Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes: a reflection module; a housing provided so that the reflection module is rotatable; a guide ball member provided between the reflection module and the housing to guide rotation of the reflection module; and a ball receiving portion coupled to the housing and including a groove portion in which the guide ball member is disposed and a flange portion extending outwardly from the groove portion. The ball receiving portion is formed of a material having a higher rigidity than a material of the housing.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0171756, filed on November 30, 2023, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to camera modules. Background Technology

[0004] Camera modules installed in mobile devices can be configured to have performance comparable to that of traditional cameras.

[0005] The camera module can adjust the zoom ratio by moving the lens module. To configure a high zoom ratio, it is desirable to have a sufficient distance (i.e., total length or total track length (TTL)) for light incident on the camera module to travel to the image sensor. When achieving a long total track length in increasingly smaller mobile device sizes, the total length of the camera module may increase, making it more difficult to extend the length of the camera module.

[0006] In addition, recent camera modules may include movable or rotatable reflectors that refract or reflect light, thereby creating a longer optical path while performing optical image stabilization.

[0007] A ball component capable of performing rolling motion can be used to move or rotate the reflector. The ball component can be housed within the housing, and in this case, due to repeated use of the camera module, a recess may occur between the ball component and the housing.

[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 can be used as prior art with respect to this disclosure. Utility Model Content

[0009] This summary portion is provided to briefly introduce the selection of concepts, which will be further described in the detailed description portion below. This summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] In one general aspect, a camera module includes a reflection module, a housing disposed to make the reflection module rotatable, a guide ball member disposed between the reflection module and the housing to guide rotation of the reflection module, and a ball receiving portion coupled to the housing and including a groove portion in which the guide ball member is disposed and a flange portion extending outward from the groove portion. The ball receiving portion is formed of a material having higher rigidity than a material of the housing.

[0011] The ball receiving portion can be coupled to a bottom surface of the housing, and an upper surface of the flange portion can be exposed outward from the bottom surface of the housing.

[0012] An upper surface of the flange portion and a portion of the bottom surface of the housing can be disposed on the same plane.

[0013] The upper surface of the flange portion can directly face the reflection module in a direction of an axis of rotation of the reflection module.

[0014] The flange portion can separate the groove portion from a portion of the bottom surface of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the reflection module.

[0015] A bottom surface of the groove portion can be flat.

[0016] A material of the ball receiving portion can be metal.

[0017] The camera module can further include a lubricating oil coated on the groove portion.

[0018] The ball receiving portion can include first and second ball receiving portions. The first and second ball receiving portions can be disposed on opposite sides of a middle position of the housing in a width direction.

[0019] The camera module can further include a connection portion connecting the first ball receiving portion to the second ball receiving portion.

[0020] The camera module can further include a traction yoke and a driving unit that rotates the reflection module. The driving unit can include a driving magnet and a driving coil that electromagnetically interacts with the driving magnet, and the traction yoke can face the driving magnet.

[0021] The camera module can further include a first ball member. The first ball member can be rotatable in situ and form an axis of rotation around which the reflection module rotates. The guide ball member can be configured to roll in the groove portion by rotation of the reflection module.

[0022] In another general aspect, a camera module includes a reflection module; a housing configured to accommodate the reflection module so that the reflection module is rotatable; a guide ball member disposed between the reflection module and the housing to guide rotation of the reflection module; and a ball receiving portion coupled to the housing and including a groove portion and a flange portion extending outward from the groove portion. A material of the ball receiving portion has a higher rigidity than a material of the housing. The groove portion and the guide ball member are in single point contact with each other.

[0023] A bottom surface of the groove portion can be curved.

[0024] The bottom surface of the groove portion can be curved based on a cross section of the groove portion in a width direction.

[0025] The bottom surface of the groove portion can have a curvature radius greater than a curvature radius of the guide ball member.

[0026] An upper surface of the flange portion can be outwardly exposed when an inner side of the housing is viewed from an object side.

[0027] The upper surface of the flange portion and a portion of an inner bottom surface of the housing can be disposed on a same plane.

[0028] The upper surface of the flange portion can directly face the reflection module in a direction of a rotation axis of the reflection module.

[0029] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description which follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a reflection module disposed in a housing of a camera module according to the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 is Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the reflection module in

[0035] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the reflection module in Figure 4

[0036] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a housing, a guide ball member, and a ball receiving portion of a camera module according to the present disclosure.​

[0037] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which a ball receiving portion and a guide ball member according to the present disclosure are disposed in a housing of a camera module.

[0038] Figure 9 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which a guide ball member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed in a ball receiving portion.

[0039] Figure 10 FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which a guide ball member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed in a ball receiving portion of a camera module.

[0040] Throughout the drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise described, like reference numerals refer to like elements. The drawings can not be to scale and the relative dimensions, proportions, and depiction of elements in the drawings can be exaggerated for purpose of clarity, illustration, and convenience. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, while examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0042] The following detailed description is provided to help the reader obtain a thorough understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein will be apparent after an understanding of the present disclosure. For example, the order of the operations described herein is merely an example and is not limited to the order set forth herein, except where an operation must occur before another operation, which will be apparent after an understanding of the present disclosure. Also, descriptions of features that are well known in the art can be omitted for more clarity and conciseness.

[0043] The features described herein can be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein to those skilled in the art after an understanding of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the examples described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein, but rather are intended to cover all alternatives consistent with the present disclosure.

[0044] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element, or one or more other elements can be interposed therebetween. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no other elements interposed therebetween.

[0045] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items, as well as any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items; likewise, "at least one of' includes any one of the associated listed items, as well as any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items.

[0046] Although terminology can be used in this document, such as "first," "second," and "third," such terminology is only used to distinguish one component, component part, region, layer, or section from another component, component part, region, layer, or section. More specifically, such terminology is not intended to refer to a relative importance of the component, component part, region, layer, or section. Furthermore, such terminology is not intended to refer to a particular order of one component, component part, region, layer, or section with respect to another component, component part, region, layer, or section. Thus, a component, component part, region, layer, or section referred to as a first component, component part, region, layer, or section in one example can also be referred to as a second component, component part, region, layer, or section in another example.

[0047] Spatially relative terms, such as "on", "above", "below", "bottom", "top", "side", "upper", "lower", and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms can be intended to encompass different orientations of a device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "above" or "on" other elements or features would then be oriented "below" or "on" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "above" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. The terms "first", "second", and "third" can be used herein to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. More specifically, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are only used to differentiate one component from another component, and do not connote importance or significance of one component over another component.

[0048] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used herein, however, can not be interpreted as being restrictive, since the terms only describe particular embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, all

[0049] Variations can occur in the shapes of the elements depicted in the figures due to manufacturing processes and / or tolerances. Accordingly, examples described herein are not limited to the precise shapes of the elements as shown in the figures, but can include variations of the shapes that occur due to manufacturing processes and / or tolerances.

[0050] It should be noted that, in this document, the use of the word "may" in relation to examples, e.g., with respect to what examples can include or implement, means that at least one example includes or implements such feature, and that all examples are not limited to this.

[0051] Features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways in accordance with the present disclosure. Additionally, although examples described herein have a variety of configurations, other configurations are possible in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0052] Also, in the following description, the expressions "upper side", "upper portion", "lower side", "lower portion", "side surface", "front surface", "rear surface", and the like are described with reference to the directions shown in the drawings, and it should be noted in advance that these expressions can be variously described when the corresponding targets thereof have changed directions.

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to the present disclosure; and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the camera module 100 can include a housing 1100, a reflection module 3000, a plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000, and an image sensor 5000.

[0055] The camera module 100 can include a plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000. The plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 can include a first lens module 2000 and a second lens module 4000 having different optical axes. Light incident from an external object onto the camera module 100 can be incident onto the image sensor 5000 through the first lens module 2000 and the second lens module 4000.

[0056] An optical axis O1 (hereinafter, first optical axis O1) of the first lens module 2000 and an optical axis O2 (hereinafter, second optical axis O2) of the second lens module 4000 can not be parallel to each other. For example, the first lens module 2000 and the second lens module 4000 can be disposed such that the first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2 intersect each other. The first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2 can be substantially perpendicular to each other, but the angle between these optical axes is not limited thereto.

[0057] The lenses included in the first lens module 2000 or the second lens module 4000 can be movable with respect to the image sensor 5000. For example, the lens 2100 included in the first lens module 2000 can be movable along the first optical axis O1. Alternatively, the lenses included in the second lens module 4000 can be movable along the second optical axis O2. The lenses included in each of the lens modules 2000 and 4000 can be movable, thereby performing an optical image stabilization (OIS) function or an auto focus (AF) function of the camera module 100. For example, the camera module 100 can perform the AF function by moving the lenses of the second lens module 4000 along the second optical axis O2.

[0058] At least one of the lenses included in the first lens module 2000 or the second lens module 4000 can be fixed with respect to the housing 1100. For example, in the camera module 100, the lens 2100 included in the first lens module 2000 can be fixed to the housing 1100, and the lenses included in the second lens module 4000 can be movable along the second optical axis O2.

[0059] In the camera module 100, a reflection module 3000 that changes a traveling direction of light emitted from the first lens module 2000 to be parallel to the second optical axis O2 can be provided. For example, referring to Figure 3 The reflection module 3000 that changes a traveling path of light can be provided between the first lens module 2000 and the second lens module 4000. That is, the camera module 100 can include the reflection module 3000 provided on an optical path from the first lens module 2000 to the second lens module 4000.

[0060] The reflection module 3000 can be accommodated in an inner space of the housing 1100 to change a path of light incident on the reflection module 3000. Here, the reflection module 3000 can include a reflection member 3100 that changes a path of light, components that support and drive the reflection member 3100, and a housing 1100 that accommodates the components.

[0061] The reflection member 3100 of the reflection module 3000 can change a traveling path of light by refracting or reflecting the light. For example, the reflection module 3000 can be a prism or a mirror that changes an optical path by refracting or reflecting light.

[0062] The reflection member 3100 can change a traveling path of light emitted from the first lens module 2000 to be toward the second lens module 4000. For example, the reflection member 3100 can change a traveling path of light incident along the first optical axis O1 to be substantially parallel to the second optical axis O2. Thus, as Figure 3As illustrated in the middle, incident light incident on the first lens module 2000 from the outside of the camera module 100 can change its traveling path while passing through the reflection module 3000, thereby being incident on the second lens module 4000. The incident light can be appropriately refracted while passing through the second lens module 4000, thereby being incident on the image sensor 5000.

[0063] The reflection member 3100 can be rotatable or movable in the housing 1100. The path of light can be appropriately changed based on the rotation or movement of the reflection member 3100. The camera module 100 can perform an optical image stabilization (OIS) function by rotating or moving the reflection member 3100.

[0064] The reflection member 3100 can have a plurality of rotation axes to rotate in different directions. For example, the reflection member 3100 can rotate about a first rotation axis parallel to the first optical axis O1. Alternatively, the reflection member 3100 can also rotate about a second rotation axis perpendicular to both the first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2. Through this rotation, the reflection member 3100 can change the traveling path of light to be substantially parallel to the second optical axis O2.

[0065] In the following description, the first rotation axis can also be simply referred to as "the first axis", and the second rotation axis can also be simply referred to as "the second axis". That is, unless otherwise indicated as "optical axis", "the first or second axis" can be understood as "the first or second rotation axis" of the reflection module 3000.

[0066] Further, an axis perpendicular to both the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis can be defined as "the third axis". For example, the second optical axis O2 can be substantially parallel to the third axis.

[0067] The camera module 100 can include an image sensor 5000 on which light passing through the reflection module 3000 and the plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 is incident. The image sensor 5000 can convert the incident light into image information. The image sensor 5000 can have a light collection surface facing an exit surface of the second lens module 4000, and generate an electrical signal corresponding to light incident from the second lens module 4000.

[0068] The image sensor 5000 can be accommodated in the housing 1100 or disposed outside the housing 1100.

[0069] A filter unit 6000 that filters at least some of light incident from the second lens module 4000 can be disposed in front of the image sensor 5000. The filter unit 6000 can include an optical filter (e.g., an infrared (IR) cut filter) that can block light of a specific wavelength. Alternatively, the filter unit 6000 can include a light blocking member (e.g., a baffle) that blocks at least some of light incident from the lens module.

[0070] Although not shown in Figure 2 , to make the optical path longer, the camera module 100 can include another reflection module disposed between the lens module and the image sensor 5000 to change the optical path.

[0071] The housing 1100 can have an internal space for accommodating at least one of the reflection module 3000, the plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000, and the image sensor 5000. The housing 1100 can be made of a material having a predetermined rigidity to protect the components accommodated therein. The housing 1100 can be a box-shaped member having an open top. However, the material or shape of the housing 1100 is not limited thereto.

[0072] The camera module 100 can include a protective cover 1200 that covers the top of the housing 1100. The protective cover 1200 can cover the open top of the housing 1100 to protect the components in the housing 1100 from the external environment.

[0073] The protective cover 1200 can include an opening through which incident light passes. For example, as shown in Figure 2 , the protective cover 1200 can include an opening 1210 disposed between the first lens module 2000 and the reflection module 3000. Light emitted from the first lens module 2000 can be incident on the reflection module 3000 below the first lens module 2000 through the opening 1210.

[0074] In the camera module 100 according to one or more embodiments, some of the plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 can be disposed outside the housing 1100, and others of the plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 can be disposed in the housing 1100. For example, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4 , the first lens module 2000 can be coupled to the outside of the housing 1100 and disposed above the reflection module 3000, and the second lens module 4000 can be disposed in the housing 1100. In this case, an exit surface of a lens included in the first lens module 2000 can face an entrance surface of the reflection member 3100 included in the reflection module 3000.

[0075] The first lens module 2000 disposed outside the housing 1100 and the second lens module 4000 in the housing 1100 can have optical axes O1 and O2 intersecting each other. The reflection module 3000 can be disposed between the first lens module 2000 and the second lens module 4000 and can change a path of light traveling along the first optical axis O1 to the second optical axis O2. The plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 can have optical axes O1 and O2 intersecting each other, and thus, compared to a case in which the plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 are disposed in parallel to each other along the same optical axis, the total length of the camera module 100 is reduced.

[0076] When some of the plurality of lens modules 2000 and 4000 are disposed outside the housing 1100, the camera module 100 can further include a member for securing structural stability or optical stability of the lens module disposed outside the housing 1100. For example, the camera module 100 can further include a cover 1300 which can shield a separation space between the first lens module 2000 and the housing 1100.

[0077] Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is illustrated that the second lens module 4000 and the reflection module 3000 are accommodated in one housing 1100, but this is only an example. For example, the lens modules 2000 and 4000 and the reflection module 3000 can be accommodated in a plurality of housings, respectively, configured as different parts, and then assembled together to form the entire camera module 100. The image sensor 5000 can also be disposed in a housing separate from the housing of the reflection module 3000 or the lens module 2000 or 4000. In this case, each individual part can be defined as a lens module assembly, a reflection module assembly, or an image sensor assembly. That is, the camera module 100 can include a reflection module assembly including the reflection module 3000, a lens module assembly including one or more lens modules 2000 and 4000, and an image sensor assembly.

[0078] Hereinafter, the reflection module 3000 included in the camera module 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 4 to 6 A detailed description of the reflection module 3000 included in the camera module 100. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a reflection module disposed in a housing of a camera module according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 is Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the reflection module in Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the reflection module in Figure 4

[0079] Referring to Figures 4 to 6 The reflection module 3000 described and the camera module 100 including the same can correspond to the above reference​Figures 2 to 4 The reflection module 3000 and the camera module 100 are described, and thus, redundant descriptions thereof are omitted in the description.

[0080] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the reflection module 3000 can include a reflection member 3100 accommodated in the housing 1100 and capable of changing an optical path. The reflection member 3100 can include an incident surface 3110 on which light can be incident from the first lens module 2000 and an exit surface 3120 through which light can be emitted.

[0081] The reflection member 3100 can be movable in the housing 1100. For example, the reflection member 3100 can rotate about different rotation axes R1 and R2. When rotating in different directions, the reflection member 3100 can collide with another structure of the camera module 100 (for example, an inner wall of the housing 1100 or the protective cover 1200). In this case, the reflection member 3100 can be damaged due to the impact, and can have noise caused by irregular impact sound.

[0082] To prevent such a risk, the reflection module 3000 can include dampers 3510 and 3520 protruding in different directions. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the reflection module 3000 can include a first damper 3510 protruding in a first direction or a second damper 3520 protruding in a second direction different from the first direction. The dampers 3510 or 3520 of the reflection module 3000 can include a material capable of absorbing impact energy, thereby reducing impact or noise (joint noise) that occurs when the reflection module 3000 hits the inner wall of the housing 1100.

[0083] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the reflection module 3000 can include a reflection member 3100 capable of changing an optical path, a reflection bracket 3200, and a rotation bracket 3300 that supports the reflection member 3100 so that the reflection member 3100 is movable.

[0084] The reflection member 3100 can change a traveling path of light by refracting or reflecting incident light.

[0085] The reflecting member 3100 may include an incident surface 3110 for incident light, a reflecting surface 3130 for reflected light, and an exit surface 3120 for emitted reflected light. For example, light incident on the incident surface 3110 in a first direction (Z-axis direction) can be reflected by the reflecting surface 3130 and emitted in a second direction (Y-axis direction). Here, the first direction (Z-axis direction) may be substantially parallel to the first optical axis O1 of the first lens module 2000, and the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be substantially parallel to the second optical axis O2 of the second lens module 4000.

[0086] The reflective member 3100 may include a light-blocking portion 3111, which reduces glare by blocking unwanted light. For example, Figure 5 As shown, a light-blocking portion 3111 that blocks unwanted light can be provided at the edge of the incident surface 3110 of the reflecting member 3100. However, the position of the light-blocking portion 3111 is not limited to this, and it can also be provided on the exit surface 3120. Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, a light-blocking member that performs a similar function to the light-blocking portion 3111 and is spaced apart from the reflecting member 3100 can be provided, distinct from the light-blocking portion 3111. For example, the light-blocking member can be a baffle provided between the reflecting member 3100 and the lens module 2000 or 4000.

[0087] The reflective member 3100 can be disposed in the reflective support 3200. The reflective support 3200 can support the reflective member 3100 to allow the reflective member 3100 to rotate or move. For example, the reflective support 3200 can rotate about a second rotation axis R2 passing through at least two ball members 3430. Therefore, the reflective member 3100 disposed in the reflective support 3200 can also rotate together.

[0088] The reflective module 3000 may further include a rotating bracket 3300 that supports the reflective support 3200 to allow the reflective support 3200 to be movable or rotatable. The rotating bracket 3300 may be rotatable or movable relative to the housing 1100 while supporting the reflective support 3200 to allow it to rotate. For example, the reflective support 3200 may be rotatably supported by the rotating bracket 3300 while at least two ball members 3430 form a rotation axis and are inserted between the reflective support 3200 and the rotating bracket 3300. Furthermore, the rotating bracket 3300 may be supported by the housing 1100 while at least one ball member 3410 is inserted between the rotating bracket 3300 and the housing 1100, and thus rotatable relative to the housing 1100 by centering on another rotation axis formed by at least one ball member 3410. To distinguish the various rotation axes, in the following description, the rotation axis of the rotating bracket 3300 is referred to as the first rotation axis R1, and the rotation axis of the reflective support 3200 is referred to as the second rotation axis R2.

[0089] In the reflection module 3000 according to one or more embodiments, the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 can be different. For example, the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 can be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0090] The first rotation axis R1 can pass through the incident surface 3110 and the reflection surface 3130 of the reflection member 3100. The second rotation axis R2 can be substantially parallel to the reflection surface 3130 of the reflection member 3100. For example, the second rotation axis R2 can be disposed on the reflection surface 3130, or can be parallel to the reflection surface 3130 while having a predetermined distance from the reflection surface 3130.

[0091] In the reflection module 3000, the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 can intersect each other at one point. Here, the point at which the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2 intersect each other can be disposed on the reflection surface 3130 of the reflection member 3100, or can be disposed adjacent to the reflection surface 3130.

[0092] When the reflection module 3000 is in the intermediate position thereof, the incident surface 3110 of the reflection member 3100 can be substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis O1 of the first lens module 2000, and the exit surface 3120 of the reflection member 3100 can be substantially perpendicular to the second optical axis O2 of the second lens module 4000. In this case, the first rotation axis R1 of the reflection module 3000 can be substantially identical to the first optical axis O1, and the second rotation axis R2 of the reflection module 3000 can be perpendicular to both the first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2. Further, similarly to the intersection point of the first rotation axis R1 and the second rotation axis R2, the intersection point of the first optical axis O1 and the second optical axis O2 can be located on the reflection surface 3130 of the reflection member 3100.

[0093] Even when an external force shakes the camera module 100 and light is thus incident as misaligned with the first optical axis O1, the reflection member 3100 can be appropriately rotated to change the traveling direction of the light to be substantially parallel to the second optical axis O2.

[0094] The reflection module 3000 can further include a support member that supports the reflection bracket 3200 to the rotation bracket 3300. For example, the support member can include a pair of magnetic materials 3240 and 3340 that face each other and perform a magnetic action, and the reflection bracket 3200 can be supported by the rotation bracket 3300 by a magnetic attractive force or a magnetic repulsive force generated by the pair of magnetic materials 3240 and 3340.

[0095] The pair of magnetic materials 3240 and 3340 can be disposed in the reflection bracket 3200 and the rotation bracket 3300, respectively, separately. For example, as shown in FIG. 33, the pair of magnetic materials 3240 and 3340 can be disposed in the reflection bracket 3200 and the rotation bracket 3300, respectively, in a state of being spaced apart from each other. Figure 5and Figure 6 As illustrated in FIG. 32, the pair of magnetic materials 3240 and 3340 can include a traction magnet yoke 3240 disposed on the reflection bracket 3200 and a traction magnet 3340 disposed on the rotation bracket 3300. In this case, the traction magnet 3340 and the traction magnet yoke 3240 can generate a magnetic attractive force that pulls each other. Through the magnetic attractive force, the reflection bracket 3200 can be supported by the rotation bracket 3300 while the ball member 3430 is between the reflection bracket 3200 and the rotation bracket 3300.

[0096] However, the configuration of the pair of magnetic materials 3240 and 3340 is not limited thereto. For example, the traction magnet 3340 and the traction magnet yoke 3240 can be disposed on the reflection bracket 3200 and the rotation bracket 3300, respectively. Alternatively, the pair of magnetic materials 3240 and 3340 can both be magnets.

[0097] The support member is not limited to the configuration of the pair of magnetic materials 3240 and 3340 described above. The support member can be made of any material as long as the reflection bracket 3200 can be supported to be rotatable by the rotation bracket 3300.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, the reflection module 3000 can include driving units 3230 and 3330 that drive the reflection bracket 3200 and the rotation bracket 3300. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 33, the reflection module 3000 can include a first driving unit 3330 that drives the rotation bracket 3300 and a second driving unit 3230 that drives the reflection bracket 3200. Figure 5

[0099] The first driving unit 3330 and the second driving unit 3230 can include a driving coil and a driving magnet, respectively. For example, the first driving unit 3330 can rotate the rotation bracket 3300 through electromagnetic interaction between the first driving coil 3332 and the first driving magnet 3331 that face each other. Also, the second driving unit 3230 can rotate the reflection bracket 3200 through electromagnetic interaction between the second driving coil 3232 and the second driving magnet 3231 that face each other.

[0100] In the camera module 100, the driving magnet and the driving coil can be disposed on two components that perform relative motion, respectively. For example, the first driving magnet 3331 can be disposed on the rotation bracket 3300, and the first driving coil 3332 can be disposed in the housing 1100. The second driving magnet 3231 can be disposed on the reflection bracket 3200, and the second driving coil 3232 can be disposed in the housing 1100.

[0101] ​Each of the driving units 3230 or 3330 can include a position sensor 3233 or 3333 capable of detecting an amount of movement of the driving magnet 3231 or 3331. For example, the first driving unit 3330 can include a first position sensor 3333 facing the first driving magnet 3331. The first position sensor 3333 can be disposed around and parallel to the first driving coil 3332, or can be disposed in the first driving coil 3332. Likewise, the second driving unit 3230 can include a second position sensor 3233 facing the second driving magnet 3231. The second position sensor 3233 can be disposed around and parallel to the second driving coil 3232, or can be disposed in the second driving coil 3232.

[0102] The reflection module 3000 can further include a first yoke 3334 and a second yoke 3234 facing the driving magnets 3331 and 3231, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 33, the first yoke 3334 can be disposed on a back surface of the first driving coil 3332 facing the first driving magnet 3331. The second yoke 3234 can be disposed on a back surface of the second driving coil 3232 facing the second driving magnet 3231. The first yoke 3334 and the second yoke 3234 can be used to concentrate the magnetic flux of the driving magnets. Figure 5

[0103] However, the driving units 3230 or 3330 of the reflection module 3000 are not limited to the above-described configuration, and can be any configuration as long as the driving units can move the reflection bracket 3200 or the rotation bracket 3300.

[0104] The reflection module 3000 can include a rotation bracket 3300 rotatable with respect to the housing 1100. The rotation bracket 3300 can be rotatable with respect to the housing 1100 while supporting the reflection bracket 3200 or the reflection member 3100 so that the reflection bracket 3200 or the reflection member 3100 is rotatable. For example, the rotation bracket 3300 can be rotatable about a first rotation axis R1. Accordingly, the reflection member 3100 can also be rotatable about the first rotation axis R1 together with the rotation bracket 3300.

[0105] A plurality of ball members 3410 and 3420 can be disposed between the rotation bracket 3300 and the housing 1100, supporting the rotation bracket 3300 so that the rotation bracket 3300 is rotatable.

[0106] The plurality of ball members 3410 and 3420 can include a first ball member 3410 forming a rotation axis (hereinafter, a first rotation axis R1) of the rotation bracket 3300, and a guide ball member 3420 assisting stable rotation of the rotation bracket 3300.

[0107] ​The first ball member 3410 can form a first rotation axis R1 while rotating in place with its position fixed relative to the housing 1100. Accordingly, the first rotation axis R1 can pass through the first ball member 3410.

[0108] The first rotation axis R1 can be substantially coincident with a first optical axis O1 of the first lens module 2000 facing the reflection module 3000. Accordingly, an imaginary line extending along the first optical axis O1 can pass through the first ball member 3410.

[0109] One or more guide ball members 3420 can be provided. For example, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The reflection module 3000 can include two guide ball members 3420 spaced apart from the first ball member 3410. The guide ball members 3420 can perform a rolling motion relative to the housing 1100 or the rotation bracket 3300, and support the rotation bracket 3300 to rotate the rotation bracket 3300 while maintaining a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the housing 1100.

[0110] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a camera module according to the present disclosure; Figure 8 is a view showing a ball receiving portion and a guide ball member provided in a housing of a camera module according to the present disclosure; and Figure 9 is a view showing a structure in which a guide ball member is provided in a ball receiving portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 9 , the left magnified view shows the inside of the housing viewed from the object side, and the right magnified view shows each cross section of the housing, the ball receiving portion, and the guide ball member in the width direction of the groove portion.

[0111] Referring to Figures 7 to 9 , a ball receiving portion 1130 in which a guide ball member 3420 of a camera module 100 according to an embodiment is disposed is described below.

[0112] A plurality of ball receiving portions 1130 can be provided. The plurality of ball receiving portions 1130 can include first and second ball receiving portions provided on opposite sides of a middle position of the housing 1100 in the width direction. The plurality of ball receiving portions 1130 can be connected to each other by a connecting portion 1140. The plurality of ball receiving portions 1130 and the connecting portion 1140 can be integrally formed with each other. The ball receiving portion 1130 and the connecting portion 1140 can be made of the same material, and the material included in the ball receiving portion 1130 or the connecting portion 1140 can be a material having higher rigidity than the material included in the housing 1100. For example, the ball receiving portion 1130 or the connecting portion 1140 can be made of metal. Alternatively, the ball receiving portion 1130 or the connecting portion 1140 can be made of stainless steel.

[0113] When an impact is applied to the camera module 100, the impact can be transmitted to the guide ball member 3420 and the contact surface in contact with the guide ball member 3420, deforming the shape of the contact surface. For example, the reflection module 3000 and the housing 1100 can face each other while the guide ball member 3420 is interposed between the reflection module 3000 and the housing 1100. In this case, the impact can be concentrated on the narrow contact surface provided between the guide ball member 3420 and the housing 1100, and the contact surface can thus be dented or deformed. By making the ball receiving portion 1130 of metal or stainless steel, such a denting phenomenon can be prevented.

[0114] The ball receiving portion 1130 can be coupled to the housing 1100. The connecting portion 1140 can also be coupled to the housing 1100. The connecting portion 1140 can be inserted into the housing 1100. A portion of the ball receiving portion 1130 can be inserted into the housing 1100. That is, when the inside of the housing 1100 is observed from the outside of the housing 1100, the connecting portion 1140 can not be exposed outward from the housing 1100. However, the upper surface of the ball receiving portion 1130 can be exposed outward from the housing 1100.

[0115] The ball receiving portion 1130 can include a groove portion 1131 and a flange portion 1132. The groove portion 1131 can include a groove structure having a suitable shape to guide the movement of the guide ball member 3420. The flange portion 1132 can denote an area protruding outward from the groove portion 1131 along the outer edge of the groove portion 1131. The flange portion 1132 can have a flat structure provided around the groove portion 1131. The inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 can have a step from the upper surface of the flange portion 1132. That is, the inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 can be spaced apart from the upper surface of the flange portion 1132 in a first direction.

[0116] As described above, the groove portion 1131 and the flange portion 1132 can be coupled to the case 1100 to be visible from the outside. In detail, the lower side of the groove portion 1131 or the flange portion 1132 can be inserted into the case 1100, and the upper side of the groove portion 1131 or the flange portion 1132 can be exposed outward from the case 1100. That is, when the inside of the case 1100 is observed from the object side, the inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 and the upper surface of the flange portion 1132 can be visible from the outside.

[0117] The upper surface of the flange portion 1132 can be disposed on the same plane as a portion of the inner bottom surface of the case 1100. That is, the upper surface of the flange portion 1132 and the portion of the inner bottom surface of the case 1100 can have the same position in the first direction. The upper surface of the flange portion 1132 can directly face the reflection module 3000. The upper surface of the flange portion 1132 can overlap the reflection module 3000 in the first axial direction.

[0118] The inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 can be flat. When the ball receiving portion 1130 is coupled to the case 1100, the inner bottom surface of the ball receiving portion 1130 can have a planar structure parallel to the length direction of the case 1100. That is, the inner bottom surface of the ball receiving portion 1130 can be a plane parallel to the second direction.

[0119] The guide ball member 3420 can be disposed in the groove portion 1131. The lubricating oil G1 can be coated on the groove portion 1131. The lubricating oil G1 can be coated on the inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 to reduce friction occurring between the inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 and the guide ball member 3420.

[0120] When the guide ball member 3420 moves in the groove portion 1131, the lubricating oil G1 can flow in the groove portion 1131. The groove portion 1131 and the flange portion 1132 can be integrally formed with each other, and the flange portion 1132 can extend outward from the groove portion 1131 along an outer edge of the groove portion 1131, thereby preventing a portion of the lubricating oil G1 from flowing into a gap between the housing 1100 and the ball receiving portion 1130. In other words, the flange portion 1132 can separate the groove portion 1131 from a portion of a bottom surface of the housing 1100 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, thereby preventing a portion of the lubricating oil G1 from flowing into the gap between the housing 1100 and the ball receiving portion 1130. Furthermore, in a structure in which the lubricating oil G1 can flow into a gap formed between two members, a portion of components in the lubricating oil G1 can flow into the gap, thus causing separation between the components in the lubricating oil G1, thereby possibly hardening the lubricating oil G1. According to the embodiment of the disclosure, the ball receiving portion 1130 includes the groove portion 1131 and the flange portion 1132 integrally formed with each other, thus not having a gap into which the lubricating oil G1 flows, thereby preventing the lubricating oil G1 from hardening.

[0121] Figure 10 is a view illustrating a structure in which a guide ball member according to another embodiment of the disclosure is disposed in a ball receiving portion of a camera module. In Figure 10 , the enlarged view on the left illustrates an inside of a housing viewed from a subject side, and the enlarged view on the right illustrates each cross section of the housing, the ball receiving portion, and the guide ball member in a width direction of the groove portion. Referring to Figure 10 , the ball receiving portion 1130 according to another embodiment of the disclosure is described below. The following description omits descriptions identical to those of the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 7 to 9 .

[0122] The inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 can be curved. That is, the groove portion 1131 can be curved based on a cross section of the groove portion 1131 perpendicular to a length direction of the groove portion 1131. In other words, the cross section of the groove portion 1131 can be curved in the width direction.

[0123] The inner bottom surface of the groove portion 1131 and the guide ball member 3420 can be in single-point contact P1 with each other.

[0124] The inner bottom surface of the recessed portion 1131 can have a curvature radius greater than that of the guide ball member 3420. With this structure, even when the guide ball member 3420 moves in the recessed portion 1131, the recessed portion 1131 and the guide ball member 3420 can be in single-point contact P1 with each other. That is, when the guide ball member 3420 moves in the recessed portion 1131 of the ball receiving portion 1130, the guide ball member 3420 can be prevented from coming into contact with a structure that is not flat or protruding. Accordingly, such a structure can prevent wear of the guide ball member 3420.

[0125] As set forth above, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, by preventing a dent from occurring between the ball member and the housing due to the movement of the reflection module, the camera module can maintain its performance even when reused.

[0126] While specific examples have been shown and described above, it will be apparent that various modifications to these examples can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be understood as being descriptive only in nature and not limiting in purpose. Descriptions of features or aspects within each example are to be considered as applicable to similar features or aspects within other examples. Proper results can still be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components of systems, architectures, devices, or circuits described are combined in a different manner, or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments described above, but only by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are to be construed as being included in the disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module characterized by, The camera module includes: a reflection module; a housing configured to accommodate the reflection module to enable the reflection module to rotate; a guide ball member disposed between the reflection module and the housing to guide the rotation of the reflection module; and a ball receiving portion coupled to the housing and including a groove portion in which the guide ball member is disposed and a flange portion outwardly extending from the groove portion, wherein the ball receiving portion is formed of a material having a higher rigidity than a material of the housing.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ball receiving portion is coupled to a bottom surface of the housing, and an upper surface of the flange portion is outwardly exposed from the bottom surface of the housing.

3. The camera module of claim 1, wherein, The upper surface of the flange portion and a portion of the bottom surface of the housing are disposed on the same plane.

4. The camera module of claim 1, wherein, The upper surface of the flange portion directly faces the reflection module in a direction of an axis of rotation of the reflection module.

5. The camera module of claim 1, wherein, The flange portion separates the groove portion from a portion of the bottom surface of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the reflection module.

6. The camera module of claim 1, wherein, A bottom surface of the groove portion is flat.

7. The camera module of claim 1, wherein, The material of the ball receiving portion is metal.

8. The camera module of claim 1, wherein, The camera module further includes lubricating oil coated on the groove portion.

9. The camera module of claim 1, wherein, The ball receiving portion includes a first ball receiving portion and a second ball receiving portion, and the first ball receiving portion and the second ball receiving portion are disposed on opposite sides of a middle position of the housing in a width direction.

10. The camera module of claim 9, wherein, The camera module further includes a connection portion connecting the first ball receiving portion to the second ball receiving portion.

11. The camera module of claim 1, wherein, The camera module further includes a traction yoke and a driving unit that rotates the reflection module, wherein the driving unit includes a driving magnet and a driving coil that electromagnetically interacts with the driving magnet, and the traction yoke faces the driving magnet.

12. The camera module of claim 1, wherein, The camera module further includes a first ball member, wherein the first ball member rotates in situ and forms an axis of rotation about which the reflection module rotates, and the guide ball member is configured to roll in the groove portion by the rotation of the reflection module.

13. A camera module characterized by, The camera module includes: a reflection module; a housing configured to accommodate the reflection module to enable the reflection module to rotate; a guide ball member disposed between the reflection module and the housing to guide the rotation of the reflection module; and a ball receiving portion coupled to the housing and including a groove portion and a flange portion outwardly extending from the groove portion, wherein a material of the ball receiving portion has a higher rigidity than a material of the housing, and the groove portion and the guide ball member are in single-point contact with each other.

14. The camera module of claim 13, wherein, A bottom surface of the groove portion is curved.

15. The camera module of claim 14, wherein, The bottom surface is curved based on a cross section of the groove portion in a width direction.

16. The camera module of claim 15, wherein, The bottom surface has a radius of curvature greater than a radius of curvature of the guide ball member.

17. The camera module of claim 13, wherein, When an inner side of the housing is viewed from an object side, an upper surface of the flange portion is outwardly exposed.

18. The camera module of claim 13, wherein, The upper surface of the flange portion and a portion of an inner bottom surface of the housing are disposed on the same plane.

19. The camera module of claim 13, wherein, An upper surface of the flange portion directly faces the reflection module in a rotational axis direction in which the reflection module rotates.

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