Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes: a reflection module; a housing provided so that the reflection module is rotatable; a guide ball member provided between the reflection module and the housing to guide rotation of the reflection module; and a ball receiving portion coupled to the housing and including a groove portion in which the guide ball member is disposed and a flange portion extending outwardly from the groove portion. The ball receiving portion is formed of a material having a higher rigidity than a material of the housing.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0171756, filed on November 30, 2023, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a camera module. Background art

[0004] A camera module provided in a mobile device may be formed to have performance comparable to that of a conventional camera.

[0005] The camera module may adjust a zoom ratio by moving a lens module. To configure a high zoom ratio, it is desirable to have a sufficient distance (i.e., total length or total track length (TTL)) for light incident on the camera module to reach an image sensor. When implementing a long total track length in a continuously decreasing mobile device size, the total length of the camera module may increase, making it more difficult to extend the length of the camera module.

[0006] In addition, recent camera modules may include a movable or rotatable reflector that refracts or reflects light, thereby forming a longer optical path while performing an optical image stabilization function.

[0007] A ball member capable of performing a rolling motion may be used for the movable or rotatable reflector. The ball member may be disposed in a housing, and in this case, due to the repeated use of the camera module, a dent phenomenon may occur between the ball member and the housing.

[0008] 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 constitutes prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0009] The Summary of the Invention section is intended to introduce, in brief form, a selection of concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. The Summary of the Invention section is not intended to identify 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 one general aspect, a camera module includes: a reflecting module; a housing configured to enable the reflecting module to rotate; a guiding ball member disposed between the reflecting module and the housing to guide the rotation of the reflecting module; and a ball receiving portion coupled to the housing and including a groove portion and a flange portion, the guiding ball member being disposed in the groove portion and the flange portion extending outward from the groove portion. The ball receiving portion is formed of a material having a higher rigidity than that of the housing.

[0011] The ball receiving portion may be coupled to the bottom surface of the housing, and an upper surface of the flange portion may be exposed outward from the bottom surface of the housing.

[0012] An upper surface of the flange portion and a part of the bottom surface of the housing may be disposed in the same plane.

[0013] The upper surface of the flange portion may directly face the reflecting module in a direction of a rotation axis of the reflecting module.

[0014] The flange portion may separate the groove portion from a part of the bottom surface of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the reflecting module.

[0015] A bottom surface of the groove portion may be flat.

[0016] The material of the ball receiving portion may be metal.

[0017] The camera module may further include lubricating oil coated on the groove portion.

[0018] The ball receiving portion may include a first ball receiving portion and a second ball receiving portion. The first ball receiving portion and the second ball receiving portion may be disposed on opposite sides of an intermediate position of the housing in a width direction.

[0019] The camera module may further include a connecting portion connecting the first ball receiving portion to the second ball receiving portion.

[0020] The camera module may further include a traction yoke and a driving unit configured to rotate the reflecting module. The driving unit may include a driving magnet and a driving coil, the driving coil interacting electromagnetically with the driving magnet, and the traction yoke may face the driving magnet.

[0021] The camera module may further include a first ball member. The first ball member may rotate in place and form a rotation axis about which the reflecting module rotates. The guiding ball member may be configured to roll in the groove portion by the rotation of the reflecting module.

[0022] In another general aspect, a camera module includes: a reflecting module; a housing configured to accommodate the reflecting module to be rotatable; a guide ball member disposed between the reflecting module and the housing to guide rotation of the reflecting module; and a ball receiving portion coupled to the housing and including a groove portion and a flange portion extending outward from the groove portion. The material of the ball receiving portion has a higher rigidity than the material of the housing. The groove portion and the guide ball member are in single-point contact with each other.

[0023] The bottom surface of the groove portion may be curved.

[0024] The bottom surface of the groove portion may be curved based on a cross-section of the groove portion in the width direction.

[0025] The bottom surface of the groove portion may have a radius of curvature larger than that of the guide ball member.

[0026] When observing the inner side of the housing from the object side, the upper surface of the flange portion may be exposed outward.

[0027] The upper surface of the flange portion and a part of the inner bottom surface of the housing may be disposed in the same plane.

[0028] The upper surface of the flange portion may directly face the reflecting module in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotation of the reflecting module.

[0029] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module according to the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the reflecting module disposed in the housing of the camera module according to the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 is Figure 4 the exploded perspective view of the reflecting module in

[0035] Figure 6 is the exploded perspective view of the reflecting module in Figure 4 viewed from another angle in

[0036] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the housing, the guide ball member, and the ball receiving portion of the camera module according to the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 8 FIG. is a view showing a ball receiving portion and a guide ball member according to the present disclosure disposed in a housing of a camera module.

[0038] Figure 9 FIG. is a view showing a structure in which a guide ball member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed in a ball receiving portion.

[0039] Figure 10 FIG. is a view showing a structure in which a guide ball member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed in a ball receiving portion of a camera module.

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

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

[0042] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely an example and, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, is not limited to the order set forth herein and may be changed, which will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure. Additionally, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted for greater clarity and conciseness.

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

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

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

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

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

[0048] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various examples only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the phrases "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. The phrases "comprising", "including", and "having" specify the presence of the stated features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

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

[0050] Note that, in this document, the term "may" is used with respect to examples, such as with respect to what may be included or implemented in an example, meaning that there is at least one example in which such a feature is included or implemented, and all examples are not limited thereto.

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

[0052] In addition, in the following description, terms such as "upper side", "upper portion", "lower side", "lower portion", "side surface", "front surface", "rear surface", etc. are described with reference to the directions shown in the accompanying drawings, and it should be noted in advance that when the corresponding objects of these terms have a changed direction, these terms may be described differently.

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to the present disclosure; and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module according to the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the camera module 100 may include a housing 1100, a reflection module 3000, a plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000, and an image sensor 5000.

[0055] The camera module 100 may include a plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000. The plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 may include a first lens module 2000 and a second lens module 4000 having different optical axes. Light incident on the camera module 100 from an external object may be incident on the image sensor 5000 through the first lens module 2000 and the second lens module 4000.

[0056] The optical axis O1 of the first lens module 2000 (hereinafter, the first optical axis O1) and the optical axis O2 of the second lens module 4000 (hereinafter, the second optical axis O2) may not be parallel to each other. For example, the first lens module 2000 and the second lens module 4000 may be arranged such that the first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2 intersect each other. The first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2 may be substantially perpendicular to each other, but the angle between these optical axes is not limited thereto.

[0057] The lens included in the first lens module 2000 or the second lens module 4000 may be movable relative to the image sensor 5000. For example, the lens 2100 included in the first lens module 2000 may move along the first optical axis O1. Alternatively, the lens included in the second lens module 4000 may move along the second optical axis O2. The lens included in each of the lens modules 2000 and 4000 may move to perform the optical image stabilization (OIS) function or the autofocus (AF) function of the camera module 100. For example, the camera module 100 may perform the AF function by moving the lens of the second lens module 4000 along the second optical axis O2.

[0058] At least one of the lenses included in the first lens module 2000 or the second lens module 4000 may be fixed relative to the housing 1100. For example, in the camera module 100, the lens 2100 included in the first lens module 2000 may be fixed to the housing 1100, and the lens included in the second lens module 4000 may move along the second optical axis O2.

[0059] In the camera module 100, a reflection module 3000 may be provided, and the reflection module 3000 changes the traveling direction of the light emitted from the first lens module 2000 to be parallel to the second optical axis O2. For example, referring to Figure 3 , the reflection module 3000 that changes the traveling path of the light may be provided between the first lens module 2000 and the second lens module 4000. That is, the camera module 100 may include the reflection module 3000 provided on the optical path from the first lens module 2000 to the second lens module 4000.

[0060] The reflection module 3000 may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing 1100 to change the path of the light incident on the reflection module 3000. Here, the reflection module 3000 may include a reflection member 3100 that changes the path of the light, a member that supports and drives the reflection member 3100, and the housing 1100 that houses these members.

[0061] The reflection member 3100 of the reflection module 3000 may change the traveling path of the light by refracting or reflecting the light. For example, the reflection module 3000 may be a prism or a mirror that changes the optical path by refracting or reflecting the light.

[0062] The reflection member 3100 may change the traveling path of the light emitted from the first lens module 2000 to be directed toward the second lens module 4000. For example, the reflection member 3100 may change the traveling path of the light incident along the first optical axis O1 to be substantially parallel to the second optical axis O2. Thus, as Figure 3As shown, incident light that enters the first lens module 2000 from the outside of the camera module 100 can change its traveling path while passing through the reflection module 3000, and thus enter the second lens module 4000. The incident light can be appropriately refracted while passing through the second lens module 4000, and thus enter the image sensor 5000.

[0063] The reflection member 3100 can be rotatable or movable in the housing 1100. The path of the light can be appropriately changed based on the rotation or movement of the reflection member 3100. The camera module 100 can perform an optical image stabilization (OIS) function by rotating or moving the reflection member 3100.

[0064] The reflection member 3100 can have a plurality of rotation axes to rotate in different directions. For example, the reflection member 3100 can rotate about a first rotation axis parallel to the first optical axis O1. Alternatively, the reflection member 3100 can also rotate about a second rotation axis perpendicular to both the first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2. Through this rotation, the reflection member 3100 can change the traveling path of the light to be substantially parallel to the second optical axis O2.

[0065] In the following description, the first rotation axis may also be simply referred to as the "first axis", and the second rotation axis may also be simply referred to as the "second axis". That is, unless otherwise indicated as an "optical axis", the "first axis or second axis" can be understood as the "first rotation axis or second rotation axis" of the reflection module 3000.

[0066] In addition, an axis perpendicular to both the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis can be defined as the "third axis". For example, the second optical axis O2 can be substantially parallel to the third axis.

[0067] The camera module 100 can include an image sensor 5000, and the light passing through the reflection module 3000 and the plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 is incident on the image sensor 5000. The image sensor 5000 can convert the incident light into image information. The image sensor 5000 can have a light collection surface facing the exit surface of the second lens module 4000, and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the light incident from the second lens module 4000.

[0068] The image sensor 5000 can be accommodated in the housing 1100 or disposed outside the housing 1100.

[0069] A filter unit 6000 that filters at least some of the light incident from the second lens module 4000 may be disposed in front of the image sensor 5000. The filter unit 6000 may include an optical filter (e.g., an infrared (IR) cut-off filter) that may block light of a specific wavelength. Alternatively, the filter unit 6000 may include a light blocking member (e.g., a baffle) that blocks at least some of the light incident from the lens module.

[0070] Although not shown in Figure 2 , in order to make the optical path longer, the camera module 100 may include another reflection module disposed between the lens module and the image sensor 5000 to change the optical path.

[0071] The housing 1100 may have an internal space for accommodating at least one of the reflection module 3000, the plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000, and the image sensor 5000. The housing 1100 may be made of a material having a predetermined stiffness to protect the components accommodated therein. The housing 1100 may be a box-shaped member having an open top. However, the material or shape of the housing 1100 is not limited thereto.

[0072] The camera module 100 may include a protective cover 1200 covering the top of the housing 1100. The protective cover 1200 may cover the open top of the housing 1100 to protect the components in the housing 1100 from the external environment.

[0073] The protective cover 1200 may include an opening through which incident light passes. For example, as shown in Figure 2 , the protective cover 1200 may include an opening 1210 disposed between the first lens module 2000 and the reflection module 3000. The light emitted from the first lens module 2000 may be incident on the reflection module 3000 below the first lens module 2000 through the opening 1210.

[0074] In the camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments, some of the plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 may be disposed outside the housing 1100, and some of the plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 may be disposed in the housing 1100. For example, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4 , the first lens module 2000 may be coupled to the outside of the housing 1100 and disposed above the reflection module 3000, and the second lens module 4000 may be disposed in the housing 1100. In this case, the exit surface of the lens included in the first lens module 2000 may face the incident surface of the reflection member 3100 included in the reflection module 3000.

[0075] The first lens module 2000 disposed outside the housing 1100 and the second lens module 4000 in the housing 1100 may have optical axes O1 and O2 intersecting each other. The reflection module 3000 may be disposed between the first lens module 2000 and the second lens module 4000 and may change the path of light traveling along the first optical axis O1 to the second optical axis O2. The plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 may have optical axes O1 and O2 intersecting each other, and thus, compared to a case where the plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 are arranged parallel to each other along the same optical axis, the total length of the camera module 100 is reduced.

[0076] When some of the plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 are disposed outside the housing 1100, the camera module 100 may further include components for ensuring the structural stability or optical stability of the lens module disposed outside the housing 1100. For example, the camera module 100 may further include a cover 1300, and the cover 1300 may protect the separation space between the first lens module 2000 and the housing 1100.

[0077] Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is shown that the second lens module 4000 and the reflection module 3000 are accommodated in one housing 1100, but this is only an example. For example, the lens modules 2000 and 4000 and the reflection module 3000 may be respectively accommodated in a plurality of housings, configured as different parts, and then assembled together to form the entire camera module 100. The image sensor 5000 may also be disposed in a housing separated from the housing of the reflection module 3000 or the lens modules 2000 or 4000. In this case, each individual part may be defined as a lens module assembly, a reflection module assembly, or an image sensor assembly. That is, the camera module 100 may include a reflection module assembly, a lens module assembly, and an image sensor assembly, the reflection module assembly including the reflection module 3000, and the lens module assembly including one or more lens modules 2000 and 4000.

[0078] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 6 The reflection module 3000 included in the camera module 100 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a reflection module disposed in a housing of a camera module according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 is Figure 4 an exploded perspective view of the reflection module in Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the reflection module in Figure 4 viewed from another angle.

[0079] Referring to Figures 4 to 6 The described reflection module 3000 and the camera module 100 including the reflection module 3000 may correspond to the above referenceFigures 2 to 4 The described reflection module 3000 and camera module 100, and thus, redundant descriptions thereof are omitted in the description.

[0080] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the reflection module 3000 may include a reflection member 3100 accommodated in the housing 1100 and capable of changing the optical path. The reflection member 3100 may include an incident surface 3110 and an exit surface 3120, and light may be incident on the incident surface 3110 from the first lens module 2000, and the light may be emitted through the exit surface 3120.

[0081] The reflection member 3100 may be movable in the housing 1100. For example, the reflection member 3100 may rotate about different rotation axes R1 and R2. When rotating in different directions, the reflection member 3100 may collide with another structure of the camera module 100 (e.g., the inner wall of the housing 1100 or the protective cover 1200). In this case, the reflection member 3100 may be damaged due to the impact, and may have noise caused by irregular impact sounds.

[0082] To prevent such risks, the reflection module 3000 may include shock absorbers 3510 and 3520 protruding in different directions. For example, reference Figure 5 , the reflection module 3000 may include a first shock absorber 3510 protruding in a first direction or a second shock absorber 3520 protruding in a second direction different from the first direction. The shock absorbers 3510 or 3520 of the reflection module 3000 may include a material capable of absorbing shock energy, thereby reducing the shock or noise (combined noise) that occurs when the reflection module 3000 impacts the inner wall of the housing 1100.

[0083] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the reflection module 3000 may include a reflection member 3100, a reflection bracket 3200, and a rotation bracket 3300. The reflection member 3100 is capable of changing the optical path, and the rotation bracket 3300 supports the reflection member 3100 to make the reflection member 3100 movable.

[0084] The reflection member 3100 may change the traveling path of light by refracting or reflecting the incident light.

[0085] The reflection member 3100 may include an incident surface 3110 for incident light, a reflection surface 3130 for reflecting light, and an exit surface 3120 for emitting the reflected light. For example, light incident on the incident surface 3110 in the first direction (Z-axis direction) may be reflected from the reflection surface 3130 and emitted in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Here, the first direction (Z-axis direction) may be substantially parallel to the first optical axis O1 of the first lens module 2000, and the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be substantially parallel to the second optical axis O2 of the second lens module 4000.

[0086] The reflection member 3100 may include a light blocking portion 3111, and the light blocking portion 3111 reduces flare by blocking unnecessary light. For example, as Figure 5 shown, the light blocking portion 3111 that blocks unnecessary light may be provided at the edge of the incident surface 3110 of the reflection member 3100. However, the position of the light blocking portion 3111 is not limited thereto, and it may be provided on the exit surface 3120. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, a light blocking member that can perform a function similar to that of the light blocking portion 3111 and is spaced apart from the reflection member 3100 may be provided. For example, the light blocking member may be a baffle provided between the reflection member 3100 and the lens module 2000 or 4000.

[0087] The reflection member 3100 may be disposed in a reflection bracket 3200. The reflection bracket 3200 may support the reflection member 3100 to rotate or move the reflection member 3100. For example, the reflection bracket 3200 may rotate about a second rotation axis R2 passing through at least two ball members 3430. Therefore, the reflection member 3100 disposed in the reflection bracket 3200 may also rotate together.

[0088] The reflection module 3000 may further include a rotation bracket 3300 that supports the reflection bracket 3200 to be movable or rotatable. The rotation bracket 3300 may be rotatable or movable relative to the housing 1100 while supporting the reflection bracket 3200 to be rotatable. For example, the reflection bracket 3200 may be rotatably supported by the rotation bracket 3300 while at least two ball members 3430 form a rotation axis and are interposed between the reflection bracket 3200 and the rotation bracket 3300. In addition, the rotation bracket 3300 may be supported by the housing 1100 while at least one ball member 3410 is interposed between the rotation bracket 3300 and the housing 1100, and thus may be rotatable relative to the housing 1100 about another rotation axis formed by at least one ball member 3410. To distinguish each rotation axis, in the following description, the rotation axis of the rotation bracket 3300 is referred to as the first rotation axis R1, and the rotation axis of the reflection bracket 3200 is referred to as the second rotation axis R2.

[0089] In the reflection module 3000 according to one or more embodiments, the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 may be different. For example, the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0090] The first rotation axis R1 may pass through the incident surface 3110 and the reflection surface 3130 of the reflection member 3100. The second rotation axis R2 may be substantially parallel to the reflection surface 3130 of the reflection member 3100. For example, the second rotation axis R2 may be provided on the reflection surface 3130, or may be parallel to the reflection surface 3130 while having a predetermined distance from the reflection surface 3130.

[0091] In the reflection module 3000, the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 may intersect each other at a point. Here, the point at which the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 intersect each other may be provided on the reflection surface 3130 of the reflection member 3100, or may be provided adjacent to the reflection surface 3130.

[0092] When the reflection module 3000 is in its middle position, the incident surface 3110 of the reflection member 3100 may be substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis O1 of the first lens module 2000, and the exit surface 3120 of the reflection member 3100 may be substantially perpendicular to the second optical axis O2 of the second lens module 4000. In this case, the first rotation axis R1 of the reflection module 3000 may be substantially coincident with the first optical axis O1, and the second rotation axis R2 of the reflection module 3000 may be perpendicular to both the first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2. In addition, similar to the intersection point of the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2, the intersection point of the first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2 may be located on the reflection surface 3130 of the reflection member 3100.

[0093] Even when an external force causes the camera module 100 to shake and light is thus incident non-aligned with the first optical axis O1, the reflection member 3100 may be appropriately rotated to change the traveling direction of the light to be substantially parallel to the second optical axis O2.

[0094] The reflection module 3000 may further include a support member that supports the reflection bracket 3200 to the rotation bracket 3300. For example, the support member may include a pair of magnetic materials 3240 and 3340 that face each other and perform a magnetic action, and the reflection bracket 3200 may be supported by the rotation bracket 3300 by the magnetic attraction or magnetic repulsion force generated by the pair of magnetic materials 3240 and 3340.

[0095] The pair of magnetic materials 3240 and 3340 may be separately provided in the reflection bracket 3200 and the rotation bracket 3300, respectively. For example, as Figure 5and Figure 6 As shown in Figure 6 , the magnetic material pair 3240 and 3340 may include a traction yoke 3240 disposed on the reflection bracket 3200 and a traction magnet 3340 disposed on the rotation bracket 3300. In this case, the traction magnet 3340 and the traction yoke 3240 may generate a magnetic attractive force that attracts each other. Through this magnetic attractive force, the reflection bracket 3200 may be supported by the rotation bracket 3300 while the ball member 3430 is between the reflection bracket 3200 and the rotation bracket 3300.

[0096] However, the configuration of the magnetic material pair 3240 and 3340 is not limited thereto. For example, the traction magnet 3340 and the traction yoke 3240 may be respectively disposed on the reflection bracket 3200 and the rotation bracket 3300. Alternatively, both the magnetic material pair 3240 and 3340 may be magnets.

[0097] The support member is not limited to the configuration of the magnetic material pair 3240 and 3340 described above. The support member may be made of any material as long as the reflection bracket 3200 can be rotatably supported by the rotation bracket 3300.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, the reflection module 3000 may include drive units 3230 and 3330 that drive the reflection bracket 3200 and the rotation bracket 3300. For example, as Figure 5 shown in Figure 5 , the reflection module 3000 may include a first drive unit 3330 that drives the rotation bracket 3300 and a second drive unit 3230 that drives the reflection bracket 3200.

[0099] The first drive unit 3330 and the second drive unit 3230 may respectively include a drive coil and a drive magnet. For example, the first drive unit 3330 may rotate the rotation bracket 3300 through the electromagnetic interaction between the first drive coil 3332 and the first drive magnet 3331 that face each other. In addition, the second drive unit 3230 may rotate the reflection bracket 3200 through the electromagnetic interaction between the second drive coil 3232 and the second drive magnet 3231 that face each other.

[0100] In the camera module 100, the drive magnet and the drive coil may be respectively disposed on two components that perform relative movement. For example, the first drive magnet 3331 may be disposed on the rotation bracket 3300, and the first drive coil 3332 may be disposed in the housing 1100. The second drive magnet 3231 may be disposed on the reflection bracket 3200, and the second drive coil 3232 may be disposed in the housing 1100.

[0101] Each driving unit 3230 or 3330 may include a position sensor 3233 or 3333 capable of detecting the amount of movement of the driving magnet 3231 or 3331. For example, the first driving unit 3330 may include a first position sensor 3333 facing the first driving magnet 3331. The first position sensor 3333 may be disposed around and parallel to the first driving coil 3332, or may be disposed in the first driving coil 3332. Similarly, the second driving unit 3230 may include a second position sensor 3233 facing the second driving magnet 3231. The second position sensor 3233 may be disposed around and parallel to the second driving coil 3232, or may be disposed in the second driving coil 3232.

[0102] The reflection module 3000 may further include a first yoke 3334 and a second yoke 3234 facing the driving magnets 3331 and 3231 respectively. For example, as Figure 5 shown, the first yoke 3334 may be disposed facing the first driving magnet 3331 on the back side of the first driving coil 3332. The second yoke 3234 may be disposed facing the second driving magnet 3231 on the back side of the second driving coil 3232. The first yoke 3334 and the second yoke 3234 may be used to concentrate the magnetic flux of the driving magnets.

[0103] However, the driving unit 3230 or 3330 of the reflection module 3000 is not limited to the above configuration, and may be any configuration as long as the driving unit can move the reflection bracket 3200 or rotate the bracket 3300.

[0104] The reflection module 3000 may include a rotating bracket 3300 rotatable relative to the housing 1100. The rotating bracket 3300 may be rotatable relative to the housing 1100 while supporting the reflection bracket 3200 or the reflection member 3100 to make the reflection bracket 3200 or the reflection member 3100 rotatable. For example, the rotating bracket 3300 may rotate about a first rotation axis R1. Therefore, the reflection member 3100 may also rotate about the first rotation axis R1 together with the rotating bracket 3300.

[0105] A plurality of ball members 3410 and 3420 may be disposed between the rotating bracket 3300 and the housing 1100 to support the rotating bracket 3300 to make the rotating bracket 3300 rotatable.

[0106] The plurality of ball members 3410 and 3420 may include a first ball member 3410 forming the rotation axis (hereinafter, the first rotation axis R1) of the rotating bracket 3300 and guide ball members 3420 for assisting the stable rotation of the rotating bracket 3300.

[0107] The first ball member 3410 can form a first rotation axis R1 when rotating in place while being fixed in its position relative to the housing 1100. Accordingly, the first rotation axis R1 can pass through the first ball member 3410.

[0108] The first rotation axis R1 can be substantially aligned with the first optical axis O1 of the first lens module 2000 facing the reflection module 3000. Accordingly, an imaginary line extending along the first optical axis O1 can pass through the first ball member 3410.

[0109] One or more guide ball members 3420 can be provided. For example, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the reflection module 3000 can include two guide ball members 3420 spaced apart from the first ball member 3410. The guide ball members 3420 can perform a rolling motion relative to the housing 1100 or the rotary bracket 3300, and support the rotary bracket 3300 to rotate while maintaining a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the housing 1100.

[0110] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a housing, a guide ball member, and a ball receiving portion of a camera module according to the present disclosure; Figure 8 is a view showing the ball receiving portion and the guide ball member disposed in the housing of the camera module according to the present disclosure; and Figure 9 is a view showing a structure in which a guide ball member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed in a ball receiving portion. In Figure 9 , the enlarged view on the left shows the inside of the housing as viewed from the object side, and the enlarged view on the right shows each cross section of the housing, the ball receiving portion, and the guide ball member in the width direction of the groove portion.

[0111] Referring to Figures 7 to 9 , the ball receiving portion 1130 in which the guide ball member 3420 of the camera module 100 according to an embodiment is disposed is described below.

[0112] A plurality of ball receiving portions 1130 may be provided. The plurality of ball receiving portions 1130 may include a first ball receiving portion and a second ball receiving portion, and the first ball receiving portion and the second ball receiving portion are disposed on opposite sides of an intermediate position in the width direction of the housing 1100. The plurality of ball receiving portions 1130 may be connected to each other by a connecting portion 1140. The plurality of ball receiving portions 1130 and the connecting portion 1140 may be integrally formed with each other. The ball receiving portion 1130 and the connecting portion 1140 may be made of the same material, and the material included in the ball receiving portion 1130 or the connecting portion 1140 may be a material having higher rigidity than the material included in the housing 1100. For example, the ball receiving portion 1130 or the connecting portion 1140 may be made of metal. Alternatively, the ball receiving portion 1130 or the connecting portion 1140 may be made of stainless steel.

[0113] When an impact is applied to the camera module 100, the impact may be transmitted to the guiding ball member 3420 and the contact surface in contact with the guiding ball member 3420, thereby deforming the shape of the contact surface. For example, the reflecting module 3000 and the housing 1100 may face each other while the guiding ball member 3420 is interposed between the reflecting module 3000 and the housing 1100. In this case, the impact may be concentrated on the narrow contact surface provided between the guiding ball member 3420 and the housing 1100, and the contact surface may thus be recessed or deformed. By making the ball receiving portion 1130 of metal or stainless steel, such a recessing phenomenon can be prevented.

[0114] The ball receiving portion 1130 may be coupled to the housing 1100. The connecting portion 1140 may also be coupled to the housing 1100. The connecting portion 1140 may be inserted into the housing 1100. A part of the ball receiving portion 1130 may be inserted into the housing 1100. That is, when the inside of the housing 1100 is observed from the outside of the housing 1100, the connecting portion 1140 may not be exposed outward from the housing 1100. However, the upper surface of the ball receiving portion 1130 may be exposed outward from the housing 1100.

[0115] The ball receiving portion 1130 may include a groove portion 1131 and a flange portion 1132. The groove portion 1131 may include a groove structure having a suitable shape to guide the movement of the guiding ball member 3420. The flange portion 1132 may denote a region protruding outward from the groove portion 1131 along the outer edge of the groove portion 1131. The flange portion 1132 may have a flat structure disposed around the groove portion 1131. The inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 may have a step starting from the upper surface of the flange portion 1132. That is, the inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the flange portion 1132 in a first direction.

[0116] As described above, the groove portion 1131 and the flange portion 1132 may be coupled to the housing 1100 to be visible from the outside. Specifically, the lower side of the groove portion 1131 or the flange portion 1132 may be inserted into the housing 1100, and the upper side of the groove portion 1131 or the flange portion 1132 may be exposed outward from the housing 1100. That is, when the inside of the housing 1100 is observed from the object side, the inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 and the upper surface of the flange portion 1132 may be visible from the outside.

[0117] The upper surface of the flange portion 1132 may be disposed in the same plane as a part of the inner bottom surface of the housing 1100. That is, the upper surface of the flange portion 1132 and a part of the inner bottom surface of the housing 1100 may have the same position in the first direction. The upper surface of the flange portion 1132 may directly face the reflection module 3000. The upper surface of the flange portion 1132 may overlap the reflection module 3000 in the first axial direction.

[0118] The inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 may be flat. When the ball receiving portion 1130 is coupled to the housing 1100, the inner bottom surface of the ball receiving portion 1130 may have a planar structure parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 1100. That is, the inner bottom surface of the ball receiving portion 1130 may be a plane parallel to the second direction.

[0119] The guide ball member 3420 may be disposed in the groove portion 1131. The lubricating oil G1 may be coated on the groove portion 1131. The lubricating oil G1 may be coated on the inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 to reduce the friction occurring between the inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 and the guide ball member 3420.

[0120] When the guide ball member 3420 moves in the groove portion 1131, the lubricating oil G1 can flow in the groove portion 1131. The groove portion 1131 and the flange portion 1132 can be integrally formed with each other, and the flange portion 1132 can extend outward from the groove portion 1131 along the outer edge of the groove portion 1131, thereby preventing a part of the lubricating oil G1 from flowing into the gap between the housing 1100 and the ball receiving portion 1130. In other words, the flange portion 1132 can separate the groove portion 1131 from a part of the bottom surface of the housing 1100 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, thereby preventing a part of the lubricating oil G1 from flowing into the gap between the housing 1100 and the ball receiving portion 1130. Further, in a structure in which the lubricating oil G1 can flow into the gap formed between two members, a part of the components in the lubricating oil G1 may flow into the gap, thus causing separation between the components in the lubricating oil G1, and thereby possibly hardening the lubricating oil G1. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ball receiving portion 1130 includes the groove portion 1131 and the flange portion 1132 integrally formed with each other, and thus does not have a gap into which the lubricating oil G1 flows, thereby preventing the lubricating oil G1 from hardening.

[0121] Figure 10 FIG. is a view showing a structure in which a guide ball member is disposed in a ball receiving portion of a camera module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 10 this, the enlarged view on the left shows the inside of the housing as viewed from the object side, and the enlarged view on the right shows each cross section of the housing, the ball receiving portion, and the guide ball member in the width direction of the groove portion. Referring to Figure 10 , a ball receiving portion 1130 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The following description omits the description that is the same as the description of the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 7 to 9 the description.

[0122] The inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 may be curved. That is, the groove portion 1131 may be curved based on a cross section of the groove portion 1131 perpendicular to the length direction of the groove portion 1131. In other words, the cross section of the groove portion 1131 may be curved in the width direction.

[0123] The inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 and the guide ball member 3420 may be in single-point contact P1 with each other.

[0124] The inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 may have a radius of curvature larger than the radius of curvature of the guide ball member 3420. With this structure, even when the guide ball member 3420 moves in the groove portion 1131, the groove portion 1131 and the guide ball member 3420 may be in single-point contact P1 with each other. That is, when the guide ball member 3420 moves in the groove portion 1131 of the ball receiving portion 1130, contact between the guide ball member 3420 and an uneven or protruding structure can be prevented. Thus, such a structure can prevent wear of the guide ball member 3420.

[0125] As described above, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, by preventing depressions caused by the movement of the reflection module from occurring between the ball member and the housing, the camera module can maintain its performance even when reused.

[0126] 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 can be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Appropriate results can still be achieved 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 a different way and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments, but is defined by the claims and their equivalents, and all changes within the scope of the claims and their equivalents will be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Camera module, including: Reflection module; a housing configured to accommodate the reflection module so that the reflection module can rotate; a guide ball member, disposed between the reflection module and the housing to guide the rotation of the reflection module; a ball receiving portion coupled to the housing and including a groove portion in which the guide ball member is disposed and a flange portion extending outwardly from the groove portion; as well as an image sensor configured to convert light passing through the reflective module into image information, Wherein, the ball receiving portion is formed of a material having a higher rigidity than a material of the housing.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The ball receiving portion is coupled to a bottom surface of the housing, and An upper surface of the flange portion is exposed outwardly from the bottom surface of the housing.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: An upper surface of the flange portion and a portion of a bottom surface of the housing are disposed on the same plane.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: An upper surface of the flange portion directly faces the reflection module in a rotation axis direction of the reflection module.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The flange portion separates the groove portion from a portion of a bottom surface of the housing in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of the reflection module.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The bottom surface of the groove portion is flat.

7. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The material of the ball receiving portion is metal. 8 . The camera module according to claim 1 , further comprising lubricating oil coated on the groove portion.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The ball receiving portion includes a first ball receiving portion and a second ball receiving portion, and The first ball receiving portion and the second ball receiving portion are provided on opposite sides of a middle position of the housing in a width direction. 10 . The camera module of claim 9 , further comprising a connection portion connecting the first ball receiving portion to the second ball receiving portion.

11. The camera module according to claim 1 , further comprising a pulling yoke and a driving unit for rotating the reflection module, in, The driving unit includes a driving magnet and a driving coil, the driving coil electromagnetically interacting with the driving magnet, and The pulling yoke faces the driving magnet.

12. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising a first ball member, in, The first ball member rotates in place and forms a rotation axis, and the reflection module rotates around the rotation axis, and The guide ball member is configured to roll in the groove portion by the rotation of the reflection module.

13. Camera module, including: Reflection module; a housing configured to accommodate the reflection module so that the reflection module can rotate; a guide ball member, disposed between the reflection module and the housing to guide the rotation of the reflection module; a ball receiving portion coupled to the housing and including a groove portion and a flange portion extending outwardly from the groove portion; as well as an image sensor configured to convert light passing through the reflective module into image information, wherein the material of the ball receiving portion has a higher rigidity than the material of the housing, and The groove portion and the guide ball member are in single-point contact with each other.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein: A bottom surface of the groove portion is curved.

15. The camera module according to claim 14, wherein: The bottom surface is curved based on a cross section of the groove portion in a width direction.

16. The camera module according to claim 15, wherein: The bottom surface has a radius of curvature greater than a radius of curvature of the guide ball member.

17. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein: When the inner side of the housing is viewed from the object side, an upper surface of the flange portion is exposed to the outside.

18. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein: An upper surface of the flange portion and a portion of an inner bottom surface of the housing are disposed on the same plane.

19. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein: An upper surface of the flange portion directly faces the reflection module in a rotation axis direction in which the reflection module rotates.

Images