Camera actuator with elastic member

Abstract

The present invention relates to an actuator for a camera, and more particularly, to an actuator for a camera, which is provided with an elastic member so as to be capable of further improving reliability and durability. According to one aspect of the invention, the device comprises a fixed body and a carrier, at least one elastic part is arranged in an internal space formed by the fixed body, and at least one contact part is arranged at a position opposite to the elastic part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera actuator, and more particularly to a camera actuator having an elastic component to further improve reliability and durability. Background Art

[0002] As hardware technology for image processing continues to develop, users' demands for capturing images are also gradually increasing.

[0003] Therefore, functions such as zoom, auto focus (AF), and optical image stabilization (OIS) have been applied to independent camera devices and camera modules installed in mobile terminals such as mobile phones and smartphones (hereinafter referred to as "camera modules").

[0004] On the other hand, in order to realize these functions, the camera module needs to be equipped with actuators corresponding to the respective functions.

[0005] As such an existing camera actuator structure, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0122101 discloses an autofocus carrier for a camera actuator and a camera actuator including the autofocus carrier, and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0027394 discloses an optical actuator using an asymmetric ball structure.

[0006] A common camera actuator has a configuration in which power applied to a coil generates electromagnetic force between the coil and a magnet, thereby moving a carrier within an internal storage space of a fixed body.

[0007] Therefore, the carrier may collide with other components (fixed body or other carriers) during operation, and such collision may also become a factor that causes the durability or performance of the actuator to decrease.

[0008] In addition, in the camera actuator, even when power is not applied to the coil, the carrier or the like may be moved by external force.

[0009] Therefore, there is a problem that the camera actuator may generate noise or the durability of the actuator may be reduced due to collision between the carrier and the fixed body or other components.

[0010] Of course, in order to prevent the components constituting the actuator from being separated in the moving direction, a structure having a stopper and a buffer is proposed, but a general stopper and a buffer simply absorb the impact when a considerable impact is received.

[0011] That is, conventional buffers generally utilize a shock-absorbing matrix of sponge, foam, or silicone material, which can absorb instantaneous shocks but cannot absorb and cushion shocks of progressive movements.

[0012] Therefore, problems such as the carrier tilting or coming off the drive shaft due to collision may occur at the end portion of the carrier inside the housing.

[0013] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a camera actuator that can prevent possible collisions between components of the camera actuator and gradually attenuate the impact even if a collision occurs, thereby further improving the reliability and durability of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Technical problems to be solved The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera actuator having an elastic member to further improve reliability and durability.

[0015] The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned contents, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0016] Means of solving the problem According to one aspect of the present invention, a camera actuator including an elastic member is provided.

[0017] A camera actuator including an elastic member includes a fixed body forming an internal accommodation space and a carrier arranged in the internal accommodation space of the fixed body so as to be movable along an optical axis.

[0018] At this time, the camera actuator having an elastic component includes: at least one elastic component, which is located between the fixed body and one end of the carrier in a manner that is at least partially separated from the fixed body and the carrier in the optical axis direction; and a contact component, which is formed on the carrier or the fixed body in a manner opposite to the elastic component and contacts the elastic component as the carrier moves in the optical axis direction.

[0019] On the other hand, the elastic member may be fixed to the fixing member to be supported.

[0020] At this time, the elastic part can have a leaf spring shape formed by a central part, a first elastic part and a second elastic part extending integrally, the central part is fixed to the fixed part, the first elastic part extends from one end of the fixed part in one direction, and the second elastic part extends from the other end of the fixed part in another direction.

[0021] Furthermore, preferably, the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion are formed symmetrically with the fixing component as the center.

[0022] On the other hand, the contact member includes a first contact portion facing the first elastic portion and a second contact portion facing the second elastic portion.

[0023] In this case, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are formed symmetrically with the fixing member as the center.

[0024] As needed, the first contact portion and the second contact portion may be formed in a plurality of sizes with different lengths.

[0025] Furthermore, the contact member may be formed so that a portion contacting the elastic member has a gently curved surface.

[0026] Alternatively, in a camera actuator including an elastic member, preferably, a plurality of balls are arranged along the optical axis in the space between the fixed body and the carrier on both sides in the Y-axis direction. In this case, the elastic member is preferably positioned so as to be fixed midway between the balls arranged on both sides.

[0027] Furthermore, in the camera actuator including the elastic member, the carrier may further include at least one auxiliary magnet on one side, and the fixed body may further include magnetic bodies arranged at positions and in numbers corresponding to the auxiliary magnet.

[0028] As an example, the auxiliary magnet may include: a first auxiliary magnet, inserted into a first magnet mounting groove formed on one side of the carrier; and a second auxiliary magnet, inserted into a second magnet mounting groove formed on the other side of the carrier in a manner symmetrical to the first magnet mounting groove along the Y-axis direction.

[0029] On the other hand, when the elastic component is formed on the upper bottom surface side of the internal receiving space constituting the fixed body or the upper surface side of the carrier, the magnetic body can be formed on the upper bottom surface side of the fixed body to generate attraction with the auxiliary magnet.

[0030] In addition, when the elastic component is formed on the lower upper surface side of the internal accommodation space constituting the fixed body or the bottom surface side of the carrier, the magnetic body can be formed on the lower bottom surface side of the fixed body to generate attraction with the auxiliary magnet.

[0031] Effects of the Invention According to the above structure, according to the actuator with elastic components of the present invention, even if the carrier shakes in the internal accommodation space of the fixed body, the elastic component and the contact component can gradually absorb and offset the collision impact between the carrier and the fixed body, thereby having the effect of preventing damage caused by the collision between the carrier and the fixed body.

[0032] Furthermore, even when no power is applied, the impact caused by the shaking of the carrier can be gradually absorbed and offset by the elastic member and the contact member, thereby improving the reliability and durability of the device.

[0033] In addition, the center of the elastic component is fixed to the fixing component, and has a leaf spring structure symmetrically formed on both sides with the center as the center, and the contact components are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the elastic component, thereby achieving the effect of gradual and stable impact absorption.

[0034] Furthermore, the elastic member and the contact member can offset moments generated in various directions, thereby minimizing the influence caused by the generation of moments.

[0035] As a result, collision between the carrier and the fixed body can be prevented, and even if a collision occurs, the impact can be gradually offset, thereby having the effect of further improving the reliability and durability of the actuator.

[0036] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, but should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the inventive structure described in the detailed description of the present invention or the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic overall perspective view showing a camera actuator including an elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a camera actuator including an elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship between an elastic member and a contact member used in a camera actuator including an elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 and Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of an elastic member and a contact member when a carrier moves along the optical axis in a camera actuator including an elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 and Figure 71 is a schematic diagram showing states of an elastic member and a contact member when a carrier moves along the optical axis in a camera actuator including an elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention from different directions.

[0042] Figure 8 and Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operating state of a camera actuator including an elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention, including an auxiliary magnet and a magnetic body, and illustrating the operating state of the elastic member and a contact member.

[0043] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a camera actuator including an elastic member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 11 and Figure 12 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operating states of an elastic member and a contact member when a carrier moves along the optical axis in a camera actuator including an elastic member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 13 and Figure 14 1 is a schematic diagram showing an actuator for a camera including an elastic member according to another embodiment of the present invention, including an auxiliary magnet and a magnetic body, and illustrating the operating state of the elastic member and the contact member.

[0046] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention As the optimal embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an actuator for a camera having an elastic component, comprising: a fixed body forming an internal accommodation space; a carrier arranged in the internal accommodation space of the fixed body in a manner capable of movement along the optical axis, and comprising at least one elastic component located between the fixed body and one end portion of the carrier in a manner separated from the fixed body and the carrier at least partially along the optical axis; and a contact component formed on the carrier or the fixed body in a manner opposite to the elastic component, and contacting the elastic component as the carrier moves in the optical axis direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following will describe embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. To clearly illustrate the present invention, portions not relevant to the drawings and description are omitted, and throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components.

[0048] The words and terms used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted restrictively based solely on their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the principle that the inventor has the right to define words and concepts to best describe his invention, and with meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical ideas of the present invention.

[0049] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the structures shown in the drawings belong to preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, from the application perspective of the present invention, there may be various equivalents or modifications that can replace these.

[0050] In this specification, it should be understood that words such as "including" or "having" are merely used to describe the existence of features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof recorded in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof.

[0051] If a component is referred to as being “in front of,” “behind,” “above,” or “below” another component, this includes not only being directly in front of, behind, “above,” or “below” another component, but also including situations where other components are arranged therebetween, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, if a component is “connected to” another component, this includes not only being directly connected to another component, but also including situations where they are indirectly connected, unless otherwise specified.

[0052] Furthermore, when describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known functions or configurations will be omitted in order not to obscure the purpose of the present invention.

[0053] The "optical axis" used in the following description refers to the direction in which light enters the lens module (not shown) mounted in the lens mounting hole H of the camera actuator 100. This direction corresponds to the forward and backward movement of the carrier 120, described later. This optical axis direction is the same as the "Z-axis." The terms "X-axis" and "Y-axis" should be understood in conjunction with the coordinate system shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Hereinafter, a camera actuator including an elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] refer to Figures 1 to 14 As shown in the figure, the structure of the camera actuator 100 with elastic components according to one embodiment of the present invention is as follows: the carrier 120 is arranged in the internal accommodation space of the fixed body A, so that an electromagnetic force is generated between the coil and the magnet, thereby causing the carrier 120 to move in the internal accommodation space of the fixed body A along the optical axis direction (Z direction).

[0056] In this case, the fixed body A may include a base frame 110 that performs a base function of the camera actuator 100 and a cover case 130 coupled to an upper portion of the base frame 110 .

[0057] The base frame 110 and the cover case 130 are coupled to each other to form an internal receiving space.

[0058] Furthermore, the carrier 120 is disposed in the internal receiving space formed by the base frame 110 and the cover case 130. Thus, the carrier 120 is conceptually a movable body B relative to the fixed body A.

[0059] On the other hand, the base frame 110 , the carrier 120 , and the cover case 130 are sequentially arranged along the optical axis direction to constitute the camera actuator 100 .

[0060] The base frame 110 , the carrier 120 and the cover shell 130 are respectively provided with a first hole H1 , a second hole H2 and a third hole H3 arranged along the optical axis, which are used as mounting holes H for mounting a lens module (not shown) or an image sensor (not shown).

[0061] As a more specific embodiment, refer again to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The base frame 110 as the fixed body A forms the lower appearance of the camera actuator 100 and provides an internal accommodation space as a moving space for the carrier 120 together with the cover shell 130 .

[0062] The base frame 110 may include components such as an AF coil 102 , an FPCB 103 , and a yoke 104 for AF driving on one side thereof, depending on the configuration.

[0063] Furthermore, the carrier 120 is arranged in the internal accommodation space of the fixed body A so as to be movable along the optical axis direction.

[0064] At this time, the carrier 120 may be an AF carrier for AF driving.

[0065] Furthermore, the carrier 120 includes a driving magnet M1 for AF driving so as to face the AF coil 102 .

[0066] Also, a plurality of balls 101 are arranged between the base frame 110 and the carrier 120 along the optical axis direction.

[0067] Specifically, such balls 101 are disposed on both sides of the Y-axis direction between the base frame 110 and the carrier 120 , and are arranged in plurality along the optical axis direction.

[0068] The balls 101 mentioned above enable the carrier 120 to maintain an appropriate distance from the fixed body A. In addition, the balls 101 support the carrier 120 in a manner that allows it to move.

[0069] On the other hand, in an actuator that realizes only the AF function, the carrier 120 functions as an AF carrier.

[0070] At this time, as the carrier 120 moves along the optical axis, the lens module or image sensor and the carrier 120 move along the optical axis (Z axis direction) together. By adjusting the distance between the lens module and the image sensor, the AF function is achieved.

[0071] On the other hand, in an actuator that simultaneously realizes AF function and OIS function, the carrier 120 may have an OIS carrier structure in addition to the AF carrier structure, and the OIS carrier structure is used for OIS driving by moving along the X-axis and Y-axis directions perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0072] Furthermore, the lens module or the image sensor is mounted on the OIS carrier, and when the AF carrier moves along the optical axis, the OIS carrier also moves along the optical axis, thereby causing the lens module to also move along the optical axis.

[0073] Also, when the OIS driving for hand shake compensation is implemented, the OIS frame moves on the upper portion of the AF carrier in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction in a direction to compensate for movement caused by hand shake.

[0074] In other words, the carrier 120 has directivity including movement in the optical axis direction regardless of whether it is an actuator that implements only the AF function or an actuator that implements both the AF and OIS functions.

[0075] Therefore, the figure shows an example of the carrier 120 as described above, showing a structural form for having an AF function, but is not limited to this. It is applicable to an actuator that realizes the AF function alone, and is also applicable to an actuator that integrates the AF function and the OIS function.

[0076] In other words, it goes without saying that the carrier 120 to which the camera actuator 100 including the elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied may be an AF carrier or a form including an OIS carrier.

[0077] On the other hand, the cover case 130 has an inner space for accommodating the carrier 120 and is combined with the base frame 110 .

[0078] The cover case 130 forms the upper exterior of the camera actuator 100 and, together with the base frame 110 , serves as a fixed body A to provide a movement space for the carrier 120 accommodated therein.

[0079] The figure shows that such a base frame 110 has a first hole H1 formed in the center, and when viewed from the Y-axis side, it is in the shape of a "┘" including the AF coil 102, FPCB103 and yoke 104 at the rear, but is not limited to this. If needed, it can also be in the shape of a side wall extending upward.

[0080] Furthermore, it goes without saying that, as needed, the base frame 110 may not be composed of a single frame, but may be formed of a plurality of frames to form the form of the base frame 110 in the figure.

[0081] In other words, the base frame 110 can be manufactured in various shapes as long as it can provide a movement space for the carrier 120 in the optical axis direction while limiting the movement of the carrier 120 in the optical axis direction.

[0082] In addition, the cover shell 130 is shown as a box body structure with a lower opening having a third hole H3 formed in the center to cover the upper part of the base frame 110, but is not limited to this. As long as it can be combined with the base frame 110 to support the movement of the carrier 120 accommodated in the internal space in the optical axis direction, it can be made into various shapes.

[0083] As described above, the camera actuator 100 with elastic components according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the carrier 120 as the movable body B. From a relative perspective of the carrier 120 , the base frame 110 and the cover 130 can be regarded as the fixed body A.

[0084] On the other hand, among the base frame 110, carrier 120 and cover shell 130 constituting the camera actuator 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the carrier 120 along the optical axis is a well-known function and structure. In order to avoid blurring the main points of the present invention, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0085] However, the greatest feature of the structure of the camera actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is that, in the internal accommodation space formed by the base frame 110 and the fixed body A of the cover shell 130, when the carrier 120 serving as the movable body B moves freely along the optical axis, the impact caused by the collision between the carrier 120 and the fixed body A can be gradually offset or alleviated, thereby preventing damage to the actuator and further improving reliability and durability.

[0086] Therefore, the camera actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure that prevents internal components of the camera actuator 100 from being damaged due to the impact when an impact occurs due to an external force.

[0087] The camera actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an elastic member 140 and a contact member 150 disposed opposite to the elastic member 140 .

[0088] First, the elastic member 140 is located between the fixed body A and one end portion of the carrier 120 so that at least a portion thereof is spaced apart from the fixed body A and the carrier 120 in the optical axis direction.

[0089] In other words, the elastic member 140 is separated from one side of the fixed body A or one side of the carrier 120 as the movable body B by a gap r1 in the optical axis direction within the internal space formed by the fixed body A (see Figure 4 ).

[0090] Furthermore, the elastic member 140 can be fixed by the fixing member 131 (see Figure 2 ), 111 (see Figure 10 ) for fixing and support.

[0091] As needed, at least one such elastic member 140 may be provided.

[0092] Such an elastic member 140 gradually absorbs or offsets the impact by its elastic force as it comes into contact with a contact member 150 described later.

[0093] On the other hand, the contact member 150 is formed in the carrier 120 or the fixed body A to face the elastic member 140 , and gradually contacts the elastic member 140 as the carrier 120 moves in the optical axis direction.

[0094] As an embodiment, the contact member 150 may be formed on a side surface of the carrier 120 or a side surface of the fixing body A in a manner of protruding along the optical axis direction.

[0095] In another embodiment, the contact member 150 may have a structure in which a portion is integrally formed with a side surface of the carrier 120 or a side surface of the fixed body A, and the remaining portion, formed of another material, is attached to the aforementioned portion at a position opposite the elastic member 140. In other words, the contact member 150 may be a combination of two components.

[0096] On the other hand, it goes without saying that the contact member 150 may be manufactured separately from the carrier 120 or the fixed body A, attached in a manner opposed to the elastic member 140 described above, or may be manufactured by insert molding.

[0097] Furthermore, the contact member 150 may be formed into at least one, preferably as Figure 3 As shown, they are separated from each other to form more than two.

[0098] According to the above structure, when the carrier 120 moves in the optical axis direction, the contact member 150 contacts the opposing elastic member 140 .

[0099] Therefore, according to the camera actuator 100 with an elastic component according to one embodiment of the present invention, even if the carrier 120 shakes in the internal accommodation space of the fixed body A, the elastic component 140 gradually contacts the contact component 150 to absorb and offset the impact of the collision between the carrier 120 and the fixed body A.

[0100] In particular, according to an embodiment of the camera actuator 100 having an elastic component, when no power is applied and an external force causes the carrier 120 to move along the optical axis and collide with the fixed body A, the impact can be gradually absorbed by the contact between the elastic component 140 and the contact component 150, thereby offsetting the torque in all directions, thereby preventing damage and further improving the reliability and durability of the device.

[0101] As a specific embodiment, the elastic component 140 and the contact component 150 may have the following positions.

[0102] As a first example, the elastic member 140 may be formed on the bottom surface of the cover case 130 , and the contact member 150 may be formed on the top surface of the carrier 120 to face the elastic member 140 .

[0103] As a second example, the elastic member 140 may be formed on the upper surface of the base frame 110 , and the contact member 150 may be formed on the bottom surface of the carrier 120 to face the elastic member 140 .

[0104] As a third example, the elastic member 140 may be formed on the upper surface of the carrier 120 , and the contact member 150 may be formed on the bottom surface of the cover case 130 to face the elastic member 140 .

[0105] As a fourth example, the elastic member 140 may be formed on the bottom surface of the carrier 120 , and the contact member 150 may be formed on the top surface of the base frame 110 to face the elastic member 140 .

[0106] In other words, no matter where the elastic component 140 is disposed on the fixed body A or the movable body B, the same effect can be achieved.

[0107] On the other hand, refer again Figures 1 to 9 More specifically, an embodiment of the camera actuator 100 having an elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0108] As an embodiment, the elastic member 140 is separated from the bottom surface of the inner side of the cover 130 along the Z axis (optical axis) by a gap r1 ( Figure 4 ) is fixed to the fixing component 131 in a manner.

[0109] At this time, at least one elastic member 140 may be formed as needed.

[0110] The elastic member 140 plays the role of offsetting the impact caused by the carrier 120 shaking when it moves along the optical axis in the actuator 100 , together with the contact member 150 described later, by utilizing its own elastic force.

[0111] Furthermore, as one embodiment, the contact member 150 is formed on the upper surface of the carrier 120 , which is located opposite to the elastic member 140 , so as to protrude in the optical axis direction.

[0112] Thus, the contact member 150 has a structure that comes into contact with the elastic member 140 when the carrier 120 moves in the optical axis direction.

[0113] On the other hand, it goes without saying that at least one contact member 150 may be formed as needed.

[0114] As described above, the elastic member 140 is fixed to and supported by the fixing member 131 on the bottom surface side forming the inner space of the cover case 130 .

[0115] At this time, the fixing member 131 has a protrusion shape that protrudes from the bottom surface of the cover case 130 downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) with a gap.

[0116] Due to the protruding shape of the fixing member 131 , the elastic member 140 can be arranged with a predetermined gap r1 .

[0117] On the other hand, it is preferable that the fixing member 131 includes a portion capable of surface contact with the elastic member 140 .

[0118] Also, the fixing member 131 may be fixed to the elastic member 140 by welding, adhesive, or another fastener (not shown), and can maintain the fixed state of the elastic member 140 even if an external force is applied to the elastic member 140 .

[0119] On the other hand, as an embodiment, the elastic component 140 is in the shape of a leaf spring with a predetermined length and width.

[0120] More specifically, the elastic component 140 includes a central portion 141 fixed to the fixing component 131 , a first elastic portion 142 extending from one end C1 of the fixing component 131 in one direction, and a second elastic portion 143 extending from the other end C2 of the fixing component 132 in another direction.

[0121] At this time, the first elastic portion 142 and the second elastic portion 143 of the elastic member 140 are preferably formed symmetrically with the fixing member 131 as the center.

[0122] In other words, the length d1 of the first elastic portion 142 and the length d2 of the second elastic portion 143 are the same length (see Figure 3 ).

[0123] On the other hand, the contact member 150 has a protrusion shape that protrudes upward (in the Z-axis direction) from the upper surface of the carrier 120 .

[0124] At this time, the portion of the contact member 150 that contacts the elastic member 140 is preferably formed into a gently curved surface so as to be able to slide while contacting the elastic member 140 .

[0125] On the other hand, the contact member 150 has a structure including a first contact portion 151 facing the first elastic portion 142 and a second contact portion 152 facing the second elastic portion 143 so as to correspond to the elastic member 140 .

[0126] At this time, the first contact portion 151 and the second contact portion 152 are preferably formed symmetrically with the aforementioned fixing member 131 as the center, like an elastic member.

[0127] In other words, the distance d3 from one end C1 of the fixing member 131 to the first contact portion 151 and the distance d4 from the other end C2 of the fixing member 131 to the second contact portion 152 have the same length (see FIG. Figure 3 ).

[0128] On the other hand, the contact components 150 shown in the figure each include a first contact portion 151 and a second contact portion 152, with a total of two protruding convex shapes; however, this is not limited to this. It goes without saying that the first contact portion 151 and the second contact portion 152 can also be formed into multiple portions with different lengths (heights) as needed.

[0129] Furthermore, the elastic component 140 is shown in the figure as a single leaf spring, but it is not limited thereto and can be formed into multiple leaf springs as needed, which is self-evident.

[0130] In other words, as needed, as long as the elastic member 140 and the contact member 150 can absorb and offset moment impacts generated in various directions by utilizing the elastic force of the elastic member 140 in their relative positions, the number and position of the elastic member 140 are not limited.

[0131] On the other hand, reference Figure 2 and Figure 8 When the carrier 120 moves along the optical axis, the carrier 120 has mobility due to the plurality of balls 101 arranged along the optical axis on both sides of the Y-axis direction between the base frame 110 and the carrier 120.

[0132] At this time, the elastic member 140 preferably forms a central portion 141 at a midpoint between the balls 101 arranged on both sides of the center in the normal direction in the direction in which the moment is generated.

[0133] On the other hand, reference Figures 10 to 12 The following describes another embodiment of a camera actuator 100 having an elastic member according to the present invention.

[0134] In another embodiment, as shown in the figure, the elastic member 140 ′ is fixed to the fixing member 111 with a gap therebetween from the upper surface of the base frame 110 on the Z-axis (optical axis) inner side along the optical axis.

[0135] At this time, at least one elastic member 140 ′ may be formed as needed.

[0136] Furthermore, the contact member 150 ′ is formed to protrude from the bottom surface 120 b of the carrier 120 in the optical axis direction at a position opposite to the elastic member 140 ′.

[0137] Therefore, the contact member 150 ′ has a structure that contacts the oppositely disposed elastic member 140 ′ when the carrier 120 moves in the optical axis direction.

[0138] On the other hand, it goes without saying that the number of the contact member 150 ′ can also be at least one as needed.

[0139] At this time, the fixing member 111 formed on the upper surface 110 a of the base frame 110 has the same structure and shape as the fixing member 131 formed on the bottom surface of the cover 130 in the above embodiment, and detailed description is omitted here.

[0140] On the other hand, the elastic member 140 ′ has a leaf spring shape with a predetermined length and width, and includes a central portion 141 ′ fixed to the fixing member 111 , a first elastic portion 142 ′ extending in one direction from one end of the fixing member 111 , and a second elastic portion 143 ′ extending in another direction from the other end of the fixing member 111 .

[0141] At this time, the first elastic portion 142 ′ and the second elastic portion 143 ′ of the elastic member 140 ′ are preferably formed symmetrically with the fixing member 111 as the center.

[0142] Furthermore, the contact member 150 ′ has a protrusion shape that protrudes downward (in the Z-axis direction) from the bottom surface 120 b of the carrier 120 .

[0143] Such a contact member 150 ′ has a structure including a first contact portion 151 ′ facing the first elastic portion 142 ′ and a second contact portion 152 ′ facing the second elastic portion 143 ′ so as to correspond to the elastic member 140 ′.

[0144] At this time, the first contact portion 151 ′ and the second contact portion 152 ′ are preferably formed symmetrically with the fixing member 131 as the center, like an elastic member.

[0145] The elastic member 140' and the contact member 150' in the above-mentioned another embodiment are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment. Figures 1 to 9 The elastic component 140 and the contact component 150 are only different in arrangement position, but the purpose and effect are the same.

[0146] In other words, as long as the elastic members 140 , 140 ′ and the contact members 150 , 150 ′ are arranged at positions opposite to each other and utilize the elastic force of the elastic member 140 to absorb and offset moment impacts generated in various directions, their number and positions are not limited.

[0147] On the other hand, in the camera actuator 100 including the elastic member according to the embodiment of the present invention, the elastic members 140 , 140 ′ and the contact members 150 , 150 ′ may be configured to always maintain contact with each other at their relative positions.

[0148] In other words, the end portions of the contact members 150 and 150 ′ have a length capable of always maintaining contact with the end portion of the elastic member 140 .

[0149] Thus, the carrier 120 may be structured to move stepwise while the contact members 150 and 150 ′ maintain contact with the elastic members 140 and 140 ′ during movement (advance and retreat drive).

[0150] To this end, the contact members 150 and 150' are constructed to have a length such that the first contact portions 151 and 151' can maintain contact with the first elastic portions 142 and 142' of the elastic members 140 and 140', and the second contact portions 152 and 152' of the contact members 150 and 150' can maintain contact with the second elastic portions 143 and 143' of the elastic members 140 and 140'.

[0151] On the other hand, refer again Figure 8 and Figure 9 ,as well as Figure 13 and Figure 14According to the camera actuator 100 with elastic components according to an embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent the carrier 120 from shaking when no power is applied, it is formed into a structure that includes auxiliary magnets M2 and magnetic bodies 160, 160' on one side of the fixed body A and the movable body B, and utilizes the gravitational force (attractive force) of the auxiliary magnets M2 and magnetic bodies 160, 160'.

[0152] First, the carrier 120 as the moving body B is provided with at least one auxiliary magnet M2 on one side.

[0153] Also, the base frame 110 or the cover case 130 as the fixed body A includes magnetic bodies 160 and 160 ′ arranged at positions and in numbers corresponding to those of the auxiliary magnets M2 .

[0154] The auxiliary magnet M2 and the magnetic bodies 160 and 160 ′ arranged as described above generate an attractive force pulling each other even when no power is applied, and the carrier 120 moves along the optical axis due to the attractive force (attractive force) generated by the auxiliary magnet M2 and the magnetic bodies 160 and 160 ′.

[0155] Thus, even if the camera actuator 100 is shaken and generates external forces in the opposite direction to the gravitational force, the carrier 120 will not collide with the fixed body A, thereby preventing damage.

[0156] On the other hand, as described above, in the direction of the attractive force, the elastic members 140, 140' and the contact members 150, 150' are arranged to absorb and cushion the impact of the carrier 120 colliding with the fixed body A.

[0157] In other words, when the elastic member is formed on the bottom side of the cover 130 or the upper surface side of the carrier 120 , the magnetic body 160 is provided on the bottom side of the cover 130 to generate an attractive force with the auxiliary magnet M2 arranged on the carrier 120 .

[0158] Furthermore, when the elastic member is formed on the upper surface of the base frame 110 or the bottom surface of the carrier 120 , the magnetic body 160 ′ is disposed on the upper surface of the base frame 110 to generate an attractive force with the auxiliary magnet M2 disposed on the carrier 120 .

[0159] On the other hand, as an example, the auxiliary magnets M2 may be disposed on both sides of the carrier 120 in the Y-axis direction and may be divided into a first auxiliary magnet M21 and a second auxiliary magnet M22 .

[0160] The first auxiliary magnet M21 and the second auxiliary magnet M22 are respectively mounted in the first magnet mounting groove 121 and the second magnet mounting groove 122 to prevent them from falling out.

[0161] It goes without saying that the auxiliary magnet M2 may be formed in plurality as needed.

[0162] On the other hand, due to the strength of the attraction (attractive force) generated by the auxiliary magnet M2 and the magnetic bodies 160 and 160 ′, the elastic members 140 and 140 ′ and the contact members 150 and 150 ′ are always kept in contact with each other.

[0163] At this time, the carrier 120 may have a structure in which the contact members 150 and 150 ′ and the elastic members 140 and 140 ′ move step by step while maintaining contact with each other during movement (advance and retreat drive).

[0164] Furthermore, the contact members 150 and 150 ′ gradually push the elastic members 140 and 140 ′ while absorbing and buffering the impact.

[0165] However, depending on the strength of the attractive force (attractive force) generated by the auxiliary magnet M2 and the magnetic bodies 160 and 160 ′, the elastic members 140 and 140 ′ and the contact members 150 and 150 ′ may not always be in contact with each other.

[0166] In other words, depending on the strength of the gravitational force (attractive force), the elastic members 140 , 140 ′ and the contact members 150 , 150 ′ may also be slightly separated.

[0167] As described above, in the camera actuator 100 with elastic components according to an embodiment of the present invention, even if the carrier 120 shakes in the internal accommodation space of the fixed body A, the impact caused by the collision between the carrier 120 and the fixed body A is gradually absorbed and offset by the elastic components 140, 140' and the contact components 150, 150', thereby preventing damage between the carrier 120 and the fixed body A caused by the collision.

[0168] Furthermore, even when no power is applied, the impact caused by the shaking of the carrier 120 is gradually absorbed and offset by the elastic members 140 , 140 ′ and the contact members 150 , 150 ′, thereby improving the reliability and durability of the actuator.

[0169] The elastic members 140 and 140' have central portions 141 and 141' fixed to the fixing members 131 and 111, and have a leaf spring structure with both sides symmetrically formed around the central portion. The contact members 150 and 150' are symmetrically formed on both sides of the elastic members, thereby achieving gradual and stable impact absorption.

[0170] Furthermore, the elastic members 140 , 140 ′ and the contact members 150 , 150 ′ can offset moments generated in various directions, thereby minimizing the impact caused by the moment generation.

[0171] As a result, a collision between the carrier 120 and the fixed body A can be prevented, and even if a collision occurs, the impact can be gradually offset, thereby further improving the reliability and durability of the actuator 100.

[0172] The embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in this specification. Those skilled in the art who understand the concept of the present invention can easily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same concept by increasing, changing, deleting, adding, etc., the constituent elements, but these should also fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. A camera actuator having an elastic member, wherein: include: A fixed body, forming an internal receiving space; as well as The carrier is arranged in the internal receiving space of the fixed body in a manner capable of moving along the optical axis, and includes: at least one elastic member is located between the fixing body and one end portion of the carrier in a manner such that at least a portion thereof is spaced apart from the fixing body and the carrier in the optical axis direction; as well as The contact member is formed on the carrier or the fixed body so as to face the elastic member and contacts the elastic member as the carrier moves in the optical axis direction.

2. The camera actuator having an elastic member according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic member is fixed to the fixing member and supported, and has a leaf spring shape formed by integrally extending a center portion, a first elastic portion, and a second elastic portion. The central portion is fixed to the fixing member, The first elastic portion extends from one end of the fixing member in one direction. The second elastic portion extends from the other end portion of the fixing member in another direction.

3. The camera actuator having an elastic member according to claim 2, wherein: The first elastic portion and the second elastic portion are formed symmetrically with the fixing member as a center.

4. The camera actuator having an elastic member according to claim 2, wherein: The contact component includes: a first contact portion, opposite to the first elastic portion; and The second contact portion is opposite to the second elastic portion.

5. The camera actuator having an elastic member according to claim 4, wherein: The first contact portion and the second contact portion are formed symmetrically with the fixing member as a center.

6. The camera actuator having an elastic member according to claim 4, wherein: The first contact portion and the second contact portion are formed in plurality with different lengths.

7. The camera actuator having an elastic member according to claim 4, wherein: The contact member is formed so that a portion thereof in contact with the elastic member has a gently curved surface.

8. The camera actuator having an elastic member according to claim 1, wherein: The space between the fixed body and the carrier on both sides in the Y-axis direction includes a plurality of balls arranged along the optical axis direction. The elastic member is arranged in a manner of being fixed at a middle position between the balls arranged on both sides.

9. The camera actuator having an elastic member according to claim 1, wherein: The carrier further comprises at least one auxiliary magnet on one side, The fixed body further includes magnetic bodies arranged at positions and in numbers corresponding to those of the auxiliary magnets.

10. The camera actuator having an elastic member according to claim 9, wherein: The auxiliary magnet comprises: a first auxiliary magnet inserted into a first magnet mounting groove formed on one side of the carrier; and The second auxiliary magnet is inserted into a second magnet installation groove arranged on the other side of the carrier and formed in a manner symmetrical to the first magnet installation groove along the Y-axis direction.

11. The camera actuator having an elastic member according to claim 9, wherein: The elastic member is formed on the upper bottom surface side of the internal accommodation space of the fixed body or the upper surface side of the carrier. The magnetic body is formed on one side of the upper bottom surface of the fixed body and generates an attractive force with the auxiliary magnet.

12. The camera actuator having an elastic member according to claim 9, wherein: The elastic member is formed on the lower upper surface side of the internal accommodation space of the fixed body or the bottom surface side of the carrier. The magnetic body is formed on one side of the lower bottom surface of the fixed body and generates an attractive force with the auxiliary magnet.

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