Camera module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a camera module. The camera module includes a fixed body, a movable body disposed in the fixed body and configured to move in an optical axis direction, a first support unit and a second support unit disposed between the fixed body and the movable body and configured to support movement of the movable body in the optical axis direction, a driving unit configured to generate a driving force to move the movable body in the optical axis direction, and a plurality of position sensors configured to detect a position of the movable body in the optical axis direction, wherein the driving unit and the position sensors are respectively disposed on both sides of a virtual straight line connecting the first support unit and the second support unit when viewed in the optical axis direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0056661, filed on April 29, 2025, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2026-0040692, filed on March 6, 2026, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The following description pertains to the camera module. Background Technology

[0004] The camera module can be implemented in portable electronic devices such as, but not limited to, smartphones, tablet PCs, or laptop computers.

[0005] Portable electronic devices are a product group that is sensitive to overall dimensions, including their thickness, and smartphones are particularly sensitive to this. Therefore, it is desirable that camera modules implemented in portable electronic devices can also be miniaturized and have a slim form factor.

[0006] As camera modules implemented in portable electronic devices achieve higher performance, their structures become increasingly complex.

[0007] There are technical difficulties in achieving miniaturization and thinning of camera modules while maintaining or improving their performance.

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

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

[0010] In general, the camera module includes: a fixed body; a movable body disposed within the fixed body and configured to move in the optical axis direction; a first support unit and a second support unit disposed between the fixed body and the movable body and configured to support the movement of the movable body in the optical axis direction; a drive unit configured to generate a driving force to move the movable body in the optical axis direction; and a plurality of position sensors configured to detect the position of the movable body in the optical axis direction, wherein, when viewed in the optical axis direction, the drive unit and the plurality of position sensors are respectively disposed on both sides of a virtual straight line connecting the first support unit and the second support unit.

[0011] The drive unit may include a magnet disposed on a movable or fixed body and a coil disposed on the fixed or movable body and facing the magnet, wherein multiple position sensors may be disposed together with the coil on the fixed or movable body, and wherein the multiple position sensors may be disposed on two adjacent surfaces of the fixed body or two adjacent surfaces of the movable body.

[0012] Multiple position sensors can be placed outside the coil.

[0013] The driving unit may include: a first driving unit disposed on a first side of the virtual straight line and including a first magnet and a first coil; and a second driving unit disposed on a second side of the virtual straight line and including a second magnet and a second coil, wherein the first support unit may be disposed closer to both the first driving unit and the second driving unit than the second support unit.

[0014] The first driving unit and the second driving unit can be respectively disposed on two adjacent surfaces of the movable body and two adjacent surfaces of the fixed body, and the direction in which the first magnet and the first coil face each other can be perpendicular to the direction in which the second magnet and the second coil face each other.

[0015] The first driving unit and the second driving unit can be disposed on the same surface of the movable body and the fixed body, and the direction in which the first magnet and the first coil face each other can be parallel to the direction in which the second magnet and the second coil face each other.

[0016] The first support unit can be located between the intersection of two adjacent surfaces of the movable body of the camera module and the intersection of two adjacent surfaces of the fixed body of the camera module, and the virtual straight line can not pass through the first drive unit and the second drive unit.

[0017] The first support unit may be disposed between a surface of the movable body and a surface of the fixed body, wherein the surface of the movable body and the surface of the fixed body face each other in a first axial direction or a second axial direction, and the virtual straight line may not pass through the first drive unit and the second drive unit.

[0018] The first support unit and the second support unit can be disposed between the portion where two adjacent surfaces of the movable body of the camera module intersect and the portion where two adjacent surfaces of the fixed body of the camera module intersect, or disposed between one surface of the movable body and one surface of the fixed body, wherein the one surface of the movable body and the one surface of the fixed body face each other in a first axial direction or a second axial direction.

[0019] The virtual straight line may not pass through the first drive unit and the second drive unit.

[0020] The camera module may also include a magnetic yoke mounted on a fixed or movable body and facing the first or second magnet.

[0021] When the movable body moves in the optical axis direction, sliding friction can occur in one of the first support unit and the second support unit, and rolling friction can occur in the other of the first support unit and the second support unit.

[0022] The first support unit includes two spherical components arranged in the optical axis direction.

[0023] The second support unit may include a ball component.

[0024] The movable body may include a first support portion connected to the lens barrel, and the fixed body may include a housing and a second support portion, wherein the first support portion is disposed in the second support portion and the second support portion is disposed in the housing, and the first support portion may be configured to move together with the second support portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and is also configured to move relative to the second support portion in the optical axis direction.

[0025] Multiple spherical components can be disposed between the second support part and the housing, and the multiple spherical components can contact the second support part and the housing in the optical axis direction.

[0026] The movable body may include: a first support portion to which the lens tube is connected; and a second support portion, wherein the first support portion is disposed in the second support portion, wherein the first support portion may be configured to move together with the second support portion in the optical axis direction, and may also be configured to move relative to the second support portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0027] Multiple ball components can be disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion, and the multiple ball components can contact the first support portion and the second support portion in the optical axis direction.

[0028] In general, the camera module includes: a fixed body; a movable body disposed within the fixed body and configured to move in the optical axis direction; a first support unit and a second support unit disposed between the fixed body and the movable body and configured to support the movement of the movable body in the optical axis direction; a plurality of drive units, each including a magnet disposed on the movable body and a coil disposed on the fixed body and facing the magnet; and a plurality of position sensors, respectively disposed on the fixed body and configured to detect the position of the movable body in the optical axis direction, wherein the plurality of position sensors are disposed outside the plurality of coils.

[0029] Multiple position sensors can be set on the same surface as the surface on which the multiple coils are set, or they can be set on a different surface from the surface on which the multiple coils are set.

[0030] The multiple position sensors may include: a first position sensor facing the movable body in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis; and a second position sensor facing the movable body in a second axial direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axial direction.

[0031] Multiple drive units and multiple position sensors can be respectively set on both sides of the virtual straight line connecting the first support unit and the second support unit.

[0032] The virtual line can be perpendicular to the optical axis and can extend obliquely relative to a first axis perpendicular to the optical axis and a second axis perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axis.

[0033] The camera module may also include a magnetic yoke mounted on a fixed body and facing multiple magnets.

[0034] The multiple driving units may include: a first driving unit disposed on a first side of the virtual straight line and including a first magnet and a first coil; and a second driving unit disposed on a second side of the virtual straight line and including a second magnet and a second coil, wherein the first support unit may be disposed closer to both the first driving unit and the second driving unit than the second support unit.

[0035] When the movable body moves in the optical axis direction, sliding friction can occur in one of the first support unit and the second support unit, and rolling friction can occur in the other of the first support unit and the second support unit.

[0036] The movable body may include a first support portion connected to the lens barrel, and the fixed body may include a housing and a second support portion, wherein the first support portion is disposed in the second support portion and the second support portion is disposed in the housing, wherein the first support portion may be configured to move together with the second support portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and is also configured to move relative to the second support portion in the optical axis direction.

[0037] Multiple spherical components can be disposed between the second support part and the housing, and the multiple spherical components can contact the second support part and the housing in the optical axis direction.

[0038] The movable body may include: a first support portion to which the lens tube is connected; and a second support portion, wherein the first support portion is disposed in the second support portion, the first support portion may be configured to move together with the second support portion in the optical axis direction, and may also be configured to move relative to the second support portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0039] Multiple ball components can be disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion, and the multiple ball components can contact the first support portion and the second support portion in the optical axis direction.

[0040] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0042] Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Various examples of autofocus units (drive units and support units) according to one or more embodiments are shown.

[0043] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The following are shown respectively: Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module of the autofocus unit shown.

[0044] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The following are shown respectively: Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module of the autofocus unit shown.

[0045] Figure 9 and Figure 10 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module having autofocus and optical image stabilization functions according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0046] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same elements unless otherwise described. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scale, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The following detailed embodiments are provided to aid the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations and / or the order within operations described herein are merely examples and are not limited to the order set forth herein, but can be changed as will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application, except for the order of operations and / or the order within operations that must occur in a certain order. As another example, the order of operations and / or the order within operations can be performed in parallel, except for at least a portion of the order of operations and / or at least a portion of the order within operations that must occur in a certain order (e.g., a specific order). Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known after understanding the disclosure of this application may be omitted.

[0048] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third,” or A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used herein to describe various components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts are not limited by these terms. Each of these terms is not intended to define, for example, the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding component, assembly, region, layer, or part, but only to distinguish the corresponding component, assembly, region, layer, or part from other components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts. Therefore, the first component, first assembly, first region, first layer, or first part mentioned in the examples described herein may also be referred to as a second component, second assembly, second region, second layer, or second part without departing from the teachings of the examples.

[0049] Throughout this specification, when a component or element is described as being “on,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “joined to” another component, element, or layer, it may be directly “on” (e.g., in contact with), directly “connected to,” directly “attached to,” or directly “joined to” the other component, element, or layer, or one or more other components, elements, or layers may reasonably be present between them. When a component or element is described as being “directly” “on,” “directly connected to,” directly “attached to,” or “joined to” another component, element, or layer, there are no other components, elements, or layers between them. Similarly, expressions such as “between” and “immediately between” and “adjacent to” and “immediately adjacent to” can also be interpreted as described above.

[0050] The terminology used herein is for describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural meaning as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As a non-limiting example, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” specify the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, nor do they exclude the alternative presence of features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, while one embodiment may describe the presence of such terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” specifying the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, other embodiments may exist in which one or more of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof are absent.

[0051] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items. The phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” are intended to have a separate 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 such an enumeration (e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C”) be interpreted as having a combined meaning.

[0052] The features described herein may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways in which the methods, 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., 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 this feature, and that all examples and 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”).

[0053] One or more examples can provide a camera module that ensures performance while achieving miniaturization and thinness.

[0054] One or more examples may also provide a camera module that has reduced thickness in the optical axis direction and performs autofocus operation stably.

[0055] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0056] According to one or more embodiments, the camera module 10 can be implemented in a portable electronic device, such as, but not limited to, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a laptop computer.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 10 can be implemented in a smartphone, and in this example, the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the camera module 10 can correspond to the thickness direction of the smartphone.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 10 may have a significantly reduced thickness in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction).

[0059] The thickness H of the camera module 10 can be determined by the height of the fixture 100 that forms the appearance of the camera module 10.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 The fixture 100 may include a housing 110 and a shield 120 connected to the housing 110, and wherein, with the shield 120 connected to the housing 110, the thickness H of the camera module 10 may be the distance from the lower surface of the housing 110 to the upper surface of the shield 120.

[0061] According to one or more embodiments, the camera module 10 can perform at least one of autofocus operation (AF operation) and optical image stabilization operation (OIS operation).

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, camera module 10 may perform only autofocus operation, or it may perform both autofocus operation and optical image stabilization operation.

[0063] Figures 2 to 4 This is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of an autofocus unit (drive unit and support unit) according to one or more embodiments; Figure 5 and Figure 6 These include Figure 2 An exemplary exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module of the autofocus unit shown; and Figure 7 and Figure 8 These include Figure 3 An exemplary exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module of the autofocus unit shown.

[0064] The camera module 10 according to one or more embodiments may include an autofocus unit.

[0065] The autofocus unit may include an autofocus drive unit (hereinafter referred to as the drive unit) and a support unit, wherein the autofocus drive unit generates a driving force to move the movable body 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the support unit supports the movement of the movable body 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). In addition, besides the drive unit and the support unit, all components necessary to realize the autofocus operation may also correspond to the autofocus unit.

[0066] The movable body 200 can be accommodated or disposed in the internal space of the fixed body 100, and can move relative to the fixed body 100 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) during autofocus operation.

[0067] In the following description, unless specifically defined for the fixed body 100, the fixed body 100 can be understood as including the concept of all components that do not move along with the movable body 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) during autofocus. For example, when the camera module 10 performs only autofocus operation, the housing 110 and the shield 120 may correspond to the fixed body 100; while when the camera module 10 also performs optical image stabilization operation, if a component does not move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) even when the component moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis direction) (X-axis direction or Y-axis direction) during optical image stabilization, then that component may correspond to the fixed body 100.

[0068] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The support unit 300 can be disposed between the movable body 200 and the fixed body 100, and the drive unit 400 can be disposed on each of the movable body 200 and the fixed body 100.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the support unit 300 may include a first support unit 310 and a second support unit 320 spaced apart from each other. The drive unit 400 may include magnets 411 and 421 arranged facing each other, and coils 412 and 422.

[0070] Additionally, the autofocus unit may include position sensors 413 and 423, each of which detects the position of the movable body 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0071] In the example, position sensors 413 and 423 can be Hall sensors. Position sensors 413 and 423 can be positioned adjacent to the drive unit 400 and can detect the position of the movable body 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) by detecting changes in the magnetic field generated in the drive unit 400.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the autofocus unit may include a plurality of drive units 410 and 420 and a plurality of position sensors 413 and 423.

[0073] Multiple drive units 410 and 420 and multiple position sensors 413 and 423 can be respectively arranged on both sides of the virtual straight line VL connecting the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320. When viewed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320 are spaced apart from each other.

[0074] The virtual straight line VL can be defined based on a straight line connecting the center of the first support unit 310 to the center of the second support unit 320, and can include examples in which the straight line passes through a point near the center within the manufacturing tolerance.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment, the camera module 10 can ensure driving force during autofocus by including a plurality of drive units 410 and 420, and can detect the tilt of the movable body 200 relative to the optical axis (Z-axis) by including a plurality of position sensors 413 and 423.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, one of the plurality of magnets 411 and 421 and the plurality of coils 412 and 422 may be disposed on the movable body 200, and the other of the plurality of magnets 411 and 421 and the plurality of coils 412 and 422 may be disposed on the fixed body 100.

[0077] Reference Figures 2 to 4 Multiple magnets 411 and 421 can be disposed on the movable body 200, and multiple coils 412 and 422 can be disposed on the fixed body 100. In addition, the first position sensor 413 and the second position sensor 423 can be disposed on the fixed body 100 together with the first coil 412 and the second coil 422.

[0078] However, on the contrary, multiple magnets 411 and 421 can be disposed on the fixed body 100, and multiple coils 412 and 422 can be disposed on the movable body 200. In this example, multiple position sensors 413 and 423 can be disposed on the movable body 200 together with multiple coils 412 and 422.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, multiple position sensors 413 and 423 may be disposed outside multiple coils 412 and 422.

[0080] In the example, multiple coils 412 and 422 may each be wound into an annular shape in which a hollow portion is formed within each of the multiple coils 412 and 422, and multiple position sensors 413 and 423 may each be disposed outside the hollow regions of the multiple coils 412 and 422 and outside the wound regions of the multiple coils 412 and 422.

[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment, multiple position sensors 413 and 423 may be disposed outside multiple coils 412 and 422, thereby contributing to the thinning of the camera module 10.

[0082] In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, multiple position sensors 413 and 423 may be respectively disposed on two adjacent surfaces of the fixed body 100 (or the movable body 200).

[0083] In the example, when viewed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the fixed body 100 (or movable body 200) may have a quadrilateral shape including four side surfaces, and multiple position sensors 413 and 423 may be respectively disposed on two side surfaces that are perpendicular to each other among the four side surfaces of the fixed body 100 (or movable body 200).

[0084] According to an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of position sensors 413 and 423 may be respectively disposed on two adjacent surfaces of the fixed body 100 (or the movable body 200) to detect the tilt of the movable body 200 relative to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0085] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the autofocus unit according to one or more embodiments are described in detail.

[0086] The plurality of drive units 410 and 420 may include a first drive unit 410 and a second drive unit 420. The first drive unit 410 may include a first magnet 411 and a first coil 412, and the second drive unit 420 may include a second magnet 421 and a second coil 422. The plurality of position sensors 413 and 423 may include a first position sensor 413 disposed adjacent to the first drive unit 410 and a second position sensor 423 disposed adjacent to the second drive unit 420.

[0087] In the example, when viewed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the first drive unit 410 (first magnet 411 and first coil 412) and the first position sensor 413 can be arranged on one side of the virtual straight line VL that connects the first support unit 310 to the second support unit 320, and when viewed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the second drive unit 420 (second magnet 421 and second coil 422) and the second position sensor 423 can be arranged on the other side of the virtual straight line VL.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320 may be respectively disposed between the corner region of the movable body 200 and the corner region of the fixed body 100, or disposed between a surface of the movable body 200 and a surface of the fixed body 100, wherein the surface of the movable body 200 and the surface of the fixed body 100 face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis direction).

[0089] A corner region can refer to the portion where two adjacent surfaces intersect and the area surrounding or adjacent to that portion. For example, the corner region of a movable body 200 can refer to the portion where two adjacent surfaces of the movable body 200 intersect and the area surrounding that portion, and the corner region of a fixed body 100 can refer to the portion where two adjacent surfaces of the fixed body 100 intersect and the area surrounding that portion.

[0090] The corner regions of the movable body 200 and the corner regions of the fixed body 100 can face each other in an oblique direction. The oblique direction can refer to the direction of inclination relative to the first axis direction (X axis direction) which is perpendicular to the optical axis direction (Z axis direction) and the second axis direction (Y axis direction) which is perpendicular to the optical axis direction (Z axis direction) and the first axis direction (X axis direction).

[0091] When viewed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the movable body 200 and the fixed body 100 can each have a quadrilateral shape including four side surfaces, and the side surfaces of the movable body 200 and the fixed body 100 can face each other in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) or the second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0092] That is, in the exemplary embodiment, the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320 may be disposed between the corner regions of the movable body 200 and the fixed body 100 that face each other in the oblique direction, or may be disposed between a surface of the movable body 200 and a surface of the fixed body 100, wherein the surface of the movable body 200 and the surface of the fixed body 100 face each other in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) or the second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0093] In this example, the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320 can be configured such that the virtual straight line VL connecting the first support unit 310 to the second support unit 320 is perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis), and the virtual straight line VL extends obliquely relative to the first axis (X-axis) perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) and the second axis (Y-axis) perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) and the first axis (X-axis).

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the first support unit 310 can be used as a main guide, the second support unit 320 can be used as an auxiliary guide, and the first support unit 310 can be configured to be closer to the first drive unit 410 and the second drive unit 420 than the second support unit 320. Alternatively, the second support unit 320 can be configured to be further away from the first drive unit 410 and the second drive unit 420 than the first support unit 310.

[0095] For example, the sum of the distance between the first support unit 310 and the first drive unit 410 and the distance between the first support unit 310 and the second drive unit 420 can be less than the sum of the distance between the second support unit 320 and the first drive unit 410 and the distance between the second support unit 320 and the second drive unit 420.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the first driving unit 410 and the second driving unit 420 may be respectively disposed on two adjacent surfaces of the movable body 200 and the fixed body 100, or may be disposed on the same surface of the movable body 200 and the fixed body 100.

[0097] In the example, the first drive unit 410 and the second drive unit 420 can be respectively disposed on two mutually perpendicular surfaces of the movable body 200 and the fixed body 100. Therefore, the direction in which the first magnet 411 and the first coil 412 face each other can be perpendicular to the direction in which the second magnet 421 and the second coil 422 face each other. In the example, the first magnet 411 and the first coil 412 can face each other in the first axial direction (X-axis direction), and the second magnet 421 and the second coil 422 can face each other in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0098] In another example, when the first drive unit 410 and the second drive unit 420 are disposed on the same surface of the movable body 200 and the fixed body 100, the directions in which the first magnet 411 and the first coil 412 face each other, and the directions in which the second magnet 421 and the second coil 422 face each other, can be parallel to each other. For example, the first magnet 411 and the first coil 412, as well as the second magnet 421 and the second coil 422, can all face each other in either the first axial direction (X-axis direction) or the second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0099] In the example, the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320 may be configured to prevent the virtual straight line VL connecting the first support unit 310 to the second support unit 320 from passing through the first drive unit 410 and the second drive unit 420.

[0100] In other words, in an exemplary embodiment, if the above conditions are met (such as the extension direction of the virtual straight line VL connecting the first support unit 310 to the second support unit 320), the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320 can be freely disposed between the movable body 200 and the fixed body 100.

[0101] For example, when Figures 2 to 4 When the position of the first support unit 310 shown is fixed, the position of the second support unit 320 can be changed to meet the above conditions. Figures 2 to 4 The position is indicated by the dashed line shown in the diagram.

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, the movable body 200 can move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) based on the driving force generated by the first driving unit 410 and the second driving unit 420, and the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320 can support the movement of the movable body 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, when the movable body 200 moves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), sliding friction can occur at one of the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320, and rolling friction can occur at the other.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, when the movable body 200 moves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), rolling friction can occur at the first support unit 310, which serves as the main guide, and sliding friction can occur at the second support unit 320, which serves as the auxiliary guide.

[0105] Reference Figure 5 The first support unit 310 may include two spherical members 311 disposed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the second support unit 320 may include a support protrusion (not shown) disposed on the movable body 200 or the fixed body 100. In the example, the support protrusion may have a hemispherical shape and may make point contact with the corresponding member.

[0106] In another exemplary embodiment, sliding friction may occur at the first support unit 310, which serves as the main guide, and rolling friction may occur at the second support unit 320, which serves as the auxiliary guide.

[0107] Reference Figure 6 The first support unit 310 may include a shaft 312 disposed on the movable body 200 or the fixed body 100, and the second support unit 320 may include a spherical member (not shown). For example, the shaft 312 may have a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical shape extending in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) and may be in line contact with the corresponding component.

[0108] Sliding friction can generate greater frictional force than rolling friction, and when a sliding friction structure is applied to the first support unit 310, which serves as the main guide, the driving stability of the movable body 200 can be improved.

[0109] Additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of drive units 410 and 420 may be positioned closer to the first support unit 310, which serves as the main guide, thereby counteracting the increased frictional force due to the sliding friction structure.

[0110] according to Figures 2 to 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320 may be spaced apart from each other in a generally oblique direction relative to the optical axis (Z-axis). In the example, the first support unit 310 may be disposed between the corner region of the movable body 200 and the corner region of the fixed body 100, and the second support unit 320 may be disposed on the opposite side of the corner region of the first support unit 310 relative to the optical axis (Z-axis).

[0111] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first support unit 310 may be disposed between a surface of the movable body 200 and a surface of the fixed body 100, wherein the surface of the fixed body 100 faces the surface of the movable body 200.

[0112] In the example, the first support unit 310 can be implemented as follows: Figure 6 The shaft 312 shown has a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical shape and extends in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), or is implemented as follows: Figure 8 The diagram shows a plurality of support protrusions 314 having a hemispherical shape and arranged in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the second support unit 320 may include a spherical member (not shown).

[0113] In the example, the first support unit 310 can be implemented as follows: Figure 7 The shaft 313 shown has a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical shape and extends in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The shaft 313 can be disposed on the surface of the movable body 200 between the first magnet 411 and the second magnet 421, which is located between the movable body 200 and the fixed body 100.

[0114] In one or more examples, the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320 are described as having structures that generate different types of frictional forces. However, in the examples, both the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320 can be ball components that generate rolling friction or injection-molded products that generate sliding friction.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the autofocus unit may include a plurality of yokes 414 and 424 configured to face a plurality of magnets 411 and 421.

[0116] In the example, when multiple magnets 411 and 421 are disposed on the movable body 200, multiple yokes 414 and 424 can be disposed on the fixed body 100.

[0117] Multiple yokes 414 and 424 may include a first yoke 414 facing the first magnet 411 and a second yoke 424 facing the second magnet 421. However, as Figure 3 As shown, when the first magnet 411 and the second magnet 421 are disposed on the same surface of the movable body 200, the first yoke 414 and the second yoke 424 do not need to be provided separately, so a single yoke can be provided.

[0118] Multiple magnetic yokes 414 and 424 can each be formed of a material including magnetic material, and magnetic attraction (or attraction) can be generated between the multiple magnetic yokes 414 and 424 and the multiple magnets 411 and 421.

[0119] The magnetic attraction between the multiple yokes 414 and 424 and the multiple magnets 411 and 421 can act in the direction in which the yokes 414 and 424 and the magnets 411 and 421 face each other.

[0120] exist Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the attractive force can act between the first yoke 414 and the first magnet 411 in a first axial direction (X-axis direction), and the attractive force can act between the second yoke 424 and the second magnet 421 in a second axial direction (Y-axis direction). Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the attractive force can act between the first yoke 414 and the first magnet 411 and between the second yoke 424 and the second magnet 421 in a first axial direction (X-axis direction) or a second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0121] In the following description, the attraction between the first yoke 414 and the first magnet 411 is referred to as the first attraction, and the attraction between the second yoke 424 and the second magnet 421 is referred to as the second attraction.

[0122] Reference Figure 2 In an exemplary embodiment, the magnitudes of the first attractive force and the second attractive force can be substantially the same, and the distances d1 from the first support unit 310 to the point of action of the first attractive force and d2 from the first support unit 310 to the point of action of the second attractive force can be different from each other.

[0123] Therefore, an unbalanced rotational torque can act on the first support unit 310, and the movable body 200 can rotate around the first support unit 310 in a specific direction.

[0124] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 When the magnitudes of the first attraction and the second attraction are the same and the distance d1 from the first support unit 310 to the point of action of the first attraction is greater than the distance d2 from the first support unit 310 to the point of action of the second attraction, the movable body 200 can rotate clockwise around the first support unit 310.

[0125] The second support unit 320 can be positioned to limit the rotation of the movable body 200, and can support the movable body 200 to prevent its rotation.

[0126] In another exemplary embodiment, the distance d1 from the first support unit 310 to the point of action of the first attraction force and the distance d2 from the first support unit 310 to the point of action of the second attraction force can be set to be substantially the same as each other, and the magnitudes of the first attraction force and the second attraction force can be set to be different from each other.

[0127] The magnitudes of the first attraction and the second attraction can be adjusted by making the dimensions of the first magnet 411 and the second magnet 421 different from each other, or by making the cross-sectional areas of the first yoke 414 and the second yoke 424 different from each other.

[0128] Reference Figure 3 The dimensions of the first magnet 411 and the first yoke 414 can be larger than the dimensions of the second magnet 421 and the second yoke 424, so that the movable body 200 can rotate clockwise around the first support unit 310. The second support unit 320 can be positioned to limit the rotation of the movable body 200.

[0129] As described above, the autofocus unit may include a first position sensor 413 and a second position sensor 423, which detect the position of the movable body 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0130] In an exemplary embodiment, the first position sensor 413 and the second position sensor 423 may be respectively disposed on two adjacent surfaces of the fixed body 100.

[0131] In the example, a first position sensor 413 may be disposed on a fixed body 100 to face a movable body 200 in a first axial direction (X-axis direction), and a second position sensor 423 may be disposed on a fixed body 100 to face a movable body 200 in a second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0132] That is, in the example, the first position sensor 413 and the second position sensor 423 can be disposed on the same surface as the first coil 412 and the second coil 422 on the fixture 100. However, one of the first position sensor 413 and the second position sensor 423 can be disposed on a different surface from the surface on which the first coil 412 or the second coil 422 is disposed.

[0133] like Figure 3 As shown in the exemplary embodiment, in which the first drive unit 410 and the second drive unit 420 are respectively disposed on the same surface of the movable body 200 and the fixed body 100, the first position sensor 413 may be disposed on a surface different from the surface on which the first coil 412 is disposed, or the second position sensor 423 may be disposed on a surface different from the surface on which the second coil 422 is disposed.

[0134] When the movable body 200 is not tilted relative to the optical axis (Z-axis), the position of the movable body 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) detected by the first position sensor 413 and the position of the movable body 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) detected by the second position sensor 423 can be substantially the same as each other.

[0135] On the other hand, when the movable body 200 is tilted relative to the optical axis (Z-axis), the position of the movable body 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) detected by the first position sensor 413 and the position of the movable body 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) detected by the second position sensor 423 may be different from each other.

[0136] For example, the strength of the magnetic field detected by the first position sensor 413 may be greater than or less than the strength of the magnetic field detected by the second position sensor 423.

[0137] According to an exemplary embodiment, the tilt of the movable body 200 can be detected based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the first position sensor 413 and the second position sensor 423, and the attitude of the movable body 200 can be controlled based on the same strength.

[0138] Next, further reference Figures 5 to 8 The description includes the components included in the camera module 10.

[0139] The camera module 10 may include a fixed body 100 and a movable body 200.

[0140] The fixture 100 may include a housing 110 having an internal space and a shield 120 connected to the housing 110. The shield 120 may have a through hole 121.

[0141] The movable body 200 may be a portion contained within the fixed body 100 and may move relative to the fixed body 100 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0142] The movable body 200 may include optical components. In this example, the optical components may be multiple lenses or an image sensor.

[0143] According to an exemplary embodiment, the movable body 200 may include a plurality of lenses as optical components.

[0144] The movable body 200 may include a lens barrel 210 in which a plurality of lenses are mounted and a first support portion 220 connected to the lens barrel 210.

[0145] The lens tube 210 and the first support portion 220 can be accommodated in the internal space of the housing 110 and can move relative to the housing 110 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0146] The first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320 can be disposed between the first bearing part 220 and the housing 110.

[0147] The first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320 can contact the first bearing part 220 and the housing 110, respectively.

[0148] exist Figures 5 to 8 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second support unit 320 may be disposed in the corner region (not shown) in the figure. However, as mentioned above, the position of the second support unit 320 is not limited to a specific position.

[0149] The first magnet 411 and the second magnet 421 can be disposed on the first support portion 220, and the first coil 412 and the second coil 422 can be disposed on the housing 110.

[0150] The first coil 412 and the second coil 422 can be mounted on the substrate 130, and the substrate 130 on which the first coil 412 and the second coil 422 are mounted can be disposed on the housing 110.

[0151] In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 130 may be disposed across two adjacent surfaces of the housing 110. That is, the substrate 130 may include two surfaces.

[0152] The housing 110 may include one or more through holes 111 on the surface on which the substrate 130 is mounted.

[0153] The first coil 412 and the second coil 422 can be respectively disposed on the surface of the substrate 130 facing the first support portion 220, and can directly face the first magnet 411 and the second magnet 421 through the through hole 111.

[0154] Each of the first magnet 411 and the second magnet 421 may include a north pole (N pole) and a south pole (S pole) disposed on a surface facing the first coil 412 or the second coil 422.

[0155] For example, the N pole (or S pole), the neutral region, and the S pole (or N pole) can be arranged along the optical axis (Z-axis direction) on one surface of each of the first magnet 411 and the second magnet 421.

[0156] When power is supplied to the first coil 412 and the second coil 422, the movable body 200 can move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) based on the electromagnetic force generated by the first magnet 411 and the first coil 412 and based on the electromagnetic force generated by the second magnet 421 and the second coil 422.

[0157] Multiple position sensors 413 and 423 and multiple magnetic yokes 414 and 424 can be disposed on the substrate 130 together with multiple coils 412 and 422, respectively.

[0158] Multiple position sensors 413 and 423 can be respectively disposed on two surfaces of the substrate 130. For example, the first position sensor 413 can be disposed on one of the two surfaces of the substrate 130, and the second position sensor 423 can be disposed on the other of the two surfaces of the substrate 130.

[0159] In addition, the first position sensor 413 and the second position sensor 423 can be disposed on the surface of the substrate 130 facing the first support portion 220, and can directly face the first magnet 411 and the second magnet 421 through the through hole 111, or can directly face the first support portion 220.

[0160] Multiple magnetic yokes 414 and 424 can be respectively arranged to face multiple magnets 411 and 421, and multiple coils 412 and 422 are arranged between the multiple magnetic yokes 414 and 424 and the multiple magnets 411 and 421. That is, the multiple magnetic yokes 414 and 424 can be respectively arranged on one surface of the substrate 130, and said one surface of the substrate 130 is opposite to the surface of the substrate 130 facing the first support portion 220.

[0161] The fixed body 100 may include a stop (not shown) that can prevent the support unit 300 from separating and can limit the movement distance of the movable body 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0162] The stop can be provided on the housing 110 and / or shield 120 included in the fixing body 100.

[0163] In an exemplary embodiment in which the first support unit 310 and / or the second support unit 320 are implemented as ball members, the housing 110 and / or the shield 120 may include a stop at each corresponding position in the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320.

[0164] The stop can protrude from the lower surface of the housing 110 and / or the upper surface of the shield 120 toward the first support unit 310 and the second support unit 320 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0165] The gap between the stop and the first support unit 310 and / or the second support unit 320 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) can be smaller than the gap between the housing 110 and / or the shield 120 and the first bearing part 220 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0166] Therefore, separation of the ball members included in the first support unit 310 and / or the second support unit 320 can be prevented.

[0167] In addition, before the first support portion 220 collides with the shield 120, the first support unit 310 can first collide with the stop of the shield 120, thereby limiting the movement distance of the first support portion 220 and preventing direct collision between the first support portion 220 and the shield 120.

[0168] In an exemplary embodiment where the first support unit 310 and / or the second support unit 320 can be implemented as an injection-molded product, the housing 110 and / or the shield 120 may include a stop protruding toward the first support portion 220 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0169] The stop may be formed of the same material as the housing 110 and / or shield 120 on which the stop is disposed, or it may be formed of an elastic material configured to absorb impact. In the latter example, the stop may also provide effects such as shock absorption and noise reduction.

[0170] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is an exemplary exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module having autofocus and optical image stabilization functions according to one or more embodiments.

[0171] The camera module 10 according to one or more embodiments may include an autofocus unit and an image stabilization unit.

[0172] The above description replaces the description of the autofocus unit, and in the following text, reference will be made primarily to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 This describes the image stabilization unit of the camera module 10.

[0173] Reference Figure 9 The camera module 10 may have an image stabilization unit that houses the autofocus unit.

[0174] Reference Figure 9 The camera module 10 may include a housing 110 having an internal space, a shield 120 connected to the housing 110, a lens barrel 210 in which a plurality of lenses are mounted, and a first support portion 220 connected to the lens barrel 210, and may also include a second support portion 140 disposed between the housing 110 and the first support portion 220.

[0175] The first support portion 220 can be accommodated in the second support portion 140 and can move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0176] The second support portion 140 may not move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, according to the above definition of the fixture 100, the second support portion 140 may be included in the fixture 100.

[0177] The second support portion 140 can be accommodated in the housing 110 and can move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis direction), that is, in the first axis direction (X-axis direction) or the second axis direction (Y-axis direction).

[0178] The first support portion 220 can be accommodated in the second support portion 140, so the first support portion 220 can move together with the second support portion 140 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) or the second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0179] according to Figure 9 In the exemplary embodiment shown, a plurality of coils 412 and 422, a plurality of position sensors 413 and 423, and a plurality of magnetic yokes 414 and 424 may be disposed on the second support portion 140.

[0180] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of coils 412 and 422, a plurality of position sensors 413 and 423, and a plurality of magnetic yokes 414 and 424 may be mounted on a substrate 600, and in the example, the substrate 600 on which these components are mounted may be disposed on a second support portion 140.

[0181] Although the second support portion 140 can be included in the fixed body 100 which is not movable in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the second support portion 140 can be moved in a first axial direction (X-axis direction) or a second axial direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0182] Therefore, the substrate 600 on which multiple coils 412 and 422 are mounted can support the movement of the second support portion 140.

[0183] exist Figure 9 In the exemplary embodiment shown, at least a portion of the substrate 600 on which a plurality of coils 412 and 422 are mounted may be formed of a flexible material, and the substrate 600 may be a connecting substrate 600 for connecting the fixed body 100 to the movable body 200.

[0184] The connecting substrate 600 may have a shape that is bent multiple times. One end of the connecting substrate 600 may be disposed on the second support portion 140, the other end of the connecting substrate 600 may be disposed on the housing 110, and the remaining portion of the connecting substrate 600 may extend between the second support portion 140 and the housing 110.

[0185] The connecting substrate 600 can be spaced apart from the second support portion 140 and the housing 110 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0186] A portion of the connecting base plate 600 can be fixed to the housing 110, wherein the housing 110 can remain stationary in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) or the second axial direction (Y-axis direction), thereby elastically supporting the movement of the second bearing portion 140.

[0187] Multiple spherical members B may be disposed between the second support portion 140 and the housing 110. In a non-limiting example, the multiple spherical members B may include three spherical members.

[0188] The second support portion 140 may be supported on the housing 110 at three points by a plurality of ball members B, and may maintain a predetermined gap with the housing 110.

[0189] Multiple ball components B can support the movement of the second bearing part 140 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) or the second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0190] Multiple ball members B can be respectively disposed in the three corner regions of the housing 110. For example, when the first support unit 310 is disposed in the first corner region, the multiple ball members B can be disposed in the other three corner regions where the first support unit 310 is not disposed.

[0191] The second support portion 140 and the housing 110 may include a plurality of guide grooves G in the surfaces of the second support portion 140 and the housing 110 that face each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0192] The second support portion 140 and the housing 110 may each include a guide groove G, the number of guide grooves G corresponding to the number of multiple ball members B, and the multiple ball members B may each be disposed in multiple guide grooves G.

[0193] The plurality of guide grooves G formed or disposed in the second support portion 140 and the plurality of guide grooves G formed or disposed in the housing 110 can face each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the plurality of ball members B can be disposed between them.

[0194] Multiple spherical components B can contact and be supported by multiple guide grooves G formed or disposed in the second support portion 140 and multiple guide grooves G formed or disposed in the housing 110 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0195] Furthermore, each of the plurality of guide grooves G may have a width greater than the diameter of each of the plurality of ball members B.

[0196] In other words, multiple ball components B can make single-point contact with the second bearing portion 140 and the housing 110 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and can roll freely in the first axis direction (X-axis direction) or the second axis direction (Y-axis direction) within the space defined by multiple guide grooves G.

[0197] In an exemplary embodiment, the image stabilization unit may include an image stabilization driving unit (hereinafter referred to as the third driving unit), which generates a driving force to move the second bearing portion 140 in a first axial direction (X-axis direction) or a second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0198] The third drive unit 500 may include a first sub-drive unit 510 that generates driving force in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and a second sub-drive unit 520 that generates driving force in the second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0199] The first sub-driving unit 510 may include a first sub-magnet 511 and a first sub-coil 512 arranged facing each other, and the second sub-driving unit 520 may include a second sub-magnet 521 and a second sub-coil 522 arranged facing each other.

[0200] The first sub-drive unit 510 and the second sub-drive unit 520 can be respectively disposed on the second support portion 140 and the housing 110, and can be disposed perpendicular to each other.

[0201] In an exemplary embodiment, the first sub-magnet 511 and the second sub-magnet 521 may be disposed perpendicularly to each other on a surface of the second support portion 140 facing the housing 110 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the first sub-coil 512 and the second sub-coil 522 may be disposed perpendicularly to each other on a surface of the housing 110 facing the second support portion 140 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0202] Conversely, the first sub-magnet 511 and the second sub-magnet 521 can be disposed on the housing 110, and the first sub-coil 512 and the second sub-coil 522 can be disposed on the second support portion 140.

[0203] In an exemplary embodiment, the first sub-coil 512 or the second sub-coil 522 may include one or more coils.

[0204] For example, the first sub-coil 512 may include a coil facing the first sub-magnet 511, and the second sub-coil 522 may include two coils facing the second sub-magnet 521.

[0205] The two coils included in the second sub-coil 522 can be controlled independently.

[0206] The first sub-coil 512 and the second sub-coil 522 can be mounted on a substrate (not shown), and the substrate on which the first sub-coil 512 and the second sub-coil 522 are mounted can be disposed on the housing 110.

[0207] The housing 110 may include through holes 112 in one or more surfaces on which a substrate is mounted.

[0208] The first sub-coil 512 and the second sub-coil 522 can directly face the first sub-magnet 511 and the second sub-magnet 521 through the through hole 112.

[0209] Each of the first sub-magnet 511 and the second sub-magnet 521 may include an N pole and a S pole disposed on a surface facing the first sub-coil 512 and the second sub-coil 522.

[0210] The N pole (or S pole), neutral region, and S pole (or N pole) can be arranged along the first axis direction (X-axis direction) on one surface of the first sub-magnet 511.

[0211] When power is supplied to the first sub-coil 512, the second carrier 140 can move in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) by the electromagnetic force generated by the first sub-magnet 511 and the first sub-coil 512.

[0212] The N pole (or S pole), neutral region, and S pole (or N pole) can be arranged along the second axis direction (Y axis direction) on one surface of the second sub-magnet 521.

[0213] When power is supplied to the second sub-coil 522, the second carrier 140 can move in the second axis direction (Y-axis direction) based on the electromagnetic force generated by the second sub-magnet 521 and the second sub-coil 522.

[0214] Multiple position sensors 513 and 523 can be mounted on the substrate.

[0215] The multiple position sensors 513 and 523 can be Hall sensors, and the position of the second carrier 140 can be detected by detecting changes in the magnetic field generated in the first sub-drive unit 510 and the second sub-drive unit 520.

[0216] Multiple position sensors 513 and 523 can be respectively disposed inside (in the hollow area) of multiple sub-coils 512 and 522.

[0217] Multiple position sensors 513 and 523 can also directly face the first sub-magnet 511 and the second sub-magnet 521 through the through hole 112.

[0218] The multiple position sensors 513 and 523 may include a third position sensor 513 facing the first sub-magnet 511 and a fourth position sensor 523 facing the second sub-magnet 521.

[0219] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of position sensors 513 and 523 may include three or more position sensors for detecting rotation of the second carrier 140.

[0220] In the example, a third position sensor 513 can be provided, and two fourth position sensors 523 can be provided.

[0221] Multiple magnetic yokes 514 and 524 can be disposed on housing 110.

[0222] Multiple yokes 514 and 524 may include a third yoke 514 facing the first sub-magnet 511 and a fourth yoke 524 facing the second sub-magnet 521.

[0223] Multiple magnetic yokes 514 and 524 can each be formed of a material comprising magnetic material and can generate a magnetic attraction with each of the multiple sub-magnets 511 and 521.

[0224] The magnetic attraction between the multiple yokes 514 and 524 and the multiple sub-magnets 511 and 521 can act in the direction in which these components face each other.

[0225] Multiple magnetic yokes 514 and 524 can face multiple sub-magnets 511 and 521 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and multiple sub-coils 512 and 522 are arranged between them. Therefore, the magnetic attraction between them can act in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0226] Due to the magnetic attraction between the multiple yokes 514 and 524 and the multiple sub-magnets 511 and 521, the multiple spherical components B can maintain contact with the second support portion 140 and the housing 110.

[0227] Reference Figure 10 The camera module 10 may have an autofocus unit that houses the image stabilization unit.

[0228] Reference Figure 10 The camera module 10 may include a housing 110 having an internal space, a shield 120 connected to the housing 110, a stop 240, a lens barrel 210 in which a plurality of lenses are mounted, a second support portion 230 connected to the lens barrel 210, and a first support portion 220 disposed between the housing 110 and the second support portion 230.

[0229] exist Figure 10 In the exemplary embodiment shown, each of the second support portion 230 and the first support portion 220 can move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), so the second support portion 230 and the first support portion 220 can be included in the movable body 200.

[0230] The second support portion 230 can be accommodated within the first support portion 220 and can move relative to the first support portion 220 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis direction) (i.e., the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction). Therefore, a plurality of ball members B can be disposed between the second support portion 230 and the first support portion 220.

[0231] In the example, multiple spherical components B can make single-point contact with the second support portion 230 and the first support portion 220 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0232] Multiple sub-magnets 511 and 521 can be disposed on the second support portion 230, and multiple magnetic yokes 514 and 524 can be disposed on the first support portion 220, and can face the multiple sub-magnets 511 and 521 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0233] Due to the magnetic attraction forces acting between the multiple sub-magnets 511 and 521 and the multiple yokes 514 and 524, the multiple ball components B can maintain contact with the second support portion 230 and the first support portion 220.

[0234] In an exemplary embodiment, the first magnet 411 and the second magnet 421 may be disposed on two mutually perpendicular surfaces of the first support portion 220, and the first sub-magnet 511 and the second sub-magnet 521 may be disposed on two mutually perpendicular surfaces of the second support portion 230.

[0235] Reference Figure 10 The first sub-magnet 511 can be set parallel to the first magnet 411, and the second sub-magnet 521 can be set parallel to the second magnet 421.

[0236] In the example, the first coil 412, the second coil 422, the first sub-coil 512 and the second sub-coil 522 can be respectively disposed on the four side surfaces of the housing 110.

[0237] The first coil 412, the second coil 422, the first sub-coil 512 and the second sub-coil 522 can be mounted on the substrate 130', and the substrate 130' on which these components are mounted can be disposed on the housing 110.

[0238] The substrate 130' may surround the four side surfaces of the housing 110, and the first coil 412, the second coil 422, the first sub-coil 512 and the second sub-coil 522 may each be mounted on different side surfaces of the substrate 130'.

[0239] Position sensors 413, 423, 513 and 523 can also be mounted on substrate 130' together with coils 412, 422, 512 and 522.

[0240] Finally, the camera module 10 according to one or more embodiments may include an image sensor (not shown) that converts incident light into electrical signals.

[0241] According to one or more embodiments, the image sensor can be mounted on a sensor substrate and disposed on the lower surface of the housing 110. The image sensor faces the lens barrel 210 through a through hole 113 formed in the lower surface of the housing 110, and multiple lenses are mounted in the lens barrel 210 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, light passing through the multiple lenses can be incident on the image sensor.

[0242] An infrared cutoff filter (IR cutoff filter) that blocks light in the infrared region of the incident light can also be provided between the image sensor and the lens barrel 210.

[0243] According to one or more embodiments, an image sensor may be disposed on a movable body 200. The image sensor may be disposed on the movable body 200 and may be movable in one or more of the following directions: the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the first axis direction (X-axis direction), and the second axis direction (Y-axis direction).

[0244] As described above, exemplary embodiments can provide a camera module with reduced thickness in the optical axis direction and stable autofocus operation.

[0245] 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 in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be considered descriptive only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each example is to be applied to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may also be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents.

[0246] Therefore, in addition to the disclosures above and in 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. A camera module, comprising: Fixed body; A movable body is disposed within the fixed body and configured to move in the direction of the optical axis; The first support unit and the second support unit are disposed between the fixed body and the movable body, and are configured to support the movement of the movable body in the optical axis direction; A drive unit configured to generate a driving force to move the movable body in the direction of the optical axis; as well as Multiple position sensors are configured to detect the position of the movable body in the direction of the optical axis. When viewed along the optical axis, the drive unit and the plurality of position sensors are respectively positioned on both sides of the virtual straight line connecting the first support unit and the second support unit.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The driving unit includes: A magnet is disposed on the movable body or the fixed body, and A coil is disposed on the fixed body or the movable body and faces the magnet. The plurality of position sensors, together with the coil, are mounted on the fixed body or the movable body. The plurality of position sensors are disposed on two adjacent surfaces of the fixed body or on two adjacent surfaces of the movable body.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of position sensors are disposed outside the coil.

4. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The driving unit includes: A first driving unit, disposed on a first side of the virtual straight line, includes a first magnet and a first coil; and The second driving unit is disposed on the second side of the virtual straight line, and includes a second magnet and a second coil, and The first support unit is configured to be closer to both the first drive unit and the second drive unit than the second support unit.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein, The first driving unit and the second driving unit are respectively disposed on the two adjacent surfaces of the movable body and the two adjacent surfaces of the fixed body, and The direction in which the first magnet and the first coil face each other is perpendicular to the direction in which the second magnet and the second coil face each other.

6. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein, The first driving unit and the second driving unit are disposed on the same surface of the movable body and the fixed body, and The directions in which the first magnet and the first coil face each other are parallel to the directions in which the second magnet and the second coil face each other.

7. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein, The first support unit is disposed between the portion where two adjacent surfaces of the movable body of the camera module intersect and the portion where two adjacent surfaces of the fixed body of the camera module intersect. The virtual straight line does not pass through the first driving unit and the second driving unit.

8. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein, The first support unit is disposed between one surface of the movable body and one surface of the fixed body, wherein the one surface of the movable body and the one surface of the fixed body face each other in a first axial direction or a second axial direction. The virtual straight line does not pass through the first driving unit and the second driving unit.

9. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein, The first support unit and the second support unit are disposed between the portion where two adjacent surfaces of the movable body of the camera module intersect and the portion where two adjacent surfaces of the fixed body of the camera module intersect, or are disposed between one surface of the movable body and one surface of the fixed body, wherein the one surface of the movable body and the one surface of the fixed body face each other in a first axial direction or a second axial direction.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein, The virtual straight line does not pass through the first drive unit and the second drive unit.

11. The camera module according to claim 4 further includes a magnetic yoke, the magnetic yoke being disposed on the fixed body or the movable body and facing the first magnet or the second magnet.

12. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein, When the movable body moves in the direction of the optical axis, sliding friction occurs in one of the first support unit and the second support unit, and rolling friction occurs in the other of the first support unit and the second support unit.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein, The first support unit includes two spherical components arranged in the direction of the optical axis.

14. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein, The second support unit includes a ball component.

15. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The movable body includes a first support portion, and the lens cylinder is connected to the first support portion. The fixing body includes: Casing; and The second support portion, wherein the first support portion is disposed within the second support portion, and the second support portion is disposed within the housing, and The first carrier portion is configured to move together with the second carrier portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and is also configured to move relative to the second carrier portion in the optical axis direction.

16. The camera module according to claim 15, wherein, Multiple spherical components are disposed between the second support portion and the housing, and The plurality of spherical components are in contact with the second support portion and the housing in the direction of the optical axis.

17. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The movable body includes: A first support portion, the lens tube being connected to the first support portion; and The second support portion, wherein the first support portion is disposed within the second support portion, and The first carrier portion is configured to move together with the second carrier portion in the optical axis direction, and is also configured to move relative to the second carrier portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

18. The camera module according to claim 17, wherein, Multiple ball components are disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion, and The plurality of spherical components are in contact with the first support portion and the second support portion in the direction of the optical axis.

19. A camera module, comprising: Fixed body; A movable body is disposed within the fixed body and configured to move in the direction of the optical axis; The first support unit and the second support unit are disposed between the fixed body and the movable body, and are configured to support the movement of the movable body in the optical axis direction; Multiple drive units, each including a magnet disposed on the movable body and a coil disposed on the fixed body and facing the magnet; as well as Multiple position sensors are respectively mounted on the fixed body and configured to detect the position of the movable body along the optical axis. The plurality of position sensors are disposed outside the plurality of coils.

20. The camera module according to claim 19, wherein, The plurality of position sensors are disposed on the same surface as the surface on which the plurality of coils are disposed, or on a different surface from the surface on which the plurality of coils are disposed.

21. The camera module according to claim 20, wherein, The plurality of position sensors include: A first position sensor faces the movable body in a first axial direction perpendicular to the optical axis; and The second position sensor faces the movable body in a second axial direction that is perpendicular to both the optical axis direction and the first axial direction.

22. The camera module according to claim 19, wherein, The plurality of drive units and the plurality of position sensors are respectively arranged on both sides of the virtual straight line connecting the first support unit and the second support unit.

23. The camera module according to claim 22, wherein, The virtual straight line is perpendicular to the optical axis and extends obliquely relative to a first axis perpendicular to the optical axis and a second axis perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axis.

24. The camera module of claim 22 further includes a magnetic yoke disposed on the fixed body and facing the plurality of magnets.

25. The camera module according to claim 22, wherein, The plurality of drive units include: A first driving unit, disposed on a first side of the virtual straight line, includes a first magnet and a first coil; and The second driving unit is disposed on the second side of the virtual straight line, and includes a second magnet and a second coil, and The first support unit is configured to be closer to both the first drive unit and the second drive unit than the second support unit.

26. The camera module according to claim 19, wherein, When the movable body moves in the direction of the optical axis, sliding friction occurs in one of the first support unit and the second support unit, and rolling friction occurs in the other of the first support unit and the second support unit.

27. The camera module according to claim 19, wherein, The movable body includes a first support portion, and the lens cylinder is connected to the first support portion. The fixing body includes: Casing; and The second support portion, wherein the first support portion is disposed within the second support portion, and the second support portion is disposed within the housing, and The first carrier portion is configured to move together with the second carrier portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and is also configured to move relative to the second carrier portion in the optical axis direction.

28. The camera module according to claim 27, wherein, Multiple spherical components are disposed between the second support portion and the housing, and The plurality of spherical components are in contact with the second support portion and the housing in the direction of the optical axis.

29. The camera module according to claim 19, wherein, The movable body includes: A first support portion, the lens tube being connected to the first support portion; and The second support portion, wherein the first support portion is disposed within the second support portion, and The first carrier portion is configured to move together with the second carrier portion in the optical axis direction, and is also configured to move relative to the second carrier portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

30. The camera module according to claim 29, wherein, Multiple ball components are disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion, and The plurality of spherical components are in contact with the first support portion and the second support portion in the direction of the optical axis.

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