Camera actuator, and camera module including the same

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a camera actuator, comprising a housing, a lens assembly that moves in the optical axis direction within the housing, a ball portion positioned between the housing and the lens assembly, and a drive portion that moves the lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a lens holder that includes at least one lens, a rail portion that includes a side plate on which the ball portion is seated and a wing portion extending from the side plate, and a joining member disposed between the rail portion and the lens holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera actuator and a camera module including the same.

Background Art

[0002] A camera is a device that captures a subject as a photograph or video, and is mounted on a portable device, a drone, a vehicle, etc. A camera module can have an image stabilization (IS) function that corrects or prevents image shake caused by a user's movement in order to improve image quality, an auto focusing (AF) function that automatically adjusts the distance between an image sensor and a lens to align the focal length of the lens, and a zooming function that increases or decreases the magnification of a distant subject through a zoom lens for shooting.

[0003] However, in order to accurately perform functions such as a zoom function and auto focus (AF) in a camera module and to improve optical performance, it is necessary to align between a plurality of lenses.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a camera actuator and a camera device including a plurality of lenses or lens groups that are optically aligned.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera actuator and a camera device in an AF / ZOOM camera actuator, which have improved reliability by miniaturization of a lens assembly and shock absorption.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera actuator and a camera device in which glass breakage in a first lens assembly is prevented.

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a camera actuator applicable to an ultra-thin, ultra-small, and high-resolution camera.

[0008] The problems to be solved in the embodiments are not limited to these, and it can be said that they also include the means for solving the problems, the objects, and the effects that can be grasped from the embodiments described below.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a lens assembly that moves in the optical axis direction within the housing, a ball portion located between the housing and the lens assembly, and a drive portion that moves the lens assembly. The lens assembly may include a lens holder that includes at least one lens, a side plate on which the ball portion is seated, and a rail portion that includes a wing portion extending from the side plate, and a joining member disposed between the rail portion and the lens holder.

[0010] The wing portion may be in contact with the joining member and the side plate.

[0011] The wing portion may be disposed at the front end or the rear end of the lens holder.

[0012] The wing portion may include a wing hole.

[0013] The joining member may have a closed-loop or open-loop structure.

[0014] The joining member may include a member hole.

[0015] The thickness of the wing portion in the upper region and the lower region may be different from the thickness in the side region.

[0016] The wing portion, the joining member, and the lens holder may overlap along the optical axis direction.

[0017] The wing portion may be disposed above or below the lens holder.

[0018] The joining member may overlap the wing portion and the lens holder.

[0019] The joining member may have different thicknesses along the optical axis direction.

[0020] The lens holder may include a lens holder surface that contacts the wing portion.

[0021] The lens holder surface may include a convex portion and a flat portion that are convex outward.

[0022] The joining member may overlap the lens holder, the side plate, and the wing portion.

[0023] The joining member may overlap the ball portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera actuator and a camera device including a plurality of lenses or lens groups that have been optically aligned can be realized.

[0025] Further, the present invention can realize a camera actuator and a camera device in which the reliability is improved by miniaturization of the lens assembly and shock absorption in an AF / ZOOM camera actuator.

[0026] Further, the present invention can realize a camera actuator and a camera device in which glass breakage in the first lens assembly is prevented.

[0027] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to realize a camera actuator applicable to an ultra-thin, ultra-small, and high-resolution camera.

[0028] The various and beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described content and will be more easily understood in the process of describing the specific embodiments of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0067] Since the present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and described. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0068] Terms including ordinal numbers such as second and first can be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the rights of the present invention, the second component can be called the first component, and similarly, the first component can also be called the second component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any one of the plurality of related described items.

[0069] When a certain component is described as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but there may also be other components between them. On the other hand, when a certain component is described as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0070] The terms used in this application are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "including" or "having" are used to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0071] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless clearly defined in this application.

[0072] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference signs, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0073] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a view taken along AA' of FIG. 1.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment may be composed of a cover CV, a first camera actuator 1100, a second camera actuator 1200, and a circuit board 1300. Here, the first camera actuator 1100 may be mixedly referred to as the first actuator, and the second camera actuator 1200 may be mixedly referred to as the second actuator.

[0075] The cover CV can cover the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200. The cover CV can improve the bonding force between the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200.

[0076] Furthermore, the cover CV may be formed of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves. Therefore, the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200 inside the cover CV can be easily protected.

[0077] Also, the first camera actuator 1100 may be an OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) actuator. For example, the first camera actuator 1100 can move an optical member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (the axis of incident light).

[0078] The first camera actuator 1100 may include a fixed focal length lens disposed in a predetermined lens barrel (not shown). The fixed focal length lens may be referred to as a "single focal length lens" or a "single lens".

[0079] The first camera actuator 1100 can change the optical path. In an embodiment, the first camera actuator 1100 can change the optical path vertically through an internal optical member (e.g., a prism or a mirror). With such a configuration, even if the thickness of the mobile terminal decreases, a lens configuration larger than the thickness of the mobile terminal can be disposed inside the mobile terminal due to the change in the optical path, and functions such as magnification, autofocus (AF), zoom, and OIS can be achieved.

[0080] However, it is not limited thereto, and the first camera actuator 1100 can change the optical path vertically or at a predetermined angle multiple times.

[0081] The second camera actuator 1200 may be disposed at the rear end of the first camera actuator 1100. The second camera actuator 1200 can be coupled to the first camera actuator 1100. Also, the coupling between them may be performed in various ways.

[0082] Also, the second camera actuator 1200 may be a zoom actuator or an AF (Auto Focus) actuator. For example, the second camera actuator 1200 supports one or more lenses and can move the lenses according to a control signal of a predetermined control unit to perform an auto-focus function or a zoom function.

[0083] Also, one or more lenses move independently or individually along the optical axis direction.

[0084] The circuit board 1300 may be disposed at the rear end of the second camera actuator 1200. The circuit board 1300 can be electrically connected to the second camera actuator 1200 and the first camera actuator 1100. Also, there may be a plurality of circuit boards 1300.

[0085] The camera module according to the embodiment may be composed of one or more camera modules. For example, the plurality of camera modules may include a first camera module and a second camera module.

[0086] Also, the first camera module may include one or more actuators. For example, the first camera module may include the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200.

[0087] In addition, the second camera module may be disposed in a predetermined housing (not shown) and include an actuator (not shown) capable of driving a lens unit. The actuator may be a voice coil motor, a micro actuator, a silicon actuator, etc., and can be applied in various ways such as an electrostatic method, a thermal method, a bimorph method, an electrostatic force method, etc., but is not limited thereto. Also, in this specification, a camera actuator may sometimes be referred to as an actuator or the like. Further, a camera module composed of a plurality of camera modules may be mounted in various electronic devices such as a mobile terminal. Furthermore, the actuator may be a device that moves or tilts a lens or an optical member. However, hereinafter, the actuator will be described as a concept including a lens and an optical member. Furthermore, the actuator may also be called a "lens transfer device", "lens moving device", "optical member transfer device", "optical member moving device", etc.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 3, the camera module according to the embodiment may include a first camera actuator 1100 that performs an OIS function and a second camera actuator 1200 that performs a zooming function and an AF function.

[0089] Light can enter the camera module or the first camera actuator through an opening region located on the upper surface of the first camera actuator 1100. That is, light enters the inside of the first camera actuator 1100 along the optical axis direction (for example, the X-axis direction, based on the incident light), and the optical path can be changed in the vertical direction (for example, the Z-axis direction) by an optical member. Also, light can pass through the second camera actuator 1200 and enter an image sensor IS located at one end of the second camera actuator 1200 (PATH). In this specification, the Z-axis direction or the third direction will be described as the optical axis direction as follows.

[0090] In this specification, the bottom surface means one side in the first direction. Also, the first direction is the X-axis direction on the drawing, and it may be used interchangeably with the second axis direction or the like. The second direction is the Y-axis direction on the drawing, and it may be used interchangeably with the first axis direction or the like. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Also, the third direction is the Z-axis direction on the drawing, and it may be used interchangeably with the third axis direction or the like. Also, the third direction is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. Here, the third direction (Z-axis direction) corresponds to the direction of the optical axis, and the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction) are perpendicular to the optical axis. Also, in the following description of the first and second camera actuators, the optical axis direction is the third direction (Z-axis direction), and the following description is based on this.

[0091] Also, in this specification, the inner side may be the direction toward the first camera actuator by the cover CV, and the outer side may be the opposite direction to the inner side. That is, the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator are located inside the cover CV, and the cover CV may be located outside the first camera actuator or the second camera actuator.

[0092] Also, with such a configuration, the camera module according to the embodiment can improve the spatial limits of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator by changing the optical path. That is, the camera module according to the embodiment can extend the optical path while minimizing the thickness of the camera module in response to the change in the optical path. Furthermore, it should also be understood that the second camera actuator can provide a high range of magnification by controlling the focus and the like with the extended optical path.

[0093] Also, the camera module according to the embodiment can realize OIS by controlling the optical path through the first camera actuator, thereby minimizing the occurrence of decentering and tilting, and obtaining the best optical characteristics.

[0094] Furthermore, the second camera actuator 1200 may include an optical system and a lens driving unit. For example, at least one or more of a first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, and a third lens assembly may be arranged in the second camera actuator 1200.

[0095] In addition, the second camera actuator 1200 can be provided with a coil and a magnet to perform a high magnification zoom function and an autofocus function.

[0096] For example, the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly may be moving lenses that move via a coil, a magnet, and a guide pin, and the third lens assembly may be a fixed lens, but is not limited thereto. For example, the third lens assembly can function as a focator that forms an image of light at a specific position, and the first lens assembly can function as a variator that re-images the image formed by the third lens assembly, which is a focator, at another location. On the other hand, in the first lens assembly, there is a possibility that the distance to the subject or the image distance changes significantly and the magnification change is large, and the first lens assembly, which is a variator, can play an important role in the focal length or magnification change of the optical system. On the other hand, the image points formed by the first lens assembly, which is a variator, may have a slight difference depending on the position. Therefore, the second lens assembly can function as a position compensation function for the image formed by the variator. For example, the second lens assembly can function as a compensator that accurately forms the image point formed by the first lens assembly, which is a variator, at the actual image sensor position. For example, the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly may be driven by an electromagnetic force due to the interaction between the coil and the magnet. The above-described content can be applied to the lens assemblies described later. Also, the first lens assembly to the third lens assembly can move along the optical axis direction, that is, the third direction. Also, the first lens assembly to the third lens assembly can move in the third direction independently or dependently on each other. In the present invention, the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly can move along the optical axis direction. Also, the third lens assembly may be located at the front end of the first lens assembly or the rear end of the second lens assembly. Also, the third lens assembly may not move in the optical axis direction. That is, the third lens assembly may be a fixed part. Also, the first and second lens assemblies may be moving parts.

[0097] On the one hand, when the OIS actuator and the AF / Zoom actuator are arranged according to the embodiment of the present invention, magnetic field interference with the AF / Zoom magnet can be prevented during the driving of OIS. Since the first drive magnet of the first camera actuator 1100 is arranged separately from the second camera actuator 1200, magnetic field interference between the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200 can be prevented. In this specification, OIS may be used interchangeably with terms such as shake correction, optical image stabilization, optical image correction, and blur correction.

[0098] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a first camera actuator according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4b is an exploded perspective view of the first camera actuator according to the embodiment.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the first camera actuator 1100 according to the embodiment includes a first housing 1120, a mover 1130, a rotating portion 1140, a first driving portion 1150, a first member 1126, and a second member 1131a.

[0100] The mover 1130 may include a holder 1131 and an optical member 1132 mounted on the holder 1131. Further, the rotating portion 1140 may include a tilt guide portion 1141, a second magnetic body 1142 and a first magnetic body 1143 having the same or different polarities from each other so as to press the tilt guide portion 1141. For example, the first magnetic body 1143 and the second magnetic body 1142 may have the same polarity on the surfaces facing each other. The first driving portion 1150 includes a drive magnet 1151, a drive coil 1152, a hall sensor portion 1153, a first substrate portion 1154, and a yoke portion 1155.

[0101] First, the first camera actuator 1100 may include a shield can (not shown). The shield can (not shown) is located on the outermost side of the first camera actuator 1100 and may be located so as to surround the rotating portion 1140 and the first driving portion 1150 described later.

[0102] Such a shield can (not shown) can block or reduce the electromagnetic waves generated outside. That is, the shield can (not shown) can reduce the occurrence of malfunction in the rotating unit 1140 or the first drive unit 1150.

[0103] The first housing 1120 may be located inside the shield can (not shown). In the case where there is no shield can, the first housing 1120 may be located on the outermost side of the first camera actuator.

[0104] Also, the first housing 1120 may be located inside the first substrate portion 1154 described later. The first housing 1120 may be fitted or aligned with the shield can (not shown) and fastened.

[0105] The first housing 1120 may include a first housing side portion 1121, a second housing side portion 1122, a third housing side portion 1123, and a fourth housing side portion 1124. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

[0106] The first member 1126 may be disposed on the first housing 1120. A part of the region of the first member 1126 may be penetrated by the second member 1131a. The first member 1126 may be disposed inside the housing. The first member 1126 may be integral with the first housing 1120 or may have a separated structure.

[0107] The mover 1130 includes a holder 1131 and an optical member 1132 mounted on the holder 1131.

[0108] The holder 1131 can be fixed to the accommodation part 1125 of the first housing 1120. The holder 1131 may include a first holder outer surface to a fourth holder outer surface corresponding to the first housing side part 1121, the second housing side part 1122, the third housing side part 1123, and the first member 1126 respectively. For example, the first holder outer surface to the fourth holder outer surface may correspond to or face the inner surfaces of the first housing side part 1121, the second housing side part 1122, the third housing side part 1123, and the first member 1126 respectively.

[0109] Also, the holder 1131 may include a second member 1131a disposed in the fourth fixing groove. The second member 1131a can penetrate the first member 1126 and be coupled to the holder 1131. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

[0110] The optical member 1132 can be fixed to the holder 1131. For this purpose, the holder 1131 may have a fixing surface, and the fixing surface may be formed by a receiving groove. In an embodiment, the optical member 1132 may be composed of a mirror or a prism. Although shown based on a prism below, it may be composed of a plurality of lenses as in the above-described embodiment. Alternatively, the optical member 1132 may be composed of a plurality of lenses and a prism or a mirror. Also, the optical member 1132 may include a reflection part disposed inside. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0111] Also, the optical member 1132 can reflect the light reflected from the outside (e.g., an object) inside the camera module. In other words, the optical member 1132 can improve the spatial limits of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator by changing the path of the reflected light. It should also be understood that thereby, the camera module can provide a high range of magnifications while minimizing the thickness and expanding the optical path.

[0112] Furthermore, the second member 1131a can be coupled to the holder 1131. The second member 1131a may be disposed outside the holder 1131 and inside the housing. Also, the second member 1131a can be seated in an additional groove located in a region other than the fourth seating groove on the outer surface of the fourth holder of the holder 1131. Thereby, the second member 1131a is coupled to the holder 1131, and at least a part of the first member 1126 can be located between the second member 1131a and the holder 1131. For example, at least a part of the first member 1126 may be disposed in a space formed between the second member 1131a and the holder 1131. Also, as described above, the second member 1131a can penetrate through the hole formed in the first member 1126.

[0113] Also, the second member 1131a may have a structure separate from the holder 1131. With such a configuration, as will be described later, the assembly of the first camera actuator can be easily performed. Alternatively, the second member 1131a may be integrally formed with the holder 1131, but will be described as a separated structure below.

[0114] The rotation unit 1140 includes a tilt guide unit 1141, a second magnetic body 1142 having the same polarity as each other so as to press the tilt guide unit 1141, and a first magnetic body 1143.

[0115] The tilt guide unit 1141 can be coupled to the above-described mover 1130 and the first housing 1120. Specifically, the tilt guide unit 1141 may be disposed between the holder 1131 and the first member 1126. Therefore, the tilt guide unit 1141 can be coupled to the mover 1130 and the first housing 1120 of the holder 1131. However, different from the above-described content, in the present embodiment, the tilt guide unit 1141 may be disposed between the first member 1126 and the holder 1131. Specifically, the tilt guide unit 1141 may be located between the first member 1126 and the fourth seating groove of the holder 1131. For example, at least a part of the tilt guide unit 1141 may be located in the fourth seating groove.

[0116] In the third direction (Z-axis direction), the second member 1131a, the first member 1126, the tilt guide portion 1141, and the holder 1131 may be arranged in this order. Also, the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143 can be seated in a first groove gr1 formed in the second member 1131a and a second groove gr2 formed in the first member 1126, respectively. In the present embodiment, the first groove gr1 and the second groove gr2 may be different in position from the first and second grooves. However, the first groove gr1 is located within the second member 1131a and moves integrally with the holder and the second member 1131a, and the second groove gr2 is located on the first member 1126 corresponding to the first groove gr1 and is coupled to the first housing 1120. Therefore, these terms will be described using a mixture. Further, the first groove and the second groove may be grooves as described above. Alternatively, the first groove and the second groove may be replaced with holes.

[0117] Also, the tilt guide portion 1141 may be arranged adjacent to the optical axis. Thereby, the actuator according to the embodiment can easily change the optical path by the first and second axis tilts described later.

[0118] The tilt guide portion 1141 may include a first protrusion arranged spaced apart in the first direction (X-axis direction) and a second protrusion arranged spaced apart in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Also, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may protrude in opposite directions to each other. The first protrusion and the second protrusion may include a plurality of protrusions, balls, and rolling members.

[0119] Also, as described above, the second magnetic body 1142 may be located within the second member 1131a. Also, the first magnetic body 1143 may be located within the first member 1126.

[0120] The second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143 may have the same polarity as each other. For example, the second magnetic body 1142 may be a magnet having an N pole, and the first magnetic body 1143 may be a magnet having an N pole. Alternatively, conversely, the second magnetic body 1142 may be a magnet having an S pole, and the first magnetic body 1143 may be a magnet having an S pole.

[0121] For example, the first pole face of the first magnetic body 1143 and the second pole face of the second magnetic body 1142 facing the first pole face may have the same polarity as each other.

[0122] The second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143 can generate a repulsive force between each other due to the above-described polarity. With such a configuration, the above-described repulsive force can be applied to the second member 1131a or the holder 1131 coupled to the second magnetic body 1142, and the first member 1126 or the first housing 1120 coupled to the first magnetic body 1143. At this time, the repulsive force applied to the second member 1131a can be transmitted to the holder 1131 coupled to the second member 1131a. Thereby, the tilt guide portion 1141 disposed between the second member 1131a and the first member 1126 can be pressed by the repulsive force. That is, the repulsive force can maintain the tilt guide portion 1141 positioned between the holder 1131 and the first housing 1120 (or the first member 1126). With such a configuration, the position between the mover 1130 and the first housing 1120 can be maintained even during X-axis tilt or Y-axis tilt. Further, the tilt guide portion can be in close contact with the first member 1126 and the holder 1131 due to the repulsive force between the first magnetic body 1143 and the second magnetic body 1142. In other words, the repulsive force by the first magnetic body 1143 and the second magnetic body 1142 may be a maintaining force for the position between the holder 1131 and the first housing 1120.

[0123] The first drive unit 1150 includes a drive magnet 1151, a drive coil 1152, a hall sensor unit 1153, a first substrate unit 1154, and a yoke unit 1155. The details thereof will be described later. Further, the yoke unit 1155 may be referred to as the "first yoke unit" in the first camera actuator. Also, the yoke unit in the second camera actuator may be referred to as the "second yoke unit".

[0124] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of the first camera actuator according to the embodiment, FIG. 5b is a view seen along PP' of FIG. 5a, and FIG. 5c is a view seen along QQ' of FIG. 5a.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 5a to 5c, the third coil 1152a may be located on the first housing side portion 1121, and the third magnet 1151a may be located on the first holder outer surface 1131S1 of the holder 1131. Accordingly, the third coil 1152a and the third magnet 1151a may be positioned to face each other. The third magnet 1151a may at least partially overlap the third coil 1152a in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0126] Also, the fourth coil 1152b may be located on the second housing side portion 1122, and the fourth magnet 1151b may be located on the second holder outer surface 1131S2 of the holder 1131. Accordingly, the fourth coil 1152b and the fourth magnet 1151b may be positioned to face each other. The fourth magnet 1151b may at least partially overlap the fourth coil 1152b in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0127] Also, the third coil 1152a and the fourth coil 1152b may overlap in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the third magnet 1151a and the fourth magnet 1151b may overlap in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0128] With such a configuration, the electromagnetic force applied to the outer surface of the holder (the first holder outer surface and the second holder outer surface) is applied parallel to the axis in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the X-axis tilt can be performed accurately and precisely.

[0129] Further, the second protruding portions PR2a and PR2b of the tilt guide portion 1141 may be in contact with the first member 1126 of the first housing 1120. The second protruding portion PR2 can be seated in a second protruding groove PH2 formed on one side surface of the first member 1126. Also, when performing X-axis tilting, the second protruding portions PR2a and PR2b may be the tilt reference axis (or rotation axis). Accordingly, the tilt guide portion 1141 and the mover 1130 can move along the second direction.

[0130] Also, as described above, the first hall sensor 1153a may be located outside for electrical connection and coupling with the first substrate portion 1154. However, it is not limited to such a position.

[0131] Also, the fifth coil 1152c may be located on the third housing side portion 1123, and the fifth magnet 1151c may be located on the third holder outer surface 1131S3 of the holder 1131. The fifth coil 1152c and the fifth magnet 1151c may at least partially overlap in the first direction (X-axis direction). Thereby, the intensity of the electromagnetic force between the fifth coil 1152c and the fifth magnet 1151c can be easily controlled.

[0132] As described above, the tilt guide portion 1141 may be located on the fourth holder outer surface 1131S4 of the holder 1131. Also, the tilt guide portion 1141 can be seated in a fourth seating groove 1131S4a on the fourth holder outer surface. As described above, the fourth seating groove 1131S4a may include a first region AR1, a second region AR2, and a third region AR3.

[0133] In the first region AR1, a second member 1131a is disposed, and the second member 1131a may include a first groove gr1 formed on the inner surface. Also, as described above, a second magnetic body 1142 is disposed in the first groove gr1, and the repulsive force RF2 generated by the second magnetic body 1142 can be transmitted to the fourth seating groove 1131S4a of the holder 1131 via the second member 1131a (RF2’). Therefore, the holder 1131 can apply a force to the tilt guide portion 1141 in the same direction as the repulsive force RF2 generated by the second magnetic body 1142.

[0134] In the second region AR2, a first member 1126 may be disposed. The first member 1126 may include a second groove gr2 facing the first groove gr1. Also, the first member 1126 may include a second protrusion groove PH2 disposed on a surface corresponding to the second groove gr2. Further, the repulsive force RF1 generated by the first magnetic body 1143 can be applied to the first member 1126. Thereby, the first member 1126 and the second member 1131a can press the tilt guide portion 1141 disposed between the first member 1126 and the holder 1131 through the generated repulsive forces RF1 and RF2’. Therefore, even after the holder is tilted in the X-axis or Y-axis direction by the current applied to the third and fourth coils or the fifth coil 1152c, the connection between the holder 1131, the first housing 1120, and the tilt guide portion 1141 can be maintained.

[0135] In the third region AR3, a tilt guide portion 1141 may be disposed. The tilt guide portion 1141 may include a first protrusion PR1 and a second protrusion PR2 as described above. At this time, the first protrusion PR1 and the second protrusion PR2 may be disposed on the second surface 1141b and the first surface 1141a of the base BS, respectively. Thus, also in other embodiments described below, the first protrusion PR1 and the second protrusion PR2 may be variously positioned on the opposing surfaces of the base BS.

[0136] The first protruding groove PH1 may be located in the fourth seating groove 1131S4a. Further, the first protruding portion PR1 of the tilt guide portion 1141 may be accommodated in the first protruding groove PH1. Therefore, the first protruding portion PR1 can be in contact with the first protruding groove PH1. The maximum diameter of the first protruding groove PH1 can correspond to the maximum diameter of the first protruding portion PR1. This can be similarly applied to the second protruding groove PH2 and the second protruding portion PR2. That is, the maximum diameter of the second protruding groove PH2 can correspond to the maximum diameter of the second protruding portion PR2. Therefore, the second protruding portion PR2 can be in contact with the second protruding groove PH2. With such a configuration, the first axis tilt with respect to the first protruding portion PR1 and the second axis tilt with respect to the second protruding portion PR2 can be easily generated, and the tilt radius can be improved.

[0137] Further, the tilt guide portion 1141 may be arranged side by side with the second member 1131a and the first member 1126 in the third direction (Z-axis direction), and the tilt guide portion 1141 may overlap with the optical member 1132 in the first direction (X-axis direction). More specifically, in the embodiment, the first protruding portion PR1 may overlap with the optical member 1132 in the first direction (X-axis direction). Further, at least a part of the first protruding portion PR1 may overlap with the fifth coil 1152c or the fifth magnet 1151c in the first direction (X-axis direction). That is, each protruding portion, which is the central axis of the tilt in the camera actuator according to the embodiment, may be located adjacent to the center of gravity of the mover 1130. Thereby, the tilt guide portion may be located adjacent to the center of gravity of the holder. Thereby, the camera actuator according to the embodiment can minimize the moment value for tilting the holder, and can also minimize the current consumption applied to the coil portion or the like for tilting the holder, so that the power consumption and the reliability of the element can be improved.

[0138] Furthermore, the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143 may not overlap with the fifth coil 1152c or the optical member 1132 in the first direction (X-axis direction). In other words, in the embodiment, the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143 may be arranged to be separated from the fifth coil 1152c or the optical member 1132 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Thereby, the fifth coil 1152c can minimize the magnetic force transmitted from the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143. Therefore, the camera actuator according to the embodiment can easily perform vertical driving (Y-axis tilt) and can minimize power consumption.

[0139] Furthermore, as described above, the second Hall sensor 1153b located inside the fifth coil 1153c senses a change in magnetic flux, and thereby, position sensing between the fifth magnet 1151c and the second Hall sensor 1153b can be performed. At this time, the offset voltage of the second Hall sensor 1153b may change due to the influence of the magnetic field formed by the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143.

[0140] In the first camera actuator according to the embodiment, the second member 1131a, the second magnetic body 1142, the first magnetic body 1143, the first member 1126, the tilt guide portion 1141, and the holder 1131 may be arranged in this order in the third direction. However, since the second magnetic body is located inside the second member and the first magnetic body is located inside the first member, they may be arranged in the order of the second member, the first member, the tilt guide portion, and the holder.

[0141] Also, in the embodiment, the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143 may have a separation distance in the third direction from the holder 1131 (or the optical member 1132) that is greater than the separation distance between the tilt guide portions 1141. Thereby, the second Hall sensor 1153b at the lower part of the holder 1131 may also be arranged at a predetermined distance from the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143. Therefore, the influence of the magnetic field formed by the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143 on the second Hall sensor 1153b can be minimized, and it is possible to prevent the Hall voltage from concentrating in the positive or negative direction and saturating. That is, with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a range in which Hall Calibration can be performed on the Hall electrode. Furthermore, temperature also affects the electrodes of the Hall sensor, and the resolution of the camera lens changes with temperature. However, in the embodiment, since the concentration of the Hall voltage in the positive or negative direction is prevented and compensation for the resolution of the lens is also performed correspondingly, a decrease in resolution can be easily prevented.

[0142] Also, circuit design for compensating the offset with respect to the output (i.e., Hall voltage) of the second Hall sensor 1153b can be easily performed.

[0143] Also, according to the embodiment, a part of the tilt guide portion 1141 may be located outside the outer surface of the fourth holder of the holder 1131 compared to the outer surface of the fourth holder of the holder 1131.

[0144] The tilt guide portion 1141 can be seated in the fourth seating groove 1131S4a with reference to the base BS, excluding the first protrusion PR1 and the second protrusion PR2. In other words, the length of the base BS in the third direction (Z-axis direction) may be smaller than the length of the fourth seating groove 1131S4a in the third direction (Z-axis direction). With such a configuration, miniaturization becomes easy.

[0145] Further, the tilt guide portion 1141 may have a maximum length in the third direction (Z-axis direction) that is greater than the length of the fourth seating groove 1131S4a in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, as described above, the end of the second protruding portion PR2 can be positioned between the outer surface of the fourth holder and the first member 1126. That is, at least a part of the second protruding portion PR2 may be located in the direction opposite to the third direction (Z-axis direction) with respect to the holder 1131. In other words, the holder 1131 may be separated from the end of the second protruding portion PR2 (the portion in contact with the second protruding groove) by a predetermined distance in the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0146] Also, the front surface 1131aes of the second member 1131a according to the embodiment may be separated from the front surface 1126es of the first member 1126. In particular, the front surface 1131aes of the second member 1131a according to the embodiment may be positioned in the third direction (Z-axis direction) from the front surface 1126es of the first member 1126. Alternatively, the front surface 1131aes of the second member 1131a according to the embodiment may be positioned inside the front surface 1126es of the first member 1126. For this purpose, the first member 1126 may have a structure that extends and bends inward. Also, a part of the second member 1131a may be positioned in a groove formed by the extended and bent structure of the first member 1126.

[0147] With such a configuration, since the second member 1131a is positioned inside the first member 1126, space efficiency can be improved and miniaturization can be achieved. Further, even when driving by electromagnetic force (tilting or rotation of the mover 1130) is performed, the second member 1131a does not protrude outside the first member 1126, so contact with surrounding elements can be prevented. Therefore, reliability can be improved.

[0148] Also, a predetermined separation space may exist between the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143. In other words, the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143 may face each other with the same polarity.

[0149] FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a first camera actuator according to an embodiment, FIG. 6b is a view seen along SS' in FIG. 6a, and FIG. 6c is an exemplary view of the movement of the first camera actuator shown in FIG. 6b.

[0150] Referring to FIGS. 6a to 6c, the first camera actuator according to the embodiment can perform Y-axis tilting. That is, by rotating in the first direction (X-axis direction), OIS can be realized.

[0151] In the embodiment, the fifth magnet 1151c disposed below the holder 1131 can tilt or rotate the mover 1130 with respect to the second direction (Y-axis direction) by forming an electromagnetic force with the fifth coil 1152c.

[0152] Specifically, the repulsive force between the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143 can be transmitted to the second member 1131a and the first member 1126, and finally transmitted to the tilt guide portion 1141 disposed between the first member 1126 and the holder 1131. As a result, the tilt guide portion 1141 can be pressed by the mover 1130 and the first housing 1120 due to the above-described repulsive force.

[0153] Also, the second protrusion PR2 may be supported by the first member 1126. At this time, in the embodiment, the tilt guide portion 1141 can rotate or tilt with respect to the second protrusion PR2 protruding toward the first member 1126 as a reference axis (or rotation axis), that is, with respect to the second direction (Y-axis direction). In other words, the tilt guide portion 1141 can rotate or tilt in the first direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the second protrusion PR2 protruding toward the first member 1126 as a reference axis (or rotation axis).

[0154] For example, by the first electromagnetic forces F1A and F1B between the fifth magnet 1151c disposed in the third seating groove and the fifth coil portion 1152c disposed on the third substrate side portion, the mover 1130 is rotated by the first angle θ1 in the X-axis direction (X1 → X1a), and OIS can be realized.

[0155] Conversely, by rotating the mover 1130 in the opposite direction of the X-axis direction by the first angle θ1 (X1→X1b) due to the first electromagnetic forces F1A and F1B between the fifth magnet 1151c disposed in the third seating groove and the fifth coil portion 1152c disposed on the third substrate side portion, OIS can be realized.

[0156] The first angle θ1 may be ±1° to ±3°. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0157] Hereinafter, in the first camera actuator according to various embodiments, the electromagnetic force can generate a force in the described direction to move the mover, and can also generate a force in a different direction to move the mover in the described direction. That is, the direction of the described electromagnetic force means the direction of the force generated by the magnet and the coil to move the mover. For example, the first electromagnetic forces F1A and F1B can act in the third direction or the opposite direction of the third direction.

[0158] Further, the center MC1 of the second magnetic body 1142 and the center MC2 of the first magnetic body 1143 may be arranged side by side along the third direction (Z-axis direction). In other words, the center line TL1 connecting the center MC1 of the second magnetic body 1142 and the center MC2 of the first magnetic body 1143 may be parallel to the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0159] Further, bisecting the second protrusion PR2, the bisecting line TL2 corresponding to the third direction (Z-axis direction) may be arranged side by side with the center line TL1. In other words, the bisecting line TL2 may be a plurality of lines that bisect the second protrusion PR2 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0160] In an embodiment, such a bisector line TL2 may be arranged at a distance from the center line TL1 in the first direction (X-axis direction). The bisector line TL2 may be located above the center line TL1. With such a configuration, the separation distance between the fifth coil 1152c or the fifth magnet 1151c increases, and the holder can be tilted more accurately in two axes. Further, when no current is applied to the coil, the position of the holder can be maintained the same.

[0161] More specifically, since the center MC1 of the second magnetic body 1142 and the center MC2 of the first magnetic body 1143 are separated from the bisector line TL2 in the first direction (X-axis direction), the force (for example, repulsive force) between the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143 can act separated from the bisector line TL2 corresponding to the optical axis in the first direction (X-axis direction). Also, due to such a force, momentum is generated in the mover 1130. However, if the center MC1 of the second magnetic body 1142 and the center MC2 of the first magnetic body 1143 are located on the bisector line TL2, there is a problem that the calibration progress and the position of the tilt guide portion and the second magnetic body 1142 are not maintained after tilting. That is, the camera actuator according to the embodiment is configured such that the center MC1 of the second magnetic body 1142 and the center MC2 of the first magnetic body 1143 are not arranged on the bisector line TL2, so that the positions of the tilt guide portion and the second magnetic body 1142 can be maintained after tilting or rotation.

[0162] In another embodiment, the center MC1 of the second magnetic body 1142 and the center MC2 of the first magnetic body 1143 may be arranged separated from each other in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0163] Also, the center MC1 of the second magnetic body 1142 and the center MC2 of the first magnetic body 1143 do not have to be located on the bisector line TL2. For example, the center MC1 of the second magnetic body 1142 and the center MC2 of the first magnetic body 1143 may be located above the bisector line TL2.

[0164] As a result, the separation distance between the fifth coil 1152c or the fifth magnet 1151c increases, and the holder can be tilted more accurately in two axes. Further, the position of the holder can be maintained the same when no current is applied to the coil.

[0165] Also, the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143 may have different lengths in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0166] In an embodiment, the second magnetic body 1142 that is coupled to the second member 1131a and tilts together with the mover 1130 may have an area larger than the area of the first magnetic body 1143. As an example, the second magnetic body 1142 may have a length in the first direction (X-axis direction) larger than the length of the first magnetic body 1143 in the first direction (X-axis direction). Also, the second magnetic body 1142 may have a length in the second direction (Y-axis direction) larger than the length of the first magnetic body 1143 in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Also, the first magnetic body 1143 may be positioned within a virtual straight line extending in the third direction at both ends of the second magnetic body 1142.

[0167] With such a configuration, when tilting or rotating, even if one side magnetic body (for example, the second magnetic body) tilts, it is possible to easily prevent other forces than the vertical force from being generated by the tilt. That is, even if the second magnetic body tilts up and down together with the mover 1130, it does not receive a force (for example, a repulsive force or an attractive force) opposing the tilt from the first magnetic body 1143. Thereby, the drive efficiency can be improved.

[0168] FIG. 7a is a view seen from RR' of FIG. 6a, and FIG. 7b is an exemplary view of the movement of the first camera actuator shown in FIG. 7a2.

[0169] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, X-axis tilting can be performed. That is, by tilting or rotating the mover 1130 in the Y-axis direction, OIS can be realized.

[0170] In an embodiment, each of the third magnet 1151a and the fourth magnet 1151b disposed on the holder 1131 forms an electromagnetic force with the third coil 1152a and the fourth coil 1152b, and can tilt or rotate the tilt guide portion 1141 and the mover 1130 with respect to the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0171] Specifically, the repulsive force between the second magnetic body 1142 and the first magnetic body 1143 can be transmitted to the first member 1126 and the holder 1131, and finally transmitted to the tilt guide portion 1141 disposed between the holder 1131 and the first member 1126. Thereby, the tilt guide portion 1141 can be pressed by the mover 1130 and the first housing 1120 due to the above-described repulsive force.

[0172] Further, the first-1 protrusion PR1a and the first-2 protrusion PR1b may be supported by the first protrusion groove PH1 formed in the fourth seating groove 1131S4a of the holder 1131 so as to be separated in the first direction (X-axis direction). In the embodiment, the tilt guide portion 1141 can rotate or tilt with respect to the first protrusion PR1 protruding toward the holder 1131 (for example, toward the third direction) as a reference axis (or rotation axis), that is, with respect to the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0173] For example, by rotating the mover 1130 by a second angle θ2 in the Y-axis direction (Y1→Y1a) by the second electromagnetic forces F2A and F2B between the third and fourth magnets 1151a and 1151b disposed in the first seating groove and the third and fourth coil portions 1152a and 1152b disposed on the first and second substrate side portions, OIS can be realized. Further, by rotating the mover 1130 by a second angle θ2 in the Y-axis direction (Y1→Y1b) by the second electromagnetic forces F2A and F2B between the third and fourth magnets 1151a and 1151b disposed in the first seating groove and the third and fourth coil portions 1152a and 1152b disposed on the first and second substrate side portions, OIS can be realized. The second angle θ2 may be ±1° to 3°, but is not limited thereto.

[0174] Also, as described above, the electromagnetic forces generated by the third and fourth magnets 1151a and 1151b and the third and fourth coils 1152a and 1152b can act in the third direction or the opposite direction of the third direction. For example, the electromagnetic force can be generated in the third direction (Z-axis direction) from the left side of the mover 1130 and act in the opposite direction of the third direction (Z-axis direction) from the right side of the mover 1130. Therefore, the mover 1130 can rotate with reference to the first direction. Alternatively, it can move along the second direction.

[0175] In this way, the first actuator according to the embodiment controls the rotation of the mover 1130 in the first direction (X-axis direction) or the second direction (Y-axis direction) by the electromagnetic force between the drive magnet in the holder and the drive coil arranged in the first housing, thereby minimizing the occurrence of decent and tilt during the realization of OIS and providing the best optical characteristics. Also, as described above, "Y-axis tilt" means rotating or tilting in the first direction (X-axis direction), and "X-axis tilt" means rotating or tilting in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0176] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second camera actuator according to an embodiment, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the second camera actuator according to an embodiment, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along DD' of FIG. 8, FIGS. 11a, 11b, and 11c are perspective views of a second housing in the second camera actuator according to an embodiment, FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining each drive of a lens assembly according to an embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the drive of the second camera actuator according to an embodiment.

[0177] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the second camera actuator 1200 according to the embodiment may include a lens unit 1220, a second housing 1230, a second drive unit 1250, a base unit 1260, a second substrate unit 1270, a joining member AM, a stopper unit ST, and a yoke unit YK. Further, the second camera actuator 1200 may further include a second shield can (not shown) and an elastic unit (not shown).

[0178] The second shield can (not shown) may be located in an area (e.g., the outermost area) of the second camera actuator 1200 and may be positioned to surround components (lens unit 1220, second housing 1230, second driving unit 1250, base unit 1260, second substrate unit 1270, and image sensor IS) described later.

[0179] Such a second shield can (not shown) can block or reduce electromagnetic waves generated externally. Thereby, the occurrence of malfunction in the second driving unit 1250 can be reduced.

[0180] The lens unit 1220 may be located within the second shield can (not shown). The lens unit 1220 can move along the third direction (Z-axis direction or optical axis direction). Thereby, the above-described AF function and zoom function can be achieved.

[0181] Also, the lens unit 1220 may be located within the second housing 1230. Therefore, at least a part of the lens unit 1220 can move along the optical axis direction or the third direction (Z-axis direction) within the second housing 1230.

[0182] Specifically, the lens unit 1220 may include a lens group 1221 and a moving assembly 1222.

[0183] First, the lens group 1221 may include at least one or more lenses. Also, there may be a plurality of lens groups 1221, but hereinafter, it will be described based on one.

[0184] The lens group 1221 can move in the third direction (Z-axis direction) by the electromagnetic force generated by the first magnet 1252a and the second magnet 1252b coupled to the moving assembly 1222 and coupled to the moving assembly 1222.

[0185] In an embodiment, the lens group 1221 may include a first lens group 1221a, a second lens group 1221b, and a third lens group 1221c. The first lens group 1221a, the second lens group 1221b, and the third lens group 1221c may be sequentially arranged along the optical axis direction. Further, the lens group 1221 may further include a fourth lens group 1221d. The fourth lens group 1221d may be arranged at the rear end of the third lens group 1221c.

[0186] The first lens group 1221a may be coupled and fixed to the second-1 housing. In other words, the first lens group 1221a may not move along the optical axis direction.

[0187] The second lens group 1221b can be coupled to the first lens assembly 1222a and move in the third direction or the optical axis direction. The magnification can be adjusted by the movement of the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens group 1221b.

[0188] The third lens group 1221c can be coupled to the second lens assembly 1222b and move in the third direction or the optical axis direction. Focus adjustment or autofocus can be performed by the movement of the third lens group 1221c.

[0189] However, it is not limited to such a number of lens groups. The fourth lens group 1221d may not be present, or additional lens groups other than the fourth lens group 1121d may be further arranged.

[0190] The moving assembly 1222 may include an opening region surrounding the lens group 1221. Such a moving assembly 1222 is used in combination with the lens assembly. Also, the moving assembly 1222 can be coupled to the lens group 1221 in various ways. Further, the moving assembly 1222 may include a groove on its side surface and can be coupled to the first magnet 1252a and the second magnet 1252b through the groove. A coupling member or the like may be applied to the groove.

[0191] Further, the moving assembly 1222 may be coupled to elastic parts (not shown) at its upper end and rear end. Accordingly, the moving assembly 1222 may move in the third direction (Z-axis direction) and be supported by the elastic parts (not shown). That is, the position of the moving assembly 1222 can be maintained and held in the third direction (Z-axis direction). The elastic parts (not shown) may be formed of various elastic elements such as leaf springs.

[0192] The moving assembly 1222 is located within the second housing 1230 and may include a first lens assembly 1222a and a second lens assembly 1222b. Further, there may be a plurality of moving assemblies 1222, and at least one of them may move in the optical axis direction. Hereinafter, at least one of the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b may include a lens holder containing a lens, a side plate on which balls B1 and B2 are seated, a rail part including wing parts extending from the side plate, and a joining member AM disposed between the rail part and the lens holder. The joining member AM may be cured by light (e.g., UV light) after active alignment or optical axis alignment. For example, the joining member AM may include epoxy or the like. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

[0193] The region where the third lens group is seated in the second lens assembly 1222b may be located at the rear end of the first lens assembly 1222a. In other words, the region where the third lens group 1221c is seated in the second lens assembly 1222b may be located between the region where the second lens group 1221b is seated in the first lens assembly 1222a and the image sensor.

[0194] The first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b can each be seated inside the second - 2 housing. For example, the recess in which the ball of the first lens assembly 1222a is disposed may be located opposite the first side portion. Also, the recess in which the ball of the second lens assembly 1222b is disposed may be located opposite the second side portion. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

[0195] In addition, on the outer surfaces of the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b, a second drive magnet can be mounted. For example, on the outer surface of the second lens assembly 1222b, the second magnet 1252b can be mounted. On the outer surface of the first lens assembly 1222a, the first magnet 1252a can be mounted.

[0196] The second housing 1230 may be disposed between the lens unit 1220 and a second shield can (not shown). Also, the second housing 1230 may be disposed so as to surround the lens unit 1220.

[0197] The second housing 1230 may include a second-1 housing 1231 and a second-2 housing 1232. The second-1 housing 1231 can be coupled to the first lens group 1221a and can also be coupled to the first camera actuator. The second-1 housing 1231 may be located in front of the second-2 housing 1232.

[0198] Also, the second-2 housing 1232 may be located at the rear end of the second-1 housing 1231. The lens unit 1220 can be mounted inside the second-2 housing 1232.

[0199] The second housing 1230 (or the second-2 housing 1232) may have holes formed in its side portions. The first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b may be disposed in the holes. The holes may be located corresponding to the grooves of the moving assembly 1222 described above.

[0200] In an embodiment, the second housing 1230 (particularly, the second - 2 housing 1232) may include a first side portion 1232a and a second side portion 1232b. The first side portion 1232a and the second side portion 1232b may be positioned corresponding to each other. For example, the first side portion 1232a and the second side portion 1232b may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the third direction. The second drive coil 1251 may be positioned on the first side portion 1232a and the second side portion 1232b. Also, the second substrate portion 1270 can be seated on the outer surfaces of the first side portion 1232a and the second side portion 1232b. In other words, the first substrate 1271 may be positioned on the outer surface of the first side portion 1232a, and the second substrate 1272 may be positioned on the outer surface of the second side portion 1232b.

[0201] As another example, the first and second guide grooves facing the recess (the seating groove where the first and second balls are seated) of the first lens assembly 1222a may be located on the first side portion. Also, the first and second guide grooves facing the recess of the second lens assembly 1222b may be located on the second side portion. At this time, another member (for example, a guide portion) including the first and second guide grooves may have a structure coupled to the second - 2 housing 1232. However, in this embodiment, the description is based on an integral structure in which the first and second guide grooves are formed in the second - 2 housing 1232. Further, in FIGS. 27 to 38, the second housing (or the second - 2 housing) and the first and second guide grooves are described as a separated structure.

[0202] Furthermore, similar to other examples, the first guide portion and the second guide portion may be positioned corresponding to each other. For example, the first guide portion and the second guide portion may be positioned opposite to each other with respect to the third direction (Z - axis direction). Also, at least a part of the first guide portion and the second guide portion may overlap each other in the second direction (Y - axis direction).

[0203] The first guide portion and the second guide portion may include at least one groove (e.g., a guide groove) or recess. Further, the first ball B1 or the second ball B2 can be seated in the groove or recess. Accordingly, the first ball B1 or the second ball B2 can move in the third direction (Z-axis direction) within the guide groove of the first guide portion or the guide groove of the second guide portion.

[0204] Alternatively, the first ball B1 or the second ball B2 can move in the third direction along a rail formed inside the first side portion 1232a of the second housing 1230 or a rail formed inside the second side portion 1232b of the second housing 1230.

[0205] Thereby, the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b can move in the third direction.

[0206] According to an embodiment, the first ball B1 may be disposed on the upper portion of the first lens assembly 1222a or the second lens assembly 1222b. Further, the second ball B2 may be disposed on the lower portion of the first lens assembly 1222a or the second lens assembly 1222b. For example, the first ball B1 may be located above the second ball B2. Accordingly, depending on the position, the first ball B1 may at least partially overlap the second ball B2 along the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0207] Further, the second-2 housing 1232 may include first guide grooves GG1a and GG2a facing the first recess RS1. Further, the second-2 housing 1232 may include second guide grooves GG1b and GG2b facing the second recess RS2. The first guide grooves GG1a and GG2a and the second guide grooves GG1b and GG2b may be grooves extending in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Further, the first guide grooves GG1a and GG2a and the second guide grooves GG1b and GG2b may be grooves having different shapes from each other. For example, the first guide grooves GG1a and GG2a may be grooves with inclined side surfaces, and the second guide grooves GG1b and GG2b may be grooves with side surfaces perpendicular to the bottom surface.

[0208] On the first side portion, the first magnet and the first coil may be located. Also, on the second side portion, the second magnet and the second coil may be located. Further, the second magnet 1252b may be located opposite to the second coil 1251b. Also, the first magnet 1252a may be located opposite to the first coil 1251a.

[0209] The elastic part (not shown) may include a first elastic member (not shown) and a second elastic member (not shown). The first elastic member (not shown) may be coupled to the upper surface of the moving assembly 1222. The second elastic member (not shown) may be coupled to the lower surface of the moving assembly 1222. Also, the first elastic member (not shown) and the second elastic member (not shown) may be formed from a leaf spring as described above. Also, the first elastic member (not shown) and the second elastic member (not shown) can provide elasticity against the movement of the moving assembly 1222. However, it is not limited to the positions described above, and the elastic part may be arranged at various positions.

[0210] Also, the second driving unit 1250 can provide a driving force for moving the lens unit 1220 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Such a second driving unit 1250 may include a second driving coil 1251 and a second driving magnet 1252. Further, the second driving unit 1250 may further include a second hall sensor unit. The second hall sensor unit 1253 includes at least one fourth hall sensor 1253a and may be located inside or outside the second driving coil 1251.

[0211] Due to the electromagnetic force formed between the second driving coil 1251 and the second driving magnet 1252, the moving assembly can move in the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0212] The second drive coil 1251 may include a first coil 1251a and a second coil 1251b. The first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b may be disposed in holes formed in side portions of the second housing 1230. Also, the first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b can be electrically connected to the second substrate portion 1270. Accordingly, the first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b can receive current or the like via the second substrate portion 1270.

[0213] The second drive magnet 1252 may include a first magnet 1252a and a second magnet 1252b. The first magnet 1252a and the second magnet 1252b may be disposed in the grooves described above of the moving assembly 1222 and may be positioned corresponding to the first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b.

[0214] The base portion 1260 may be located between the lens portion 1220 and the image sensor IS. Components such as a filter may be fixed to the base portion 1260. Also, the base portion 1260 may be arranged to surround the image sensor described above. With such a configuration, foreign matter or the like does not adhere to the image sensor, so that the reliability of the element can be improved. However, in some of the following drawings, this will be omitted from the description. However, it is not limited to such a structure.

[0215] Also, the second camera actuator 1200 may be a zoom actuator and an AF (Auto Focus) actuator. For example, the second camera actuator supports one or more lenses and can move the lenses according to a control signal of a predetermined control unit to perform at least one of an auto focus function and a zoom function.

[0216] Also, the second camera actuator may be a fixed zoom or a continuous zoom. For example, the second camera actuator can provide movement of the lens group 1221.

[0217] Furthermore, the second camera actuator may be composed of a plurality of lens assemblies. For example, in addition to the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b, at least one or more of a third lens assembly (not shown) and guide pins (not shown) may be arranged in the second camera actuator. The above-described content can be applied to this. Therefore, the second camera actuator can perform a high-magnification zoom function through the second driving unit. For example, the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b may be moving lenses that move through the second driving unit and guide pins (not shown), and the third lens assembly (not shown) may be a fixed lens, but is not limited thereto. For example, the third lens assembly (not shown) can perform the function of a focator that forms an image of light at a specific position, and the first lens assembly can perform the function of a variator that re-images the image formed by the third lens assembly (not shown) that is a focator at another location. On the other hand, in the first lens assembly, there is a possibility that the distance to the subject or the image distance changes greatly and the magnification change is large, and the first lens assembly that is a variator can play an important role in the focal length or magnification change of the optical system. On the other hand, the image point formed by the first lens assembly that is a variator may have a slight difference depending on the position. Therefore, the second lens assembly can perform a position compensation function for the image formed by the variator. For example, the second lens assembly can perform the function of a compensator that accurately forms the image point formed by the first lens assembly that is a variator at the actual image sensor position. However, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described based on the following drawings.

[0218] The image sensor may be located inside or outside the second camera actuator. In an embodiment, as shown in the figure, the image sensor may be located outside the second camera actuator. For example, the image sensor may be located on a circuit board. The image sensor can receive light and convert the received light into an electrical signal. Also, the image sensor may have a plurality of pixels arranged in an array. Further, the image sensor may be located on the optical axis.

[0219] The second substrate portion 1270 may be in contact with the side portion of the second housing. As an example, the second substrate portion 1270 may be located on the outer surfaces (the first side surface) of the first side portion and the outer surfaces (the second side surface) of the second side portion of the second housing, particularly the second - 2 housing, and may be in contact with the first side surface and the second side surface.

[0220] The stopper portion ST includes a first stopper ST1 disposed at one end and a second stopper ST2 disposed at the other end in the second - 2 housing 1232. The first stopper ST1 and the second stopper ST2 may be sequentially arranged along the optical axis direction.

[0221] Furthermore, there may be a plurality of the first stoppers ST1, which may be respectively arranged on the movement paths of the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly. For convenience, they are described as the first - 1 stopper ST1a and the first - 2 stopper ST1b. Similarly, there may be a plurality of the second stoppers ST2, which may be respectively arranged on the movement paths of the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly. Also, they are described as the second - 1 stopper ST2a and the second - 2 stopper ST2b.

[0222] The first - 1 stopper ST1a and the second - 1 stopper ST2a may be located on the movement path of the first lens assembly. The first - 2 stopper ST1b and the second - 2 stopper ST2b may be located on the movement path of the second lens assembly.

[0223] The first - 1 stopper ST1a and the first - 2 stopper ST1b may overlap in the second direction. Alternatively, the first - 1 stopper ST1a and the first - 2 stopper ST1b may be offset in the second direction.

[0224] Also, the second-1 stopper ST2a and the second-2 stopper ST2b may be displaced in the second direction. The distance in the third direction between the first-1 stopper ST1a and the second-1 stopper ST2a may be smaller than the distance between the first-2 stopper ST1b and the second-2 stopper ST2b. This is a configuration that reflects the fact that the movable distance (stroke) of the first lens assembly is shorter than the movable distance (stroke) of the second lens assembly.

[0225] In an embodiment, the second yoke portion or the yoke portion YK may be disposed outside the second driving portion. For example, the yoke portion YK may be disposed outside the first and second coils. The second yoke portion YK may include a first yoke YK1 and a second yoke YK2.

[0226] The first yoke YK1 and the second yoke YK2 may be disposed to face each other. For example, the first yoke YK1 and the second yoke YK2 may be positioned corresponding to each other with respect to the optical axis.

[0227] The first yoke YK1 may be positioned adjacent to the first coil 1251a. The second yoke YK2 may be positioned adjacent to the second coil 1251b. The first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b may be positioned inside the first yoke YK1 and the second yoke YK2. Also, the first yoke YK1, the first coil 1251a, the second coil 1251b, and the second yoke YK2 may be sequentially arranged in one direction (for example, the second direction). The first yoke YK1 can form an attractive force with the first magnet. Also, the second yoke YK2 can form an attractive force with the second magnet. Therefore, the postures of the first and second lens assemblies can be maintained.

[0228] Furthermore, the first yoke YK1 and the second yoke YK2 may have a varying thickness in some regions. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the magnetic force generated from the first and second magnets or the first and second coils from affecting other magnets and coils. For example, the first yoke YK1 can suppress the magnetic force generated by the first magnet from being applied to the second magnet and the second coil.

[0229] Referring to FIGS. 11a, 11b, and 11c, as described above, the second housing 1230 (particularly, the second-2 housing 1232) may include a first side portion 1232a and a second side portion 1232b. The first side portion 1232a and the second side portion 1232b may be positioned corresponding to each other. For example, the first side portion 1232a and the second side portion 1232b may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the third direction. The second drive coil may be positioned on the first side portion 1232a and the second side portion 1232b. Also, a second substrate portion can be seated on the outer surfaces of the first side portion 1232a and the second side portion 1232b. The second substrate portion is positioned outside the drive coil and can be electrically connected to the drive coil.

[0230] For example, a first substrate may be positioned on the outer surface of the first side portion 1232a, and a second substrate may be positioned on the outer surface of the second side portion 1232b.

[0231] Furthermore, on the inner surface of the first side portion 1232a, first guide grooves GG1a, GG1b on which the first ball and the second ball are seated may be positioned. The first guide grooves GG1a, GG1b may face the first recess and the second recess. Similarly, on the inner surface of the second side portion 1232b, second guide grooves GG2a, GG2b on which the first ball and the second ball are seated may be positioned. The first guide grooves GG1a, GG1b may face the first recess and the second recess.

[0232] Furthermore, the first side portion 1232a may include a first side portion hole 1232ah. The first magnet may be positioned in the first side portion hole 1232ah. Furthermore, the length of the first side portion hole 1232ah in the first direction may be smaller than that of the first coil.

[0233] Further, the second side portion 1232b may include a second side portion hole 1232bh. A second magnet may be positioned in the second side portion hole 1232bh. Further, the second side portion hole 1232bh may be smaller in length in the first direction than the second coil.

[0234] Furthermore, the second-2 housing 1232 may include a housing hole 1232h disposed in either the upper portion or the lower portion. The housing hole 1232h enables easy coupling and inspection (e.g., visual inspection) of the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly.

[0235] Also, the first guide grooves GG1a, GG1b located in the first side portion 1232a may extend in the third direction. Furthermore, the first guide grooves GG1a, GG1b may have different shapes from each other. For example, any one of the first guide grooves GG1a may be an inclined groove, and the other GG1b may be a flat structure. This can be similarly applied to the second guide grooves GG2a, GG2b. The first and second balls are seated in the inclined groove and the flat structure, and the first lens assembly or the second lens assembly can move along the optical axis direction.

[0236] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in the camera device according to the embodiment, an electromagnetic force DEM1 is generated between the first magnet 1252a and the first coil 1251a, and the first lens assembly 1222a is parallel to the optical axis, that is, in the third direction (Z-axis direction) or the opposite direction of the third direction, via the first ball B1 and the second ball B2, and can move along the rail located on the inner surface of the housing.

[0237] Specifically, in the camera device according to the embodiment, the first magnet 1252a may be provided in the first lens assembly 1222a by, for example, a vertical magnetization method. For example, in the embodiment, both the N pole and the S pole of the first magnet 1252a may be positioned to face the first coil 1251a. Accordingly, the N pole and the S pole of the first magnet 1252a may be respectively arranged so as to correspond to a region where a current flows in the X-axis direction or the opposite direction in the first coil 1251a.

[0238] In the embodiment, when a magnetic force is applied in the direction opposite to the second direction (Y-axis direction) at the N pole of the first magnet 1252a, and a current DE1 flows in the direction opposite to the first direction (X-axis direction) from the first coil 1251a corresponding to the N pole, an electromagnetic force DEM1 can act in the third direction (Z-axis direction) according to the interaction of electromagnetic forces (for example, Fleming's left-hand rule).

[0239] Further, in the embodiment, when a magnetic force is applied in the second direction (Y-axis direction) at the S pole of the first magnet 1252a, and a current DE1 flows in the first direction (X-axis direction) from the first coil 1251a corresponding to the S pole, an electromagnetic force DEM1 can act in the Z-axis direction due to the interaction of electromagnetic forces.

[0240] At this time, since the first coil 1251a is fixed to the side portion of the second housing, the first lens assembly 1222a in which the first magnet 1252a is arranged can move in the direction opposite to the Z-axis direction by the electromagnetic force DEM1 according to the current direction. That is, the second drive magnet can move in the direction opposite to the electromagnetic force applied to the second drive coil. Further, the direction of the electromagnetic force can be changed by the current in the coil and the magnetic force of the magnet.

[0241] Therefore, the first lens assembly 1222a can move along a rail located on the inner surface of the housing via the first ball B1 and the second ball B2 in the third direction or a direction parallel to the optical axis direction (bidirectional). At this time, the electromagnetic force DEM1 can be controlled in proportion to the current DE1 applied to the first coil 1251a.

[0242] The first lens assembly 1222a or the second lens assembly 1222b may include a first concave portion RS1 in which the first ball B1 is seated. Also, the first lens assembly 1222a or the second lens assembly 1222b may include a second concave portion RS2 in which the second ball B2 is seated. The length of the first concave portion RS1 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) may be preset. Also, the length of the second concave portion RS2 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) may be preset. Thereby, the first ball B1 and the second ball B2 can adjust the moving distance in the optical axis direction within each concave portion. In other words, the first concave portion RS1 or the second concave portion RS2 may be a stopper for the first and second balls B1, B2.

[0243] Also, in the camera device according to the embodiment, the second magnet 1252b may be provided in the second lens assembly 1222b by, for example, a vertical magnetization method. For example, in the embodiment, both the N pole and the S pole of the second magnet 1252b may be positioned to face the second coil 1251b. Thereby, the N pole and the S pole of the second magnet 1252b may be respectively arranged so as to correspond to a region where a current flows in the X-axis direction or the opposite direction in the second coil 1251b.

[0244] In the embodiment, when a magnetic force DM2 is applied in the second direction (Y-axis direction) by the N pole of the second magnet 1252b and a current DE2 flows in the first direction (X-axis direction) in the second coil 1251b corresponding to the N pole, an electromagnetic force DEM2 can act in the third direction (Z-axis direction) according to the interaction of electromagnetic forces (for example, Fleming's left-hand rule).

[0245] Also, in the embodiment, when a magnetic force is applied in the direction opposite to the second direction (Y-axis direction) by the S pole of the second magnet 1252b and a current DE2 flows in the direction opposite to the first direction (X-axis direction) in the second coil 1251b corresponding to the S pole, an electromagnetic force DEM2 can act in the Z-axis direction due to the interaction of electromagnetic forces.

[0246] At this time, since the second coil 1251b is fixed to the side portion of the second housing, the second lens assembly 1222b in which the second magnet 1252 is disposed can move in the opposite direction of the Z-axis direction by the electromagnetic force DEM2 according to the current direction. For example, as described above, the direction of the electromagnetic force can be changed by the current of the coil and the magnetic force of the magnet. Therefore, the second lens assembly 1222b can move along a rail located on the inner surface of the second housing via the second ball B2 in a direction parallel to the third direction (Z-axis direction). At this time, the electromagnetic force DEM2 can be controlled in proportion to the current DE2 applied to the second coil 1251b.

[0247] Referring to FIG. 14, in the camera device according to the embodiment, the second driving unit can provide driving forces F3A, F3B, F4A, and F4B for moving the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b of the lens unit 1220 along the third direction (Z-axis direction). Such a second driving unit may include the second driving coil 1251 and the second driving magnet 1252 as described above. Further, due to the electromagnetic force formed between the second driving coil 1251 and the second driving magnet 1252, the lens unit 1220 can move along the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0248] At this time, the first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b may be disposed in holes formed in the side portions (for example, the first side portion and the second side portion) of the second housing 1230. Further, the second coil 1251b can be electrically connected to the first substrate 1271. The first coil 1251a can be electrically connected to the second substrate 1272. Therefore, the first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b can receive a driving signal (for example, current) from a driving driver on the circuit board of the circuit board 1300 via the second substrate portion 1270.

[0249] At this time, the first lens assembly 1222a to which the first magnet 1252a is fixed can move along the third direction (Z-axis direction) by the electromagnetic forces F3A and F3B between the first coil 1251a and the first magnet 1252a. Also, the second lens group 1221b fixed to the first lens assembly 1222a can also move along the third direction.

[0250] Further, the second lens assembly 1222b to which the second magnet 1252b is fixed can move along the third direction (Z-axis direction) by the electromagnetic forces F4A and F4B between the second coil 1251b and the second magnet 1252b. Also, the third lens group 1221c fixed to the second lens assembly 1222b can also move along the third direction.

[0251] Accordingly, similar to the above-described content, the focal length and magnification of the optical system can be changed by the movement of the second lens group 1221b and the third lens group 1221c. In the embodiment, the magnification can be changed by the movement of the second lens group 1221b. In other words, zooming can be performed. Also, the focus can be adjusted by the movement of the third lens group 1221c. In other words, auto focusing can be performed. With such a configuration, the second camera actuator may be a fixed zoom or a continuous zoom.

[0252] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a circuit board according to the embodiment.

[0253] Referring to FIG. 15, as described above, the circuit board 1300 according to the embodiment may include a first circuit board portion 1310 and a second circuit board portion 1320. The first circuit board portion 1310 is located at the lower part of the base and can be coupled to the base. Also, an image sensor IS may be disposed on the first circuit board portion 1310. Further, the first circuit board portion 1310 and the image sensor IS can be electrically connected. That is, the base may be located at the rear end of the second camera actuator, and the image sensor and the circuit board (the first circuit board portion) may be located at the rear end of the base. The base may include a filter (e.g., infrared, etc.).

[0254] Also, the second circuit board portion 1320 may be located at the side portion of the base. In particular, the second circuit board portion 1320 may be located at the first side portion of the base. Thus, the second circuit board portion 1320 is located adjacent to the first coil located adjacent to the first side portion and can facilitate electrical connection. Also, the second circuit board portion 1320 may be located at the second side portion. In this way, there may be a plurality of second circuit board portions 1320. However, it is not limited thereto, and it may be disposed only on either the first side portion or the second side portion.

[0255] Furthermore, the circuit board 1300 may further include a fixed board (not shown) located on the side surface. Thus, even if the circuit board 1300 is made of a flexible material, it can maintain rigidity by the fixed board and be coupled to the base.

[0256] The second circuit board portion 1320 of the circuit board 1300 may be located at the side portion of the second driving portion 1250. The circuit board 1300 can be electrically connected to the first driving portion and the second driving portion. For example, the electrical connection may be performed by SMT. However, it is not limited to such a method.

[0257] Such a circuit board 1300 may include a circuit board having a wiring pattern that can be electrically connected, such as a Rigid Printed Circuit Board (Rigid PCB), a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (Flexible PCB), or a Rigid Flexible Printed Circuit Board (Rigid Flexible PCB). However, it is not limited to these types.

[0258] In addition, the circuit board 1300 can be electrically connected to other camera modules within the terminal or the processor of the terminal. As a result, the above-described camera actuator and the camera device including the same can transmit and receive various signals within the terminal.

[0259] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0260] Referring to FIG. 16, the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b may be arranged at a distance in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). In addition, the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b can move along the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) by the second driving unit. For example, the functions of Auto Focus or Zoom can be achieved by the movement of the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b.

[0261] In addition, the first lens assembly 1222a may include a first lens holder LAH1 that holds and couples the second lens group 1221b, a first rail portion RP1, and a first joining member AM1. The first lens holder LAH1 may be coupled to the second lens group 1221b. In addition, the first lens holder LAH1 may include a first lens hole LH1 for accommodating the second lens group 1221b. That is, the second lens group 1221b including at least one lens may be arranged in the first lens hole LH1. The first lens holder LAH1 is the same as the accommodating portion (for example, the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion) described later and is used interchangeably.

[0262] Further, a first rail portion RP1 may be located on one side of the first lens holder LAH1. Also, the first joining member AM1 may be located between the first rail portion RP1 and the first lens holder LAH1. The first rail portion RP1 and the first lens holder LAH1 can be coupled to each other by the first joining member AM1.

[0263] Furthermore, the first rail portion RP1 may include a side plate on which a ball portion is seated and a wing portion extending from the side plate. An explanation thereof will be described later.

[0264] Also, the second lens assembly 1222b may include a second lens holder LAH2 that holds and couples the third lens group 1221c. Also, the second lens holder LAH2 may include a second lens hole LH2 for accommodating the third lens group 1221c. That is, at least one lens may be disposed in the second lens hole LH2.

[0265] Also, a second rail portion RP2 may be located on the other side of the second lens holder LAH2. The first rail portion RP1 and the second rail portion RP2 may be located opposite to each other. For example, the first rail portion RP1 and the second rail portion RP2 may be located opposite to each other.

[0266] Also, the second joining member AM2 may be located between the second rail portion RP2 and the second lens holder LAH2. The second rail portion RP2 and the second lens holder LAH2 can be coupled to each other by the second joining member AM2.

[0267] Furthermore, the second rail portion RP2 may include a side plate on which a ball portion is seated and a wing portion extending from the side plate. An explanation thereof will be described later.

[0268] Further, at least one of the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b may have a structure in which a joining member is disposed between the lens holder and the rail portion. Hereinafter, the description will be made based on the first lens assembly 1222a. Therefore, the description of the first lens assembly can be similarly applied to the second lens assembly. For example, the description of the first rail portion can be similarly applied to the second rail portion. Also, the description of the first joining member can be similarly applied to the second joining member. Further, the description of the first lens holder can be similarly applied to the second lens holder.

[0269] In an embodiment, each of the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b may include outer surfaces adjacent to each other. The first lens assembly 1222a may include a first outer surface MM1, and the second lens assembly 1222b may include a second outer surface MM2. The first outer surface MM1 may be the bottom surface (or the rear end surface) of the first lens holder LAH1 with respect to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). Also, the third outer surface MM3 described later may be the upper surface (or the front end surface) of the first lens holder LAH1. Further, the second outer surface MM2 may be the upper surface (or the front end surface) of the second lens holder LAH2, and the fourth outer surface MM4 may be the bottom surface (rear end surface) of the second lens holder LAH2.

[0270] Also, the first outer surface MM1 and the second outer surface MM2 may at least partially overlap in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). In an embodiment, the first outer surface MM1 to the fourth outer surface MM4 may at least partially overlap with each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0271] For example, a coupling member (not shown) may be in contact with at least one of the first outer surface MM1 and the second outer surface MM2.

[0272] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a first lens holder, a first rail portion, and a first joining member in the first lens assembly according to the first embodiment, FIG. 18 is a front view of the first lens holder, the first rail portion, and the first joining member in the first lens assembly according to the first embodiment, FIG. 19 is a top view of the first lens holder, the first rail portion, and the first joining member in the first lens assembly according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a view taken along line II’ in FIG. 16.

[0273] Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, in the first lens assembly 1222a according to the first embodiment, the joining member AM1 may be positioned between the first lens holder LAH1 and the first rail portion RP1.

[0274] Also, the first rail portion RP1 may include an outermost side plate RPa and a wing portion RPb extending from the side plate RPa. The above-described content and the content described later can be similarly applied to the second rail portion RP2.

[0275] The side plate RPa may include the first recess RS1 and the second recess RS2 on the outermost surface. Further, the first magnet 1252a may be positioned on the side plate RPa. Also, the first coupling yoke 1254a may be positioned on the side plate RPa. The first magnet 1252a may be positioned on the first coupling yoke 1254a. Also, the first coupling yoke 1254a can be coupled to the outer surface of the side plate RPa. The coupling may be performed by various coupling members.

[0276] The wing portion RPb is positioned between the side plate RPa and the first lens holder LAH1 and may be in contact with the side plate RPa. Also, the first joining member AM1 is positioned between the first lens holder LAH1 and the first rail portion RP1. Therefore, in the first lens assembly 1222a, the wing portion RPb may be in contact with the first joining member AM1.

[0277] The first joining member AM1 may have the same or different thicknesses along the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). For example, after the first joining member AM1 is applied, active alignment or optical axis alignment may be performed on the first lens holder LAH1. At this time, the first lens holder LAH1 may be inclined at a predetermined angle θ t1 , θ t2 . At this time, the predetermined angle may be formed in at least one of the first direction (X-axis direction), the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the third direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the first lens holder LAH1 can move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis or along the optical axis. Thereby, the optical axis alignment with respect to the first lens holder LAH can be performed more easily. Therefore, as described above, the first joining member AM1 can change along the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, this can be similarly applied to other embodiments described later. In other embodiments, the thickness of the first joining member AM1 can also change along the second direction.

[0278] Also, in the first lens assembly 1222a according to the first embodiment, the first lens holder LAH1 may include a lens holder surface LAH1S1 that contacts the wing portion RPb. The lens holder surface LAH1S1 may be an outer surface of the first lens holder LAH1. Also, the lens holder surface LAH1S1 may be located between the first lens holder LAH1 and the first joining member AM1. Alternatively, the lens holder surface LAH1S1 may be a surface of the first lens holder LAH1 where the first lens holder LAH1 and the wing portion RPb face each other.

[0279] The lens holder surface of the first lens holder LAH1 can vary according to the embodiment. Also, in the present embodiment, the lens holder surface LAH1S1 of the first lens holder LAH1 may include a convex portion and a flat portion that are convex outward. Further, the lens holder surface LAH1S1 of the first lens holder LAH1 may have a larger area of the convex portion than the concave portion. That is, the lens holder surface LAH1S1 of the first lens holder LAH1 may have a structure in which the central portion is convex. With such a configuration, the first lens holder LAH1 can be easily adjusted for the active line. In other words, even if the first lens holder LAH1 is greatly inclined between the first lens holder LAH1 and the side plate RPa, it does not contact the side plate RPa. That is, the first lens holder LAH1 can be coupled to the first rail portion RP1 in a tilted state within a more improved tilt range.

[0280] Also, the first joining member AM1 may overlap the first lens holder LAH1, the side plate RPa, and the wing portion RPb in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0281] Furthermore, the first joining member AM1 may overlap the ball portion and the first and second concave portions also in the second direction. Also, the first joining member AM1 may overlap the first magnet 1252a in the second direction and may overlap the first coupling yoke 1254a in the second direction.

[0282] Referring to FIG. 20, as described above, the second lens assembly 1222b may be positioned at the rear end of the first lens assembly 1222a. Also, similar to the first lens assembly 1222a, the second lens assembly 1222b may also include a second lens holder LAH2 and a second rail portion RP2. Further, a second magnet 1252b and a second coupling yoke 1254b may be positioned on the side plate of the second rail portion RP2.

[0283] Further, at least one of the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b may include joining members AM1, AM2. For example, each of the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b may include the first joining member AM1 and the second joining member AM2, respectively. Accordingly, active alignment can be performed with respect to the first lens holder LAH1 of the first lens assembly 1222a. Also, active alignment can be performed with respect to the second lens holder LAH2 of the second lens assembly 1222b. Further, the first joining member AM1 and the second joining member AM2 may be positioned corresponding to each other with respect to the optical axis. For example, the first joining member AM1 and the second joining member 9AM2 may be positioned on different sides with respect to the optical axis.

[0284] FIG. 21 is a front view of a first lens holder, a first rail portion, and a first joining member in the first lens assembly according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 22 is a front view of a first lens holder, a first rail portion, and a first joining member in the first lens assembly according to the third embodiment.

[0285] Referring to FIG. 21, in the second embodiment, the first lens assembly 1222a may include a first lens holder LAH1 that holds and couples the second lens group 1221b as described above, a first rail portion RP1, and a first joining member AM1. Also, the first lens holder LAH1 may be coupled to the second lens group 1221b. Further, the first lens holder LAH1 may include a first lens hole LH1 for accommodating the second lens group 1221b. That is, the second lens group 1221b including at least one lens may be disposed in the first lens hole LH1.

[0286] In the present embodiment, the first rail portion RP1 may include a side plate RPa and a wing portion RPb extending from the side plate RPa in the second direction.

[0287] The wing portion RPb extends from the side plate RPa in the second direction and may overlap the first lens holder LAH1 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0288] Furthermore, the wing portion RPb may be disposed above or below the first lens holder LAH1. In the present embodiment, the wing portion RPb may be located above the first lens holder LAH1.

[0289] Also, the first joining member AM1 may be located between the wing portion RPb and the lens holder surface LAH1S2 of the first lens holder LAH1. In the present embodiment, the lens holder surface LAH1S2 of the first lens holder LAH1 can correspond to the upper side surface in the first lens holder LAH1.

[0290] Also, the first joining member AM1 may overlap with the wing portion RPb and the first lens holder LAH1 in the first direction (X-axis direction). With such a configuration, the length of the first lens assembly in the second direction (Y-axis direction) is shortened, and miniaturization in one direction of the camera actuator is achieved.

[0291] Furthermore, the thickness of the first joining member AM1 may change in the second direction or the third direction. As described above, after the first joining member AM1 is applied, active alignment or optical axis alignment may be performed on the first lens holder LAH1. At this time, during active alignment, the thickness of the first joining member AM1 may also change corresponding to the movement of the first lens holder LAH1.

[0292] Furthermore, in the first rail portion RP1, the side plate RPa and the first lens holder LAH1 may be separated by a predetermined distance gap1 in the second direction.

[0293] Referring to FIG. 22, in the third embodiment, the first lens assembly 1222a may include, as described above, a first lens holder LAH1 that holds and couples the second lens group 1221b, a first rail portion RP1, and a first joining member AM1. Further, the first lens holder LAH1 may be coupled to the second lens group 1221b. Also, the first lens holder LAH1 may include a first lens hole LH1 for accommodating the second lens group 1221b. That is, the second lens group 1221b including at least one lens may be disposed in the first lens hole LH1.

[0294] In the present embodiment, the first rail portion RP1 may include a side plate RPa and a wing portion RPb extending from the side plate RPa in the second direction.

[0295] The wing portion RPb may extend from the side plate RPa in the second direction and may overlap the first lens holder LAH1 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0296] Furthermore, the wing portion RPb may be disposed above or below the first lens holder LAH1. In the present embodiment, the wing portion RPb may be located below the first lens holder LAH1.

[0297] Also, the first joining member AM1 may be located between the wing portion RPb and the lens holder surface LAH1S3 of the first lens holder LAH1. In the present embodiment, the lens holder surface LAH1S3 of the first lens holder LAH1 may correspond to the lower surface of the first lens holder LAH1.

[0298] Also, the first joining member AM1 may overlap the wing portion RPb and the first lens holder LAH1 in the first direction (X-axis direction). With such a configuration, the length of the first lens assembly in the second direction (Y-axis direction) is shortened, and miniaturization in one direction of the camera actuator is achieved.

[0299] Furthermore, the thickness of the first joining member AM1 may vary in the second direction or the third direction. As described above, after the first joining member AM1 is applied, active alignment or optical axis alignment may be performed on the first lens holder LAH1. At this time, during active alignment, the thickness of the first joining member AM1 may also change in response to the movement of the first lens holder LAH1.

[0300] Furthermore, in the first rail portion RP1, the side plate RPa and the first lens holder LAH1 may be separated from each other by a predetermined distance gap2 in the second direction.

[0301] FIG. 23 is a top view of the first lens holder, the first rail portion, and the first joining member in the first lens assembly according to the fourth embodiment, FIG. 24a is a front view of the first lens holder, the first rail portion, and the first joining member in the first lens assembly according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 24b is a modification of FIG. 24a.

[0302] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24a, in the fourth embodiment, the first lens assembly 1222a may include the first lens holder LAH1 that holds and couples the second lens group 1221b, the first rail portion RP1, and the first joining member AM1 as described above. The first lens holder LAH1 may also be coupled to the second lens group 1221b. The first lens holder LAH1 may also include a first lens hole LH1 for accommodating the second lens group 1221b. That is, at least one lens including the second lens group 1221b may be disposed in the first lens hole LH1.

[0303] In the present embodiment, the first rail portion RP1 may include a side plate RPa and a wing portion RPb extending in the second direction from the side plate RPa.

[0304] The wing portion RPb may be disposed at the front end or the rear end of the first lens holder LAH1. In the present embodiment, the wing portion RPb may be located at the front end of the first lens holder LAH1.

[0305] That is, the wing portion RPb and the first joining member AM1 may include holes so that light enters within the effective region of the second lens group 1221b. In an embodiment, the wing portion RPb may include a wing hole RPaH. Further, the first joining member AM1 may include a member hole AMH.

[0306] The wing hole RPaH may have a size different from that of the member hole AMH. For example, the size of the wing hole RPaH may be larger than the size of the member hole AMH. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the blocking of the light provided to the second lens group 1221b.

[0307] Furthermore, the thickness T1 of the wing portion RPb in the upper region and the lower region may be different from the thickness T2 in the side region. For example, the thickness T1 in the upper region and the lower region may be larger than the thickness T2 in the side region. Corresponding to such regions, the thickness of the first joining member AM1 may also differ according to the region.

[0308] Furthermore, in the present invention, the first joining member AM1 may be a closed loop or an open loop. In the present embodiment, the first joining member AM1 may be a closed loop. Also, the thickness of the first joining member AM1 may be different in each direction by active lines.

[0309] Also, the first joining member AM1 may be in contact with the third outer surface MM3 of the first lens holder LAH1. Further, the first joining member AM1 may overlap with the second lens group 1221b arranged at the front end in the second direction. With such a configuration, the second lens group 1221b can be protected. Also, in the present invention, part of the impact can be absorbed by the first joining member. Accordingly, a camera actuator with improved reliability can be provided.

[0310] Also, the wing portion RPb, the first joining member AM1, and the first lens holder LAH1 may overlap in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The first joining member AM1 may also overlap with the second lens group 1221b in the optical axis direction. Further, the first joining member AM1 may not overlap with the first magnet in the second direction.

[0311] Also, in the first rail portion RP1, the side plate RPa and the first lens holder LAH1 may be separated from each other by a predetermined distance gap3 in the second direction.

[0312] Referring to FIG. 24b, the first joining member AM1 in the first lens assembly according to the modification may be an open loop. Thereby, tilting of the first lens holder LAH1 during the active alignment can be easily performed.

[0313] Except for this, the above-described content can be similarly applied.

[0314] FIG. 25 is a top view of the first lens holder, the first rail portion, and the first joining member in the first lens assembly according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 26 is a rear view of the first lens holder, the first rail portion, and the first joining member in the first lens assembly according to the fifth embodiment.

[0315] Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, in the fifth embodiment, the first lens assembly 1222a may include the first lens holder LAH1 that holds and couples the second lens group 1221b as described above, the first rail portion RP1, and the first joining member AM1. Also, the first lens holder LAH1 may be coupled to the second lens group 1221b. Further, the first lens holder LAH1 may include a first lens hole LH1 for accommodating the second lens group 1221b. That is, the second lens group 1221b including at least one lens may be disposed in the first lens hole LH1.

[0316] In the present embodiment, the first rail portion RP1 may include a side plate RPa and a wing portion RPb extending in the second direction from the side plate RPa.

[0317] The wing portion RPb may be disposed at the front end or the rear end of the first lens holder LAH1. In the present embodiment, the wing portion RPb may be located at the rear end of the first lens holder LAH1.

[0318] That is, the wing portion RPb and the first joining member AM1 may include holes so that the light passing through the second lens group 1221b is provided to the rear end without being blocked. In an embodiment, the wing portion RPb may include a wing hole RPaH. Further, the first joining member AM1 may include a member hole AMH.

[0319] The wing hole RPaH may have a size different from that of the member hole AMH. For example, the size of the wing hole RPaH may be larger than the size of the member hole AMH. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the blocking of the light provided to the second lens group 1221b.

[0320] Furthermore, the thickness T3 of the wing portion RPb in the upper region and the lower region may be different from the thickness T4 in the side region. For example, the thickness T3 in the upper region and the lower region may be smaller than the thickness T4 in the side region. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the dropout of the second lens group 1221b. Also, corresponding to such regions, the thickness of the first joining member AM1 may also vary according to the region.

[0321] Furthermore, in the present invention, the first joining member AM1 may be a closed loop or an open loop. In this embodiment, the first joining member AM1 may be a closed loop. Also, the thickness of the first joining member AM1 in each direction may be different by an active line.

[0322] Also, the first joining member AM1 may be in contact with the first outer surface MM1 of the first lens holder LAH1. Also, in this embodiment, the first joining member AM1 may not overlap with the second lens group 1221b in the first lens holder LAH1 in the second direction.

[0323] Also, the wing portion RPb, the first joining member AM1, and the first lens holder LAH1 may overlap in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The first joining member AM1 may also overlap with the second lens group 1221b in the optical axis direction. Further, the first joining member AM1 may not overlap with the first magnet in the second direction.

[0324] Also, in the first rail portion RP1, the side plate RPa and the first lens holder LAH1 may be separated from each other by a predetermined distance gap4 in the second direction.

[0325] FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a first lens assembly, a second housing, and a first joining member according to the sixth embodiment, FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the first lens assembly, the second housing, and the first joining member according to the sixth embodiment, FIG. 29 is a rear view of the first lens assembly, the second housing, and the first joining member according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 30 is a schematic view of a first lens assembly, a second housing, and a first joining member according to the seventh embodiment.

[0326] Referring to FIGS. 27 to 29, in the first lens assembly, the second housing, and the first joining member according to the sixth embodiment, the first joining member AM3 may be disposed between the second housing and the first guide portion G1. That is, the first guide portion G1 and the second housing 1230 (or the second - 2 housing 1232) may be of a separable type.

[0327] Furthermore, the first ball B1 and the second ball B2 may be positioned between the first lens assembly 1222a and the first guide portion G1.

[0328] The first joining member AM3 is positioned between the second housing and the first guide portion G1, and can easily tilt the first guide portion G1 and the first lens assembly 1222a. The first lens assembly 1222a, that is, the active alignment (or optical axis alignment) with respect to the second lens group in the first lens assembly can be easily performed.

[0329] Depending on the position of the first joining member AM3, the first joining member AM3 may overlap with the first guide portion or the first lens assembly 1222a in the second direction.

[0330] Referring to FIG. 30, in the first lens assembly, the second housing, and the first joining member according to the seventh embodiment, the first joining member AM3 may be disposed between the second housing and the first guide portion G1. As described above, the first guide portion G1 and the second housing 1230 (or the second-2 housing 1232) may be separable. Further, the first ball B1 and the second ball B2 may be positioned between the first lens assembly 1222a and the first guide portion G1.

[0331] In the present embodiment, the first guide portion G1 may be positioned above the first lens assembly 1222a. Further, the first joining member AM3 may be positioned above the first guide portion G1. Furthermore, the second housing 1230 may be positioned above the first joining member AM3. Also, the first joining member AM3 is positioned between the second housing and the first guide portion G1, and can easily tilt the first guide portion G1 and the first lens assembly 1222a. Thereby, active alignment (or optical axis alignment) with respect to the second lens group in the first lens assembly 1222a, that is, the first lens assembly, can be easily performed.

[0332] In the present embodiment, the first joining member AM3 may overlap with the second housing 1230 (or the second-2 housing), the first guide portion G1, and the first lens assembly 1222a in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0333] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0334] As shown in FIG. 31, the mobile terminal 1500 of the embodiment may include a camera module 1000, a flash module 1530, and an autofocus device 1510 provided on the rear surface.

[0335] The camera module 1000 may include an image capturing function and an autofocus function. For example, the camera module 1000 may include an autofocus function using an image.

[0336] The camera module 1000 processes still images or video image frames obtained by an image sensor in a shooting mode or a video call mode.

[0337] The processed image frames may be displayed on a predetermined display unit and stored in a memory. A camera (not shown) may also be disposed on the front surface of the mobile terminal body.

[0338] For example, the camera module 1000 may include a first camera module 1000 and a second camera module 1000, and the first camera module 1000 can implement OIS together with an AF or zoom function.

[0339] The flash module 1530 may include a light emitting element that emits light inside. The flash module 1530 can be operated by the operation of the camera of the mobile terminal or by the control of the user.

[0340] The autofocus device 1510 may include one of the packages of surface emitting laser elements as a light emitting part.

[0341] The autofocus device 1510 may include an autofocus function using a laser. The autofocus device 1510 can be mainly used under conditions where the autofocus function using the image of the camera module 1000 deteriorates, for example, at a short distance of 10 m or less or in a dark environment.

[0342] The autofocus device 1510 may include a light emitting part including a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) semiconductor element, and a light receiving part that converts light energy such as a photodiode into electrical energy.

[0343] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which the camera module according to the embodiment is applied.

[0344] For example, FIG. 32 is an external view of a vehicle including a driving assistance device to which the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment is applied.

[0345] Referring to FIG. 32, the vehicle 700 of the embodiment can include wheels 13FL and 13FR that rotate by a power source and a predetermined sensor. The sensor may be, but is not limited to, the camera sensor 2000.

[0346] The camera sensor 2000 may be a camera sensor to which the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment is applied. The vehicle 700 of the embodiment can obtain image information through the camera sensor 2000 that captures a front image or a surrounding image, determine a lane non-identification situation using the image information, and generate a virtual lane when the lane is not identified.

[0347] For example, the camera sensor 2000 can capture the front of the vehicle 700 to obtain a front image, and a processor (not shown) can analyze the objects included in such a front image to obtain image information.

[0348] For example, when objects such as lanes, adjacent vehicles, driving obstacles, and median strips, curbs, street trees, etc. corresponding to indirect road markings are captured in the image captured by the camera sensor 2000, the processor may detect such objects and include them in the image information. At this time, the processor can obtain distance information from the objects detected by the camera sensor 2000 to further supplement the image information.

[0349] The image information may be information about the objects captured in the image. Such a camera sensor 2000 may include an image sensor and an image processing module.

[0350] The camera sensor 2000 can process a still image or a moving image obtained by an image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD).

[0351] The image processing module can process a still image or a video obtained by an image sensor to extract necessary information and transmit the extracted information to a processor.

[0352] At this time, the camera sensor 2000 may include, but is not limited to, a stereo camera so as to improve the measurement accuracy of an object and further secure information such as the distance between the vehicle 700 and the object.

[0353] As described above, the embodiments have been mainly described, but these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention pertains will understand that various changes and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiment can be implemented with modifications. Also, differences regarding such modifications and applications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A housing, a lens assembly that moves in the optical axis direction within the housing, a ball portion positioned between the housing and the lens assembly, and a drive portion that moves the lens assembly, and includes: The lens assembly includes: a lens holder that includes at least one lens, a rail portion that includes a side plate on which the ball portion is seated and wing portions extending from the side plate, and a joining member disposed between the rail portion and the lens holder. A camera actuator.

2. The camera actuator according to claim 1, wherein the wing portion is in contact with the joining member and the side plate.

3. The camera actuator according to claim 1, wherein the wing portion is disposed at a front end or a rear end of the lens holder.

4. The camera actuator according to claim 3, wherein the wing portion includes a wing hole.

5. The camera actuator according to claim 3, wherein the joining member has a closed-loop or open-loop structure.

6. The camera actuator according to claim 3, wherein the joining member includes a member hole.

7. The camera actuator according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the wing portion in an upper region and a lower region is different from the thickness in a side region.

8. The camera actuator according to claim 3, wherein the wing portion, the joining member, and the lens holder overlap along the optical axis direction.

9. The camera actuator according to claim 1, wherein the wing portion is disposed above or below the lens holder.

10. The camera actuator according to claim 9, wherein the joining member overlaps the wing portion and the lens holder.

Images