Camera actuator and camera module including same

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention discloses a camera actuator including a housing; a first bobbin that moves in the optical axis direction within the housing and includes a first guiding region arranged on one surface; a drive unit that moves the first bobbin; a first guide unit that is arranged in the housing and faces the first guiding region of the first bobbin; and a first ball that supports the first bobbin for movement in the optical axis direction; wherein the first guiding region includes a first sub-guiding region arranged along the optical axis direction on one side of one surface of the first bobbin and a second sub-guiding region arranged along the optical axis direction on the other side of the one surface of the first bobbin, the first sub-guiding region including a first recess formed in the first edge region and a second recess formed in the second edge region spaced apart from the first edge region in the optical axis direction, the second sub-guiding region including a third recess formed in a central region, and the length of the third recess in the optical axis direction is greater than the length of the first recess in the optical axis direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A camera is a device that takes photos or videos of a subject and is installed in a mobile device, drone, vehicle, etc. To improve image quality, a camera module can have an image stabilization (IS) function that corrects or prevents image shake caused by user movement, an autofocus (AF) function that automatically adjusts the distance between the image sensor and lens to align the lens focal length, and a zoom function that increases or decreases the magnification of a distant subject through a zoom lens.

[0003] However, there are problems such as a decrease in the reliability of the camera actuator due to the long movement of the lens inside the camera module, a decrease in driving efficiency due to the flexible structure, and structural deformation due to the parts added during assembly. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a camera actuator and a camera module that can adjust the recess length of a curved lens assembly to improve dynamic tilt and drive efficiency.

[0005] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention may provide a camera actuator and a camera module with reduced current consumption by adjusting the size of the balls or the height of the recesses.

[0006] Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may provide a camera actuator and camera module with improved reliability due to the additional sub-balls.

[0007] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a camera actuator and a camera module with improved drive performance by adjusting the position of the base groove of the guide base and minimizing structural deformation that occurs during the assembly process.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention can provide a camera actuator and a camera module with improved dimensional accuracy and driving accuracy by minimizing issues that occur during assembly through the shape of the guide portion.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention can provide a camera actuator that is applicable to ultra-slim, ultra-miniature and high-resolution cameras.

[0010] The problems to be solved by the examples are not limited to these, and may also include the objectives and effects that can be grasped from the means for solving the problems and embodiments described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing; a first bobbin that moves in the optical axis direction within the housing and includes a first guiding region arranged on one surface; a drive unit that moves the first bobbin; a first guide unit that is arranged in the housing and faces the first guiding region of the first bobbin; and a first ball that supports the first bobbin to move in the optical axis direction; wherein the first guiding region includes a first sub-guiding region arranged on one side of the one surface of the first bobbin along the optical axis direction and a second sub-guiding region arranged on the other side of the one surface of the first bobbin along the optical axis direction, the first sub-guiding region including a first recess formed in a first edge region and a second recess formed in a second edge region spaced from the first edge region in the optical axis direction, and the second sub-guiding region includes a third recess formed in a central region, and the length of the third recess in the optical axis direction is greater than the length of the first recess in the optical axis direction.

[0012] The first ball may include a first sub-ball disposed in the first recess; a second sub-ball disposed in the second recess; and a third sub-ball disposed in the third recess.

[0013] The first sub-ball may be driven on the first recess, the second sub-ball may be driven on the second recess, and the third sub-ball may be driven on the third recess.

[0014] At least one of the first sub-ball and the second sub-ball may overlap a lens portion accommodated in the first bobbin in a horizontal direction.

[0015] At least one of the first recess and the second recess may overlap a lens portion accommodated in the first bobbin in a horizontal direction.

[0016] The first guide portion may include a first guide groove facing the first sub-guiding region; and a second guide groove facing the second sub-guiding region.

[0017] The first guide groove may have a side surface inclined relative to a bottom surface, and the first guide groove may face the first sub-ball.

[0018] The length of the first recess in the optical axis direction may be one to two times the diameter of the first sub-ball, and the length of the third recess in the optical axis direction may be two or more times the diameter of the second sub-ball.

[0019] The first bobbin may include a wing surface facing the first guide portion, and the wing surface may be inclined with respect to the optical axis direction in a predetermined region.

[0020] The second recess may be located on the wing surface, and the wing surface may be inclined toward an outer side of the first bobbin.

[0021] The first to third sub-balls do not have to be arranged on the same plane.

[0022] The first recess may have a different length in the horizontal direction along the optical axis direction.

[0023] The optical axis direction may include a second bobbin that moves within the housing, is spaced apart from the first bobbin in the optical axis direction, and includes a second guiding region that is arranged on one surface, and the second guiding region may include a fourth recess formed in a third edge region, a fifth recess formed in a fourth edge region spaced apart from the third edge region in the optical axis direction, and a sixth recess formed in a central region, and the length of the sixth recess in the optical axis direction may be greater than the length of the fourth recess in the optical axis direction.

[0024] The second sub-guiding region may include a sub-recess spaced apart from the third recess in the optical axis direction, and the sub-recess may be formed in each of the first edge region and the second edge region.

[0025] The first ball may include an additional ball disposed in the sub-recess; the diameter of the additional ball may be smaller than the diameter of the first sub-ball.

[0026] A camera actuator according to an embodiment includes a housing; a first bobbin that moves within the housing in the optical axis direction; a drive unit that moves the first bobbin; a first guide unit that is disposed in the housing, faces the first bobbin, extends in the optical axis direction, and includes a first guide groove and a second guide groove that are spaced apart from each other; and a first sub-ball and a second sub-ball that are disposed between the first guide groove and the first bobbin, and a third sub-ball that is disposed between the second guide groove and the first bobbin, wherein the first bobbin includes a first edge region that is disposed on its edge, a second edge region that is spaced apart from the first edge region in the optical axis direction, and an intermediate region that is disposed between the first edge region and the second edge region, wherein the first sub-ball is driven in the first edge region, the second sub-ball is driven in the second edge region, and the third sub-ball is driven in the intermediate region.

[0027] A camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing; a first lens assembly that moves within the housing in an optical axis direction; a drive unit that moves the first lens assembly; a first guide unit that is disposed in the housing and faces the first lens assembly; and a ball that is disposed between the first guide unit and the first lens assembly, wherein the first guide unit includes a guide base that includes the first guide groove in which the ball is placed and a base groove that is located at an edge of the first guide unit and overlaps with the first guide groove in the optical axis direction.

[0028] The first guide portion may include a first extension portion extending from one end of the guide base to one side; and a second extension portion extending from the other end of the guide base to the one side.

[0029] The first extension portion and the second extension portion may overlap the base groove in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0030] The guide base may include a guide hole, and the driving part may include a coil disposed in the guide hole.

[0031] The guide hole may overlap the first guide groove in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0032] The base groove may include a first base groove spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction and a second base groove disposed on the other side.

[0033] The first base groove and the second base groove may overlap with the first guide groove in the optical axis direction.

[0034] The length of the first base groove in the optical axis direction may be greater than the length of the second base groove in the optical axis direction.

[0035] The first base groove may be spaced apart from the first guide groove in the optical axis direction.

[0036] The first guide groove may be open toward the second base groove.

[0037] The depth of the first base groove in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may be smaller than the depth of the first guide groove in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0038] The first guide portion may include a first region overlapping the base groove in the optical axis direction; and a second region overlapping the first extension portion and the second extension portion in the optical axis direction.

[0039] The driving unit may include a magnet disposed in the first region and a coil disposed in the second region.

[0040] The second extension portion may include a base coupling portion.

[0041] The housing may interface with the base groove. [Effects of the Invention]

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera actuator and a camera module are implemented that improve dynamic tilt and drive efficiency by adjusting the recess length of a curved lens assembly.

[0043] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention may implement a camera actuator and a camera module with reduced current consumption by adjusting the size of the balls or the height of the recesses.

[0044] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may implement a camera actuator and a camera module with improved reliability due to the additional sub-balls.

[0045] In addition, the embodiment of the present invention adjusts the position of the base groove of the guide base to minimize structural deformation that occurs during the assembly process, thereby realizing a camera actuator and a camera module with improved driving performance.

[0046] Furthermore, the present invention can minimize issues that occur during assembly through the shape of the guide portion, thereby realizing a camera actuator and a camera module with improved dimensional accuracy and driving accuracy.

[0047] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may implement a camera actuator and a camera module with improved reliability due to the additional sub-balls.

[0048] Embodiments of the present invention can implement a camera actuator applicable to ultra-slim, ultra-compact and high-resolution cameras.

[0049] The various beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to the above, but will be more easily understood in the course of describing specific embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0051] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0052] [Figure 3] This is a view from AA' in Figure 1.

[0053] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second camera actuator according to the embodiment.

[0054] [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a second camera actuator according to the embodiment.

[0055] [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD′ in FIG. 4.

[0056] [Figure 7] 4 is a diagram illustrating each drive of a lens assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a diagram illustrating each drive of a lens assembly according to an embodiment.

[0057] [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram illustrating driving of a second camera actuator according to an embodiment.

[0058] [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first lens assembly, a first bonding member, a second bonding member, and a second lens assembly according to the embodiment.

[0059] [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first lens assembly on a second camera actuator according to the first embodiment.

[0060] [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a side view of the first lens assembly at the second camera actuator in the first embodiment.

[0061] [Figure 13a] This is a view taken along the line EE' in FIG.

[0062] [Figure 13b] This is a view taken along the line E''E''' in Figure 12.

[0063] [Figure 14] This is a view taken along the line FF' in FIG.

[0064] [Figure 15] 10 is a view illustrating a first lens assembly, a first guide part, a first ball, and a second ball in a second camera actuator according to the first embodiment.

[0065] [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a side view of a lens assembly at a second camera actuator according to the second embodiment.

[0066] [Figure 17] This is a view of the cross section GG' in Figure 16.

[0067] [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a side view of a lens assembly at a second camera actuator according to the third embodiment.

[0068] [Figure 19] This is a view taken along the line HH' in Figure 18.

[0069] [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a side view of a lens assembly at a second camera actuator according to the fourth embodiment.

[0070] [Figure 21] This is a view taken along line II' in FIG.

[0071] [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a side view of a lens assembly at a second camera actuator according to the fifth embodiment.

[0072] [Figure 23] 10 is a view illustrating a first lens assembly, a first guide part, a first ball, and a second ball in a second camera actuator according to a fifth embodiment.

[0073] [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a first guide portion according to another embodiment.

[0074] [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a first guide portion according to another embodiment.

[0075] [Figure 26] This is a view of the cut at GG' in Figure 25.

[0076] [Figure 27] This is a view of the cross section at HH' in Figure 25.

[0077] [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is another side view illustrating a first guide portion according to another embodiment.

[0078] [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is another perspective view illustrating a first guide portion according to another embodiment;

[0079] [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is yet another side view illustrating a first guide portion according to another embodiment.

[0080] [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inside of a second camera actuator according to another embodiment.

[0081] [Figure 32] This is a view of the section II in Figure 4.

[0082] [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a second camera actuator according to another embodiment.

[0083] [Figure 34] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a partially enlarged view of a second camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the rear end of the second camera actuator according to another embodiment.

[0085] [Figure 36] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a circuit board according to an embodiment.

[0086] [Figure 37] 1 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied;

[0087] [Figure 38] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The terms used in this application are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expressions include the plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, the terms "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.

[0092] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person 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.

[0093] Hereinafter, the 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 numbers, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] 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 seen from the line AA' in FIG.

[0095] 1 and 2, a camera module 1000 according to an embodiment may include 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 used as the first actuator, and the second camera actuator 1200 may be used as the second actuator.

[0096] The cover CV can cover the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200. The cover CV can improve the coupling force between the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200.

[0097] Furthermore, the cover CV may be made of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves, thereby easily protecting the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200 within the cover CV.

[0098] The first camera actuator 1100 may be an OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) actuator. For example, the first camera actuator 1100 may move an optical member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (axis of incident light).

[0099] The first camera actuator 1100 may include a fixed focal length lens disposed in a predetermined lens barrel (not shown). A fixed focal length lens may also be referred to as a "single focal length lens" or "single lens."

[0100] The first camera actuator 1100 can change the path of light. As an example, the first camera actuator 1100 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 first direction (X-axis direction) to a third direction (Z-axis direction). Alternatively, the optical member can change the light from a first axis to a second axis. 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 in the path of light, allowing magnification, autofocusing (AF), zoom, and OIS functions to be performed.

[0101] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first camera actuator 1100 can change the optical path vertically or at a predetermined angle multiple times.

[0102] The second camera actuator 1200 may be disposed at the rear end of the first camera actuator 1100. The second camera actuator 1200 may be coupled to the first camera actuator 1100. The coupling therebetween may be achieved in various ways.

[0103] The second camera actuator 1200 may be a zoom actuator or an auto focus (AF) actuator. For example, the second camera actuator 1200 may support one or more lenses and perform an auto focus function or a zoom function by moving the lenses in response to a control signal from a predetermined controller.

[0104] One or more lenses move independently or individually along the optical axis.

[0105] The circuit board 1300 may be disposed at the rear end of the second camera actuator 1200. The circuit board 1300 may be electrically connected to the second camera actuator 1200 and the first camera actuator 1100. There may also be a plurality of circuit boards 1300.

[0106] The camera module according to the embodiment may be a single camera module or multiple camera modules, for example, multiple camera modules may include a first camera module and a second camera module.

[0107] The first camera module may include a single actuator or multiple actuators. For example, the first camera module may include a first camera actuator 1100 and a second camera actuator 1200.

[0108] The second camera module may be disposed in a predetermined housing (not shown) and may include an actuator (not shown) capable of driving the lens unit. The actuator may be a voice coil motor, a microactuator, a silicon actuator, or the like, and may be variously applied, such as an electrostatic type, a thermal type, a bimorph type, or an electrostatic force type, but is not limited thereto. In addition, in this specification, a camera actuator may be referred to as an actuator, etc. In addition, a camera module consisting of multiple 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 optical member. However, hereinafter, the actuator will be described as including a lens or an optical member. Furthermore, the actuator may be referred to as a "lens moving device," "lens moving device," "optical member moving device," "optical member moving device," etc.

[0109] 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.

[0110] Light may be incident into the camera module or the first camera actuator through an opening region located on the top surface of the first camera actuator 1100. That is, the light is primarily incident into the first camera actuator 1100 along a vertical direction (e.g., the X-axis direction, based on the incident light), and the light path may be changed to an optical axis direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) through an optical member. The light then passes through the second camera actuator 1200 and may be incident (PATH) on the image sensor IS located at one end of the second camera actuator 1200. In the following description, the Z-axis direction or the third direction will be referred to as the optical axis direction. Also, the first direction, or X-axis direction, will be referred to as the vertical direction. The second direction, or Y-axis direction, will be referred to as the horizontal direction.

[0111] In this specification, the bottom surface refers to one side in the first direction. The first direction is the X-axis direction in the drawing and may be interchangeably referred to as the second axis direction, etc. The second direction is the Y-axis direction in the drawing and may be interchangeably referred to as the first axis direction, etc. The second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction is the Z-axis direction in the drawing and may be interchangeably referred to as the third axis direction, etc. The third direction is a direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. 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 directions perpendicular to the optical axis. In the following description of the first and second camera actuators, the optical axis direction is in the third direction (Z-axis direction), and the following description will be based on this.

[0112] In addition, in this specification, the "inside" may be the direction from the cover CV toward the first camera actuator, and the "outside" may be the opposite direction to the inside. That is, the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator may be located inside the cover CV, and the cover CV may be located outside the first camera actuator or the second camera actuator.

[0113] With this configuration, the camera module according to the embodiment can improve the spatial limitations of the first and second camera actuators by changing the optical path. That is, the camera module according to the embodiment can expand the optical path while minimizing the thickness of the camera module in response to the change in the optical path. Furthermore, it should be understood that the second camera actuator can provide a wide range of magnification by controlling the focus, etc., in the expanded optical path.

[0114] In addition, the camera module according to the embodiment can implement OIS by controlling the optical path through the first camera actuator, thereby minimizing the occurrence of decentering and tilt phenomena and achieving the best optical characteristics.

[0115] Furthermore, the second camera actuator 1200 may include an optical system and a lens driving unit. For example, the second camera actuator 1200 may include at least one of a first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, and a third lens assembly.

[0116] The second camera actuator 1200 includes a coil and a magnet and can perform high magnification zooming and autofocus functions.

[0117] For example, the first and second lens assemblies may be moving lenses that move via coils, magnets, and guide pins, and the third lens assembly may be a fixed lens, but is not limited to these. For example, the third lens assembly may function as a condenser, focusing light at a specific position, and the first lens assembly may function as a variator, refocusing the image focused by the third lens assembly (the condenser) at another location. Meanwhile, the first lens assembly may experience significant changes in magnification due to significant changes in the distance to the subject or the image distance, and the first lens assembly (the variator) may play an important role in changing the focal length or magnification of the optical system. Meanwhile, the image point focused by the first lens assembly (the variator) may vary slightly depending on its position. Therefore, the second lens assembly may perform a position compensation function for the image focused by the variator. For example, the second lens assembly may perform a compensator function, focusing the image point focused by the first lens assembly (the variator) accurately at the actual image sensor position. For example, the first and second lens assemblies may be driven by electromagnetic force due to the interaction between a coil and a magnet. The above content may be applied to the lens assemblies described below. The first to third lens assemblies may move along the optical axis direction, i.e., the third direction. The first to third lens assemblies may move in the third direction independently or dependently. In the present invention, the first and second lens assemblies may move along the optical axis direction. 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. The third lens assembly may not move in the optical axis direction. That is, the third lens assembly may be a fixed part. The first and second lens assemblies may be movable parts.

[0118] 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 first driving 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 image stabilization, optical image stabilization, optical image correction, and shake correction.

[0119] In particular, the optical member RM can be tilted along the X-axis or the Y-axis by the first camera actuator 1100. This allows for easy change of the optical path by tilting along the X-axis or the Y-axis.

[0120] The optical member RM may be mounted on a holder of the first camera actuator, etc. As an example, the optical member RM may be a mirror or a prism. Although a prism will be illustrated below, the optical member RM may be made up of a plurality of lenses, as in the previous example. Alternatively, the optical member RM may be made up of a plurality of lenses and a prism or mirror. The optical member RM may also include a reflecting portion disposed therein. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0121] The optical member RM may be tilted along the X-axis or the Y-axis by driving the VCM etc. in the first camera actuator 1100. That is, the OIS may be implemented by tilting or rotating the optical member RM based on the Y-axis or the X-axis.

[0122] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second camera actuator according to the embodiment, Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the second camera actuator according to the embodiment, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD' in Figure 4, Figures 7 and 8 are drawings explaining each drive of the lens assembly according to the embodiment, and Figure 9 is a drawing explaining the drive of the second camera actuator according to the embodiment.

[0123] 4 to 6, second camera actuator 1200 (or camera device or zoom lens transport device or zoom lens moving device or lens transport device) according to the embodiment may include lens unit 1220, housing 1230, drive unit 1250, base unit 1260, substrate unit 1270, and stoppers ST1 and ST2. Furthermore, second camera actuator 1200 may further include a shielding can (not shown), an elastic unit (not shown), and a joining member (not shown).

[0124] Additionally, as described below, the lens group may move along the optical axis. The lens group may be coupled with the lens assembly and move along the optical axis together. In this case, the second camera actuator may include a moving unit that moves along the optical axis together with the lens group, and a fixed unit that is fixed relatively to the moving unit and does not move along the optical axis. In this embodiment, the moving unit may include a lens assembly (e.g., first and second lens assemblies) and optical driving magnets (first and second driving magnets). The fixed unit may include a housing, a substrate, optical driving coils (first and second coils), and a Hall sensor. A driving magnet may be disposed on one of the moving unit and the fixed unit, and a driving coil may be disposed on the other. In accordance with this description, the moving distance of the lens assembly (described below) may correspond to the moving distance of the moving unit.

[0125] The shielding can (not shown) can be located in one area (e.g., the outermost) of the second camera actuator 1200 and can be positioned to surround the components described below (lens section 1220, housing 1230, drive section 1250, base section 1260, substrate section 1270, and image sensor IS arranged on the rear circuit board).

[0126] Such a shielding can (not shown) can block or reduce externally generated electromagnetic waves, thereby reducing the occurrence of malfunctions in the driver 1250.

[0127] The lens unit 1220 may be located within a shielding can (not shown). The lens unit 1220 may move along a third direction (Z-axis direction or optical axis direction). Accordingly, the above-mentioned AF function or zoom function may be performed.

[0128] Also, the lens unit 1220 may be located within the housing 1230. Thus, at least a portion of the lens unit 1220 may move within the housing 1230 along the optical axis direction or the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0129] Specifically, the lens unit 1220 can include a lens group 1221 and a moving assembly 1222 .

[0130] First, the lens group 1221 can include at least one lens. Also, although there can be a plurality of lens groups 1221, the following description will be given based on one lens group.

[0131] The lens group 1221 is coupled to the moving assembly 1222 and 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.

[0132] As an example, 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 arranged sequentially along the optical axis. Furthermore, the lens group 1221 may further include a fourth lens group. The fourth lens group may be arranged behind the third lens group 1221c.

[0133] The first lens group 1221a may be fixed by being coupled to the second housing (or a fixed assembly). In other words, the first lens group 1221a may not move along the optical axis.

[0134] The second lens group 1221b is coupled with the first lens assembly 1222a and can move in the third direction or the light side direction. Magnification can be adjusted by moving the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens group 1221b.

[0135] The third lens group 1221c is coupled to the second lens assembly 1222b and can move in a third direction or in the optical axis direction. Focus adjustment or autofocusing can be performed by moving the third lens group 1221c.

[0136] However, the number of lens groups is not limited to this, and the fourth lens group described above may not be present, or an additional lens group other than the fourth lens group 1221d may be further disposed.

[0137] The moving assembly 1222 may include an open area surrounding the lens group 1221. Such a moving assembly 1222 may be used in combination with the first and second lens assemblies. The moving assembly 1222 may also be used in combination with the first and second bobbins. The moving assembly 1222 or the lens assembly may move along the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) within the housing 1230. The moving assembly 1222 may be coupled to the lens group 1221 in various ways. The moving assembly 1222 may also include grooves on its side, through which the first magnet 1252a and the second magnet 1252b may be coupled. A coupling material may be applied to the grooves.

[0138] Additionally, the moving assembly 1222 may be coupled to elastic members (not shown) at its upper and rear ends. This allows the moving assembly 1222 to be supported by the elastic members (not shown) while moving in the third direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the position of the moving assembly 1222 can be maintained in the third direction (Z-axis direction). The elastic members (not shown) may be various elastic elements, such as a leaf spring.

[0139] The translation assembly 1222 is located within a housing 1230 and can include a first lens assembly 1222a and a second lens assembly 1222b.

[0140] The area where the third lens group 1221c of the second lens assembly 1222b is mounted may be located at the rear end of the first lens assembly 1222a. In other words, the area where the third lens group 1221c of the second lens assembly 1222b is mounted may be located between the area where the second lens group 1221b of the first lens assembly 1222a is mounted and the image sensor.

[0141] The first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b may face the first guide portion G1 and the second guide portion G2, respectively. The first guide portion G1 and the second guide portion G2 may be located on the first side portion 1232a and the second side portion 1232b of the housing 1230 (or the 2-2 housing) described below. For example, in the housing 1230, the first lens assembly 1222a may face the first guide portion G1. And, in the housing 1230, the second lens assembly 1222b may face the second guide portion G2.

[0142] Optically driven magnets may be mounted on the outer surfaces of the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b. For example, a second magnet 1252b may be mounted on the outer surface of the second lens assembly 1222b. A first magnet 1252a may be mounted on the outer surface of the first lens assembly 1222a. In this specification, the first lens assembly 1222a may be referred to as a "first bobbin." The second lens assembly 1222b may be referred to as a "second bobbin." In other words, the term "lens assembly" may be a concept that includes all structures, whether or not they include lenses.

[0143] The housing 1230 may be disposed between the lens portion 1220 and a shielding can (not shown), and may be disposed so as to surround the lens portion 1220.

[0144] The housing 1230 may include a second housing 1231 and a second housing 1232. The second housing 1231 is coupled to the first lens group 1221a and may also be coupled to the first camera actuator described above. The second housing 1231 may be located in front of the second housing 1232. The second housing may be referred to as a "fixed assembly," a "fixed lens assembly," a "fixed lens housing," etc. The second housing may be referred to as a "main barrel," a "lens barrel," a "barrel," etc.

[0145] The second-second housing 1232 may be located at the rear end of the second-first housing 1231. The first and second lens assemblies and the lens unit 1220 may be placed inside the second-second housing 1232.

[0146] The housing 1230 (or the second housing 1232) may have holes formed on its sides. The first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b may be disposed in the holes. The holes may be positioned to correspond to the grooves of the moving assembly 1222. In this case, there may be a plurality of first coils 1251a and second coils 1251b.

[0147] As an example, the housing 1230 (particularly, the second housing 1232) may include a first side 1232a and a second side 1232b. The first side 1232a and the second side 1232b may be positioned corresponding to each other. For example, the first side 1232a and the second side 1232b may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the third direction. The optical drive coil 1251 may be positioned on the first side 1232a and the second side 1232b. The substrate unit 1270 may be mounted on the outer surfaces of the first side 1232a and the second side 1232b. In other words, the first substrate may be positioned on the outer surface of the first side 1232a, and the second substrate may be positioned on the outer surface of the second side 1232b.

[0148] Furthermore, the first guide portion G1 and the second guide portion G2 may be located on the first side 1232a and the second side 1232b of the housing 1230 (particularly, the second-second housing 1232).

[0149] The first guide portion G1 and the second guide portion G2 may be positioned to correspond to each other. For example, the first guide portion G1 and the second guide portion G2 may be positioned to face each other based on the third direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, the first guide portion G1 and the second guide portion G2 may at least partially overlap each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0150] The first guide portion G1 and the second guide portion G2 may include at least one groove (e.g., guide groove) or recess. A first ball B1 or a second ball B2 may be placed in the groove or recess. The second camera actuator 1200 may further include a ball portion. The ball portion may include a first ball B1 and a second ball B2. The ball portion allows the first and second lens assemblies to move along the optical axis direction. The ball portion may include at least one rolling member (ball). At least one ball may move along the guide groove of the first and second guide portions. The at least one ball may also move along the recess or groove of the first and second lens assemblies. Therefore, the first ball B1 or the second ball B2 may move in the third direction (Z-axis direction) within the guide groove of the first guide portion G1 or the guide groove of the second guide portion G2. The first ball B1 may support the first bobbin to move along the optical axis direction. The second ball B2 may support the second bobbin to move along the optical axis direction.

[0151] Alternatively, the first ball B1 or the second ball B2 may move in the third direction along a rail formed on the inside of the first side 1232a of the housing 1230 or a rail formed on the inside of the second side 1232b of the housing 1230. For example, the first ball B1 may move along a rail formed on the inside of the first side 1232a, and the second ball B2 may move along a rail formed on the inside of the second side 1232b.

[0152] Thus, the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b can move in the third direction or the optical axis direction, and the second lens assembly 1222b can be positioned adjacent to or closer to the image sensor than the first lens assembly 1222a.

[0153] According to the embodiment, the first ball B1 can contact the first lens assembly 1222a, and the second ball B2 can contact the second lens assembly 1222b. Therefore, depending on the position, the first ball B1 can at least partially overlap the second ball B2 along the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0154] The first guide portion G1 may include first guide groove groups GG1a and GG1b facing the first recess portion RS1. The second guide portion G2 may include second guide groove groups GG2a and GG2b facing the second recess portion RS2. The first guide groove groups GG1a and GG1b may be used interchangeably with the first guide grooves described above. The second guide groove groups GG2a and GG2b may be used interchangeably with the second guide grooves described above.

[0155] The first guide groove groups GG1a, GG1b and the second guide groove groups GG2a, GG2b may be grooves extending in the third direction (Z-axis direction). The first guide groove groups GG1a, GG1b and the second guide groove groups GG2a, GG2b may have grooves of different shapes. For example, the first guide groove groups GG1a, GG1b and the second guide groove groups GG2a, GG2b may have at least one groove with an inclined side surface and another groove with a side surface perpendicular to the bottom surface.

[0156] Furthermore, the first guide groove groups GG1a, GG1b or the second guide groove groups GG2a, GG2b may be plural. The first guide groove groups GG1a, GG1b or the second guide groove groups GG2a, GG2b may include plural guide grooves. And, plural balls, at least some of which have different diameters, may be positioned in the plural guide grooves.

[0157] The second magnet 1252b may be positioned to face the second coil 1251b, and the first magnet 1252a may be positioned to face the first coil 1251a.

[0158] For example, at least one of the first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b may consist of at least one coil. For example, the first coil 1251a may consist of multiple coils. The second coil 1251b may consist of multiple coils. The first and second coils may each consist of one coil. The first coil may consist of one coil and the second coil may consist of one coil. In this case, a long stroke can also be realized.

[0159] As an example, the optical drive coil 1251 may be composed of sub-coils arranged sequentially along the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). For example, multiple sub-coils may be arranged sequentially along the optical axis direction on each side of the main barrel 1232.

[0160] In this embodiment, the optical driving coil 1251 may include a first driving unit and a second driving unit. The first driving unit may provide a driving force to move the first lens assembly 1222a along the optical axis direction. The first driving unit may include a first coil 1251a and a first magnet 1252a. The first driving unit may also include a first driving coil and a first driving magnet. Therefore, the first coil 1251a may be referred to as the "first driving coil," and the first magnet 1252a may be referred to as the "first driving magnet."

[0161] The second driving unit may provide a driving force for moving the second lens assembly 1222b along the optical axis direction, and may include a second coil 1251b and a second magnet 1252b.

[0162] The second driving unit may also include a second driving coil and a second driving magnet, whereby the second coil 1251b may be referred to as the "second driving coil" and the second magnet 1252b may be referred to as the "second driving magnet."

[0163] The elastic portion (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. The first elastic member (not shown) and the second elastic member (not shown) may be formed of a leaf spring as described above. The first elastic member (not shown) and the second elastic member (not shown) may provide elasticity for the movement of the moving assembly 1222. However, the positions are not limited to those described above, and the elastic portion may be arranged in various positions.

[0164] The driving unit 1250 can provide a driving force to move the lens unit 1220 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). The driving unit 1250 can include an optical driving coil 1251 and an optical driving magnet 1252. The optical driving coil 1251 and the optical driving magnet 1252 can be positioned to face each other. For example, the first driving coil 1251a and the first driving magnet 1252a can be positioned to face each other. Also, the second driving coil 1251b and the second driving magnet 1252b can be positioned to face each other. The first driving coil 1251a is disposed on one side along the second direction within the housing, and the second driving coil 1251b may be disposed on the other side along the second direction within the housing.

[0165] Furthermore, the driving unit 1250 may further include a Hall sensor unit 1253. The Hall sensor unit 1253 includes at least one first Hall sensor 1253a and a second Hall sensor 1253b, and may be located inside or outside the optical driving coil 1251.

[0166] The electromagnetic force formed between the optical drive coil 1251 and the optical drive magnet 1252 allows the translation assembly to move in the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0167] The optical driving coil 1251 may include a first coil 1251a and a second coil 1251b. As described above, the first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b may be composed of a plurality of sub-coils. The first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b may be disposed in holes formed in the sides of the housing 1230. The first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b may be electrically connected to the substrate 1270. As a result, the first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b may be supplied with current through the substrate 1270.

[0168] The optical drive coil 1251 can then be coupled to the substrate portion 1270 via a yoke or the like.

[0169] Also, in this embodiment, the optical drive coil 1251 is a fixed element together with the substrate portion 1270. In contrast to this, the optical drive magnet 1252 is a moving element that moves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) together with the first and second assemblies.

[0170] The optically driven magnet 1252 can include a first magnet 1252a and a second magnet 1252b.

[0171] For example, the first coil 1251a may include a first sub-coil SC1a and a second sub-coil SC2a. The first sub-coil SC1a and the second sub-coil SC2a may be sequentially arranged in the optical axis direction. The first sub-coil SC1a may be positioned closer to the first camera actuator than the second sub-coil SC2a.

[0172] The second coil 1251b may include a third sub-coil SC1b and a fourth sub-coil SC2b. The third sub-coil SC1b and the fourth sub-coil SC2b may be sequentially arranged in the optical axis direction. The third sub-coil SC1b may be positioned closer to the first camera actuator than the fourth sub-coil SC2b.

[0173] The first magnet 1252a may face the first subcoil SC1a and the second subcoil SC2a. The second magnet 1252b may face the third subcoil SC1b and the fourth subcoil SC2b. The first subcoil SC1a may be positioned to overlap the third subcoil SC1b in the second direction. The second subcoil SC2a may be positioned to overlap the fourth subcoil SC2b in the second direction. In this way, the first magnet 1252a and the second magnet 1252b may be positioned to face the same two subcoils.

[0174] The first subcoil SC1a and the second subcoil SC2a may be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction. The first subcoil SC1a and the second subcoil SC2a may be connected in parallel to each other. For example, one end or the other end of the first subcoil SC1a may be connected to one end or the other end of the second subcoil SC2a at one node. The other end or the other end of the first subcoil SC1a may be connected to the other end or the other end of the second subcoil SC2a at another node. That is, the current applied to the first subcoil SC1a and the second subcoil SC2a may be distributed to each subcoil. As a result, the first subcoil SC1a and the second subcoil SC2a are electrically connected in parallel, which may reduce heat generation.

[0175] Furthermore, the polarity of one surface of the first drive magnet 1252a facing the first coil may be the same as the polarity of one surface of the second drive magnet 1252b facing the second coil. For example, the inner surfaces of the first drive magnet 1252a and the second drive magnet 1252b may have either an N pole or an S pole (e.g., an N pole). The outer surfaces of the first drive magnet 1252a and the second drive magnet 1252b may have the other N pole or an S pole (e.g., an S pole). Here, the inner surface may be the surface adjacent to the optical axis, and the outer surface may be the surface farther from the optical axis. Furthermore, the first magnet 1252a may have a first pole on a first surface BSF1 facing the optical drive coil (e.g., the first coil). The first magnet 1252a may have a second pole on a second surface BSF2 opposite the first surface BSF1. The second magnet 1252b may have a first pole on a first face BSF1 that faces the optical drive coil (e.g., second coil). The second magnet 1252b may have a second pole on a second face BSF2 that is the opposite face of the first face BSF1. The first pole may be either a north pole or a south pole. The second pole may be the other of a north pole or a south pole.

[0176] Alternatively, the first drive magnet and the second drive magnet may have a structure in which north poles / south poles or south poles / north poles are sequentially arranged along the optical axis direction.

[0177] The third subcoil SC1b and the fourth subcoil SC2b may be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction. The third subcoil SC1b and the fourth subcoil SC2b may be connected in parallel. For example, one of one end and the other end of the third subcoil SC1b may be connected to one of one end and the other end of the fourth subcoil SC2b at one node.

[0178] The first magnet 1252a and the second magnet 1252b can be disposed in the aforementioned grooves of the moving assembly 1222 and can be positioned to correspond to the first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b. The optical drive magnet 1252 can then be coupled to the first and second lens assemblies (or moving assemblies) together with a yoke, which will be described later.

[0179] The base portion 1260 may be located between the lens portion 1220 and the image sensor in the circuit board. Components such as a filter may be fixed to the base portion 1260. The base portion 1260 may also be disposed to surround the image sensor. This configuration may prevent the image sensor from being contaminated by foreign matter, thereby improving the reliability of the device. However, in some of the following drawings, this may be omitted for explanation.

[0180] The second camera actuator 1200 may be a zoom actuator or an auto focus (AF) actuator. For example, the second camera actuator may support one or more lenses and perform an auto focus function or a zoom function by moving the lenses in response to a control signal from a predetermined controller.

[0181] And the second camera actuator can be a fixed zoom or a continuous zoom. For example, the second camera actuator can provide movement of lens group 1221.

[0182] Furthermore, the second camera actuator may be composed of multiple lens assemblies. For example, in addition to the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b, the second camera actuator may be provided with at least one of a third lens assembly (not shown) and a guide pin (not shown). The above description may apply to this. As a result, the second camera actuator can perform a high-magnification zoom function through the driver.

[0183] The image sensor may be located inside or outside the second camera actuator. In an embodiment, as shown, 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 may receive light and convert the received light into an electrical signal. The image sensor may also be configured as an array of a plurality of pixels. The image sensor may be located on the optical axis.

[0184] The substrate portion 1270 can be in contact with the side of the housing. For example, the substrate portion 1270 can be located on the outer surface of the first side (first side surface) and the outer surface of the second side (second side surface) of the housing, particularly the second-second housing, and can be in contact with the first side surface and the second side surface.

[0185] The second camera actuator may further include first stoppers ST1a, ST1b arranged at one end (or front end) within the housing (or 2-2 housing 1232) and second stoppers ST2a, ST2b arranged at the other end (or rear end).

[0186] The first stopper ST1 may be located at one end of the housing, for example, the second housing or the main barrel 1232, at an end opposite to the optical axis direction.

[0187] The first stopper ST1 may include a first stopper ST1a disposed on one side and a second stopper ST1b disposed on the other side. The first stopper ST1a may be located adjacent to the first side. The first stopper ST1b may be located adjacent to the second side. The terms "one side" and "other side" may refer to one side and the opposite side in the second direction.

[0188] Alternatively, the first-first stopper ST1a may overlap the guiding portion of the first lens assembly in the optical axis direction.

[0189] Also, the second stopper ST2 may be disposed at the other end of the second housing or the main barrel 1232. For example, the second stopper ST2 may be located at the end of the second housing or the main barrel 1232 in the optical axis direction.

[0190] The second stopper ST2 may include a first second stopper ST2a disposed on one side and a second second stopper ST2b disposed on the other side. The first second stopper ST2a may be positioned adjacent to the first side. The second second stopper ST1b may be positioned adjacent to the second side.

[0191] The first stopper ST1 and the second stopper ST2 can limit the moving distance of the moving assembly and absorb shocks.

[0192] 7 and 8, the electromagnetic force will be described below based on one coil. In the camera device according to this embodiment, an electromagnetic force DEM1 is generated between the first magnet 1252a and the first coil 1251a, and the first lens assembly 1222a can move parallel to the optical axis, i.e., in the third direction (Z-axis direction) or in the direction opposite to the third direction, along a rail located on the inner surface of the housing via the first ball B1. At this time, the first magnet 1252a and the second magnet 1252b do not move to the area facing the edges of the first and second sub-coils. Therefore, the electromagnetic force is generated based on the current flow in the adjacent areas of the first and second sub-coils.

[0193] As described above, in the camera device according to the embodiment, the first magnet 1252a may be attached to the first lens assembly 1222a using, for example, a unipolar magnetization method. For example, in the embodiment, the surface (first surface) facing the outer surface of the first magnet 1252a may be an S pole. The outer surface of the first magnet 1252a may be a surface facing the first coil 1251a. The surface opposite the first surface may be an N pole. As a result, only one of the N pole and the S pole may be positioned to face the first coil 1251a. Here, the description will be given based on the case where the outer surface of the first magnet 1252a is an S pole. Furthermore, the first coil 1251a may be composed of multiple sub-coils, and currents may flow in opposite directions in the multiple sub-coils. That is, the same current as "DE1" may flow in the region of the first sub-coil SC1a adjacent to the second sub-coil SC2a.

[0194] In other words, the first region of the first subcoil SC1a and the second region of the second subcoil SC2a may have the same current direction. The first region of the first subcoil SC1a overlaps with the first drive magnet 1252a in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction and is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis direction (e.g., arranged along the first direction). The second region of the second subcoil Sc2a overlaps with the first drive magnet 1252a in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction and is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis direction (e.g., arranged along the first direction).

[0195] Also, as shown in the figure, in this embodiment, when a magnetic force is applied from S of the first magnet 1252a in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and a current DE1 flows from the first coil 1251a in the first direction (X-axis direction), an electromagnetic force DEM1 can act in the third direction (Z-axis direction) due to the interaction of electromagnetic forces (for example, Fleming's left-hand rule).

[0196] At this time, because the first coil 1251a is fixed to the side of the housing, the first lens assembly 1222a in which the first magnet 1252a is disposed can be moved in the opposite direction of the Z axis by the electromagnetic force DEM1 depending on the direction of the current. That is, the optical drive magnet can move in the opposite direction of the electromagnetic force applied to the optical drive coil. Furthermore, the direction of the electromagnetic force can be changed depending on the current in the coil and the magnetic force of the magnet.

[0197] As a result, the first lens assembly 1222a can move along the rail located on the inner surface of the housing through the first ball in either the third direction or a direction parallel to the optical axis direction (both directions). At this time, the electromagnetic force DEM1 can be controlled in proportion to the current DE1 applied to the first coil 1251a.

[0198] The first lens assembly 1222a or the second lens assembly 1222b may include a recess in which the first ball or the second ball is placed. The first lens assembly 1222a may include a first recess in which the first ball is placed. The second lens assembly 1222b may include a second recess in which the second ball is placed.

[0199] The first recess portion RS1 and the second recess portion RS2 may be plural. The length of some of the first recess portions RS1 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) may be preset. Also, the length of some of the second recess portions RS2 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) may be preset. Accordingly, the movement distance of the first ball and the second ball in the optical axis direction within each recess portion may be adjusted. In other words, the first recess portion RS1 or the second recess portion RS2 may be a stopper for the first and second balls.

[0200] In the camera device according to the embodiment, the second magnet 1252b may be provided to the second lens assembly 1222b by, for example, a single-pole magnetization method.

[0201] Furthermore, the first coil 1251a may be made up of multiple sub-coils, and currents may flow in opposite directions in the multiple sub-coils. That is, the current may flow in the same direction as "DE1" in the area of ​​the first sub-coil SC1a adjacent to the second sub-coil SC2a.

[0202] In addition, in an embodiment, either the N pole or the S pole of the second magnet 1252b may be positioned to face the second coil 1251b. In an embodiment, the surface (first surface) facing the outer surface of the second magnet 1252b may be the S pole. Also, the first surface may be the N pole. The following description will be based on the first surface being the N pole as shown in the drawings.

[0203] Furthermore, the second coil 1251b may be made up of multiple sub-coils, and currents may flow in opposite directions in the multiple sub-coils. That is, the current may flow in the same direction as "DE2" in the area of ​​the first sub-coil SC1b adjacent to the second sub-coil SC2b.

[0204] In this embodiment, when a magnetic force DM2 is applied in the second direction (Y-axis direction) from the first surface (N-pole) of the second magnet 1252b, and a current DE2 flows in the first direction (X-axis direction) from the second coil 1251b corresponding to the N-pole, an electromagnetic force DEM2 can act in the third direction (Z-axis direction) due to the interaction of electromagnetic forces (for example, Fleming's left-hand rule).

[0205] At this time, because the second coil 1251b is fixed to the side of the housing, the second lens assembly 1222b, on which the second magnet 1252b is disposed, can move in the opposite direction of the Z-axis direction due to the electromagnetic force DEM2 depending on the direction of the current. For example, as described above, the direction of the electromagnetic force can be changed depending on the current in the coil and the magnetic force of the magnet. As a result, the second lens assembly 1222b can move along the rail located on the inner surface of the 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.

[0206] 9, in the camera apparatus according to the embodiment, the driving unit can provide driving forces F3A, F3B, F4A, and F4B that move the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b of the lens unit 1220 along the third direction (Z-axis direction). As described above, this driving unit can include the optical driving coil 1251 and the optical driving magnet 1252. The lens unit 1220 can move along the third direction (Z-axis direction) due to the electromagnetic force generated between the optical driving coil 1251 and the optical driving magnet 1252.

[0207] In this case, the first coil 1251a and the second coil 1251b may be disposed in holes formed in the sides (e.g., the first side and the second side) of the housing 1230. The second coil 1251b may be electrically connected to the first board. The first coil may be electrically connected to the second board. As a result, the first coil and the second coil may receive a drive signal (e.g., a current) from a driver on the circuit board of the circuit board 1300 through the board unit 1270.

[0208] At this time, the first lens assembly 1222a on which the first magnet 1252a is mounted can move along the third direction (Z-axis direction) due to electromagnetic forces F3A and F3B between the first coil and the first magnet 1252a. Also, the second lens group 1221b mounted on the first lens assembly 1222a can move along the third direction.

[0209] Then, due to electromagnetic forces F4A and F4B between the second coil and the second magnet 1252b, the second lens assembly 1222b on which the second magnet 1252b is mounted can move along the third direction (Z-axis direction). Also, the third lens group 1221c mounted on the second lens assembly 1222b can move along the third direction.

[0210] Accordingly, as described above, the focal length or magnification of the optical system can be changed by moving the second lens group 1221b and the third lens group 1221c. As an example, the magnification can be changed by moving the second lens group 1221b. In other words, zooming can be performed. Also, the focus can be adjusted by moving the third lens group 1221c. In other words, autofocusing can be performed.

[0211] Also, the second camera actuator may be a fixed zoom or a continuous zoom depending on the way the second lens group (or third lens group) moves.

[0212] Furthermore, the first Hall sensor 1253a and the second Hall sensor 1253b may be disposed in at least one of the first sub-coil and the second sub-coil. For example, the first Hall sensor 1253a and the second Hall sensor 1253b may overlap in the second direction. Alternatively, the first Hall sensor 1253a and the second Hall sensor 1253b may not overlap in the second direction. Alternatively, the first Hall sensor 1253a and the second Hall sensor 1253b may partially overlap in the second direction.

[0213] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first lens assembly, first joint member, second joint member, and second lens assembly according to the embodiment, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the first lens assembly in the second camera actuator according to the first embodiment, FIG. 12 is a side view of the first lens assembly in the second camera actuator according to the first embodiment, FIG. 13a is a view taken along line EE' in FIG. 12, FIG. 13b is a view taken along line E''E''' in FIG. 12, FIG. 14 is a view taken along line FF' in FIG. 12, and FIG. 15 is a view showing the first lens assembly, first guide portion, first ball, and second ball in the second camera actuator according to the first embodiment.

[0214] 10, the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b, which are movable assemblies, may be moved along the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) by a driving unit.

[0215] The first lens assembly 1222a may include a first lens holder LAH1 that holds and couples the second lens group 1221b. The first lens holder LAH1 may 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, the second lens group 1221b, including at least one lens, may be disposed in the first lens hole LH1. The first guide portion G1 may be spaced apart from one side of the first lens holder LAH1. For example, the first guide portion G1 and the first lens holder LAH1 may be sequentially arranged in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0216] The second lens assembly 1222b may include a second lens holder LAH2 that holds and couples the third lens group 1221c. The second lens holder LAH2 may also 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.

[0217] The second guide portion G2 may be disposed on the other side of the second lens holder LAH2 and may be disposed opposite the first guide portion G1.

[0218] In an embodiment, the first guide portion G1 and the second guide portion G2 may at least partially overlap in the second direction (Y-axis direction). This configuration improves the space efficiency of the second drive unit for moving the first and second lens assemblies within the second camera actuator, thereby facilitating miniaturization of the second camera actuator.

[0219] Also, the second guide part G2 and the second lens holder LAH2 may be sequentially arranged in opposite directions in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0220] As described above, the first ball and the first coil may be arranged on the first guide portion G1, and the second ball and the second coil may be arranged on the second guide portion G2.

[0221] As an example, the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b may each include adjacent outer surfaces. The first lens assembly 1222a may include a first outer surface, and the second lens assembly 1222b may include a second outer surface. The first outer surface may be the bottom surface of the first lens holder LAH1 based on the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). A third outer surface (described below) may be the top surface of the first lens holder LAH1. The second outer surface may be the top surface of the second lens holder LAH2, and the fourth outer surface may be the bottom surface of the second lens holder LAH2.

[0222] The first outer surface and the second outer surface may at least partially overlap in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). As an example, the first to fourth outer surfaces may at least partially overlap with each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0223] For example, a joining member (not shown) can contact at least one of the first outer surface and the second outer surface.

[0224] According to an embodiment, the ball portion or balls may include a first ball B1 and a second ball B2. Also, the guide portion may include a first guide portion G1 and a second guide portion G2. The balls may be located between the moving assembly and the guide portion. For example, the first ball may be located between the first guide portion G1 and the first lens assembly 1222a. And the second ball B2 may be located between the second guide portion G2 and the second lens assembly 1222b.

[0225] Each of the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b may include a recess on the outer surface facing the guide portion (or on the wing surface or side surface of the first and second assemblies) where a ball is placed. That is, the moving assembly may include a recess facing the guide portion. For example, the first lens assembly 1222a may include a first recess facing the first guide portion G1. The second lens assembly 1222b may include a second recess facing the second guide portion G2. A ball portion or a ball may be placed in the recess. As an example, the recess may include a first recess on which the first ball is placed and a second recess on which the second ball B2 is placed, as described above.

[0226] 11 to 15, in the second camera actuator according to the first embodiment, the moving assembly may face the guide portion. The moving assembly may include a recess in which a ball is placed. As an example, the first lens assembly 1222a faces the first guide portion and may include a first recess portion RS1 in which a ball (first ball) is placed. Alternatively, the first bobbin 1222a moves in the optical axis direction within the lens barrel and may include a first guiding region GR1 arranged on one surface.

[0227] The second lens assembly 1222b also faces the second guide portion and includes a second recess portion RS2 on which a ball (second ball) is placed. The second bobbin 1222b moves in the optical axis direction within the lens barrel and includes a second guiding region arranged on one surface.

[0228] The following description will be based on the first guide portion and the first lens assembly. However, the following description may be applied to at least one of the first guide portion and the second guide portion. The following description may also be applied to at least one of the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly.

[0229] The first recess portion RS1 may be located on a first assembly side surface 1222as of the first lens assembly 1222a. The first assembly side surface 1222as may correspond to one surface of the first bobbin 1222a. The first assembly side surface 1222as may be referred to as a wing surface. The first assembly side surface 1222as may be a surface facing the first guide portion. As a result, the first recess portion RS1 may be located on one surface of the first bobbin 1222a.

[0230] Similarly, the second recess portion RS2 may be located on a second assembly side surface 1222bs of the second lens assembly 1222b. The second assembly side surface 1222bs may correspond to one surface of the second bobbin 1222b. The second assembly side surface 1222bs may be the surface facing the second guide portion. Thus, the second recess portion RS2 may be located on one surface of the second bobbin 1222b.

[0231] Such wing surfaces or first assembly side surfaces 1222as may extend side by side along the optical axis direction, for example, such wing surfaces or first assembly side surfaces 1222as may extend along the optical axis direction toward the rear end (or the image sensor or second lens assembly).

[0232] Furthermore, the wing surface or first assembly side surface 1222as may be inclined with respect to the optical axis direction in a predetermined region. For example, the first assembly side surface 1222as may be inclined at a predetermined angle θa or θb with respect to an axis aligned with the optical axis direction. For example, the first assembly side surface 1222as may be inclined outward along the optical axis direction. That is, the first assembly side surface 1222as may be adjacent to the first guide portion as it approaches the optical axis direction or the rear end.

[0233] For example, the first assembly side surface 1222as may be inclined inward along the optical axis direction, i.e., the first assembly side surface 1222as may be spaced apart from the first guide portion in the optical axis direction or toward the rear end.

[0234] And, the first recess portion RS1 can be disposed on the wing surface or the first assembly side surface 1222as.

[0235] The first assembly side surface 1222as may include a first guiding region GR1. The first recess portion RS1 may be located in the first guiding region GR1. The first recess portion RS1 may include a plurality of recesses. The first recess portion RS1 may include a first recess SR1 and a second recess SR2 disposed at the edge, and a third recess SR3 disposed between the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 spaced apart in the optical axis direction. The first recess portion RS1 may also include a sub-recess SRa disposed between the first recess SR1 and the third recess SR3. The sub-recess SRa may be formed in each of the first edge region EA1 and the second edge region EA2.

[0236] As an example, the first guiding region GR1 may include a first sub-guiding region GR1a and a second sub-guiding region GR1b. The first sub-guiding region GR1a may be arranged on one side of one surface (first assembly side) of the first bobbin along the optical axis direction. The second sub-guiding region GR1b may be arranged on the other side of the one surface (first assembly side) of the first bobbin along the optical axis direction. For example, the first sub-guiding region GR1a may be located at the upper part of the first assembly side, and the second sub-guiding region GR1b may be located at the lower part of the first assembly side. The first sub-guiding region GR1a and the second sub-guiding region GR1b may be spaced apart from each other along the first direction. The first sub-guiding region GR1a and the second sub-guiding region GR1b may overlap or overlap each other along the first direction. The recesses of the first recess portion described above may be located in the first sub-guiding region GR1a and the second sub-guiding region GR1b.

[0237] Further, as an example, the first lens assembly 1222a (or bobbin) or first assembly side can include a first edge region EA1, a second edge region EA2, and a central region MA.

[0238] The first edge region EA1, the central region MA, and the second edge region EA2 may be sequentially arranged along opposite directions of the optical axis. The central region MA may be arranged between the first edge region EA1 and the second edge region EA2. The first edge region EA1 and the second edge region EA2 may be located at the edges of the first bobbin. For example, the first edge region EA1 and the second edge region EA2 may be located at the edges of the first bobbin along the optical axis.

[0239] The first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 may be located at both ends of the first assembly side surface 1222as along the optical axis direction. For example, the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 may be located at the edge of a plurality of recesses located on the first assembly side surface 1222as. Alternatively, the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 may be located apart from each other along the edge of the first assembly side surface 1222as along the optical axis direction.

[0240] The first sub-guiding region GR1a may include a first recess SR1 formed in the first edge region EA1 and a second recess SR2 formed in the second edge region EA2. The first edge region EA1 and the second edge region EA2 may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction. Accordingly, the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 may also be spaced apart in the optical axis direction. Furthermore, the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 may overlap each other in the optical axis direction.

[0241] The second sub-guiding region GR1b may include a third recess SR3 formed in the central region.

[0242] Furthermore, the first bobbin or the first lens assembly may include a recess in the second sub-guiding region GR1b that corresponds to the first recess SR1 in the first sub-guiding region GR1a. The recess that corresponds to the first recess SR1 may also be referred to as a first recess "SR1." The first bobbin or the first lens assembly may also include a recess in the second sub-guiding region GR1b that corresponds to the second recess SR2 in the first sub-guiding region GR1a. The recess that corresponds to the second recess SR2 may also be referred to as a second recess "SR2." The first bobbin or the first lens assembly may also include a recess in the first sub-guiding region GR1a that corresponds to the third recess SR3 in the second sub-guiding region GR1b. The recess that corresponds to the third recess SR3 may also be referred to as a third recess "SR3." In other words, the first sub-guiding region GR1a and the second sub-guiding region GR1b may have corresponding recesses. However, the first recess and the second recess may be disposed in one of the first sub-guiding region and the second sub-guiding region, and the third recess may be disposed in the other of the first sub-guiding region and the second sub-guiding region. The first to third recesses will be described below based on the above.

[0243] Furthermore, in the first sub-guiding region, an additional recess SRa spaced apart from the first recess portion or the first recess RS1 (or the second recess RS2) may be further disposed in the first edge region EA1 and the second edge region EA2.

[0244] In an embodiment, the length L2 of the third recess SR3 may be greater than the length L1 of the first recess SR1. The length L1 of the first recess SR1 may be the same as the length of the second recess SR2. Thus, the length L2 of the third recess SR3 may be greater than the length of the second recess SR2. Also, the length L3 of the sub-recess SRa may be less than the length L2 of the third recess SR3. The length L3 of the sub-recess SRa may be greater than the length L1 of the first recess SR1.

[0245] For example, the length L3 of the sub-recess SRa may be more than twice the length L1 of the first recess SR1, thereby realizing a long stroke.

[0246] The length L1 of the first recess SR1 (or the second recess) may be the shortest among the first recess portions, and the length L2 of the third recess SR3 may be the longest among the first recess portions.

[0247] As described above, the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction. The first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 may at least partially overlap in the optical axis direction. Furthermore, as described above, recesses corresponding to the first recess and the second recess are also disposed in the second sub-guiding region GR1b, so the first bobbin may include a recess that vertically overlaps or corresponds to the first recess SR1. Furthermore, the first bobbin may include a recess that vertically overlaps or corresponds to the second recess SR2.

[0248] The third recess SR3 may be located in a region between the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2, but the third recess SR3 does not have to overlap with the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 in the optical axis direction.

[0249] In addition, there may be a plurality of sub-recesses SRa, and the plurality of sub-recesses SRa may overlap in the vertical direction or the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0250] The third recess SR3 may be located in the central region MA of the first recess portion RS1. That is, the third recess SR3 may be located at the center of the first assembly side surface 1222as. This ensures the length of the third recess SR3 in the optical axis direction. Also, the distance for the rolling of the first ball (e.g., third sub-ball) disposed in the third recess SR3 may be easily ensured.

[0251] In addition, the first recess SR1, the second recess SR2, and the sub-recess SRa may overlap in the optical axis direction in the first sub-guiding region GR1a of the first assembly side surface 1222as.

[0252] Furthermore, in the second sub-guiding region GR1b of the first assembly side surface 1222as, the third recess SR3 and the sub-recess SRa may overlap in the optical axis direction.

[0253] In addition, the sub-recess SRa according to the embodiment may have a length in the third direction (Z-axis direction or longitudinal direction) greater than its width in the first direction (X-axis direction or width direction). This configuration allows the ball (third sub-ball) placed in the recess to move a long distance in the third direction (Z-axis direction). This allows the camera actuator to provide a long stroke. The thickness of an electronic device in which the camera actuator is implemented can also be easily reduced, allowing for miniaturization.

[0254] In the first lens assembly 1222a of the second camera actuator according to the first embodiment, the first recess portion RS1 may include a first step portion ST1 and a second step portion ST2. That is, the first recess SR1, the second recess SR2, the third recess SR3, and the sub-recess SRa may include a first step portion ST1 and a second step portion ST2. Each sub-recess may include a first step portion ST1 and a second step portion ST2.

[0255] As an example, the first step portion ST1 may be arranged along the edge, and the second step portion ST2 may be arranged inside the first step portion ST1, and the second step portion ST2 may be at least partially surrounded by the first step portion ST1.

[0256] According to the embodiment, the first step portion ST1 may include a first side surface f1 and a first bottom surface b1. The first side surface f1 may be located outside the first bottom surface b1. The first side surface f1 may be the outermost surface of the recess RS.

[0257] In addition, the first bottom surface b1 may contact the first side surface f1 on the inside of the first side surface f1. The first side surface f1 may be perpendicular to the first bottom surface b1 or may be an inclined surface. With this configuration, the shapes of the multiple recesses may be identical or similar to each other, as described below. As a result, the first ball B1 and the second ball B2 allow the first lens assembly 1222a and the second lens assembly 1222b to move accurately and efficiently along the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0258] Furthermore, the second step portion ST2 may include a second side surface f2 and a second bottom surface b2. The second side surface f2 may contact the first bottom surface b1 and may be located inside the first bottom surface b1.

[0259] Additionally, the second bottom surface b2 may contact the second side surface f2 and be located below the second side surface f2. The second side surface f2 may be inclined relative to the second bottom surface b2. This configuration allows a ball (first or second ball) to be easily placed on the second side surface f2. This allows the second side surface f2 to contact the ball.

[0260] In addition, the height H1 of the first step portion ST1 may be smaller than the height H2 of the second step portion ST2, so that the ball mounting space can be easily secured through the second step portion ST2 based on the third recess SR3, and the depths of the recesses can be made uniform, thereby realizing an accurate stroke.

[0261] The first side surface f1 can surround the first bottom surface b1, the second side surface f2, and the second bottom surface b2. Here, the inside of each recess is described relative to the center of the recess. For example, the direction from the recess toward the central axis is the "inside." The opposite direction toward the central axis or the direction away from the central axis is the "outside."

[0262] Furthermore, the first step portion ST1 according to the embodiment may have a closed loop shape. For example, the first step portion ST1 may have a closed loop shape on the plane (ZX). This shape makes the shapes of the first balls formed by the recesses identical or similar, as described above, and thus prevents the balls from falling off.

[0263] As will be described later, the first step portion ST1 may have an open loop shape.

[0264] In addition, the first lens assembly may include assembly protrusions 1222PR arranged on either side of each recess in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction). assembly Recesses or sub-recesses may be located between the protrusions 1222PR.

[0265] Additionally, assembly protrusions 1222PR may be located outside each recess.

[0266] The assembly protrusion 1222PR can prevent the ball (first ball or second ball) placed on the second step portion ST2 from slipping out. For example, to effectively prevent the ball from slipping out, the assembly protrusion 1222PR can be positioned on the bisector of each recess in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0267] Furthermore, the first step portion ST1 according to the embodiment is located outside the second step portion ST2, and the maximum width of the first step portion ST1 may be larger than the maximum width of the step portion ST2.

[0268] Alternatively, the sub-recess SRa may not have the first and second stepped portions, unlike the first and second recesses SR1 and SR2. The weight of the lens assembly can be reduced by the sub-recess SRa, and the lens assembly can be easily manufactured.

[0269] In an embodiment, the ball portion may include a first ball B1 and a second ball B2. The first ball B1 or the second ball B2 may be located between the lens assembly and the guide portion.

[0270] The first ball B1 may be located between the first lens assembly 1222a and the first guide portion G1, and the second ball B2 may be located between the second lens assembly 1222b and the second guide portion G2.

[0271] As an example, the first ball B1 may include a first sub-ball B1a disposed in the first recess SR1, a second sub-ball B1b disposed in the second recess SR2, and a third sub-ball B1c disposed in the third recess SR3.

[0272] That is, the first sub-ball B1a is driven on the first recess SR1, the second sub-ball B1b is driven on the second recess SR2, and the third sub-ball B1c is driven on the third recess. Alternatively, the first sub-ball B1a is driven in the first edge region, the second sub-ball B1b is driven in the second edge region, and the third sub-ball B1c is driven in the middle region.

[0273] The first sub-ball B1a may be disposed between the first guide groove GG1b and the first bobbin, the second sub-ball B1b may be disposed between the first guide groove GG1b and the first bobbin, and the third sub-ball B1c may be disposed between the second guide groove GG1a and the first bobbin.

[0274] The length of the first recess SR1 in the optical axis direction may be 1 to 2 times the diameter of the first sub-ball B1a, the length of the second recess SR2 in the optical axis direction may be 1 to 2 times the diameter of the second sub-ball B1b, and the length of the third recess SR3 in the optical axis direction may be at least twice the diameter of the third sub-ball B1c.

[0275] The first sub-ball B1a and the second sub-ball B1b may overlap in the optical axis direction and may be positioned in a first recess SR1 and a second recess SR2 located at both ends of the first assembly side surface 1222as.

[0276] The third sub-ball B1c may be located in the third recess SR3 between the first sub-ball B1a and the second sub-ball B1b, which are spaced apart from each other.

[0277] The third sub-ball B1c may be located in the region between the first sub-ball B1a and the second sub-ball B1b. The third sub-ball B1c may be located on the opposite side of the first sub-ball B1a and the second sub-ball B1b. That is, the third sub-ball B1c may be located in the second sub-guiding region GR1b. For example, the third sub-ball B1c may not overlap the first sub-ball B1a and the second sub-ball B1b in the optical axis direction. The third sub-ball B1c may be offset from the first sub-ball B1a and the second sub-ball B1b in the optical axis direction. Furthermore, the third sub-ball B1c may be spaced apart from the first sub-ball B1a and the second sub-ball B1b in the vertical direction.

[0278] The first sub-ball B1a can slip or spin in the first recess SR1, and the second sub-ball B1b can slip or spin in the second recess SR2.

[0279] The third sub-ball B1c can roll in the third recess SR3, that is, the third sub-ball B1c can move along the optical axis direction.

[0280] For example, the third sub-ball B1c may move along the optical axis direction in the third recess SR3. The third sub-ball B1c may move to one side or the other along the optical axis in the third recess SR3. For example, the third sub-ball B1c may be located at an end of the third recess SR3 in the optical axis direction. In other words, the third sub-ball B1c may be located in a region of the third recess closest to the image sensor. At this time, the first lens assembly may be in a telephoto state or position by the second camera actuator.

[0281] The third sub-ball B1c may be located at an end of the third recess SR3 in the opposite direction to the optical axis. In other words, the third sub-ball B1c may be located in a region of the third recess closest to the first camera actuator. At this time, the first lens assembly may be in a wide state or position with respect to the second camera actuator.

[0282] Furthermore, when the first lens assembly moves in the optical axis direction, if the third sub-ball B1c is movable within the third recess SR3, the first sub-ball B1a (or the second sub-ball) can rotate (spin or slip) in response to the rolling of the third sub-ball B1c. If the third sub-ball B1c is immovable within the third recess SR3, the third sub-ball B1c can spin or not rotate, and the first sub-ball B1a (or the second sub-ball) can rotate, causing the first lens assembly to move. For example, if the third sub-ball B1c is located at both ends of the third recess SR3, the rotation of the first sub-ball (or the second sub-ball) described above may occur when the first lens assembly moves in the opposite direction toward the end where the third sub-ball is located.

[0283] With this configuration, the first and second lens assemblies can move side by side along the optical axis even over a long stroke due to the first, second, and third sub-balls. That is, even when the first and second lens assemblies move along the optical axis, dynamic tilt can be reduced. That is, decentering can be reduced. Furthermore, slippage of the first sub-ball B1a or the second sub-ball B1b can reduce consumption of driving power (e.g., current) for moving the first and second lens assemblies. That is, driving efficiency can be improved.

[0284] In addition, at least one of the first sub-ball B1a and the second sub-ball B1b may overlap a lens portion accommodated in the first lens assembly in the horizontal direction. For example, at least one of the first sub-ball B1a and the second sub-ball B1b may overlap a second lens group or the first lens holder in the horizontal direction. In addition, at least one of the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 may overlap a lens portion accommodated in the first lens assembly in the horizontal direction. For example, at least one of the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 may overlap a second lens group or the first lens holder in the horizontal direction. This reduces decentering with respect to the optical axis, and minimizes tilting in at least one of the first to third directions due to the shape deformation or tolerances described above when the first lens assembly is driven.

[0285] Furthermore, the third sub-ball B1c may be spaced apart from the first sub-ball B1a or the second sub-ball B1b in the first direction, thereby eliminating structural instability between the first guide part G1 and the first lens assembly due to the first ball B1.

[0286] The first guide groove groups GG1a and GG1b of the first guide portion G1 may be positioned to face the first recess portion RS1. A first ball B1 may be positioned between the first guide groove groups GG1a and GG1b of the first guide portion G1 and the first recess portion RS1. In particular, a first sub-ball B1a may be positioned in the first recess SR1.

[0287] The first guide groove groups GG1a and GG1b may include a first guide groove GG1b and a second guide groove GG1a. The first guide groove GG1b may face the first sub-guiding region GR1a. And the second guide groove GG1b may face the second sub-guiding region GR1b.

[0288] The second guide groove GG1a and the first guide groove GG1b may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, or may overlap each other in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the length of the second guide groove GG1a and the first guide groove GG1b in the optical axis direction may be greater than the length of the first lens assembly 1222a in the optical axis direction. This may achieve a long stroke.

[0289] The second guide groove GG1a and the first guide groove GG1b may have different shapes. For example, one of the second guide groove GG1a and the first guide groove GG1b may have a bottom surface and a side surface perpendicular to the bottom surface. The other of the second guide groove GG1a and the first guide groove GG1b may have a bottom surface and a side surface inclined relative to the bottom surface (non-perpendicular to the bottom surface).

[0290] The second guide groove GG1a and the first guide groove GG1b may have different contact points with the ball. For example, the ball may have one or three contact points with the second guide groove GG1a, and two contact points with the first guide groove GG1b.

[0291] For example, the side surface of the first guide groove GG1b may be inclined with respect to the bottom surface. The first sub-ball B1a may face the first guide groove GG1b. The first sub-ball B1a may be placed in the first guide groove GG1b. The third sub-ball B1c may be placed in the second guide groove GG1a. With this configuration, rotational constraints may be implemented based on the first sub-ball B1a, which performs spin or slip. For example, the first sub-ball B1a may be spaced apart along the optical axis direction. In this case, even if the first lens assembly moves along the optical axis direction in the second camera actuator according to the embodiment, a first rotation (Tx) based on the vertical direction and a second rotation (Ty) based on the horizontal direction of the first lens assembly may be restricted during movement. Therefore, tilting during operation may be restricted. Furthermore, vertical decentering may be minimized.

[0292] Furthermore, the first sub-ball B1a can also suppress decentering in the horizontal direction. For example, compared to a second camera actuator that includes only the third sub-ball, rather than the first or second sub-ball, the second camera actuator according to the embodiment can provide reduced decentering performance. For example, if the wing portion of the first lens assembly is tilted inward or toward the optical axis by 0.2 degrees, tilting and decentering phenomena can be suppressed more significantly in the structure according to the embodiment compared to a structure that includes rolling.

[0293] Alternatively, the first and second sub-balls may be arranged in multiple numbers and overlap each other in the vertical direction. The first and second sub-balls may be positioned to overlap each other in the vertical direction. The third sub-ball may be spaced apart from the first sub-ball in the optical axis direction. The third sub-balls may be arranged in multiple numbers and overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0294] The first sub-ball may be disposed at the front end of the first lens assembly. This allows the first sub-ball to overlap the lens group or the first lens holder of the first lens assembly in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the third sub-ball may be disposed at the rear end of the first lens assembly. In this case, the third recess may be spaced apart from the first recess in the optical axis direction and located at the rear end of the first lens assembly. This configuration minimizes decentration and suppresses rotation relative to the vertical direction and the optical axis direction.

[0295] Furthermore, the first to third sub-balls do not have to be arranged on the same plane. That is, the first to third sub-balls do not have to contact all planes perpendicular to the horizontal direction. This can be realized by a structure in which the first bobbin is bent in the optical axis direction.

[0296] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second bobbin may have the same structure as the first bobbin. The second bobbin may have a second guiding region. The second guiding region may correspond to the first guiding region of the first bobbin.

[0297] The second guiding region may have a third sub-guiding region and a fourth sub-guiding region, the third sub-guiding region may correspond to the first sub-guiding region, and the fourth sub-guiding region may correspond to the second sub-guiding region.

[0298] Furthermore, the second bobbin may have a third edge region, a fourth edge region, and a central region. The central region may be located between the third edge region and the fourth edge region. The third edge region may correspond to the first edge region of the first bobbin. The fourth edge region may correspond to the second edge region of the first bobbin. Furthermore, the second guiding region may include a fourth recess formed in the third edge region, a fifth recess formed in the fourth edge region spaced apart from the third edge region in the optical axis direction, and a sixth recess formed in the central region. The fourth recess may correspond to the first recess, the fifth recess may correspond to the second recess, and the sixth recess may correspond to the third recess. Thus, the length of the sixth recess in the optical axis direction may be greater than the lengths of the fourth and fifth recesses in the optical axis direction.

[0299] FIG. 16 is a side view of the lens assembly of the second camera actuator according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a view taken along line GG' in FIG.

[0300] 16 and 17, the second camera actuator according to the second embodiment may include a lens unit, a housing, a drive unit, a base unit, a substrate unit, and a stopper. In addition, the second camera actuator may further include a shielding can (not shown), an elastic unit (not shown), and a joining member (not shown).

[0301] In addition, the above-described description of the first lens assembly, the first guide portion, and the first ball in the second camera actuator may be equally applied, except for the following.

[0302] The first recess portion RS1 may include a plurality of recesses, including a first recess SR1 and a second recess SR2 disposed at the edge, and a third recess SR3 disposed between the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 spaced apart in the optical axis direction, and a sub-recess SRa disposed between the first recess SR1 and the third recess SR3.

[0303] At this time, the first assembly side surface 1222as may be inclined outward along the optical axis direction, i.e., the first assembly side surface 1222as may be bent outward.

[0304] Correspondingly, the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 may have different lengths in the horizontal direction along the optical axis. Also, the third recess SR3 may have different lengths in the horizontal direction along the optical axis. For example, the length of the first recess SR1 or the second recess SR2 may increase along the optical axis.

[0305] For example, the height H1b of the recess disposed on one side of the first recess SR1 or the second recess SR2 in the optical axis direction may be different from the height H1a of the recess disposed on the opposite side. The height H1b of the first recess SR1 may be different from the height H1a of the second recess SR2. For example, the height H1b of the first recess SR1 may be smaller than the height H1a of the second recess. The height may correspond to the length in the second or horizontal direction.

[0306] The height H2 of the third recess SR3 may be equal to or less than the height H1a of the second recess, and may be equal to or greater than the height H1b of the first recess.

[0307] This configuration improves the structural reliability of the first lens assembly 1222a, the first guide portion G1, and the first ball B1 due to the flexible structure of the first assembly side surface 1222as. Furthermore, the frictional force of the first sub-ball is not large, which reduces current consumption.

[0308] FIG. 18 is a side view of the lens assembly of the second camera actuator according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH' in FIG.

[0309] 18 and 19, the second camera actuator according to the third embodiment may include a lens unit, a housing, a drive unit, a base unit, a substrate unit, and a stopper. In addition, the second camera actuator may further include a shielding can (not shown), an elastic unit (not shown), and a joining member (not shown).

[0310] In addition, the above-described description of the first lens assembly, the first guide portion, and the first ball in the second camera actuator may be equally applied, except for the following.

[0311] The first recess portion RS1 may include a plurality of recesses, including a first recess SR1 and a second recess SR2 disposed at the edge, and a third recess SR3 disposed between the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 spaced apart in the optical axis direction, and a sub-recess SRa disposed between the first recess SR1 and the third recess SR3.

[0312] Corresponding to the above-described deflection of the first assembly side surface 1222as, the first sub-ball may have a different diameter along the optical axis direction. For example, the first sub-ball B1a may have an increased length along the optical axis direction.

[0313] For example, the diameter r1b of the first sub-ball B1a placed in the first recess may be different from the diameter r1a of the second sub-ball B1b placed in the second recess, and the diameter r1a of the second sub-ball B1b placed in the second recess may be larger than the diameter r1b of the first sub-ball B1a placed in the first recess.

[0314] Furthermore, the diameter of the third sub-ball B1c may correspond to the diameter of the first sub-ball B1a (or the second sub-ball). For example, the diameter of the third sub-ball B1c may be the same as or different from the diameter of the first sub-ball B1a (or the second sub-ball). The diameter of the third sub-ball B1c may be larger than the diameter of the first sub-ball B1a (or the second sub-ball). This may facilitate rolling. This configuration may improve the structural reliability of the second camera actuator. Furthermore, the driving efficiency may be improved.

[0315] FIG. 20 is a side view of the lens assembly of the second camera actuator according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 21 is a view taken along line II' in FIG.

[0316] 20 and 21, the second camera actuator according to the fourth embodiment may include a lens unit, a housing, a drive unit, a base unit, a substrate unit, and a stopper. In addition, the second camera actuator may further include a shielding can (not shown), an elastic unit (not shown), and a joining member (not shown).

[0317] In addition, the above-described description of the first lens assembly, the first guide portion, and the first ball in the second camera actuator may be equally applied, except for the following.

[0318] The first recess portion RS1 may include a plurality of recesses, including a first recess SR1 and a second recess SR2 disposed at the edge, and a third recess SR3 disposed in a region between the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 spaced apart in the optical axis direction, and a sub-recess SRa disposed between the first recess SR1 and the third recess SR3.

[0319] Furthermore, the first ball B1 may further include an additional ball B1d disposed in a first recess disposed in a different sub-guiding region, and the additional ball B1d may overlap the first sub-ball B1a (or the second sub-ball) in the first direction or the third direction.

[0320] The additional balls B1d may be spaced apart from the first sub-ball B1a (or the second sub-ball) in the first direction, and the additional balls B1d may be spaced apart from each other in the third direction or the optical axis direction.

[0321] Furthermore, the third sub-ball B1c can be located between the additional spaced apart balls B1d. Alternatively, the third sub-ball B1c can be located between the spaced apart first sub-balls B1a.

[0322] In this embodiment, the diameter r2 of the additional ball B1d may be different from the diameter r1 of the first sub-ball B1a (or the second sub-ball). The diameter r2 of the additional ball B1d may be smaller than the diameter r1 of the first sub-ball B1a (or the second sub-ball). This configuration may improve the reliability of the moving assembly and the guide unit even if the second camera actuator is dropped.

[0323] FIG. 22 is a side view of the lens assembly in the second camera actuator according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the first lens assembly, the first guide part, the first ball, and the second ball in the second camera actuator according to the fifth embodiment.

[0324] 22 and 23, the second camera actuator according to the fifth embodiment may include a lens unit, a housing, a drive unit, a base unit, a substrate unit, and a stopper. In addition, the second camera actuator may further include a shielding can (not shown), an elastic unit (not shown), and a joining member (not shown).

[0325] In addition, the above-described description of the first lens assembly, the first guide portion, and the first ball in the second camera actuator may be equally applied, except for the following.

[0326] In this embodiment, the first recess SR1 and the second recess SR2 may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction. The third recess SR3 may be located in a region between the spaced apart first recess SR1 and second recess SR2. An additional recess (e.g., a sub-recess or a third recess) may not be present between the spaced apart first recess SR1 in the optical axis direction. The first recess SR1 may have a first sub-ball B1a located therein. The second recess SR2 may have a second sub-ball B1b located therein. The third sub-ball B1c may be located in the third recess SR3.

[0327] The first recess SR1 may be positioned to face the first guide groove GG1b, the second recess SR2 may be positioned to face the first guide groove GG1b, and the third recess SR3 may be positioned to face the second guide groove GG1a.

[0328] As a result, the first recess SR1 may overlap with the first guide groove GG1b in the horizontal direction. The second recess SR2 may overlap with the first guide groove GG1b in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the first recess SR1 may be misaligned with the second guide groove GG1a in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the second recess SR2 may be misaligned with the second guide groove GG1a in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the third recess SR3 may overlap with the second guide groove GG1a in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the third recess SR3 may be misaligned with the first guide groove GG1b in the horizontal direction.

[0329] This configuration can suppress structural deformation caused by the formation of additional grooves, and can also prevent the ball from leaving the sub-recess early.

[0330] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a first guide portion according to another embodiment, Figure 25 is a side view of a first guide portion according to another embodiment, Figure 26 is a view taken along line GG' in Figure 25, Figure 27 is a view taken along line HH' in Figure 25, Figure 28 is another side view of a first guide portion according to another embodiment, and Figure 29 is another perspective view of a first guide portion according to another embodiment.

[0331] 24 to 29, the guide portion may include guide grooves in which the first ball and the second ball are placed. The guide grooves may correspond to the first recess and the second recess, respectively. The guide grooves may include a first guide groove and a second guide groove.

[0332] The first guide portion G1 may include first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b facing the first recess RS1. The second guide portion G2 may include second guide grooves GG2a and GG2b facing the second recess or the second recess portion RS2. The first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b and the second guide grooves GG2a and GG2b may be grooves extending in the third direction (Z-axis direction). The first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b and the second guide grooves GG2a and GG2b may have different shapes. For example, at least one of the first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b and the second guide grooves GG2a and GG2b may have a groove with an inclined side surface, and the other may have a groove with a side surface perpendicular to the bottom surface.

[0333] In the drawings, the first guide portion G1 is shown and the following description will be based on this. The description of the first guide portion G1 can be equally applied to the second guide portion G2. That is, the following description can be applied to at least one of the first guide portion and the second guide portion.

[0334] Additionally, the first guide portion G1 may include a guide base GB, a first extension portion GE1, and a second extension portion GE2.

[0335] The guide base GB can include first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b on which balls (for example, first balls) are placed, and a base groove GBh that overlaps with the first guide grooves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0336] The first guide portion G1 may include a first extension portion GE1 extending to one side from one end of the guide base GB and a second extension portion GE2 extending to one side from the other end of the guide base GB.

[0337] For example, the first extension GE1 may be located at the opposite end of the guide base GB in the optical axis direction. The second extension GE2 may be located at the end of the guide base GB in the optical axis direction. As a result, the first extension GE1 may be located closer to the first camera actuator than the second extension GE2. And, the second extension GE2 may be located closer to the image sensor than the first extension GE1.

[0338] Also, the first extension GE1 and the second extension GE2 may be portions that extend or are bent from both sides of the guide base GB.

[0339] As an example, the first extension GE1 and the second extension GE2 may extend inward or outward from the guide base GB. That is, the first extension GE1 may extend inward or outward from the guide base GB. The second extension GE2 may extend inward or outward from the guide base GB. For example, the first extension GE1 and the second extension GE2 may extend outward from the guide base GB. The first extension GE1 and the second extension GE2 may extend from the guide base GB to an adjacent base portion.

[0340] The base grooves GBh may be located on both sides of the guide base GB. The base grooves GBh may also be located on the edge or border of the first guide. For example, the base grooves GBh may include a first base groove GBh1 located on one side of the guide base GB and a second base groove GBh2 located on the other side. The first base groove GBh1 may be located adjacent to the first camera actuator or farther from the image sensor than the second base groove GBh2.

[0341] The first base groove GBh1 and the second base groove GBh2 may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction. Also, there may be a plurality of first base grooves GBh1 and second base grooves GBh2. The plurality of first base grooves GBh1 may be spaced apart in the vertical direction or the first direction (X-axis direction). The plurality of second base grooves GBh2 may be spaced apart in the vertical direction or the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0342] In addition, the first base groove GBh1 may be positioned adjacent to the first extension portion GE1, the second base groove GBh2 may be positioned adjacent to the second extension portion GE2, and the first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b may be positioned between the first base groove GBh1 and the second base groove GBh2.

[0343] The first base groove GBh1 and the second base groove GBh2 may overlap with the first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b in the optical axis direction. Even if the length of the first guide part increases when implementing a long stroke, the bending of the first guide part can be suppressed during assembly between the first guide part and the main barrel. Therefore, the driving accuracy of the moving assembly can be improved.

[0344] Furthermore, the first extension portion GE1 and the second extension portion GE2 may overlap the base groove GBh in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction). That is, the first extension portion GE1 and the second extension portion GE2 may be disposed on both sides of the guide base GB, and the base groove GBh may also be disposed on both sides of the guide base GB. The base groove GBh may contact a portion of the main barrel. With this configuration, even when the first guide portion G1 is joined or coupled (assembled) with the main barrel through the base groove GBh, the first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b in the first guide portion may not bend. For example, the base groove GBh in the first guide portion may be located on the inner surface of the first guide portion. As a result, an outward force may be applied (e.g., pushing) to the first guide portion inserted into the main barrel for assembly. At this time, the length of the first guide portion in the optical axis direction may be large to provide a long stroke. Even when a force is applied to the base groove for assembly, the position of the base groove may prevent structural deformation of the first guide portion (e.g., the region where the guide groove is located). Furthermore, by positioning the base groove so as to be adjacent to a corner of the edge of the first guide portion, ease of assembly can also be improved.

[0345] In addition, the guide part G1 or the guide base GB may include a guide hole Gh, in which a coil (first coil), a magnet (first magnet), and a yoke (first yoke) may be positioned.

[0346] The guide holes Gh may overlap the first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b in the vertical direction or the second direction, thereby efficiently providing a driving force for moving the moving assembly along the optical axis direction.

[0347] In addition, the area of ​​the guide hole Gh located inside the first guide portion G1 may be larger than the area of ​​the guide hole located outside. For example, the maximum length of the first coil in the optical axis direction may be greater than the maximum movement distance of the first magnet and first yoke in the optical axis direction. In other words, the first magnet and first yoke can be prevented from moving outside the first coil in the optical axis direction. This configuration can suppress the generation of back electromotive force between the first coil and the first magnet. This allows the second camera actuator to provide improved drive efficiency.

[0348] The length L1 of the first base groove GBh1 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) may be greater than the length L2 of the second base groove GBh2 in the optical axis direction. Correspondingly, the distance of the first extension portion GE1 in the optical axis direction may also be greater than the distance of the second extension portion GE2 in the optical axis direction. This configuration allows the rigidity or reliability of the first guide portion to be maintained during assembly between the base groove and the lens barrel.

[0349] In addition, the first base groove GBh1 may be spaced apart from the first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b in the optical axis direction. The first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b may have inner surfaces located on opposite sides in the optical axis direction. As a result, the first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b may function as stoppers or anti-detachment members when the first ball moves in opposite directions in the optical axis direction. In addition, the rigidity of the first guide portion may be improved.

[0350] The first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b may be open toward the second base groove GBh2. That is, the first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b may have an open area EA located at one end. The open area EA may facilitate the coupling between the first guide part and the main barrel.

[0351] In one embodiment, the horizontal depth L4 of the first base groove GBh1 may be smaller than the horizontal depth L5 of the first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b. This configuration may increase the coupling force between the first guide portion and the main barrel. Furthermore, even if the first ball moves along the first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b, structural deformation of the first guide portion may be suppressed.

[0352] The second extension part GE2 may include an extension protrusion protruding or extending in the optical axis direction. The base coupling part GBP may be located on the extension protrusion. The base coupling part GBP may have a groove. The base coupling part GBP may further improve the coupling force between the main barrel and the first guide part.

[0353] Figure 30 is yet another side view illustrating the first guide portion according to another embodiment, Figure 31 is an internal oblique view of the second camera actuator according to another embodiment, Figure 32 is a view taken along line II in Figure 4, Figure 33 is a plan view of the second camera actuator according to another embodiment, Figure 34 is an oblique view and partial enlarged view of the second camera actuator according to another embodiment, and Figure 35 is an enlarged view of the rear end of the second camera actuator according to another embodiment.

[0354] 30 and 31, the first guide portion according to another embodiment may include a first region S1 overlapping with the base groove GBh in the optical axis direction and a second region S2 overlapping with the first extension portion GE1 and the second extension portion GE2 in the optical axis direction. The first region S1 may be located inside the second region S2.

[0355] The first magnet and first yoke of the actuator may be positioned in the guide hole of the first region S1. That is, the first magnet and first yoke may be positioned between the first extension GE1 and the second extension GE2. The first coil of the actuator may be positioned in the guide hole of the second region S2. Therefore, the first magnet and first yoke may be positioned inside the first coil. Furthermore, the first region S1 may at least partially overlap with the first ball in the optical axis direction.

[0356] This configuration allows the first guide part G1 to have sufficient stroke space when the first lens assembly 1222a moves in the optical axis direction. Furthermore, the length of the guide hole in the optical axis direction corresponds to the length of the guide groove in the optical axis direction. This allows the first yoke and first magnet in the guide hole to come into contact with the inner surfaces of the guide bases on both sides of the guide hole. As a result, when the first lens assembly is driven, the first lens assembly can come into contact with the first stopper or the inner surfaces of the guide bases arranged on both sides of the guide hole. This improves the reliability of the second camera actuator against driving shocks.

[0357] 32 and 33, the guide hole Gh of the first guide portion G1 may partially overlap the base portion 1260 in the first direction or the vertical direction. This may improve the coupling strength between the base portion 1260, the first guide portion G1, and the main barrel. In addition, the base portion 1260 may overlap the second extension portion GE2 in the horizontal direction. This may maintain the structural reliability of the first base portion during assembly between the base portion and the first guide portion.

[0358] Similarly, as described above, the same description of the first guide part G1 can be applied to the second guide part G2. The first guide part G1 and the second guide part G2 can be disposed symmetrically with respect to the optical axis or an axis aligned in the optical axis direction.

[0359] That is, the first region S1 of the second guide part G2 may be positioned inside the second region S2. The coil (second coil, 1251b) may be positioned in the second region S2. The coil (second coil) may be positioned between the first extension part and the second extension part of the second guide part G2. The first extension part and the second extension part may overlap with the accommodated coil along the optical axis direction. This may improve the structural stability of the first coil.

[0360] 34 and 35, in a second camera actuator according to another embodiment, the second stopper ST2 may overlap with the first guide portion G1 in the optical axis direction.

[0361] The second stopper ST2 may be located on the other side of the first guide portion where the exposed region is located. In particular, a portion of the guide hole Gh may overlap with the second stopper ST2 in the optical axis direction. A portion of the first region of the first guide portion G1 may overlap with the second stopper ST2 in the optical axis direction. This allows the second stopper ST2 to contact the first lens assembly, the first yoke, and the first magnet. This configuration allows the second stopper ST2 to contact the first lens assembly, the first yoke, and the first magnet as the first lens assembly moves, thereby maintaining the reliability of each component. Furthermore, at least a portion of the second stopper ST2 may be located between the first guide grooves GG1a and GG1b, which are spaced apart vertically. This allows for a more compact second camera actuator. Furthermore, the exposed region or the first guide grooves may be located above and below the second stopper ST2, preventing the first ball from falling out.

[0362] In addition, the second extension part GE2 may overlap the base part 1260 in the horizontal direction. As a result, the base part 1260, the main barrel, and the first guide part G1 are located on the other side of the first guide part, which may improve durability or structural strength against physical impact when assembled together.

[0363] The base coupling portion GBP of the second extension portion BE2 may extend in the optical axis direction. Therefore, grooves may be formed in different directions, unlike guide grooves or base grooves formed in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the first guide portion G1 may be coupled to other components (main barrel or base) in various directions. This may improve the coupling strength between the components, further improving structural reliability.

[0364] FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram illustrating a circuit board according to an embodiment.

[0365] 36, as described above, the circuit board 1300 according to this embodiment may include a first circuit board unit 1310 and a second circuit board unit 1320. The first circuit board unit 1310 may be located below the base and coupled to the base. An image sensor IS may be disposed on the first circuit board unit 1310. The first circuit board unit 1310 and the image sensor IS may be electrically connected. That is, the base may be located at the rear end of the second camera actuator, and the image sensor and circuit board (first circuit board unit) may be located at the rear end of the base. The base may include a filter (e.g., infrared). The circuit board 1300 may include the image sensor and sensor base described above.

[0366] The second circuit board unit 1320 may be located on a side of the base. In particular, the second circuit board unit 1320 may be located on a first side of the base. As a result, the second circuit board unit 1320 may be located adjacent to the first coil located adjacent to the first side, thereby facilitating electrical connection. The second circuit board unit 1320 may also be located on the second side. In this manner, there may be a plurality of second circuit board units 1320. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second circuit board unit 1320 may be located on only one of the first side or the second side.

[0367] Furthermore, the circuit board 1300 may further include a fixed substrate (not shown) located on the side thereof, so that even if the circuit board 1300 is made of a flexible material, it can be coupled to the base while maintaining rigidity due to the fixed substrate.

[0368] The second circuit board portion 1320 of the circuit board 1300 may be located on the side of the driver 1250. The circuit board 1300 may be electrically connected to the first driver and the driver. For example, the electrical connection may be made by SMT, but is not limited to this method.

[0369] The 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), a rigid flexible printed circuit board (Rigid Flexible PCB), etc. However, it is not limited to these types.

[0370] In addition, the circuit board 1300 may be electrically connected to other camera modules or a processor of the terminal within the terminal, so that the camera actuator and the camera module including the same can transmit and receive various signals within the terminal.

[0371] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0372] As shown in FIG. 37, 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.

[0373] The camera module 1000 may include an image capture function and an autofocus function, for example, the camera module 1000 may include an image-based autofocus function.

[0374] The camera module 1000 processes still or video image frames acquired by an image sensor in a photography mode or a video call mode.

[0375] The processed image frame can be displayed on a predetermined display unit or stored in a memory.A camera (not shown) can also be disposed on the front of the body of the mobile terminal.

[0376] For example, the camera module 1000 may include a first camera module 1000A and a second camera module 1000B, and the first camera module 1000A may be capable of implementing OIS along with AF or zoom functions.

[0377] The flash module 1530 may include a light emitting element for emitting light therein, and may be activated by the camera of the mobile terminal or by user control.

[0378] The autofocus device 1510 may include one in a package of surface emitting laser elements as the light emitter.

[0379] The autofocus device 1510 may include an autofocus function using a laser. The autofocus device 1510 may be used primarily in conditions where the image-based autofocus function of the camera module 1000 is degraded, such as in close proximity of less than 10 m or in dark environments.

[0380] The autofocus device 1510 may include a light emitting section including a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) semiconductor element, and a light receiving section such as a photodiode that converts optical energy into electrical energy.

[0381] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0382] For example, FIG. 38 is an external view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle driving assistance device to which the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment is applied.

[0383] 38, a vehicle 700 according to an embodiment may include wheels 13FL and 13FR that are rotated by a power source, and a predetermined sensor. The sensor may be, but is not limited to, a camera sensor 2000.

[0384] The camera sensor 2000 may be a camera sensor to which the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment is applied. The vehicle 700 according to the embodiment may acquire image information through the camera sensor 2000 capturing a front image or a surrounding image, and may determine an unidentified lane situation using the image information and generate a virtual lane when the lane is unidentified.

[0385] For example, the camera sensor 2000 may capture an image in front of the vehicle 700 to acquire a front image, and a processor (not shown) may analyze objects included in the front image to acquire image information.

[0386] For example, if an object such as a lane marking, an adjacent vehicle, an obstacle, or an indirect road marking, such as a median strip, a curb, or a roadside tree, is captured in the image captured by the camera sensor 2000, the processor can detect such an object and include it in the image information. At this time, the processor can obtain distance information from the detected object through the camera sensor 2000 to further complement the image information.

[0387] The image information may be information about an object captured in the image. The camera sensor 2000 may include an image sensor and an image processing module.

[0388] The camera sensor 2000 can process still or moving images obtained by an image sensor (eg, CMOS or CCD).

[0389] The image processing module processes still or moving images acquired through the image sensor to extract necessary information and transmit the extracted information to a processor.

[0390] In this case, the camera sensor 2000 may include, but is not limited to, a stereo camera to improve the accuracy of measuring the object and further secure information such as the distance between the vehicle 700 and the object.

[0391] Although the above description has focused on the embodiments, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically illustrated in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. Differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. housing; a first bobbin that moves in the optical axis direction within the housing and includes a first guiding region disposed on one surface; a drive unit that moves the first bobbin; a first guide portion disposed on the housing and facing the first guiding region of the first bobbin; and a first ball that supports the first bobbin so as to move in the optical axis direction; the first guiding region includes a first sub-guiding region disposed along the optical axis direction on one side of the one surface of the first bobbin, and a second sub-guiding region disposed along the optical axis direction on the other side of the one surface of the first bobbin, the first sub-guiding region includes a first recess formed in a first edge region and a second recess formed in a second edge region spaced apart from the first edge region in the optical axis direction; the second sub-guiding region includes a third recess formed in a central region; A camera actuator, wherein the length of the third recess in the optical axis direction is greater than the length of the first recess in the optical axis direction.

2. 2. The camera actuator of claim 1, wherein the first ball includes: a first sub-ball disposed in the first recess; a second sub-ball disposed in the second recess; and a third sub-ball disposed in the third recess.

3. 3. The camera actuator of claim 2, wherein the first sub-ball is actuated on the first recess, the second sub-ball is actuated on the second recess, and the third sub-ball is actuated on the third recess.

4. The camera actuator according to claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first sub-ball and the second sub-ball overlaps in the horizontal direction with a lens portion housed in the first bobbin.

5. The camera actuator according to claim 2 , wherein at least one of the first recess and the second recess overlaps in a horizontal direction with a lens portion accommodated in the first bobbin.

6. The camera actuator according to claim 2 , wherein the first guide portion includes: a first guide groove facing the first sub-guiding region; and a second guide groove facing the second sub-guiding region.

7. The first guide groove has a side surface inclined relative to a bottom surface, The camera actuator according to claim 6 , wherein the first guide groove faces the first sub-ball.

8. 3. The camera actuator of claim 2, wherein the length of the first recess in the optical axis direction is 1 to 2 times the diameter of the first sub-ball, and the length of the third recess in the optical axis direction is at least twice the diameter of the second sub-ball.

9. the first bobbin includes a blade surface facing the first guide portion; The camera actuator according to claim 1 , wherein the wing surface is inclined in a predetermined region with respect to the optical axis direction.

10. the second recess is located on the airfoil surface; The camera actuator of claim 9 , wherein the wing surfaces are angled toward the outside of the first bobbin.

Images