Camera module

Abstract

A camera module is provided. The camera module includes: a housing; a rotation bracket supported by the housing and configured to rotate together with the reflection member; and a first plurality of ball members disposed between the housing and the rotary bracket. The housing and the rotary bracket respectively have guide grooves that receive a first set of ball members of the first plurality of ball members. A first group of guide grooves among the guide grooves includes a plurality of partition walls protruding toward an inner space of the first group of guide grooves and disposed to be spaced apart from each other in an extending direction of the first group of guide grooves.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0186321, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 19, 2023. For all purposes, the entire disclosure of the Korean patent application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The following description relates to a camera module. Background Art

[0004] Camera modules are applied to mobile communication terminals such as, but not limited to, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), and laptop computers. An autofocus (AF) function and an optical image stabilization (OIS) function have been implemented in camera modules provided in mobile communication terminals.

[0005] In a camera module including a reflective member, the OIS function can be implemented by rotating the reflective member (or a structure including the reflective member) about two axes perpendicular to the optical axis relative to the housing.

[0006] For example, a ball member can be provided between a carrier portion on which the reflective member is mounted and the housing. The ball member can be disposed in receiving grooves provided in the carrier portion and the housing, and when the carrier portion moves relative to the housing, the ball member can move in a rolling motion in the receiving grooves while assisting the carrier portion to move relative to the housing. Additionally, the receiving grooves can be formed to have a width that does not limit the moving direction of the ball member, such that the ball member moves in a smooth rolling motion.

[0007] However, in the above - described structure of the receiving grooves, when the ball member is at a specific position in the receiving grooves, the ball member may no longer move in a rolling motion in the moving direction but may slide, which can impede the movement of the carrier portion.

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

[0009] The present Summary of the Invention section is intended to introduce, in a brief form, a selection of concepts that will be further described in the Detailed Description section below. The present 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 assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] In general, the camera module includes a housing; a rotating bracket supported by the housing and configured to rotate together with a reflecting member; and a first plurality of ball members disposed between the housing and the rotating bracket, wherein the housing and the rotating bracket respectively have guiding grooves that accommodate a first group of ball members among the first plurality of ball members, and the first group of guiding grooves among the guiding grooves includes a plurality of partition walls that protrude toward the inner space of the first group of guiding grooves and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the first group of guiding grooves.

[0011] The guiding grooves may include: a first guiding groove disposed on the rotating bracket and extending substantially in the rotating direction of the rotating bracket; and a second guiding groove disposed on the housing to correspond to the first guiding groove, wherein the first guiding groove may include a plurality of partition walls.

[0012] The plurality of partition walls may include a first partition wall and a second partition wall that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the first guiding groove, and a first distance between a first point of the first partition wall that contacts a ball member accommodated in the first guiding groove and a second point of the second partition wall that contacts the ball member accommodated in the first guiding groove may be less than the diameter of the ball member accommodated in the first guiding groove.

[0013] The plurality of partition walls may further include a third partition wall arranged to face a separation space formed between the first partition wall and the second partition wall.

[0014] A second distance between the first point of the first partition wall and the second point of the second partition wall and a third point of the third partition wall that contacts the ball member accommodated in the first guiding groove may be less than the diameter of the ball member accommodated in the first guiding groove.

[0015] The third point may be disposed at a substantially central portion of the third partition wall.

[0016] A third distance between the first point of the first partition wall and the second point of the second partition wall and a fourth point of a side surface of the first guiding groove that faces the first partition wall and the second partition wall and contacts the ball member accommodated in the first guiding groove may be less than the diameter of the ball member accommodated in the first guiding groove.

[0017] The first plurality of ball members may include: a rotating shaft ball forming the rotating shaft of the rotating bracket; and a plurality of guiding balls disposed at intervals from the rotating shaft ball and accommodated in the guiding grooves.

[0018] The camera module may further include: a reflecting bracket supported by a rotating bracket and configured to rotate together with a reflecting member; and a second plurality of ball members disposed between the rotating bracket and the reflecting bracket, wherein the rotating bracket and the reflecting bracket may each be configured to rotate about axes perpendicular to each other.

[0019] A first group of ball members among the first plurality of ball members may be disposed between a first guiding groove and a second guiding groove, and the number of contact points between the first group of ball members among the first plurality of ball members and the first guiding groove may be greater than the number of contact points between the first group of ball members among the first plurality of ball members and the second guiding groove.

[0020] In general, the camera module includes: a rotating bracket received in a housing and configured to rotate about a first axis; a plurality of ball members disposed between the housing and the rotating bracket; and a first guiding groove receiving a first group of ball members among the plurality of ball members and extending in a substantially rotating direction of the rotating bracket, wherein the first guiding groove has a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to each other and extending in the rotating direction of the rotating bracket, and a third side surface and a fourth side surface located in the rotating direction of the rotating bracket and connecting the first side surface and the second side surface to each other, and during rotation of the rotating bracket, the first group of ball members are received in the first guiding groove and contact at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface and are disposed spaced apart from the third side surface and the fourth side surface.

[0021] At least one of the first side surface and the second side surface may include a partition wall protruding toward the inner space of the first guiding groove, and the first group of ball members may contact the partition wall.

[0022] One of the first side surface and the second side surface may include a first partition wall and a second partition wall, and the first partition wall and the second partition wall are disposed spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the first guiding groove.

[0023] The other of the first side surface and the second side surface may include a third partition wall disposed opposite to a separation space formed between the first partition wall and the second partition wall.

[0024] The distance between a first point of the first partition wall contacting the first group of ball members and a second point of the second partition wall contacting the first group of ball members, the distance between the first point of the first partition wall and a third point of the third partition wall contacting the first group of ball members, and the distance between the second point of the second partition wall and the third point of the third partition wall may be respectively less than the diameter of the first group of ball members.

[0025] The distance between a first point of the first partition wall in contact with the first set of spherical members and a second point of the second partition wall in contact with the first set of spherical members, the distance between the first point of the first partition wall and a fourth point of the first guiding groove in contact with the first set of spherical members on a side surface opposite to the first and second partition walls, and the distance between the second point of the second partition wall and the fourth point of the first guiding groove on the side surface opposite to the first and second partition walls are each less than the diameter of the first set of spherical members.

[0026] The housing may have a second guiding groove that is opposite to the first guiding groove and houses the first set of spherical members, and the second guiding groove may have a cross-sectional shape that is different from the cross-sectional shape of the first guiding groove in at least one direction.

[0027] The number of contact points between the first set of spherical members and the first guiding groove may be greater than the number of contact points between the first set of spherical members and the second guiding groove.

[0028] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the exemplary camera module with the housing separated in

[0032] Figure 4 A perspective view of a first lens module and a reflection module coupled to a housing according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 A perspective view of a first lens module and a reflection module coupled to each other according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of a first lens module and a reflection module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0035] Figure 7 A bottom exploded perspective view of a first lens module and a reflection module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0036] Figure 8 Shows a cross-sectional view taken along line Figure 4 I-I' of

[0037] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' Figure 4 of.

[0038] Figure 10 shows a bottom view of a rotating bracket according to one or more embodiments.

[0039] Figure 11 shows an enlarged view of a first guiding groove provided in the rotating bracket according to one or more embodiments.

[0040] Figure 12 shows a view of a guiding groove provided in another rotating bracket according to one or more embodiments.

[0041] Figure 13A and Figure 13B are views of the positions of guiding balls when the rotating bracket rotates according to one or more embodiments.

[0042] Figure 14 shows an exploded perspective view of a second lens module according to one or more embodiments.

[0043] Figure 15 shows an exploded bottom perspective view of the second lens module according to one or more embodiments.

[0044] Figure 16 is a view of a plate separated from a housing according to one or more embodiments.

[0045] Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For clarity, illustration, and convenience purposes, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scales, and descriptions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Description

[0046] The following specific embodiments are provided to assist the reader in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, devices, 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 the 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, and 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 portion 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 known after understanding the disclosure of this application may be omitted for greater clarity and conciseness.

[0047] 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 referred to in these examples can also be referred to as the second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0048] Additionally, terms such as "upper side", "upper portion", "lower side", "lower portion", "side surface", "front surface", "rear surface", etc. are described based on the directions shown in the drawings, and can be differently described when the orientation of the corresponding object changes.

[0049] 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 described previously.

[0050] 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. As non-limiting examples, 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The features described herein may be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Instead, 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 term "may" when used with respect to an example or embodiment (e.g., with respect to what an example or embodiment may include or implement) means that there is at least one example or embodiment in which such a feature is included or implemented, while all examples or embodiments are not so limited. The terms "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").

[0053] One or more examples may provide a camera module having an improved optical image stabilization function, and more particularly, a camera module having improved driving stability when the yaw axis of the reflecting member rotates.

[0054] According to one or more examples, the rolling motion of the ball member may be unobstructed, thereby improving the optical image stabilization performance of the camera module.

[0055] As used herein, the first axis or the first axis direction may refer to the X-axis or the X-axis direction in the drawings, the second axis or the second axis direction may refer to the Y-axis or the Y-axis direction in the drawings, and the optical axis (third axis) or the optical axis direction (third axis direction) may refer to the Z-axis or the Z-axis direction in the drawings. Additionally, the first axis may be an axis perpendicular to the optical axis, and the second axis may be an axis perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axis.

[0056] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0057] Figure 1 The camera module 100 shown in may be applied to portable electronic devices such as, but not limited to, mobile communication terminals, smartphones, tablet PCs, etc. Several types of camera modules may be applied to portable electronic devices, and Figure 1 the camera module 100 shown in may be one of several types of camera modules.

[0058] Figure 1 The camera module 100 shown in may be disposed in a portable electronic device such that the height direction (Y-axis direction) of the camera module 100 is parallel to the thickness direction of the portable electronic device. Accordingly, light reflected from an external body may be incident on the camera module 100 in a direction parallel to the height direction (Y-axis direction) of the camera module 100.

[0059] Figure 2 Is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments. Figure 3 Is Figure 1 A perspective view of the exemplary camera module with the housing separated in

[0060] Referring to Figures 2 to 3 , the camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments may include a housing 1100, a housing 1200, a plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000, a reflection module 3000, and an image sensor 5000.

[0061] The housing 1100 and the housing 1200 may form the appearance of the camera module 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 1100 may have a quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) box shape including an internal space, and the housing 1200 may be coupled to the housing 1100 to cover the internal space.

[0062] The housing 1200 may protect the components disposed in the housing 1100. Additionally, the housing 1200 may shield electromagnetic waves. Accordingly, in an example, the housing 1200 may be formed of a metallic material.

[0063] The plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000, the reflection module 3000, and the image sensor 5000 may all be disposed in the housing 1100. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 and the reflection module 3000 may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing 1100, and the image sensor 5000 may be coupled to the outside (outer surface) of the housing 1100 through a filter unit 6000. In another exemplary embodiment, the image sensor 5000 may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing 1100.

[0064] The plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 may include a first lens module 2000 and a second lens module 4000 having different optical axes. The reflection module 3000 that changes the path of the incident light may be disposed between the first lens module 2000 and the second lens module 4000.

[0065] The reflection module 3000 may change the path of the incident light from the direction of the optical axis of the first lens module 2000 (hereinafter referred to as the first optical axis) (L1 direction) to the direction of the optical axis of the second lens module 4000 (hereinafter referred to as the second optical axis) (L2 direction). The first optical axis direction (L1 direction) and the second optical axis direction (L2 direction) may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0066] Referring to Figure 3, light reflected from an external object (hereinafter referred to as incident light) can enter the first lens module 2000 through the opening 1210 of the housing 1200. The incident light can pass through the first lens module 2000 and can sequentially pass through the reflection module 3000 disposed below the first lens module 2000 and the second lens module 4000 located on the changed path to enter the image sensor 5000.

[0067] The image sensor 5000 can convert the incident light into an electrical signal. The electrical signal converted by the image sensor 5000 can be output as an image through the display device of the portable electronic device.

[0068] The image sensor 5000 can be mounted on a printed circuit board and can be electrically connected to the printed circuit board.

[0069] A filter unit 6000 can be provided in front of the image sensor 5000 to filter light having a specific wavelength in the light passing through the second lens module 4000. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the filter unit 6000 can be an infrared blocking filter that blocks light having an infrared wavelength.

[0070] The camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments can have an optical image stabilization (OIS) function and an autofocus (AF) function.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the OIS function of the camera module 100 can be achieved by rotating the first lens module 2000 and the reflection module 3000 about two rotation axes (hereinafter referred to as the first axis (X axis) and the second axis (Y axis)) perpendicular to the second optical axis L2 (hereinafter referred to as the optical axis (Z axis)). The first axis (X axis) and the second axis (Y axis) can be perpendicular to each other. In addition, the AF function of the camera module 100 can be achieved by moving the second lens module 4000 in the optical axis direction (Z axis direction).

[0072] In addition, in another exemplary embodiment, the camera module 100 can also have a zoom function. For example, to achieve the zoom function, the second lens module 4000 can include a plurality of lens barrels or lens mounts, and the zoom function can be achieved by moving at least some of the lens barrels or lens mounts among the plurality of lens barrels or lens mounts in the optical axis direction (Z axis direction).

[0073] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first lens module and the reflection module coupled to the housing according to one or more embodiments. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first lens module and the reflection module coupled to each other according to one or more embodiments.

[0074] The first lens module 2000 and the reflection module 3000 may each include optical elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the first lens module 2000 may include at least one lens, and the reflection module 3000 may include a reflection member 3100.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first lens module 2000 and the reflection module 3000 may be received in the internal space of the housing 1100 in a state where the first lens module 2000 and the reflection module 3000 are coupled to each other. Accordingly, when the camera module 100 performs OIS, the first lens module 2000 and the reflection module 3000 may rotate together about a first axis (X-axis) and a second axis (Y-axis).

[0076] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a first lens module and a reflection module according to one or more embodiments. Figure 7 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a first lens module and a reflection module according to one or more embodiments. Figure 8 is along Figure 4 sectional view taken along line I-I'. Figure 9 is along Figure 4 sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0077] The first lens module 2000 may include a first lens barrel 2100 on which at least one lens is mounted.

[0078] The reflection module 3000 may include a reflection bracket 3200 on which the reflection member 3100 is mounted and a rotation bracket 3300 that supports the reflection bracket 3200.

[0079] The first lens barrel 2100 may be coupled to the upper side of the reflection bracket 3200.

[0080] The reflection member 3100 may be mounted in the reflection bracket 3200. The reflection member 3100 may change the path of incident light. In an exemplary embodiment, by way of example, the reflection member 3100 may be a mirror or a prism. The reflection member 3100 may have a reflection surface that reflects incident light to change the path of the incident light. The center of the reflection surface may generally correspond to the first optical axis L1 of the first lens module 2000.

[0081] The reflection bracket 3200 may rotate about a first axis (X-axis) as a rotation axis. The reflection member 3100 and the first lens module 2000 may rotate together with the reflection bracket 3200.

[0082] The reflection bracket 3200 can rotate while being supported by the rotary bracket 3300. A first ball set 3430 that forms the rotation axis (i.e., the first axis (X-axis)) of the reflection bracket 3200 can be provided between the reflection bracket 3200 and the rotary bracket 3300.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, the first ball set 3430 can include at least two ball members that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The first axis (X-axis) can generally pass through the center of the reflection surface.

[0084] The rotary bracket 3300 can rotate using the second axis (Y-axis) as the rotation axis. The reflection bracket 3200 can rotate together with the rotary bracket 3300, and accordingly, components that rotate together with the reflection bracket 3200 (i.e., the reflection member 3100 and the first lens module 2000) can also rotate together with the rotary bracket 3300.

[0085] The rotary bracket 3300 can rotate while being supported by the housing 1100. A second ball set 3410 and 3420 can be provided between the rotary bracket 3300 and the housing 1100.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the second ball set 3410 and 3420 can include one rotation axis ball 3410 that forms the second axis (Y-axis) (i.e., the rotation axis of the rotary bracket 3300) and a plurality of guide balls 3420 (3421 and 3422) that stably support the rotation of the rotary bracket 3300.

[0087] The second axis (Y-axis) can pass through the rotation axis ball 3410. The second axis (Y-axis) can be generally parallel to the first optical axis L1, such that the center of at least one lens and the reflection surface can be provided on the second axis (Y-axis). One or more guide balls 3420 can be provided, and one or more guide balls 3420 can be arranged to be spaced apart from the rotation axis ball 3410.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the first axis (X-axis) (i.e., the rotation axis of the reflection bracket 3200) and the second axis (Y-axis) (i.e., the rotation axis of the rotary bracket 3300) can intersect with each other, and the intersection point thereof can be located on the reflection surface of the reflection member 3100 (substantially the center of the reflection surface).

[0089] The reflection module 3000 can include a first driving unit 3230 and a second driving unit 3330. The first driving unit 3230 generates a driving force that causes the reflection bracket 3200 to rotate about the first axis (X-axis), and the second driving unit 3330 generates a driving force that causes the rotary bracket 3300 to rotate about the second axis (Y-axis).

[0090] The first driving unit 3230 may include a first driving magnet 3231 and a first driving coil 3232.

[0091] The first driving magnet 3231 may be disposed in the reflection bracket 3200. In an exemplary embodiment, the reflection bracket 3200 may include an extension portion 3210 extending into the space between the rotation bracket 3300 and the housing 1100. The extension portion 3210 may be a portion of the reflection bracket 3200 opposite to one side surface of the housing 1100. The first driving magnet 3231 may be disposed in the extension portion 3210 of the reflection bracket 3200.

[0092] The first driving coil 3232 may be disposed in the housing 1100. Specifically, since the plate 7000 on which the first driving coil 3232 is mounted is coupled to the housing 1100, the first driving coil 3232 may be disposed in the housing 1100.

[0093] The first driving magnet 3231 and the first driving coil 3232 may face each other when disposed in the reflection bracket 3200 and the housing 1100, respectively.

[0094] The first driving magnet 3231 may be a moving member disposed in the reflection bracket 3200, the moving member may rotate together with the reflection bracket 3200, and the first driving coil 3232 may be a fixed member fixedly disposed in the housing 1100, but one or more examples are not limited thereto, and the positions of the first driving magnet 3231 and the first driving coil 3232 may be interchanged.

[0095] When power is applied to the first driving coil 3232, the reflection bracket 3200 may rotate about the first axis (X-axis) due to the driving force generated by the electromagnetic interaction between the first driving coil 3232 and the first driving magnet 3231.

[0096] A first ball set 3430 that supports the rotation of the reflection bracket 3200 while forming a rotation axis may be disposed between the reflection bracket 3200 and the rotation bracket 3300.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the first ball set 3430 may include two ball members 3431 and 3432, and the two ball members 3431 and 3432 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The reflection member 3100 may be disposed between the two ball members 3431 and 3432.

[0098] The reflection bracket 3200 and the rotation bracket 3300 may respectively have receiving grooves 3220 and 3310 that receive a part of the two ball members 3431 and 3432.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the reflection bracket 3200 may have two first receiving grooves 3220 that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a first axis direction (X-axis direction), and the rotation bracket 3300 may have two second receiving grooves 3310 that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first axis direction (X-axis direction).

[0100] Two ball members 3431 and 3432 may form a first axis (X-axis) while being rotatable in place when received in the first receiving groove 3220 and the second receiving groove 3310.

[0101] At least one of the first receiving groove 3220 and the second receiving groove 3310 may support the ball member at at least three points. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the two first receiving grooves 3220 and the two second receiving grooves 3310 may have three inclined surfaces, and the other groove may have at least two inclined surfaces. In other words, at least one of the two ball members 3431 and 3432 may be supported by at least one of the first receiving groove 3220 and the second receiving groove 3310 at three points.

[0102] The first receiving groove 3220 and the second receiving groove 3310 may face each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). To prevent the two ball members 3431 and 3432 disposed between the first receiving groove 3220 and the second receiving groove 3310 from coming off, the reflection bracket 3200 may be supported by the rotation bracket 3300 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0103] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 and, the reflection bracket 3200 may be supported by the rotation bracket 3300 based on the magnetic force generated between a pair of magnetic bodies 3240 and 3340.

[0104] A pair of magnetic bodies 3240 and 3340 may include a first magnetic body 3240 provided in the reflection bracket 3200 and a second magnetic body 3340 provided in the rotation bracket 3300. The first magnetic body 3240 and the second magnetic body 3340 may be arranged to face each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the first magnetic body 3240 may be a traction yoke, and the second magnetic body 3340 may be a traction magnet. A magnetic attraction force may be formed between the first magnetic body 3240 and the second magnetic body 3340 in the opposite direction. Accordingly, the reflection bracket 3200 may be supported by the rotation bracket 3300 to be in close contact with the rotation bracket 3300 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the two ball members 3431 and 3432 are interposed between the reflection bracket 3200 and the rotation bracket 3300.

[0106] The first yoke 3234 can be disposed on the rear surface of the board 7000 on which the first drive coil 3232 is mounted. The first yoke 3234 can be disposed opposite to the first drive magnet 3231, and the first drive coil 3232 is interposed between the first yoke 3234 and the first drive magnet 3231.

[0107] The first yoke 3234 can have a function of concentrating the magnetic force of the first drive magnet 3231.

[0108] In addition, the first position sensor 3233 for sensing the position of the first drive magnet 3231 can be mounted on the board 7000. The first position sensor 3233 can be disposed inside or outside the first drive coil 3232, and one or more first position sensors 3233 can be provided.

[0109] The first position sensor 3233 can be a magnetic sensor, for example, a Hall sensor. The first position sensor 3233 can be disposed opposite to the first drive magnet 3231, and can sense the change in magnetic flux to sense the movement amount of the first drive magnet 3231.

[0110] The second drive unit 3330 can include a second drive magnet 3331 and a second drive coil 3332.

[0111] The second drive magnet 3331 can be disposed in the rotary bracket 3300. In an exemplary embodiment, the second drive magnet 3331 can be disposed on the bottom surface of the rotary bracket 3300.

[0112] The second drive coil 3332 can be disposed in the housing 1100. Specifically, since the board 7000 on which the second drive coil 3332 is mounted is coupled to the housing 1100, the second drive coil 3332 can be disposed in the housing 1100.

[0113] The second drive magnet 3331 and the second drive coil 3332 can be opposite to each other in a state of being respectively disposed in the rotary bracket 3300 and the housing 1100.

[0114] The second drive magnet 3331 can be a moving member disposed in the rotary bracket 3300, the moving member can rotate together with the rotary bracket 3300, and the second drive coil 3332 can be a fixed member fixedly disposed in the housing 1100, but one or more examples are not limited thereto, and the positions of the second drive magnet 3331 and the second drive coil 3332 can be interchanged.

[0115] When power is applied to the second driving coil 3332, the rotating bracket 3300 can rotate about the second axis (Y-axis) due to the driving force generated by the electromagnetic interaction between the second driving coil 3332 and the second driving magnet 3331.

[0116] The second ball sets 3410 and 3420 that support the rotation of the rotating bracket 3300 while forming the rotating axis can be disposed between the rotating bracket 3300 and the housing 1100.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, the second ball sets 3410 and 3420 may include one rotating axis ball 3410 through which the second axis (Y-axis) passes and two guide balls 3420 (3421 and 3422) disposed to be spaced apart from the one rotating axis ball 3410.

[0118] The rotating bracket 3300 and the housing 1100 may respectively have receiving grooves 3321 and 1120 that accommodate a part of the one rotating axis ball 3410.

[0119] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating bracket 3300 may have a third receiving groove 3321 at a position where the second axis (Y-axis) passes, and the housing 1100 may have a fourth receiving groove 1120 at a position where the second axis (Y-axis) passes.

[0120] One rotating axis ball 3410 may form the second axis (Y-axis) while rotating in place in a state of being received in the third receiving groove 3321 and the fourth receiving groove 1120.

[0121] At least one of the third receiving groove 3321 and the fourth receiving groove 1120 may support the rotating axis ball 3410 at at least three points so that the position of the rotating axis ball 3410 can be fixed. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the third receiving groove 3321 and the fourth receiving groove 1120 may have three inclined surfaces, and the rotating axis ball 3410 may be supported by the points in contact with each inclined surface.

[0122] In addition, the rotating bracket 3300 and the housing 1100 may respectively have guide grooves 3323 and 1130 that accommodate a part of the two guide balls 3421 and 3422.

[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating bracket 3300 may have two first guide grooves 3323 disposed to be spaced apart from the third receiving groove 3321, and the housing 1100 may have two second guide grooves 1130 disposed to be spaced apart from the fourth receiving groove 1120.

[0124] Two guide balls 3421 and 3422 can guide the rotation of the rotary bracket 3300 while moving in a rolling motion in the rotation direction of the rotary bracket 3300 in a state of being accommodated in the first guide groove 3323 and the second guide groove 1130.

[0125] The first guide groove 3323 and the second guide groove 1130 may be in a form extending in the moving direction of the two guide balls 3421 and 3422. In an exemplary embodiment, the first guide groove 3323 and the second guide groove 1130 may be in the form of a curve or a straight line extending substantially in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the second axis (Y-axis) (or the rotary axis ball 3410) (i.e., in the rotation direction of the rotary bracket 3300).

[0126] Figure 10 is a bottom view of a rotary bracket according to one or more embodiments. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of a first guide groove provided in a rotary bracket according to one or more embodiments. Figure 12 is a view of a guide groove provided in another rotary bracket according to one or more embodiments. Figure 13A and Figure 13B is a view of the positions of the guide balls when the rotary bracket rotates according to one or more embodiments.

[0127] The bottom surface of the rotary bracket 3300 may have a third accommodation groove 3321 that accommodates a part of one rotary axis ball 3410 and two first guide grooves 3323 that respectively accommodate a part of the two guide balls 3421 and 3422. In an exemplary embodiment, the first guide groove 3323 may be in the form of a straight line extending in the approximate rotation direction of the rotary bracket 3300, and the two guide balls 3421 and 3422 may move in a rolling motion in the extending direction of the first guide groove 3323.

[0128] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 and, the first guide groove 3323 may include a plurality of partition walls 3325 protruding toward the inner space that accommodates the guide balls 3421 and 3422. The plurality of partition walls 3325 may have a function of restricting the moving range of the guide balls 3421 and 3422 in the first guide groove 3323. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of partition walls 3325 may be separately installed in the first guide groove 3323, or may be a part of the first guide groove 3323.

[0129] In the example, two or more partition walls 3325 may be provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the first guide groove 3323 may include a first partition wall 3325a, a second partition wall 3325b, and a third partition wall 3325c.

[0130] The first partition wall 3325a, the second partition wall 3325b, and the third partition wall 3325c may be provided on two side surfaces facing each other (e.g., two side surfaces extending in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the first guiding groove 3323). In an exemplary embodiment, the first partition wall 3325a and the second partition wall 3325b may be provided on one side surface (the first side surface S1) of the two side surfaces extending in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the first guiding groove 3323, and the third partition wall 3325c may be provided on the other side surface (the second side surface S2) of the two side surfaces. The first partition wall 3325a and the second partition wall 3325b may be provided on one side surface of the first guiding groove 3323 and spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the first guiding groove 3323. The third partition wall 3325c may be provided on the other side surface of the first guiding groove 3323 at a position opposite to the separation space 3326 formed between the first partition wall 3325a and the second partition wall 3325b which are spaced apart from each other.

[0131] According to an example, the two guiding balls 3421 and 3422 may be located in the region surrounded by the first partition wall 3325a, the second partition wall 3325b, and the third partition wall 3325c of the first guiding groove 3323. Specifically, even when the positions of the guiding balls 3421 and 3422 change as the rotating bracket 3300 rotates, the centers of the two guiding balls 3421 and 3422 may be located in the region surrounded by the first partition wall 3325a, the second partition wall 3325b, and the third partition wall 3325c. Accordingly, even when the guiding balls 3421 and 3422 roll in the first guiding groove 3323 in the direction of rotation of the rotating bracket 3300 during the rotation of the rotating bracket 3300, the guiding balls 3421 and 3422 may not contact the two side surfaces (the third side surface S3 and the fourth side surface S4) located in the direction of rotation of the rotating bracket 3300. That is, the plurality of partition walls 3325 may have a function of restricting the movement range of the guiding balls 3421 and 3422 such that the guiding balls 3421 and 3422 do not contact the two side surfaces (the third side surface S3 and the fourth side surface S4).

[0132] Reference Figure 11, the distance d1 between the protruding portion (first point) of the first partition wall 3325a and the protruding portion (second point) of the second partition wall 3325b can be shorter or smaller than the radius r of the guide balls 3421 and 3422. In the example, the distance d1 between the protruding portion (first point) of the first partition wall 3325a and the protruding portion (second point) of the second partition wall 3325b can be shorter or smaller than the diameters of the guide balls 3421 and 3422. In the example, the protruding portions of the first partition wall 3325a and the second partition wall 3325b can be the portions that form contact points with the guide balls 3421 and 3422. Additionally, the distance d2 between the respective protruding portions of the first partition wall 3325a and the second partition wall 3325b and the protruding portion (third point) of the third partition wall 3325c can also be shorter or smaller than the diameters of the guide balls 3421 and 3422. In the example, the protruding portion (third point) of the third partition wall 3325c can be the portion that forms contact points with the guide balls 3421 and 3422 and can be the substantially central portion of the protruding portion of the third partition wall 3325c.

[0133] Accordingly, when the guide balls 3421 and 3422 are received in the first guide groove 3323, the guide balls 3421 and 3422 can always remain in contact with at least one of the first partition wall 3325a, the second partition wall 3325b, and the third partition wall 3325c. In the example, the guide balls 3421 and 3422 can form contact with the third partition wall 3325c, can form contact with the first partition wall 3325a and the second partition wall 3325b simultaneously, or can form contact with the first partition wall 3325a and the third partition wall 3325c (or the second partition wall 3325b and the third partition wall 3325c) simultaneously.

[0134] In an exemplary embodiment, when the rotating bracket 3300 rotates about the second axis (Y-axis), the guide balls 3421 and 3422 can contact the first partition wall 3325a and the third partition wall 3325c simultaneously, or can contact the second partition wall 3325b and the third partition wall 3325c simultaneously.

[0135] Reference Figure 13A, when the rotating bracket 3300 rotates counterclockwise (clockwise based on the drawings) about the second axis (Y-axis), the two guide balls 3421 and 3422 can move in a rolling motion when contacting the second partition wall 3325b and the third partition wall 3325c. Specifically, when the rotation starts, the guide balls 3421 and 3422 can contact at least one of the first partition wall 3325a, the second partition wall 3325b, and the third partition wall 3325c. However, as the guide balls 3421 and 3422 move in the rotation direction, the guide balls 3421 and 3422 can contact the second partition wall 3325b and the third partition wall 3325c. The distance between the contact point between the guide balls 3421 and 3422 and the second partition wall 3325b and the contact point between the guide balls 3421 and 3422 and the third partition wall 3325c can be shorter or smaller than the diameter of the guide balls 3421 and 3422. Accordingly, the guide balls 3421 and 3422 can remain in contact with the second partition wall 3325b and the third partition wall 3325c during rotation, thereby preventing the guide balls 3421 and 3422 from hitting the side surface (e.g., the third side surface S3) in the rotation direction and preventing the guide balls 3421 and 3422 from sliding without further rolling.

[0136] Reference Figure 13B , when the rotating bracket 3300 rotates clockwise (counterclockwise based on the drawings) about the second axis (Y-axis), the two guide balls 3421 and 3422 can move in a rolling motion while contacting the first partition wall 3325a and the third partition wall 3325c. As described above, the guide balls 3421 and 3422 can remain in contact with the first partition wall 3325a and the third partition wall 3325c during rotation, thereby preventing the guide balls 3421 and 3422 from hitting the side surface (e.g., the fourth side surface S4) in the rotation direction and preventing the guide balls 3421 and 3422 from sliding without further rolling.

[0137] In another exemplary embodiment, the first guide groove 3323 can include two partition walls.

[0138] Reference Figure 12 , the first guide groove 3323 can include the first partition wall 3325a and the second partition wall 3325b, and the third partition wall 3325c can be omitted (as Figure 11as shown in). In this example, the first partition wall 3325a and the second partition wall 3325b can be formed to protrude further into the inner space of the first guiding groove 3323, thereby restricting the movement range of the guiding balls 3421 and 3422. In the example, the protruding portions of the first partition wall 3325a and the second partition wall 3325b and the other side surface (second side surface S2) of the first guiding groove 3323 opposite to the first partition wall 3325a and the second partition wall 3325b (specifically, the portion (fourth point) where the guiding balls 3421 and 3422 form contact points, which can be the approximate central portion of the other side surface) The distance d3 between them can be shorter or smaller than the diameters of the guiding balls 3421 and 3422.

[0139] According to an exemplary embodiment, the two guiding balls 3421 and 3422 can strike a plurality of partition walls 3325 provided at positions where a small driving load occurs, rather than the side surface of the first guiding groove 3323 in the rotational direction, and accordingly can roll while contacting the plurality of partition walls 3325, thereby reducing the driving power.

[0140] Since the first guiding groove 3323 includes a plurality of partition walls 3325, the first guiding groove 3323 and the second guiding groove 1130 can have different cross-sections. In the example, the cross-sections of the first guiding groove 3323 and the second guiding groove 1130 can have different shapes in the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0141] The first guiding groove 3323 can include a plurality of partition walls 3325 such that the cross-section of the first guiding groove 3323 can have a width narrower than the width of the cross-section of the second guiding groove 1130. In an exemplary embodiment, a part of the guiding balls 3421 and 3422 accommodated in the first guiding groove 3323 can contact the bottom surface of the first guiding groove 3323 while contacting at least one of the first partition wall 3325a, the second partition wall 3325b, and the third partition wall 3325c. That is, the guiding balls 3421 and 3422 can contact the first guiding groove 3323 at at least two points. Conversely, the guiding balls 3421 and 3422 can contact the bottom surface of the second guiding groove 1130 and can contact the second guiding groove 1130 at one point.

[0142] According to the above exemplary embodiment, when the rotating bracket 3300 rotates, the moving amounts of the two guiding balls 3421 and 3422 moving in a rolling motion relative to the rotating bracket 3300 and the moving amounts of the two guiding balls 3421 and 3422 moving in a rolling motion relative to the housing 1100 can be different from each other. For example, the moving amounts of the guiding balls 3421 and 3422 on one side of the rotating bracket 3300 including a plurality of partition walls 3325 can be relatively restricted. Accordingly, the two guiding balls 3421 and 3422 can more stably support the movement of the rotating bracket 3300.

[0143] The first guiding groove 3323 and the second guiding groove 1130 may include a reinforcing portion formed of a metallic material. For example, the reinforcing portion may be integrally formed with the rotating bracket 3300 and the housing 1100 formed of a plastic material by double injection molding.

[0144] A part of the reinforcing portion may be exposed through the bottom surfaces of the first guiding groove 3323 and the second guiding groove 1130, and accordingly, the guiding balls 3421 and 3422 accommodated between the first guiding groove 3323 and the second guiding groove 1130 may contact the reinforcing portion. The metallic material may have relatively high strength. Accordingly, even when the guiding balls 3421 and 3422 roll while contacting the reinforcing portion, the guiding balls 3421 and 3422 are less likely to be deformed and damaged, thereby ensuring driving stability.

[0145] The third accommodating groove 3321 and the fourth accommodating groove 1120 may face each other in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction), and the first guiding groove 3323 and the second guiding groove 1130 may face each other in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction). In order to prevent the rotating shaft ball 3410 disposed between the third accommodating groove 3321 and the fourth accommodating groove 1120 and the guiding ball 3420 disposed between the first guiding groove 3323 and the second guiding groove 1130 from coming off, the rotating bracket 3300 may be supported by the housing 1100 in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0146] The second yoke 3334 may be disposed on the rear surface of the plate 7000 on which the second driving coil 3332 is mounted. The second yoke 3334 may be disposed opposite to the second driving magnet 3331, and the second driving coil 3332 is inserted between the second yoke 3334 and the second driving magnet 3331.

[0147] The second yoke 3334 may have a function of concentrating the magnetic force of the second driving magnet 3331.

[0148] In addition, the second yoke 3334 may form a magnetic attraction force with the second driving magnet 3331. The magnetic attraction force may be formed between the second yoke 3334 and the second driving magnet 3331 in opposite directions. Accordingly, the rotating bracket 3300 may be supported by the housing 1100 to be in close contact with the housing 1100 in the second axis direction (Y-axis direction), and the second ball sets 3410 and 3420 may be interposed between the rotating bracket 3300 and the housing 1100.

[0149] In addition, a second position sensor 3333 for sensing the position of the second driving magnet 3331 may be mounted on the board 7000. The second position sensor 3333 may be disposed inside or outside the second driving coil 3332, and one or more second position sensors 3333 may be provided.

[0150] The second position sensor 3333 may be a magnetic sensor, for example, a Hall sensor. The second position sensor 3333 may be disposed opposite to the second driving magnet 3331 and may sense a change in magnetic flux to sense the movement amount of the second driving magnet 3331.

[0151] In an exemplary embodiment, the second driving magnet 3331 may include a magnet opposite to the second driving coil 3332 and a magnet opposite to the second position sensor 3333. That is, one of the second driving magnets 3331 may be a driving magnet, and the other may be a sensing magnet.

[0152] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a second lens module according to one or more embodiments. Figure 15 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a second lens module according to one or more embodiments.

[0153] The second lens module 4000 may include optical elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the second lens module 4000 may include at least one lens.

[0154] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 and, the second lens module 4000 may include a second lens barrel 4100 on which at least one lens is mounted and a lens bracket 4200 that houses the second lens barrel 4100. In an example, the second lens module 4000 may include one or more second lens barrels 4100 and / or lens brackets 4200. One of the second lens barrel 4100 and the lens bracket 4200 may be omitted.

[0155] The lens holder 4200 can move relative to the housing 1100 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The second lens barrel 4100 and at least one lens can move together with the lens holder 4200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0156] A third ball set 4600 for guiding the movement of the lens holder 4200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) can be disposed between the lens holder 4200 and the housing 1100. In a non-limiting example, the third ball set 4600 can include at least three ball members. Referring to the accompanying drawings, the third ball set 4600 can include four ball members 4610, 4620, 4630, and 4640.

[0157] The second lens module 4000 can include a third driving unit 4300 that generates a driving force to move the lens holder 4200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0158] The third driving unit 4300 can include a third driving magnet 4310 and a third driving coil 4320.

[0159] The third driving magnet 4310 can be disposed in the lens holder 4200. In an exemplary embodiment, the third driving magnet 4310 can be disposed on a side surface of the lens holder 4200.

[0160] The third driving coil 4320 can be disposed in the housing 1100. Specifically, since the plate 7000 on which the third driving coil 4320 is mounted is coupled to the housing 1100, the third driving coil 4320 can be disposed in the housing 1100.

[0161] The third driving magnet 4310 and the third driving coil 4320 can face each other when respectively disposed in the lens holder 4200 and the housing 1100.

[0162] The third driving magnet 4310 can be a moving member disposed in the lens holder 4200, and the moving member can move together with the lens holder 4200, and the third driving coil 4320 can be a fixed member fixedly disposed in the housing 1100. However, one or more examples are not limited thereto, and the positions of the third driving magnet 4310 and the third driving coil 4320 can be interchanged.

[0163] When power is applied to the third driving coil 4320, the lens holder 4200 can move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) due to the driving force generated by the electromagnetic interaction between the third driving coil 4320 and the third driving magnet 4310.

[0164] Four ball members 4610, 4620, 4630, and 4640 may be disposed between the lens holder 4200 and the housing 1100. The first side and the second side of the lens holder 4200 may be supported by two ball members spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), respectively.

[0165] The lens holder 4200 and the housing 1100 may respectively have guide grooves 4230 and 1140 that accommodate a part of the four ball members 4610, 4620, 4630, and 4640.

[0166] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens holder 4200 may have four third guide grooves 4230, and the four ball members 4610, 4620, 4630, and 4640 are respectively received in the four third guide grooves 4230, and the housing 1100 may have four fourth guide grooves 1140.

[0167] The third guide grooves 4230 and the fourth guide grooves 1140 may extend in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) such that the four ball members 4610, 4620, 4630, and 4640 move in a rolling motion in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0168] The four ball members 4610, 4620, 4630, and 4640 may contact the third guide grooves 4230 and the fourth guide grooves 1140 at two points or one point. At least one of the four ball members 4610, 4620, 4630, and 4640 may preferably be supported at two points by at least one of the third guide grooves 4230 and the fourth guide grooves 1140.

[0169] The first side and the second side of the lens holder 4200 may include extension portions 4210 that extend toward the image sensor 5000. In an exemplary embodiment, the third guide grooves 4230 may extend to the extension portions 4210 to extend the stroke of the second lens module 4000.

[0170] The third guide grooves 4230 and the fourth guide grooves 1140 may be opposite to each other in the second axis direction (Y-axis direction). To prevent the four ball members 4610, 4620, 4630, and 4640 disposed between the third guide grooves 4230 and the fourth guide grooves 1140 from coming off, the lens holder 4200 may be supported by the housing 1100 in the second axis direction (Y-axis direction).

[0171] The lens holder 4200 may be supported by the housing 1100 by the magnetic force generated between a pair of magnetic bodies 4510 and 4520.

[0172] A pair of magnetic bodies 4510 and 4520 may include a third magnetic body 4510 disposed in the lens holder 4200 and a fourth magnetic body 4520 disposed in the housing 1100. The third magnetic body 4510 and the fourth magnetic body 4520 may be arranged to face each other in the second axis direction (Y-axis direction).

[0173] In an exemplary embodiment, the third magnetic body 4510 may be a traction magnet, and the fourth magnetic body 4520 may be a traction yoke. A magnetic attraction force may be formed between the third magnetic body 4510 and the fourth magnetic body 4520 in opposite directions. Accordingly, the lens holder 4200 may be supported by the housing 1100 to be in close contact with the housing 1100 in the second axis direction (Y-axis direction), and four ball members 4610, 4620, 4630, and 4640 may be interposed between the lens holder 4200 and the housing 1100.

[0174] To stably support the lens holder 4200, the third magnetic body 4510 may be arranged to be located in a support area formed by the four ball members 4610, 4620, 4630, and 4640.

[0175] In an exemplary embodiment, the support area may have a quadrilateral shape with the four ball members 4610, 4620, 4630, and 4640 as vertices, and the third magnetic body 4510 may be disposed in the quadrilateral support area. Accordingly, the application point of the magnetic force formed between the third magnetic body 4510 and the fourth magnetic body 4520 may be located in the support area, and the lens holder 4200 may be stably supported by the housing 1100.

[0176] A third yoke 4340 may be provided on the rear surface of the plate 7000 on which the third drive coil 4320 is mounted (see Figure 16 ). The third yoke 4340 may be arranged to face the third drive magnet 4310, and the third drive coil 4320 may be interposed between the third yoke 4340 and the third drive magnet 4310.

[0177] The third yoke 4340 may have a function of concentrating the magnetic force of the third drive magnet 4310.

[0178] In addition, a third position sensor 4330 for sensing the position of the third drive magnet 4310 may be mounted on the plate 7000. The third position sensor 4330 may be provided inside or outside the third drive coil 4320, and one or more third position sensors 4330 may be provided.

[0179] As an example, the third position sensor 4330 may be a magnetic sensor, for example, a Hall sensor. The third position sensor 4330 may be arranged to face the third drive magnet 4310 and may sense a change in magnetic flux to sense the amount of movement of the third drive magnet 4310.

[0180] Figure 16 is a view of a plate separated from the housing according to one or more embodiments.

[0181] As Figure 16 shown, the plate 7000 may be coupled to the housing 1100. The plate 7000 may be coupled to side surfaces of the housing 1100 other than one side surface of the housing 1100 where the image sensor 5000 is provided and a part of the bottom surface of the housing 1100.

[0182] The first drive coil 3232, the second drive coil 3332, and the third drive coil 4320, and the first position sensor 3233, the second position sensor 3333, and the third position sensor 4330 included in the first drive unit 3230, the second drive unit 3330, and the third drive unit 4300 described above may be mounted on one surface of the plate 7000. Additionally, the first yoke 3234, the second yoke 3334, and the third yoke 4340 may be provided on the rear surface of the plate 7000.

[0183] The portion of the housing 1100 coupled to the plate 7000 may have through holes 1151, 1152, and 1153, and correspondingly, the first drive coil 3232, the second drive coil 3332, and the third drive coil 4320 provided on the plate 7000 may be exposed to the internal space of the housing 1100 and may be directly opposite the first drive magnet 3231, the second drive magnet 3331, and the third drive magnet 4310 provided in the reflection module 3000 and the second lens module 4000, respectively.

[0184] In an exemplary embodiment, the first drive coil 3232, the second drive coil 3332, and the third drive coil 4320 may be mounted on one plate 7000. In this example, the first drive coil 3232, the second drive coil 3332, and the third drive coil 4320 may be provided on different surfaces of the housing 1100 such that at least a part of the plate 7000 can be bent. However, in another exemplary embodiment, the first drive coil 3232, the second drive coil 3332, and the third drive coil 4320 may be mounted on different plates and coupled to the housing 1100.

[0185] 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 to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered to be applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Appropriate results may 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.

[0186] Accordingly, in addition to the foregoing disclosure and all figure disclosures, 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 rotating bracket, supported by the housing and configured to rotate together with the reflecting member; a first plurality of ball members disposed between the housing and the rotating bracket; as well as an image sensor configured to convert incident light into an electrical signal, wherein the housing and the rotating bracket respectively have guide grooves, the guide grooves accommodating a first group of ball members in the first plurality of ball members, and A first group of guide grooves among the guide grooves includes a plurality of partition walls that protrude toward an inner space of the first group of guide grooves and are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in an extending direction of the first group of guide grooves.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The guide groove comprises: A first guide groove is provided on the rotating bracket, wherein the first guide groove extends in a rotating direction of the rotating bracket; and a second guide groove, disposed on the housing to correspond to the first guide groove, Wherein, the first guide groove includes the plurality of partition walls.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of partition walls include a first partition wall and a second partition wall, the first partition wall and the second partition wall being disposed to be spaced apart from each other in an extending direction of the first guide groove, and A first distance between a first point of the first partition wall in contact with the ball member accommodated in the first guide groove and a second point of the second partition wall in contact with the ball member accommodated in the first guide groove is smaller than a diameter of the ball member accommodated in the first guide groove.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of partition walls further include a third partition wall disposed opposite to a separation space formed between the first partition wall and the second partition wall.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: A second distance between the first point of the first partition wall and the second point of the second partition wall and a third point of the third partition wall in contact with the ball member accommodated in the first guide groove is smaller than a diameter of the ball member accommodated in the first guide groove.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein: The third point is provided at a central portion of the third partition wall.

7. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein: A third distance between the first point of the first partition wall and the second point of the second partition wall and a fourth point of a side surface of the first guide groove opposite to the first partition wall and the second partition wall that contacts the ball member accommodated in the first guide groove is smaller than a diameter of the ball member accommodated in the first guide groove.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The first plurality of ball members comprises: A rotating shaft ball, forming a rotating shaft of the rotating bracket; and A plurality of guide balls are provided spaced apart from the rotation shaft ball and are accommodated in the guide groove.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: a reflective bracket supported by the rotating bracket and configured to rotate together with the reflective member; as well as A second plurality of ball members are disposed between the rotating support and the reflecting support, Wherein, the rotating bracket and the reflecting bracket are respectively configured to rotate around axes perpendicular to each other.

10. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The first group of ball members of the first plurality of ball members is disposed between the first guide groove and the second guide groove, and A number of contact points between the first group of ball members in the first plurality of ball members and the first guide groove is greater than a number of contact points between the first group of ball members in the first plurality of ball members and the second guide groove.

11. Camera module, including: a rotating bracket received in the housing and configured to rotate about a first axis; A plurality of ball members are disposed between the housing and the rotating bracket; a first guide groove accommodating a first group of ball members among the plurality of ball members and extending in a rotation direction of the rotating bracket; as well as an image sensor configured to convert incident light into an electrical signal, wherein the first guide groove has a first side surface and a second side surface that are opposite to each other and extend in the rotation direction of the rotating bracket, and a third side surface and a fourth side surface that are located in the rotation direction of the rotating bracket and connect the first side surface and the second side surface to each other, and During rotation of the rotating bracket, the first group of ball members are accommodated in the first guide groove and contact at least one of the first and second side surfaces and are spaced apart from the third and fourth side surfaces.

12. The camera module of claim 11, wherein: At least one of the first side surface and the second side surface includes a partition wall protruding toward an inner space of the first guide groove, and The first group of ball members is in contact with the partition wall.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein: One of the first side surface and the second side surface includes a first partition wall and a second partition wall, and the first partition wall and the second partition wall are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in an extending direction of the first guide groove.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein: The other of the first side surface and the second side surface includes a third partition wall disposed opposite to a separation space formed between the first partition wall and the second partition wall.

15. The camera module according to claim 14, wherein: The distance between the first point of the first partition wall in contact with the first group of ball members and the second point of the second partition wall in contact with the first group of ball members, the distance between the first point of the first partition wall and the third point of the third partition wall in contact with the first group of ball members, and the distance between the second point of the second partition wall and the third point of the third partition wall are respectively smaller than the diameter of the first group of ball members.

16. The camera module of claim 13, wherein: The distance between a first point of the first partition wall in contact with the first group of ball members and a second point of the second partition wall in contact with the first group of ball members, the distance between the first point of the first partition wall and a fourth point of a side surface of the first guide groove opposite to the first partition wall and the second partition wall in contact with the first group of ball members, and the distance between the second point of the second partition wall and the fourth point of the side surface of the first guide groove opposite to the first partition wall and the second partition wall are respectively smaller than the diameter of the first group of ball members.

17. The camera module of claim 11, wherein: The housing has a second guide groove that is opposite to the first guide groove and accommodates the first set of ball members, and The second guide groove has a cross-sectional shape different from a cross-sectional shape of the first guide groove in at least one direction.

18. The camera module according to claim 17, wherein: The number of contact points between the first set of ball members and the first guide groove is greater than the number of contact points between the first set of ball members and the second guide groove.

Images