Camera module

Abstract

A camera module is provided. The camera module includes an auto focus (AF) holder coupled to a circuit board on which an image sensor is disposed, an AF driving part configured to move the AF holder, a lens holder coupled to a lens barrel configured to accommodate at least one lens, and an optical image stabilization (OIS) driving part configured to move the lens holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following description pertains to the camera module. Background Technology

[0002] With the significant development of information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, the use of electronic devices has grown rapidly. These electronic devices can integrate various functions and provide combined functions rather than remaining in traditional, conventional areas.

[0003] Recently, cameras have been largely implemented in portable electronic devices such as, but not limited to, tablet PCs, laptops, and smartphones. Cameras in portable electronic devices can achieve autofocus (AF), optical image stabilization (OIS), and zoom capabilities.

[0004] Autofocus operation refers to the operation of acquiring a clear image on the image forming plane of the image sensor by moving a lens located in front of the image sensor along the optical axis according to the distance from the object.

[0005] Optical image stabilization refers to the operation of moving a lens or image sensor in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to prevent image jitter caused by camera shake, hand tremors, etc.

[0006] When a camera module uses a high-resolution sensor, the optical format of the image sensor becomes larger, and the weight of the lens also increases to accommodate this optical format. Therefore, if autofocus or optical image stabilization is performed by moving the lens, the increased lens weight becomes a significant load, which can lead to performance degradation and reliability issues. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The summary portion of this invention is intended to provide a brief overview of the chosen concepts, which will be further described in the detailed description portion below. This summary portion 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.

[0008] In general, the camera module includes: an autofocus (AF) bracket connected to a circuit board on which an image sensor is disposed; an AF drive unit configured to move the AF bracket; a lens bracket connected to a lens barrel configured to accommodate at least one lens; and an optical image stabilization (OIS) drive unit configured to move the lens bracket.

[0009] The camera module may include a housing, in which an AF bracket, an AF drive unit, and an OIS drive unit are disposed.

[0010] The AF bracket can be installed in an internal opening of the housing.

[0011] The AF drive unit may include: an AF magnet disposed on one side of the AF bracket; and an AF coil disposed on the side of the housing opposite to the AF magnet.

[0012] The AF bracket may include an AF magnet receiving portion disposed on one side of the AF bracket, and the AF magnet may be disposed on the AF magnet receiving portion; the housing may include an AF coil mounting portion disposed on one side of the housing, and the AF coil is disposed on the AF coil mounting portion.

[0013] The OIS drive unit may include: an OIS magnet disposed on the lower part of the lens holder; and an OIS coil disposed on the upper part of the housing opposite to the OIS magnet.

[0014] The lens holder may include an OIS magnet receiving portion disposed on the lower part of the lens holder, and the OIS magnet may be disposed on the OIS magnet receiving portion; the housing may include an OIS coil mounting portion disposed on the upper part of the housing, and the OIS coil may be disposed on the OIS coil mounting portion.

[0015] The camera module may include a first rollable member disposed between one side of the housing and one side of the AF bracket.

[0016] The housing may include a first guide groove that partially accommodates the first rollable member, and the AF support may include a second guide groove that faces the first guide groove and partially accommodates the first rollable member.

[0017] The camera module may also include a second rollable member disposed between the upper surface of the housing and the lower surface of the lens holder.

[0018] The housing may include a support groove for supporting the second rolling member.

[0019] In general, the camera module includes: a lens barrel configured to house at least one lens; an image sensor module including a circuit board on which an image sensor is disposed, the image sensor being configured to convert light incident through at least one lens into an electrical signal; a housing disposed above the image sensor module; an autofocus (AF) bracket disposed in an internal opening of the housing and connected to the circuit board; a lens bracket disposed above the housing; an AF drive unit disposed between the AF bracket and the housing and configured to move the AF bracket; and an optical image stabilization (OIS) drive unit disposed between the housing and the lens bracket and configured to move the lens bracket.

[0020] The AF drive unit may include: an AF magnet disposed on one side of the AF bracket; and an AF coil disposed on the side of the housing opposite to the AF magnet.

[0021] The AF bracket may include: a frame portion fixed to a circuit board and having an opening therein; a protrusion portion projecting upward from one side edge of the frame portion; and an AF magnet receiving portion disposed outside the frame portion and configured to receive an AF magnet, wherein the housing may include an AF coil mounting portion projecting upward from one side edge of the housing and having an opening therein for mounting an AF coil.

[0022] The OIS drive unit may include: an OIS magnet disposed on the lower part of the lens holder; and an OIS coil disposed on the upper part of the housing opposite to the OIS magnet.

[0023] The lens holder may include an OIS magnet receiving portion disposed on the lower part of the lens holder, and the OIS magnet may be disposed on the OIS magnet receiving portion; the housing may include an OIS coil mounting portion disposed on the upper part of the housing, and the OIS coil may be disposed on the OIS coil mounting portion.

[0024] In general, the camera module includes: a housing; an image sensor mounted on a circuit board; an autofocus (AF) drive unit connected to the circuit board and including an AF bracket and an AF drive section; and an optical image stabilization (OIS) drive unit disposed in the housing and including a lens bracket and an OIS drive section, wherein the AF drive unit is configured to move the image sensor in the direction of the optical axis, and wherein the OIS drive unit is configured to move the lens bracket in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0025] The AF drive unit may include an AF magnet and an AF coil facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0026] The OIS drive unit may include an OIS magnet and an OIS coil facing each other in the optical axis direction.

[0027] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of the appearance of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view taken from line V-V' in the diagram.

[0031] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1A perspective view of the housing of the exemplary camera module shown.

[0032] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the AF bracket of the exemplary camera module shown.

[0033] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the lens mount of the exemplary camera module shown.

[0034] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the AF drive unit of the exemplary camera module shown.

[0035] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 An exploded 3D view of the AF drive unit.

[0036] Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the OIS driving unit of the exemplary camera module shown.

[0037] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 An exploded 3D view of the OIS driving unit.

[0038] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements unless otherwise described. For purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scale, and descriptions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following detailed embodiments are provided to help the reader gain 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 become apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations described herein and / or the sequence of operations described herein are merely examples and are not limited to the order set forth herein, except for the order of operations and / or the order of operations which must occur in a specific sequence, but can be varied, as will become apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. As another example, the order of operations and / or the order of operations can be performed in parallel, except for the order of operations and / or at least a portion of the order of operations which must occur in a sequence (e.g., a specific sequence). Furthermore, for clarity and conciseness, descriptions of features known upon understanding the disclosure of this application may be omitted.

[0040] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third,” or A, B, (a), (b), may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. Each of these terms is not intended to define, for example, the importance, sequence, or order of the corresponding component, part, region, layer, or section, but only to distinguish the corresponding component, part, region, layer, or section from other components, parts, regions, layers, or sections. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, first part, first region, first layer, or first section mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as the second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second section.

[0041] Throughout this specification, when a component, element, or layer is described as "on another component, element, or layer," "connected to," "attached to," or "joined to" another component, element, or layer, it may be directly "on another component, element, or layer," directly "connected to," "attached to," or "joined to" another component, element, or layer (e.g., in contact with another component, element, or layer), or one or more other components, elements, or layers may reasonably be present between that component, element, or layer and that other component, element, or layer. When a component, element, or layer is described as "directly on another component, element, or layer," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly joined to" another component, element, or layer, then there are no other components, elements, or layers between that component, element, or layer and that other component, element, or layer. Similarly, expressions such as "between" and "directly between," and "adjacent" and "directly adjacent" may also be interpreted as described above.

[0042] The terminology used herein is for describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to equally include the plural forms. As non-limiting examples, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, or alternatives to the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, while one embodiment may describe the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof using the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” other embodiments may exist in which one or more of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof are absent.

[0043] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items. Phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C” are intended to have a disjunctive meaning, and these phrases also include examples in which one or more of A, B, and C may be present (e.g., any combination of one or more of A, B, and C), unless the corresponding description and implementation require that the enumeration (e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C”) be interpreted as having a conjunctive meaning.

[0044] Furthermore, throughout the instruction manual, the phrase "in a plan view" refers to a view obtained when observing an object from above, and the phrase "in a cross-sectional view" refers to a view obtained when observing a cross-section formed by vertically cutting an object from the side.

[0045] The features described herein may be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as being 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, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. In this document, the use of the term “may” (e.g., regarding what an example or implementation may include or implement) with respect to an example or implementation means that there exists at least one example or implementation that includes or implements such a feature, and that all examples or implementations are not limited thereto. The terms “example” or “implementation” as used herein have the same meaning (e.g., the phrase “in one example” has the same meaning as “in one implementation,” and “in one or more examples” has the same meaning as “in one or more implementations”).

[0046] One or more examples may provide a camera module that achieves autofocus by moving the image sensor and optical image stabilization by moving the lens, thereby reducing the burden caused by the increase in lens weight.

[0047] In one or more examples, in the camera module according to the example, the AF driving unit and the OIS driving unit are separate, which can reduce sensing crosstalk between the AF driving unit and the OIS driving unit.

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view showing the appearance of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is provided. Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown, and Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view taken from line V-V' in the diagram.

[0049] Reference Figures 1 to 3 An exemplary camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments includes a lens barrel 110, an image sensor module 120, an AF drive unit 130, an OIS drive unit 150, a housing 140, and a cover 103.

[0050] The lens barrel 110 may have a hollow cylindrical shape to accommodate multiple lenses for capturing images of an object, and the multiple lenses may be mounted along the optical axis within the lens barrel 110. The desired number of lenses is determined according to the implementation of the lens barrel 110. The individual lenses may have the same or different optical properties, such as refractive index.

[0051] The optical axis can be set as the central axis of the lens housed in the lens barrel 110. The direction of the optical axis refers to the direction parallel to the central axis. In the accompanying drawings, the optical axis is set as the z-axis, and the x-axis and y-axis are preset to be perpendicular to the optical axis. In this example, the x-axis and y-axis are perpendicular to each other, and the xy plane defined by the x-axis and y-axis is a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0052] Image sensor module 120 includes circuit board 121 and image sensor 122. Circuit board 121 may be electrically connected to a main substrate (not shown) and may, by way of example only, include a circuit board with wiring patterns capable of electrical connection, such as a rigid circuit board, a flexible circuit board, or a rigid-flex circuit board. Circuit board 121 may have image sensor 122 mounted on a surface and may include connection pads for connecting image sensor 122.

[0053] The image sensor module 120 may also include a filter 123. The filter 123 may be located in the sub-housing 124 and may prevent beams of a specific frequency band from entering the image sensor 122 from the beam introduced into the lens barrel 110. For example, by way of example only, the filter 123 may include an infrared cutoff filter (IR cutoff filter).

[0054] Image sensor 122 may be an element configured to convert light introduced through a lens in lens barrel 110 into an electrical signal. Image sensor 122 may be either a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). However, one or more examples are not limited thereto.

[0055] Image sensor 122 can be positioned below lens barrel 110 based on the optical axis of the lens, and can be connected to the connection pads of circuit board 121 via leads. The connection between image sensor 122 and circuit board 121 is not limited to this. Obviously, various modifications can be made to the connection to connect electronic components mounted on circuit board 121. The electrical signal converted by image sensor 122 is output as an image through the display unit of the electronic device.

[0056] The AF drive unit 130 can be disposed in the housing 140 and may include an AF bracket 131 and an AF drive unit. The AF drive unit 130 can be connected to a circuit board 121 on which the image sensor 122 is disposed, and can move the image sensor 122 in the optical axis direction. The AF drive unit 130 can adjust the focus by moving the image sensor module 120 in the optical axis direction (the z-axis direction in the figure).

[0057] The AF bracket 131 can be disposed in the internal opening 143 of the housing 140, and has an opening 1313 formed through the center of the AF bracket 131 in the optical axis direction. The AF bracket 131 can guide the movement of the image sensor 122. Light introduced through the lens barrel 110 can pass through the opening 1313 of the AF bracket 131 and reach the image sensor 122.

[0058] The AF drive unit includes an AF magnet 132 and an AF coil 133. The AF magnet 132 and the AF coil 133 can generate a driving force to move the image sensor module 120 in the optical axis direction (the z-axis direction in the figure). That is, when power is applied to the AF coil 133, the AF support 131 can move in the optical axis direction by the electromagnetic force between the AF magnet 132 and the AF coil 133, so that the image sensor module 120 connected to the AF support 131 can move in the optical axis direction.

[0059] In this example, the AF magnet 132 can be disposed on one side of the AF support 131, and the AF coil 133 can be disposed on one side of the housing 140 based on the substrate 105, so as to be opposite the AF magnet 132 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. In this example, the AF magnet 132 is a movable member mounted on the AF support 131 and configured to move together with the AF support 131 in the optical axis direction, and the AF coil 133 is a fixed member fixed to the housing 140. However, one or more examples are not limited to this. In this example, the positions of the AF magnet 132 and the AF coil 133 can be changed.

[0060] A first rollable member 135 is disposed between the AF support 131 and the housing 140 to reduce friction between the AF support 131 and the housing 140 when the AF support 131 moves. Each of the first rollable members 135 may have a spherical shape and may be positioned on two opposite sides of the AF support 131 based on the center of one side of the AF support 131. The first rollable members 135 may have a different number of balls on each side of the AF support 131. In a non-limiting example, there may be three balls on the left side of the AF support 131 and four balls on the right side of the AF support 131.

[0061] The OIS drive unit 150 is used to prevent image blurring or video shaking caused by factors such as user hand tremors during image capture or video recording. That is, when shaking occurs during image capture due to user hand tremors, the OIS drive unit 150 compensates for the shaking by applying a relative displacement corresponding to the shaking to the lens barrel 110. For example, the OIS drive unit 150 can correct the shaking by moving the lens barrel 110 in a first direction and a second direction (x-axis direction and y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0062] The OIS drive unit 150 can be disposed in the housing 140 and includes a lens holder 151 and an OIS drive unit. The OIS drive unit 150 can be connected to a lens barrel 110 configured to accommodate a lens, and the OIS drive unit 150 can move the lens barrel 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0063] Lens holder 151 is disposed above housing 140 and aligned along the optical axis, and lens holder 151 is movable to lens barrel 110. Lens holder 151 has a central opening 1513 into which lens barrel 110 can be inserted. Lens barrel 110 is fixedly connected to lens holder 151 through central opening 1513. For example, lens holder 151 may have a frame shape including four edges.

[0064] The OIS drive unit includes an OIS magnet 153 and an OIS coil 154. The OIS magnet 153 and the OIS coil 154 generate a driving force to move the lens barrel 110 in a first direction and a second direction (the x-axis and y-axis directions in the figures) perpendicular to the optical axis. Specifically, the first OIS magnet 1531 and the first OIS coil 1541 can generate a driving force in the first direction (the x-axis direction in the figures), and the second OIS magnet 1532 and the second OIS coil 1542 can generate a driving force in the second direction (the y-axis direction in the figures).

[0065] In this example, the OIS magnet 153 can be disposed below the lens holder 151 and positioned in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, while the OIS coil 154 can be disposed above the housing 140 based on the substrate 105, so as to be opposite the OIS magnet 153 in the optical axis direction. In this example, the OIS magnet 153 can be a movable member mounted on the lens holder 151 and configured to move together with the lens holder 151 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the OIS coil 154 can be a fixed member fixed to the housing 140. However, one or more examples are not limited to this. The positions of the OIS magnet 153 and the OIS coil 154 can be changed.

[0066] A second rollable member 155 is disposed between the lens holder 151 and the housing 140 to reduce friction between the lens holder 151 and the housing 140 when the lens holder 151 moves. The second rollable member 155 also maintains the spacing between the lens holder 151 and the housing 140. The second rollable member 155 may have a spherical shape and may be disposed between adjacent edges of the lens holder 151. The second rollable member 155 may be disposed on at least one of the four vertex portions of the lens holder 151. In this example, a support groove 145 may be formed in the housing 140 and configured to partially receive and support the second rollable member 155.

[0067] The housing 140 is disposed above the image sensor module 120 and has an internal opening 143. The AF bracket 131 can be disposed in the internal opening 143 of the housing 140, and light entering the lens through the internal opening 143 can reach the image sensor 122.

[0068] The housing 140 may include an OIS coil mounting portion 141 disposed on its upper surface and an AF coil mounting portion 142 disposed on one side thereon. The OIS coil 154 and the AF coil 133 may be disposed on the OIS coil mounting portion 141 and the AF coil mounting portion 142, respectively, based on a substrate 105. In this example, the substrate 105 may be coupled to the housing 140, and, by way of example only, the substrate 105 may be a circuit board with a wiring pattern, such as a flexible printed circuit board and a rigid-flexible printed circuit board.

[0069] Cover 103 can be attached to housing 140 to cover housing 140. Cover 103 can have a frame shape with its lower side open and having four edges. Cover 103 protects internal components within camera module 100. As an example, cover 103 can be formed as a plate made of a metallic material. Cover 103 can be made of a material with a low corrosion rate, such as stainless steel. Additionally, cover 103 can block electromagnetic waves. For example, cover 103 can block electromagnetic waves to prevent electromagnetic waves generated in camera module 100 from affecting other electronic components in the electronic device, or to prevent current introduced from the outside of camera module 100 from affecting the interior of camera module 100. Cover 103 can be grounded to circuit board 121 and can block electromagnetic waves present both inside and outside camera module 100.

[0070] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 6 More specifically, some configurations of the camera module 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0071] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the housing 140 of the camera module 100 shown. Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the AF bracket 131 of the camera module 100 shown, and Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the lens bracket 151 of the camera module 100 shown.

[0072] refer to Figure 4 The housing 140 is disposed above the image sensor module 120 and serves as a frame on which the AF drive unit 130 and OIS drive unit 150 are mounted. That is, the AF support 131, the AF drive unit, and the OIS drive unit can be disposed within the housing 140. The housing 140 can have a frame-shaped structure with an internal opening 143. In the example, the housing 140 can have a quadrilateral frame structure, and the internal opening 143 can also be quadrilateral.

[0073] The housing 140 may include an OIS coil mounting portion 141 disposed on its upper surface and an AF coil mounting portion 142 disposed on one side thereof. In the example, the OIS coil mounting portion 141 may be formed in a first direction and a second direction (the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction in the figures) to correspond to the edge adjacent to the internal opening 143. The OIS coil mounting portion 141 may include a first OIS coil mounting portion 1411 and a second OIS coil mounting portion 1412. The first OIS coil mounting portion 1411 may be formed in the first direction (the x-axis in the figures), and the second OIS coil mounting portion 1412 may be formed in the second direction (the y-axis in the figures).

[0074] The AF coil mounting portion 142 may have a shape that protrudes upward from one side edge of the upper surface of the housing 140 where the OIS coil mounting portion 141 is not located. The AF coil mounting portion 142 may have an opening such that the AF coil 133 is mounted on the AF coil mounting portion 142.

[0075] OIS coil 154 and AF coil 133 can be mounted on OIS coil mounting portion 141 and AF coil mounting portion 142 respectively based on substrate 105. In this example, substrate 105 can be a circuit board having wiring patterns disposed on OIS coil mounting portion 141 and AF coil mounting portion 142. In this example, substrate 105 may have a surface whose shape corresponds to OIS coil mounting portion 141, and may have a side surface that is bent upward from one surface to be disposed on AF coil mounting portion 142. In this example, one surface of substrate 105 may cover OIS coil mounting portion 141, and the side surface of substrate 105 may externally cover AF coil mounting portion 142.

[0076] A first guide groove 144 may be disposed on one side of the peripheral portion of the AF coil mounting portion 142 and may guide the optical axis movement of the first rollable member 135, which is configured to reduce friction between the AF bracket 131 and the housing 140 when the AF bracket 131 moves. The first guide groove 144 may be disposed on two opposite sides of the opening of the AF coil mounting portion 142 and may have a recessed shape to partially accommodate the first rollable member 135. The first guide groove 144 may be formed as a groove with a "V" shaped cross-section to minimize contact with the first rollable member 135. Alternatively, the first guide groove 144 may define a "U" shaped surface or a curved surface.

[0077] A support groove 145 may be disposed in the upper surface of the housing 140 and may support a second rollable member 155, the second rollable member 155 being configured to reduce friction between the lens holder 151 and the housing 140 when the lens holder 151 moves. The support groove 145 may partially accommodate the second rollable member 155 and may have a groove shape to restrict the movement of the second rollable member 155. The support groove 145 may be disposed on at least one of the four vertex portions of the housing 140.

[0078] refer to Figure 5 The AF bracket 131 can be disposed above the image sensor module 120 connected to the circuit board 121, and can be disposed in the internal opening 143 of the housing 140. The AF bracket 131 can have a frame-shaped structure in which the opening 1313 is located. In the example, the AF bracket 131 can have a quadrilateral frame structure, and the opening 1313 can also be quadrilateral.

[0079] The AF support 131 may include a frame portion 1311 formed around an opening 1313 and having a frame shape, and a protrusion 1312 projecting upward from one side edge of the frame portion 1311. The protrusion 1312 may include an AF magnet receiving portion 1314 and a second guide groove 1315, the AF magnet receiving portion 1314 being disposed outside the protrusion 1312 such that an AF magnet 132 is disposed on the AF magnet receiving portion 1314, and the second guide groove 1315 being configured to partially receive a first rollable member 135.

[0080] The AF magnet receiving portion 1314 may have a groove shape corresponding to the shape and size of the AF magnet 132. The second guide groove 1315 may have a recessed shape on one side of the peripheral portion of the AF magnet receiving portion 1314.

[0081] The second guide groove 1315 may be configured to face the first guide groove 144 of the housing 140, and the first rollable member 135 may be disposed in the space between the second guide groove 1315 and the first guide groove 144. The second guide groove 1315 may be formed as a groove with a "V" shaped cross section to minimize contact with the first rollable member 135. Alternatively, the second guide groove 1315 may define a "U" shaped surface or a curved surface.

[0082] refer to Figure 6 The lens holder 151 can be disposed above the housing 140 and can be aligned in the optical axis direction. In the example, the lens holder 151 can have a frame shape including four edges. The lens holder 151 can include a central opening 1513 into which the lens barrel 110 is inserted, and OIS magnet receiving portions 1511 and 1512 formed on the lower part of the lens holder 151. The lens barrel 110 can be fixed by being coupled to the lens holder 151 via the central opening 1513, and the lens holder 151 can guide the movement of the lens barrel 110 in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis (the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction in the figures).

[0083] OIS magnet receiving portions 1511 and 1512 may be formed at adjacent edges of lens holder 151, and may include a first OIS magnet receiving portion 1511 formed in a first direction (x-axis in the figures) and formed adjacent to the edge portion of lens holder 151, and a second OIS magnet receiving portion 1512 formed in a second direction (y-axis direction in the figures). The first OIS magnet receiving portion 1511 may receive a first OIS magnet 1531, and the second OIS magnet receiving portion 1512 may receive a second OIS magnet 1532.

[0084] OIS magnet receiving portions 1511 and 1512 can be formed on the lower surface of the lens holder 151 and can be formed to be opposite to the OIS coil mounting portion 141 of the housing 140 in the optical axis direction.

[0085] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The AF drive unit of the camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments is described in more detail.

[0086] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the AF drive unit of the camera module shown, and Figure 8 It is shown schematically. Figure 7 An exploded 3D view of the AF drive unit.

[0087] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8The AF drive unit 130 can be connected to the circuit board 121 on which the image sensor 122 is mounted, and the focus is adjusted by moving the image sensor 122 in the optical axis direction (the z-axis direction in the figure).

[0088] The AF drive unit 130 may include an AF bracket 131 and an AF drive unit. The AF bracket 131 is disposed in an internal opening 143 of the housing 140 and has an opening 1313 formed through the center of the AF bracket 131 in the optical axis direction. The AF bracket 131 is coupled to a circuit board 121 disposed thereon on the image sensor 122 and can guide the movement of the image sensor 122.

[0089] The AF drive unit can be configured to move the AF support 131 and may include an AF magnet 132 and an AF coil 133. The AF magnet 132 and the AF coil 133 may be arranged opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The AF magnet 132 and the AF coil 133 can generate a driving force to move the AF support 131 in the optical axis direction (z-axis direction in the figure), and can also move the image sensor module 120 in the optical axis direction (z-axis direction in the figure). That is, when power is applied to the AF coil 133, the image sensor module 120 can move in the optical axis direction based on the electromagnetic force between the AF magnet 132 and the AF coil 133.

[0090] The AF magnet 132 can be disposed on the AF magnet receiving portion 1314 of the AF bracket 131, and the AF coil 133 can be disposed on the AF coil mounting portion 142 of the housing 140 based on the substrate 105, so as to be opposite to the AF magnet 132 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0091] The first guide groove 144 and the second guide groove 1315 can be formed in the housing 140 and the AF bracket 131 respectively, and can partially accommodate the first rollable member 135. The first rollable member 135 can be disposed in the space between the first guide groove 144 and the second guide groove 1315, and can guide the movement of the AF bracket 131 in the optical axis direction.

[0092] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The OIS driving unit of the camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments is described in more detail.

[0093] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the OIS driver unit of the camera module shown, and Figure 10 It is shown schematically. Figure 9 An exploded 3D view of the OIS driving unit.

[0094] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The OIS drive unit 150 can be connected to the lens barrel 110 configured to house the lens, and can correct hand tremors or shaking by moving the lens barrel 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0095] The OIS drive unit 150 may include a lens holder 151 and an OIS drive unit. The lens holder 151 is disposed above the housing 140 and has a central opening 1513 into which the lens barrel 110 can be inserted. The lens holder 151 is coupled to the lens barrel 110 and can guide the movement of the lens barrel 110.

[0096] The OIS drive unit can be configured to move the lens holder 151 and may include an OIS magnet 153 and an OIS coil 154. The OIS magnet 153 and the OIS coil 154 can be arranged opposite each other in the optical axis direction. The OIS magnet 153 and the OIS coil 154 can generate a driving force to move the lens holder 151 in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis (the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction in the figures), and to move the lens barrel 110 in the first direction and the second direction perpendicular to the optical axis (the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction in the figures). Specifically, the first OIS magnet 1531 and the first OIS coil 1541 can generate a driving force to move the lens holder 151 in the first direction (the x-axis direction in the figures), and the second OIS magnet 1532 and the second OIS coil 1542 can generate a driving force to move the lens holder 151 in the second direction (the y-axis direction in the figures).

[0097] The first OIS magnet 1531 can be disposed on the first OIS magnet receiving portion 1511 of the lens holder 151, and the first OIS coil 1541 can be disposed on the first OIS coil mounting portion 1411 of the housing 140 based on the substrate 105, so that the first OIS magnet 1531 and the first OIS coil 1541 can generate a driving force to move the lens holder 151 and the lens barrel 110 in a first direction (x-axis direction in the figure).

[0098] The second OIS magnet 1532 can be disposed on the second OIS magnet receiving portion 1512 of the lens holder 151, and the second OIS coil 1542 can be disposed on the second OIS coil mounting portion 1412 of the housing 140 based on the substrate 105, so that the second OIS magnet 1532 and the second OIS coil 1542 can generate driving force to move the lens holder 151 and the lens barrel 110 in the second direction (y-axis direction in the figure).

[0099] The second rollable member 155 can be disposed between the housing 140 and the lens holder 151. The second rollable member 155 can be partially accommodated in the support groove 145 of the housing 140, and can be configured to roll contact with the apex portion of the lens holder 151 facing the support groove 145, so that the second rollable member 155 can guide the movement of the lens holder 151 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0100] As described above, according to one or more examples, the AF drive unit and the OIS drive unit are separated, which can reduce the driving force required for the VCM and reduce sensing crosstalk between the AF drive unit and the OIS drive unit.

[0101] While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Appropriate results may still be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents.

[0102] Therefore, in addition to the above disclosure and all the accompanying drawings, the scope of this disclosure also includes the claims and their equivalents, that is, all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. Camera module, including: An autofocus bracket / AF bracket is connected to a circuit board, on which an image sensor and a connection part electrically connected to the image sensor are provided; AF drive unit, configured to move the AF bracket; A lens holder, connected to a lens barrel configured to accommodate at least one lens; as well as An optical image stabilization drive unit / OIS drive unit is configured to move the lens support.

2. The camera module according to claim 1 further includes a housing, wherein the AF bracket, the AF drive unit and the OIS drive unit are disposed in the housing.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The AF bracket is disposed in the internal opening of the housing.

4. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The AF drive unit includes: An AF magnet is disposed on one side of the AF bracket; and An AF coil is disposed on the side of the housing opposite to the AF magnet.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: The AF support includes an AF magnet receiving portion disposed on one side of the AF support, and the AF magnet is disposed on the AF magnet receiving portion. The housing includes an AF coil mounting portion disposed on one side of the housing, and the AF coil is disposed on the AF coil mounting portion.

6. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The OIS driving unit includes: An OIS magnet is disposed on the lower part of the lens holder; and The OIS coil is disposed on the upper part of the housing opposite to the OIS magnet.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein: The lens holder includes an OIS magnet receiving portion disposed on the lower part of the lens holder, and the OIS magnet is disposed on the OIS magnet receiving portion. The housing includes an OIS coil mounting portion disposed on the upper part of the housing, and the OIS coil is disposed on the OIS coil mounting portion.

8. The camera module of claim 2 further includes a first rollable member disposed between one side of the housing and one side of the AF bracket.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The housing includes a first guide groove that partially accommodates the first rollable member, and the AF bracket includes a second guide groove that faces the first guide groove and partially accommodates the first rollable member.

10. The camera module of claim 2, further comprising a second rollable member disposed between the upper surface of the housing and the lower surface of the lens holder.

11. The camera module according to claim 10, wherein, The housing includes a support groove for supporting the second rollable member.

12. Camera module, including: A lens barrel configured to accommodate at least one lens; An image sensor module includes a circuit board on which an image sensor and a connection portion electrically connected to the image sensor are disposed, the image sensor being configured to convert light incident through the at least one lens into an electrical signal; A housing is positioned above the image sensor module; An autofocus bracket / AF bracket is disposed in an internal opening of the housing and connected to the circuit board; The lens holder is located above the housing; An AF drive unit is disposed between the AF bracket and the housing, and is configured to move the AF bracket; as well as An optical image stabilization (OIS) drive unit is disposed between the housing and the lens holder, and configured to move the lens holder.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein, The AF drive unit includes: An AF magnet is disposed on one side of the AF bracket; and An AF coil is disposed on the side of the housing opposite to the AF magnet.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, in, The AF bracket includes: The frame portion is fixed to the circuit board and has an opening therein; The protruding portion projects upward from one side edge of the frame portion; and An AF magnet receiving portion is disposed on the outside of the frame portion and configured to receive the AF magnet. The housing includes an AF coil mounting portion that protrudes upward from one side edge of the housing, and the AF coil mounting portion has an opening therein for mounting the AF coil.

15. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein, The OIS driving unit includes: An OIS magnet is disposed on the lower part of the lens holder; and The OIS coil is disposed on the upper part of the housing opposite to the OIS magnet.

16. The camera module according to claim 15, wherein: The lens holder includes an OIS magnet receiving portion disposed on the lower part of the lens holder, and the OIS magnet is disposed on the OIS magnet receiving portion. The housing includes an OIS coil mounting portion disposed on the upper part of the housing, and the OIS coil is disposed on the OIS coil mounting portion.

17. A camera module, including: case; An image sensor is mounted on a circuit board, and the circuit board has a connection part that is electrically connected to the image sensor. An autofocus drive unit / AF drive unit is connected to the circuit board and includes an AF bracket and an AF drive unit; as well as An optical image stabilization (OIS) drive unit is disposed within the housing and includes a lens holder and an OIS drive section. The AF driving unit is configured to move the image sensor in the optical axis direction, and The OIS driving unit is configured to move the lens support in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

18. The camera module according to claim 17, wherein, The AF drive unit includes an AF magnet and an AF coil facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

19. The camera module according to claim 17, wherein, The OIS drive unit includes an OIS magnet and an OIS coil facing each other in the direction of the optical axis.

Images