Reflective module for optical image stabilization and camera module comprising the same

Abstract

A reflection module for optical image stabilization (OIS) includes a housing, a rotation holder disposed in the housing and including a reflection member, a rotation plate disposed in the housing and located between an inner wall of the housing and the rotation holder such that the rotation holder is supported by the inner wall of the housing through the rotation plate, and a driving part configured to apply a driving force to the rotation holder to move the rotation holder.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application "Reflective Module for Optical Image Stabilization and Camera Module Including the Reflective Module" filed on February 8, 2018, with application number 202311660458.5. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to a reflective module for optical image stabilization (OIS) and a camera module including the reflective module. Background Technology

[0003] Camera modules have become a standard feature of portable electronic devices such as tablet PCs, laptop PCs, and smartphones, and autofocus, optical image stabilization (OIS), and zoom are some of the features already implemented in camera modules for mobile devices.

[0004] However, in order to achieve such functionality, the structure of such camera modules has become relatively complex, and the size of such camera modules has increased, making it difficult to install such camera modules in portable electronic devices.

[0005] In addition, when the lens or image sensor is moved directly for the purpose of optical image stabilization, the weight of the lens or image sensor itself and the weight of other components to which the lens or image sensor is attached should be taken into account. Therefore, a predetermined level or greater driving force is required, which leads to increased power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce the selected concepts in a simplified form, and the concepts are further described below in 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.

[0007] In one general aspect, a reflective module for optical image stabilization (OIS) includes: a housing; a rotating retainer disposed in the housing and including a reflective member; a rotating plate disposed in the housing and located between an inner wall of the housing and the rotating retainer, such that the rotating retainer is supported by the inner wall of the housing via the rotating plate; and a drive unit configured to apply a driving force to the rotating retainer to move the rotating retainer.

[0008] The rotating plate is rotatable relative to the housing about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, and the rotating retainer is rotatable relative to the rotating plate about a second axis substantially perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axis.

[0009] In response to the rotating plate rotating about the first axis, the rotation retainer can rotate with the rotating plate, and in response to the rotation retainer rotating about the second axis, the rotation retainer can rotate relative to the rotating plate.

[0010] The rotating plate may include: a first ball, arranged along a first axial direction and disposed on the surface of the rotating plate facing the inner wall of the housing; and a second ball, arranged along a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction and disposed on the surface of the rotating plate facing the rotation retainer.

[0011] The reflective module for OIS may further include: a first support member arranged along a first axis substantially perpendicular to the optical axis and disposed between the rotating plate and the housing; and a second support member arranged along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the optical axis and the first axis and disposed between the rotating retainer and the rotating plate.

[0012] The rotating plate is rotatable about the first axis, and the rotating retainer is rotatable about the second axis.

[0013] The first support member may be fixed to the rotating plate or the housing, or may be freely movable relative to the rotating plate or the housing, and the second support member may be fixed to the rotating plate or the rotating retainer, or may be freely movable relative to the rotating plate or the rotating retainer.

[0014] The first support member and the second support member may have a spherical shape or a spherical crown shape, wherein the spherical crown shape is obtained by cutting the sphere using a plane.

[0015] The reflective module for OIS may further include: at least one first support member having a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical shape, disposed between the rotating plate and the housing and extending along a first axis substantially perpendicular to the optical axis; and at least one second support member having a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical shape, disposed between the rotating retainer and the rotating plate and extending along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the optical axis and the first axis.

[0016] The reflective module for OIS may further include: a traction magnet disposed on one of the housing and the rotating retainer, and a traction yoke disposed on the other of the housing and the rotating retainer, wherein the rotating retainer is supported by the inner wall of the housing via the rotating plate by the attraction between the traction magnet and the traction yoke.

[0017] In another general aspect, a camera module includes: a lens module including a lens; and the aforementioned reflective module for OIS, disposed in front of the lens module to alter the path of light incident on the reflective module for OIS, such that the light with the altered path is directed toward the lens module.

[0018] In another general aspect, a reflective module for optical image stabilization (OIS) includes: a housing; a rotating retainer disposed in the housing, the rotating retainer including a reflective member and supported by an inner wall of the housing; a support member arranged along a first axial direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis and disposed between the housing and the rotating retainer; and a drive unit configured to apply a driving force to the rotating retainer to move the rotating retainer.

[0019] The rotational retainer is generally rotatable about a first axis; and the rotational retainer is rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the optical axis and the first axis.

[0020] In response to the rotation of the rotating retainer about the second axis, the rotating retainer can slide on the surface of the support.

[0021] In response to the rotation of the rotating retainer about the second axis, the axis of rotation of the rotating retainer may be formed at a predetermined distance from the support toward the rotating retainer.

[0022] In response to the rotation of the rotating retainer about the second axis, the rotating retainer can move from the contact portion between the rotating retainer and the support member in the first axial direction.

[0023] The reflective module for OIS may further include: a traction magnet disposed on one of the housing and the rotating retainer, and a traction yoke disposed on the other of the housing and the rotating retainer, wherein the rotating retainer may be supported by the inner wall of the housing by the attraction between the traction magnet and the traction yoke.

[0024] The housing or the rotating retainer may be provided with a mounting groove, and the support member may be fixed to the housing or the rotating retainer provided with the mounting groove, or may be freely movable relative to the housing or the rotating retainer provided with the mounting groove.

[0025] A rotating protrusion may be disposed on one of the surface of the housing facing the rotating retainer and the surface of the rotating retainer facing the housing, and a rotating recess may be disposed on the other of the surface of the housing facing the rotating retainer and the surface of the rotating retainer facing the housing, and the support member may be disposed between the rotating protrusion and the rotating recess.

[0026] The edges of the rotating protrusion and the rotating recess can be inclined surfaces or circular surfaces.

[0027] The rotating protrusion or the rotating recess may be provided with a mounting groove, the mounting groove extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the support member is arranged, and the support member may be disposed in the mounting groove.

[0028] The cross-section of the placement groove can be circular or polygonal.

[0029] In another general aspect, a camera module includes: a lens module including a lens; and the aforementioned reflective module for OIS, disposed in front of the lens module to alter the path of light incident on the reflective module for OIS, such that the light with the altered path is directed toward the lens module.

[0030] In another general aspect, a reflective module for optical image stabilization (OIS) includes: a housing; a rotating retainer supported in the housing by friction; a reflective member disposed on the rotating retainer; and a drive unit configured to rotate the rotating retainer relative to the housing.

[0031] The reflective module for OIS may further include: a rotating plate disposed between the inner wall of the housing and the rotating retainer; a first support member disposed in the direction of a first axis and between the inner wall of the housing and the rotating plate; and a second support member disposed in the direction of a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis and between the rotating plate and the rotating retainer, wherein the drive unit may further be configured to: rotate the rotating plate about the first axis; and rotate the rotating retainer about the second axis.

[0032] The reflective module for OIS may further include: a rotatable recess disposed in one of the inner wall of the housing facing the rotatable retainer and the surface of the rotatable retainer facing the inner wall of the housing; and a rotatable protrusion disposed in the other of the inner wall of the housing and the surface of the rotatable retainer facing the inner wall of the housing and engaging with the rotatable recess, wherein the rotatable recess and the rotatable protrusion have corresponding shapes, and the drive portion may also be configured to rotate the rotatable retainer about the first axis and the second axis.

[0033] The reflective module for OIS may further include: a mounting groove disposed in one of the surface of the rotating recess facing the rotating protrusion and the surface of the rotating protrusion facing the rotating recess; and a support member disposed in the mounting groove in the direction of one of the first axis and the second axis, wherein the mounting groove extends in the direction of a third axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.

[0034] In another general aspect, a reflective module for optical image stabilization (OIS) includes: a housing; a rotating retainer disposed within the housing; a reflective member disposed on the rotating retainer; a drive unit configured to rotate the rotating retainer relative to the housing; a traction magnet disposed on one of the housing and the rotating retainer; and a traction yoke disposed on the other of the housing and the rotating retainer, wherein the rotating retainer is pressed against the inner wall of the housing by an attraction force between the traction magnet and the traction yoke.

[0035] The reflective module for OIS may further include: a rotating plate disposed between the inner wall of the housing and the rotating retainer; a first support member disposed in the direction of a first axis and between the inner wall of the housing and the rotating plate; and a second support member disposed in the direction of a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis and between the rotating plate and the rotating retainer, wherein the drive unit may further be configured to: rotate the rotating plate about the first axis; and rotate the rotating retainer about the second axis.

[0036] The reflective module for OIS may further include: a rotatable recess disposed in one of the inner wall of the housing and the surface of the rotatable retainer facing the inner wall of the housing; and a rotatable protrusion disposed in the other of the inner wall of the housing and the surface of the rotatable retainer facing the inner wall of the housing and engaging with the rotatable recess, wherein the rotatable recess and the rotatable protrusion have corresponding shapes, and the drive portion may also be configured to rotate the rotatable retainer about the first axis and the second axis.

[0037] The reflective module for OIS may further include: a mounting groove disposed in one of the surface of the rotating recess facing the rotating protrusion and the surface of the rotating protrusion facing the rotating recess; and a support member disposed in the mounting groove in the direction of one of the first axis and the second axis, wherein the mounting groove extends in the direction of a third axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.

[0038] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of a portable electronic device.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an example of a camera module.

[0041] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from lines IIIA-IIIA' and IIIB-IIIB' shows... Figure 2 The camera module.

[0042] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the camera module.

[0043] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 2 A perspective view of the housing of the camera module.

[0044] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is shown Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an example of a rotating plate and rotating retainer for a camera module.

[0045] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 2 A perspective view of the lens holder of the camera module.

[0046] Figure 8 It shows that, apart from Figure 2 An assembly perspective view of the components other than the cover in the camera module.

[0047] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 2 An assembly perspective view of the housing and plates in the camera module.

[0048] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 2 Exploded perspective view of the housing and rotating retainer in the camera module.

[0049] Figures 11A to 11C It is along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view taken from the XIA-XIA' line to the XIC-XIC' line shows... Figure 2 How the rotating retainer of the camera module rotates about the first axis.

[0050] Figures 12A to 12C It is along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view taken from the XIIA-XIIA' line to the XIIC-XIIC' line shows... Figure 2 How the rotating retainer of the camera module rotates around the second axis.

[0051] Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a camera module.

[0052] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 An exploded perspective view of the connection between the camera module housing and the rotating retainer.

[0053] Figures 15A to 15C It is shown Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of how the rotating retainer of the camera module rotates about the first axis.

[0054] Figures 16A to 16C It is shown Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of how the rotating retainer of the camera module rotates about the second axis.

[0055] Figure 17 This is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a camera module.

[0056] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 17 An exploded perspective view of the connection between the camera module housing and the rotating retainer.

[0057] Figures 19A to 19C It is shown Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of how the rotating retainer of the camera module rotates about the first axis.

[0058] Figures 20A to 20C It is shown Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of how the rotating retainer of the camera module rotates about the second axis.

[0059] Figure 21 This is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a camera module.

[0060] Figure 22 It is shown Figure 21 An exploded perspective view of the connection between the camera module housing and the rotating retainer.

[0061] Figure 23 This is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a camera module.

[0062] Figure 24 It is shown Figure 23 An exploded perspective view of the connection between the camera module housing and the rotating retainer.

[0063] Figure 25 This is a perspective view showing another example of a portable electronic device.

[0064] Throughout the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and for clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative dimensions, scale, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0065] 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 modifications, alterations, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but rather, changes that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application may be made, 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.

[0066] The features described herein may be implemented in various forms and are not to be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, only the examples described herein are provided to illustrate some of the many feasible ways of implementing the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0067] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on" another element, "connected" to another element, or "bonded" to another element, the element may be directly "on" another element, "connected" to another element, or "bonded" to another element, or there may be one or more other elements in between. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly on" another element, "directly connected" to another element, or "directly bonded" to another element, there may be no other elements in between.

[0068] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts should not be limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, assembly, region, layer, or part from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, assembly, region, layer, or part involved in the examples may also be referred to as the second component, assembly, region, layer, or part.

[0069] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “above,” “on top,” “below,” and “under” are used herein to describe the relationship of one element relative to another, as shown in the figure. Such spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to those shown in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “above” or “on top” relative to another element would then be “below” or “under” relative to that element. Therefore, the term “above” can include both above and below orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be positioned in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatial relative terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0070] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of a portable electronic device.

[0071] Reference Figure 1 The portable electronic device 1 can be a portable electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal, smartphone, or tablet personal computer (PC) in which a camera module 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, or 1005 is installed.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, the portable electronic device 1 includes a camera module 1000 to capture images of the subject.

[0073] In the example, camera modules 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, or 1005 include lenses, and the optical axis (Z-axis) of each lens is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1 (the Y-axis direction or the direction from the front surface of the portable electronic device 1 to its rear surface or the direction from the rear surface of the portable electronic device 1 to its front surface).

[0074] For example, the optical axis (Z-axis) of each lens included in the lens in the camera module 1000 may be formed along the width direction or length direction (Z-axis direction or X-axis direction) of the portable electronic device 1.

[0075] Therefore, even if the camera module 1000 has functions such as autofocus (AF), zoom, and optical image stabilization (OIS), the thickness of the portable electronic device 1 will not increase. Thus, the portable electronic device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0076] In this example, the camera module 1000 may have any one or any combination of two or more of the following: AF function, zoom function, and OIS function.

[0077] Since the camera module 1000, which includes AF, zoom, and OIS functions, requires additional components to implement these functions, its size will be larger compared to a camera module that does not include these functions.

[0078] When the size of the camera module 1000 increases, it may be difficult to miniaturize the portable electronic device 1 in which the camera module 1000 is installed.

[0079] For example, when the number of stacked lenses in the camera module is increased for zoom functionality and the stacked lenses are arranged in the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1, the thickness of the portable electronic device can also be increased according to the number of stacked lenses. Therefore, when the thickness of the portable electronic device 1 is not increased, the number of stacked lenses is limited by the thickness of the portable electronic device 1, which may degrade zoom performance.

[0080] Furthermore, to achieve AF and OIS functions, an actuator is required to move the lens group in the direction of the optical axis or perpendicular to the optical axis. When the optical axis (Z-axis) of the lens group is positioned along the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1, the actuator for moving the lens group also needs to be installed in the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1. Therefore, the thickness of the portable electronic device 1 increases.

[0081] However, in the camera module 1000 of this example, the optical axis (Z-axis) of each lens is positioned perpendicular to the thickness direction of the portable electronic device 1. Therefore, even when the camera module 1000, which has AF, zoom and OIS functions, is installed in the portable electronic device 1, the portable electronic device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0082] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an example of a camera module. Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from lines IIIA-IIIA' and IIIB-IIIB' shows... Figure 2 The camera module.

[0083] Reference Figures 2 to 3BThe camera module 1001 includes a reflection module 1100, a lens module 1200, and an image sensor module 1300 disposed in the housing 1010.

[0084] The reflection module 1100 alters the path of light. For example, the reflection module 1100 alters the opening 1031 of the cover 1030 that covers the upper part of the camera module 1001 (see...). Figure 3A The path of the incident light is such that the light is directed towards the lens module 1200. For this purpose, the reflection module 1100 includes a reflective member 1110 for reflecting light.

[0085] The reflection module 1100 alters the path of light incident through the opening 1031, directing the light toward the lens module 1200. For example, the reflection module 1100 alters the path of light incident in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) of the camera module 1001, making it approximately aligned with the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0086] Lens module 1200 includes a lens through which light, having a path altered by reflection module 1100, passes. Image sensor module 1300 includes: an image sensor 1310 that converts light passing through the lens into an electrical signal; a printed circuit board 1320 on which image sensor 1310 is mounted; and a filter 1340 that filters light incident from lens module 1200 onto the filter 1340. Filter 1340 may be an infrared cutoff filter.

[0087] Inside the housing 1010, the reflection module 1100 is positioned in front of the lens module 1200, and the image sensor module 1300 is positioned behind the lens module 1200.

[0088] Reference Figures 2 to 10 The camera module 1001 includes a reflection module 1100, a lens module 1200, and an image sensor module 1300 disposed in the housing 1010.

[0089] A reflection module 1100, a lens module 1200, and an image sensor module 1300 are sequentially arranged from one side of housing 1010 to the other. Housing 1010 has an internal space in which the reflection module 1100, lens module 1200, and image sensor module 1300 are disposed. In this example, a printed circuit board 1320, including the image sensor module 1300, is attached to the outer surface of housing 1010. In this example, housing 1010 is a single housing, with both the reflection module 1100 and lens module 1200 disposed within the internal space of housing 1010. However, housing 1010 is not limited to this. For example, two separate housings in which the reflection module 1100 and lens module 1200 are respectively disposed can be connected to each other.

[0090] In addition, the housing 1010 is covered by the cover 1030, making the internal space of the housing 1010 invisible.

[0091] Cover 1030 has an opening 1031 through which light is incident, and the path of light incident through opening 1031 is altered by reflective module 1100 so that the light is incident on lens module 1200. In the example shown in the figure, cover 1030 is a single cover covering the entire housing 1010. In another example, two separate covers may be provided, one for the reflective module 1100 and the other for the lens module 1200.

[0092] The reflection module 1100 includes a reflective member 1110 that reflects light. In addition, light incident on the lens module 1200 passes through the lens and is then converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor 1310.

[0093] The housing 1010 includes a reflective module 1100 and a lens module 1200 disposed within its internal space. Therefore, within the internal space of the housing 1010, the space where the reflective module 1100 is disposed and the space where the lens module 1200 is disposed are planned relative to each other by a protruding wall 1007. Furthermore, the reflective module 1100 is disposed in front of the protruding wall 1007, and the lens module 1200 is disposed behind the protruding wall 1007. The protruding wall 1007 protrudes from opposite side walls of the housing 1010 into the internal space.

[0094] The reflective module 1100, positioned in front of the protruding wall 1007, has the following structure: the rotating retainer 1120 is held against and supported by the inner wall surface of the housing 1010 by the attraction between a traction yoke 1153 disposed on the inner wall surface of the housing 1010 and a traction magnet 1151 disposed on the rotating retainer 1120. Optionally, although not shown in the figures, the traction magnet 1151 may be disposed on the inner wall surface of the housing 1010, and the traction yoke 1153 may be disposed on the rotating retainer 1120. However, for ease of explanation, the structure shown in the figures will be described below.

[0095] Additionally, the first support member 1131, the rotating plate 1130, and the second support member 1133 are disposed between the inner wall surface of the housing 1010 and the rotating retainer 1120. Since the first support member 1131 is held in the mounting grooves 1132 and 1021 and simultaneously partially inserted into them as described below, and the second support member 1133 is held in the mounting grooves 1134 and 1121 and simultaneously partially inserted into them as described below, when the rotating retainer 1120 and the rotating plate 1130 are inserted into the internal space of the housing 1010, space can be created between the rotating retainer 1120 and the protruding wall 1007. It requires only a small space, and after the rotating retainer 1120 is installed in the housing 1010, the rotating retainer 1120 is held against the inner wall surface of the housing 1010 by the attraction between the traction yoke 1153 and the traction magnet 1151, and the first support 1131 is held in the mounting grooves 1132, 1021 and the second support 1133 is held in the mounting grooves 1134, 1121, so that a small space can be maintained between the rotating retainer 1120 and the protruding wall 1007.

[0096] Therefore, in this example, the housing 1010 includes a stop 1050 that is fitted onto the protruding wall 1007 and supports the rotary retainer 1120, and has a hook shape (even without the stop 1050, the rotary retainer 1120 can be secured to the housing by the attraction between the traction magnet 1151 and the traction yoke 1153). In this example, the stop 1050 has a hook shape and supports the rotary retainer 1120 when its hook portion is hooked onto the protruding wall 1007. When the reflection module 1100 is not driven, the stop 1050 serves as a support for the rotary retainer 1120; when the reflection module 1100 is driven, the stop 1050 also serves as a stop to limit the movement of the rotary retainer 1120. The stops 1050 are respectively provided on the protruding walls 1007 that protrude from opposite side walls of the housing. A space is provided between the stop 1050 and the rotation retainer 1120 to allow the rotation retainer 1120 to rotate smoothly. Alternatively, the stop 1050 may be formed of an elastic material to allow the rotation retainer 1120 to move smoothly while the rotation retainer 1120 is supported by the stop 1050.

[0097] Additionally, the housing 1010 includes a first driving unit 1140 and a second driving unit 1240, which are configured to drive the reflection module 1100 and the lens module 1200, respectively. The first driving unit 1140 includes coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b for driving the reflection module 1100, and the second driving unit 1240 includes coils 1241b and 1243b for driving the lens module 1200. In addition, since coils 1141b, 1143b, 1145b, 1241b and 1243b are disposed in housing 1010 while they are mounted on motherboard 1070, housing 1010 is provided with through holes 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018 and 1019, so that coils 1141b, 1143b, 1145b, 1241b and 1243b are exposed to the internal space of housing 1010.

[0098] In the example shown in the figure, the main board 1070, on which coils 1141b, 1143b, 1145b, 1241b, and 1243b are mounted, is a single board. In this case, a set of terminals can be provided, thereby facilitating the connection of external power and signals. However, the main board 1070 is not limited to this, and can also be configured as two boards by separating the board on which coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b of the reflector module 1100 are mounted from the board on which coils 1241b and 1243b of the lens module 1200 are mounted.

[0099] The reflection module 1100 alters the path of light incident upon it through the opening 1031. When capturing still or moving images, still images may be blurred or moving images may jitter due to user hand tremors or other movements. In such cases, the reflection module 1100 corrects for user hand tremors or other movements by moving the rotating retainer 1120, on which the reflective member 1110 is mounted, to perform OIS (Optical Image Switching) functionality. For example, when jitter occurs during the capture of still or moving images due to user hand tremors or other movements, a relative displacement corresponding to the jitter can be provided to the rotating retainer 1120 to compensate for the jitter.

[0100] In this example, since the OIS function is achieved through the movement of the rotating retainer 1120, which has a relatively light weight due to its absence of lenses or other components, the power consumption for the OIS function can be significantly reduced.

[0101] In other words, in this example, in order to achieve the OIS function, the light for which OIS is performed is incident on the lens module 1200 by changing the path of the light through the movement of the rotating retainer 1120 on which the reflective member 1110 is provided, without moving the lens retainer including the lens or image sensor.

[0102] The reflection module 1100 includes a rotating retainer 1120 disposed in and supported by the housing 1010, a reflection member 1110 mounted on the rotating retainer 1120, and a first drive unit 1140 for moving the rotating retainer 1120.

[0103] The reflecting member 1110 alters the path of light. For example, the reflecting member 1110 can be a mirror or prism that reflects light (for ease of explanation, in relation to...). Figures 2 to 10 The figure associated with camera module 1001 shows the case where reflective member 1110 is a prism.

[0104] The reflective member 1110 is fixed to the rotating retainer 1120. The rotating retainer 1120 has a mounting surface 1123 on which the reflective member 1110 is mounted.

[0105] The mounting surface 1123 of the rotating retainer 1120 is an inclined surface, which alters the path of light. In one example, the mounting surface 1123 is an inclined surface tilted 30° to 60° relative to the optical axis (Z-axis) of each lens in the lens. Additionally, the inclined surface of the rotating retainer 1120 points towards the opening 1031 through which light incident on the cover 1030 passes.

[0106] A rotating retainer 1120, on which a reflective member 1110 is mounted, is movably mounted within the interior space of the housing 1010. For example, the rotating retainer 1120 is mounted in the housing 1010 to be rotatable about a first axis (X-axis) and a second axis (Y-axis). In this example, the first axis (X-axis) and the second axis (Y-axis) are axes perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) and perpendicular to each other.

[0107] The rotating retainer 1120 is supported in the housing 1010 by first support members 1131 arranged along a first axis (X-axis) and second support members 1133 arranged along a second axis (Y-axis), such that the rotating retainer 1120 can rotate smoothly about the first axis (X-axis) and the second axis (Y-axis). In the figures, two first support members 1131 arranged along the first axis (X-axis) and two second support members 1133 arranged along the second axis (Y-axis) are shown by way of example. Furthermore, the rotating retainer 1120 rotates about the first axis (X-axis) and the second axis (Y-axis) by a first drive unit 1140, which will be described below.

[0108] In this example, compared to the following... Figures 13 to 24Unlike the other examples, since a first support member 1131 is arranged along a first axis (X-axis) and a second support member 1133 is arranged along a second axis (Y-axis), the two first support members 1131 arranged along the first axis (X-axis) can be configured as cylindrical shapes extending in the first axial direction (X-axis direction), and the two second support members 1133 arranged along the second axis (Y-axis) can be configured as cylindrical shapes extending in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction). In this case, the mounting grooves 1132, 1134, 1021, and 1121 can be configured to connect with the first support member and the second support member (see...). Figure 6B The shape corresponds to a semi-cylindrical shape. Meanwhile, in Figure 6B The illustration shows a configuration of two first support members 1131 and two second support members 1133, but it is also possible to provide one or more first support members 1131 and second support members 1133 that extend in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) or the second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0109] exist Figures 2 to 10 In the example shown, the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 are respectively disposed on the front and rear surfaces of the rotating plate 1130. In another example, the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 are respectively disposed on the rear and front surfaces of the rotating plate 1130. That is, the first support member 1131 can be arranged along the second axis (Y-axis), and the second support member 1133 can be arranged along the first axis (X-axis). However, for ease of explanation, the structure shown in the figure will be described below. The rotating plate 1130 is disposed between the rotating retainer 1120 and the inner surface of the housing 1010. In addition, the rotating retainer 1120 is supported by the housing 1010 by the attractive force between the traction magnet 1151 or traction yoke disposed on the rotating retainer 1120 and the traction yoke 1153 or traction magnet disposed on the housing 1010.

[0110] The first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 are respectively inserted into the mounting grooves 1132 and 1134, which are respectively disposed in the front surface and the rear surface of the rotating plate 1130, and include the first mounting groove 1132 in which the first support member 1131 is partially inserted and the second mounting groove 1134 in which the second support member 1133 is partially inserted.

[0111] In addition, the housing 1010 is provided with a third mounting groove 1021 into which a first support member 1131 is partially inserted, and the rotating retainer 1120 is provided with a fourth mounting groove 1121 into which a second support member 1133 is partially inserted.

[0112] The first mounting groove 1132, the second mounting groove 1134, the third mounting groove 1021, and the fourth mounting groove 1121 described above can be provided in hemispherical or polygonal (polygonal or pyramidal) groove shapes, so that the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 can be easily rotated (the depth of the mounting grooves 1132, 1134, 1021, and 1121 can be less than their radius to allow the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 to rotate easily). The first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 are not completely disposed inside the mounting grooves, but are partially exposed to allow the rotating plate 1130 and the rotating retainer 1120 to rotate easily. In addition, the positions and number of the first mounting groove 1132 and the third mounting groove 1021 correspond to the positions and number of the first support members 1131 arranged along the first axis (X-axis), and the positions and number of the second mounting groove 1134 and the fourth mounting groove 1121 correspond to the positions and number of the second support members 1133 arranged along the second axis (Y-axis).

[0113] The first support member 1131 serves as a support member and rolls in the first mounting groove 1132 and the third mounting groove 1021. The second support member 1133 serves as a support member and rolls in the second mounting groove 1134 and the fourth mounting groove 1121.

[0114] In another example, the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 are structured such that they are fixedly disposed in at least one of the housing 1010, the rotating plate 1130, and the rotating retainer 1120. For example, the first support member 1131 is fixedly disposed in the housing 1010 or the rotating plate 1130, and the second support member 1133 is fixedly disposed in the rotating plate 1130 or the rotating retainer 1120. In this case, a mounting groove is provided only on the member facing the member in which the first support member 1131 or the second support member 1133 is fixedly disposed. In this case, the support member functions as a friction support member by sliding in the mounting groove rather than by rotating in the mounting groove.

[0115] When the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 are fixedly disposed in any one of the housing 1010, the rotating plate 1130, and the rotating retainer 1120, the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 may be configured as spherical or hemispherical. However, the case where the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 are configured as hemispherical is merely an example, and the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 may also be configured to have a protruding length that is larger or smaller than the length of a hemisphere. As described above, the case where the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 are configured as cylindrical shapes extending along the first axis (X-axis) and the second axis (Y-axis), respectively, can also be applied similarly.

[0116] Alternatively, the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 can be manufactured separately, and then attached to any one of the housing 1010, the rotating plate 1130, and the rotating retainer 1120. Optionally, the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1133 can be integrally provided with the housing 1010, the rotating plate 1130, or the rotating retainer 1120 during manufacturing.

[0117] The first drive unit 1140 generates a driving force, which enables the rotating retainer 1120 to rotate about two axes.

[0118] As an example, the first drive unit 1140 includes magnets 1141a, 1143a and 1145a and coils 1141b, 1143b and 1145b respectively facing the magnets 1141a, 1143a and 1145a.

[0119] When power is applied to coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b, the rotating retainer 1120, on which magnets 1141a, 1143a, and 1145a are mounted, rotates about a first axis (X-axis) and a second axis (Y-axis) through the electromagnetic interaction between the magnets 1141a, 1143a, and 1145a and the coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b.

[0120] Magnets 1141a, 1143a, and 1145a are mounted on the rotating retainer 1120. Figures 2 to 10 In the example shown, magnet 1141a is mounted on the lower surface of the rotating retainer 1120, and magnets 1143a and 1145a are mounted on the side surface of the rotating retainer 1120.

[0121] Coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b are mounted on housing 1010. Figures 2 to 10 In the example shown, coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b are mounted on the housing 1010 via a motherboard 1070. That is, coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b are mounted on the motherboard 1070, which in turn is mounted on the housing 1010. The figure shows an example where the motherboard 1070 is integrally formed, such that both the coil for the reflection module 1100 and the coil for the lens module 1200 are mounted on the motherboard 1070. However, the motherboard 1070 can be configured as two or more separate boards on which the coils for the reflection module 1100 and the coils for the lens module 1200 are respectively mounted.

[0122] A reinforcement plate (not shown) can be installed below the motherboard 1070 to reinforce the motherboard.

[0123] In this example, when the rotary retainer 1120 rotates, a closed-loop control method is used to sense and feed back the position of the rotary retainer 1120.

[0124] Therefore, position sensors 1141c and 1143c are configured to enable closed-loop control. Position sensors 1141c and 1143c can be Hall effect sensors.

[0125] exist Figures 2 to 10 In the example shown, position sensors 1141c and 1143c are disposed inside coils 1141b and 1143b, respectively, and mounted on a motherboard 1070 on which coils 1141b and 1143b are mounted. In another example, position sensors 1141c and 1143c are disposed outside coils 1141b and 1143b, respectively.

[0126] The motherboard 1070 is provided with a gyroscope sensor (not shown) that senses the shaking of the camera module 1001 caused by the user's hand tremors or other movements, and is provided with a driver integrated circuit (IC) (not shown) that provides drive signals to coils 1141b, 1143b and 1145b based on the signals from the gyroscope sensor.

[0127] Figures 11A to 11C It is along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view taken from the XIA-XIA' line to the XIC-XIC' line shows... Figure 2 How the rotating retainer of the camera module rotates about the first axis, and Figures 12A to 12C It is along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view taken from the XIIA-XIIA' line to the XIIC-XIIC' line shows... Figure 2 How the rotating retainer of the camera module rotates around the second axis.

[0128] Reference Figures 11A to 11C When the rotating retainer 1120 rotates about the first axis (X-axis), the rotating retainer 1120 rotates via the rotation plate 1130 about the rotation of the first support member 1131 arranged along the first axis (X-axis). In this case, the rotating retainer 1120 does not move relative to the rotation plate 1130. Additionally, refer to... Figures 12A to 12C When the rotating retainer 1120 rotates about the second axis (Y-axis), the rotating retainer 1120 rotates about the second support 1133 arranged along the second axis (Y-axis). In this case, the rotating plate 1130 does not rotate, so the rotating retainer 1120 moves relative to the rotating plate 1130.

[0129] In other words, when the rotating retainer 1120 rotates about the first axis (X-axis), the first support member 1131 operates; when the rotating retainer 1120 rotates about the second axis (Y-axis), the second support member 1133 operates. This is because, as shown in the figure, when the rotating retainer 1120 rotates about the first axis (X-axis), the second support members 1133 arranged along the second axis (Y-axis) do not move when they are assembled in the mounting groove; and when the rotating retainer 1120 rotates about the second axis (Y-axis), the first support members 1131 arranged along the first axis (X-axis) do not move when they are assembled in the mounting groove.

[0130] Light, whose path is altered by the reflection module 1100, is incident on the lens module 1200. Therefore, the optical axes of the stacked lenses disposed in the lens module 1200 are aligned in the Z-axis direction (the direction in which light is emitted from the reflection module 1100). Additionally, the lens module 1200 includes a second drive unit 1240 to realize AF and zoom functions. Since the lens module 1200 does not include components for OIS functions, it has a relatively low weight, and its movement along the optical axis enables AF and zoom functions. Therefore, power consumption is significantly reduced.

[0131] The lens module 1200 includes a lens holder 1220 disposed in the internal space of the housing 1010 and having a lens stacked therein and magnets 1241a and 1243a of a second drive unit 1240 disposed thereon, the magnets 1241a and 1243a causing the lens holder 1220 to move.

[0132] Lenses that capture images of the subject are stacked in lens holder 1220 and mounted in lens holder 1220 along the optical axis.

[0133] Light whose path is altered by the reflection module 1100 is refracted as it passes through the lens. The optical axis (Z-axis) of each lens in the lens is perpendicular to the thickness direction (Y-axis) of the lens module 1200.

[0134] The lens holder 1220 is movable in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) for the purpose of AF. In the example shown in the figure, the lens holder 1220 is configured to be movable in the direction in which light, whose path is changed by the reflection module 1100, passes through the lens (including the direction opposite to said direction).

[0135] The second drive unit 1240 generates a driving force that moves the lens holder 1220 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the second drive unit 1240 moves the lens holder 1220 to change the distance between the lens holder 1220 and the reflection module 1100.

[0136] exist Figures 2 to 10 In the example shown, the second drive unit 1240 includes magnets 1241a and 1243a and coils 1241b and 1243b that are respectively positioned to face the magnets 1241a and 1243a.

[0137] When electricity is applied to coils 1241b and 1243b, the lens holder 1220, on which magnets 1241a and 1243a are mounted, moves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) through the electromagnetic interaction between magnets 1241a and 1243a and coils 1241b and 1243b.

[0138] Magnets 1241a and 1243a are mounted on lens holder 1220. Figures 2 to 10 In the example shown, magnets 1241a and 1243a are mounted on the side surface of lens holder 1220.

[0139] Coils 1241b and 1243b are mounted on housing 1010. Figures 2 to 10 In the example shown, the motherboard 1070 is mounted on the housing 1010 with coils 1241b and 1243b mounted on it. For clarity, the figure shows both the coil for the reflection module 1100 and the coil for the lens module 1200 mounted on the motherboard 1070; however, the motherboard 1070 is not limited to this, and can also be configured as a separate board on which the coils for the reflection module 1100 and the coils for the lens module 1200 are mounted respectively.

[0140] In this example, when the lens holder 1220 moves, a closed-loop control method is used to sense and feed back the position of the lens holder 1220. Therefore, the position sensor 1243c is configured to perform closed-loop control. The position sensor 1243c can be a Hall sensor.

[0141] exist Figures 2 to 10 In the example shown, position sensor 1243c is disposed inside coil 1243b and mounted on motherboard 1070 on which coil 1243b is mounted. In another example, position sensor 1243c is disposed outside coil 1243b.

[0142] The lens holder 1220 is mounted in the housing 1010 to be movable in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). In the example shown in the figure, the ball member 1250 is disposed between the lens holder 1220 and the housing 1010.

[0143] The ball member 1250 serves as a support for guiding the movement of the lens holder 1220 during the AF process. Additionally, the ball member 1250 also maintains the distance between the lens holder 1220 and the housing 1010.

[0144] When a driving force is generated in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the ball member 1250 rolls in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the ball member 1250 guides the movement of the lens holder 1220 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0145] Guide grooves 1221 and 1231 for receiving ball member 1250 are formed in at least one of the mutually facing surfaces of lens holder 1220 and housing 1010.

[0146] The ball component 1250 is housed in guide grooves 1221 and 1231 and is assembled between the lens holder 1220 and the housing 1010.

[0147] Guide grooves 1221 and 1231 may have length in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0148] With the ball component 1250 housed in the guide grooves 1221 and 1231, the ball component 1250 is prevented from moving in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction), and the ball component 1250 can move only in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). Figures 2 to 10 In the example shown, the ball component 1250 can roll only in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0149] For this purpose, each of the guide grooves 1221 and 1231 extends in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). In addition, the cross-sections of the guide grooves 1221 and 1231 can have various shapes such as circular or polygonal shapes.

[0150] The lens holder 1220 is pressed against the housing 1010, so that the ball members 1250 are maintained in contact with the lens holder 1220 and the housing 1010.

[0151] For this purpose, the housing 1010 is provided with a yoke 1260 facing the magnets 1241a and 1243a mounted on the lens holder 1220. The yoke 1260 is formed of a magnetic material.

[0152] An attractive force is generated between the yoke 1260 and the magnets 1241a and 1243a. Therefore, the lens holder 1220 can move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) by the driving force of the second drive unit 1240 while the lens holder 1220 is in contact with the ball member 1250.

[0153] Figure 13This is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a camera module, and Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 An exploded perspective view of the connection between the camera module housing and the rotating retainer.

[0154] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 All components of camera module 1002 except for the reflection module are... Figures 2 to 10 The camera module 1001 is identical to all other components except for the reflection module. The construction of the reflection module will be described in detail below; identical components will be indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0155] The camera module 1002 includes a reflection module 1100-2, a lens module 1200, and an image sensor module 1300 disposed in the housing 1010-2.

[0156] In the reflection module 1100-2, with Figures 2 to 10 Unlike the camera module 1001, the rotating retainer 1120-2 is supported by the inner surface of the housing 1010-2 via the third support 1142 without the use of separate additional components. That is, the reflection module 1100-2 does not have the same... Figures 2 to 10 The component corresponding to the rotating plate 1130 of the camera module 1001.

[0157] For this purpose, the housing 1010-2 has a rotating recess 1041 formed in the portion of the housing 1010-2 facing the rotating retainer 1120-2, and the rotating retainer 1120-2 has a rotating protrusion 1025 inserted into the rotating recess 1041. The rotating recess 1041 and the rotating protrusion 1025 have polygonal shapes, such as triangular or rectangular shapes, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, so that the rotating retainer 1120-2 can perform rotations with only two degrees of freedom about predetermined axes (e.g., the X-axis and Y-axis). When the rotating recess 1041 and the rotating protrusion 1025 have polygonal shapes, after the rotating protrusion 1025 is inserted into the rotating recess 1041, the rotating retainer 1120-2 cannot rotate about the Z-axis because the corners of the rotating protrusion 1025 and the corners of the rotating recess 1041 interlock with each other. The rotating recess 1041 and the rotating protrusion 1025 should not have a circular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction, because a circular shape would allow the rotating retainer to rotate about the Z-axis.

[0158] In addition, the edges of the rotating recess 1041 and the rotating protrusion 1025 are set as inclined surfaces or circular surfaces, so that the rotating retainer 1120-2 can easily rotate around a predetermined axis (e.g., the X-axis and the Y-axis).

[0159] Additionally, the opposite edges of the rotating protrusion 1025 are provided with third support members 1142 arranged along the first axis (X-axis). Furthermore, the opposite edges of the rotating recess 1041 are provided with mounting grooves 1042 for insertion of the third support members 1142. The mounting grooves 1042 are configured as linear or curved shapes extending along the edge of the rotating recess 1041 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) (for example, the mounting grooves 1042 are configured as linear or curved shapes extending along the edge of the rotating recess 1041 in a direction inclined relative to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) towards the first axis direction (X-axis direction)). Furthermore, the cross-section of the mounting grooves 1042 may have various shapes, such as circular or polygonal.

[0160] Furthermore, the third support member 1142 is configured to be freely movable relative to the housing 1010-2 or the rotating retainer 1120-2, or fixed to the housing 1010-2 or the rotating retainer 1120-2. When the third support member 1142 is configured to be fixed to the housing 1010-2 or the rotating retainer 1120-2, the third support member 1142 may have a spherical shape, a hemispherical shape, or a crown-shaped shape (a shape obtained by cutting a sphere with a plane to obtain a shape smaller than or larger than a hemisphere). Additionally, when the third support member 1142 is configured to be fixed to the housing 1010-2 or the rotating retainer 1120-2, the third support member 1142 may be integrally manufactured with the housing 1010-2 or the rotating retainer 1120-2, or it may be manufactured separately from the housing 1010-2 or the rotating retainer 1120-2 and then attached to it.

[0161] Since the reflective module 1100-2 in this example includes a third support 1142 arranged along the first axis (X-axis), the rotating retainer 1120-2 can rotate about the first axis (X-axis) or a second axis (Y-axis) perpendicular to the first axis (X-axis) while supported by the housing 1010-2 via the third support 1142 by the attraction between the traction magnet 1151 and the traction yoke 1153.

[0162] In this configuration, since the reflector module 1100-2 includes only the third support member 1142 arranged along the first axis (X-axis), when the rotating retainer 1120-2 rotates about the first axis (X-axis), the axis of rotation of the rotating retainer 1120-2 roughly corresponds to the first axis (X-axis) connecting the third support members 1142 to each other. However, when the rotating retainer 1120-2 rotates about the second axis (Y-axis), the axis of rotation of the rotating retainer 1120-2, which is roughly parallel to the second axis (Y-axis), is formed at a virtual point separated by a predetermined distance from the third support member 1142 toward the rotating retainer 1120-2. However, the position of the axis of rotation can vary depending on the design shape, which will be referred to... Figures 15A to 16C To describe in more detail.

[0163] The reflection module 1100-2 includes a reflection member 1110-2, a rotating retainer 1120-2 on which the reflection member 1110-2 is mounted, and a first drive unit 1140 that generates driving force to move the rotating retainer 1120-2.

[0164] The reflecting member 1110-2 alters the path of light. For example, the reflecting member 1110-2 can be a mirror or prism that reflects light. The reflecting member 1110-2 is fixed to the rotating retainer 1120-2.

[0165] The first drive unit 1140 generates a driving force, causing the rotary retainer 1120-2 to rotate in two directions. For example, the first drive unit 1140 includes magnets 1141a, 1143a, and 1145a, and coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b positioned facing the magnets 1141a, 1143a, and 1145a, and includes position sensors 1141c and 1143c that sense the position of the rotary retainer 1120-2. The driving and positioning of the magnets 1141a, 1143a, and 1145a, the driving and positioning of the coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b, and the driving and positioning of the position sensors 1141c and 1143c are related to the above... Figures 2 to 10 The same applies to the camera module described therein, therefore a detailed description of it will be omitted.

[0166] Figures 15A to 15C It is shown Figure 13 A cross-sectional view showing how the rotating retainer of the camera module rotates about the first axis, and Figures 16A to 16C It is shown Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of how the rotating retainer of the camera module rotates about the second axis.

[0167] Reference Figures 15A to 15CWhen the rotating retainer 1120-2 rotates about the first axis (X-axis), the rotating retainer 1120-2 rotates about the first axis (X-axis) along which the third support member 1142 is arranged. In this case, since the reflective module 1100-2 only includes the third support member 1142 arranged along the first axis (X-axis), when the rotating retainer 1120-2 rotates about the first axis (X-axis), the axis of rotation of the rotating retainer 1120-2 is approximately the extension of the line connecting the third support members 1142 to each other, and is approximately parallel to the first axis (X-axis).

[0168] Reference Figures 16A to 16C When the rotary retainer 1120-2 rotates about the second axis (Y-axis), the rotation axis of the rotary retainer 1120-2, which is substantially parallel to the second axis (Y-axis), is formed at a virtual point separated from the third support 1142 by a predetermined distance towards the rotary retainer 1120-2. In this case, the rotation axis is located in the portion separated from the contact portion between the third support 1142 and the rotary retainer 1120-2, and the amount of sliding movement of the rotary retainer 1120-2 is greater than when the rotary retainer 1120-2 moves relative to the first axis (X-axis).

[0169] Figure 17 This is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a camera module, and Figure 18 It is shown Figure 17 An exploded perspective view of the connection between the camera module housing and the rotating retainer.

[0170] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 All components of camera module 1003 except for the reflection module are... Figures 2 to 10 The camera module 1001 is identical to all other components except for the reflection module. The construction of the reflection module will be described in detail below; identical components will be indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0171] The camera module 1003 includes a reflection module 1100-3, a lens module 1200, and an image sensor module 1300 disposed in the housing 1010-3.

[0172] In the reflection module 1100-3, with Figures 2 to 10 Unlike the camera module 1001, the rotating retainer 1120-3 is supported by the inner surface of the housing 1010-3 via the fourth support 1143 without the use of separate additional components. That is, the reflection module 1100-3 does not have the same... Figures 2 to 10 The component corresponding to the rotating plate 1130 of the camera module 1001.

[0173] For this purpose, the housing 1010-3 has a rotating recess 1043 formed in the portion of the housing 1010-3 facing the rotating retainer 1120-3, and the rotating retainer 1120-3 is provided with a rotating protrusion 1026 inserted into the rotating recess 1043. The rotating recess 1043 and the rotating protrusion 1026 have polygonal shapes, such as triangular or rectangular shapes, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, thereby enabling the rotating retainer 1120-3 to perform rotation with only two degrees of freedom about predetermined axes (e.g., the X-axis and Y-axis). This is because when the rotating recess 1043 and the rotating protrusion 1026 have polygonal shapes, after the rotating protrusion 1026 is inserted into the rotating recess 1043, the corners of the rotating protrusion 1026 and the corners of the rotating recess 1043 interlock, preventing the rotating retainer 1120-3 from rotating about the Z-axis.

[0174] Additionally, the edges of the rotating recess 1043 and the rotating protrusion 1026 can be configured as inclined surfaces or circular surfaces, so that the rotating retainer 1120-3 can easily rotate about a predetermined axis (e.g., the X-axis and the Y-axis).

[0175] Additionally, the edge of the rotating protrusion 1026 may be provided with a fourth support member 1143 arranged along the second axis (Y-axis) (two fourth support members arranged along the Y-axis direction may be provided on opposite edges of the rotating protrusion 1026). Furthermore, the edge of the rotating recess 1043 may be provided with a mounting groove 1044 for insertion of the fourth support member 1143. The mounting groove 1044 may be configured as a linear or curved shape extending along the edge of the rotating recess 1043 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) (for example, the mounting groove 1044 may be configured as a linear or curved shape extending along the edge of the rotating recess 1043 in a direction inclined relative to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) towards the second axis direction (Y-axis direction)). Additionally, the cross-section of the mounting groove 1044 may have various shapes such as circular or polygonal.

[0176] Additionally, the fourth support member 1143 can be configured to be freely movable relative to the housing 1010-3 or the rotating retainer 1120-3, or fixed to the housing 1010-3 or the rotating retainer 1120-3. When the fourth support member 1143 is configured to be fixed to the housing 1010-3 or the rotating retainer 1120-3, the fourth support member 1143 can be configured to be spherical or hemispherical (smaller or larger than a hemisphere). Furthermore, when the fourth support member 1143 is configured to be fixed to the housing 1010-3 or the rotating retainer 1120-3, the fourth support member 1143 can be integrally manufactured with the housing 1010-3 or the rotating retainer 1120-3, or it can be manufactured separately from the housing 1010-3 or the rotating retainer 1120-3 and then attached to it.

[0177] Since the reflective module 1100-3 in this example includes a fourth support 1143 arranged along the second axis (Y-axis), the rotating retainer 1120-3 can rotate about the second axis (Y-axis) or about a first axis (X-axis) perpendicular to the second axis (Y-axis) by means of the fourth support 1143 supported by the housing 1010-3 through the attraction between the traction magnet 1151 and the traction yoke 1153.

[0178] In this configuration, since the reflective module 1100-3 includes only the fourth support member 1143 arranged along the second axis (Y-axis), when the rotating retainer 1120-3 rotates about the second axis (Y-axis), the axis of rotation of the rotating retainer 1120-3 roughly corresponds to the second axis (Y-axis) connecting the fourth support members 1143 to each other. However, when the rotating retainer 1120-3 rotates about the first axis (X-axis), the axis of rotation of the rotating retainer 1120-3, which is roughly parallel to the first axis (X-axis), is formed at a virtual point separated by a predetermined distance from the fourth support member 1143 toward the rotating retainer 1120-3. This will be referred to... Figures 19A to 20C To describe in more detail.

[0179] The reflection module 1100-3 includes a reflection member 1110-3, a rotating retainer 1120-3 on which the reflection member 1110-3 is mounted, and a first drive unit 1140 that generates driving force to move the rotating retainer 1120-3.

[0180] The reflective member 1110-3 can alter the path of light. As an example, the reflective member 1110-3 can be a mirror or prism that reflects light. The reflective member 1110-3 can be fixed to the rotating retainer 1120-3.

[0181] The first drive unit 1140 can generate a driving force, causing the rotary retainer 1120-3 to rotate in two directions. For example, the first drive unit 1140 may include magnets 1141a, 1143a, and 1145a, and coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b positioned facing the magnets 1141a, 1143a, and 1145a, and may include position sensors 1141c and 1143c that sense the position of the rotary retainer 1120-3. The driving and positioning of the magnets 1141a, 1143a, and 1145a, the driving and positioning of the coils 1141b, 1143b, and 1145b, and the driving and positioning of the position sensors 1141c and 1143c are related to the above... Figures 2 to 10 The same applies to the camera module described therein, therefore a detailed description of it will be omitted.

[0182] Figures 19A to 19C It is shown Figure 17A cross-sectional view showing how the rotating retainer of the camera module rotates about the first axis, and Figures 20A to 20C It is shown Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of how the rotating retainer of the camera module rotates about the second axis.

[0183] Reference Figures 19A to 19C When the rotary retainer 1120-3 rotates about the first axis (X-axis), the rotation axis of the rotary retainer 1120-3, which is substantially parallel to the first axis (X-axis), is formed at a virtual point separated from the fourth support 1143 by a predetermined distance towards the rotary retainer 1120-3. In this case, the rotation axis is located in the portion separated from the contact portion between the fourth support 1143 and the rotary retainer 1120-3, and the amount of sliding movement of the rotary retainer 1120-3 is greater than that in the case where the rotary retainer 1120-3 moves relative to the second axis (Y-axis).

[0184] Reference Figures 20A to 20C When the rotating retainer 1120-3 rotates about the second axis (Y-axis), the rotating retainer 1120-3 rotates about the second axis (Y-axis) along which the fourth support member 1143 is arranged. In this case, since the reflective module 1100-3 only includes the fourth support member 1143 arranged along the second axis (Y-axis), when the rotating retainer 1120-3 rotates about the second axis (Y-axis), the axis of rotation of the rotating retainer 1120-3 is approximately the extension line connecting the fourth support members 1143 to each other, and the axis of rotation of the rotating retainer 1120-3 is approximately parallel to the second axis (Y-axis).

[0185] Figure 21 This is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a camera module, and Figure 22 It is shown Figure 21 An exploded perspective view of the connection between the camera module housing and the rotating retainer.

[0186] Reference Figure 21 and Figure 22 Except for the mounting groove 1027, in which the third support member 1142 is located, which is situated within the rotation retainer 1120-2, all components of the camera module 1004 are connected to... Figure 13 and Figure 14 All components of the camera module 1002 are identical. In the following text, only a brief description of the construction of the mounting slot 1027 will be provided; identical components will be indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0187] The camera module 1004 includes a reflection module 1100-2, a lens module 1200, and an image sensor module 1300 disposed in the housing 1010-2.

[0188] In the reflection module 1100-2 of this example, with Figure 13 and Figure 14 The camera module 1002 differs from the reflection module 1100-2 (where the mounting groove 1042, in which the third support member 1142 is disposed in the edge of the rotating recess 1041), and the mounting groove 1027, in which the third support member 1142 is disposed in the rotating retainer 1120-2. The mounting groove 1027 is configured as a linear or curved shape extending in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) in the edge of the rotating protrusion 1025 (for example, the mounting groove 1027 is configured as a linear or curved shape extending in the edge of the rotating protrusion 1025 in a direction inclined relative to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) towards the first axis direction (X-axis direction)). Furthermore, the cross-section of the mounting groove 1027 can have various shapes such as circular, polygonal, etc. All components except the mounting groove 1027 are... Figure 13 and Figure 14 All components of the camera module 1002 are identical, therefore a detailed description of it will be omitted.

[0189] Furthermore, due to the structure at which the mounting groove 1027 is located in the rotation retainer 1120-2, only the position of the third support member 1142 is consistent with... Figure 13 and Figure 14 The third support member 1142 in the camera module 1002 is positioned slightly differently, and the mechanism by which the rotating retainer 1120-2 rotates about the first axis (X-axis) or the second axis (Y-axis) is different. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The rotation holding member 1120-2 of the camera module 1002 rotates about the first axis (X-axis) or the second axis (Y-axis) through the same mechanism, therefore, when involving Figure 13 and Figure 14 Camera module 1002 Figures 15A to 15C and Figures 16A to 16C This mechanism is shown in the image.

[0190] Figure 23 This is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a camera module, and Figure 24 It is shown Figure 23 An exploded perspective view of the connection between the camera module housing and the rotating retainer.

[0191] Reference Figure 23 and Figure 24 Except for the mounting groove 1028, which houses the fourth support member 1143, located in the rotation retainer 1120-3, all components of the camera module 1005 are connected to... Figure 17 and Figure 18All components of the camera module 1003 are identical. In the following text, only a brief description of the construction of the mounting slot 1028 will be provided; identical components will be indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0192] The camera module 1005 includes a reflection module 1100-3, a lens module 1200, and an image sensor module 1300 disposed in the housing 1010-3.

[0193] In the reflection module 1100-3 of this example, with Figure 17 and Figure 18 The camera module 1003 differs from the reflection module 1100-3 (where the mounting groove 1044, in which the fourth support member 1143 is disposed in the edge of the rotating recess 1043), and the mounting groove 1028, in which the fourth support member 1143 is disposed in the rotating retainer 1120-3. In this example, the mounting groove 1028 is configured as a linear or curved shape extending in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) in the edge of the rotating protrusion 1026 (e.g., the mounting groove 1028 is configured as a linear or curved shape extending in the edge of the rotating protrusion 1026 in a direction inclined relative to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) towards the second axis direction (Y-axis direction)). Furthermore, the cross-section of the mounting groove 1028 can have various shapes such as circular and polygonal shapes. All components other than the mounting groove 1028 are related to... Figure 17 and Figure 18 All components of the camera module 1003 are identical, therefore a detailed description of it will be omitted.

[0194] Furthermore, due to the structure at which the mounting groove 1028 is located in the rotation retainer 1120-3, only the position of the fourth support member 1143 is consistent with... Figure 17 and Figure 18 The fourth support member 1143 in the camera module 1003 is positioned slightly differently, and the mechanism by which the rotating retainer 1120-3 rotates about the first axis (X-axis) or the second axis (Y-axis) is different. Figure 17 and Figure 18 The rotating retainer 1120-3 of the camera module 1003 rotates about the first axis (X-axis) or the second axis (Y-axis) through the same mechanism, therefore, when involving Figure 17 and Figure 18 Camera module 1003 Figures 19A to 19C and Figures 20A to 20C This mechanism is shown in the image.

[0195] Figure 25 This is a perspective view showing another example of a portable electronic device.

[0196] Reference Figure 25Portable electronic device 2 is a portable electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal, smartphone or tablet personal computer (PC) in which camera modules 500 and 1000 are installed.

[0197] At least one of camera modules 500 and 1000 can be a reference. Figures 2 to 24 The camera module is 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 or 1005.

[0198] In other words, a portable electronic device including a dual-camera module may include camera modules 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 or 1005 as at least one of the two camera modules.

[0199] As described above, the reflective module for OIS and the camera module including the reflective module for OIS achieve autofocus, zoom, and OIS functions while having a simple structure and reduced size. Furthermore, power consumption is significantly reduced.

[0200] While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent upon understanding 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 considered descriptive only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each example is to be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may 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 if components in the described system, architecture, apparatus, or circuit are replaced or supplemented with 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. A camera module, comprising: The shell has an internal space; A reflective module, including reflective components, is disposed in the internal space; The lens module includes multiple lenses, which are disposed in the internal space and are movable in the direction of the optical axis; The first driving unit includes a first magnet and a first coil, and generates a driving force to move the lens module in the direction of the optical axis; as well as A spherical component is disposed between the housing and the lens module and guides the movement of the lens module in the optical axis direction. The first coil is disposed on the housing so as to be opposite the lens module in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis. A yoke is provided on the housing, and the yoke is opposite to the lens module in a second axial direction that is perpendicular to both the optical axis direction and the first axial direction.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The lens module is supported on the housing by a magnetic attraction force acting in the second axial direction, and the ball member is located between the lens module and the housing.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The first magnet is disposed on the lens module, and The first magnet faces the first coil in the first axial direction and faces the yoke in the second axial direction.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The reflective module is configured to rotate relative to a first axis and a second axis, the first axis being perpendicular to the optical axis, and the second axis being perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axis. The reflection module includes a second driving unit, which includes a second magnet, a third magnet, a second coil, and a third coil, and generates a driving force to rotate the reflection module relative to the first axis and the second axis.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein, The second magnet and the third magnet are disposed on the reflective module, and the second coil and the third coil are disposed on the housing.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein, The second magnet and the second coil face each other in the second axial direction, and the third magnet and the third coil face each other in the first axial direction.

7. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein, The housing includes a plurality of through holes that expose the first coil, the second coil, and the third coil to the internal space, and The first coil, the second coil, and the third coil directly face the first magnet, the second magnet, and the third magnet respectively through the plurality of through holes.

8. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein, The first coil, the second coil, and the third coil are mounted on the housing while being mounted on the plate.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The first coil, the second coil, and the third coil are mounted on the same board.

10. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The first driving unit further includes a first position sensor for sensing the position of the lens module, and The first position sensor is mounted on the plate and positioned inside the first coil.

11. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The second drive unit also includes a second position sensor and a third position sensor, and The second position sensor and the third position sensor are mounted on the plate and are respectively disposed inside the second coil and the third coil.

12. The camera module according to claim 4, further comprising: A support member is disposed between the housing and the reflective module and supports the rotation of the reflective module. The reflective module is supported on the housing, and the support member is located between the reflective module and the housing.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein, The support member includes: A first support member, aligned along the first axis and supporting rotation of the reflective module relative to the first axis; and The second support member is aligned along the second axis and supports the rotation of the reflective module relative to the second axis.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein, The reflection module includes: A rotating retainer, the reflective member being mounted on the rotating retainer and configured to rotate relative to the first axis and the second axis; and A rotating plate is disposed between the housing and the rotating retainer, and is configured to rotate together with the rotating retainer relative to the first axis.

15. The camera module according to claim 14, wherein, The first support member is disposed between the housing and the rotating plate, and the second support member is disposed between the rotating plate and the rotation retainer.

16. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein, The reflective module is supported on the housing by a magnetic attraction force acting on the optical axis.

17. The camera module according to claim 16, wherein, A traction magnet is provided on the reflection module, and a traction yoke is provided on the housing to be opposite to the traction magnet in the direction of the optical axis.

18. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The camera module also includes a stop, which is disposed on the housing between the reflection module and the lens module.

19. The camera module according to claim 18, wherein, The stop is made of an elastic material.

20. The camera module according to claim 18, wherein, The housing includes protruding walls that project from two side surfaces of the housing into a first space, the first space being disposed between a second space where the reflective module is disposed and a third space where the lens module is disposed. The stop is fitted onto the protruding wall.

21. A camera module, comprising: The shell has an internal space; A reflective module, including a reflective member, is rotatably disposed within the internal space; A lens module, comprising multiple lenses, is configured to move along the optical axis within the internal space; The first driving unit includes a first magnet and a first coil, and generates a driving force to move the lens module in the direction of the optical axis; A spherical component is disposed between the housing and the lens module and guides the movement of the lens module in the optical axis direction; as well as The yoke is configured to pull the lens module into the housing. The first coil and the yoke are disposed on different surfaces of the housing.

22. The camera module according to claim 21, wherein, The first magnet is disposed on the lens module, and both the first coil and the yoke face the first magnet.

23. The camera module according to claim 22, wherein, The first magnet and the first coil face each other in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

24. The camera module according to claim 21, wherein, The reflection module also includes: The second driving unit includes a second magnet, a third magnet, a second coil, and a third coil, and generates a driving force to rotate the reflective module relative to a first axis and a second axis, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the optical axis, and the second axis is perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axis.

25. The camera module according to claim 24, wherein, The second magnet and the second coil face each other in the second axial direction, and the second axial direction in which the second magnet and the second coil face each other is perpendicular to the direction in which the third magnet and the third coil face each other.

26. The camera module according to claim 21, wherein, The camera module also includes a support member disposed between the reflector module and the housing, which rotatably supports the reflector module relative to the housing. The reflective module is supported on the housing in the direction of the optical axis, and the support member is located between the reflective module and the housing.

27. The camera module according to claim 26, wherein, A traction magnet is provided on the reflection module, and a traction yoke is provided on the housing, the traction yoke being opposite to the traction magnet in the optical axis direction.

Images