Aperture module and camera module

Abstract

An aperture module and a camera module are provided. The aperture module includes: a base; a rotor configured to rotate relative to the base; a plurality of blades configured to form incident holes having different sizes based on rotation of the rotor; a plurality of ball members disposed between the base and the rotor; a magnet portion disposed on one of the rotor and the base; and a coil portion provided on the other of the rotor and the base, in which an attractive force acts between the base and the rotor in a diagonal direction between a first axial direction parallel to the optical axis and a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0176736, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 7, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field

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

[0004] Camera modules are implemented for portable electronic devices such as, but not limited to, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), and laptop computers.

[0005] Recently, an aperture module for controlling the amount of light incident thereon has been applied to mobile camera modules.

[0006] Conventional aperture modules may have a plurality of blades forming an entrance hole, and may adjust the size of the entrance hole by adjusting the positions of the plurality of blades with a driver.

[0007] However, in a conventional aperture module, due to the configuration structure of the driver for driving the aperture module, the space for arranging the blades may be limited. Summary of the invention

[0008] This Summary of the Invention is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary of the Invention 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.

[0009] In a general aspect, an aperture module includes: a base; a rotor configured to rotate relative to the base; a plurality of blades configured to form an entrance hole having different sizes based on the rotation of the rotor; a plurality of ball members disposed between the base and the rotor; a magnet portion disposed on one of the rotor and the base; and a coil portion disposed on the other of the rotor and the base, wherein an attractive force acts between the base and the rotor in a diagonal direction between a first axis direction parallel to the optical axis and a second axis direction perpendicular to the first axis direction.

[0010] A first magnetic yoke may be disposed on the base; and a second magnetic yoke may be disposed opposite the first magnetic yoke with respect to the optical axis, wherein the magnet portion includes a first aperture magnet and a second aperture magnet disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, and wherein an attractive force acts between the first aperture magnet and the first magnetic yoke in the first axis direction and the second axis direction.

[0011] The attractive force can act between the second aperture magnet and the second yoke in the first axis direction.

[0012] The first yoke can be disposed on the base; and the second yoke can be disposed opposite to the first yoke with respect to the optical axis, wherein the magnet portion can include a first aperture magnet and a second aperture magnet disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, and wherein the attractive force acting between the first aperture magnet and the first yoke can be greater than the attractive force acting between the second aperture magnet and the second yoke.

[0013] The base can include a yoke, and a magnetic attractive force acting together with the magnet portion acts on the yoke, wherein the yoke can include a first yoke and a second yoke disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, and the cross section of the first yoke can have an "L" shape.

[0014] The area of the first yoke can be larger than the area of the second yoke.

[0015] The magnet portion and the coil portion can be arranged to overlap each other in the second axis direction.

[0016] The aperture module can further include a first yoke disposed on the base, wherein the magnet portion can include a first aperture magnet and a second aperture magnet disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, wherein the coil portion can include a first aperture coil and a second aperture coil disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, and wherein the first yoke, the first aperture magnet, and the first aperture coil can overlap each other in the second axis direction.

[0017] A first portion of the plurality of ball members can support the rotor in the first axis direction and the second axis direction, and wherein a second portion of the plurality of ball members can support the rotor in the first axis direction.

[0018] The magnet portion can include a first aperture magnet and a second aperture magnet disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, wherein the plurality of ball members can include a first rolling ball and a second rolling ball, wherein the first rolling ball and the second rolling ball are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotor or the base, and the first aperture magnet is located between the first rolling ball and the second rolling ball, and wherein the first rolling ball and the second rolling ball can support the rotor in the first axis direction and the second axis direction.

[0019] In general aspects, an aperture module includes: a base; a rotor configured to rotate relative to the base; a plurality of blades configured to form incident holes of different sizes based on the rotation of the rotor; a plurality of ball members disposed between the base and the rotor; a magnet portion disposed on the rotor; a coil portion disposed on the base; and a first yoke disposed on the base, wherein the magnet portion includes a first aperture magnet and a second aperture magnet disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, and wherein the first yoke overlaps the first aperture magnet in the optical axis direction and in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0020] The aperture module may further include a second yoke disposed on the opposite side of the first yoke with respect to the optical axis, wherein an attractive force may act between the second aperture magnet and the second yoke in the optical axis direction.

[0021] The coil portion may include a first aperture coil facing the first aperture magnet, and wherein the first aperture coil and the first aperture magnet may be disposed to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0022] The first yoke may include a horizontal portion perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the size of the second yoke may be smaller than the size of the horizontal portion of the first yoke.

[0023] A first portion of the plurality of ball members may support the rotor in the optical axis direction and in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a second portion of the plurality of ball members may support the rotor in the optical axis direction.

[0024] A portion of the plurality of ball members may include a first rolling ball and a second rolling ball spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotor or the base, and the first aperture magnet is between the first rolling ball and the second rolling ball, and the first rolling ball and the second rolling ball may support the rotor in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0025] In general aspects, a camera module includes a lens module and an aperture module, the aperture module including: a base; a rotor configured to rotate relative to the base; a plurality of blades configured to form incident holes of different sizes based on the rotation of the rotor; a plurality of ball members disposed between the base and the rotor; a magnet portion disposed on one of the rotor and the base; and a coil portion disposed on the other of the rotor and the base, wherein an attractive force acts between the base and the rotor in a diagonal direction between a first axis direction parallel to the optical axis and a second axis direction perpendicular to the first axis direction.

[0026] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary camera module coupled with an aperture module according to one or more embodiments.

[0028] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exemplary camera module separated from an aperture module according to one or more embodiments.

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an aperture module has a relatively narrow incident hole according to one or more embodiments.

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an aperture module has a relatively wide incident hole according to one or more embodiments.

[0031] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an aperture module according to one or more embodiments.

[0032] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration structure of a driver and a yoke of an aperture module according to one or more embodiments.

[0033] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement and the functional relationship of the attractive force between a magnet portion and a yoke of an aperture module according to one or more embodiments.

[0034] Figure 8 is a plan view illustrating a portion of an aperture module according to one or more embodiments.

[0035] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a portion of an aperture module according to one or more embodiments.

[0036] Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0037] Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0038] Figure 12 It is along Figure 8 The sectional view is taken along the line II-II' in FIG. 1 , and the rolling ball is not shown.

[0039] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a camera actuator according to one or more embodiments.

[0040] Figure 14 is a plan view showing a connection plate of a camera actuator according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Throughout the drawings and 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 sizes, proportions, and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated.

[0042] The following specific embodiments are provided to help the reader obtain a comprehensive understanding of the method, device and / or system described herein. However, after understanding the disclosure of the application, various changes, modifications and equivalents of the method, device and / or system described herein will be apparent. For example, the order of operations described herein and / or the order within the operation are only examples, and are not limited to the order set forth herein, but can be changed as will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the application, except for the order of operations that must occur in a certain order and / or the order within the operation. As another example, the order of operations and / or the order within the operation can be performed in parallel, except for at least a portion of the order of operations that must occur in a certain order (e.g., a specific order) and / or at least a portion of the order within the operation. In addition, in order to improve clarity and brevity, the description of features known after understanding the disclosure of the application can be omitted.

[0043] Although terms such as "first", "second" and "third" or A, B, (a), (b) etc. may be used herein to describe various components, assemblies, regions, layers or parts, these components, assemblies, regions, layers or parts are not limited by these terms. Each of these terms is not used to define the essence, order or sequence of, for example, the corresponding component, component, region, layer or part, but is only used to distinguish the corresponding component, component, region, layer or part from other components, components, regions, layers or parts. Therefore, the first component, first component, first region, first layer or first part mentioned in the examples described herein may also be referred to as the second component, second component, second region, second layer or second part without departing from the teaching of the examples.

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

[0045] The terms used herein are only used to describe various examples and are not used to limit the present disclosure. The wordings "one", "a kind of" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As non-limiting examples, the terms "include", "comprise" and "have" specify the existence of stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, nor exclude the existence of substitutions that replace the features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof. In addition, although an embodiment can set forth the existence of such terms "include", "comprise" and "have" specifying stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, there may be other embodiments in which one or more of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof are not present.

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

[0047] The features described herein can be implemented in different forms and will not be interpreted as being limited to the examples described herein. On the contrary, the examples described herein are only provided to illustrate some of the many possible ways of realizing the methods, devices and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application. In this article, the term "can" is used with respect to examples or embodiments, such as what can be included or implemented with respect to examples or embodiments, meaning that there is at least one example or embodiment including or implementing this feature, and all examples and embodiments are not limited thereto. The terms "example" or "implementation" used herein have the same meaning (for example, the wording "in one example" has the same meaning as "in one embodiment", and "in one or more examples" has the same meaning as "in one or more embodiments").

[0048] One or more examples relate to an aperture module and a camera module including the aperture module, and the camera module may be mounted on a portable electronic device such as, but not limited to, a mobile communication terminal, a smart phone, and a tablet PC.

[0049] One or more examples may provide an aperture module that can ensure a wider arrangement space for blades.

[0050] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary camera module coupled with an aperture module according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a camera module separated from an aperture module according to an embodiment.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a camera module 1 according to one or more embodiments may include an aperture module 2 and a camera actuator 3 .

[0052] The camera actuator 3 may include a lens module 200. The lens module 200 may move in the optical axis (Z axis) direction to perform focus adjustment. In addition, the lens module 200 may move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis) to perform optical image stabilization.

[0053] The aperture module 2 may be coupled to the camera actuator 3 and may control the amount of light incident to the camera actuator 3. In an example, the aperture module 2 may have an incident hole 21 (see Figure 3 ), and the amount of light incident on the camera actuator 3 can be adjusted by changing the size of the incident hole 21.

[0054] The aperture module 2 may be coupled to the lens module 200 , and may be configured to move together with the lens module 200 .

[0055] Figure 3is a perspective view illustrating an example in which an aperture module has a relatively narrow incident hole according to one or more embodiments. Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example in which an aperture module has a relatively wide entrance hole according to one or more embodiments. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an aperture module according to one or more embodiments. Figure 6 The configuration structure of the driver and the yoke of the aperture module according to one or more embodiments is shown. Figure 7 The arrangement and the functional relationship of the attractive force between the magnet portion and the yoke of the aperture module according to one or more embodiments are shown. Figure 8 is a plan view illustrating a portion of an aperture module according to one or more embodiments.

[0056] Reference Figures 3 to 5 According to one or more embodiments, the aperture module 2 may include a base 40 , a rotor 30 , a plurality of blades 20 , and an aperture driver 50 .

[0057] The base 40 may be coupled to the camera actuator 3. In an example, the base 40 may be coupled to the lens module 200 of the camera actuator 3. In this example, when the lens module 200 moves, the aperture module 2 may move together with the lens module 200.

[0058] The rotor 30 may rotate relative to the base 40. In an example, the rotor 30 may be spaced apart from the base 40 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction and may rotate relative to the base 40. As the rotor 30 rotates, the size of the incident hole 21 of the aperture module 2 may change.

[0059] A plurality of blades 20 may form an incident hole 21. Each blade may be arranged so that a portion thereof may overlap with other blades in the optical axis (Z axis) direction. In an example, a group of a plurality of blades (e.g., three blades) and another group of a plurality of blades (e.g., three blades) may be arranged sequentially in the optical axis (Z axis) direction. In an example, a portion of one blade may be arranged to overlap with the other two blades in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0060] In this embodiment, a total of six blades may be provided, three blades may form a group, and two groups of blades may be stacked in two layers. However, the number of the plurality of blades 20 is not limited thereto.

[0061] The entrance aperture 21 may be defined by the surface of each blade oriented in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. The position of each blade may be changed based on the operation of the aperture driver 50. Therefore, the size of the entrance aperture 21 may be changed according to the position of each blade.

[0062] In the example, Figure 3 andFigure 4 As shown in , the size of the entrance aperture 21 can be reduced or increased based on the rotation of each blade.

[0063] A plurality of blades 20 may be coupled to a base 40 and a rotor 30 .

[0064] Each blade may include a through hole 22. For example, each blade may have a through hole 22 on an outer side end, and the through hole 22 may penetrate the blade in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0065] The through hole 22 of each blade may be coupled to the base 40. For example, a plurality of protrusions 41 protruding in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction may be provided on the base 40, and each protrusion 41 may be coupled to the through hole 22 of each corresponding blade. Each protrusion 41 may form a rotation axis of each blade. The protrusion 41 and the through hole 22 may have corresponding sizes, respectively.

[0066] In addition, each blade may include a guide hole 23. For example, each blade may have a guide hole 23 provided at a position spaced apart from the through hole 22.

[0067] The guide hole 23 of each blade may be coupled to the rotor 30. For example, a plurality of guide protrusions 31 protruding in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction may be provided on the rotor 30, and each guide protrusion 31 may be coupled to the guide hole 23 of each blade. The size of the guide hole 23 may be greater than the size of the guide protrusion 31. For example, the width of the guide hole 23 may correspond to the diameter of the guide protrusion 31, and the length of the guide hole 23 may be greater than the diameter of the guide protrusion 31.

[0068] The shape of the guide hole 23 is not limited thereto. For example, when the guide hole 23 can move the position of the blade in coordination with the movement of the rotor 30, the shape of the guide hole 23 may be changed.

[0069] Therefore, as the rotor 30 rotates, each guide protrusion 31 may move within each guide hole 23 , and thus, each blade may rotate using the protrusion 41 of the base 40 as a rotation axis.

[0070] The aperture module 2 according to one or more embodiments may further include a cover 10. The cover 10 may be coupled to the base 40. A plurality of blades 20 and a rotor 30 may be disposed in a space between the cover 10 and the base 40.

[0071] The first spacer 11 may be disposed between the plurality of blades 20 and the cover 10. For example, the first spacer 11 may be coupled to the rotor 30 and may be disposed between the plurality of blades 20 and the cover 10. The first spacer 11 may cover at least a portion of an upper surface of the plurality of blades 20. In an example, a surface of the first spacer 11 may be painted black.

[0072] The first spacer 11 may have a through hole 110 through which light passes, and a size of the through hole 110 of the first spacer 11 may be greater than a maximum size of the incident hole 21 formed by the plurality of blades 20 .

[0073] The second spacer 12 may be disposed between the rotor 30 and the plurality of blades 20. For example, the second spacer 12 may be coupled to the rotor 30 and may be disposed between the rotor 30 and the plurality of blades 20. The second spacer 12 may cover at least a portion of a lower surface of the plurality of blades 20. In an example, a surface of the second spacer 12 may be painted black.

[0074] The second spacer 12 may have a through hole 120 through which light passes, and the size of the through hole 120 of the second spacer 12 may be larger than the maximum size of the incident hole 21 formed by the plurality of blades 20. In an example, the size of the through hole 120 of the second spacer 12 may be smaller than the size of the through hole 110 of the first spacer 11.

[0075] The aperture driver 50 may move the rotor 30 to change the size of the entrance aperture 21. For example, the aperture driver 50 may generate a driving force to rotate the rotor 30.

[0076] As the rotor 30 rotates, the guide protrusions 31 of the rotor 30 may move within the guide holes 23 of the plurality of blades 20 , and thus the plurality of blades 20 may rotate using the protrusions 41 of the base 40 as a rotation axis, thereby changing the size of the incident hole 21 .

[0077] The aperture driver 50 may include a magnet portion 510 and a coil portion 520. The magnet portion 510 and the coil portion 520 may be disposed to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0078] The magnet portion 510 may be disposed on one of the rotor 30 and the base 40 , and the coil portion 520 may be disposed on the other of the rotor 30 and the base 40 .

[0079] In an example, the magnet portion 510 may be mounted on the rotor 30. As an example, the magnet portion 510 may be mounted on a side surface of the rotor 30.

[0080] The magnet portion 510 may include a plurality of aperture magnets spaced apart from each other. As an example, the magnet portion 510 may include a first aperture magnet 511 and a second aperture magnet 512 disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis (Z axis).

[0081] The first aperture magnet 511 and the second aperture magnet 512 may be magnetized so that one surface (e.g., the surface facing the coil portion 520) may have both an N pole and an S pole. For example, one surface of the first aperture magnet 511 and the second aperture magnet 512 facing the coil portion 520 may have an N pole, a neutral region, and an S pole in sequence in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0082] The coil portion 520 may be disposed to face the magnet portion 510. For example, the coil portion 520 may be disposed to face the magnet portion 510 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0083] The coil part 520 may be disposed on an aperture substrate 530. The aperture substrate 530 may be disposed on the base 40. As an example, the aperture substrate 530 may be mounted on an upper surface of the base 40. The coil part 520 may receive current through the aperture substrate 530. The coil part 520 may include a plurality of aperture coils. As an example, the coil part 520 may include a first aperture coil 521 and a second aperture coil 522 disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis (Z axis).

[0084] The magnet portion 510 may be configured as a moving member mounted on the rotor 30 and rotated together with the rotor 30 , and the coil portion 520 may be configured as a fixed member fixed to the base 40 .

[0085] In another embodiment, the positions of the magnet part 510 and the coil part 520 may be exchanged with each other. In this example, since the coil part 520 and the aperture substrate 530 are mounted on the rotor 30 and rotate together with the rotor 30, at least a portion of the aperture substrate 530 may be configured to be flexible.

[0086] When power is supplied to the coil part 520 , the rotor 30 may rotate based on an electromagnetic force between the magnet part 510 and the coil part 520 .

[0087] You can refer to Figures 6 to 7 To describe the yoke.

[0088] Figure 6 The configuration structure of the driver and the yoke of the aperture module according to one or more embodiments is shown. Figure 7 The arrangement and the functional relationship of the attractive force between the magnet portion and the yoke of the aperture module according to one or more embodiments are shown.

[0089] The yoke 550 may be disposed in the base 40 . The yoke 550 may be a traction yoke . The yoke 550 may be formed of a metal or a magnetic material . Therefore, a magnetic attraction force (or attraction force) may act between the yoke 550 and the magnet portion 510 .

[0090] The yoke 550 may be combined with the base 40. The yoke 550 may be coupled to the surface of the base 40. In this example, a groove or space in which the yoke 550 is disposed may be formed on the surface of the base 40. The yoke 550 may be disposed in the base 40. In other words, the yoke 550 may be inserted into the base 40. In other words, the base 40 may be manufactured by an insertion injection method in which the yoke 550 is disposed.

[0091] The yoke 550 may include a first yoke 551 and a second yoke 552. The first yoke 551 and the second yoke 552 may be disposed on opposite sides with the optical axis interposed therebetween.

[0092] The first yoke 551 may be a yoke having a size relatively larger than that of the second yoke 552 . Therefore, the attraction between the first yoke 551 and the first aperture magnet 511 may be larger than the attraction between the second yoke 552 and the second aperture magnet 512 .

[0093] The first yoke 551 may include a horizontal portion 551a and a vertical portion 551b. As an example, the first yoke 551 may have an "L" shape in which the horizontal portion 551a and the vertical portion 551b are coupled to each other. As another example, the horizontal portion 551a and the vertical portion 551b may be provided as separate components and may be spaced apart from each other in directions perpendicular to each other.

[0094] The horizontal portion 551 a may extend in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the vertical portion 551 b may extend in the optical axis direction. The size of the horizontal portion 551 a may be configured to be larger than that of the second yoke 552 .

[0095] The first yoke 551 may be disposed to overlap the first aperture magnet 511 in both axial directions. Figure 7 , the first yoke 551 may overlap the first aperture magnet 511 in the first axis direction. In an example, the first axis direction may be a direction parallel to the optical axis. The first yoke 551 may overlap the first aperture magnet 511 in the second axis direction. In an example, the second axis direction may be about Figure 7 The X-axis direction of the first aperture magnet 511 and the first yoke 551 may be perpendicular to the optical axis. With this structure, a magnetic attraction force may be formed between the first aperture magnet 511 and the first yoke 551 in two directions. Therefore, the attraction force may act between the first aperture magnet 511 and the first yoke 551 in the diagonal direction between the first axis direction and the second axis direction.

[0096] The second yoke 552 may refer to a yoke having a size (e.g., area) relatively smaller than the size (e.g., area) of the first yoke 551. The area of ​​the second yoke 552 may be smaller than the area of ​​the horizontal portion 551a of the first yoke 551. The second yoke 552 may overlap with the second aperture magnet 512 in the first axis direction. In an example, the first axis direction may refer to the Z-axis direction, and may refer to a direction parallel to the optical axis. Therefore, an attractive force may act between the second yoke 552 and the second aperture magnet 512 in the first axis direction.

[0097] Considering the attractive forces acting between the first yoke 551 and the first aperture magnet 511 and between the second yoke 552 and the second aperture magnet 512 , the attractive forces acting in the first axis direction and the attractive forces acting in the second axis direction may act together between the base 40 and the rotor 30 .

[0098] Figure 8 is a plan view illustrating a portion of an aperture module according to one or more embodiments. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a portion of an aperture module according to one or more embodiments. Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'. Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'. Figure 12 It is along Figure 8 The rolling ball disposed between the base 40 and the rotor 30 can be referred to as the cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II' in FIG. Figure 9 and Figure 12 Give a description.

[0099] Reference Figure 8 The rolling part may include a plurality of ball members, including a first rolling ball B1 and a second rolling ball B2, and may further include a third rolling ball B3 and a fourth rolling ball B4. The first rolling ball B1, the second rolling ball B2, the third rolling ball B3 and the fourth rolling ball B4 may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotor 30 or the base 40.

[0100] The first and second rolling balls B1 and B2 may be disposed closer to the first aperture magnet 511 than the second aperture magnet 512. The third rolling ball B3 may be disposed closer to the second aperture magnet 512 than the first aperture magnet 511. The relative position of the fourth rolling ball B4 with respect to the magnet portion 510 is not limited to any specific example.

[0101] Reference Figure 9, the guide groove portion may be provided on surfaces of the base 40 and the rotor 30 facing each other. For example, the first guide groove portion 420 may be provided on the base 40, and the second guide groove portion 320 may be provided on the rotor 30.

[0102] The first rolling ball B1 , the second rolling ball B2 , the third rolling ball B3 , and the fourth rolling ball B4 may be disposed between the first guide groove portion 420 and the second guide groove portion 320 , respectively.

[0103] The first guide groove portion 420 may include a 1-1 guide groove 421 , a 1-2 guide groove 422 , a 1-3 guide groove 423 , and a 1-4 guide groove 424 . The 1-1 guide groove 421 to the 1-4 guide groove 424 may be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the base 40 .

[0104] The 1-1 guide groove 421 to the 1-4 guide groove 424 may include a bottom surface formed on one surface (eg, an upper surface) of the base 40 and a side surface extending from the bottom surface in the optical axis direction.

[0105] The second guide groove portion 320 may include a 2-1 guide groove 321 , a 2-2 guide groove 322 , a 2-3 guide groove 323 , and a 2-4 guide groove 324 . The 2-1 guide groove 321 to the 2-4 guide groove 324 may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotor 30 .

[0106] The 2-1 guide groove 321 to the 2-4 guide groove 324 may include bottom surfaces respectively formed on one surface (eg, a lower surface) of the rotor 30 and side surfaces extending from the bottom surfaces in the optical axis direction.

[0107] The 1 - 1 guide groove 421 and the 2 - 1 guide groove 321 may be disposed to face each other, and the first rolling ball B1 may be disposed in a space between the 1 - 1 guide groove 421 and the 2 - 1 guide groove 321 .

[0108] The 1-2 guide groove 422 and the 2-2 guide groove 322 may be disposed to face each other, and the second rolling ball B2 may be disposed in a space between the 1-2 guide groove 422 and the 2-2 guide groove 322 .

[0109] The bottom surface of the 1-1 guide groove 421 and the bottom surface of the 2-1 guide groove 321 may face each other in the optical axis (Z axis) direction, and the side surface of the 1-1 guide groove 421 and the side surface of the 2-1 guide groove 321 may face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0110] The bottom surface of the 1-2 guide groove 422 and the bottom surface of the 2-2 guide groove 322 may face each other in the optical axis (Z axis) direction, and the side surface of the 1-2 guide groove 422 and the side surface of the 2-2 guide groove 322 may face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0111] The first rolling ball B1 may make two-point contact with each of the 1-1 guide groove 421 and the 2-1 guide groove 321 .

[0112] The second rolling ball B2 may make two-point contact with each of the 1-2 guide groove 422 and the 2-2 guide groove 322 .

[0113] The first rolling ball B1 , the 1-1 guide groove 421 , the 1-2 guide groove 422 , the second rolling ball B2 , the 2-1 guide groove 321 , and the 2-2 guide groove 322 may operate as main guides to guide the rotation of the rotor 30 .

[0114] The 1-3 guide groove 423 and the 2-3 guide groove 323 may be disposed to face each other, and the third rolling ball B3 may be disposed in a space between the 1-3 guide groove 423 and the 2-3 guide groove 323 .

[0115] The bottom surface of the 1-3 guide groove 423 and the bottom surface of the 2-3 guide groove 323 may face each other in the optical axis (Z axis) direction, and the side surface of the 1-3 guide groove 423 and the side surface of the 2-3 guide groove 323 may face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0116] The third rolling ball B3 may contact the 1-3 guide groove 423 and the 2-3 guide groove 323. The number of contact points between the third rolling ball B3 and the 1-3 guide groove 423 and the 2-3 guide groove 323 may be two or three.

[0117] When the number of contact points between the third rolling ball B3 and the 1-3 guide groove 423 and the 2-3 guide groove 323 is two, the third rolling ball B3 may contact the bottom surface of the 1-3 guide groove 423 and the bottom surface of the 2-3 guide groove 323 .

[0118] When the number of contact points between the third rolling ball B3 and the 1-3 guide groove 423 and the 2-3 guide groove 323 is three, the third rolling ball B3 can contact the bottom surface of the 1-3 guide groove 423 and the bottom surface of the 2-3 guide groove 323, and can contact the side surface of the 1-3 guide groove 423 or the side surface of the 2-3 guide groove 323.

[0119] A distance between side surfaces of the 1-3 guide groove 423 and the 2-3 guide groove 323 facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) direction may be greater than a diameter of the third rolling ball B3.

[0120] The third rolling ball B3 , the 1 - 3 guide groove 423 , and the 2 - 3 guide groove 323 may operate as auxiliary guides to support the rotation of the rotor 30 .

[0121] When viewed in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the rotor 30 may be supported on the base 40 at three points by the first rolling ball B1 , the second rolling ball B2 , and the third rolling ball B3 .

[0122] The 1-4 guide groove 424 and the 2-4 guide groove 324 may be disposed to face each other, and the fourth rolling ball B4 may be disposed in a space between the 1-4 guide groove 424 and the 2-4 guide groove 324 .

[0123] The bottom surface of the 1-4 guide groove 424 and the bottom surface of the 2-4 guide groove 324 may face each other in the optical axis (Z axis) direction, and the side surface of the 1-4 guide groove 424 and the side surface of the 2-4 guide groove 324 may face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0124] The fourth rolling ball B4 may contact at least one of the 1-4 guide groove 424 and the 2-4 guide groove 324. The number of contact points between the fourth rolling ball B4 and the 1-4 guide groove 424 and the 2-4 guide groove 324 may be one or two.

[0125] In an example, when the number of contact points between the fourth rolling ball B4 and the 1-4 guide groove 424 and the 2-4 guide groove 324 is one, the fourth rolling ball B4 may contact the bottom surface of the 1-4 guide groove 424 or the bottom surface of the 2-4 guide groove 324 .

[0126] When the number of contact points between the fourth rolling ball B4 and the 1-4 guide groove 424 and the 2-4 guide groove 324 is two, the fourth rolling ball B4 can make single-point contact with one of the bottom surfaces of the 1-4 guide groove 424 and the bottom surface of the 2-4 guide groove 324, and can make single-point contact with the side surface of the 1-4 guide groove 424 or the side surface of the 2-4 guide groove 324.

[0127] The distance between the bottom surfaces of the 1-4 guide groove 424 and the 2-4 guide groove 324 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction may be greater than the distance between the bottom surfaces of the 1-1 guide groove 421 and the 2-1 guide groove 321 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0128] In an example, the diameter of the fourth rolling ball B4 may be smaller than the diameters of the first rolling ball B1 , the second rolling ball B2 , and the third rolling ball B3 .

[0129] The fourth rolling ball B4 may operate to prevent the rotor 30 from tilting relative to the base 40 under external impact. In other words, by preventing the rotor 30 from tilting relative to the base 40 under external impact, the rolling part may be prevented from being separated from the base 40 and the rotor 30.

[0130] The fourth rolling ball B4 may be an optional component, and when the fourth rolling ball B4 is not provided, the tilting of the rotor 30 may be prevented by adjusting the positions of the first rolling ball B1 , the second rolling ball B2 , and the third rolling ball B3 .

[0131] When viewed in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the rotor 30 may be supported on the base 40 at three points by the first rolling ball B1 , the second rolling ball B2 , and the third rolling ball B3 .

[0132] In this example, in order to make the rotor 30 rotate stably, the center point CP of the attraction acting between the magnet part 510 and the yoke 550 may need to be set in a supporting area formed by connecting the contact point between the first rolling ball B1 and the base 40 (or the rotor 30), the contact point between the second rolling ball B2 and the base 40 (or the rotor 30), and the contact point between the third rolling ball B3 and the base 40 (or the rotor 30).

[0133] Since the support area becomes wider toward the first rolling ball B1 and the second rolling ball B2, it may be necessary to set the center point CP of the attractive force closer to the first rolling ball B1 and the second rolling ball B2.

[0134] Therefore, by configuring the first yoke 551 and the second yoke 552 to have different sizes, the center point CP of the attractive force can be set closer to the first rolling ball B1 and the second rolling ball B2. The area of ​​the first yoke 551 facing the first aperture magnet 511 can be larger than the area of ​​the second yoke 552 facing the second aperture magnet 512.

[0135] In other words, by configuring the size of the first yoke 551 to be larger than the size of the second yoke 552 , the center point CP of the attractive force can be disposed closer to the first rolling ball B1 and the second rolling ball B2 .

[0136] As another example, the size of the first aperture magnet 511 may be configured to be larger than the size of the second aperture magnet 512 so that the center point CP of the attractive force may be disposed closer to the first rolling ball B1 and the second rolling ball B2 .

[0137] As another example, by configuring the distance between the first aperture magnet 511 and the first yoke 551 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction to be narrower than the distance between the second aperture magnet 512 and the second yoke 552 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the center point CP of the attraction can be set to be closer to the first rolling ball B1 and the second rolling ball B2.

[0138] Since the first magnetic yoke 551 includes a horizontal portion 551a and a vertical portion 551b, an attractive force can be applied in the direction of the optical axis (Z axis) through the first aperture magnet 511 and the first magnetic yoke 551, and the attractive force can act in a direction intersecting the optical axis (for example, a direction perpendicular to the optical axis) or in a direction intersecting the optical axis and inclined downward.

[0139] In other words, attractive forces may act on the first aperture magnet 511 in at least two directions that intersect with each other.

[0140] Due to the attractive force in the optical axis direction acting between the first aperture magnet 511 and the horizontal portion 551 a of the first yoke 551 , the rotor 30 including the first aperture magnet 511 may be pulled in the optical axis direction toward the base 40 including the first yoke 551 .

[0141] Therefore, due to the attractive force acting between the first diaphragm magnet 511 and the first yoke 551 , the first rolling ball B1 may come into contact with the bottom surface of the 1-1 guide groove 421 and the bottom surface of the 2-1 guide groove 321 .

[0142] In addition, due to the attractive force acting between the first aperture magnet 511 and the first yoke 551 , the second rolling ball B2 may come into contact with the bottom surface of the 1-2 guide groove 422 and the bottom surface of the 2-2 guide groove 322 .

[0143] Due to the attraction perpendicular to the optical axis direction acting between the first aperture magnet 511 and the vertical portion 551 b of the first yoke 551 , the rotor 30 including the first aperture magnet 511 can be pulled toward the base 40 including the first yoke 551 in a direction intersecting the optical axis.

[0144] Therefore, due to the attractive force perpendicular to the optical axis direction acting between the first aperture magnet 511 and the vertical portion 551 b , the first rolling ball B1 may come into contact with the side surface of the 1-1 guide groove 421 and the side surface of the 2-1 guide groove 321 .

[0145] Due to the attractive force acting between the first aperture magnet 511 and the vertical portion 551 b in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the second rolling ball B2 may come into contact with the side surface of the 1-2 guide groove 422 and the side surface of the 2-2 guide groove 322 .

[0146] The side surface of the 1-1 guide groove 421, the side surface of the 1-2 guide groove 422, the side surface of the 2-1 guide groove 321, and the side surface of the 2-2 guide groove 322 may be configured to be curved. For example, the curvature radius of the side surface of the 1-1 guide groove 421, the curvature radius of the side surface of the 1-2 guide groove 422, the curvature radius of the side surface of the 2-1 guide groove 321, and the curvature radius of the side surface of the 2-2 guide groove 322 may be the same.

[0147] A conceptual circle passing through a side surface of the 1-1 guide groove 421 and a side surface of the 1-2 guide groove 422 and a conceptual circle passing through a side surface of the 2-1 guide groove 321 and a side surface of the 2-2 guide groove 322 may be concentric.

[0148] When driving force is generated by the aperture driver 50 , the first rolling ball B1 may roll along the side surfaces of the 1-1 guide groove 421 and the 2-1 guide groove 321 , and the second rolling ball B2 may roll along the side surfaces of the 1-2 guide groove 422 and the 2-2 guide groove 322 .

[0149] Therefore, the rotor 30 may rotate by being guided by the first rolling balls B1 and the second rolling balls B2.

[0150] When the rotor 30 rotates, the third rolling ball B3 may maintain a state of contact with the bottom surface of the 1-3 guide groove 423 and the bottom surface of the 2-3 guide groove 323, and the rotor 30 may maintain a three-point support form with respect to the rolling portion.

[0151] In an implementation, the aperture module 2 may sense the position of the rotor 30 .

[0152] Therefore, an aperture position sensor may be provided. The aperture position sensor may be disposed on the aperture substrate 530 to face the magnet portion 510. For example, the aperture position sensor may face at least one of the first aperture magnet 511 and the second aperture magnet 512 in the optical axis direction. The aperture position sensor may be configured as a Hall sensor.

[0153] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exemplary camera actuator according to one or more embodiments. Figure 14 is a plan view illustrating a connection plate of an exemplary camera actuator according to one or more embodiments.

[0154] Reference Figure 13 , the camera actuator 3 according to one or more embodiments may include a lens module 2000 and a housing 1100 accommodating the lens module 2000 .

[0155] In addition, the camera actuator 3 may further include a guide frame 3000 , a carrying portion 4000 , a housing 1300 , and an image sensor module.

[0156] In the embodiments described below, an example of the lens module 2000 in which the base 40 of the aperture module 2 is coupled to the camera actuator 3 may be described. In this example, when the lens module 2000 moves, the aperture module 2 may move together with the lens module 2000.

[0157] The carrier 4000 may be disposed in the housing 1100 , and may be movable relative to the housing 1100 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0158] The lens module 2000 may be disposed on the carrier 4000, and the carrier 4000 and the lens module 2000 may move together in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the distance between the lens module 2000 and the image sensor module may be changed to adjust the focus.

[0159] The guide frame 3000 may be disposed between the carrier 4000 and the lens module 2000. The guide frame 3000 may be used to guide the lens module 2000 to move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0160] The lens module 2000 may be moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction in order to correct shaking during photographing.

[0161] The lens module 2000 may include a lens barrel 2100 and a lens holder 2200. The lens barrel 2100 may have a hollow cylindrical shape, and at least one lens for imaging an object may be accommodated in the lens barrel 2100. When a plurality of lenses are provided in the lens barrel 2100, the plurality of lenses may be installed in the lens barrel 2100 along an optical axis.

[0162] The lens barrel 2100 may be coupled to the lens holder 2200. Therefore, the lens barrel 2100 and the lens holder 2200 may move together.

[0163] The base 40 of the aperture module 2 may be coupled to the lens holder 2200 .

[0164] The lens module 2000 may be accommodated in the housing 1100. For example, the housing 1100 may have a shape of an open upper portion and an open bottom, the carrier 4000 may be disposed in an inner space of the housing 1100, and the lens module 2000 may be accommodated in the carrier 4000.

[0165] The camera actuator 3 can adjust the focus by moving the lens module 2000 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction, and can correct shaking during shooting by moving the lens module 2000 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0166] The camera actuator 3 may include a focus driver 5000 that moves the lens module 2000 in the optical axis direction and a stabilization driver 6000 that moves the lens module 2000 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0167] The image sensor module may be configured as a device that converts incident light passing through the lens module 2000 into an electrical signal.

[0168] In an example, the image sensor module may include an image sensor and a printed circuit board connected to the image sensor, and may further include an infrared cut filter.

[0169] The infrared cut filter may block light in an infrared region among light incident to the lens module 2000 .

[0170] The image sensor may convert incident light passing through the lens module 2000 into an electrical signal. As an example, the image sensor may be implemented as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

[0171] The electrical signal converted by the image sensor may be output as an image through a display device of the portable electronic device.

[0172] The image sensor may be fixed to the printed circuit board and may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board through wire bonding.

[0173] The image sensor module may be disposed under the housing 1100 .

[0174] The housing 1300 may be coupled to the housing 1100 to surround an outer surface of the housing 1100 , and may operate to protect internal components of the camera actuator 3 .

[0175] The focus driver 5000 may move the lens module 2000 to focus on an object. For example, the focus driver 5000 may move the carrier 4000 by generating a driving force in the optical axis direction. Since the lens module 2000 is disposed in the carrier 4000, the carrier 4000 and the lens module 2000 may move together in the optical axis direction based on the driving force of the focus driver 5000.

[0176] In addition, since the base 40 of the aperture module 2 is coupled to the lens module 2000 , the aperture module 2 may also move in the optical axis direction together with the lens module 2000 .

[0177] The focus driver 5000 may include a first magnet 5100 and a first coil 5300. The first magnet 5100 and the first coil 5300 may be disposed to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0178] The first magnet 5100 may be mounted on the carrier 4000. In an example, the first magnet 5100 may be mounted on one side surface of the carrier 4000.

[0179] The first magnet 5100 may be magnetized so that one surface (e.g., the surface facing the first coil 5300) may have both an N pole and an S pole. In an example, one surface of the first magnet 5100 facing the first coil 5300 may include an N pole, a neutral region, and an S pole in sequence in the optical axis direction.

[0180] The first coil 5300 may be disposed to face the first magnet 5100. For example, the first coil 5300 may be disposed to face the first magnet 5100 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0181] The first coil 5300 may be disposed on the substrate 7000, and the substrate 7000 may be mounted on the housing 1100 so that the first magnet 5100 and the first coil 5300 may face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. In an example, the first coil 5300 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 7000. The substrate 7000 may be mounted on a side surface of the housing 1100 so that the first magnet 5100 and the first coil 5300 may face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0182] The housing 1100 may include an opening, and the first coil 5300 disposed on the substrate 7000 may directly face the first magnet 5100 through the opening.

[0183] The first magnet 5100 may be configured as a moving member mounted on the carrier 4000 and moves in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction together with the carrier 4000 , and the first coil 5300 may be configured as a fixed member fixed to the substrate 7000 .

[0184] When power is supplied to the first coil 5300 , the carrier 4000 may move in the optical axis direction based on the electromagnetic force between the first magnet 5100 and the first coil 5300 .

[0185] Since the lens module 2000 is accommodated in the carrier 4000, the lens module 2000 can also move in the optical axis direction by moving the carrier 4000. The aperture module 2 can also move in the optical axis direction together with the lens module 2000.

[0186] The first ball member Ba1 may be disposed between the bearing portion 4000 and the housing 1100. For example, the first ball member Ba1 may be disposed between the bearing portion 4000 and the housing 1100, and may reduce friction when the bearing portion 4000 moves.

[0187] The first ball member Ba1 may include a plurality of balls arranged in the optical axis direction. When the bearing portion 4000 moves in the optical axis direction, the plurality of balls may roll in the optical axis direction.

[0188] The first pulling yoke 5700 may be disposed in the housing 1100. The first pulling yoke 5700 may be disposed at a position facing the first magnet 5100. For example, the first coil 5300 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 7000, and the first pulling yoke 5700 may be disposed on another surface of the substrate 7000.

[0189] An attractive force may be generated between the first magnet 5100 and the first pulling yoke 5700. For example, the first pulling yoke 5700 may be formed of a magnetic material. The attractive force may act between the first magnet 5100 and the first pulling yoke 5700 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0190] The first ball member Ba1 may contact each of the bearing portion 4000 and the housing 1100 through an attractive force between the first magnet 5100 and the first pulling yoke 5700 .

[0191] The receiving groove may be provided on surfaces of the carrying portion 4000 and the housing 1100 facing each other. For example, the carrying portion 4000 may include a first receiving groove, and the housing 1100 may include a second receiving groove.

[0192] Each of the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove may extend in the optical axis direction. The first ball member Ba1 may be disposed between the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove.

[0193] The first ball member Ba1 may include a first ball group BG1 and a second ball group BG2, and the first ball group BG1 and the second ball group BG2 may include a plurality of balls arranged in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0194] The first ball group BG1 and the second ball group BG2 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (eg, X-axis direction).The number of balls in the first ball group BG1 and the number of balls in the second ball group BG2 may be different.

[0195] For example, the first ball group BG1 may include three or more balls arranged in the optical axis direction, and the second ball group BG2 may include a smaller number of balls than the balls included in the first ball group BG1.

[0196] Assuming that the number of balls included in the first ball group BG1 and the number of balls included in the second ball group BG2 are different, the number of balls included in each ball group may vary. Hereinafter, for ease of description, an embodiment will be described in which the first ball group BG1 includes three balls and the second ball group BG2 includes two balls.

[0197] In an example, among three balls included in the first ball group BG1, two balls disposed outermost in a direction parallel to the optical axis may have the same diameter, and one ball disposed therebetween may have a smaller diameter than that of the balls disposed outermost.

[0198] In an example, two balls included in the second ball group BG2 may have the same diameter.

[0199] In an embodiment, the camera actuator 3 may sense the position of the carrier 4000 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0200] Therefore, a first position sensor 5500 may be provided. The first position sensor 5500 may be disposed on the substrate 7000 to face the first magnet 5100. The first position sensor 5500 may be configured as a Hall sensor.

[0201] The camera actuator 3 can correct the shaking when shooting by moving the lens module 2000 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis). Therefore, the camera actuator 3 may include a stabilizing driver 6000 to move the lens module 2000 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0202] The guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000 may be sequentially received in the carrier 4000. For example, the guide frame 3000 may be disposed between the carrier 4000 and the lens module 2000. The guide frame 3000 may have a quadrangular plate shape having a hollow therein.

[0203] Based on the driving force of the stabilizing driver 6000, the guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000 may move together in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis), and the lens module 2000 may move relative to the guide frame 3000 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0204] In an example, the guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000 can move together in the direction of a second axis (X-axis) perpendicular to the optical axis, and the lens module 2000 can move relative to the guide frame 3000 in the direction of a third axis (Y-axis) perpendicular to both the optical axis and the second axis perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0205] In addition, since the base 40 of the aperture module 2 is coupled to the lens module 2000 , the aperture module 2 may also move in the second axis (X axis) direction and the third axis (Y axis) direction together with the lens module 2000 .

[0206] The stabilizing driver 6000 may include a first sub-driver 6100 and a second sub-driver 6300. The first sub-driver 6100 may generate a driving force in a second axis (X axis) direction, and the second sub-driver 6300 may generate a driving force in a third axis (Y axis) direction.

[0207] The first sub driver 6100 may include a second magnet 6110 and a second coil 6130. The second magnet 6110 and the second coil 6130 may be disposed to face each other in the second axis (X axis) direction.

[0208] The second magnet 6110 may be provided on the lens module 2000. In an example, the second magnet 6110 may be mounted on one side surface of the lens holder 2200.

[0209] The second magnet 6110 may be magnetized so that one surface (e.g., the surface facing the second coil 6130) may have both an N pole and an S pole. In an example, one surface of the second magnet 6110 facing the second coil 6130 may include an N pole, a neutral region, and an S pole in sequence in the third axis (Y axis) direction. The second magnet 6110 may have a shape having a length in the third axis (Y axis) direction.

[0210] The second coil 6130 may be disposed to face the second magnet 6110. For example, the second coil 6130 may be disposed to face the second magnet 6110 in the second axis (X axis) direction.

[0211] The second coil 6130 may have a hollow annular shape and a length in the third axis (Y axis) direction. The second coil 6130 may include a plurality of coils. For example, the second coil 6130 may include two coils spaced apart from each other in the third axis (Y axis) direction, and each coil may be arranged to face the second magnet 6110.

[0212] During image stabilization, the second magnet 6110 may be configured as a moving member mounted on the lens module 2000 , and the second coil 6130 may be configured as a fixed member fixed to the housing 1100 .

[0213] When power is supplied to the second coil 6130 , the lens module 2000 and the guide frame 3000 may move in the second axis (X axis) direction based on an electromagnetic force between the second magnet 6110 and the second coil 6130 .

[0214] The second magnet 6110 and the second coil 6130 may generate a driving force in a direction in which the second magnet 6110 and the second coil 6130 face each other (eg, a second axis (X-axis) direction).

[0215] The second sub driver 6300 may include a third magnet 6310 and a third coil 6330. The third magnet 6310 and the third coil 6330 may be disposed to face each other in a third axis (Y axis) direction.

[0216] The third magnet 6310 may be provided on the lens module 2000. For example, the third magnet 6310 may be mounted on the other side surface of the lens holder 2200.

[0217] The third magnet 6310 may be magnetized so that one surface (e.g., a surface facing the third coil 6330) may have both an S pole and an N pole. For example, one surface of the third magnet 6310 facing the third coil 6330 may include an S pole, a neutral region, and an N pole in sequence in the second axis (X axis) direction. The third magnet 6310 may have a shape having a length in the second axis (X axis) direction.

[0218] The third coil 6330 may be disposed to face the third magnet 6310. For example, the third coil 6330 may be disposed to face the third magnet 6310 in the third axis (Y axis) direction.

[0219] The second coil 6130 and the third coil 6330 may be disposed on the substrate 7000. In an example, the second coil 6130 and the third coil 6330 may be disposed on the substrate 7000 to face the second magnet 6110 and the third magnet 6310.

[0220] The substrate 7000 may be mounted on a side surface of the housing 1100 , and the second coil 6130 and the third coil 6330 may directly face the second magnet 6110 and the third magnet 6310 through an opening included in the housing 1100 .

[0221] The third coil 6330 may have a hollow annular shape and have a length in the second axis (X axis) direction. The third coil 6330 may include a plurality of coils. For example, the third coil 6330 may include two coils spaced apart from each other in the second axis (X axis) direction, and each coil may be disposed to face the third magnet 6310.

[0222] During image stabilization, the third magnet 6310 may be configured as a moving member mounted on the lens module 2000 , and the third coil 6330 may be configured as a fixed member fixed to the housing 1100 .

[0223] When power is supplied to the third coil 6330 , the lens module 2000 may move in the third axis (Y axis) direction relative to the guide frame 3000 based on an electromagnetic force between the third magnet 6310 and the third coil 6330 .

[0224] The third magnet 6310 and the third coil 6330 may generate a driving force in a direction in which the third magnet 6310 and the third coil 6330 face each other (eg, a third axis (Y-axis) direction).

[0225] The second magnet 6110 and the third magnet 6310 can be arranged perpendicularly to each other on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis), and the second coil 6130 and the third coil 6330 can also be arranged perpendicularly to each other on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0226] The camera actuator 3 according to one or more embodiments may include a plurality of ball members supporting the guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000. The plurality of ball members may operate to guide the movement of the guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000 during the image stabilization process, and may also operate to maintain the distance between the bearing portion 4000, the guide frame 3000, and the lens module 2000.

[0227] The plurality of ball members may include a second ball member Ba2 and a third ball member Ba3.

[0228] The second ball member Ba2 may guide the movement of the guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000 in the second axis (X axis) direction, and the third ball member Ba3 may guide the movement of the lens module 2000 in the third axis (Y axis) direction.

[0229] In an example, when a driving force is generated in the second axis (X axis) direction, the second ball member Ba2 may roll in the second axis (X axis) direction. Therefore, the second ball member Ba2 may guide the movement of the guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000 in the second axis (X axis) direction.

[0230] When the driving force is generated in the third axis (Y axis) direction, the third ball member Ba3 may roll in the third axis (Y axis) direction. Therefore, the third ball member Ba3 may guide the movement of the lens module 2000 in the third axis (Y axis) direction.

[0231] The second ball member Ba2 may include a plurality of ball members disposed between the bearing portion 4000 and the guide frame 3000 , and the third ball member Ba3 may include a plurality of ball members disposed between the guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000 .

[0232] In an example, each of the second ball member Ba2 and the third ball member Ba3 may include four ball members.

[0233] The third receiving groove 4100 receiving the second ball member Ba2 may be formed on at least one of surfaces facing each other in the optical axis direction of the bearing portion 4000 and the guide frame 3000. The third receiving groove 4100 may include a plurality of grooves corresponding to the plurality of ball members of the second ball member Ba2.

[0234] The second ball member Ba2 may be received in the third receiving groove 4100 , and may be interposed between the bearing portion 4000 and the guide frame 3000 .

[0235] When the second ball member Ba2 is accommodated in the third accommodation groove 4100, the movement of the second ball member Ba2 in the optical axis and the third axis (Y axis) direction can be restricted, and the second ball member Ba2 can only move in the second axis (X axis) direction. For example, the second ball member Ba2 can only roll in the second axis (X axis) direction.

[0236] Therefore, a plane of each of the plurality of grooves of the third receiving groove 4100 may have a rectangular shape having a length in the second axis (X axis) direction.

[0237] The fourth receiving groove 3100 for receiving the third ball member Ba3 may be formed on at least one of the surfaces of the guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000 (e.g., the lens holder 2200) facing each other in the optical axis (Z axis) direction. The fourth receiving groove 3100 may include a plurality of grooves corresponding to the plurality of ball members of the third ball member Ba3.

[0238] The third ball member Ba3 may be received in the fourth receiving groove 3100 , and may be interposed between the guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000 .

[0239] When the third ball member Ba3 is accommodated in the fourth accommodation groove 3100, the movement of the third ball member Ba3 in the optical axis and the second axis (X axis) direction can be restricted, and the third ball member Ba3 can only move in the third axis (Y axis) direction. In the example, the third ball member Ba3 can only roll in the third axis (Y axis) direction.

[0240] Therefore, a plane of each of the plurality of grooves of the fourth receiving groove 3100 may have a rectangular shape having a length in the third axis (Y axis) direction.

[0241] When the driving force is generated in the second axis (X axis), the guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000 may move together in the second axis (X axis). The aperture module 2 may also move together with the lens module 2000 in the second axis (X axis).

[0242] In the example, the second ball member Ba2 can roll along the second axis (X axis) direction. In this example, the movement of the third ball member Ba3 can be restricted.

[0243] In addition, when the driving force is generated in the third axis (Y axis) direction, the lens module 2000 may move in the third axis (Y axis) direction relative to the guide frame 3000. The aperture module 2 may also move in the third axis (Y axis) direction together with the lens module 2000.

[0244] In the example, the third ball member Ba3 can roll along the third axis (Y axis) direction. In this case, the movement of the second ball member Ba2 can be restricted.

[0245] In an embodiment, the camera actuator 3 may sense the position of the lens module 2000 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0246] Therefore, a second position sensor 6150 and a third position sensor 6350 may be provided. The second position sensor 6150 may be disposed on the substrate 7000 to face the second magnet 6110, and the third position sensor 6350 may be disposed on the substrate 7000 to face the third magnet 6310. The second position sensor 6150 and the third position sensor 6350 may be configured as Hall sensors.

[0247] At least one of the second position sensor 6150 and the third position sensor 6350 may include two Hall sensors. For example, the third position sensor 6350 may include two Hall sensors disposed to face the third magnet 6310.

[0248] Whether the lens module 2000 rotates may be sensed by two hall sensors facing the third magnet 6310. Since the third coil 6330 includes two coils facing the third magnet 6310, the rotation force applied to the lens module 2000 may be offset by controlling the third coil 6330.

[0249] The rotation of the lens module 2000 may be prevented by the third and fourth receiving grooves 4100 and 3100 in which the second and third ball members Ba2 and Ba3 are disposed, but the lens module 2000 may slightly rotate due to the influence of tolerance occurring during a process of manufacturing equipment.

[0250] However, the camera actuator 3 according to the embodiment may determine whether the lens module 2000 is rotated through the third coil 6330 and the third position sensor 6350 and thereby counteract the rotational force.

[0251] In an embodiment, the second and third yokes may be provided so that the bearing portion 4000 and the guide frame 3000 may maintain contact with the second ball member Ba2, and the guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000 may maintain contact with the third ball member Ba3.

[0252] The second yoke and the third yoke may be fixed to the carrier 4000 , and may face the second magnet 6110 and the third magnet 6310 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0253] Therefore, an attractive force can be generated between the second yoke and the second magnet 6110 and between the third yoke and the third magnet 6310 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0254] The lens module 2000 and the guide frame 3000 can be pressed in the direction toward the second yoke and the third yoke by the attraction between the second yoke and the third yoke and the second magnet 6110 and the third magnet 6310, so that the guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000 can maintain contact with the second ball member Ba2 and the third ball member Ba3.

[0255] The second and third yokes may be formed of a material that generates an attractive force with the second and third magnets 6110 and 6310. In an example, the second and third yokes may be formed of a magnetic material.

[0256] The OIS stopper 2300 may be coupled to the carrier 4000. The OIS stopper 2300 may be coupled to the carrier 4000 to cover at least a portion of an upper surface of the lens module 2000. For example, the OIS stopper 2300 may cover at least a portion of an upper surface of the lens holder 2200.

[0257] The OIS stopper 2300 may prevent the guide frame 3000 and the lens module 2000 from being separated from the carrier 4000 due to an external impact.

[0258] In addition, the AF stopper 2400 may be coupled to the housing 1100. The AF stopper 2400 may include a buffer protrusion provided at a position facing the first ball member Ba1 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0259] The AF stopper 2400 may prevent the bearing portion 4000 and the first ball member Ba1 from being released to the outside due to an external impact.

[0260] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 , the camera actuator 3 may include a connecting board 8000. The connecting board 8000 may connect the aperture substrate 530 of the aperture module 2 to the printed circuit board of the image sensor module.

[0261] In other words, the aperture substrate 530 may receive power through the connection board 8000 .

[0262] The connection board 8000 may include a fixed portion 8100, a moving portion 8300, and a connection portion 8500. In an example, the connection board 8000 may be configured as an RF PCB.

[0263] The moving portion 8300 may be disposed inside the fixed portion 8100 , and the connecting portion 8500 may be disposed between the fixed portion 8100 and the moving portion 8300 .

[0264] The fixing portion 8100 may be coupled to the housing 1300 of the camera actuator 3. For example, the fixing portion 8100 may be mounted on an inner surface of the housing 1300. The fixing portion 8100 may be a fixing member fixed to the housing 1300. The fixing portion 8100 may be configured as a rigid PCB. The fixing portion 8100 may have a quadrilateral frame shape.

[0265] A connector substrate extending in the optical axis direction may be provided at one side of the fixing portion 8100. The connector substrate may be connected to a printed circuit board of the image sensor module.

[0266] The moving part 8300 may be coupled to the aperture module 2. For example, the moving part 8300 may be mounted on the base 40 of the aperture module 2. The moving part 8300 may be configured as a moving member that moves together with the aperture module 2. The moving part 8300 may be configured as a rigid PCB. The moving part 8300 may have a ring shape.

[0267] A portion of the moving part 8300 may be coupled to the aperture substrate 530 of the aperture module 2. For example, a connection pad may be provided at one side of the moving part 8300, and the aperture substrate 530 may be coupled to the connection pad of the moving part 8300.

[0268] The connection part 8500 may be disposed between the moving part 8300 and the fixed part 8100, and may connect the moving part 8300 to the fixed part 8100. For example, one side of the connection part 8500 may be connected to the moving part 8300, and the other side of the connection part 8500 may be connected to the fixed part 8100.

[0269] The connection portion 8500 may be configured as a flexible PCB. When the moving portion 8300 moves, the connection portion 8500 disposed between the moving portion 8300 and the fixed portion 8100 may be bent.

[0270] The connection portion 8500 may extend along a circumference of at least a portion of the moving portion 8300. The connection portion 8500 may have a shape of a single bridge-shaped member or a plurality of bridges.

[0271] Since the connection portion 8500 is configured to be bent, power may be stably supplied to the aperture module 2 even when the aperture module 2 moves together with the lens module 2000 .

[0272] Since the aperture module 2 may move together with the lens module 2000 , the magnet part 510 and the coil part 520 included in the aperture module 2 may also move together with the lens module 2000 .

[0273] Therefore, even when the lens module 2000 moves, the distance between the magnet part 510 and the coil part 520 may be maintained, thereby improving driving stability of the aperture module 2 .

[0274] According to the aforementioned embodiment, the aperture module can ensure a wider configuration space for blades, thereby providing an aperture module that operates stably.

[0275] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application that various changes in form and detail may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are considered to be descriptive only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each example is considered to be applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may also be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents.

[0276] Therefore, in addition to the disclosure above and all the accompanying drawings, the scope of the present disclosure also includes the claims and their equivalents, that is, all changes within the scope of the claims and their equivalents will be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An aperture module, comprising: Base; a rotor configured to rotate relative to the base; a plurality of blades configured to form entrance holes having different sizes based on the rotation of the rotor; A plurality of ball members disposed between the base and the rotor; A magnet portion, disposed on one of the rotor and the base; as well as a coil portion disposed on the other of the rotor and the base, The attractive force acts between the base and the rotor in a diagonal direction between a first axis direction parallel to the optical axis and a second axis direction perpendicular to the first axis direction.

2. The aperture module according to claim 1, further comprising: A first magnetic yoke, disposed on the base; as well as A second magnetic yoke is arranged opposite to the first magnetic yoke relative to the optical axis, wherein the magnet portion includes a first aperture magnet and a second aperture magnet disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, and Here, an attractive force acts between the first aperture magnet and the first yoke in the first axis direction and the second axis direction.

3. The aperture module according to claim 2, wherein: An attractive force acts between the second aperture magnet and the second yoke in the first axis direction.

4. The aperture module according to claim 1, further comprising: A first magnetic yoke, disposed on the base; as well as A second magnetic yoke is arranged opposite to the first magnetic yoke relative to the optical axis, wherein the magnet portion includes a first aperture magnet and a second aperture magnet disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, and The attractive force acting between the first aperture magnet and the first yoke is greater than the attractive force acting between the second aperture magnet and the second yoke.

5. The aperture module according to claim 1, in, The base includes a yoke on which a magnetic attraction acting together with the magnet portion acts, wherein the yoke comprises a first yoke and a second yoke disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, and Wherein, the cross-section of the first yoke has an "L" shape.

6. The aperture module according to claim 5, wherein: An area of ​​the first yoke is larger than an area of ​​the second yoke.

7. The aperture module according to claim 1, wherein: The magnet portion and the coil portion are arranged to overlap each other in the second axis direction.

8. The aperture module according to claim 1, further comprising: A first magnetic yoke is arranged on the base, wherein the magnet portion includes a first aperture magnet and a second aperture magnet disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, wherein the coil portion includes a first aperture coil and a second aperture coil disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, and The first yoke, the first aperture magnet, and the first aperture coil overlap each other in the second axis direction.

9. The aperture module according to claim 1, in, A first portion of the plurality of ball members supports the rotor in the first axial direction and the second axial direction, and The second portions of the plurality of ball members support the rotor in the first axial direction.

10. The aperture module according to claim 1, in, The magnet portion includes a first aperture magnet and a second aperture magnet disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, wherein the plurality of ball members include a first rolling ball and a second rolling ball, wherein the first rolling ball and the second rolling ball are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the rotor or the base, and the first aperture magnet is located between the first rolling ball and the second rolling ball, and The first rolling ball and the second rolling ball support the rotor in the first axial direction and the second axial direction.

11. An aperture module, comprising: Base; a rotor configured to rotate relative to the base; a plurality of blades configured to form entrance holes having different sizes based on the rotation of the rotor; A plurality of ball members disposed between the base and the rotor; A magnet part, arranged on the rotor; A coil part is arranged on the base; as well as A first magnetic yoke is arranged on the base, wherein the magnet portion includes a first aperture magnet and a second aperture magnet disposed on opposite sides of the optical axis, and The first yoke overlaps with the first aperture magnet in the optical axis direction and in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

12. The aperture module according to claim 11, further comprising: a second yoke disposed on an opposite side of the first yoke relative to the optical axis, Here, an attractive force acts between the second aperture magnet and the second yoke in the optical axis direction.

13. The aperture module according to claim 11, in, The coil portion includes a first aperture coil facing the first aperture magnet, and The first aperture coil and the first aperture magnet are arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

14. The aperture module according to claim 12, in, The first yoke includes a horizontal portion perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and Wherein, a size of the second magnetic yoke is smaller than a size of the horizontal portion of the first magnetic yoke.

15. The aperture module according to claim 11, in, The first portions of the plurality of ball members support the rotor in the optical axis direction and in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and The second portions of the plurality of ball members support the rotor in the optical axis direction.

16. The aperture module according to claim 11, in, A portion of the plurality of ball members includes a first rolling ball and a second rolling ball spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the rotor or the base, and the first aperture magnet is located between the first rolling ball and the second rolling ball, and The first rolling ball and the second rolling ball support the rotor in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

17. A camera module, comprising: Lens module; as well as Aperture module, Wherein, the aperture module comprises: Base; a rotor configured to rotate relative to the base; a plurality of blades configured to form entrance holes having different sizes based on the rotation of the rotor; A plurality of ball members disposed between the base and the rotor; a magnet portion disposed on one of the rotor and the base; and a coil portion disposed on the other of the rotor and the base, The attractive force acts between the base and the rotor in a diagonal direction between a first axis direction parallel to the optical axis and a second axis direction perpendicular to the first axis direction.

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