Camera module

Abstract

A camera module is provided. The camera module includes: a housing; a reflection module disposed in the housing and configured to receive light in a first direction; and a yoke disposed in the housing, in which the reflection module includes a magnet disposed on a lower portion of the reflection module and a ball member disposed between the reflection module and the housing and configured to support rotation of the reflection module. When the reflection module rotates from the middle position, the magnetic force acting between the magnet and the magnet yoke can be changed.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0176767, 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 a camera module. Background art

[0004] A camera module provided in a mobile device can be manufactured to have performance comparable to that of a typical camera. In particular, due to the increasing frequency of capturing images using a mobile device, there is an increasing demand for a camera module that can provide a high zoom ratio.

[0005] The camera module can adjust the zoom ratio by moving a lens module. To configure a high zoom ratio, it is necessary to ensure a sufficient distance for light incident on the camera module to reach the image sensor, that is, the total length or total track length. To achieve a long total track length, the camera module may have an increased total length. However, due to the increasingly smaller form factor of mobile devices, there may be space limitations in fully extending the length of the camera module.

[0006] Therefore, a structure is needed that can form an optical path as long as possible without increasing the total length of the camera module or while reducing the total length of the camera module at the same time.

[0007] In addition, recent camera modules can include a movable or rotatable reflector that refracts or reflects light, thereby forming a longer optical path while performing an optical image stabilization operation.

[0008] The reflector can be provided in a reflection module. The reflector can be rotated by the reflection module, and when the current applied to the actuator is restored after driving and rotating the reflection module by the actuator, the reflection module can be set while rotating.

[0009] The above information is presented as background information only to help understand 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

[0010] The Summary of the Invention section is intended to introduce, in brief form, a selection of concepts that will be 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.

[0011] In a first aspect, a camera module includes a housing; a reflection module disposed in the housing and configured to receive light in a first direction; and a yoke disposed in the housing, wherein the reflection module includes: a magnet disposed on a lower portion of the reflection module; and a ball member disposed between the reflection module and the housing and configured to support rotation of the reflection module, wherein, when the reflection module is in an intermediate position, a portion of the magnet is disposed in a manner that does not overlap with the yoke in the first direction.

[0012] The magnet may include a first driving magnet and a second driving magnet, and the first driving magnet and the second driving magnet are spaced apart from each other while the ball member is interposed therebetween.

[0013] When the reflection module rotates from the intermediate position, the magnetic force acting between the first driving magnet and the yoke in a direction perpendicular to the first direction may be inversely proportional to the magnetic force acting between the second driving magnet and the yoke in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0014] When the reflection module rotates from the intermediate position, the magnetic force acting between the magnet and the yoke may change.

[0015] When the reflection module is in the intermediate position, a first portion of the first driving magnet may overlap with a first portion of the yoke in the first direction, and a first portion of the second driving magnet may overlap with a second portion of the yoke in the first direction.

[0016] The yoke may include a main body and a first extension portion and a second extension portion respectively protruding from the main body, and the ball member may be disposed between the first extension portion and the second extension portion.

[0017] The magnet may include a first driving magnet and a second driving magnet, and the first driving magnet and the second driving magnet are spaced apart from each other while the ball member is interposed therebetween. A first portion of the first driving magnet may overlap with the first extension portion in the first direction, and a first portion of the second driving magnet may overlap with the second extension portion in the first direction.

[0018] The magnet may include a first driving magnet and a second driving magnet, and the first driving magnet and the second driving magnet are spaced apart from each other while the ball member is interposed therebetween. When the reflection module is in the intermediate position, an end portion of the first driving magnet may be spaced apart from an end portion of the first extension portion in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and an end portion of the second driving magnet may be spaced apart from an end portion of the second extension portion in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0019] When the reflection module rotates, when the area where the first extension portion and the first driving magnet overlap with each other decreases, the area where the second extension portion and the second driving magnet overlap with each other may increase.

[0020] The yoke may have a "U" shape.

[0021] In general, the camera module includes: a housing; a reflection module disposed in the housing and configured to receive light in a first direction; a yoke disposed in the housing; a magnet disposed on a lower portion of the reflection module; and a ball member disposed between the reflection module and the housing and configured to support rotation of the reflection module, wherein when the reflection module is in an intermediate position, an entirety of the magnet overlaps with the yoke in the first direction, and one end of the magnet partially overlaps with an edge portion of the yoke in the first direction.

[0022] The magnet may include a first driving magnet and a second driving magnet, and the first driving magnet and the second driving magnet are spaced apart from each other while the ball member is interposed therebetween.

[0023] When the reflection module rotates from the intermediate position, a magnetic force acting between the first driving magnet and the yoke in a direction perpendicular to the first direction may be inversely proportional to a magnetic force acting between the second driving magnet and the yoke in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0024] The yoke may include a main body, a first extension portion and a second extension portion respectively protruding from the main body, and the ball member may be disposed between the first extension portion and the second extension portion.

[0025] When the reflection module rotates, when an overlapping area between the first extension portion and the first driving magnet decreases, an overlapping area between the second extension portion and the second driving magnet may increase.

[0026] When the reflection module rotates clockwise, one end of the first driving magnet may be closer to the main body in the clockwise direction, and one end of the second driving magnet may be farther from the main body in the clockwise direction.

[0027] In general, the camera module includes: a housing; a reflection module disposed in the housing; a first driving magnet and a second driving magnet respectively disposed on a lower portion of the reflection module; and a yoke disposed in the housing to face the first driving magnet and the second driving magnet in a first axial direction, wherein when the reflection module is disposed in a first position, a first end of the first driving magnet substantially overlaps with a first end of the yoke, and a first end of the second driving magnet substantially overlaps with a second end of the yoke, wherein when the reflection module rotates in a first rotation direction, an overlapping area between the yoke and the first driving magnet decreases, and an overlapping area between the yoke and the second driving magnet increases, and wherein when the reflection module rotates in a second rotation direction, an overlapping area between the yoke and the first driving magnet increases, and an overlapping area between the yoke and the second driving magnet decreases.

[0028] The first rotation direction may be a clockwise direction, and the second rotation direction may be a counterclockwise direction.

[0029] When the reflection module is disposed at the first position, the magnetic force between the yoke and the first drive magnet is substantially equal to the magnetic force between the yoke and the second drive magnet.

[0030] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary camera module in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of some components in an exemplary camera module in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown.

[0033] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary camera module in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown.

[0034] Figure 4 A plan view of an exemplary camera module with the shield removed therefrom is shown.

[0035] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a reflection module disposed in a housing is shown.

[0036] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the reflection module viewed from different angles is shown.

[0037] Figure 7 An arrangement structure of magnets, ball members, and a yoke when the reflection module is disposed at an intermediate position in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown.

[0038] Figure 8 An arrangement structure of magnets, ball members, and a yoke when the reflection module rotates in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown.

[0039] Figure 9 An arrangement structure of magnets, ball members, and a yoke when the reflection module is disposed at an intermediate position in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown.

[0040] Figure 10 An arrangement structure of magnets, ball members, and a yoke when the reflection module rotates in accordance with one or more embodiments is shown.

[0041] 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 descriptions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed implementation manners

[0042] The following detailed implementation manners are provided to assist readers in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalent solutions of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations described herein and / or the order of operations described herein are merely examples, and are not limited to the order set forth herein except for the order of operations and / or the order of operations that must occur in a specific sequence, but can be changed, which will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. As another example, the order of operations and / or the order of operations can be performed in parallel, except for at least a part of the order of operations and / or the order of operations that must occur in a sequence (e.g., a specific sequence). Additionally, descriptions of features that are known after understanding the disclosure of this application may be omitted for greater clarity and conciseness.

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

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

[0045] 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 words "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. By way of non-limiting example, the words "comprising", "including", and "having" state the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, or the presence of alternative stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof. Additionally, while one embodiment may state that the words "comprising", "including", and "having" state the presence of the 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 absent.

[0046] 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. Phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C" are intended to have a disjunctive meaning, and such phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" also include examples where one or more of A, B, and C can be present (e.g., any combination of one or more of A, B, and C), unless the corresponding description and embodiment require the enumeration (e.g., "at least one of A, B, and C") to be interpreted as having a conjunctive meaning.

[0047] The features described herein may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. On the contrary, the examples described herein are provided only to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application. In this document, the phrase "may" is used with respect to an example or embodiment (e.g., with respect to what an example or embodiment may include or implement) to mean that there is at least one example or embodiment in which such a feature is included or implemented, and not all examples or embodiments are so limited. The phrases "example" or "embodiment" used herein have the same meaning (e.g., the phrase "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 may provide such a camera module in which, when the current applied to the actuator is restored after the actuator drives and rotates the reflection module, the reflection module can return to its initial intermediate position without a separate power source.

[0049] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary camera module is shown; Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of some components in the exemplary camera module is shown; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the exemplary camera module is shown; and Figure 4 A plan view of the exemplary camera module with the shield or cover removed therefrom is shown.

[0050] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the camera module 1 may include a housing 10, a reflection module 20, a lens module 30, an image sensor 40, and a shield or cover 50.

[0051] The camera module 1 may include the lens module 30. The lens module 30 may have an optical axis different from the optical axis of the light incident on the camera module 1. That is, referring to Figure 3 , the first optical axis O1 refers to the optical axis of the light incident from an external object on the reflection module 20 provided in the camera module 1, and the second optical axis O2 refers to the optical axis of the light incident on the lens module 30 provided in the housing 10.

[0052] The light incident on the reflection module 20 from the outside along the first optical axis O1 may pass through the lens module 30 along the second optical axis O2 and reach the image sensor 40. The first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2 may not be parallel to each other. That is, the first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2 may be substantially perpendicular to each other, and the angle between these optical axes is not limited thereto.

[0053] The lens module 30 can be disposed in the housing 10 and is movable relative to the image sensor 40. The lens module 30 can move back and forth along the second optical axis O2.

[0054] The lens module 30 can move back and forth along the second optical axis O2 to perform an autofocus operation of the camera module 1.

[0055] The reflection module 20 can be accommodated in the internal space of the housing 10 and can change the path of light incident on the reflection module 20. In an example, the reflection module 20 can include at least some of a reflection member 210 that changes the light path, a component that supports and drives the reflection member 210, and a bracket 220 that houses these components.

[0056] The reflection member 210 of the reflection module 20 can change the traveling path of light by refracting or reflecting the light, and can be, for example, a prism or a mirror that changes the light path by refracting or reflecting the light.

[0057] The reflection member 210 can refract the light incident from the outside and change the path of the light toward the lens module 30. That is, the reflection member 210 can 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 3 shown, the light incident on the reflection module 20 from the outside of the camera module 1 can change its traveling path while passing through the reflection module 20 to be incident on the lens module 30. The light incident on the lens module 30 can be appropriately refracted while passing through the lens module 30 to be incident on the image sensor 40.

[0058] In an example, the reflection member 210 can rotate or move in the housing 10. The path of the light can be appropriately changed based on the rotation or movement of the reflection member 210. The camera module 1 can perform an optical image stabilization operation by rotating or moving the reflection member 210.

[0059] The reflection member 210 can have a plurality of rotation axes to rotate in different directions. For example, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the reflection member 210 can rotate about a first rotation axis R1 parallel to the first optical axis O1. Alternatively, the reflection member 210 can also rotate about a second rotation axis R2 perpendicular to both the first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2. By this rotation, the reflection member 210 can change the traveling path of the light to be substantially parallel to the second optical axis O2.

[0060] In the following description, the first rotation axis R1 may also be simply referred to as the "first axis", and the second rotation axis R2 may also be simply referred to as the "second axis". That is, unless otherwise specified as an "optical axis", the "first axis or second axis" may be understood as the "first rotation axis or second rotation axis" of the reflection module 20.

[0061] In addition, an axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 may be defined as the "third axis". In the example, the second optical axis O2 may be substantially parallel to the third axis.

[0062] The camera module 1 may include an image sensor 40, and light passing through the reflection module 20 and the lens module 30 is incident on the image sensor 40. The image sensor 40 may convert the incident light into image information. The image sensor 40 may have a light collecting surface facing the exit surface of the lens module 30 and may generate an electrical signal corresponding to the light incident from the lens module 30.

[0063] The image sensor 40 may be accommodated in the housing 10 or may be provided outside the housing 10.

[0064] A filtering unit that filters at least some of the light incident from the lens module 30 may be provided in front of the image sensor 40. The filtering unit may include a filter (e.g., an infrared (IR) cut-off filter) that can block light of a specific wavelength. Alternatively, the filtering unit may include a light blocking member (e.g., a baffle) that blocks at least some of the light incident from the lens module 30.

[0065] The housing 10 may have an internal space to accommodate at least one of the reflection module 20, the lens module 30, and the image sensor 40. The housing 10 may be made of a material having a predetermined rigidity to protect the components accommodated therein. In the example, the housing 10 may be a box-shaped member with an open top. However, the material or shape of the housing 10 is not limited thereto.

[0066] The camera module 1 may include a shielding cover 50 covering the top of the housing 10. The shielding cover 50 may cover the open top of the housing 10 to protect the components in the housing 10 from the external environment. The shielding cover 50 may include an opening 510 through which incident light passes. External light may enter the reflection module 20 through the opening 510.

[0067] Figure 3 and Figure 4It is shown that the lens module 30 and the reflection module 20 are accommodated in a housing 10, which is only an example. In the example, the lens module 30 and the reflection module 20 can be respectively accommodated in a plurality of housings configured as different parts, and then assembled together to form the entire camera module 1. The image sensor 40 can also be disposed in a housing separated from the housing of the reflection module 20 or the lens module 30. In this example, each individual part can be defined as a lens module assembly, a reflection module assembly, or an image sensor assembly. That is to say, the camera module 1 can include a reflection module assembly including the reflection module 20, a lens module assembly including one or more lens modules 30, and an image sensor assembly.

[0068] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6 the reflection module 20 included in the camera module 1 will be described in detail. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the reflection module 20 disposed in the housing; and Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the reflection module 20 disposed in the housing 10 viewed from different angles.

[0069] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the reflection module 20 can include a reflection member 210 that is accommodated in the housing 10 and changes the optical path. The reflection member 210 can include an incident surface 2110 and an exit surface 2130. Light can be incident on the incident surface 2110 through the opening 510 of the shielding cover 50, and light can be emitted through the exit surface 2130.

[0070] The reflection member 210 can move in the housing 10. For example, the reflection member 210 can rotate about different rotation axes R1 and R2.

[0071] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the reflection module 20 can include a reflection member 210 that changes the optical path, and a reflection bracket 2210 and a rotation bracket 2220 that support the reflection member 210 to make the reflection member 210 movable.

[0072] The reflection member 210 can change the traveling path of light by refracting or reflecting the incident light.

[0073] The reflective member 210 may include an incident surface 2110 on which light is incident, a reflective surface 2120 on which the light is reflected, and an exit surface 2130 from which the reflected light is emitted. For example, light incident on the incident surface 2110 in a first direction (Z-axis direction) may be reflected from the reflective surface 2120 and emitted in a second direction (Y-axis direction). The reflective surface 2120 may be disposed parallel to a third direction (X-axis direction). In the example, the first direction (Z-axis direction) may be substantially parallel to a first optical axis O1, the light is incident on the reflective member 210 along the first optical axis O1, the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be substantially parallel to a second optical axis O2 of the lens module 30, and the third direction (X-axis direction) may be substantially perpendicular to both the first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2.

[0074] The reflective member 210 may include a light-blocking portion 2111, and the light-blocking portion 2111 reduces flare by blocking unnecessary light. For example, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the light-blocking portion 2111 that blocks unnecessary light may be provided at an edge of the exit surface 2130 of the reflective member 210. However, the position of the light-blocking portion 2111 is not limited thereto, and it may be provided on the incident surface 2110. Additionally, although not shown in the drawings, a light-blocking member that performs an operation similar to that of the light-blocking portion 2111 and is separate from the light-blocking portion 2111 may be provided while being spaced apart from the reflective member 210.

[0075] The reflective member 210 may be disposed in a reflective bracket 2210. The reflective bracket 2210 may support the reflective member 210 and may be rotated or moved. For example, the reflective bracket 2210 may rotate about a second rotation axis R2 passing through at least two ball members 2530, and thus, the reflective member 210 disposed in the reflective bracket 2210 may also rotate together.

[0076] The reflection module 20 may further include a rotating bracket 2220 that supports the reflective bracket 2210 to enable the reflective bracket 2210 to be movable or rotatable. The rotating bracket 2220 may rotate or move relative to the housing 10 while supporting the reflective bracket 2210 to enable the reflective bracket 2210 to be rotatable. For example, the reflective bracket 2210 may be rotatably supported by the rotating bracket 2220 while a rotation axis is formed by at least two ball members 2530 and the at least two ball members 2530 are interposed between the reflective bracket 2210 and the rotating bracket 2220.

[0077] The rotating bracket 2220 can be supported by the housing 10 while at least one of the ball members 2510 and 2520 is interposed between the rotating bracket 2220 and the housing 10, and can thus rotate relative to the housing 10 about another rotation axis formed by at least one of the ball members 2510 and 2520. To distinguish the respective rotation axes, in the following description, the rotation axis of the rotating bracket 2220 is referred to as the first rotation axis R1, and the rotation axis of the reflecting bracket 2210 is referred to as the second rotation axis R2.

[0078] In the reflection module 20 according to one or more embodiments, the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 can be different from each other. For example, the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 can be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0079] The first rotation axis R1 can pass through the incident surface 2110 and the reflection surface 2120 of the reflecting member 210. The second rotation axis R2 can be substantially parallel to the reflection surface 2120 of the reflecting member 210. For example, the second rotation axis R2 can be provided on the reflection surface 2120, or can be parallel to the reflection surface 2120 while having a predetermined distance from the reflection surface 2120.

[0080] In the reflection module 20, the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 can 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 can be provided on the reflection surface 2120 of the reflecting member 210, or can be provided adjacent to the reflection surface 2120.

[0081] When the reflection module 20 is in the intermediate position, the incident surface 2110 of the reflecting member 210 can be substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis O1, light is incident along the first optical axis O1 through the opening 510 of the shielding cover 50, and the exit surface 2130 of the reflecting member 210 can be substantially perpendicular to the second optical axis O2 of the lens module 30. In this example, the first rotation axis R1 of the reflection module 20 can be substantially coincident with the first optical axis O1, light is incident on the reflecting member 210 along the first optical axis O1, and the second rotation axis R2 of the reflection module 20 can be perpendicular to both the first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2. Additionally, 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 can be located on the reflection surface 2120 of the reflecting member 210.

[0082] In one or more examples, the reflection module 20 can include a driving unit 230 that drives the rotating bracket 2220.

[0083] The driving unit 230 may include a coil 231 and a magnet 232. In an example, the driving unit 230 may rotate the rotary bracket 2220 based on the electromagnetic interaction between the coil 231 and the magnet 232 facing each other. In an example, the coil 231 included in the driving unit 230 may be referred to as a driving coil, and the magnet 232 included in the driving unit 230 may be referred to as a driving magnet.

[0084] In the camera module 1, the driving magnet and the driving coil may be respectively disposed on two members performing relative movement. In an example, the driving magnet may be disposed on the rotary bracket 2220, and the driving coil may be disposed in the housing 10.

[0085] The driving unit 230 may include a position sensor 233 that detects the amount of movement of the magnet 232. In an example, the driving unit 230 may include a position sensor 233 facing the magnet 232. The position sensor 233 may be disposed around the coil 231 and parallel to the coil 231, or may be disposed in the coil 231.

[0086] At the intermediate position (or original position) of the reflection module 20, the position sensor 233 may face the neutral region of the magnet 232. In an example, the neutral region of the magnet 232 may indicate the boundary region between two different polarities (e.g., north (N) pole and south (S) pole).

[0087] In an example, a yoke 240 may be disposed in the housing 10 and may face the magnet 232 in a first direction. In an example, as Figure 6 shown, the yoke 240 may be disposed on the lower surface of the housing 10 and may overlap the magnet 232 in the first direction. An attractive force may act between the yoke 240 and the magnet 232. Accordingly, the reflection module 20 may be pulled toward the lower surface of the housing 10 by the yoke 240.

[0088] Hereinafter, the specification describes in detail the rotary bracket 2220 included in the reflection module 20.

[0089] The reflection module 20 may include a rotary bracket 2220 that is rotatable relative to the housing 10. The rotary bracket 2220 may rotate relative to the housing 10 while supporting the reflection bracket 2210 and the reflection member 210 such that the reflection bracket 2210 and the reflection member 210 are rotatable. In an example, the rotary bracket 2220 may rotate about a first rotation axis R1, and thus, the reflection member 210 may also rotate about the first rotation axis R1 together with the rotary bracket 2220.

[0090] A plurality of ball members 250 may be disposed between the rotary bracket 2220 and the housing 10 and may support the rotary bracket 2220 such that the rotary bracket 2220 is rotatable.

[0091] The plurality of ball members 250 may include a first ball member 2510 that forms a rotation axis (hereinafter referred to as the first rotation axis R1) of the rotation bracket 2220, and at least one guide ball member 2520 that assists the stable rotation of the rotation bracket 2220.

[0092] The first ball member 2510 may form the first rotation axis R1 during in-situ rotation while being fixed in position relative to the housing 10. Therefore, the first rotation axis R1 may pass through the first ball member 2510.

[0093] The first rotation axis R1 may be substantially coincident with the first optical axis O1 along which light is incident on the reflection module 20. Therefore, an imaginary line extending along the first optical axis O1 may pass through the first ball member 2510.

[0094] One or more guide ball members 2520 may be provided in the reflection module 20. In an example, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the reflection module 20 may include two guide ball members 2520 spaced apart from the first ball member 2510. The guide ball member 2520 may perform a rolling motion relative to the housing 10 or the rotation bracket 2220, and may support the rotation bracket 2220 to allow the rotation bracket 2220 to rotate while maintaining a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the housing 10.

[0095] A driving force for rotating the rotation bracket 2220 may be generated by the driving unit 230. In an example, the driving unit 230 may include magnets 232, coils 231, and a yoke 240 separately provided in the rotation bracket 2220 and the housing 10, and may generate a driving force based on the electromagnetic interaction between the magnets 232 and the coils 231.

[0096] The magnets 232 and the coils 231 may face each other in a first direction (Z-axis direction). In an example, the first direction (Z-axis direction) may be a direction substantially parallel to the first rotation axis R1, which is the rotation axis of the rotation bracket 2220.

[0097] The magnet 232 may face the coil 231 on the lower surface of the rotation bracket 2220. The magnet 232 may have different polarities magnetized in sequence in the rotation direction of the rotation bracket 2220. For example, the surface of the first driving magnet 2321 or the second driving magnet 2322 facing the coil 231 may have an N pole, a neutral region, and an S pole formed in sequence in the rotation direction of the rotation bracket 2220.

[0098] The driving unit 230 may include a position sensor 233 that detects the position of the magnet 232. The position sensor 233 may be a magnetic sensor disposed inside or outside the coil 231. In a non-limiting example, the position sensor 233 may include a Hall sensor. The position sensor 233 may detect the movement amount of the magnet 232 by detecting a change in the magnetic flux passing through the position sensor 233.

[0099] Specification reference Figures 7 to 10 The structures and operations of the magnet and the yoke are described. Figure 7 and Figure 8 are views of the structures and operations of the magnet and the yoke according to one or more embodiments; and Figure 9 and Figure 10 are views of the structures and operations of the magnet and the yoke according to one or more embodiments.

[0100] Figure 7 Illustrates an example in which the reflection module 20 is in an intermediate position (or original position) according to one or more embodiments, and Figure 8 Illustrates an example in which the reflection module 20 rotates according to one or more embodiments.

[0101] Figure 9 Illustrates an example in which the reflection module 20 is in an intermediate position according to one or more embodiments, and Figure 10 Illustrates an example in which the reflection module 20 rotates according to one or more embodiments.

[0102] The magnet 232 may be disposed on the lower surface of the reflection module 20. The magnet 232 may include a first driving magnet 2321 and a second driving magnet 2322. The first driving magnet 2321 and the second driving magnet 2322 may be spaced apart from each other while the first ball member 2510 is interposed therebetween.

[0103] The yoke 240 may be disposed in the housing 10. The yoke 240 may be spaced apart from the rotary bracket 2220 in a first direction. In an example, the yoke 240 may have a flat shape. In an example, the yoke 240 may be made of metal. The yoke 240 may be a metal material attracted by a magnetic field. The yoke 240 may include a main body 241, a first extension 242, and a second extension 243.

[0104] The first extension 242 may protrude from the main body 241. The second extension 243 may protrude from the main body 241. The first extension 242 and the second extension 243 may be spaced apart from each other. That is, a space may be provided between the first extension 242 and the second extension 243. The yoke 240 may have a shape approaching a "V" shape or a "U" shape.

[0105] The first ball member 2510 may be disposed in the space between the first extension portion 242 and the second extension portion 243. The first ball member 2510 may support the rotation of the reflection module 20. The reflection member 210 may rotate while the first ball member 2510 serves as its rotation center.

[0106] The end of the first extension portion 242 may be referred to as the first edge 2421 of the yoke 240, and the end of the second extension portion 243 may be referred to as the second edge 2431 of the yoke 240.

[0107] Referring Figure 7 , the specification describes the structure in which the reflection module 20 according to one or more embodiments is disposed at an intermediate position (or an original pre-rotation position).

[0108] At the intermediate position (or pre-rotation position), the first driving magnet 2321 may face the yoke 240. That is, the first driving magnet 2321 may overlap the yoke 240 in the first direction. Specifically, the first driving magnet 2321 may overlap the first extension portion 242 of the yoke 240 in the first direction. However, a part (e.g., the first part) of the first driving magnet 2321 may overlap a part of the yoke 240 in the first direction. That is, another part (e.g., the second part) of the first driving magnet 2321 may not overlap the yoke 240 in the first direction. Therefore, the end of the first driving magnet 2321 may be spaced apart from the first edge 2421 of the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0109] At the intermediate position, the second driving magnet 2322 may face the yoke 240. That is, the second driving magnet 2322 may overlap the yoke 240 in the first direction. Specifically, the second driving magnet 2322 may overlap the second extension portion 243 of the yoke 240 in the first direction. However, a part of the second driving magnet 2322 may overlap a part of the yoke 240 in the first direction. That is, another part of the second driving magnet 2322 may not overlap the yoke 240 in the first direction. Therefore, the end of the second driving magnet 2322 may be spaced apart from the second edge 2431 of the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0110] At the intermediate position, magnetic attraction or magnetic force may act between the first driving magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. In addition, magnetic attraction may act between the second driving magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. However, the magnetic attraction acting between the first driving magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 and the magnetic attraction acting between the second driving magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 are balanced. Therefore, the reflection module 20 may be disposed at the intermediate position without rotation.

[0111] Referring to Figure 8 , the specification describes the structure when the reflection module 20 rotates according to one or more embodiments.

[0112] In Figure 8 , the first drive magnet 2321 and the second drive magnet 2322 shown in solid lines show an example in which the reflection module 20 rotates clockwise, and the first drive magnet 2321 and the second drive magnet 2322 shown in dashed lines show an example in which the reflection module 20 rotates counterclockwise.

[0113] When the reflection module 20 rotates clockwise, the area where the first drive magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 face each other can decrease. On the contrary, the area where the second drive magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 face each other can increase. That is, when the reflection module 20 rotates, when the area where the first extension 242 and the first drive magnet 2321 overlap each other in the first direction decreases, the area where the second extension 243 and the second drive magnet 2322 overlap each other in the first direction can increase.

[0114] Therefore, the magnetic attraction force acting between the first drive magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 and the magnetic attraction force acting between the second drive magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 can have different magnitudes and directions. In other words, the attraction force acting between the first drive magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 can be inversely proportional to the attraction force acting between the second drive magnet 2322 and the yoke 240.

[0115] Specifically, when the reflection module 20 rotates clockwise, the magnetic attraction force acting between the first drive magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction can be greater than the magnetic attraction force acting between the second drive magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, when no current is applied to the coil 231 after the reflection module 20 rotates clockwise, the reflection module 20 can rotate counterclockwise based on the magnetic attraction force.

[0116] When the reflection module 20 rotates counterclockwise, the area where the first drive magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 face each other can increase. On the contrary, the area where the second drive magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 face each other can decrease.

[0117] Therefore, the magnetic attraction force acting between the first drive magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 and the magnetic attraction force acting between the second drive magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 can have different magnitudes and directions.

[0118] Specifically, when the reflection module 20 rotates counterclockwise about the first rotation axis R1, the magnetic attraction force acting between the second driving magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction can be greater than the magnetic attraction force acting between the first driving magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, when no current is applied to the coil 231 after the reflection module 20 rotates counterclockwise, the reflection module 20 can rotate clockwise based on the magnetic attraction force.

[0119] According to one or more embodiments, when no current is applied to the coil 231 after the reflection module 20 rotates, the reflection module 20 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise based on the magnetic attraction force acting between the first driving magnet 2321 and the second driving magnet 2322 and the yoke 240, and thus the reflection module 20 can return to the intermediate position.

[0120] Refer to Figure 9 , the specification describes the structure of the reflection module 20 arranged at the intermediate position according to one or more embodiments.

[0121] At the intermediate position, the first driving magnet 2321 can face the yoke 240. That is, the first driving magnet 2321 can overlap with the yoke 240 in the first direction. Specifically, the first driving magnet 2321 can overlap with the first extension portion 242 of the yoke 240 in the first direction. That is, the entire first driving magnet 2321 can overlap with the yoke 240 in the first direction. In addition, one end of the first driving magnet 2321 can be arranged adjacent to the edge of the yoke 240. Specifically, one end of the first driving magnet 2321 can partially overlap with the edge of the yoke 240 in the first direction. In other words, the end of the first driving magnet 2321 can overlap with the first edge 2421 of the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0122] At the intermediate position, the second driving magnet 2322 can face the yoke 240. That is, the second driving magnet 2322 can overlap with the yoke 240 in the first direction. Specifically, the second driving magnet 2322 can overlap with the second extension portion 243 of the yoke 240 in the first direction. The entire second driving magnet 2322 can overlap with the yoke 240 in the first direction. In addition, the end of the second driving magnet 2322 can overlap with the second edge 2431 of the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0123] The magnetic attraction force acting between the first driving magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 and the magnetic attraction force acting between the second driving magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 are balanced. Therefore, the reflection module 20 can be arranged at the intermediate position without rotation.

[0124] Refer toFigure 10 The specification describes the structure when the reflection module 20 rotates according to one or more embodiments.

[0125] In Figure 10 , the first drive magnet 2321 and the second drive magnet 2322 shown in solid lines illustrate an example in which the reflection module 20 rotates clockwise, and the first drive magnet 2321 and the second drive magnet 2322 shown in dashed lines illustrate an example in which the reflection module 20 rotates counterclockwise.

[0126] When the reflection module 20 rotates clockwise about the first rotation axis R1, the area where the first drive magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 face each other can decrease. Conversely, the area where the second drive magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 face each other can increase. In this example, the end of the first drive magnet 2321 can move farther away from the main body 241 of the yoke 240 clockwise, and the end of the second drive magnet 2322 can move closer to the main body 241 of the yoke 240 clockwise.

[0127] Therefore, the magnetic attraction force acting between the first drive magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 and the magnetic attraction force acting between the second drive magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 can have different magnitudes and directions. In other words, the attraction force acting between the first drive magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 can be inversely proportional to the attraction force acting between the second drive magnet 2322 and the yoke 240.

[0128] Specifically, when the reflection module 20 rotates clockwise, the magnetic attraction force acting between the first drive magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction can be greater than the magnetic attraction force acting between the second drive magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, when no current is applied to the coil 231 after the reflection module 20 rotates clockwise, the reflection module 20 can rotate counterclockwise based on the magnetic attraction force.

[0129] When the reflection module 20 rotates counterclockwise, the area where the first drive magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 face each other can increase. Conversely, the area where the second drive magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 face each other can decrease.

[0130] When the reflection module 20 rotates, when the area where the first extension 242 and the first drive magnet 2321 overlap each other in the first direction decreases, the area where the second extension 243 and the second drive magnet 2322 overlap each other in the first direction can increase.

[0131] The end of the first drive magnet 2321 can move closer to the main body 241 of the yoke 240 counterclockwise, and the end of the second drive magnet 2322 can move farther away from the main body 241 of the yoke 240 counterclockwise.

[0132] Therefore, the magnetic attraction force acting between the second driving magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 and the magnetic attraction force acting between the first driving magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 can have different magnitudes and directions.

[0133] Specifically, when the reflection module 20 rotates counterclockwise, the magnetic attraction force acting between the second driving magnet 2322 and the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction can be greater than the magnetic attraction force acting between the first driving magnet 2321 and the yoke 240 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, when no current is applied to the coil 231 after the reflection module 20 rotates counterclockwise, the reflection module 20 can rotate clockwise based on the magnetic attraction force.

[0134] According to one or more embodiments, when no current is applied to the coil 231 after the reflection module 20 rotates, the reflection module 20 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise based on the magnetic attraction forces acting between the first driving magnet 2321 and the second driving magnet 2322 and the yoke 240, and the reflection module 20 can thus return to the intermediate position.

[0135] As described above, according to one or more embodiments, by disposing lens modules in front of and behind the reflection module, a camera module with more lens modules can be provided without increasing the total length.

[0136] According to one or more embodiments, a reflection module and a camera module including the reflection module that can accurately detect the amount of motion of a moving object even when an external shock is applied thereto can be provided.

[0137] 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 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 the 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 manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents.

[0138] Therefore, in addition to the above disclosure and all the drawings disclosure, the scope of the present disclosure also includes the claims and their equivalents, that is, all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Camera module, including: case; a reflection module, disposed in the housing and configured to receive light in a first direction; an image sensor configured to convert light passing through the reflective module into image information; as well as a magnetic yoke disposed in the housing, Wherein, the reflection module comprises: a magnet disposed on a lower portion of the reflection module, and a ball member disposed between the reflection module and the housing and configured to support the rotation of the reflection module, Wherein, when the reflection module is in the middle position, a portion of the magnet is arranged in a manner not to overlap with the magnetic yoke in the first direction.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The magnets include a first driving magnet and a second driving magnet which are spaced apart from each other while the ball member is interposed therebetween.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: When the reflection module rotates from the middle position, a magnetic force acting between the first driving magnet and the yoke in a direction perpendicular to the first direction is inversely proportional to a magnetic force acting between the second driving magnet and the yoke in the direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: When the reflection module rotates from the middle position, the magnetic force acting between the magnet and the yoke changes.

5. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: When the reflection module is in the middle position, the first portion of the first driving magnet overlaps with the first portion of the yoke in the first direction, and A first portion of the second driving magnet overlaps a second portion of the yoke in the first direction.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The yoke includes a main body and first and second extending portions respectively protruding from the main body, and The ball member is disposed between the first extension portion and the second extension portion.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein: The magnets include a first drive magnet and a second drive magnet, the first drive magnet and the second drive magnet being spaced apart from each other while the ball member is interposed therebetween, a first portion of the first driving magnet overlaps the first extending portion in the first direction, and A first portion of the second driving magnet overlaps the second extending portion in the first direction.

8. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein: The magnets include a first driving magnet and a second driving magnet, the first driving magnet and the second driving magnet being spaced apart from each other while the ball member is interposed therebetween, and When the reflection module is in the middle position, the end portion of the first driving magnet is spaced apart from the end portion of the first extending portion in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and An end portion of the second driving magnet is spaced apart from an end portion of the second extending portion in the direction perpendicular to the first direction.

9. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein: When the reflection module rotates, as the area in which the first extending portion and the first driving magnet overlap each other decreases, the area in which the second extending portion and the second driving magnet overlap each other increases.

10. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The yoke has a "U" shape.

11. Camera module, including: case; a reflection module, disposed in the housing and configured to receive light in a first direction; an image sensor configured to convert light passing through the reflective module into image information; A magnetic yoke, disposed in the housing; a magnet, disposed on a lower portion of the reflection module; as well as a ball member disposed between the reflection module and the housing and configured to support the rotation of the reflection module, wherein, when the reflection module is in the middle position, the entirety of the magnet overlaps with the magnetic yoke in the first direction, and One end portion of the magnet partially overlaps an edge of the yoke in the first direction.

12. The camera module according to claim 11, wherein: The magnets include a first driving magnet and a second driving magnet which are spaced apart from each other while the ball member is interposed therebetween.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein: When the reflection module rotates from the middle position, a magnetic force acting between the first driving magnet and the yoke in a direction perpendicular to the first direction is inversely proportional to a magnetic force acting between the second driving magnet and the yoke in the direction perpendicular to the first direction.

14. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein: The yoke includes a main body and first and second extending portions respectively protruding from the main body, and The ball member is disposed between the first extension portion and the second extension portion.

15. The camera module according to claim 14, wherein: When the reflection module rotates, as the area in which the first extending portion and the first driving magnet overlap each other decreases, the area in which the second extending portion and the second driving magnet overlap each other increases.

16. The camera module according to claim 14, wherein: When the reflection module rotates clockwise, one end of the first driving magnet is closer to the main body in the clockwise direction, and one end of the second driving magnet is farther away from the main body in the clockwise direction.

17. Camera module, including: case; A reflection module is arranged in the housing; an image sensor configured to convert light passing through the reflective module into image information; A first driving magnet and a second driving magnet are respectively disposed on a lower portion of the reflection module; as well as a yoke disposed in the housing to face the first drive magnet and the second drive magnet in a first direction, Wherein, when the reflection module is set at the first position, the first end of the first driving magnet overlaps with the first end of the magnetic yoke, and the first end of the second driving magnet overlaps with the second end of the magnetic yoke, wherein, when the reflection module rotates in a first rotation direction, an overlapping area between the magnetic yoke and the first driving magnet decreases, and an overlapping area between the magnetic yoke and the second driving magnet increases, and Wherein, when the reflection module rotates in the second rotation direction, the overlapping area between the magnetic yoke and the first driving magnet increases, and the overlapping area between the magnetic yoke and the second driving magnet decreases.

18. The camera module according to claim 17, wherein: The first rotation direction is clockwise, and the second rotation direction is counterclockwise.

19. The camera module according to claim 17, wherein: When the reflection module is disposed at the first position, a magnetic force between the yoke and the first driving magnet is equal to a magnetic force between the yoke and the second driving magnet.

Images