Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes: a housing; a support portion disposed within the housing, movable relative to the housing in an optical axis direction, and including a protrusion; a bracket disposed on the support portion, movable relative to the support portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and configured to support a lens module; a first magnet disposed on a side surface of the bracket; and a first yoke disposed in the protrusion to be opposite to the first magnet in an optical axis direction, wherein the protrusion protrudes from the lower surface of the support portion toward the bottom surface of the housing.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0026412, filed on February 28, 2025, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0097633, filed on July 18, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

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

[0004] Camera modules are used in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

[0005] Most camera modules used in portable electronic devices can have autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0006] To achieve miniaturization of the camera module, the actuators for AF and / or OIS driving need to be housed within a limited space. Therefore, a structure where the lens holder is directly mounted on the support without a ball guide can be considered.

[0007] However, in this structure, the distance between the OIS drive magnet mounted on the lens holder and the magnetic yoke on the bottom surface of the support may be very narrow, which may increase the magnetic attraction force and make it difficult to control the OIS drive precisely.

[0008] Therefore, a camera module with a structure that maintains sufficient distance between the OIS drive magnet and the yoke while having simple internal components without ball guides is required.

[0009] 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

[0010] 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.

[0011] In one general aspect, the camera module includes: a housing; a support portion disposed within the housing, movable relative to the housing in an optical axis direction, and including a protrusion; a bracket disposed on the support portion, movable relative to the support portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and configured to support a lens module; a first magnet disposed on a side surface of the bracket; and a first yoke disposed in the protrusion to be opposite the first magnet in an optical axis direction, wherein the protrusion protrudes from a lower surface of the support portion toward a bottom surface of the housing.

[0012] In the optical axis direction, the distance between the first magnet and the first yoke can be greater than or equal to the distance between the first magnet and the lower surface of the support portion.

[0013] The area on the bottom surface of the housing opposite the protrusion may have a receiving groove.

[0014] The protrusion can be exposed in the optical axis direction through a receiving groove.

[0015] At least a portion of the protrusion can be accommodated in the receiving groove.

[0016] The camera module may also include a first drive section configured to provide driving force to the support. The first drive section may include a first magnet and a first coil positioned opposite the first magnet in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0017] The bracket can be supported by a load-bearing component in the optical axis direction.

[0018] The camera module may also include a first ball component disposed between the support and the bracket.

[0019] The first spherical component can contact each of the bearing and the support at a single point in the optical axis direction.

[0020] The camera module may also include a second drive section configured to provide driving force to the carrier. The second drive section may include a second magnet disposed on a side surface of the carrier, and a second coil disposed opposite to the second magnet in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0021] The support portion can be supported by the housing in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0022] The camera module may also include a second spherical component disposed between the housing and the support.

[0023] In another general aspect, the camera module includes: a housing; a support portion disposed within the housing and movable relative to the housing in an optical axis direction; a bracket disposed on the support portion and movable relative to the support portion in at least two axial directions perpendicular to the optical axis; first-first magnets disposed on a side surface of the bracket; and first-first yokes disposed on a lower surface of the support portion and configured to apply a magnetic attraction force to the first-first magnets in the optical axis direction. The distance between the bottom surface of the housing and the first-first yokes is less than the distance between the bottom surface of the housing and the lower surface of the support portion.

[0024] The camera module may further include: a first and a second magnet disposed on the other side surface of the bracket extending from one side surface; and a first and a second yoke disposed on the lower surface of the support portion and configured to apply magnetic attraction force to the first and second magnets in the optical axis direction.

[0025] The first magnet may include regions with different polarities in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0026] The first-first magnetic yoke may include a plurality of first magnetic yokes, and each of the plurality of first magnetic yokes is configured to be opposite to a corresponding polarity region within the first-first magnet in the optical axis direction.

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

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the shell, the load-bearing part, and the support.

[0031] Figure 4 Is it as in Figure 1 Side view of the load-bearing part and the support, viewed from direction "A".

[0032] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I'.

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of region "C".

[0034] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line II-II'.

[0035] Figure 8 Is it as in Figure 1 Side view of the load-bearing part as viewed from direction "A".

[0036] Figure 9 Is it as in Figure 1 The bottom view of the load-bearing part as observed from direction "B".

[0037] Figure 10 Is it as in Figure 1 The bottom view of the shell as seen from direction "B".

[0038] Figure 11 Is it as in Figure 1 The bottom view of the load-bearing part and the shell as viewed from direction "B".

[0039] Figure 12 It is based on the camera module corresponding to the comparison example. Figure 4 Side view.

[0040] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For purposes of 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

[0041] In the following description, although examples of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0042] 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 upon understanding this disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, as will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity and conciseness, descriptions of features well-known in the art may be omitted.

[0043] The features described herein may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways in which the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure.

[0044] Throughout this specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element, the element may be directly "on," directly "connected to," or directly "attached to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element, there are no other elements between the element and the other element.

[0045] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items; similarly, “at least one” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items.

[0046] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or section from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, first part, first region, first layer, or first section mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as a second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second section.

[0047] Spatial relative terms such as “above,” “above,” “below,” and “under” may be used herein for descriptive convenience to describe the relationship of one element relative to another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to covering the orientation depicted in the drawings, these spatial relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “above” or “above” another element would be located “below” or “under” that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term “above” covers both orientations of “above” and “below”. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0048] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form as well. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0049] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may vary. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the accompanying drawings, but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0050] It should be noted that in this document, the term "may" is used relative to examples, such as regarding what an example may include or implement, meaning that there exists at least one example that includes or implements such a feature, but not all examples are limited to this.

[0051] The features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways that will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. Furthermore, although the examples described herein have multiple configurations, other configurations that will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure are also possible.

[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the camera module 1000 can be used to capture images and videos of external objects. The camera module 1000 according to this exemplary embodiment can be applied to portable electronic devices such as mobile communication terminals, smartphones, and tablet computers.

[0053] In the camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a support portion 300 may be disposed in a housing 110, and a bracket 330 may be disposed on the support portion 300. A lens module 200 may be mounted on the bracket 330.

[0054] A camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first drive portion 400 that moves a support 330 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (X-axis or Y-axis direction) to achieve optical image stabilization (OIS). The camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can freely drive the support 330 on the carrier 300 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis without a ball guide, thereby reducing the thickness of the camera module 1000 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0055] Furthermore, the camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second drive portion 500 that moves the support portion 300 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) to realize the autofocus (AF) function.

[0056] In a structure where the support 330 is directly mounted on the support portion 300, the distance between the first magnet 410 and the first yoke 470 may be reduced, resulting in a strong attractive force. Therefore, it may be difficult to control the OIS drive.

[0057] Therefore, the camera module 1000 according to the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can ensure the distance between the first magnet 410 mounted on the bracket 330 and the first yoke 470 mounted on the support portion 300, thereby preventing excessive magnetic attraction. Thus, the impact of the magnetic attraction between the first magnet 410 and the first yoke 470 on the OIS drive can be minimized.

[0058] To ensure the distance d1 between the first magnet 410 and the first yoke 470 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the first yoke 470 can be accommodated in the protrusion 310 that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the support portion 300.

[0059] In the following, the detailed components of a camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the housing 110, the support 300, and the bracket 330. Figure 4 Is it as in Figure 1 The side view of the load-bearing part 300 and the bracket 330 as viewed from direction "A". Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I'. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of region "C". Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line II-II'.

[0061] refer to Figures 1 to 3 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera module 1000 may include a housing 110, a support portion 300 disposed in the housing 110, a bracket 330 disposed on the support portion 300, and a lens module 200 mounted on the bracket 330. Furthermore, the camera module 1000 may include a lens driving device for moving the lens module 200, an image sensor module 700 for converting light incident through the lens module 200 into electrical signals, and a housing 110 and an outer casing 120 for accommodating the lens module 200 and the lens driving device.

[0062] The lens module 200 may include at least one lens 210 aligned along the optical axis and a lens barrel 220 for housing the lens 210.

[0063] The lens barrel 220 may have a hollow cylindrical shape, and multiple lenses 210 may be disposed in the lens barrel 220.

[0064] Multiple lenses 210 can be mounted in the lens barrel 220 along the optical axis. The multiple lenses 210 can be arranged in a desired number, and each lens 210 can have the same or different optical characteristics.

[0065] The lens drive device can move the lens barrel 220.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the lens driving device may include a first driving portion 400 and a second driving portion 500. During image capture, the first driving portion 400 can stabilize the image by moving the lens module 200 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (X-axis or Y-axis direction). Furthermore, the second driving portion 500 can perform focus adjustment by moving the lens module 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the support portion 300 may be disposed in the housing 110 and may move relative to the housing 110 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0068] Furthermore, the bracket 330 can be mounted on the support portion 300 and can move relative to the support portion 300 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (including the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction).

[0069] The details relating to the driving of the support portion 300 and the bracket 330 will now be described together with the first drive portion 400 and the second drive portion 500.

[0070] The image sensor module 700 can convert light incident through the lens module 200 into electrical signals.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the image sensor module 700 may include an image sensor 710 and a sensor substrate 720 on which the image sensor 710 is mounted.

[0072] Image sensor 710 can convert light incident through lens module 200 into electrical signals. For example, image sensor 710 can be a charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS).

[0073] The electrical signals converted by the image sensor 710 can be output as images or videos through the display unit of the portable electronic device.

[0074] The image sensor 710 can be electrically connected to the sensor substrate 720. For example, the sensor substrate 720 can be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0075] The lens module 200 and the lens driving device can be housed in the housing 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110 may have an internal space, and the lens module 200 and the lens driving device may be housed within the internal space of the housing 110.

[0076] Furthermore, the image sensor module 700 may be disposed at the lower part of the housing 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor substrate 720 may be attached to the bottom surface of the housing 110, and with the sensor substrate 720 attached to the housing 110, the image sensor 710 may be exposed to the interior space of the housing 110.

[0077] The main substrate 610 for providing drive signals to the first drive section 400 and the second drive section 500 may be disposed on the side surface of the housing 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the main substrate 610 may be disposed around the side surface of the housing 110.

[0078] The drive coil and position sensor included in the first drive section 400 and the second drive section 500 can be disposed on the main substrate 610.

[0079] The side surface of housing 110 may have an opening, and the drive coil and position sensor may be disposed in the opening to expose the interior space of housing 110.

[0080] According to this exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface of the housing 110 may have a receiving groove 111 to avoid contact with the protrusion 310 of the support portion 300 (see [link]). Figures 9 to 11 Interference. A receiving groove 111 can be formed in the region of the housing 110 opposite the protrusion 310 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the protrusion 310 can be exposed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) through the receiving groove 111. For example, the protrusion 310 can be exposed toward the image sensor module 700 through the receiving groove 111. Furthermore, at least a portion of the protrusion 310 can be accommodated in the receiving groove 111.

[0081] The housing 120 can be connected to cover the internal space of the housing 110 to protect the components located in the internal space.

[0082] Furthermore, the housing 120 may have the function of shielding electromagnetic waves. For this purpose, the housing 120 may be formed of a metallic material and may be grounded to a grounding pad included in the sensor substrate 720.

[0083] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera module 1000 may further include a stop 130, which is used to absorb impacts transmitted to the internal components due to external impacts, etc., and to prevent the bracket 330 from separating from the support portion 300.

[0084] The stop 130 can be coupled to the support portion 300 to cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the bracket 330. The stop 130 may include a body configured to cover the upper surface of the bracket 330 and a fastening portion extending from each corner of the body in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The stop 130 can be coupled to the support portion 300 via the fastening portions. In an exemplary embodiment, the fastening portions can be inserted into and secured in a groove provided in the support portion 300.

[0085] According to an exemplary embodiment, the stop 130 may include a damper 131 for cushioning. The damper 131 may be disposed on the stop 130 to be opposite to the housing 120 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The damper 131 may be disposed at each corner of the body of the stop 130 and may protrude toward the upper and lower sides of the stop 130, thereby mitigating impacts in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) between the housing 120 and the stop 130 and between the stop 130 and the bracket 330.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the damper 131 may be configured to penetrate the stop 130. For example, the damper 131 may be inserted into a hole formed in the body of the stop 130 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The damper 131 may be attached to the stop 130 by an insertion injection molding process, or the damper 131 may be bonded to the stop 130 by an adhesive or the like after the stop 130 and the damper 131 have been manufactured separately.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the damper 131 may be formed of a material such as an elastic polymer (e.g., polyurethane), rubber, silicone, etc. The shape of the damper 131 formed of such a material can elastically deform upon contact or impact with the housing 120, thereby effectively reducing impact and noise.

[0088] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 2 to 7 Describes the components used for OIS driving and AF driving.

[0089] Multi-layer components that move together with the lens module 200 can be disposed within the interior space of the housing 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the stop 130, the support 300, and the bracket 330 can be accommodated within the interior space of the housing 110. The lens module 200 can be coupled to the bracket 330.

[0090] The stop 130, the support portion 300, and the bracket 330 can be disposed within the internal space of the housing 110 to be movable in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the stop 130, the support portion 300, and the bracket 330 can all be moving bodies relative to the housing 110 during AF. Furthermore, the bracket 330 can also be configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. This movement can be relative to the stop 130 and the support portion 300. In other words, during OIS, the bracket 330 can be a moving body, while the stop 130 and the support portion 300 can be fixed bodies.

[0091] In the following, components for OIS driving of a camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0092] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera module 1000 may include a first drive portion 400 that generates a driving force in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the first driving portion 400 may include a first magnet 410 and a first coil 430.

[0094] The first magnet 410 may include regions with different polarities in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. For example, the first magnet 410 may include an N-pole region and an S-pole region in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and may include a neutral region located between the N-pole region and the S-pole region, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first magnet 410 may be implemented as a combination of monopole magnets having N-pole or S-pole without a neutral region.

[0095] The first magnet 410 and the first coil 430 can be configured as multiple first magnets 410 and multiple first coils 430. For example, the first magnet 410 may include a first-first magnet 410a and a first-second magnet 410b respectively disposed on two side surfaces of the support 330. In addition, the first coil 430 may include a first-first coil 430a opposite to the first-first magnet 410a and a first-second coil 430b opposite to the first-second magnet 410b.

[0096] The first magnet 410a and the first magnet 410b can be disposed on two side surfaces of the support 330. For example, the first magnet 410a and the first magnet 410b can be disposed perpendicular to each other. The first coil 430a and the first coil 430b can be disposed on two side surfaces of the housing 110 opposite to the two side surfaces of the support 330, and can be disposed perpendicular to each other.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, a first coil 430 may be disposed on a main substrate 610. The first coil 430 may be configured to directly face a first magnet 410 through a through-hole formed in the housing 110. Specifically, a first-first coil 430a may be configured to directly face a first-first magnet 410a through a through-hole formed in one side surface of the housing 110. Furthermore, a first-second coil 430b may be configured to directly face a first-second magnet 410b through a through-hole formed in the other side surface of the housing 110. One side surface and the other side surface of the housing 110 may correspond to two surfaces directly connected to each other.

[0098] The first magnet 410 and the first coil 430 can be arranged to be opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to generate a driving force in the direction in which the first magnet 410 and the first coil 430 are opposite each other.

[0099] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first ball member B1, which guides movement during OIS, can be configured to roll in multiple directions, such that unintended rotation may occur during the OIS process. Therefore, the first drive portion 400 may have components capable of generating rotational force.

[0100] For example, the first-first magnet 410a and / or the first-second magnet 410b may include one or more magnets, and the first-first coil 430a and / or the first-second coil 430b may include multiple coils. At least one of the first-first coil 430a and the first-second coil 430b may include multiple independently controllable coils to control the driving force.

[0101] The first drive section 400 can eliminate unintended rotation by controlling the driving force generated by the first-first magnet 410a and the first-first coil 430a and / or the driving force generated by the first-second magnet 410b and the first-second coil 430b. Alternatively, similarly, a deviation can be applied to the driving force, or the resultant force of the driving forces can be used to intentionally generate a rotational force.

[0102] A first position sensor 450 may be disposed on the main substrate 610. The first position sensor 450 may include a first-first position sensor 450a and a first-second position sensor 450b. The first-first position sensor 450a may be disposed on the surface of the main substrate 610, the same surface as the surface of the main substrate 610 on which the first-first coil 430a is disposed, and the first-second position sensor 450b may be disposed on the surface of the main substrate 610, the same surface as the surface of the main substrate 610 on which the first-second coil 430b is disposed. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first-first position sensor 450a and the first-second position sensor 450b may be configured as multiple position sensors to detect the rotation of the lens module 200.

[0103] The first-first position sensor 450a and the first-second position sensor 450b can be magnetic sensors, such as Hall sensors, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first-first position sensor 450a and / or the first-second position sensor 450b can be implemented as other types of sensors, such as gyroscopes or accelerometers.

[0104] The first ball component B1 can be disposed between the bracket 330 and the bearing part 300.

[0105] The first ball component B1 may include multiple ball components. For example, the first ball component B1 may be configured as three or four first ball components B1, and the first ball components B1 may be spaced apart from each other to be positioned at the corners of the bracket 330 and the support portion 300, respectively.

[0106] The first ball component B1 can guide the movement of the support 330 and maintain the distance between the support 330 and the bearing part 300.

[0107] refer to Figure 7 The surface of the support 330 opposite to the support portion 300 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) may have a first guide groove G1 for accommodating the first ball member B1. The first ball member B1 may be disposed between the first guide groove G1 and the bottom surface of the support portion 300. The number of first guide grooves G1 may be set to correspond to the number of first ball members B1.

[0108] When viewed along the optical axis (Z-axis), the first guide groove G1 can have a polygonal or circular shape. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first guide groove G1 can be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first spherical member B1. For example, in a section perpendicular to the optical axis (XY section), the cross-sectional area of ​​the first guide groove G1 can be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first spherical member B1. For example, when the first guide groove G1 has a circular cross-section, the diameter of the first guide groove G1 can be larger than the diameter of the first spherical member B1.

[0109] The first ball component B1 can be disposed between the first guide groove G1 and the bottom surface of the bearing portion 300 to perform rolling motion in the direction of the driving force generated by the first driving portion 400. The first ball component B1 can perform rolling motion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and can freely perform rolling motion in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0110] refer to Figure 7 In this exemplary embodiment, the first spherical member B1 can contact each of the support portion 300 and the bracket 330 at a single point in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). With this single-point contact structure, the bracket 330 can be freely guided in multiple directions perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0111] At least a portion of the surfaces of the support portion 300 and the bracket 330 facing each other may have a first guide groove G1. In this exemplary embodiment, the first guide groove G1 may be provided in the bracket 330, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first guide groove G1 may be provided in the support portion 300, or it may be provided in both the bracket 330 and the support portion 300.

[0112] The first guide groove G1 may have a bottom surface, and the bottom surface of the first guide groove G1 may be configured to be parallel to the bottom surface of the support portion 300. Furthermore, each of the bottom surface of the first guide groove G1 and the bottom surface of the support portion 300 may be configured to be perpendicular to the optical axis. Additionally, the first guide groove G1 may include a sidewall extending from the edge of the bottom surface in the optical axis direction.

[0113] The first ball member B1 can contact each of the bottom surface of the first guide groove G1 and the bottom surface of the support portion 300. Specifically, the first ball member B1 can contact the bottom surface of the first guide groove G1 at one point and can also contact the bottom surface of the support portion 300 at one point. Furthermore, the first ball member B1 can be spaced apart from or in contact with the sidewall of the first guide groove G1 depending on its position, which changes during the rolling motion.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, the support portion 300 and the bracket 330 may include reinforcing plates 305 and 335. For example, the support portion 300 may include a first reinforcing plate 305, and the bracket 330 may include a second reinforcing plate 335. The first reinforcing plate 305 and the second reinforcing plate 335 may be arranged opposite each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0115] The reinforcing plates 305 and 335 can be configured to enhance the rigidity of the load-bearing portion 300 and the bracket 330, and can be formed of a material with higher rigidity than the main material of the load-bearing portion 300 and the bracket 330. For example, the reinforcing plates 305 and 335 can be formed of stainless steel.

[0116] The reinforcing plates 305 and 335 can be integrally manufactured with the support portion 300 and the bracket 330 by insert injection molding to form part of the support portion 300 and the bracket 330.

[0117] The reinforcing plates 305 and 335 may be configured to be partially exposed from the support portion 300 and the bracket 330. For example, the reinforcing plates 305 and 335 may be configured to be exposed on the bottom surface of the first guide groove G1 that accommodates the first ball member B1, and also exposed on the bottom surface of the support portion 300. Therefore, the first ball member B1 can roll while in contact with the reinforcing plates 305 and 335.

[0118] The bracket 330 may be supported by the support portion 300, and the first ball member B1 is inserted between the bracket 330 and the support portion 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the first magnetic yoke 470 may be disposed in the support portion 300 opposite to the first magnet 410, and the first ball member B1 is inserted between the first magnetic yoke 470 and the first magnet 410.

[0119] Specifically, the first magnetic yoke 470 according to this exemplary embodiment may include a first-first magnetic yoke 470a configured to be opposite to the first-first magnet 410a in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) and a first-second magnetic yoke 470b configured to be opposite to the first-second magnet 410b in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0120] The first magnetic yoke 470 can correspond to a magnetic body, and the magnetic force generated in the first magnet 410 can be concentrated by forming a magnetic circuit with the first magnet 410.

[0121] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the camera module 1000 can be freely driven in directions perpendicular to the optical axis (including the X-axis and Y-axis directions) via a bracket 330 directly mounted on the support portion 300. In this case, the thickness of the camera module 1000 can be reduced, but the distance between the first magnet 410 used for OIS driving and its corresponding first yoke 470 may be reduced, and therefore a strong magnetic attraction may act between the first magnet 410 and the first yoke 470. This may affect OIS driving, making precise driving difficult.

[0122] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the camera module 1000 may include components for ensuring the distance between the first magnet 410 and the first yoke 470, and the components will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0123] Figure 4 Is it as in Figure 1 The side view of the load-bearing part 300 and the bracket 330 as viewed from direction "A". Figure 5It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I'. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of region "C".

[0124] refer to Figures 4 to 6 In this exemplary embodiment, the support portion 300 may include a protrusion 310.

[0125] The protrusion 310 may be disposed in the region of the support portion 300 that overlaps with the first magnet 410 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the first magnetic yoke 470 may be accommodated therein.

[0126] Furthermore, the protrusion 310 may be configured to protrude from the lower surface of the support portion 300 toward the bottom surface of the housing 110. That is, the protrusion 310 may correspond to a component that protrudes from the lower surface of the support portion 300 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0127] According to this exemplary embodiment, the first magnetic yoke 470 may not be directly inserted into the lower surface of the support portion 300, but may be accommodated in the protrusion 310 provided on the support portion 300, so that the first magnetic yoke 470 can be... Figure 4 It is further downward in the direction of the first magnet 410. Therefore, a distance d1 from the first magnet 410 can be maintained.

[0128] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the distance d1 between the first magnet 410 and the first yoke 470 can be equal to or greater than the distance d2 between the lower surface of the first magnet 410 and the lower surface of the support part 300 (d1≥d2).

[0129] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the distance d3 between the bottom surface of the housing 110 and the first magnetic yoke 470 can be less than the distance d4 between the bottom surface of the housing 110 and the bottom surface of the support portion 300 (d3 <d4)。

[0130] Figure 12 It is based on the camera module 1000' of the comparative example, corresponding to Figure 4 Side view. Figure 12 The camera module 1000' may have a structure in which the support portion 300 does not include a protrusion and the first magnetic yoke 470 is directly inserted into the lower surface of the support portion 300.

[0131] when Figure 4 and Figure 12 When comparing them, Figure 12 In the camera module 1000', the first magnetic yoke 470 can be directly inserted into the lower surface of the support part 300, so that the first magnetic yoke 470 can be set higher than (+Z direction). Figure 4 The first magnetic yoke 470 of the camera module 1000.

[0132] Therefore, the distance d1' between the first magnet 410 and the first yoke 470 can be reduced (d1>d1'), which increases the magnetic attraction force between the first magnet 410 and the first yoke 470, which may affect the OIS drive control.

[0133] As a result, in the same manner as the camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance d1 between the first magnet 410 and the first yoke 470 can be maintained by the protrusion 310, thereby improving the accuracy of OIS drive control.

[0134] Figure 8 Is it as in Figure 1 Side view of the bearing unit 300 as viewed from direction "A". Figure 9 Is it as in Figure 1 The bottom view of the bearing unit 300 as observed from the direction "B". Figure 10 Is it as in Figure 1 The bottom view of the shell 110 as viewed from direction "B". Figure 11 Is it as in Figure 1 A bottom view of the support 300 and the housing 110 as viewed from direction B.

[0135] refer to Figures 8 to 11 The support portion 300 according to this exemplary embodiment may include a protrusion 310 for receiving the first magnetic yoke 470. Furthermore, the housing 110 according to this exemplary embodiment may have a receiving groove 111 to avoid interference with the protrusion 310.

[0136] In an exemplary embodiment, the area on the bottom surface of the housing 110 opposite to the protrusion 310 may have a receiving groove 111.

[0137] The receiving groove 111 can be provided in the area on the bottom surface of the housing 110 that overlaps with the protrusion 310 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0138] In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 310 may be exposed via a receiving groove 111 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The protrusion 310 may be exposed toward the image sensor module 700 via the receiving groove 111.

[0139] At least a portion of the protrusion 310 can be accommodated in the receiving groove 111.

[0140] When the carrier 300 is driven in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) due to AF operation, at least a portion of the protrusion 310 can be accommodated in the receiving groove 111 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0141] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the camera module 1000 can prevent the protrusion 310 of the support portion 300 from contacting or colliding with the housing 110 during AF driving or when an external impact occurs due to the movement of the support portion 300 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0142] Furthermore, the receiving groove 111 may have a length greater than that of the protrusion 310 in the X-axis direction and / or Y-axis direction. With this structure, a certain distance can be maintained between the protrusion 310 and the receiving groove 111, thereby preventing collisions or contact between the protrusion 310 and the housing 110 during external impacts or OIS driving.

[0143] refer to Figures 9 to 11 The camera module 1000 according to this exemplary embodiment may include a plurality of protrusions 310 and a plurality of receiving slots 111.

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 310 may include a first protrusion 310a configured parallel to the Y-axis direction and a second protrusion 310b configured parallel to the X-axis direction. A first-first magnetic yoke 470a may be accommodated in the first protrusion 310a, and a first-second magnetic yoke 470b may be accommodated in the second protrusion 310b.

[0145] The first protrusion 310a can be provided in multiple forms. For example, two first protrusions 310a can be provided to be opposite to the two polarities of the first magnet 410a.

[0146] Furthermore, the second protrusion 310b can be provided in multiple forms. For example, two second protrusions 310b can be provided to be opposite to the two polarities of the first and second magnets 410b.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving groove 111 may include a first receiving groove 111a configured to be parallel to the Y-axis direction and a second receiving groove 111b configured to be parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0148] The first receiving groove 111a can be configured as a plurality of first receiving grooves 111a. For example, the plurality of first receiving grooves 111a can be configured to correspond to a plurality of first protrusions 310a respectively.

[0149] Furthermore, the second receiving groove 111b can be configured as a plurality of second receiving grooves 111b. For example, the plurality of second receiving grooves 111b can be configured to correspond to a plurality of second protrusions 310b respectively.

[0150] refer to Figure 9The first-first magnetic yoke 470a and the first-second magnetic yoke 470b can each be configured as multiple first-first magnetic yokes 470a and multiple first-second magnetic yokes 470b. For example, two first-first magnetic yokes 470a can be configured to be opposite to regions of the first-first magnet 410a with different polarities (e.g., N-pole region and S-pole region) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, two first-second magnetic yokes 470b can be configured to be opposite to regions of the first-second magnet 410b with different polarities (e.g., N-pole region and S-pole region) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0151] The first magnetic yoke 470 can generate an attractive force in the direction opposite to the first magnet 410 (i.e., the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction)), and the support 330 can make close contact with the support portion 300 through the attractive force.

[0152] Hereinafter, components for AF driving of a camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0153] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 A camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second drive portion 500 that generates a driving force in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0154] The second drive portion 500 may include a second magnet 510 and a second coil 530. The second magnet 510 may be disposed on one side surface of the support portion 300, and the second coil 530 may be disposed on one side surface of the housing 110 opposite to the side surface of the support portion 300 on which the second magnet 510 is disposed.

[0155] The second magnet 510 may include regions with different polarities along the optical axis (Z-axis direction). For example, the second magnet 510 may include an N-pole region and an S-pole region along the optical axis (Z-axis direction), and may include a neutral region located between the N-pole region and the S-pole region, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The second magnet 510 may be implemented as a combination of monopole magnets having either an N-pole or an S-pole without a neutral region.

[0156] In an exemplary embodiment, the second coil 530 may be disposed on the main substrate 610 disposed on the side surface of the housing 110. A through hole may be formed in the side surface of the housing 110, and the second coil 530 may be directly opposite the second magnet 510 through the through hole.

[0157] The second magnet 510 and the second coil 530 can be arranged to be opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to generate a driving force in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0158] The second position sensor 550 can be disposed on the main substrate 610 together with the second coil 530, and the position of the lens module 200 in the optical axis direction can be detected by the second position sensor 550.

[0159] In an exemplary embodiment, the second position sensor 550 may be a Hall sensor, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The second position sensor 550 may be implemented as other types of sensors, such as a gyroscope or an accelerometer.

[0160] refer to Figure 3 The second ball component B2 can be disposed between the support portion 300 and the housing 110 to guide the movement of the support portion 300 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0161] The second spherical component B2 may include multiple spherical components. The second spherical component B2 may be divided into two groups, each including one or more spherical components, and is disposed on both sides of the second magnet 510 in the length direction (X-axis direction).

[0162] Guide grooves G2 and G3, which accommodate the second ball member B2, can be provided in the support portion 300 and the housing 110. Specifically, the side surface of the support portion 300 may have the second guide groove G2, and the surface of the housing 110 opposite to the second guide groove G2 may have the third guide groove G3.

[0163] Guide grooves G2 and G3 can extend in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the second ball member B2 can roll in the guide grooves G2 and G3 in the optical axis direction while being accommodated in the guide grooves G2 and G3.

[0164] The support portion 300 can be supported by the housing 110, and the second ball member B2 is inserted between the support portion 300 and the housing 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the second yoke 570 can be disposed in the housing 110 opposite to the second magnet 510, and the second ball member B2 is inserted between the second magnet 510 and the second yoke 570. The second yoke 570 and the second magnet 510 can generate an attractive force in the direction in which the second yoke 570 and the second magnet 510 are opposite to each other (i.e., in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Y-axis direction)), and the support portion 300 can be in close contact with the housing 110 by the attractive force.

[0165] The second magnetic yoke 570 can correspond to a magnetic body, and the magnetic force generated in the second magnet 510 can be concentrated by forming a magnetic circuit with the second magnet 510.

[0166] During the focus adjustment of the camera module 1000, the bracket 330 and lens module 200 can also move together with the support 300 in the optical axis direction.

[0167] In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket 330 can be housed within the support portion 300, and the first ball member B1 can be disposed between the support portion 300 and the bracket 330. The bracket 330 can be supported by the support portion 300 via the first ball member B1. Therefore, when the support portion 300 moves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the bracket 330 can also move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). Similarly, the lens module 200 connected to the bracket 330 can also move in the optical axis direction to achieve autofocus (AF).

[0168] As described above, in the camera module 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket 330 can be directly disposed on the support portion 300 without the need for a component (e.g., a ball guide frame) disposed between the support portion 300 and the bracket 330, which can help reduce thickness. Furthermore, when using the above structure, the distance between the first magnet 410 and the first yoke 470 may be reduced, and the strong magnetic attraction caused by the reduced distance may make drive control difficult to perform. According to this exemplary embodiment, the camera module 1000 may include a protrusion 310 for accommodating the first yoke 470, thereby solving this problem.

[0169] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a camera module having a structure in which a lens holder is directly mounted on a support while maintaining a sufficient distance between the OIS drive magnet and the yoke.

[0170] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a camera module that maintains a sufficient distance between the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive magnet and the yoke, thereby improving the accuracy of OIS drive.

[0171] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the camera module can have a reduced thickness due to the structure in which the lens holder is directly mounted on the support while still maintaining a sufficient distance between the OIS drive magnet and the yoke.

[0172] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, in a camera module, a sufficient distance can be maintained between the OIS driving magnet and the yoke, thereby improving the accuracy of OIS driving.

[0173] While specific examples have been shown and described above, it will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may still be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, The camera module includes: case; A support portion is disposed in the housing, is movable relative to the housing in the optical axis direction, and includes a protrusion; A bracket, disposed on the support portion, is movable relative to the support portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and is configured to support the lens module; A first magnet is disposed on one side surface of the support; and A first magnetic yoke is disposed in the protrusion so as to be opposite to the first magnet in the direction of the optical axis. The protrusion extends from the lower surface of the supporting part toward the bottom surface of the housing.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the direction of the optical axis, the distance between the first magnet and the first yoke is greater than or equal to the distance between the first magnet and the lower surface of the support portion.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The area on the bottom surface of the housing opposite the protrusion has a receiving groove.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protrusion is exposed through the receiving groove in the direction of the optical axis.

5. The camera module according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the protrusion is accommodated in the receiving groove.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module also includes: The first drive section is configured to provide driving force to the bracket. The first driving part includes the first magnet and a first coil disposed opposite to the first magnet in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

7. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket is supported by the load-bearing part in the direction of the optical axis.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module also includes: The first ball component is disposed between the bearing portion and the bracket.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first spherical component contacts each of the support portion and the bracket at a point in the direction of the optical axis.

10. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module also includes: The second drive section is configured to provide driving force to the load-bearing section. The second driving part includes a second magnet disposed on the side surface of the bearing part, and a second coil disposed opposite to the second magnet in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

11. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support portion is supported by the housing in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

12. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module also includes: The second spherical component is disposed between the housing and the supporting part.

13. A camera module, characterized in that, The camera module includes: case; A support portion is disposed in the housing and is movable relative to the housing in the optical axis direction; A bracket is disposed on the support portion and is movable relative to the support portion in at least two axial directions perpendicular to the optical axis; A first magnet is disposed on one side surface of the support; and The first-first magnetic yoke is disposed on the lower surface of the support portion and configured to apply magnetic attraction force to the first-first magnet in the optical axis direction. Wherein, the distance between the bottom surface of the housing and the first magnetic yoke is less than the distance between the bottom surface of the housing and the lower surface of the supporting part.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, characterized in that, The camera module also includes: First and second magnets are disposed on the other side surface of the support extending from one side surface; and The first and second magnetic yokes are disposed on the lower surface of the bearing portion and configured to apply magnetic attraction force to the first and second magnets in the direction of the optical axis.

15. The camera module according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first magnet includes regions with different polarities in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

16. The camera module according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first-first magnetic yoke includes a plurality of first magnetic yokes, and Each of the plurality of first magnetic yokes is configured to be opposite to a corresponding polarity region within the first-first magnet in the direction of the optical axis.

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