Camera Actuator

Abstract

The camera actuator of the present invention includes a housing, a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly disposed inside the housing and aligned in an optical axis direction, and a drive unit that moves the second lens assembly in the optical axis direction, the drive unit including a first magnet disposed on the second lens assembly and a first coil disposed opposite the first magnet, the second lens assembly having a first reinforcing portion disposed thereon that protrudes in a first direction toward the first magnet, the first direction being perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera actuator. [Background technology]

[0002] A camera is a device that takes photographs or videos of a subject and is attached to handheld devices, drones, vehicles, etc.

[0003] To improve image quality, a camera device or camera module may have an image stabilization (IS) function that corrects or prevents shaking caused by user movement, an autofocus (AF) function that automatically adjusts the distance between the image sensor and the 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.

[0004] However, as the lens assembly moves along the optical axis direction through electrical interaction within the camera module, the weight of the lens group installed in the lens assembly can apply a load only to a certain part, such as the upper or lower side, which can cause the lens assembly to bend.

[0005] This can cause problems such as a decrease in image quality or an inability to function properly as light is distorted and refracted by each lens group as it travels through the lens groups.

[0006] Accordingly, a means for solving the problems that occur during the movement of the lens assembly is required. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to prevent the lens assembly from bending.

[0008] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned here will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly arranged inside the housing and aligned in an optical axis direction, and a drive unit that moves the second lens assembly in the optical axis direction, the drive unit including a first magnet arranged on the second lens assembly and a first coil arranged to face the first magnet, the second lens assembly having a first reinforcing portion that protrudes in a first direction toward the first magnet, the first direction being perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0010] Here, the first reinforcing portion may include a first member extending in one direction and a second member intersecting the first member.

[0011] Furthermore, the first member may extend along the optical axis direction, and the second member may extend along a second direction, which may be perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the thickness of the first intersecting portion of the second member adjacent to the first member in the optical axis direction may be greater than the thickness of the second member relatively far from the first intersecting portion in the optical axis direction.

[0013] Meanwhile, the second lens assembly may include a second lens group, a second barrel portion surrounding the second lens group, and a first extension portion extending from the second barrel portion in the first direction.

[0014] In addition, a first gripping portion for gripping the first magnet may be disposed between the first magnet and the first extension portion.

[0015] Also, the first reinforcing portion may be disposed between the first gripping portion and the first extension portion.

[0016] Here, the first extension may have a first fixing portion disposed thereon to fix the first gripping portion.

[0017] The first fixing portion may include a first protruding member and a second protruding member spaced apart in the optical axis direction, and the first protruding member may surround an upper end of the first gripping portion in the optical axis direction.

[0018] The second protruding member can surround a part of the lower end of the first gripping portion in the optical axis direction.

[0019] Meanwhile, the optical system may further include a third lens assembly arranged with the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly in the optical axis direction, the driving unit may include a second magnet arranged on the third lens assembly and a second coil arranged to face the second magnet, and the third lens assembly may be provided with a second reinforcing portion protruding in the first direction facing the second magnet.

[0020] In this case, the second reinforcing portion may include a third member extending in one direction and a fourth member intersecting the third member.

[0021] Here, the third member may extend along the optical axis direction, and the fourth member may extend along a second direction, which may be perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction.

[0022] Furthermore, the thickness of the second intersecting portion of the fourth member adjacent to the third member in the optical axis direction may be greater than the thickness of the fourth member relatively far from the second intersecting portion in the optical axis direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] A camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem can be effective in preventing the lens assembly from bending.

[0024] In this case, since the control unit is provided in the space formed by the difference in length, heat generated by the control unit can be efficiently released, and the camera actuator can be made smaller.

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0026] Furthermore, the effects of the present invention can be explained in more detail in the detailed description of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those presented above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

[0028] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings preferred embodiments.

[0029] It should be understood, however, that the present application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a general description of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded view of a camera module of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] [Figure 3]2 is a view illustrating a cross section AA′ of a camera module of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] [Figure 6] 2 is a view illustrating a second lens assembly of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] [Figure 7] 2 is a view illustrating a first gripping portion of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] [Figure 8] 3 is a view illustrating a first reinforcing part of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] [Figure 9] 1 is a view illustrating a third lens assembly of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] [Figure 10] 4 is a view illustrating a second gripping portion of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] [Figure 11] 4 is a view illustrating a second reinforcing part of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] [Figure 12]1 is a diagram illustrating a variation in height of a second lens assembly in the optical axis direction of a conventional camera actuator.

[0042] [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram illustrating a change in height of a second lens assembly of a camera actuator in the optical axis direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram illustrating the difference in deflection deviation between the conventional method and the present invention by injection simulation.

[0044] [Figure 15] 10 is a graph illustrating deflection deviation depending on the distance between a second lens assembly and a third lens assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, and a specific embodiment will be described by way of example in the drawings. However, it is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiment, and it should be understood that the present invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0046] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "second," "first," etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. Terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a second component may be designated as a "first component," and similarly, a first component may be designated as a "second component," without departing from the scope of the present invention. The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related listed items or any of multiple related listed items.

[0047] When a component is said to be "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is said to be "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0048] 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 dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended 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 the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in this application.

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or corresponding elements will be given the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] In this specification, a camera actuator is a device that moves a lens, but it will be described as including all concepts, whether or not it includes a lens. Below, the first and second camera actuators will be described as each including a lens. Furthermore, a camera actuator that moves a lens may be called a "lens moving device" or a "lens driving device."

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Before describing a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, reference may be made to FIGS. 1 to 3 to generally describe examples and configurations in which the present invention is specifically utilized.

[0054] Specifically, Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a general explanation of a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of a camera module of a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an AA' cross section of a camera module of a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] 1 and 2, a camera module 1000 according to an embodiment may include a cover CV, a first camera actuator A1, a second camera actuator A2, and a circuit board B. Here, the first camera actuator A1 may be used interchangeably with the first actuator, and the second camera actuator A2 may be used interchangeably with the second actuator.

[0056] The cover CV can cover the first camera actuator A1 and the second camera actuator A2, and the cover CV can improve the coupling force between the first camera actuator A1 and the second camera actuator A2.

[0057] Furthermore, the cover CV may be made of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves, thereby easily protecting the first camera actuator A1 and the second camera actuator A2 within the cover CV.

[0058] The first camera actuator A1 may be an OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) actuator. For example, the first camera actuator A1 may move an optical member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (axis of incident light).

[0059] The first camera actuator A1 may include a fixed focal length lens disposed in a predetermined lens barrel (not shown). The fixed focal length lens may also be referred to as a "single focal length lens" or "single lens."

[0060] The first camera actuator A1 can change the path of light. As an example, the first camera actuator A1 can change the path of light vertically through an internal optical member (e.g., a prism or mirror). For example, the optical member can change the light from a second direction to the optical axis direction. With this configuration, even if the thickness of the mobile terminal is reduced, a lens configuration larger than the thickness of the mobile terminal can be disposed within the mobile terminal through the change of the path of light, thereby enabling magnification, autofocus (AF), zoom, and OIS functions to be performed.

[0061] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first camera actuator A1 can change the optical path vertically or at a predetermined angle multiple times.

[0062] The second camera actuator A2 may be disposed at the rear end of the first camera actuator A1. The second camera actuator A2 may be coupled to the first camera actuator A1. The coupling therebetween may be achieved in various ways.

[0063] The second camera actuator A2 may be a zoom actuator or an autofocus (AF) actuator. For example, the second camera actuator A2 may support one or more lenses and perform an autofocus function or a zoom function by moving the lenses in response to a control signal from a predetermined controller.

[0064] One or more lenses can be moved independently or individually along the optical axis.

[0065] The circuit board B may be disposed at the rear end of the second camera actuator A2. The circuit board B may be electrically connected to the second camera actuator A2 and the first camera actuator A1. There may also be a plurality of circuit boards B.

[0066] The camera module 1000 according to the embodiment may be composed of a single or multiple camera modules 1000. For example, the multiple camera modules may include a first camera module and a second camera module.

[0067] The single camera module 1000 may include a single actuator or multiple actuators. For example, the single camera module 1000 may include a first camera actuator A1 and a second camera actuator A2. Furthermore, the camera module 1000 may be referred to as a camera device, an imaging device, or other various terms.

[0068] The camera module 1000 is disposed in a predetermined case (not shown) and may include an actuator (not shown) for driving a lens unit, which will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] The actuator may be a voice coil motor, a microactuator, a silicon actuator, or the like, and may be applied in various ways, such as an electrostatic type, a thermal type, a bimorph type, or an electrostatic force type, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, in this specification, a camera actuator may be referred to as an actuator, etc. Furthermore, a camera module 1000 consisting of a plurality of camera modules may be mounted in various electronic devices, such as a mobile terminal. Furthermore, an actuator may be a device that moves or tilts a lens or optical member. However, hereinafter, the actuator will be described as including a lens or an optical member. Furthermore, an actuator may be referred to as a "lens moving device," a "lens moving device," an "optical member moving device," an "optical member moving device," etc.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, the camera module according to the embodiment may include a first camera actuator A1 that performs an OIS function and a second camera actuator A2 that performs a zooming function and an AF function.

[0071] Light may enter the camera module 1000 or the first camera actuator A1 through an opening region located on the top surface of the first camera actuator A1. That is, the light enters the interior of the first camera actuator A1 along the optical axis direction, and the optical path may be changed vertically through the optical member. The light then passes through the second camera actuator A2 and enters the image sensor IS located at one end of the second camera actuator A2 (PATH).

[0072] Additionally, in this specification, the "inside" may refer to the direction from the cover CV toward the first camera actuator A1, and the "outside" may refer to the opposite direction. For example, the first camera actuator A1 and the second camera actuator A2 may be located inside the cover CV, and the cover CV may be located outside the first camera actuator A1 or the second camera actuator A2.

[0073] The camera module 1000 according to the embodiment can improve the spatial limitations of the first camera actuator A1 and the second camera actuator A2 by changing the optical path. The camera module 1000 according to the embodiment can expand the optical path while minimizing the thickness of the camera module 1000 in response to the change in the optical path. Furthermore, it should be understood that the second camera actuator A2 can provide a wide range of magnification by controlling the focus, etc., in the expanded optical path.

[0074] In addition, the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment can implement OIS by controlling the optical path through the first camera actuator A1, thereby minimizing the occurrence of decentering and tilt phenomena and achieving the best optical characteristics.

[0075] Furthermore, the second camera actuator A2 may include an optical system and a lens driver. For example, the second camera actuator A2 may include at least one of a first lens assembly 200, a second lens assembly 300, and a third lens assembly 400. This will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings below.

[0076] The second camera actuator A2 includes a coil and a magnet and can perform high magnification zooming and autofocus functions.

[0077] For example, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 may be moving lenses that move via coils, magnets, and guide pins, and the first lens assembly 200 may be a fixed lens, but is not limited to this. For example, the first lens assembly 200 may function as a condenser, focusing light at a specific position. The movement of the second lens assembly 300 may significantly change the distance to the object or the image distance, resulting in a significant change in magnification. The second lens assembly 300, which is a variable magnification element, may play an important role in changing the focal length or magnification of the optical system. Meanwhile, the image point focused by the second lens assembly 300, which is a variable magnification element, may vary slightly depending on the position. Therefore, the third lens assembly 400 may perform a position compensation function for the image focused by the variable magnification element. For example, the third lens assembly 400 may perform a compensator function, focusing the image point focused by the second lens assembly 300, which is a variable magnification element, accurately at the actual image sensor position.

[0078] The second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 can be driven by electromagnetic force due to the interaction between a coil and a magnet. The above content can be applied to the lens assemblies described below. The second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 can move along the optical axis direction. The second lens assembly 300 to the third lens assembly 400 can move along the optical axis direction independently or dependently of each other.

[0079] Furthermore, the first lens assembly 200 may be located at the front end of the second lens assembly 300 or at the rear end of the third lens assembly 400. That is, the first lens assembly 200 may be located adjacent to the first camera actuator or adjacent to the image sensor. The first lens assembly 200 may be in a fixed state.

[0080] In the present invention, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 can move along the optical axis direction. The first lens assembly 200 can be located at the front end of the second lens assembly 300 or the rear end of the third lens assembly 400. The first lens assembly 200 can be fixed and the second and third lens assemblies can be movable.

[0081] Meanwhile, when an OIS actuator and an AF / Zoom actuator are arranged according to an embodiment of the present invention, magnetic field interference with the AF / Zoom magnet can be prevented when the OIS is driven. Since the magnet of the first camera actuator A1 is arranged separately from the second camera actuator A2, magnetic field interference between the first camera actuator A1 and the second camera actuator A2 can be prevented. In this specification, OIS may be used interchangeably with terms such as image stabilization, optical image stabilization, optical image correction, and shake correction.

[0082] Prior to describing the lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention will be described based on the second camera actuator A2. This is merely a limited description to facilitate a thorough understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the second camera actuator A2 shown in the drawings.

[0083] In addition, in order to facilitate a thorough understanding of the invention in the detailed description of the present invention, the above-mentioned background and specific combined arrangement relationships have been mentioned, but this is not necessarily limited to this and may be intended to facilitate understanding of the second camera actuator A2, which will be described in detail through the drawings below.

[0084] With reference to the background for facilitating understanding of the present invention detailed above, the configurations and functions of camera actuators according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0085] Specifically, FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the general configuration of a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the arrangement of a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the second lens assembly of a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the first gripping portion of a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the first reinforcing portion of a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the third lens assembly of a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the second gripping portion of a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the second reinforcing portion of a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] First, as shown in FIG. 4, a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a housing 100, a first lens assembly 200, a second lens assembly 300, a third lens assembly 400, and a driving unit 500 including a first driving unit 510 and a second driving unit 520.

[0087] Here, the housing 100 can form the exterior of the camera actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention, and a space can be formed inside.

[0088] In addition, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 are located inside the housing 100 and are moved along the optical axis direction by the first driving unit 510 and the second driving unit 520, and the first lens assembly 200 can be fixed outside the housing 100.

[0089] In this case, the first lens assembly 200 may be fixed to the outside of the housing 100, and a separate cover member may be provided between the first lens assembly 200 and the housing 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] Meanwhile, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 can be moved along the optical axis direction by a driving unit 500 including a first driving unit 510 and a second driving unit 520 .

[0091] Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the first driving unit 510 may include a first magnet 511 installed on the second lens assembly 300 and a first coil 512 installed to face the first magnet 511 in a first direction.

[0092] Accordingly, the second lens assembly 300 can be moved along the optical axis direction by electrical interaction between the first magnet 511 and the first coil 512.

[0093] Meanwhile, the second driving unit 520 may include a second magnet 521 installed on the third lens assembly 400 and a second coil 522 installed to face the second magnet 521 in the first direction.

[0094] Accordingly, the third lens assembly 400 can be moved along the optical axis direction by electrical interaction between the second magnet 521 and the second coil 522.

[0095] In this case, the optical axis direction may refer to the direction of the optical path in which light passes through the first camera actuator and enters the second camera actuator, and the first direction is perpendicular to the optical path and may refer to both the direction from the first coil 512 to the second coil 522 and the direction from the second coil 522 to the first coil 512.

[0096] The second direction may also refer to a direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the optical axis direction, which is the optical path.

[0097] That is, the second direction may refer to both the direction from the front to the rear and the direction from the rear to the front based on the housing 100, and the optical axis direction, the first direction, and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other.

[0098] Meanwhile, the first lens assembly 200 is fixed to the outside of the housing 100, includes a first lens group and a first barrel portion, and may include wings extending from the first barrel portion in a first direction.

[0099] Here, the first lens group may refer to a collection of multiple lenses, and the multiple lenses may be arranged along the optical axis direction, and the first barrel portion may be provided to surround the first lens group. That is, the position of the first lens group may be fixed by the first barrel portion.

[0100] In addition, the wing portion extends in a first direction from the periphery of the first barrel portion, and the wing portion may include a first panel extending in the first direction in which the first coil 512 is located, and a second panel extending in the first direction in which the second coil 522 is located.

[0101] That is, the first panel and the second panel may extend away from each other in a first direction around the periphery of the first barrel portion.

[0102] In this case, the first panel and the second panel may be in contact with the housing 100, or the first panel and the second panel may be attached or fixed to the housing 100 through a separate member, but this is not necessarily limited to this.

[0103] Meanwhile, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 are provided between the first coil 512 and the second coil 522, or between the first magnet 511 and the second magnet 521, and the first coil 512 and the first magnet 511 can move the second lens assembly 300 in the optical axis direction through electrical interaction, and the second coil 522 and the second magnet 521 can move the third lens assembly 400 in the optical axis direction through electrical interaction.

[0104] A first ball unit 330 is provided on the second lens assembly 300. A plurality of first ball units 330 may be arranged in the optical axis direction. The first ball units 330 may also be arranged spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0105] That is, the first ball units 330 may be arranged in the optical axis direction, spaced apart from each other with the first magnet 511 interposed therebetween.

[0106] In addition, a second ball unit 430 is provided on the third lens assembly 400. A plurality of second ball units 430 may be arranged in the optical axis direction. In addition, the second ball units 430 may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0107] That is, the second ball units 430 may be arranged in the optical axis direction, with the second magnet 521 sandwiched between them and spaced apart.

[0108] Here, the second lens assembly 300 may include a second lens group 301, a second barrel portion 310, and a first extension portion 320, as shown in FIG.

[0109] In this case, the second lens group 301 may refer to a collection of a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis direction, and the second barrel part 310 may be provided in a form surrounding the second lens group 301 .

[0110] In addition, the first extension portion 320 may extend in a first direction away from the second lens group 301 in the second barrel portion 310, but may be extended at an angle away from the first lens assembly 200. In addition, the first extension portion 320 may be provided with a first rail groove spaced apart in the second direction across the first magnet 511, and the first ball unit 330 may be disposed in the first rail groove.

[0111] A first mounting space in which a first magnet 511 is disposed is provided between the first rail grooves, and a first fixing portion 350 may be provided at one end and the other end of the first mounting space in the optical axis direction.

[0112] Here, a first reinforcing portion 340 may be provided in the first mounting space, and the first reinforcing portion 340 may protrude from the second lens assembly 300 in a direction toward the first magnet 511. Specifically, the first reinforcing portion 340 may protrude from the first extension portion 320 in a direction toward the first magnet 511.

[0113] In this case, the first extension part 320 may include a first member 341 extending in the optical axis direction and a second member 342 extending in the second direction, and the first member 341 and the second member 342 may extend to intersect with each other.

[0114] However, since the first member 341 and the second member 342 extend in the optical axis direction and the second direction, respectively, they may be perpendicular to each other, but they may also intersect each other in a non-perpendicular manner if necessary, and are not necessarily limited to this. In addition, the surface between the first member 341 and the second member 342 at the first intersection portion 343 where the first member 341 and the second member 342 intersect may be formed in a curved shape.

[0115] Meanwhile, the first magnet 511 may have a first gripping portion 513 between the first magnet 511 and the first extension portion 320 so as to be attached to the first mounting space, and the first gripping portion 513 may be attached to the first mounting space by applying a separate adhesive material, for example, a substance such as epoxy, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0116] In this case, the first gripping portion 513 may include a first wall portion 513a that fixes the upper and lower ends of the first magnet 511 in the optical axis direction and a second wall portion 513b that grips the first magnet 511 in the second direction. That is, a pair of first wall portions 513a may be provided to grip the upper and lower ends of the first magnet 511 in the optical axis direction, and a pair of second wall portions 513b may be provided to grip the left and right sides of the first magnet 511 in the second direction.

[0117] Furthermore, the second wall portions 513b can be provided so as to be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction as necessary.

[0118] In addition, the first fixing portion 350 may include a first protruding member 351 that holds the upper end of the first magnet 511 in the optical axis direction and a second protruding member 352 that holds the lower end of the first magnet 511 in the optical axis direction.

[0119] To explain this in more detail, as shown in Figure 7, the first magnet 511 can be inserted into the space formed by the first wall portion 513a and the second wall portion 513b and fixed by the first protruding member 351 and the second protruding member 352.

[0120] More specifically, the first protrusion member 351 includes a first partition 351a extending in the optical axis direction and contacting the first wall portion 513a, and a first bar portion 351b extending in the second direction and connected to the first partition 351a, and the first partitions 351a are provided in pairs spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and the first partitions 351a may be provided at both ends of the first bar portion 351b.

[0121] Accordingly, an inner space is formed by the pair of first partition walls 351a and first bar portion 351b, and the first wall portion 513a is inserted into the inner space to fix the upper end of the first grip portion 513.

[0122] In addition, the second protrusion member 352 includes a second partition 352a extending in the optical axis direction and contacting the first wall portion 513a, and a second bar portion 352b extending in the second direction and connected to the second partition 352a, and the second partitions 352a are provided in pairs spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and the second partitions 352a can be provided at both ends of the second bar portion 352b.

[0123] Accordingly, an inner space is formed by the pair of second partition walls 352a and second bar portion 352b, and the first wall portion 513a is inserted into the inner space to fix the lower end of the first grip portion 513.

[0124] Meanwhile, the first magnet 511 is provided with a first inclined surface 511 a, and the first inclined surface 511 a may be provided at one or more of the vertices of the first magnet 511 .

[0125] In this case, the first inclined surface 511a may be provided to check the polarity of the first magnet 511 or to check the direction when the first magnet 511 is placed on the first holding portion 513, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0126] Meanwhile, for a more detailed description of the first reinforcing portion 340, please refer to FIG.

[0127] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the first reinforcing portion 340 includes a first member 341, a second member 342, and a first intersection portion 343, and the first member 341 and the second member 342 may intersect with each other to form the first intersection portion 343.

[0128] This has the effect that the first member 341 is formed long in the optical axis direction, and the first extension 320 can be prevented from being bent due to the weight of the second lens group 301 or other factors. In addition, the first member 341 ensures rigidity in the optical axis direction, and the second member 342 can cross the first member 341 to ensure rigidity in the second direction.

[0129] In addition, the first intersection portion 343 formed when the first member 341 and the second member 342 intersect with each other is formed relatively thicker than the width of the first member 341 and the width of the second member 342, which may have the effect of further increasing relative rigidity.

[0130] In other words, the thickness in the optical axis direction of the portion of the second member 342 that is relatively separated from the first member 341 may be smaller than the thickness in the optical axis direction of the second member 342 that is adjacent to the first member 341, and the portion where the first member 341 and the second member 342 intersect at the first intersection portion 343 is curved, thereby effectively ensuring rigidity.

[0131] Furthermore, a plurality of first members 341 may be arranged spaced apart from one another in the second direction, and a plurality of second members 342 may be arranged spaced apart from one another in the optical axis direction.

[0132] Here, the separation distance between the first members 341 and the separation distance between the second members 342 may be the same, which may be because it is effective to ensure rigidity in a square shape, but is not necessarily limited to this.

[0133] Meanwhile, the distance between the opposing inner surfaces of the first partitions 351a may be relatively narrower than the distance between the opposing inner surfaces of the first members 341. This may have the effect of preventing a decrease in productivity and load due to a relative increase in load, which may occur if the distance between the inner surfaces of the first members 341 is narrower than the distance between the inner surfaces of the first partitions 351a.

[0134] In addition, among the multiple second members 342, the uppermost second member 342 and the lowermost second member 342 in the optical axis direction may be spaced apart from the first protruding member 351 and the second protruding member 352, respectively, which may have the effect of preventing the problem of the second member 342 relatively reducing the area of ​​contact between the first gripping portion 513 and the first reinforcing portion 340.

[0135] For example, if the first partition 351a and the second member 342 are arranged adjacent to each other, the space between the first partition 351a and the second member 342 may be narrow, making it somewhat difficult to apply adhesive, or the manufacturing tolerance of the second member 342 may cause the first wall portion 513a to separate from the inner space formed by the pair of first partitions 351a and first bar portion 351b. Therefore, as described above, it is preferable that the second member 342 be spaced a predetermined distance apart from the first protruding member 351 and the second protruding member 352 in the optical axis direction.

[0136] Meanwhile, the third lens assembly 400 may include a third lens group 401, a third barrel portion 410, and a second extension portion 420, as shown in FIG.

[0137] In this case, the third lens group 401 may refer to a collection of a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis direction, and the third barrel part 410 may be provided in a form surrounding the third lens group 401 .

[0138] The second extension portion 420 may extend in a first direction away from the third lens group 401 at the third barrel portion 410, but may be extended at an angle toward the first lens assembly 200. The second extension portion 420 may be provided with second rail grooves spaced apart in the second direction across the second magnet 521, and the second ball unit 430 may be disposed in the second rail grooves.

[0139] A second mounting space in which a second magnet 521 is disposed is provided between the second rail grooves, and second fixing parts 450 may be provided at one and the other ends of the second mounting space in the optical axis direction.

[0140] Here, a second reinforcing portion 440 may be provided in the second mounting space, and the second reinforcing portion 440 may protrude in a direction facing the second magnet 521 from the third lens assembly 400. Specifically, the second reinforcing portion 440 may protrude from the second extension portion 420 in a direction facing the second magnet 521.

[0141] In this case, the second extension part 420 may include a third member 441 extending in the optical axis direction and a fourth member 442 extending in the second direction, and the third member 441 and the fourth member 442 may extend to intersect with each other.

[0142] However, since the third member 441 and the fourth member 442 extend in the optical axis direction and the second direction, respectively, they may be perpendicular to each other, but they may also intersect each other in a non-perpendicular manner if necessary, and are not necessarily limited to this. In addition, the surface between the third member 441 and the fourth member 442 at the second intersection portion 443 where the third member 441 and the fourth member 442 intersect may be formed in a curved shape.

[0143] Meanwhile, a second gripping portion 523 may be provided between the second magnet 521 and the second extension portion 420 so that the second magnet 521 can be attached to the second mounting space, and the second gripping portion 523 may be attached to the second mounting space by applying a separate adhesive material, for example, a substance such as epoxy, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0144] In this case, the second gripping portion 523 may include a third wall portion 523a that fixes the upper and lower ends of the second magnet 521 in the optical axis direction and a fourth wall portion 523b that grips the first magnet 511 in the second direction. That is, a pair of third wall portions 523a may be provided to grip the upper and lower ends of the second magnet 521 in the optical axis direction, and a pair of fourth wall portions 523b may be provided to grip the left and right sides of the second magnet 521 in the second direction.

[0145] Furthermore, the fourth wall portions 523b can be provided so as to be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction as necessary.

[0146] In addition, the second fixing portion 450 may include a third protruding member 451 that holds the upper end of the second magnet 521 in the optical axis direction and a fourth protruding member 452 that holds the lower end of the second magnet 521 in the optical axis direction.

[0147] To explain this in more detail, as shown in Figure 10, the second magnet 521 can be inserted into the space formed by the third wall portion 523a and the fourth wall portion 523b and fixed by the third protruding member 451 and the fourth protruding member 452.

[0148] More specifically, the third protrusion member 451 includes a third partition 451a extending in the optical axis direction and contacting the third wall portion 523a, and a third bar portion 451b extending in the second direction and connected to the third partition 451a, and the third partitions 451a are provided in pairs spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and the third partitions 451a can be provided at both ends of the third bar portion 451b.

[0149] Accordingly, an inner space is formed by the pair of third partition walls 451a and third bar portion 451b, and the third wall portion 523a is inserted into the inner space to fix the upper end of the second grip portion 523.

[0150] In addition, the fourth protruding member 452 includes a support surface 452a extending in the second direction and contacting the second magnet 521, and a folded surface 452b extending away from the second magnet 521 in the optical axis direction and contacting the third partition 451a, and the support surfaces 452a are provided in pairs spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and the folded surfaces 452b can each be provided at one end of the support surface 452a.

[0151] Accordingly, an inner space is formed by the pair of folded surfaces 452b, and the third wall portion 523a can be inserted into the inner space to fix the lower end of the second grip portion 523.

[0152] Furthermore, the support surface 452a can be disposed between the third wall portion 523a and the fourth wall portion 523b so as to contact the second magnet 521 and support the second magnet 521.

[0153] Meanwhile, the second magnet 521 is provided with a second inclined surface 521 a, and the second inclined surface 521 a may be provided at one or more of the vertices of the second magnet 521 .

[0154] In this case, the second inclined surface 521a may be provided to check the polarity of the second magnet 521 or to check the direction when the second magnet 521 is placed on the second holding portion 523, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0155] Meanwhile, for a more detailed description of the second reinforcing portion 440, please refer to FIG.

[0156] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the second reinforcing portion 440 includes a third member 441, a fourth member 442, and a second intersection portion 443, and the third member 441 and the fourth member 442 can intersect with each other to form the second intersection portion 443.

[0157] This has the effect that the third member 441 is formed long in the optical axis direction, and can prevent the second extension 420 from being bent due to the weight of the third lens group 401 or other factors. In addition, the third member 441 ensures rigidity in the optical axis direction, and the fourth member 442 can cross the third member 441 to ensure rigidity in the second direction.

[0158] In addition, the second intersection portion 443 formed when the third member 441 and the fourth member 442 intersect with each other is formed relatively thicker than the width of the third member 441 and the width of the fourth member 442, which may have the effect of further increasing relative rigidity.

[0159] In other words, the thickness in the optical axis direction of the portion of the fourth member 442 that is relatively separated from the third member 441 may be smaller than the thickness in the optical axis direction of the fourth member 442 that is adjacent to the third member 441, and the portion where the third member 441 and the fourth member 442 intersect at the second intersection portion 443 is curved, thereby effectively ensuring rigidity.

[0160] In addition, a plurality of third members 441 may be arranged spaced apart from one another in the second direction, and a plurality of fourth members 442 may be arranged spaced apart from one another in the optical axis direction.

[0161] Here, the separation distance between the third members 441 and the separation distance between the fourth members 442 may be the same, which may be because it is effective to ensure rigidity in the shape of a regular square, but is not necessarily limited to this.

[0162] Meanwhile, the distance between the opposing inner surfaces of the third partitions 451a may be relatively narrower than the distance between the opposing inner surfaces of the third member 441. This may have the effect of preventing a decrease in productivity and load due to a relative increase in load, which may occur if the distance between the inner surfaces of the third member 441 is narrower than the distance between the inner surfaces of the third partitions 451a.

[0163] In addition, among the multiple fourth members 442, the uppermost fourth member 442 and the lowermost fourth member 442 in the optical axis direction may be spaced apart from the third protruding member 451 and the fourth protruding member 452, respectively, which may have the effect of preventing the problem of the fourth member 442 relatively reducing the area of ​​contact between the second gripping portion 523 and the second reinforcing portion 440.

[0164] For example, if the third partition 451a and the fourth member 442 are arranged adjacent to each other, the space between the third partition 451a and the fourth member 442 may be narrow, making it somewhat difficult to apply adhesive, or manufacturing tolerances of the fourth member 442 may cause problems such as the third wall portion 523a separating from the inner space formed by the pair of third partitions 451a and the third bar portion 451b. Therefore, as described above, it is preferable that the fourth member 442 be spaced a predetermined distance apart from the third protruding member 451 and the fourth protruding member 452 in the optical axis direction.

[0165] As described above, the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a first reinforcing portion 340 to ensure the rigidity of the first extension portion 320, which may bend due to the weight of the second lens group 301 or external factors, and a second reinforcing portion 440 to ensure the rigidity of the second extension portion 420, which may bend due to the weight of the third lens group 401 or external factors.

[0166] As a result, the rigidity of the first extension portion 320 of the second lens assembly 300 is ensured, and the rigidity of the second extension portion 420 of the third lens assembly 400 is ensured, which may have the advantage of effectively preventing bending of the first extension portion 320 and the second extension portion 420.

[0167] In addition, the first reinforcing portion 340 and the second reinforcing portion 440 protrude to a height of 0.01 to 0.03 mm in the first direction, which may have the advantage of preventing the problem of the housing 100 becoming larger in size in the first direction by adding a separate reinforcing member without excessively increasing the load while ensuring sufficient rigidity of the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400.

[0168] More specifically, the first reinforcing portion 340 has a height of 0.01 to 0.03 mm in the first direction, preferably 0.02 mm, and the width of the first member 341 in the second direction and the width of the second member 342 in the optical axis direction may be 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.02 mm.

[0169] In addition, the second reinforcing portion 440 has a height of 0.01 to 0.03 mm in the first direction, preferably 0.02 mm, and the width of the third member 441 in the second direction and the width of the fourth member 442 in the optical axis direction may be 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.02 mm.

[0170] Meanwhile, by providing the first reinforcing portion 340 and the second reinforcing portion 440 in the second actuator A2 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, reference can be made to Figures 12 to 15 to explain the differences from the conventional art.

[0171] Specifically, FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the variation in height of the second lens assembly of a conventional camera actuator in the optical axis direction, FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the variation in height of the second lens assembly of a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention in the optical axis direction, FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the difference in deflection deviation between the conventional and present invention based on an injection simulation, and FIG. 15 is a graph illustrating the deflection deviation depending on the distance between the second lens assembly and the third lens assembly.

[0172] First, in comparing the conventional camera actuator with the embodiment of the present invention, the fluctuation range in Figures 12 and 13 is a diagram illustrating the change in height of the first extension portion 320 in the optical axis direction over time, and the multiple lines represent the sum of the state of the injected object, the state with the magnet attached, and the state after hardening for 10 hours, respectively.

[0173] 12 and 13, the X axis represents the height (optical axis) of the first extension portion 320 in the optical axis direction, and the Y axis represents the depth (depth) of the first rail groove in the first direction. More specifically, the X axis represents the distance from the bottom surface to the top surface of the first extension portion 320 in the optical axis direction, and the Y axis represents the distance from the inner surface of the first rail groove in the first direction to the surface of the first extension portion 320 farthest from the inner surface of the first rail groove in the first direction.

[0174] The four graphs shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are graphs showing deflection deviations for different models under the above-mentioned conditions.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 12 based on the above conditions, as shown in FIG. 12, in the conventional camera actuator, there is a considerable deviation in deflection depending on the injection method and the length of the first extension part 320 in the optical axis direction, which, as mentioned above, can cause problems with the stability of the camera actuator and overload because the first ball unit 330 placed on the first extension part 320 is pressurized with different pressures.

[0176] Of course, the high deflection deviation of the conventional first extension 320 can cause problems such as a deterioration in the stability and performance of the camera actuator itself.

[0177] In addition, since there is considerable deviation in the deflection between the models, even if one model is relatively stable compared to other models, another model may be relatively unstable compared to other models, which may make it impossible to standardize performance.

[0178] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 13, it can be seen that the camera actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention ensures significantly greater stability than the conventional technology shown in FIG. 12, even when examining the deflection deviations due to different models and the changes due to the measurement conditions.

[0179] As described above, since the deflection deviation of the first extension portion 320 is significantly small, the friction deviation occurring in the first ball unit 330 is reduced, which can have the advantage of preventing problems such as overload and wear.

[0180] That is, as described above, it can be seen that the second lens assembly 300 of the present invention, which is provided with the first reinforcing portion 340, significantly reduces the deflection deviation compared to the prior art, thereby ensuring the stability of the camera actuator.

[0181] Meanwhile, referring to Figure 14, Figure 14(A) illustrates the deflection deviation amount for the conventional technology, and Figure 14(B) illustrates the deflection deviation amount for a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0182] Now, since the second lens assembly 300 has been compared with the first lens assembly 300 through FIGS. 12 and 13, the deflection deviation of the third lens assembly 400 will be explained with reference to FIGS.

[0183] First, as shown in FIG. 14, in the conventional camera actuator, as shown in FIG. 14(A), a deviation occurs in which the upper part of the second extension part 420 in the optical axis direction bends outward, which can cause a change in the length of the second extension part 420 in the optical axis direction.

[0184] In addition, the multiple bending portions place a burden on the portion supporting the third lens group 401 of the third lens assembly 400, and as a result, the bending phenomenon occurring in the second extension portion 420 may become even more severe.

[0185] However, as shown in FIG. 14(B), the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention has a load concentrated closer to the third lens group 401 than the camera actuator according to the conventional technology shown in FIG. 14(A), and the third barrel portion 410 that holds the third lens group 401 can have a relatively small deflection deviation.

[0186] Accordingly, as described above, the friction deviation of the second ball unit 430 is reduced, which can advantageously prevent problems such as overload and wear caused thereby.

[0187] Meanwhile, FIG. 15 is a graph showing the position of the third lens assembly 400 or the second lens assembly 300 in the optical axis direction on the X axis and the resulting deflection on the Y axis.

[0188] In addition, Tele means that the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 are adjacent to each other, and Wide means that the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 are relatively far apart in the optical axis direction, as will be explained below.

[0189] Here, it can be seen that the deflection of (A) according to the prior art is relatively larger overall than that of (B) according to the embodiment of the present invention, and this is the same for both cases, including Tele and Wide. It can also be seen that the deviation is relatively smaller in Tele than in Wide, but the deviation increases in Wide.

[0190] Accordingly, the camera actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention can effectively ensure the performance and stability of the camera actuator provided with the first reinforcing portion 340 and the second reinforcing portion 440 compared to the conventional camera actuator.

[0191] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms other than those described above without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0192] Therefore, the foregoing embodiments should be considered as illustrative rather than restrictive, and accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing description, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Housing and a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly disposed inside the housing and arranged in an optical axis direction; a drive unit that moves the second lens assembly in the optical axis direction, The drive unit is a first magnet disposed on the second lens assembly and a first coil disposed to face the first magnet; The second lens assembly has a first reinforcing portion disposed thereon, the first reinforcing portion protruding in a first direction toward the first magnet, The first direction is perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

2. The camera actuator according to claim 1 , wherein the first reinforcing portion includes a first member extending in one direction and a second member intersecting the first member.

3. the first member extends along the optical axis direction, the second member extends along a second direction; The camera actuator according to claim 2 , wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction.

4. 4. The camera actuator of claim 3, wherein a thickness in the optical axis direction of a first intersecting portion of the second member adjacent to the first member is greater than a thickness in the optical axis direction of the second member relatively far from the first intersecting portion.

5. 2. The camera actuator according to claim 1, wherein the second lens assembly includes a second lens group, a second barrel portion surrounding the second lens group, and a first extension portion extending in the first direction from the second barrel portion.

6. The camera actuator according to claim 5 , wherein a first gripping portion for gripping the first magnet is disposed between the first magnet and the first extension portion.

7. The camera actuator of claim 6 , wherein the first reinforcing portion is disposed between the first gripping portion and the first extension portion.

8. The camera actuator according to claim 6 , wherein the first extension portion has a first fixing portion disposed thereon for fixing the first grip portion.

9. the first fixing portion includes a first protruding member and a second protruding member spaced apart in the optical axis direction, The camera actuator according to claim 8 , wherein the first protruding member surrounds an upper end of the first gripping portion in the optical axis direction.

10. The camera actuator according to claim 9 , wherein the second protruding member surrounds a part of a lower end of the first gripping portion in the optical axis direction.

11. a third lens assembly arranged with the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly in the optical axis direction; the driving unit includes a second magnet disposed on the third lens assembly and a second coil disposed to face the second magnet; The camera actuator of claim 1 , wherein the third lens assembly is provided with a second reinforcing portion that protrudes in the first direction toward the second magnet.

12. The camera actuator according to claim 11 , wherein the second reinforcing portion includes a third member extending in one direction and a fourth member intersecting the third member.

13. the third member extends along the optical axis direction, the fourth member extends along a second direction; The camera actuator of claim 12 , wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction.

14. 14. The camera actuator of claim 13, wherein a thickness in the optical axis direction of a second intersection portion of the fourth member adjacent to the third member is greater than a thickness in the optical axis direction of the fourth member relatively far from the second intersection portion.

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