Actuator for camera

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator for a camera. The actuator for a camera includes: a housing having an internal space; the first bearing part is accommodated in the shell; and a first driving unit including a first magnet disposed in the first bearing portion, a first coil disposed to face the first magnet in a first axial direction, and a first position sensor configured to sense a position of the first bearing portion, the first coil includes a first sub-coil and a second sub-coil spaced apart from each other in a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction, and a length of the first sub-coil in the second axial direction is longer than a length of the second sub-coil in the second axial direction. And the first position sensor is disposed at a position spaced apart from a center of the first sub-coil in the second axis direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0079802, filed on June 17, 2025, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0154669, filed on November 4, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to actuators for cameras. Background Technology

[0004] Camera modules have recently been adopted in mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptop computers.

[0005] In addition, the camera module may include actuators with focusing and image stabilization functions to produce high-resolution images.

[0006] For example, focusing can be performed by moving the lens module in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis), or image stabilization can be performed by moving the lens module in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0007] However, as camera module performance improves, the weight of the lens module also increases. Furthermore, the weight of the actuators used to move the lens module also contributes, making it difficult to precisely control the driving forces used for focusing and image stabilization.

[0008] The above information is presented as background information and is intended to aid in understanding this disclosure. No determination or assertion is made as to whether any of the above content constitutes an application of prior art to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This summary is provided to present the selection of concepts in a simplified form, while these concepts are further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] In one general aspect, an actuator for a camera includes: a housing having an internal space; a first carrier portion housed within the housing; and a first drive unit including a first magnet disposed in the first carrier portion, a first coil disposed facing the first magnet in a first axial direction, and a first position sensor configured to sense the position of the first carrier portion, wherein the first coil includes a first sub-coil and a second sub-coil spaced apart from each other in a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction, wherein the length of the first sub-coil in the second axial direction is longer than the length of the second sub-coil in the second axial direction, and wherein the first position sensor is disposed at a position spaced apart from the center of the first sub-coil in the second axial direction.

[0011] The position of the first position sensor in the second axial direction can be between the center of the first sub-coil and the center of the second sub-coil.

[0012] The surface of the first magnet facing the first coil may have a first polarity and a second polarity spaced apart from each other in the second axial direction. The first polarity and the second polarity may be opposite polarities, and the first polarity may face the first sub-coil, and the second polarity may face the second sub-coil.

[0013] The length of the first polarity in the second axial direction may be longer than the length of the second polarity in the second axial direction, and the first position sensor may face the portion of the first magnet that is spaced apart from the center of the first polarity in the second axial direction.

[0014] The position of the first position sensor in the second axial direction can be between the center of the first polarity and the center of the second polarity.

[0015] When viewed in the first axial direction, the center of the side surface of the first bearing portion on which the first magnet is disposed can overlap with the center of the first position sensor in the second axial direction.

[0016] The actuator may further include: a first ball member disposed between the housing and the first support portion, wherein a guide groove for the first ball member may be disposed on at least one of the surfaces of the housing and the first support portion, the surfaces of the housing and the first support portion facing each other in a direction perpendicular to both the first axial direction and the second axial direction.

[0017] The first drive unit may further include a second magnet disposed on the first support portion, a second coil disposed facing the second magnet, and a second position sensor configured to sense the position of the first support portion, and the second coil may include a third sub-coil and a fourth sub-coil spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction.

[0018] The second position sensor may include a plurality of Hall sensors spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction.

[0019] The first magnet and the first coil can be configured to generate a driving force in a direction in which the first magnet and the first coil face each other, and the second magnet and the second coil can be configured to generate a driving force in a direction in which the second magnet and the second coil face each other.

[0020] The actuator may further include: a second carrier portion housed within the first carrier portion; and an image sensor fixed to the second carrier portion and including an imaging surface, wherein the first carrier portion and the second carrier portion may be configured to move together in a first axial direction and a second axial direction, and the second carrier portion may be configured to move relative to the first carrier portion in an optical axis direction perpendicular to both the first axial direction and the second axial direction.

[0021] The first yoke can be disposed in the housing so as to face the first magnet and the second magnet in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane.

[0022] The actuator may further include a second drive unit, which includes a third magnet disposed in the first support portion and a third coil disposed in the second support portion, wherein the substrate may be disposed in the second support portion and the third coil may be disposed on the surface of the substrate.

[0023] The second and third magnets can be positioned between the second and third coils.

[0024] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the housing, the first support portion, and the first actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below.

[0030] Figure 6 It is shown that Figure 4 The diagram shows the state in which the components are connected to each other.

[0031] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line I-I' in the middle.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a first driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a plan view showing the state in which the housing has been removed from the camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10C This is a diagram showing the effect of the rotation of the second support on the position sensing of the second support.

[0035] Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the first magnet and the first coil of the first driver.

[0036] Figure 14 This is a plan view showing the sensor substrate of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 15 It is along Figure 14 The sectional view taken from line II-II' in the middle.

[0038] Figure 16 This is an exploded perspective view showing the first support portion, the second support portion, and the second driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 17 Shown in different directions Figure 16 A three-dimensional view of the example shown.

[0040] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the second support section as viewed from the side.

[0041] Figure 19 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 This is an exploded perspective view showing a camera module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same elements unless otherwise described. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scale, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the following text, although examples of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0044] The following detailed embodiments are provided to aid the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but can be altered as will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure, except for operations that must occur in a specific order. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0045] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways in which the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure.

[0046] Throughout the specification, when an element (such as a layer, region, or substrate) is described as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element, it may be directly "on," directly "connected to," or directly "attached to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly" "on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element, there are no other elements in between.

[0047] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items; similarly, “at least one of…” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used in this document to describe various components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, assembly, region, layer, or part from another. Therefore, the first component, first assembly, first region, first layer, or first part mentioned in the examples described herein may also be referred to as a second component, second assembly, second region, second layer, or second part without departing from the teachings of the examples.

[0049] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, these spatial relative terms are intended to also include different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “above” or “upper” relative to another element will subsequently be “below” or “lower” relative to said other element. Therefore, the term “above” includes both upper and lower orientations, depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural meaning as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” specify the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0051] The shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may vary due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the accompanying drawings, but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0052] In this article, it is important to note that the term “may” is used with respect to examples. For example, regarding what an example may include or implement, it means that there exists at least one example that includes or implements this feature, but not all examples are limited to this.

[0053] As will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure, the features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways. Furthermore, although the examples described herein have multiple configurations, other configurations are also possible, as will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure.

[0054] The embodiments disclosed herein are intended to provide an actuator for a camera that can improve image stabilization performance.

[0055] The camera module according to the embodiment can be mounted on a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device may include a mobile communication terminal, a smartphone, or a tablet PC.

[0056] In the implementation, the image sensor S (see...) Figure 3 The direction that the imaging surface faces can be the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0057] In an implementation, moving the image sensor S in a direction parallel to the imaging surface of the image sensor S can mean moving the image sensor S in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0058] The first axis (X-axis) and the second axis (Y-axis) can be perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) and can intersect each other.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a camera module according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to an embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0060] refer to Figures 1 to 3 According to the embodiments, the camera module 1 may include a lens module 20 and an actuator 10 for the camera (hereinafter referred to as the "actuator").

[0061] Lens module 20 may include one or more lenses and a lens barrel. One or more lenses may be disposed within the lens barrel. When multiple lenses are provided, they may be disposed within the lens barrel along the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0062] The lens module 20 can be connected to the housing 110. The housing 110 can have a quadrilateral box shape with a hollow portion (or internal space) penetrating in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, and the lens module 20 can be inserted into the hollow portion of the housing 110 and fixed to the housing 110.

[0063] In one embodiment, the lens module 20 may be a fixed member attached to the housing 110. For example, the lens module 20 may be a fixed member that does not move during autofocus (AF) and image stabilization (OIS).

[0064] According to the implementation, camera module 1 can perform autofocus (AF) and image stabilization (OIS) by moving the image sensor S instead of lens module 20. By moving the image sensor S, which has a relatively light weight, the image sensor S can be moved with a reduced driving force. Therefore, the components included in actuator 10 can be miniaturized.

[0065] The actuator 10 may include a housing 110, a first support portion 200, and a second support portion 300.

[0066] The first support portion 200 can be housed in the housing 110 and can move relative to the housing 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis). That is, the first support portion 200 can be a fixed member that does not move in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction during focusing, but can be a movable member that moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) during image stabilization.

[0067] The second support portion 300 can be accommodated within the first support portion 200 and can move relative to the first support portion 200 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. Since the second support portion 300 is restricted to not moving relative to the first support portion 200 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), when the first support portion 200 moves in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), the second support portion 300 can move together with the first support portion 200 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0068] The image sensor S can be fixed to the second carrier 300 so that it can move together with the second carrier 300.

[0069] Therefore, the image sensor S can move together with the second carrier 300 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction to focus, and the image sensor S can move together with the second carrier 300 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) to perform image stabilization during imaging.

[0070] The infrared cutoff filter IRCF can be mounted on the second carrier 300.

[0071] The actuator 10 may also include a housing 140. The housing 140 may be coupled to the housing 110 and may protect the internal components of the actuator 10.

[0072] The image sensor S can be mounted on the sensor substrate 400. A portion of the sensor substrate 400 can be connected to the second support portion 300, and another portion of the sensor substrate 400 can be connected to the housing 110.

[0073] The image sensor S can be mounted on the part of the sensor substrate 400 that is connected to the second support portion 300.

[0074] Since a portion of the sensor substrate 400 is connected to the second support portion 300, as the second support portion 300 moves, a portion of the sensor substrate 400 can also move together with the second support portion 300.

[0075] Therefore, the image sensor S can move along the optical axis (Z-axis) to focus, and can move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) to perform image stabilization during imaging.

[0076] Figure 4This is an exploded perspective view showing the housing, the first support portion, and the first actuator according to an embodiment. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the housing according to an embodiment, viewed from below. Figure 6 It is shown that Figure 4 The diagram shows the state in which the components are connected to each other.

[0077] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line I-I' in the middle. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the first driver according to an embodiment.

[0078] Figure 9 This is a plan view showing the state in which the housing has been removed from the camera module according to the embodiment. Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10C This is a diagram showing the effect of the rotation of the second support on the position sensing of the second support.

[0079] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The first support portion 200 may be disposed in the housing 110. In the housing 110, the first support portion 200 may move relative to the housing 110 in the first axis (X-axis) direction and the second axis (Y-axis) direction.

[0080] The first axis (X-axis) can be perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), and the second axis (Y-axis) can be perpendicular to both the optical axis (Z-axis) and the first axis (X-axis).

[0081] The actuator 10 according to the embodiment may include a first drive unit 500. The first drive unit 500 can move the first support portion 200 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) by generating a driving force perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0082] The first driving unit 500 may include a first image stabilization driving unit 510 and a second image stabilization driving unit 530. The first image stabilization driving unit 510 may generate a driving force in the direction of the first axis (X-axis), and the second image stabilization driving unit 530 may generate a driving force in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis).

[0083] The first image stabilization drive unit 510 may include a first magnet 511 and a first coil 513. The first magnet 511 and the first coil 513 may be arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0084] The first magnet 511 can be disposed in the first support portion 200. For example, the first magnet 511 can be mounted on the side surface of the first support portion 200. The mounting groove 210 for mounting the first magnet 511 can be disposed on the side surface of the first support portion 200. By inserting the first magnet 511 into the mounting groove 210, the increase in the size of the actuator 10 and the camera module 1 due to the thickness of the first magnet 511 can be prevented.

[0085] The first magnet 511 may include one or more magnets.

[0086] In an implementation, the first magnet 511 may be configured as a single magnet (see [link]). Figure 19 In this configuration, the first magnet 511 can be magnetized such that one surface (e.g., the surface facing the first coil 513) can have both a north pole and a south pole. For example, one surface of the first magnet 511 facing the first coil 513 can have north and south poles spaced apart from each other in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis). Another surface of the first magnet 511 (e.g., the surface opposite to said one surface) can be magnetized to have a polarity opposite to that of said one surface of the first magnet 511.

[0087] In an implementation, the first magnet 511 may include a plurality of magnets (see [link to implementation]). Figure 21 Multiple magnets can be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis) on one side surface of the first support portion 200. In this case, the multiple magnets of the first magnet 511 can be configured such that each surface can have a polarity. The multiple magnets can be configured to have polarities opposite to those of adjacent magnets.

[0088] In an implementation, the first magnet 511 may include a plurality of magnets (see [link to implementation]). Figure 3 Multiple magnets may be spaced apart from each other in the first axis (X-axis) direction. For example, when the first magnet 511 includes two magnets, one of the two magnets may be mounted on one side surface of the first support portion 200, and the other magnet may be mounted on another side surface of the first support portion 200 (a surface spaced apart from said side surface in the first axis (X-axis) direction). Each of the multiple magnets of the first magnet 511 may be magnetized such that a surface (e.g., the surface facing the first coil 513) may have both a north pole and a south pole.

[0089] In an implementation, the first magnet 511 may include a plurality of magnets (see [link to implementation]). Figure 20For example, when the first magnet 511 comprises four magnets, two of the four magnets may be mounted on one side surface of the first support portion 200, and the other two magnets may be mounted on another side surface of the first support portion 200 (a surface spaced apart from said one side surface in the first axial (X-axis) direction). The two magnets mounted on one side surface of the first support portion 200 may be spaced apart from each other in the second axial (Y-axis) direction. The two magnets mounted on the other side surface of the first support portion 200 may also be spaced apart from each other in the second axial (Y-axis) direction. The plurality of magnets of the first magnet 511 may be configured such that each of its surfaces (e.g., the surface facing the first coil 513) may have a single polarity.

[0090] The first coil 513 can be configured to face the first magnet 511. For example, the first coil 513 can be configured to face the first magnet 511 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis). The first coil 513 can have a hollow ring shape.

[0091] The first coil 513 can be disposed on the first substrate 550. The first substrate 550 can be mounted on the housing 110 so that the first magnet 511 and the first coil 513 can face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0092] The housing 110 may include a through-hole 111. For example, the through-hole 111 may penetrate the side surface of the housing 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis). A first coil 513 may be disposed in the through-hole 111 of the housing 110. By disposing the first coil 513 in the through-hole 111 of the housing 110, an increase in the size of the actuator 10 and the camera module 1 due to the thickness of the first coil 513 can be prevented.

[0093] When one surface of the first magnet 511 is magnetized to have both a north pole and a south pole, the first coil 513 may include a greater number of coils than the number of magnets included in the first magnet 511. For example, the number of coils included in the first coil 513 may be twice the number of magnets included in the first magnet 511.

[0094] For example, when the first magnet 511 comprises only one magnet and one surface of the magnet has both a north pole and a south pole, the first coil 513 may comprise two coils (see [link to documentation]). Figure 19 When the first magnet 511 comprises two magnets spaced apart from each other in the direction of the first axis (X-axis) and one surface of each magnet has both a north pole and a south pole, the first coil 513 may comprise four coils (see [link to documentation]). Figure 4 ).

[0095] When one surface of the first magnet 511 is magnetized to have a single polarity, the number of coils included in the first coil 513 can be the same as the number of magnets included in the first magnet 511.

[0096] For example, when the first magnet 511 includes two magnets spaced apart from each other in the second axis (Y-axis) direction on one side surface of the first support portion 200 and one surface of the two magnets has a single polarity, the first coil 513 may include two coils (see...). Figure 21 ).

[0097] The first magnet 511 can be configured as a movable member mounted on the first support portion 200 and moving together with the first support portion 200, and the first coil 513 can be configured as a fixed member fixed to the first substrate 550 and the housing 110.

[0098] When electricity is applied to the first coil 513, the first support portion 200 can move in the direction of the first axis (X-axis) by the electromagnetic force between the first magnet 511 and the first coil 513.

[0099] The second image stabilization drive unit 530 may include a second magnet 531 and a second coil 533. The second magnet 531 and the second coil 533 may be arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0100] The second magnet 531 can be disposed on the first support portion 200. For example, the second magnet 531 can be mounted on the side surface of the first support portion 200. A mounting groove 210 for the second magnet 531 can be disposed on the side surface of the first support portion 200. By inserting the second magnet 531 into the mounting groove 210, the increase in the size of the actuator 10 and the camera module 1 due to the thickness of the second magnet 531 can be prevented.

[0101] The second magnet 531 may include one or more magnets.

[0102] In an implementation, the second magnet 531 may be configured as a single magnet. In this case, the second magnet 531 may be magnetized such that one surface (e.g., the surface facing the second coil 533) may have both a north pole and a south pole. For example, one surface of the second magnet 531 facing the second coil 533 may have north and south poles spaced apart from each other in the direction of the first axis (X-axis). Another surface of the second magnet 531 (e.g., the surface opposite to said one surface) may be magnetized to have a polarity opposite to that of said one surface of the second magnet 531.

[0103] In one embodiment, the second magnet 531 may include a plurality of magnets spaced apart from each other in the direction of the first axis (X-axis). In this case, each surface of the plurality of magnets of the second magnet 531 may be configured to have a single polarity. The plurality of magnets may be configured to have polarities opposite to those of adjacent magnets.

[0104] The second coil 533 can be configured to face the second magnet 531. For example, the second coil 533 can be configured to face the second magnet 531 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis). The second coil 533 can have a hollow ring shape.

[0105] The second coil 533 can be disposed on the first substrate 550. The first substrate 550 can be mounted on the housing 110 so that the second magnet 531 and the second coil 533 can face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0106] The housing 110 may include a through-hole 111. For example, the through-hole 111 may penetrate the side surface of the housing 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis). The second coil 533 may be disposed in the through-hole 111 of the housing 110. By disposing the second coil 533 in the through-hole 111 of the housing 110, an increase in the overall size of the actuator 10 and the camera module 1 due to the thickness of the second coil 533 can be prevented.

[0107] The second coil 533 may include multiple coils. The multiple coils of the second coil 533 may be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the first axis (X-axis).

[0108] The second magnet 531 may be a movable member mounted on the first support portion 200 and moving together with the first support portion 200, and the second coil 533 may be a fixed member fixed to the first substrate 550 and the housing 110.

[0109] When electricity is applied to the second coil 533, the first support portion 200 can move in the direction of the second axis (Y axis) due to the electromagnetic force between the second magnet 531 and the second coil 533.

[0110] like Figure 4 As shown, the first coil 513 and the second coil 533 can be configured as winding coils and can be mounted on the first substrate 550. In another embodiment, the first coil 513 and the second coil 533 can be copper foil patterns stacked on the first substrate 550 and embedded in the first substrate 550.

[0111] The first magnet 511 and the second magnet 531 can be configured to be perpendicular to each other in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), and the first coil 513 and the second coil 533 can also be configured to be perpendicular to each other in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0112] The first spherical component B1 can be disposed between the housing 110 and the first supporting part 200.

[0113] The first ball component B1 can be configured to contact each of the housing 110 and the first support portion 200.

[0114] The first spherical component B1 can guide the movement of the first support portion 200 during image stabilization processing, and can also maintain the distance between the housing 110 and the first support portion 200 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0115] When the first support portion 200 moves relative to the housing 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), the first ball member B1 can guide the movement of the first support portion 200 by rolling in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0116] For example, when a driving force is generated in the direction of the first axis (X-axis), the first ball member B1 can roll in the direction of the first axis (X-axis). Therefore, the first ball member B1 can guide the movement of the first bearing part 200 in the direction of the first axis (X-axis).

[0117] Furthermore, when a driving force is generated in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis), the first ball member B1 can roll in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis). Therefore, the first ball member B1 can guide the movement of the first bearing part 200 in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis).

[0118] The first ball component B1 may include a plurality of balls disposed between the housing 110 and the first support portion 200. The number of balls included in the first ball component B1 may be three or more.

[0119] The guide groove for the first ball member B1 can be provided on at least one of the surfaces of the housing 110 and the first support portion 200 that face each other in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. For example, the first guide groove 230 can be provided on the upper surface of the first support portion 200, and the second guide groove 120 can be provided on the inner upper surface of the housing 110.

[0120] The first ball component B1 can be disposed in the first guide groove 230 and the second guide groove 120, and can be inserted between the housing 110 and the first support portion 200.

[0121] The first ball component B1 can be accommodated in the first guide groove 230 and the second guide groove 120 while moving in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), and the movement of the first ball component B1 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction can be restricted.

[0122] Each of the planes of the first guide groove 230 and the second guide groove 120 may have a polygonal or circular shape. The dimensions of the first guide groove 230 and the second guide groove 120 may be larger than the diameter of the first spherical member B1. For example, the cross-section of the first guide groove 230 and the second guide groove 120 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) may have a dimension larger than the diameter of the first spherical member B1.

[0123] The first support portion 200 may include a support pad 231, and at least a portion of the support pad 231 may form the bottom surface of the first guide groove 230. Therefore, the first ball member B1 can roll by contacting the support pad 231.

[0124] In one embodiment, the support pad 231 can be integrally formed with and connected to the first support portion 200 by insert molding. In this case, the support pad 231 can be manufactured to be integral with the first support portion 200 by injecting resin into the mold while the support pad 231 is fixed in the mold. The support pad 231 can be formed of stainless steel.

[0125] The support pad 231 can also be provided in the housing 110.

[0126] According to the embodiment, the actuator 10 can sense the position of the first support portion 200 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0127] For this purpose, a first position sensor 515 and a second position sensor 535 may be provided. The first position sensor 515 may be disposed on the first substrate 550 facing the first magnet 511, and the second position sensor 535 may be disposed on the first substrate 550 facing the second magnet 531.

[0128] The second position sensor 535 may include multiple position sensors. Each of the multiple position sensors may be a Hall sensor.

[0129] For example, the second position sensor 535 may include two Hall sensors. The two Hall sensors of the second position sensor 535 may be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the first axis (X-axis). The direction in which the two Hall sensors of the second position sensor 535 are spaced apart from each other may be perpendicular to the direction in which the second magnet 531 and the second coil 533 face each other.

[0130] For example, the second magnet 531 may include two magnets spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the driving force generated by the second magnet 531 (the direction of the second axis (Y-axis)) (the direction of the first axis (X-axis)), and the second position sensor 535 may include two Hall sensors facing the two magnets.

[0131] One of the two Hall sensors can face one of the two magnets of the second magnet 531, and the other of the two Hall sensors can face the other of the two magnets of the second magnet 531.

[0132] Whether the first support part 200 rotates can be sensed by two Hall sensors facing the second magnet 531.

[0133] By creating a difference between the driving force of the first image stabilization driving unit 510 and the driving force of the second image stabilization driving unit 530, a rotational force can be intentionally generated using the combined force of the first image stabilization driving unit 510 and the second image stabilization driving unit 530, or by using two magnets included in the second image stabilization driving unit 530.

[0134] Therefore, when an unexpected rotation occurs in the first support portion 200, the driving force of the first image stabilization drive unit 510 and / or the driving force of the second image stabilization drive unit 530 can be controlled to counteract the rotation, thereby allowing the first support portion 200 to move linearly.

[0135] A first yoke 570 may be disposed in the housing 110. The first yoke 570 may provide an attractive force to maintain contact between the housing 110 and the first support portion 200 and the first ball member B1.

[0136] The first yoke 570 can be built into the housing 110. For example, the first yoke 570 can be integrated with and attached to the housing 110 by injection molding. In this case, the first yoke 570 can be manufactured to be integrated with and attached to the housing 110 by injecting resin into the mold while the first yoke 570 is fixed in the mold.

[0137] The first yoke 570 can be configured to face the first magnet 511 and the second magnet 531 in the direction of the optical axis (Z axis).

[0138] An attractive force can be applied in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction between the first yoke 570 and the first magnet 511, and between the first yoke 570 and the second magnet 531.

[0139] Therefore, as the first support portion 200 is pressed toward the housing 110, the housing 110 and the first support portion 200 can remain in contact with the first ball member B1.

[0140] Due to this attraction, the first load-bearing part 200 can provide at least three-point support for the first ball member B1.

[0141] The first yoke 570 can be a material that generates an attractive force between the first magnet 511 and the second magnet 531. For example, the first yoke 570 can be a magnetic material.

[0142] The number of first yokes 570 is not limited to any particular example, but the center of the attraction between the first yoke 570 and the first magnet 511 and the center of the attraction between the first yoke 570 and the second magnet 531 may need to be located in the support region that connects the multiple balls included in the first ball member B1 to each other.

[0143] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The actuator 10 may include a damping unit. The damping unit may include a plurality of damping grooves 130, a plurality of damping pins 250, and damping gel.

[0144] The housing 110 may include a plurality of damping grooves 130 disposed therein. For example, the plurality of damping grooves 130 may be formed on the inner upper surface of the housing 110. The plurality of damping grooves 130 may be arranged adjacent to the second guide groove 120.

[0145] The first support portion 200 may include a plurality of damping pins 250 extending toward a plurality of damping grooves 130. For example, the plurality of damping pins 250 protruding in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction may be disposed at the edge of the upper surface of the first support portion 200.

[0146] At least a portion of the damping pin 250 extending from the first support portion 200 can be accommodated in each damping groove 130. For example, a plurality of damping pins 250 protruding from the first support portion 200 to extend in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction can be provided on the first support portion 200, and at least a portion of each damping pin 250 can be provided in each damping groove 130 of the housing 110.

[0147] Damping gel can be disposed in multiple damping grooves 130. A portion of the damping pin 250 can be disposed in the damping gel.

[0148] During image stabilization, since the first support portion 200 is a movable member and the housing 110 is a fixed member, the damping pin 250 can move relative to the damping groove 130. Furthermore, since the damping pin 250 is immersed in the damping gel, resistance can be generated by the damping gel when the damping pin 250 moves. Therefore, a damping structure can be easily implemented.

[0149] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The first magnet 511 can be magnetized such that one of its surfaces (e.g., the surface facing the first coil 513) has both a north pole and a south pole.

[0150] For example, a surface of the first magnet 511 may have a first polarity 511a and a second polarity 511b spaced apart from each other in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis). The first polarity 511a may be the North Pole or the South Pole, and the second polarity 511b may have the opposite polarity to the first polarity 511a.

[0151] The area of ​​the first polarity 511a may be different from the area of ​​the second polarity 511b. For example, the area of ​​the first polarity 511a may be larger than the area of ​​the second polarity 511b.

[0152] The lengths of the first polarity 511a and the second polarity 511b in the second axis (Y-axis) direction can be different. For example, the length of the first polarity 511a in the second axis (Y-axis) direction can be longer than the length of the second polarity 511b in the second axis (Y-axis) direction.

[0153] The first coil 513 may include multiple coils. For example, the first coil 513 may include a first sub-coil 513a and a second sub-coil 513b.

[0154] The first sub-coil 513a can be configured to face the first magnet 511a with a first polarity 511a, and the second sub-coil 513b can be configured to face the first magnet 511 with a second polarity 511b.

[0155] The length of the first sub-coil 513a in the second axis (Y-axis) direction may be different from the length of the second sub-coil 513b in the second axis (Y-axis) direction. For example, the length of the first sub-coil 513a in the second axis (Y-axis) direction may be longer than the length of the second sub-coil 513b in the second axis (Y-axis) direction.

[0156] The first position sensor 515 can be disposed at a position spaced apart from the center of the first sub-coil 513a. For example, the first position sensor 515 can be disposed at a position spaced apart from the center of the first sub-coil 513a in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis).

[0157] The position of the first position sensor 515 in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis) can be between the center of the first sub-coil 513a and the center of the second sub-coil 513b. That is, the first position sensor 515 can be positioned between the center of the first sub-coil 513a and the center of the second sub-coil 513b.

[0158] The first position sensor 515 may be configured to face one of the first polarities 511a and 511b of the first magnet 511. For example, the first position sensor 515 may be configured to face the polarity with the longer length (or larger area) of the first polarity 511a and the second polarity 511b of the first magnet 511.

[0159] In one embodiment, the first position sensor 515 may be configured to face the first polarity 511a of the first magnet 511.

[0160] The first position sensor 515 can be spaced apart from the center C1 of the first polarity 511a of the first magnet 511. Therefore, the first position sensor 515 can face the portion of the first magnet 511 that is spaced apart from the center C1 of the first polarity 511a in the direction of the second axis (Y axis).

[0161] In one embodiment, the center of the first position sensor 515 may be spaced apart from the center C1 of the first polarity 511a of the first magnet 511 in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis). Here, the direction in which the first position sensor 515 is spaced apart from the center C1 may be towards the second polarity 511b of the first magnet 511.

[0162] For example, the first position sensor 515 may face the first polarity 511a of the first magnet 511, and the center of the first position sensor 515 may be located between the center C1 of the first polarity 511a of the first magnet 511 and the center C2 of the second polarity 511b of the first magnet 511.

[0163] In one embodiment, the first position sensor 515 may be positioned to face the center C3 of the first support portion 200. For example, when viewed in the first axis (X-axis) direction, the center C3 of a side surface of the first support portion 200 on which the first magnet 511 is disposed may overlap with the first position sensor 515 in the second axis (Y-axis) direction.

[0164] When the first support portion 200 moves in the direction of the first axis (X-axis), the first position sensor 515 can sense the position of the first support portion 200. The first position sensor 515 can be a Hall sensor.

[0165] During image stabilization, the first support portion 200 can move in the first axis (X-axis) and second axis (Y-axis) directions while being supported by the first ball member B1.

[0166] In this case, since the first ball component B1 can roll in multiple directions perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), there is a possibility that the first bearing portion 200 may rotate due to various unforeseen factors (such as the difference between the driving force of the first image stabilization drive unit 510 and the driving force of the second image stabilization drive unit 530).

[0167] In this case, an error may occur in the position of the first carrier 200 sensed by the first position sensor 515.

[0168] In the camera module 1 according to the embodiment, the length of the first sub-coil 513a may be longer than the length of the second sub-coil 513b, and the first position sensor 515 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the center of the first sub-coil 513a.

[0169] Furthermore, the first position sensor 515 may be configured to face a polarity with a longer length (e.g., the first polarity 511a) on one surface of the first magnet 511, and the first position sensor 515 may be configured to be closer to the center C1 of the first polarity 511a than the second polarity 511b.

[0170] Therefore, the first position sensor 515 can be positioned closer to the center C3 of the first support portion 200 (preferably, positioned such that the first position sensor 515 faces the center C3 of the first support portion 200), so that even when the first support portion 200 is unintentionally rotated, errors in the position (position in the first axis (X-axis) direction) of the first support portion 200 sensed by the first position sensor 515 can be prevented.

[0171] like Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10C As shown, even when the first support portion 200 rotates, the distance between the first magnet 511 and the first position sensor 515 may not change, or the change in the distance between the first magnet 511 and the first position sensor 515 may be relatively insignificant.

[0172] Therefore, the position of the first support portion 200 sensed by the first position sensor 515 is not affected by the rotation of the first support portion 200.

[0173] The second coil 533 may include multiple coils. For example, the second coil 533 may include a third sub-coil 533a and a fourth sub-coil 533b. The third sub-coil 533a and the fourth sub-coil 533b may be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the first axis (X-axis).

[0174] When the second magnet 531 is a single magnet, the third sub-coil 533a and the fourth sub-coil 533b can be configured to have different polarities facing one surface of the second magnet 531.

[0175] When the second magnet 531 is a plurality of separate magnets (e.g., two magnets), each of the third sub-coil 533a and the fourth sub-coil 533b can face a single magnet.

[0176] Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the first magnet and the first coil of the first driver.

[0177] In one embodiment, the first magnet 511 may include two magnets spaced apart from each other in the direction of the first axis (X-axis). Each magnet may be configured such that a surface facing the first coil 513 may have a first polarity and a second polarity.

[0178] First, such as Figure 3 and Figure 12 As shown, the first polarity of the magnet positioned in the positive first axis (X-axis) direction and the first polarity of the magnet positioned in the negative first axis (X-axis) direction can be set to face each other in the oblique direction.

[0179] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 13 The first polarity of the magnet positioned in the positive first axis (X-axis) direction and the first polarity of the magnet positioned in the negative first axis (X-axis) direction can be set to face each other in the first axis (X-axis) direction.

[0180] Figure 14 This is a plan view showing the sensor substrate of the actuator according to an embodiment. Figure 15 It is along Figure 14 The sectional view taken from line II-II' in the middle.

[0181] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 The sensor substrate 400 may include a movable portion 410, a fixed portion 430, and a connecting portion 450. The sensor substrate 400 may be a rigid-flexible PCB (RF PCB).

[0182] The image sensor S can be mounted on the movable portion 410. The movable portion 410 can be coupled to the lower surface of the second support portion 300, which will be described later. For example, the area of ​​the movable portion 410 can be larger than the area of ​​the image sensor S, and the movable portion 410 in the outer portion of the image sensor S can be coupled to the lower surface of the second support portion 300.

[0183] The moving part 410 may be a moving member that moves together with the first support part 200 and the second support part 300 during image stabilization. The moving part 410 may be a rigid printed circuit board (PCB).

[0184] The fixing part 430 can be attached to the lower surface of the housing 110. The fixing part 430 can be a fixed member that does not move during image stabilization. The fixing part 430 can be a rigid PCB.

[0185] The connecting portion 450 can be disposed between the moving portion 410 and the fixed portion 430, and can connect the moving portion 410 to the fixed portion 430. The connecting portion 450 can be a flexible PCB. When the moving portion 410 moves, the connecting portion 450 disposed between the moving portion 410 and the fixed portion 430 can be bent.

[0186] The connecting portion 450 may extend along the periphery of the moving portion 410. The connecting portion 450 may include a plurality of slits penetrating the connecting portion 450 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. The plurality of slits may be spaced apart between the moving portion 410 and the fixed portion 430. Therefore, the connecting portion 450 may include a plurality of bridging elements 455 spaced apart from each other by the plurality of slits. The plurality of bridging elements 455 may extend along the periphery of the moving portion 410.

[0187] The connecting portion 450 may include a first support portion 451 and a second support portion 453. The connecting portion 450 can be connected to the fixed portion 430 via the first support portion 451. The connecting portion 450 can be connected to the movable portion 410 via the second support portion 453.

[0188] For example, the first support portion 451 may contact and be connected to the fixed portion 430, and may be spaced apart from the movable portion 410. The second support portion 453 may contact and be connected to the movable portion 410, and may be spaced apart from the fixed portion 430.

[0189] For example, the first support portion 451 may extend in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis), and a plurality of bridging elements 455 of the connecting portion 450 may be connected to the fixed portion 430. In an embodiment, the first support portion 451 may include two support portions arranged opposite each other in the direction of the first axis (X-axis).

[0190] The second support portion 453 may extend in the direction of the first axis (X-axis) and may connect a plurality of bridging elements 455 of the connecting portion 450 to the moving portion 410. In an embodiment, the second support portion 453 may include two support portions arranged opposite each other in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis).

[0191] Therefore, the movable part 410 can move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), or it can rotate about the optical axis (Z-axis) while being supported by the connecting part 450.

[0192] In this embodiment, when the image sensor S moves in the first axis (X-axis) direction, the plurality of bridging elements 455 connected to the first support portion 451 can be bent. When the image sensor S moves in the second axis (Y-axis) direction, the plurality of bridging elements 455 connected to the second support portion 453 can be bent. When the image sensor S rotates, the plurality of bridging elements 455 connected to the first support portion 451 and the plurality of bridging elements 455 connected to the second support portion 453 can be bent together.

[0193] In one embodiment, the length of the fixing portion 430 in the first axis (X-axis) direction and the length in the second axis (Y-axis) direction may be different. For example, the length of the fixing portion 430 in the second axis (Y-axis) direction may be longer than its length in the first axis (X-axis) direction. In another embodiment, the sensor substrate 400 may have a rectangular shape.

[0194] In the sensor substrate 400 configured as described above, when the length of the first support portion 451 and the length of the second support portion 453 are the same, the loads applied to the plurality of bridging elements 455 connected to the first support portion 451 and the loads applied to the plurality of bridging elements 455 connected to the second support portion 453 may be different, which may lead to difficulties in drive control.

[0195] Therefore, by configuring the lengths of the first support portion 451 and the second support portion 453 to be different, the lengths of the plurality of bridging elements 455 extending from the first support portion 451 in the second axis (Y-axis) direction and the lengths of the plurality of bridging elements 455 extending from the second support portion 453 in the first axis (X-axis) direction can be configured to be almost the same.

[0196] Here, the length of the first support portion 451 can refer to the length in the direction of the second axis (Y axis), and the length of the second support portion 453 can refer to the length in the direction of the first axis (X axis).

[0197] refer to Figure 15 A through-hole can be formed in the moving part 410, and the image sensor S can be disposed in the through-hole. The thickness of the through-hole and the thickness of the image sensor S can be almost the same.

[0198] The reinforcing plate 470 can be attached to the lower surface of the movable part 410. The reinforcing plate 470 can also be attached to the lower surface of the fixed part 430.

[0199] Therefore, compared to placing the image sensor S on the upper surface of the sensor substrate 400, the height in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction can reduce the thickness of the image sensor S.

[0200] refer to Figure 2The base 700 can be connected to the lower part of the sensor substrate 400.

[0201] The base 700 can be attached to the sensor substrate 400 to cover the lower portion of the sensor substrate 400. The base 700 can prevent impurities from entering through the gap between the moving portion 410 and the fixed portion 430 of the sensor substrate 400.

[0202] A heat dissipation film can be disposed on the lower part of the base 700. Therefore, the heat generated from the image sensor S can be effectively dissipated.

[0203] Figure 16 This is an exploded perspective view showing the first support portion, the second support portion, and the second driver according to an embodiment. Figure 17 Shown in different directions Figure 16 A three-dimensional view of the example shown. Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the second support section as viewed from the side.

[0204] refer to Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 The second support part 300 can be disposed in the first support part 200.

[0205] The second support portion 300 may be disposed in the first support portion 200 and may move together with the first support portion 200 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), and may move relative to the first support portion 200 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0206] The second drive unit 600 can move the second support part 300 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction by generating a driving force in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0207] The second drive unit 600 may include a third magnet 610 and a third coil 630. The third magnet 610 and the third coil 630 may be arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0208] The third magnet 610 can be disposed in one of the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 300, and the third coil 630 can be disposed in the other. In the following description, an embodiment in which the third magnet 610 is disposed in the first support portion 200 will be described, but the positions of the third magnet 610 and the third coil 630 can be interchanged.

[0209] The third magnet 610 may be disposed in the first support portion 200. For example, the third magnet 610 may be disposed on the inner surface of the first support portion 200. The third magnet 610 may be disposed to overlap with the second magnet 531 in the second axis (Y-axis) direction. The second magnet 531 and the third magnet 610 may be disposed between the second coil 533 and the third coil 630.

[0210] The third magnet 610 can be magnetized such that a surface (e.g., the surface facing the third coil 630) can have both a north pole and a south pole. For example, the north pole, neutral region, and south pole can be arranged sequentially in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction on a surface of the third magnet 610 facing the third coil 630.

[0211] Another surface of the third magnet 610 (e.g., the opposite surface of the first surface) can be magnetized to have both a south pole and a north pole. For example, the south pole, neutral region, and north pole can be arranged sequentially on the other surface of the third magnet 610 in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0212] The third coil 630 may be disposed in the second support portion 300. For example, the third coil 630 may be disposed on a side surface of the second support portion 300. The third coil 630 may be disposed facing the third magnet 610 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0213] The third coil 630 can be disposed on the second substrate 670, and the second substrate 670 can be mounted on the second support portion 300, so that the third magnet 610 and the third coil 630 can face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z axis).

[0214] During focusing, the third magnet 610 may be a fixed member fixed to the first support portion 200, and the third coil 630 may be a movable member mounted on the second substrate 670 and the second support portion 300 and moving together with the second support portion 300 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0215] When electricity is applied to the third coil 630, the second carrier 300 can move in the direction of the optical axis (Z axis) by the electromagnetic force between the third magnet 610 and the third coil 630.

[0216] Since the sensor substrate 400 on which the image sensor S is mounted is connected to the second support portion 300, the image sensor S can also move in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction as the second support portion 300 moves.

[0217] The second ball component B2 may be disposed between the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 300. The second ball component B2 may include a plurality of balls disposed in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction. As the second support portion 300 moves in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the plurality of balls may roll in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0218] The second yoke 690 may be disposed in the second support portion 300. The second yoke 690 may be disposed at a position facing the third magnet 610. For example, the third coil 630 may be disposed on one surface of the second substrate 670, and the second yoke 690 may be disposed on the other surface of the second substrate 670.

[0219] The third magnet 610 and the second yoke 690 can generate an attractive force between them. For example, the attractive force can act between the third magnet 610 and the second yoke 690 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0220] Due to the attraction of the third magnet 610 and the second yoke 690, the second ball member B2 can contact each of the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 300.

[0221] Guide grooves can be provided in the surfaces of the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 300 facing each other. For example, the first groove g1 and the third groove g3 can be provided in the second support portion 300, and the second groove g2 and the fourth groove g4 can be provided in the first support portion 200. Each groove can have a shape having a length in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0222] The first slot g1 and the second slot g2 can be arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), and a portion of the plurality of spheres of the second sphere member B2 (e.g., the first sphere group BG1 described below) can be arranged in the space between the first slot g1 and the second slot g2.

[0223] Among the multiple balls included in the first ball group BG1, the ball positioned on the outermost side in a direction parallel to the optical axis (Z-axis) can make contact with the first slot g1 and the second slot g2 at two points respectively.

[0224] In other words, among the multiple balls included in the first ball group BG1, the ball positioned on the outermost side in a direction parallel to the optical axis (Z-axis) can make contact with the first slot g1 at two points and can make contact with the second slot g2 at two points.

[0225] The first groove g1 and the second groove g2 can form the main rolling part G1, and the first ball group BG1 and the main rolling part G1 can be used as the main guide to guide the movement of the second bearing part 300 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0226] The third slot g3 and the fourth slot g4 can be arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), and a portion of the plurality of spheres of the second sphere member B2 (e.g., the second sphere group BG2 described below) can be arranged in the space between the third slot g3 and the fourth slot g4.

[0227] Among the multiple balls included in the second ball group BG2, the ball positioned on the outermost side in a direction parallel to the optical axis (Z-axis) can make two-point contact with one of the third slot g3 and the fourth slot g4, and can make single-point contact with the other.

[0228] For example, among the multiple balls included in the second ball group BG2, the ball positioned on the outermost side in a direction parallel to the optical axis (Z-axis) can make single-point contact with the third slot g3 and two-point contact with the fourth slot g4 (or vice versa).

[0229] The third groove g3 and the fourth groove g4 can form an auxiliary rolling portion G2, and the second ball group BG2 and the auxiliary rolling portion G2 can be used as auxiliary guides to support the movement of the second bearing portion 300 in the optical axis (Z axis) direction.

[0230] The second spherical component B2 may include a first spherical group BG1 and a second spherical group BG2, and each of the first spherical group BG1 and the second spherical group BG2 may include a plurality of spheres arranged in the direction of the optical axis (Z axis).

[0231] The first ball group BG1 and the second ball group BG2 can be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) (e.g., the X-axis direction). The number of balls in the first ball group BG1 and the number of balls in the second ball group BG2 can be different.

[0232] For example, the first ball group BG1 may include two or more balls arranged in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis), and the second ball group BG2 may include a smaller number of balls than the number of balls included in the first ball group BG1.

[0233] Assuming the number of balls in the first group BG1 and the number of balls in the second group BG2 can be different, the number of balls in each group can vary. For ease of description, the following description will describe an implementation in which the first group BG1 comprises three balls and the second group BG2 comprises two balls.

[0234] Of the three spheres included in the first sphere group BG1, the two spheres positioned on the outermost side in a direction parallel to the optical axis (Z-axis) may have the same diameter, and the sphere positioned between them may have a smaller diameter than the sphere positioned on the outermost side.

[0235] For example, among the multiple balls included in the first ball group BG1, the two balls arranged on the outermost side in a direction parallel to the optical axis (Z-axis) may have a first diameter, and the ball arranged between them may have a second diameter, and the first diameter may be larger than the second diameter.

[0236] The two balls included in the second ball group BG2 can have the same diameter. For example, the two balls included in the second ball group BG2 can have a third diameter.

[0237] The first diameter and the third diameter can be the same. Here, "the same diameter" can mean that the diameters are physically identical, and can also include manufacturing tolerances.

[0238] The distance between the centers of the balls arranged on the outermost side in a direction parallel to the optical axis (Z-axis) among the multiple balls included in the first ball group BG1 and the distance between the centers of the balls arranged on the outermost side in a direction parallel to the optical axis (Z-axis) among the multiple balls included in the second ball group BG2 can be different.

[0239] For example, the distance between the centers of two spheres with a first diameter can be greater than the distance between the centers of two spheres with a third diameter.

[0240] In order for the second support portion 300 to move parallel to the optical axis (Z-axis) when it moves in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) (i.e., to prevent tilting), the center of action CP of the attraction force acting between the third magnet 610 and the second yoke 690 may need to be located in the support area A that connects the contact points of the second ball member B2 and the second support portion 300 (or the first support portion 200) to each other.

[0241] When the center of the attractive force CP is outside the support area A, the position of the second support portion 300 may be distorted or tilted as the second support portion 300 moves. Therefore, it may be necessary to configure the support area A to have a relatively wide area.

[0242] In one embodiment, the size (e.g., diameter) of some of the balls in the second ball member B2 may be smaller than the size (e.g., diameter) of the other balls. In this case, the ball with the larger diameter may intentionally come into contact with the second support portion 300 (or the first support portion 200).

[0243] Since two of the three balls in the first ball group BG1 have a diameter larger than the diameter of the third ball, the two balls in the first ball group BG1 can contact the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 300 respectively. Since the two balls in the second ball group BG2 have the same diameter, the two balls in the second ball group BG2 can contact the first support portion 200 and the second support portion 300 respectively.

[0244] Therefore, as Figure 18 As shown, when viewed in the direction of the second axis (Y-axis), the second ball member B2 can make contact with the first support portion 200 (or the second support portion 300) at four points. The support region A connecting the contact points to each other can have a quadrilateral shape (e.g., a trapezoidal shape).

[0245] Therefore, the support region A can be formed with a relatively wide area, so that the center of the attraction force CP acting between the third magnet 610 and the second yoke 690 can be stably positioned in the support region A. This ensures operational stability during focusing.

[0246] Even if the two balls in the second ball group BG2 are manufactured to have the same diameter, they may not be physically identical due to manufacturing errors. In this case, one of the two balls in the second ball group BG2 may come into contact with the second support portion 300 (or the first support portion 200).

[0247] Therefore, the support area A connecting the contact point where the second ball member B2 contacts the second bearing portion 300 (or the first bearing portion 200) can have a triangular shape.

[0248] Even when the support area A has a triangular shape, the support area A can be formed with a wide area by using the outermost ball in the first ball group BG1, which is positioned in a direction parallel to the optical axis (Z axis), thus ensuring operational stability during focusing.

[0249] In addition to ensuring operational stability during focusing, it may also be important to reduce the height of camera module 1 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction (i.e., thin it). Simply reducing the height of camera module 1 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction may also reduce the height of support region A in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction.

[0250] In other words, simply reducing the height of camera module 1 in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction may lead to operational stability issues during focusing.

[0251] In one embodiment, the auxiliary yoke 691 may be positioned facing the third magnet 610. For example, the auxiliary yoke 691 may be positioned inside the third coil 630, facing the third magnet 610.

[0252] The auxiliary yoke 691 can be positioned closer to the main guide than the auxiliary guide. The auxiliary yoke 691 can be formed of a material that generates an attractive force with the third magnet 610.

[0253] Therefore, the combined force of the attraction between the third magnet 610 and the second yoke 690 and the attraction generated between the third magnet 610 and the auxiliary yoke 691 can be positioned closer to the main guide than the auxiliary guide.

[0254] In another embodiment, the third magnet 610 may be disposed eccentrically to one side on an inner surface of the first support portion 200 in the length direction (e.g., the direction of the first axis (X-axis)).

[0255] The center of an inner surface of the first support portion 200 and the center of the third magnet 610 can be offset from each other. The eccentric direction of the third magnet 610 can be towards the main guide.

[0256] In other words, the third magnet 610 can be positioned closer to the main magnet than the auxiliary magnet.

[0257] Since the support region A has a longer length toward the main guide in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction, the center of attraction CP can be stably positioned in the support region A by setting the third magnet 610 closer to the main guide.

[0258] The actuator 10 can sense the position of the second carrier 300 in the direction of the optical axis (Z axis).

[0259] For this purpose, a third position sensor 650 can be provided. The third position sensor 650 can be disposed on the second substrate 670, facing the third magnet 610. The third position sensor 650 can be a Hall sensor.

[0260] In the camera module 1 according to the embodiment, the image sensor S can be configured to move in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis) during autofocus and in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) during image stabilization.

[0261] Even when the image sensor S moves in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction during focusing, the relative positions of the magnet and coil of the first drive unit 500 do not change, thereby allowing precise control of the driving force used for image stabilization.

[0262] Furthermore, even when the image sensor S moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) during image stabilization, the relative positions of the magnet and coil of the second drive unit 600 do not change, allowing for precise control of the driving force used for focusing.

[0263] According to the above embodiments, the actuator used for the camera can improve image stabilization performance.

[0264] While specific examples have been shown and described above, it will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure 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 considered descriptive only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each example is to be applied to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may also be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described system, architecture, apparatus, or circuit are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents shall be construed as included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. An actuator for a camera, the actuator comprising: The shell, including the internal space; The first supporting part is housed within the housing; as well as The first driving unit includes a first magnet disposed in the first support portion, a first coil disposed facing the first magnet in a first axial direction, and a first position sensor configured to sense the position of the first support portion. The first coil includes a first sub-coil and a second sub-coil spaced apart from each other in a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction. Wherein, the length of the first sub-coil in the second axial direction is longer than the length of the second sub-coil in the second axial direction, and The first position sensor is located at a position spaced apart from the center of the first sub-coil in the second axial direction.

2. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The position of the first position sensor in the second axial direction is between the center of the first sub-coil and the center of the second sub-coil.

3. The actuator according to claim 1, in, The surface of the first magnet facing the first coil has a first polarity and a second polarity spaced apart from each other along the second axis. Wherein, the first polarity and the second polarity are opposite polarities, and The first polarity faces the first sub-coil, and the second polarity faces the second sub-coil.

4. The actuator according to claim 3, in, The length of the first polarity in the direction of the second axis is longer than the length of the second polarity in the direction of the second axis, and The first position sensor faces the portion of the first magnet that is spaced apart from the center of the first polarity along the second axis.

5. The actuator according to claim 3, wherein, The position of the first position sensor in the second axial direction is between the center of the first polarity and the center of the second polarity.

6. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed in the first axial direction, the center of the side surface of the first bearing portion on which the first magnet is disposed overlaps with the first position sensor in the second axial direction.

7. The actuator according to claim 1, further comprising: The first spherical component is disposed between the shell and the first supporting part. The guide groove for the first ball member is disposed on at least one of the surface of the housing and the surface of the first support portion, and the surface of the housing and the surface of the first support portion face each other in a direction perpendicular to both the first axial direction and the second axial direction.

8. The actuator according to claim 1, in, The first driving unit further includes a second magnet disposed on the first support portion, a second coil disposed facing the second magnet, and a second position sensor configured to sense the position of the first support portion. The second coil includes a third sub-coil and a fourth sub-coil spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction.

9. The actuator according to claim 8, wherein, The second position sensor includes a plurality of Hall sensors spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction.

10. The actuator according to claim 8, in, The first magnet and the first coil are configured to generate a driving force in a direction in which the first magnet and the first coil face each other. The second magnet and the second coil are configured to generate a driving force in a direction in which the second magnet and the second coil face each other.

11. The actuator according to claim 8, further comprising: The second support portion is housed within the first support portion; as well as An image sensor, fixed to the second carrier, includes an imaging surface. Wherein, the first bearing portion and the second bearing portion are configured to move together in the first axial direction and the second axial direction, and The second carrier portion is configured to move relative to the first carrier portion in an optical axis direction perpendicular to both the first axial direction and the second axial direction.

12. The actuator according to claim 11, wherein, The first yoke is disposed in the housing so as to face the first magnet and the second magnet in a direction perpendicular to the imaging plane.

13. The actuator according to claim 11, further comprising: The second driving unit includes a third magnet disposed in the first support portion and a third coil disposed in the second support portion. The second support portion contains a substrate, and the third coil is disposed on the surface of the substrate.

14. The actuator according to claim 13, wherein, The second magnet and the third magnet are disposed between the second coil and the third coil.

Images