, component, region, layer or part from another member, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first member, first component, first region, first layer or first part mentioned in the examples may also be referred to as the second member, second component, second region, second layer or second part.

[0073] Spatially relative terms such as "above", "higher", "lower", and "lower" may be used herein for descriptive convenience to describe the relationship of one element relative to another element as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to covering the orientations depicted in the accompanying drawings, these spatially relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, an element described as being "above" or "higher" relative to another element will be "below" or "lower" relative to the other element. Therefore, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term "above" covers both "above" and "lower" orientations. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0074] The terms used herein are only used to describe various examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the articles "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms as well. The words "include", "comprise" and "have" illustrate the presence of stated features, numbers, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof.

[0075] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the drawings may vary. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0076] Herein, it should be noted that use of the wording "may" with respect to an embodiment or example (eg, with respect to what an embodiment or example may include or implement) means that there is at least one example in which such feature is included or implemented, and all examples are not limited thereto.

[0077] The features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways, which will be apparent after obtaining an understanding of the present disclosure. In addition, although the examples described herein have multiple configurations, it will be apparent after obtaining an understanding of the present disclosure that other configurations are also possible.

[0078] An aspect of the present invention may provide a folding module that can easily stabilize an image not only when taking a picture of a still object but also when taking a video of a moving object, and a camera module including the folding module.

[0079] Another aspect of the present disclosure may provide a folding module that can track a moving object and stabilize an image thereof, and a camera module including the folding module.

[0080] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module 1 according to one or more exemplary embodiments; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module 1 according to one or more exemplary embodiments; Figure 3 is along with Figure 2 Direction of observation in different directions Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the camera module 1; and Figure 4 is a view illustrating that an optical image stabilization (OIS) function of a folding module may be driven in an exemplary embodiment.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 1 may include a housing 100 and an optical element disposed in the housing 100. The optical element may include a folding module 200 and a lens module 300. The housing 100 may protect and support the optical element housed therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 1 may include an image sensor module 400. The image sensor module 400 may include a sensor substrate 410 and an image sensor disposed on the sensor substrate 410, and light passing through the lens module 300 may eventually reach an imaging plane of the image sensor. Although not shown in the drawings, the image sensor may be disposed for the imaging plane to face the lens module 300. The image formed on the imaging plane may be converted into an electrical signal by an element included in the image sensor, and the electrical signal may be transmitted outwardly from the camera module 1 through the connector 420.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 1 may include a cover 500 partially enclosing the housing 100. The cover 500 may prevent the optical element accommodated in the housing 100 from being separated outward from the housing 100. For example, the housing 100 may have a box shape with an open top, the cover 500 may cover the top of the housing 100, and the optical element may be disposed in a space surrounded by the housing 100 and the cover 500.

[0083] In addition, the cover 500 may include a material capable of shielding electromagnetic waves. In this case, the cover 500 may prevent or minimize electromagnetic waves occurring in the camera module 1 from escaping outward from the camera module 1, or prevent or minimize electromagnetic waves occurring outside the camera module 1 from entering the camera module 1. For example, when the camera module 1 includes a voice coil motor (VCM) for performing an optical image stabilization (OIS) function or an autofocus (AF) function, the cover 500 may prevent electromagnetic waves generated from the voice coil motor from affecting electronic components located outside the camera module 1. In addition, the cover 500 may prevent or minimize electromagnetic waves occurring in electronic components located outside the camera module 1 from affecting the operation of the voice coil motor (e.g., electromagnetic interaction generated between a coil and a magnet). The cover 500 may be made of a metal material such as phosphor bronze, stainless steel, or brass to shield the camera module 1 from electromagnetic waves.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the folding module 200 may reflect light entering through the opening 510 of the cover 500 to the lens module 300. For example, the folding module 200 may include a reflective member 210. For example, the reflective member 210 may include a prism or a reflective mirror.

[0085] The light reflected by the folding module 200 may be refracted while passing through the lens module 300, and may eventually reach the image sensor module 400. The lens module 300 may include a lens barrel and at least one lens accommodated in the lens barrel.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 1 may perform an AF function. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens module 300 may be moved along the optical axis relative to the housing 100, and the distance between the lens module 300 and the image sensor may be changed accordingly. That is, when the lens module 300 moves in the optical axis direction, the focus of the lens may be adjusted. The camera module 1 may include an AF driver that may move the lens module 300 in the optical axis direction. The AF driver may include an AF magnet 311 located in the lens module 300, and an AF coil 312 located in the housing 100. When current flows through the AF coil 312, the lens module 300 may perform reciprocating movement in the optical axis direction (i.e., parallel to the Z-axis direction) by electromagnetic interaction generated between the AF magnet 311 and the AF coil 312. The AF driver may include an AF position sensor 313 that measures the position of the lens module 300 in the optical axis direction. The AF position sensor 313 may be fixedly positioned in the housing 100, may detect a change in the intensity or direction of a magnetic field formed by the AF magnet 311 positioned in the lens module 300 when the lens module 300 moves in the optical axis direction relative to the housing 100, and may measure a position of the lens module 300 positioned in the optical axis direction relative to the housing 100 based on the change. The AF position sensor 313 may be disposed inside or outside the AF coil 312. The AF position sensor 313 may be a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall sensor, a magnetoresistive sensor, and the like.

[0087] When the camera is shaken unintentionally (e.g., due to hand shaking of the user), the image formed on the image sensor may be unstable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. In this case, according to an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 1 may implement a function for correcting the unstable image (i.e., optical image stabilization, hereinafter referred to as "OIS"). In an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 1 may implement the OIS function by driving the folding module 200.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the OIS function can be implemented by rotating the folding module 200 around an axis perpendicular to the optical axis. For example, when the camera module 1 shakes, the folding module 200 can be tilted within a predetermined range relative to the axis perpendicular to the optical axis to optically stabilize the unstable image. Here, the folding module 200 may have one or more tilt axes. For example, when the optical axis is parallel to the Z axis, the folding module 200 can rotate around a sway axis parallel to the Y axis and a pitch axis parallel to the X axis. For example, when viewed from the folding module 200 toward the lens module 300, the wording "yawing" or "yaw" may indicate a left-right tilt movement of the folding module 200, and the wording "pitch" or "pitch" may indicate an up-and-down tilt movement of the folding module 200.

[0089] In the present disclosure, when the folding module 200 rotates (or pivots or tilts) about the Y-axis, the rotation may be referred to as the "swing" of the folding module 200, and vice versa. In addition, when the folding module 200 rotates (or pivots or tilts) about the X-axis, the rotation may be referred to as the "pitch" of the folding module 200, and vice versa.

[0090] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , the folding module 200 may include a carrier 220 and a rotating bracket 250 accommodated in the carrier 220. The carrier 220 may carry the reflective member 210. For example, the carrier 220 may rotate the reflective member 210 around a first axis A1 perpendicular to the optical axis. The carrier 220 may be supported by a first ball group 230 inserted between the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 and the carrier 220 to rotate around a first axis A1 parallel to the Y axis, and the rotating bracket 250 may be supported by a second ball group 260 inserted between the carrier 220 and the rotating bracket 250 to rotate around a second axis A2 parallel to the X axis. In the present disclosure, the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 may refer to a sway axis and a pitch axis, respectively.

[0091] Figure 5 is a view illustrating an imaging range of a camera module 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0092] When the folding module 200 (or the reflective member 210) is in a neutral state, the first area F1 may indicate the imaging area of ​​the camera module 1. The imaging area of ​​the camera module 1 may move with the swing or pitch of the reflective member 210. For example, when the reflective member 210 rotates around the swing axis when shooting the first area F1, the fourth area F4 or the eighth area F8 may be shot. For another example, when the reflective member 210 rotates in one direction around the pitch axis, the second area F2 may be shot. When the reflective member 210 is rotated around the swing axis when shooting the second area F2, the third area F3 or the ninth area F9 may be shot. As yet another example, when the reflective member 210 rotates in another direction around the pitch axis, the sixth area F6 may be shot. When the reflective member 210 rotates around the swing axis when shooting the sixth area F6, the fifth area F5 or the seventh area F7 may be shot.

[0093] The camera module 1 can capture an object in a relatively wide area using all images obtained from the first area F1 to the ninth area F9. In addition, the camera module 1 can capture an object while tracking a moving object by rotating the reflective member 210. Here, except when the reflective member 210 is in a neutral state, the captured image may be distorted. Software can be used to correct (e.g., crop, adjust, etc.) the distorted image.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the reflective member 210 may rotate about the first axis A1 relative to the housing 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the folding module 200 may be assembled to the housing 100 to rotate about the first axis A1. In an exemplary embodiment, the folding module 200 may include a carrier 220 that rotates about the first axis A1 relative to the housing 100, and the reflective member 210 may be positioned on the carrier 220 and may rotate together with the carrier 220.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier 220 may be disposed on the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100. The first ball group 230 may be disposed between the housing 100 and the carrier 220. The first ball group 230 may maintain a constant distance between the carrier 220 and the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 while supporting the carrier 220.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the first ball set 230 may include a main ball member 231 (or a first ball member) and an auxiliary ball member 232 (or a second ball member). The main ball member 231 may provide a rotation axis (ie, a first axis A1) of the carrier 220. The auxiliary ball member 232 may support the carrier 220 to prevent the rotation axis of the carrier 220 from tilting.

[0097] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the main ball member 231 may be partially accommodated in the main guide grooves 241 and 242, which are respectively positioned in the carrier 220 and the housing 100. The main guide grooves 241 and 242 may include a first main guide groove 241 located in the lower surface 221 of the carrier 220 and a second main guide groove 242 located in the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, by being supported at three points in the first main guide groove 241 and the second main guide groove 242, respectively, the main ball member 231 can perform only rotational motion instead of translational motion. Therefore, when the carrier 220 rotates around the first axis A1, the main ball member 231 can maintain a fixed position relative to the housing 100 and the carrier 220. That is, the main ball member 231 can provide a swing axis (i.e., the first axis A1) of the carrier 220. Therefore, the main ball member 231 can be supported by three points relative to the housing 100 and the carrier 220, thereby preventing the swing axis from moving.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the first main guide groove 241 and the second main guide groove 242 may include three or more inclined surfaces, respectively, and the main ball member 231 may contact one inclined surface at one point. For example, the main guide grooves 241 and 242 may each have a truncated triangular pyramid shape.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, the auxiliary ball member 232 may be partially accommodated in auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244, which are respectively located in the carrier 220 and the housing 100. The auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 may include a first auxiliary guide groove 243 located in the lower surface 221 of the carrier 220, and a second auxiliary guide groove 244 located in the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100. When the carrier 220 rotates about the first axis A1, the auxiliary ball member 232 may move along the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244.

[0101] Figure 6 is a view showing an OIS driver of a folding module according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 7 is a view showing a lower surface 221 of a first type carrier according to an exemplary embodiment; and Figure 8 is a view illustrating a bottom surface of a case supporting a carrier according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0102] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 in the exemplary embodiment may extend along a curve. In the exemplary embodiment, the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 may extend in the circumferential direction of the first axis A1. In the exemplary embodiment, the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 may extend in an arc shape around the first axis A1. For example, the center line L of the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 in the longitudinal direction may have an arc shape with a radius R around the first axis A1. That is, the center of curvature of the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 may be located on the first axis A1.

[0103] When each of the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 has a curved shape, the carrier 220 can rock more stably. If the guide groove has a straight shape, the auxiliary ball member 232 may collide with the guide groove or may easily slide at the contact point between the auxiliary ball member 232 and the guide groove when a rolling motion is performed along the guide groove. For example, when the straight guide groove has a V-shaped cross-section, the auxiliary ball member 232 can be supported at two points where the auxiliary ball member 232 contacts the guide groove. Here, when the auxiliary ball member 232 will move along an arc trajectory based on the first axis, the auxiliary ball member 232 may slide at the contact point between the auxiliary ball member 232 and the guide groove. As another example, when the straight guide groove has a "U"-shaped plane cross-section, there may be only one contact point between the auxiliary ball member 232 and the guide groove. In this case, when the auxiliary ball member 232 will move along an arc trajectory based on the first axis, the auxiliary ball member 232 may hardly slide at the contact point. However, there is no structure to restrict the continuous movement of the auxiliary ball member 232, so the auxiliary ball member 232 may collide with the side wall of the guide groove while performing the rolling motion, and thus the image obtained by the camera module may become unstable. That is, when the guide groove has a straight line shape, due to the collision between the ball member and the guide groove, it may be necessary to increase the driving force to drive the swing of the carrier 220, or the image quality obtained by the camera module may be deteriorated.

[0104] Fig. 9 is a view showing a support structure between the first type carrier 220 and the housing 100 in an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the case 100 and the carrier 220 cut in a plane parallel to the first axis by passing through the centers of the auxiliary ball member 232 and the main ball member 231 .

[0105] Reference Fig. 9 , the auxiliary ball member 232 and the main ball member 231 may have different diameters from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the auxiliary ball member 232 may have a smaller diameter than the main ball member 231.

[0106] The auxiliary ball member 232 may have a smaller size, and the folding module 200 may therefore have an improved degree of freedom in design. For example, when the auxiliary ball member 232 has a smaller size, the top surface 222 of the portion of the carrier 220 supported by the auxiliary ball member 232 may be positioned closer to the bottom surface 110. When the top surface 222 is lowered, the pitch range of the rotating bracket 250 described below may be increased, thereby expanding the image stabilization range or imaging range of the camera module.

[0107] In an exemplary embodiment, the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 may limit the moving direction of the auxiliary ball member 232 so that the auxiliary ball member 232 moves only in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the first axis A1. The rotation axis of the carrier 220 (i.e., the first axis A1) may be provided by the main ball member 231 and the main guide grooves 241 and 242, and the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 and the auxiliary ball member 232 may support the carrier 220 to prevent the rotation axis of the carrier 220 from tilting.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, the auxiliary ball member 232 may be supported at one point in the auxiliary guide groove 243 or 244. That is, the auxiliary ball member 232 may contact the first auxiliary guide groove 243 at one point, and may contact the second auxiliary guide groove 244 at one point. For example, when there is an imaginary straight line passing through the center of the auxiliary ball member 232 and parallel to the Y-axis, the straight line may meet the surface of the auxiliary ball member 232 at two points, and the two points may contact the first auxiliary guide groove 243 and the second auxiliary guide groove 244, respectively. In this case, the distance between the points at which the auxiliary ball member 232 contacts the first auxiliary guide groove 243 and the second auxiliary guide groove 244 may correspond to the diameter of the auxiliary ball member 232.

[0109] In an exemplary embodiment, the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 may be positioned such that the auxiliary ball member 232 moves in the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 in a radial direction of the first axis A1 .

[0110] Reference Fig. 9 The first auxiliary guide groove 243 may include a bottom surface 243a and an inclined surface (or wall surface) 243b extending from the bottom surface 243a to each side thereof. The inclined surface 243b may only loosely restrict the moving path of the auxiliary ball member 232 and may allow the auxiliary ball member 232 to move to a certain extent in the radial direction of the first axis A1 in the first auxiliary guide groove 243.

[0111] The second auxiliary guide groove 244 may include a bottom surface 244a and a wall surface 244b extending from the bottom surface 244a to each side thereof. The wall surface 244b may only loosely restrict the movement path of the auxiliary ball member 232 and may allow the auxiliary ball member 232 to move to a certain extent in the radial direction of the first axis A1 in the second auxiliary guide groove 244.

[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, the first auxiliary guide groove 243 may be positioned so that the auxiliary ball member 232 is spaced apart from the inclined surface 243b, or contacts the inclined surface 243b at one point. For example, when accommodated in the first auxiliary guide groove 243, the auxiliary ball member 232 may be spaced apart from the inclined surface 243b on each side of the first auxiliary guide groove 243, or may contact the inclined surface 243b only at one point. That is, the auxiliary ball member 232 may support the carrier 220 only at the contact point between the auxiliary ball member 232 and the bottom surface 243a, and does not support the carrier 220 by contact with the inclined surface 243b.

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, when the auxiliary ball member 232 is in its ideal position (i.e., the center of the first auxiliary guide groove 243), the inclined surface 243b of the first auxiliary guide groove 243 may not contact the auxiliary ball member 232. When the carrier 220 rotates about the first axis A1, the auxiliary ball member 232 may also perform a rolling motion along a circular trajectory based on the first axis A1. The position of the auxiliary ball member 232 may deviate from its ideal position due to external force or friction imbalance. Here, the inclined surface 243b may limit the deviation range of the auxiliary ball member 232, thereby helping the auxiliary ball member 232 to stably support the carrier 220 to rotate around the first axis A1. The angle and shape of the inclined surface 243b can be configured to minimize the friction that occurs when the inclined surface 243b contacts the auxiliary ball member 232.

[0114] Fig.10 is a view showing a lower surface 221 of a second type carrier 220 ′ in an exemplary embodiment; and Fig.11 2 is a view showing a support structure between the second type carrier 220 ′ and the housing 100 in an exemplary embodiment. Fig.11 2 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 100 and the second type carrier 220 ′ cut within a plane parallel to the first axis A1 by passing through the centers of the auxiliary ball member 232 and the main ball member 231 .

[0115] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the first auxiliary guide groove 243' may have an arc-shaped cross-section. For example, the first auxiliary guide groove 243' may have the same shape as the inner circumferential surface of the pipe. Here, the auxiliary ball member 232 may contact the first auxiliary guide groove 243' at one point. For example, the cross-section of the first auxiliary guide groove 243' may have a first radius, and the auxiliary ball member 232 may have a radius smaller than the first radius. The auxiliary ball member 232 may contact the deepest part of the first auxiliary guide groove 243'. The arc-shaped first auxiliary guide groove 243' may guide the auxiliary ball member 232 to be positioned at the center of the first auxiliary guide groove 243'.

[0116] Fig.12 is a view showing a lower surface 221 of a third type carrier 220 ″ in an exemplary embodiment; and Fig.13 2 is a view showing a support structure between a third type carrier 220 ″ and a housing 100 in an exemplary embodiment.

[0117] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 The first auxiliary guide groove 243" may include a flat bottom surface 243a" and an arc-shaped curved surface 243b", which extends to each side of the flat bottom surface 243a". That is, it can be understood that the curved surface 243b" replaces the inclined surface 243b of the first auxiliary guide groove 243 in the first type carrier 220.

[0118] In the present disclosure, the first type carrier 220, the second type carrier 220' and the third type carrier 220" can be distinguished from each other only by the different cross sections of the first auxiliary guide grooves 243, 243' and 243" located on the lower surface 221, and have the same remaining structures as each other. Although the first type carrier 220 is referred to as a "carrier" for convenience of explanation, such a component referred to as a carrier in the present disclosure may include the other two types of carriers 220' and 220". That is, the component denoted by the reference numeral 220 in the present disclosure may be Figures 10 to 13 Any one of the second type carrier 220' and the third type carrier 220" shown in the figure. Similarly, the component represented by the reference numeral 243 can be not only the first auxiliary guide groove 243 in the first type carrier 220, but also the first auxiliary guide groove 243' in the second type carrier 220', or the first auxiliary guide groove 243" in the third type carrier 220".

[0119] The first auxiliary guide groove 243 may include two or more guide grooves. In this case, the guide grooves may not all have the same cross-sectional shape, and may have different cross-sectional shapes. For example, the auxiliary guide groove located on one side may have Fig.11 The circular cross section shown in FIG. 1 and the auxiliary guide groove on the other side may have a Fig. 9 The inclined surface shown.

[0120] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the second auxiliary guide groove 244 may be longer than the first auxiliary guide groove 243 .

[0121] When the carrier 220 is rocked, the auxiliary ball member 232 may perform rolling motion on both sides thereof against the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244. It can be assumed that when the carrier 220 rotates about the first axis A1, the auxiliary ball member 232 is located at the longitudinal end of the second auxiliary guide groove 244. In this case, when the carrier 220 further rotates clockwise, the auxiliary ball member 232 may slide between the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244, which may increase the friction between the auxiliary ball member 232 and the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244. This increased friction may cause a loss of driving force and may affect the performance of the OIS function.

[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, when the second auxiliary guide groove 244 is longer than the first auxiliary guide groove 243, interference between the auxiliary ball member 232 and the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 caused by the swing of the carrier 220 can be minimized. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the second auxiliary guide groove 244 may be at least twice the length of the first auxiliary guide groove 243. It is sufficient that the second auxiliary guide groove 244 is positioned so that the auxiliary ball member 232 does not deviate from the second auxiliary guide groove 244, and the upper limit of its length may depend on the shape of the carrier 220.

[0123] In the present disclosure, the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 have a curved shape, which is only an example. In another exemplary embodiment, the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 may have a straight shape. Even in this case, the length of the second auxiliary guide groove 244 may be at least twice the length of the first auxiliary guide groove 243.

[0124] For example, "c" can be 2b or greater, where "b" represents the length of the trajectory along which the center of the auxiliary ball member 232 moves when the auxiliary ball member 232 moves along the first auxiliary guide groove 243, and where "c" represents the length of the trajectory along which the center of the auxiliary ball member 232 moves when the auxiliary ball member 232 moves along the second auxiliary guide groove 244.

[0125] In the present disclosure, the neutral state may refer to a state in which the centers of the first auxiliary guide groove 243 and the second auxiliary guide groove 244 coincide with each other, and in which the auxiliary ball member 232 is located at the center of the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244. The auxiliary ball member 232 in the neutral state may move b / 2 clockwise or counterclockwise along the first auxiliary guide groove 243. In an exemplary embodiment, the second auxiliary guide groove 244 may allow the auxiliary ball member 232 to move "b" from the center of the second auxiliary guide groove 244 in either direction (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0126] Fig.14is a view showing interference occurring between a ball member and the guide grooves when the guide grooves formed on both sides of the ball member have lengths equal to each other; Fig.15 2 is a view illustrating interference occurring between a ball member and a guide groove when guide grooves formed on both sides of a ball member have lengths different from each other in an exemplary embodiment.

[0127] Ideally, in a neutral state, the auxiliary ball member 232 is located on the center line CL of the first auxiliary guide groove 243 and the second auxiliary guide groove 244, and when the carrier 220 rotates to the limit in one direction relative to the housing 100, the auxiliary ball member 232 can perform rolling motion without contacting the ends of the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244. However, when positioned off-center, the auxiliary ball member 232 may contact the ends of the first auxiliary guide groove 243 or the ends of the second auxiliary guide groove 244 when the carrier 220 rotates to the limit in one direction relative to the housing 100.

[0128] Reference Fig.14 , when the auxiliary ball member 232 is positioned to be spaced to the left from the center line CL, before the carrier 220 moves to the right limit, the auxiliary ball member 232 may contact the left end of the first auxiliary guide groove 243. For another example, when the auxiliary ball member 232 is positioned to be spaced to the right from the center line CL, before the carrier 220 moves to the right limit, the auxiliary ball member 232 may contact the right end of the second auxiliary guide groove 244.

[0129] When the second auxiliary guide groove 244 is longer than the first auxiliary guide groove 243, the auxiliary ball member 232 may not have a section where the auxiliary ball member 232 contacts the ends of the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 even when the auxiliary ball member 232 in the neutral state is not located on the center line CL of the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244, or may have a section where the auxiliary ball member 232 slides to a minimum even when the auxiliary ball member 232 contacts the ends of the auxiliary guide grooves 243 and 244 when the carrier 220 rotates to the limit in one direction relative to the shell 100.

[0130] For example, refer to Fig.15, when the auxiliary ball member 232 is positioned to be spaced to the left from the center line CL, the auxiliary ball member 232 may contact the left end of the first auxiliary guide groove 243 before the carrier 220 moves to the right limit. However, the auxiliary ball member 232 may subsequently move without contacting the end of the second auxiliary guide groove 244. The reason is that when repeatedly driven, the auxiliary ball member 232 may be in its ideal position or close to its ideal position. In addition, when the auxiliary ball member 232 is positioned to be spaced to the right from the center line CL, when the carrier 220 moves to the right limit, the auxiliary ball member 232 may continuously perform a rolling motion without contacting the end of the second auxiliary guide groove 244.

[0131] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , the camera module 1 in an exemplary embodiment may include a first OIS driver (swing driver) that rotates the folding module 200 around the first axis A1. The first OIS driver may include a first OIS magnet 271 located in the carrier 220 and a first OIS coil 272 located in the housing 100. The first OIS coil 272 may be located on a substrate 600 surrounding the outside of the housing 100, and the housing 100 may include an opening 120 through which the first OIS coil 272 is exposed toward the first OIS magnet 271.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment, the first OIS magnet 271 and the first OIS coil 272 may be disposed to face each other. The folding module 200 or the carrier 220 may rotate around the first axis A1 by electromagnetic interaction between the first OIS magnet 271 and the first OIS coil 272 .

[0133] The first OIS driver may include a first OIS position sensor 273. The first OIS position sensor 273 may be fixedly positioned in the housing 100 together with the first OIS coil 272, and when the carrier 220 rotates around the first axis A1 relative to the housing 100, the first OIS position sensor 273 may detect a change in the strength or direction of the magnetic field formed by the first OIS magnet 271 positioned in the carrier 220, and may measure how much the carrier 220 rotates around the first axis A1 relative to the housing 100 based on the change. The first OIS position sensor 273 may be disposed inside or outside the first OIS coil 272. The first OIS position sensor 273 may be a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall sensor, a magnetoresistive sensor, and the like.

[0134] Fig.16A shows a swing drive of a reflective member in an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 16B A swing drive of a reflective member in another exemplary embodiment is shown; and Fig. 16C A sway drive of a reflective member in yet another exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0135] Reference FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C , the first OIS magnet 271 in an exemplary embodiment may extend in a curved shape. For example, the first OIS magnet 271 may have a ring shape centered on the first axis A1.

[0136] Reference Fig.16A and Fig. 16C When the first OIS magnet 271 in another exemplary embodiment has a ring shape, a portion of its outer arc may be cut. For example, the outer edge of the first OIS magnet 271 may have an arc shape having a radius R from the first axis A1, and a portion thereof farther than "d" based on a horizontal line HL passing through the first axis A1 may be removed from the first OIS magnet 271, where "d" is smaller than the radius R.

[0137] Reference FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first OIS magnet 271 may have an arc shape. For example, the first OIS magnet 271 may have a cut ring shape, and a straight portion connecting an inner arc portion and an outer arc portion thereof may extend in a substantially radial direction with the first axis A1 as the center.

[0138] The first OIS position sensor 273 may be disposed inside or outside the first OIS coil 272. Fig.16A and Fig. 16C In an exemplary embodiment or in yet another exemplary embodiment, the first OIS position sensor 273 may be disposed outside the first OIS coil 272. When the first OIS position sensor 273 is a magnetic sensor and disposed outside the first OIS coil 272, the influence of the magnetic field generated by the OIS coil on the first OIS position sensor 273 may be minimized. This arrangement helps to accurately measure the angle at which the folding module 200 swings.

[0139] Fig.17 : is a view showing the relationship between the traction force and the supporting ball member in the exemplary embodiment.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 1 may include a first traction member that pulls the carrier 220 toward the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the first traction member may include a first magnetic member located in the carrier 220 and a second magnetic member located in the housing 100. For example, the first magnetic member may be a first OIS magnet 271, and the second magnetic member may be a first traction yoke 274. Figure 3 The first pulling yoke 274 may be connected to the substrate 600 and disposed opposite to the first OIS coil 272 .

[0141] In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier 220 may be pulled toward the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100 by a magnetic attraction force (hereinafter referred to as a pulling force) generated between the first OIS magnet 271 and the first pulling yoke 274. Therefore, the first ball group 230 may maintain close contact with the housing 100 and the carrier 220, and the movement of the carrier 220 may be limited to a rotational motion around the first axis A1.

[0142] The three ball members 231 and 232 included in the first ball set 230 can support the carrier 220 when the traction force pulls the folding module 200 toward the bottom surface 110 of the housing 100. If the center of the traction force F is located outside the triangular area T surrounded by the three ball members 231 and 232, the carrier 220 may move in a direction different from its rotation direction centered on the first axis A1. For example, the contact between the ball member 231 or 232 included in the first ball set 230 and the carrier 220 (or the housing 100) may be released, and the carrier 220 may thus move in an undesirable direction.

[0143] In an exemplary embodiment, the first traction member may be positioned so that the center of the traction force F is positioned in the area T formed by the first ball group 230. In an exemplary embodiment, the first OIS magnet 271 or the first traction yoke 274 may be positioned so that the traction force passes through the interior of the area connecting the main ball member 231 and the auxiliary ball member 232 to each other. For example, the traction force may have a line of action of the resultant force that passes through the interior of the triangular area T that connects the three ball members 231 and 232 to each other.

[0144] When the carrier 220 is rocked, the auxiliary ball member 232 may have different positions, and therefore, the triangular support area T may also have a changed shape when the carrier 220 is rocked. The auxiliary ball member 232 may move between the longitudinal ends of the first auxiliary guide groove 243, and when the auxiliary ball member 232 is located at the ends farthest from each other, the support area T may have a minimum area. For example, when the auxiliary ball member 232 is located at the end closest to the carrier 220 and closest to the side of the main ball member 231, the support area T may have a minimum area. In an exemplary embodiment, when the carrier 220 is rocked, the first traction member may also be positioned so that the center of the traction force F is positioned in the area T.

[0145] Reference Fig. 16C as well as Fig.17 , the first OIS magnet 271 in an exemplary embodiment may have a cut ring shape. For example, the first OIS magnet 271 may have a ring shape centered on the first axis A1 (or the main ball member 231).

[0146] In an exemplary embodiment, the first OIS magnet 271 may have a ring shape. Here, the first OIS magnet 271 may be located at a position where the center of its cross section is located in the support area T. For example, the first OIS magnet 271 may have a semi-ring shape, wherein a portion is added to the semi-ring shape or a portion is removed from the semi-ring shape so that the center of the traction force F is located in the support area T.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, the first OIS magnet 271 may have an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the first axis A1 with a notch, wherein a portion of the outer edge 271a is parallel to a horizontal line HL perpendicular to the optical axis (ie, Z axis) and intersecting the first axis A1.

[0148] In an exemplary embodiment, the first OIS magnet 271 may have an annular shape from which a portion of the outer edge is cut (i.e., a notch). For example, the outer edge of the first OIS magnet 271 may have an arc shape having a radius R from the first axis A1, and a portion thereof farther than "d" based on a horizontal line HL passing through the first axis A1 may be removed from the first OIS magnet 271, where "d" is smaller than the radius R. When the portion of the first OIS magnet 271 farther from the support area is removed, the center of the traction force F may move toward the main ball member 231, and the center of the traction force F may be located in the support area T.

[0149] In an exemplary embodiment, both ends of the first OIS magnet 271 may further extend in the +Z direction relative to the main ball member 231, which may move the center of the traction force F toward the main ball member 231. For example, the first OIS magnet 271 may extend in a circumferential direction at an angle greater than 180 degrees from one end to the other relative to the first axis A1. For example, the first OIS magnet 271 may also include a portion that extends further downward relative to the main ball member 231. For example, both ends of the first OIS magnet 271 may further extend downward by a predetermined angle θ (e.g., based on a horizontal line HL passing through the first axis A1) Fig. 16C ).

[0150] In an exemplary embodiment, the first OIS magnet 271 may have an annular shape that intersects the first axis A1 and extends at an angle (θ1) of 90 degrees or more in the circumferential direction of the first axis A1 relative to a center line CL parallel to the optical axis (ie, the Z axis). Here, the first OIS magnet 271 may have a symmetrical shape relative to the center line CL.

[0151] In an exemplary embodiment, the first auxiliary guide groove 243 may have a shape that allows the center of the traction force F to be positioned within the support area T. That is, even when the auxiliary ball member 232 is positioned at the lowest point of the first auxiliary guide groove 243 , the first auxiliary guide groove 243 may have a shape that allows the center of the traction force F to be positioned within the support area T.

[0152] In an exemplary embodiment, the folding module 200 may include a rotating bracket 250 disposed in the carrier 220. The reflective member 210 may be located in the rotating bracket 250, and may move together with the rotating bracket 250 relative to the carrier 220.

[0153] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating bracket 250 may rotate about the second axis A2 relative to the carrier 220 .

[0154] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , the carrier 220 in the exemplary embodiment may include a side wall 224 extending upward from each side of the base 223. The second ball group 260 may be disposed on the end 224a of the side wall 224, and a portion of the rotating bracket 250 may be seated on the second ball group 260. The rotating bracket 250 may include a protrusion 251 extending on each side thereof, and the lower side 251a of the protrusion 251 may include a first guide groove 245 for accommodating the second ball group 260. The second guide groove 246 for accommodating the second ball group 260 may be located on the end 224a of the side wall 224. The second ball group 260 may support the rotating bracket 250 to rotate about the pitch axis (i.e., the second axis A2) relative to the carrier 220. For example, the second ball group 260 may include second ball members 261 and 262, which are respectively disposed on one side of the carrier 220 on the second axis A2.

[0155] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , the folding module 200 in an exemplary embodiment may include a second OIS driver that rotates the rotating bracket 250 around the second axis A2. The second OIS driver may include a second OIS magnet 281 located in the rotating bracket 250 and a second OIS coil 282 located in the housing 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating bracket 250 may rotate around the second axis A2 relative to the carrier 220 by electromagnetic interaction generated between the second OIS magnet 281 and the second OIS coil 282.

[0156] The second OIS driver may include a second OIS position sensor 283. The second OIS position sensor 283 may be fixedly positioned in the housing 100 together with the second OIS coil 282, and when the rotating bracket 250 rotates around the second axis A2 relative to the carrier 220, a change in the strength or direction of the magnetic field formed by the second OIS magnet 281 positioned in the rotating bracket 250 may be detected, and how much the rotating bracket 250 rotates around the second axis A2 relative to the carrier 220 may be measured based on the change. The second OIS position sensor 283 may be disposed inside or outside the second OIS coil 282. The second OIS position sensor 283 may be a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall sensor, a magnetoresistive sensor, etc.

[0157] In an exemplary embodiment, the folding module 200 may include a second traction member that pulls the rotating bracket 250 toward the lower surface 221 of the carrier 220. The second traction member may include a magnetic member located in the rotating bracket 250 and another magnetic member located in the lower surface 221 of the carrier 220. The magnetic attraction generated between the magnetic members may play the role of traction. For example, the magnetic attraction generated between the traction magnet 284 located on the top surface 222 of the carrier 220 and the second traction yoke 285 located on the rotating bracket 250 may pull the rotating bracket 250 toward the carrier 220.

[0158] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact between the second ball set 260 and the guide grooves 245 and 246 can be maintained while the rotating bracket 250 pitches relative to the carrier 220 by the traction force generated by the traction magnet 284 and the second traction yoke 285. Therefore, the movement of the rotating bracket 250 relative to the carrier 220 can be limited to the rotational movement around the second axis A2.

[0159] In an exemplary embodiment, the second OIS driver may further include a back yoke 286 disposed between the second OIS magnet 281 and the rotating bracket 250. The back yoke 286 may allow magnetic flux of the second OIS magnet 281 to be concentrated toward the second OIS coil 282, thereby increasing driving force of the second OIS driver.

[0160] In an exemplary embodiment, the back yoke 286 may be integrally formed with the second pulling yoke 285. For example, the second pulling yoke 285 may include a portion extending to one surface facing the second OIS magnet 281, and the portion may serve as the back yoke 286 of the second OIS magnet 281.

[0161] In an exemplary embodiment, the folding module 200 may include a stopper 290 that prevents the rotating bracket 250 from being disengaged from the carrier 220. After the protrusion 251 of the rotating bracket 250 is located on the end 224a of the side wall 224, the stopper 290 may be inserted into the carrier 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the stopper 290 may include a buffer member 291, so that even when the rotating bracket 250 collides with the stopper 290 due to an external impact, the buffer member 291 can reduce the impact or noise. The buffer member 291 may be made of, for example, urethane, rubber, silicone, etc.

[0162] Fig.18 is a side view of a rotating bracket 250 housed in a carrier in an exemplary embodiment; and Fig.19 2 is a view showing that the rotating bracket 250 is rotated to the limit of its pitch range in the exemplary embodiment.

[0163] Reference Fig.18 , the carrier 220 in an exemplary embodiment may include a column 225 extending from the end of the side wall. The column 225 may be positioned on each side of the protrusion 251 of the rotating bracket 250. Therefore, the protrusion 251 may be surrounded by the upper end 224a of the side wall 224, the column 225, and the stopper 290.

[0164] The protrusion 251 and the structure surrounding the protrusion 251 (i.e., the end 224a of the side wall 224, the column 225, and the stopper 290) may limit the spacing range of the rotating bracket 250. For example, when the rotating bracket 250 rotates about the second axis A2 relative to the carrier 220, a portion of the protrusion 251 may hit the column 225 or the upper end 224a of the side wall 224, which may limit the rotation range of the rotating bracket 250.

[0165] When the rotating bracket 250 collides with the carrier 220 during its pitch driving process, due to the collision, unexpected movement may occur in the rotating bracket 250. For example, the contact between the second ball group 260 and the guide grooves 245 and 246 may be released by the impact, and thus, the rotating bracket 250 may move in a direction different from the direction in which it rotates with respect to the second axis A2.

[0166] In an exemplary embodiment, when the rotating bracket 250 contacts the carrier 220, the reaction force G2 acting on the rotating bracket 250 may have a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the driving force G1 of the second OIS driver, or may have an angle of substantially 180 degrees. In this case, even if the rotating bracket 250 collides with the carrier 220, the contact between the second ball group 260 and the guide grooves 245 and 246 may be maintained.

[0167] Reference Fig.19When the driving force G1 acts downward, a reaction force G2 may be generated in the rotating bracket 250 along the circumferential direction of the second axis A2 at the moment when the protrusion 251 collides with the column 225. Here, the directions of the driving force G1 and the reaction force G2 may have an angle of about 90 degrees, and the contact between the second ball group 260 and the guide grooves 245 and 246 may be maintained.

[0168] Fig. 20A A first type of pitch drive according to an exemplary embodiment is shown; Fig. 20B A second type of pitch drive according to an exemplary embodiment is shown; and Fig. 20C A third type of pitch drive according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0169] Reference Figures 20A to 20C , the second OIS magnet 281 in an exemplary embodiment may have a curved shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the second OIS magnet 281 may have an arc shape, and the center of curvature thereof may be disposed opposite to the second OIS coil 282. For example, the center of curvature of the second OIS magnet 281 may be located on or near the first axis A1.

[0170] In an exemplary embodiment, the second OIS magnet 281 may include two magnets. Fig. 20C , the first sub magnet and the second sub magnet may be disposed to face the second OIS coil 282 , respectively.

[0171] In an exemplary embodiment, the second OIS coil 282 may be positioned to face the second OIS magnet 281. Fig. 20C , the second OIS coil 282 in an exemplary embodiment may include two coils. Fig. 20B , the second OIS coil 282 in an exemplary embodiment may include a single coil. In this case, the single coil may be larger than Fig. 20C The coil.

[0172] Fig.21 shows a pitch drive when the center of curvature of a magnet for driving pitch is disposed on a yaw axis in an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 22 is a view showing a pitch driver when the center of curvature of a magnet for driving pitch is positioned to be spaced apart from a yaw axis in an exemplary embodiment.

[0173] In an exemplary embodiment, the curvature center B1 of the second OIS magnet 281 may be located on the first axis A1. In this case, the curvature radius R1 of the second OIS magnet 281 may be defined as the distance between the first axis A1 and the second OIS magnet 281, and when the carrier 220 rotates, the distance between the second OIS magnet 281 and the second OIS coil 282 may be constant.

[0174] In an exemplary embodiment, the second OIS magnet 281 may include a cylindrical surface 281a having a central axis C spaced apart from and parallel to the first axis A1. In this case, a radius of curvature R2 of the second OIS magnet 281 may be defined as a distance between the central axis C and the second OIS magnet 281. The central axis C may be located farther from the cylindrical surface 281a than the first axis A1.

[0175] In an exemplary embodiment, the center of curvature of the second OIS magnet 281 may be located farther from the second OIS magnet 281 than the first axis A1. Fig. 22 , the center of curvature of the second OIS magnet 281 in the neutral state may be away from the first axis A1 by "d" in the +Z direction. When the carrier 220 rotates counterclockwise around the main ball member 231 (or the first axis A1), the area of ​​the second OIS magnet 281 facing the second OIS coil 282 may decrease. However, the right side of the second OIS magnet 281 may be closer to the second OIS coil 282, so a sufficient pitch driving force can be ensured.

[0176] As described above, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the exemplary embodiments, not only when taking a picture of a stationary object but also when taking a video of a moving object, an image can be easily stabilized.

[0177] Furthermore, one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may also provide a folding module that can track a moving object, and a camera module including the folding module.

[0178] Although specific examples have been shown and described above, it will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure that various changes in form and detail may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are considered to be illustrative only and not for limiting purposes. The description of the 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 the components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented with other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by specific embodiments, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: a housing in which a reflective member is disposed; a carrier, disposed in the housing and rotatable about a first axis; A first ball group is disposed between the housing and the carrier; as well as a first driver including a first magnet and a first coil and generating a driving force to rotate the carrier around the first axis, wherein the first coil is disposed in the housing to face the first magnet, and the first ball group is interposed between the first coil and the first magnet.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The first coil and the first magnet face each other in a direction parallel to the first axis.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The first magnet is disposed on the carrier.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The first ball set includes: a first ball member including a ball member through which the first shaft passes; and The second ball member includes a plurality of ball members spaced apart from the first ball member.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: The first ball member is configured to maintain a fixed position relative to the housing and the carrier.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein: The carrier includes a main guide groove partially accommodating the first ball member.

7. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein: The first coil includes a plurality of coils on the same surface of the housing, and the first ball member is disposed between the plurality of coils.

8. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein: The first magnet includes a plurality of magnets, and the plurality of coils and the plurality of magnets face each other, respectively.

9. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: The second ball member is configured to perform a rolling motion when the carrier rotates.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein: The housing and the carrier respectively include auxiliary guide grooves partially accommodating the second ball member.

11. The camera module according to claim 1 , further comprising a first pulling member pulling the carrier to the housing, in, The first traction member includes a first magnetic member provided in the carrier and a second magnetic member provided in the housing to face the first magnetic member.

12. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising a rotating bracket on which the reflecting member is mounted, and in, The rotating support is supported on the carrier and is rotatable about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein: A second ball group is disposed between the carrier and the rotating support, and includes a plurality of ball members spaced apart in a direction parallel to the second axis.

14. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein: The second driver includes a second magnet and a second coil, and generates a driving force to rotate the rotating bracket around the second axis.

15. The camera module according to claim 14, wherein: The second coil and the second magnet face each other in a direction perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis.

16. The camera module according to claim 12, further comprising a second pulling member pulling the rotating bracket to the carrier, in, The second traction member includes a traction magnet provided in the rotating support or the carrier and a traction yoke provided in the carrier or the rotating support to face the traction magnet.

17. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein: A direction in which the rotating bracket is supported on the carrier and a direction in which the carrier is supported on the housing are parallel to each other.

18. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: a lens module including one or more lenses arranged in the optical axis direction and configured to refract light emitted from the reflective member; as well as The image sensor module includes an image sensor configured to convert light emitted from the lens module into an electrical signal.

19. A camera module, comprising: case; A first ball group is disposed in the housing; a carrier, spaced apart from the housing in a first axial direction by the first ball group; a second ball group, disposed on the carrier; a rotating support, spaced apart from the carrier in the direction of the first axis by the second ball set; as well as A reflective member is mounted on the rotating bracket. The carrier rotates relative to the shell around a first axis, and the rotating bracket rotates relative to the carrier around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

20. The camera module according to claim 19, wherein: The magnetic attraction force acts between the rotating bracket and the carrier and between the carrier and the housing in the direction of the first axis.

21. The camera module according to claim 19, wherein: The first ball set and the second ball set include ball members configured to maintain a fixed position.

22. The camera module according to claim 19, further comprising a first driver including a first magnet disposed on the carrier and a first coil disposed in the housing to face the first magnet in the first axis direction, and The first driver is configured to generate a driving force to rotate the carrier about the first axis.

23. The camera module of claim 19, further comprising a second driver including a second magnet disposed on the rotating bracket and a second coil disposed in the housing to face the second magnet in a direction perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis, and The second driver is configured to generate a driving force to rotate the rotating bracket around the second axis.

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