Camera module

Abstract

A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing, a carrier disposed in the housing and movable in the direction of the optical axis with respect to the housing and including a protrusion, a holder disposed in the carrier and movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the carrier and on which a lens module is mounted, a first magnet disposed on one side of the holder, and a first yoke received in the protrusion so as to face the first magnet in the direction of the optical axis, wherein the protrusion may protrude from the lower surface of the carrier toward the bottom surface of the housing.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera module. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, camera modules are being standardly adopted in portable electronic devices, including smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops.

[0004] Most camera modules employed in portable electronic devices are equipped with autofocus (AF) and optical imaging stabilization (OIS).

[0005] Meanwhile, to miniaturize the camera module, actuators for AF and / or OIS driving must be placed within a limited size; to achieve this, a structure in which the lens holder is placed directly on the carrier without a separate ball guide can be considered.

[0006] However, in the case of this structure, the gap between the OIS driving magnet mounted on the lens holder and the yoke on the bottom surface of the carrier is narrow, which increases magnetic attraction and causes a problem in that accurate control for OIS driving becomes difficult.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a demand for a camera module with a structure that allows for sufficient spacing between the OIS driving magnet and the yoke, while having a simple internal configuration without a ball guide. The problem to be solved

[0009] An objective according to one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a camera module having a structure in which a lens holder is directly disposed on a carrier, while ensuring a sufficient gap between an OIS driving magnet and a yoke.

[0010] The objective according to one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a camera module in which the accuracy of OIS driving is improved by ensuring a sufficient gap between the OIS driving magnet and the yoke. means of solving the problem

[0012] A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing, a carrier disposed in the housing and movable in the direction of the optical axis with respect to the housing and including a protrusion, a holder disposed in the carrier and movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the carrier and on which a lens module is mounted, a first magnet disposed on one side of the holder, and a first yoke received in the protrusion so as to face the first magnet in the direction of the optical axis, wherein the protrusion may protrude from the lower surface of the carrier toward the bottom surface of the housing.

[0013] A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing, a carrier disposed in the housing and movable in the direction of an optical axis with respect to the housing, a holder disposed in the carrier and movable in at least two axial directions perpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the carrier, a first magnet disposed on one side of the holder, and a first yoke disposed on the lower surface of the carrier and exerting an attractive force on the first magnet in the direction of the optical axis, wherein the gap between the bottom surface of the housing and the first yoke may be narrower than the gap between the bottom surface of the housing and the lower surface of the carrier. Effects of the invention

[0015] A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention has a thinner thickness due to a structure in which a lens holder is directly placed on a carrier, while sufficient spacing between the OIS driving magnet and the yoke can be secured.

[0016] In a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention, the gap between the OIS driving magnet and the yoke is sufficiently secured so that the accuracy of the OIS driving can be improved. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the combined relationship of the housing, carrier, and holder. FIG. 4 is a side view of the carrier and holder viewed from direction A of FIG. 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line I-I' of Figure 1. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of area C of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II' of Figure 1. Fig. 8 is a side view of the carrier viewed from direction A of Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the carrier viewed from direction B of Fig. 1. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the housing viewed from direction B of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the carrier and housing in direction B of FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a side view of a camera module corresponding to a comparative example, and is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 4. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented.

[0020] For example, a person skilled in the art who understands the concept of the present invention may propose other embodiments included within the scope of the concept of the present invention through the addition, modification, or deletion of components, and such embodiments shall also be deemed to be included within the scope of the concept of the present invention.

[0021] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms, and said terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0022] A configuration included in one embodiment among the embodiments disclosed in this specification may also be included in other embodiments unless otherwise stated.

[0024] A camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used to take photos and videos of an external subject. The camera module (1000) of the present embodiment can be applied to portable electronic devices such as mobile communication terminals, smartphones, and tablet PCs.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, a camera module (1000) may have a carrier (300) disposed inside a housing (110), and a holder (330) may be disposed on the carrier (300). A lens module (200) may be mounted on the holder (330).

[0027] A camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first driving unit (400) that moves a holder (330) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (X-axis, Y-axis direction) to implement an optical imaging stabilization (OIS) function. A camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention can have a thinner thickness in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) by freely driving the holder (330) on a carrier (300) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis without a separate ball guide.

[0028] In addition, a camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second driving unit (500) that moves a carrier (300) in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis direction) to implement an autofocus adjustment function (Auto Focusing, hereinafter AF).

[0029] Meanwhile, in the case of a structure where the holder (330) is directly placed on the carrier (300), the gap between the first magnet (410) and the first yoke (470) is narrowed, so a strong attractive force is applied, making it difficult to control the vibration correction drive.

[0030] Accordingly, a camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent excessive magnetic attraction by securing a gap between a first magnet (410) mounted on a holder (330) and a first yoke (470) mounted on a carrier (300). Accordingly, the influence of magnetic attraction between the first magnet (410) and the first yoke (470) on the shake correction drive can be minimized.

[0031] To secure the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) spacing (d1) between the first magnet (410) and the first yoke (470), the first yoke (470) can be accommodated in a protrusion (310) that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the carrier (300).

[0032] The detailed configuration of a camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the combined relationship of a housing (110), a carrier (300), and a holder (330). FIG. 4 is a side view of the carrier (300) and the holder (330) viewed from direction A of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I' of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area C of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II' of FIG. 1.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (110), a carrier (300) disposed in the housing (110), a holder (330) disposed in the carrier (300), and a lens module (200) mounted on the holder (330). Additionally, it may include a lens driving device for moving the lens module (200), an image sensor module (700) for converting light incident through the lens module (200) into an electrical signal, and a housing (110) and a case (120) for housing the lens module (200) and the lens driving device.

[0037] The lens module (200) may include at least one lens (210) aligned along the optical axis, and a lens barrel (220) that accommodates the lens (210).

[0038] The lens barrel (220) may be a hollow cylindrical shape, and a plurality of lenses (210) may be arranged inside the lens barrel (220).

[0039] Multiple lenses (210) may be mounted inside a lens barrel (220) along the optical axis direction. Multiple lenses may be arranged in the required number, and each lens may have the same or different optical characteristics.

[0040] The lens drive device may be a device that moves the lens barrel (220).

[0041] In one embodiment, the lens driving device may include a first driving unit (400) and a second driving unit (500). The first driving unit (400) can correct shaking during shooting by moving the lens module (200) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (X-axis, Y-axis direction). Additionally, the second driving unit (500) can adjust the focus by moving the lens module (200) in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis direction).

[0043] In one embodiment, the carrier (300) is disposed in the housing (11) and is configured to be movable in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) relative to the housing (110).

[0044] Additionally, the holder (330) is positioned on the carrier (300) and is configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (including the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction) with respect to the carrier (300).

[0045] Detailed information regarding the driving of the carrier (300) and holder (330) will be described later together with the first driving unit (400) and the second driving unit (500).

[0047] The image sensor module (700) may be a device that converts light incident through the lens module (200) into an electrical signal.

[0048] In one embodiment, the image sensor module (700) may include an image sensor (710) and a sensor substrate (720) on which the image sensor (710) is mounted.

[0049] The image sensor (710) can convert light incident through the lens module (200) into an electrical signal. For example, the image sensor (710) may be a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS).

[0050] The electrical signal converted through the image sensor (710) can be output as an image or video through the display unit of the portable electronic device.

[0051] The image sensor (710) can be electrically connected to a sensor substrate (720). For example, the sensor substrate (720) may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0053] A lens module (200) and a lens driving device may be accommodated in the housing (110). In one embodiment, the housing (110) may have an internal space, and the lens module (200) and a lens driving device may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing (110).

[0054] Additionally, an image sensor module (700) may be disposed on the lower part of the housing (110). In one embodiment, a sensor substrate (720) may be attached to the bottom surface of the housing (110), and the image sensor (710) may be exposed to the internal space of the housing (110) while the sensor substrate (720) is attached to the housing (110).

[0055] Meanwhile, a main board (610) that provides a driving signal to the first driving unit (400) and the second driving unit (500) may be disposed on the side of the housing (110). In one embodiment, the main board (610) may be disposed to surround the side of the housing (110).

[0056] A driving coil and a position sensor constituting the first driving unit (400) and the second driving unit (500) may be arranged on the main board (610).

[0057] The housing (110) may include an opening on the side, and the driving coil and position sensor may be placed in the opening and exposed to the internal space of the housing (110).

[0059] Meanwhile, the housing (110) of the present embodiment may have a receiving groove (111) formed on its bottom surface to avoid interference with the protrusion (310) of the carrier (300) (see FIGS. 9 to 11). The receiving groove (111) may be formed in an area where the housing (110) faces the protrusion (310) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the protrusion (310) may be exposed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) through the receiving groove (111). For example, the protrusion (310) may be exposed toward the image sensor module (700) through the receiving groove (111). Additionally, at least a portion of the protrusion (310) may be received in the receiving groove (111).

[0061] The case (120) is joined to cover the internal space of the housing (110) so as to protect the parts placed in the internal space.

[0062] Additionally, the case (120) may also have a function of shielding electromagnetic waves. To this end, the case (120) may be formed of a metal material and may be grounded to a grounding pad included in the sensor substrate (720).

[0064] A camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a stopper (130) for absorbing shock transmitted to internal components due to external shock, etc., and for preventing the holder (330) from detaching from the carrier (300).

[0065] The stopper (130) may be coupled to the carrier (300) to cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the holder (330). The stopper (130) may include a main body positioned to cover the upper surface of the holder (330) and a fastening portion extending in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) at each corner portion of the main body. The stopper (130) may be coupled to the carrier (300) through the fastening portion. In one embodiment, the fastening portion may be secured by being fitted into a groove formed in the carrier (300).

[0066] In one embodiment, the stopper (130) may include a damper (131) for cushioning. The damper (131) may be positioned in the stopper (130) so as to face the case (120) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The damper (131) is positioned at each corner of the main body of the stopper (130) and protrudes upward and downward from the stopper (130), thereby mitigating the impact in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) between the case (120) and the stopper (130), and between the stopper (130) and the holder (330).

[0067] In one embodiment, the damper (131) may be positioned to penetrate the stopper (130). For example, the damper (131) may be inserted in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) into a hole formed in the body of the stopper (130). However, it is not limited thereto, and the damper (131) may be joined to the stopper (130) through an insert injection molding process, or the stopper (130) and the damper (131) may be manufactured separately and then the damper (131) may be bonded to the stopper (130) with an adhesive or the like.

[0068] In one embodiment, the damper (131) may be formed of a material such as an elastic polymer (e.g., polyurethane), rubber, silicone, etc. The damper (131) made of such a material can effectively reduce shock and noise by elastically deforming its shape when in contact with or colliding with the case (120).

[0070] Hereinafter, configurations for OIS and AF driving will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7.

[0071] Multiple layers of components that move together with the lens module (200) may be arranged in the internal space of the housing (110). In one embodiment, a stopper (130), a carrier (300), and a holder (330) may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing (110). The lens module (200) may be coupled to the holder (330).

[0072] The stopper (130), carrier (300), and holder (330) may be provided in the internal space of the housing (110) so as to be movable in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis). That is, during autofocus adjustment, the stopper (130), carrier (300), and holder (330) may all be movable bodies that move relative to the housing (110). Additionally, the holder (330) may be provided to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. This may be relative movement with respect to the stopper (130) and carrier (300). That is, during shake correction, the holder (330) is a movable body, while the stopper (130) and carrier (300) may be fixed bodies.

[0074] Hereinafter, a configuration for driving OIS of a camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0075] A camera module (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first driving unit (400) that generates a driving force in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0076] In one embodiment, the first driving unit (400) may include a first magnet (410) and a first coil (430).

[0077] The first magnet (410) may include regions with different polarities along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. For example, the first magnet (410) may include an N-pole region and a S-pole region along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and may include a neutral region between the N-pole region and the S-pole region. However, it is not limited thereto, and the first magnet (410) may be implemented as a combination of a single-pole magnet having an N-pole or a S-pole without a neutral region.

[0079] Each of the first magnet (410) and the first coil (430) may be composed of multiple units. For example, the first magnet (410) may include a first-1 magnet (410a) and a first-2 magnet (410b) respectively disposed on two sides of the holder (330). Additionally, the first coil (430) may include a first-1 coil (430a) facing the first-1 magnet (410a) and a first-2 coil (430b) facing the first-2 magnet (410b).

[0080] The first-1 magnet (410a) and the first-2 magnet (410b) may be placed on two sides of the holder (330). For example, the first-1 magnet (410a) and the first-2 magnet (410b) may be placed perpendicular to each other. The first-1 coil (430a) and the first-2 coil (430b) may be placed on two sides of the housing (110) facing the two sides of the holder (330), respectively, and may be placed perpendicular to each other.

[0082] In one embodiment, the first coil (430) may be placed on the main substrate (610). The first coil (430) may be placed to face the first magnet (410) directly through a through hole formed in the housing (110). Specifically, the first-1 coil (430a) may be placed to face the first-1 magnet (410a) directly through a through hole formed on one side of the housing (110). Additionally, the first-2 coil (430b) may be placed to face the first-2 magnet (410b) directly through a through hole formed on the other side of the housing (110). The one side and the other side of the housing (110) may correspond to two sides that are directly connected to each other.

[0083] The first magnet (410) and the first coil (430) are arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, so that they can generate driving force in a direction facing each other.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the first ball member (B1) that guides movement during shake correction is configured to roll in multiple directions, unintended rotation may occur during the shake correction process. Accordingly, the first driving unit (400) may have a configuration capable of generating rotational force.

[0086] For example, the first-1 magnet (410a) and / or the first-2 magnet (410b) may include one or more magnets, and the first-1 coil (430a) and / or the first-2 coil (430b) may include multiple coils. At least one of the first-1 coil (430a) and the first-2 coil (430b) may control the driving force by including multiple coils that can be independently controlled.

[0087] The first drive unit (400) can cancel out unintended rotation by controlling the driving force generated by the first-1 magnet (410a) and the first-1 coil (430a) and / or the driving force generated by the first-2 magnet (410b) and the first-2 coil (430b). Alternatively, similarly, rotational force may be intentionally generated by introducing a deviation in the driving force or by using the sum of the driving forces.

[0089] A first position sensor (450) may be disposed on the main board (610). The first position sensor (450) may include a first-1 position sensor (450a) and a first-2 position sensor (450b). The first-1 position sensor (450a) may be attached to the same surface as the first-1 coil (430a), and the first-2 position sensor (450b) may be disposed on the same surface as the first-2 coil (430b). In one embodiment, at least one of the first-1 position sensor (450a) and the first-2 position sensor (450b) may be composed of a plurality of units to detect rotation of the lens module (200).

[0090] The first-1 position sensor (450a) and the first-2 position sensor (450b) may be magnetic sensors, for example, Hall sensors. However, they are not limited thereto, and the first-1 position sensor (450a) and / or the first-2 position sensor (450b) may be implemented as other types of sensors, such as gyroscopes or accelerometers.

[0092] A first ball member (B1) may be placed between the holder (330) and the carrier (300).

[0093] The first ball member (B1) may include a plurality of ball members. For example, the first ball member (B1) may be provided in three or four numbers, and each may be spaced apart to be located at each corner of the holder (330) and the carrier (300).

[0094] The first ball member (B1) can guide the movement of the holder (330) and maintain the distance between the holder (330) and the carrier (300).

[0096] Referring to FIG. 7, a first guide groove (G1) in which a first ball member (B1) is received may be formed on the surface of a holder (330) facing the carrier (300) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The first ball member (B1) may be positioned between the first guide groove (G1) and the bottom surface of the carrier (300). The first guide groove (G1) may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of first ball members (B1).

[0097] The first guide groove (G1) may have a polygonal or circular shape when viewed from the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). Additionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first guide groove (G1) may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first ball member (B1). For example, on a cross-section perpendicular to the optical axis (XY cross-section), the cross-sectional area of ​​the first guide groove (G1) may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first ball member (B1). For example, if the first guide groove (G1) has a circular cross-section, the diameter of the first guide groove (G1) may be larger than the diameter of the first ball member (B1).

[0098] The first ball member (B1) is positioned between the first guide groove (G1) and the bottom surface of the carrier (300) and can roll in the direction of the driving force generated by the first driving unit (400). The first ball member (B1) can roll in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and can roll freely on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the first ball member (B1) can contact the carrier (300) and the holder (330) at one point in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), respectively. Due to this one-point contact structure, the holder (300) can be freely guided in multiple directions perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0100] Meanwhile, a first guide groove (G1) may be formed on at least a portion of the surfaces facing the carrier (300) and the holder (330). In this embodiment, the first guide groove (G1) is formed on the holder (330), but is not limited thereto, and the first guide groove (G1) may be formed on the carrier (300) or on both the holder (330) and the carrier (300).

[0101] The first guide groove (G1) includes a bottom surface, and the bottom surface of the first guide groove (G1) and the bottom surface of the carrier (300) may be arranged parallel to each other. Additionally, the bottom surface of the first guide groove (G1) and the bottom surface of the carrier (300) may each be arranged perpendicular to the optical axis. Furthermore, the first guide groove (G1) may include a side wall extending in the direction of the optical axis from the edge of the bottom surface.

[0102] The first ball member (B1) can come into contact with the bottom surface of the first guide groove (G1) and the bottom surface of the carrier (300), respectively. Specifically, the first ball member (B1) can come into contact with the bottom surface of the first guide groove (G1) at one point and with the bottom surface of the carrier (300) at one point. Additionally, the first ball member (B1) can come into contact with or be separated from the side wall of the first guide groove (G1) depending on the position that changes while rolling.

[0104] In one embodiment, the carrier (300) and the holder (330) may include reinforcing plates (305, 335). For example, the carrier (300) may include a first reinforcing plate (305), and the holder (330) may include a second reinforcing plate (335). The first reinforcing plate (305) and the second reinforcing plate (335) may be arranged to face each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0105] The reinforcing plate (305, 335) is configured to supplement the rigidity of the carrier (300) and the holder (330) and can be formed of a material having superior rigidity to the main material of the carrier (300) and the holder (330). For example, the reinforcing plate (305, 335) may be made of stainless steel.

[0106] The reinforcing plate (305, 335) can be manufactured integrally with the carrier (300) and holder (330) by insert injection and form part of the carrier (300) and holder (330).

[0107] The reinforcing plate (305, 335) may be positioned so that a portion of it is exposed from the carrier (300) and the holder (330). For example, the reinforcing plate (305, 335) may be positioned so that it is exposed to the bottom surface of the first guide groove (G1) in which the first ball member (B1) is received and to the bottom surface of the carrier (300). Accordingly, the first ball member (B1) can roll while in contact with the reinforcing plate (305, 335).

[0109] The holder (330) can be supported on the carrier (300) with the first ball member (B1) in between. In one embodiment, the first yoke (470) can be positioned on the carrier (300) so as to face the first magnet (410) with the first ball member (B1) in between.

[0110] Specifically, the first yoke (470) of the present embodiment may include a first-1 yoke (470a) positioned to face the first-1 magnet (410a) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) and a first-2 yoke (470b) positioned to face the first-2 magnet (410b) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0111] The first yoke (470) may correspond to a magnetic material and is configured to concentrate the magnetic force generated from the first magnet (410) by forming a magnetic circuit with the first magnet (410).

[0113] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module (1000) has a holder (330) directly placed on the carrier (300) so that it can be freely driven in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (including X-axis and Y-axis directions). In this structure, the thickness of the camera module (1000) may be reduced, but the gap between the first magnet (410) for OIS driving and the corresponding first yoke (470) may be narrowed, causing a strong magnetic attraction to act. Consequently, this affects the OIS driving, making precise driving difficult.

[0114] A camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes configurations for securing an optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) gap between a first magnet (410) and a first yoke (470), and the configurations are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0116] FIG. 4 is a side view of the carrier (300) and holder (330) viewed from direction A of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I' of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area C of FIG. 5.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, in this embodiment, the carrier (300) may include a protrusion (310).

[0118] The protrusion (310) is positioned in an area where the carrier (300) overlaps with the first magnet (410) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the first yoke (470) can be accommodated.

[0119] Additionally, the protrusion (310) may be positioned to protrude from the lower surface of the carrier (300) toward the bottom surface of the housing (110). That is, the protrusion (310) may correspond to a configuration that protrudes in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) from the lower surface of the carrier (300).

[0120] The first yoke (470) of the present embodiment is not directly inserted into the lower surface of the carrier (300) but is received in the protrusion (310) formed on the carrier (300), so that it can be positioned further down with respect to the direction of FIG. 4, thereby ensuring a gap (d1) with the first magnet (410a).

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the distance (d1) between the first magnet (410) and the first yoke (470) with respect to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) may be greater than the distance (d2) between the first magnet (410) and the lower surface of the carrier (300) (d1≥d2).

[0123] Additionally, in one embodiment, the gap (d3) between the bottom surface of the housing (110) and the first yoke (470) may be narrower than the gap (d4) between the bottom surface of the housing (110) and the bottom surface of the carrier (300) (d3 <d4).

[0125] FIG. 12 is a side view of a camera module (1000') corresponding to a comparative example, and is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 4. The camera module (1000') of FIG. 12 has a structure in which the carrier (300) does not include a protrusion, and the first yoke (470) is directly inserted into the lower surface of the carrier (300).

[0126] Comparing FIG. 4 and FIG. 12, the camera module (1000') of FIG. 12 has the first yoke (470) inserted directly into the lower surface of the housing (300), so that the first yoke (470) is positioned higher (+Z direction) compared to the camera module (1000) of FIG. 4.

[0127] Accordingly, the gap (d1') between the first magnet (410) and the first yoke (470) becomes narrow (d1 > d1'), so the magnetic attraction acting between the first magnet (410) and the first yoke (470) becomes stronger, which can affect the OIS drive control.

[0128] Ultimately, the accuracy of OIS driving control can be improved by securing a gap (d1) between the first magnet (410) and the first yoke (470) through the protrusion (310), as in the camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] FIG. 8 is a side view of the carrier (300) viewed from direction A of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the carrier (300) viewed from direction B of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the housing (110) viewed from direction B of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the carrier (300) and the housing (110) from direction B of FIG. 1.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the carrier (300) of the present embodiment may include a protrusion (310) that accommodates a first yoke (470). Additionally, the housing (110) of the present embodiment may include a receiving groove (111) to avoid interference with the protrusion (310).

[0132] In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the housing (110) may include a receiving groove (111) formed in an area facing the protrusion (310).

[0133] The receiving groove (111) can be formed in an area of ​​the bottom surface of the housing (110) that overlaps with the protrusion (310) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0134] In one embodiment, the protrusion (310) may be exposed through the receiving groove (111) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The protrusion (310) may be exposed toward the image sensor module (700) through the receiving groove (111).

[0135] At least a portion of the protrusion (310) can be received in the receiving groove (111).

[0136] When the carrier (300) is driven in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) due to AF operation, at least a portion of the protrusion (310) can be received in the receiving groove (111) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0137] A camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a receiving groove (111) formed in the housing (110), thereby preventing the protrusion (310) of the carrier (300) and the housing (110) from coming into contact or colliding with each other as the carrier (300) moves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) when AF driving or an external impact occurs.

[0138] Additionally, the receiving groove (111) may be formed to be longer in the X-axis direction and / or the Y-axis direction than the protrusion (310). Through this structure, a certain gap is formed between the protrusion (310) and the receiving groove (111), so that collision or contact between the protrusion (310) and the housing (110) can be prevented during external impact or OIS operation.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the camera module (1000) according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of protrusions (310) and receiving grooves (111), respectively.

[0141] In one embodiment, the protrusion (310) may include a first protrusion (310a) arranged parallel to the Y-axis direction and a second protrusion (310b) arranged parallel to the X-axis direction. The first protrusion (310a) may accommodate a first-1 yoke (470a), and the second protrusion (310b) may accommodate a first-2 yoke (470b).

[0142] The first protrusion (310a) may be arranged in multiple numbers, for example, in two numbers so as to face the two polarities of the first-1 magnet (410a).

[0143] Additionally, the second protrusion (310b) may be arranged in multiple numbers, for example, in two numbers so as to face the two polarities of the first and second magnets (410b).

[0145] In one embodiment, the receiving groove (111) may include a first receiving groove (111a) arranged parallel to the Y-axis direction and a second receiving groove (111b) arranged parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0146] The first receiving groove (111a) may be arranged in multiple numbers, for example, to correspond to each of the multiple first protrusions (310a).

[0147] Additionally, the second receiving groove (111b) may be arranged in multiple numbers, for example, to correspond to each of the multiple second protrusions (310b).

[0149] Referring to FIG. 9, the first-1 yoke (470a) and the first-2 yoke (470b) may each be composed of multiple units. For example, two first-1 yokes (470a) may be positioned to face each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) with regions having different polarities (e.g., N-pole region, S-pole region) of the first-1 magnet (410a). Additionally, two first-2 yokes (470b) may be positioned to face each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) with regions having different polarities (e.g., N-pole region, S-pole region) of the first-2 magnet (410b).

[0150] The first yoke (470) generates an attractive force in a direction facing the first magnet (410), that is, in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis direction), and the holder (330) can be attached to the carrier (300) by the said attractive force.

[0152] Hereinafter, a configuration for AF driving of a camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3, and FIGS. 5, a camera module (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second driving unit (500) that generates a driving force in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0154] The second driving unit (500) may include a second magnet (510) and a second coil (530). The second magnet (510) may be disposed on one side of the carrier (300), and the second coil (530) may be disposed on one side of the housing (110) facing the side of the carrier (300) where the second magnet (510) is disposed.

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

[0157] In one embodiment, the second coil (530) may be placed on a main substrate (610) positioned on the side of the housing (110). A through hole is formed on the side of the housing (110), and the second coil (530) may directly face the second magnet (510) through the through hole.

[0158] The second magnet (510) and the second coil (530) are arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis so as to generate driving force in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis direction).

[0160] Meanwhile, a second position sensor (550) is disposed on the main board (610) together with a second coil (530), and the position of the lens module (200) in the direction of the optical axis can be detected through the second position sensor (550).

[0161] In one embodiment, the second position sensor (550) may be a Hall sensor. However, it is not limited thereto, and the second position sensor (550) may be implemented as other types of sensors, such as a gyroscope or an accelerometer.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 3, a second ball member (B2) that guides the movement of the carrier (300) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) may be disposed between the carrier (300) and the housing (110).

[0164] The second ball member (B2) may include a plurality of ball members. The second ball member (B2) may be divided into two groups consisting of one or more ball members and arranged on both sides in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second magnet (510).

[0165] Guide grooves (G2, G3) for receiving a second ball member (B2) may be formed in the carrier (300) and the housing (110). Specifically, a second guide groove (G2) may be formed on one side of the carrier (300), and a third guide groove (G3) may be formed on the side of the housing (110) facing the second guide groove (G2).

[0166] The guide grooves (G2, G3) extend in the direction of the optical axis (Z-axis direction), and the second ball member (B2) can roll along the guide grooves (G2, G3) in the direction of the optical axis while being received in the guide grooves (G2, G3).

[0167] The carrier (300) can be supported in the housing (110) with the second ball member (B2) in between. In one embodiment, a second yoke (570) may be positioned in the housing (110) so as to face the second magnet (510) with the second ball member (B2) in between. The second yoke (570) and the second magnet (510) generate an attractive force in a direction facing each other, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (Y-axis direction), and the carrier (300) can be pressed against the housing (110) by said attractive force.

[0168] The second yoke (570) may correspond to a magnetic material and is configured to concentrate the magnetic force generated from the second magnet (510) by forming a magnetic circuit with the second magnet (510).

[0170] Meanwhile, when focusing the camera module (1000), the holder (330) and the lens module (200) can also move along the optical axis direction together with the carrier (300).

[0171] In one embodiment, a holder (330) may be accommodated inside the carrier (300), and a first ball member (B1) may be disposed between the carrier (300) and the holder (330). Since the holder (330) is supported by the carrier (300) through the first ball member (B1), when the carrier (300) moves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the holder (330) can also move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) together with the carrier (300). Likewise, the lens module (200) coupled to the holder (330) can also move in the optical axis direction so that AF can be implemented.

[0173] As described above, a camera module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be advantageous for thinning as the holder (330) is directly placed on the carrier (300) without a separate configuration (e.g., a ball guide frame) placed between the carrier (300) and the holder (330). In addition, if the structure is such, driving control may be difficult due to the strong magnetic attraction that occurs when the first magnet (410) and the first yoke (470) are close together. However, the camera module (1000) according to the present embodiment can solve this problem by having the housing (300) include a protrusion (310) for receiving the first yoke (470).

[0175] Although the structure and features of the present invention have been described above based on embodiments according to the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention; therefore, it is noted that such changes or modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0177] 1000: Camera module 110: Housing 111: Acceptance Home 120: Case 130: Stopper 131: Damper 200: Lens module 210: Lens 220: Lens barrel 300: Carrier 305: First reinforcement plate 310(310a, 310b): Protrusion 330: Holder 335: Second reinforcement plate 400: 1st drive unit 410(410a, 410b): First magnet 430(430a, 430b): First coil 450(450a, 450b): First position sensor 470(470a, 470b): First yoke 500: Second drive unit 510: Second Magnet 530: 2nd coil 570: Second York 610: Main board 700: Image sensor module 710: Image sensor 720: Sensor board B1, B2: Ball missing G1, G2, G3: Guide Home

Claims

Claim 1 A camera module comprising: a housing; a carrier disposed in the housing and movable in the direction of the optical axis with respect to the housing and including a protrusion; a holder disposed in the carrier and movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the carrier, on which a lens module is mounted; a first magnet disposed on one side of the holder; and a first yoke received in the protrusion so as to face the first magnet in the direction of the optical axis; wherein the protrusion protrudes from the lower surface of the carrier toward the bottom surface of the housing. Claim 2 A camera module according to claim 1, wherein, with respect to the optical axis direction, the distance between the first magnet and the first yoke is greater than or equal to the distance between the first magnet and the lower surface of the carrier. Claim 3 A camera module according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the housing includes a receiving groove formed in an area facing the protrusion. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the camera module, wherein the protrusion is exposed through the receiving groove in the direction of the optical axis. Claim 5 In paragraph 3, a camera module in which at least a portion of the above-mentioned protrusion is received in the above-mentioned receiving groove. Claim 6 A camera module according to claim 1, further comprising a first driving unit that provides driving force to the holder; wherein the first driving unit comprises the first magnet and a first coil disposed to face the first magnet in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Claim 7 In claim 1, the holder is a camera module supported on the carrier in the direction of the optical axis. Claim 8 A camera module comprising, in claim 1, a first ball member disposed between the carrier and the holder. Claim 9 In claim 8, the camera module, wherein the first ball member contacts the carrier and the holder, respectively, at one point in the optical axis direction. Claim 10 A camera module according to claim 1, further comprising a second driving unit that provides driving force to the carrier; wherein the second driving unit comprises a second magnet disposed on the side of the carrier, and a second coil disposed to face the second magnet in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Claim 11 In claim 1, the camera module, wherein the carrier is supported in the housing in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Claim 12 A camera module comprising, in claim 1, a second ball member disposed between the housing and the carrier. Claim 13 A camera module comprising: a housing; a carrier disposed in the housing and movable in the direction of the optical axis relative to the housing; a holder disposed in the carrier and movable in at least two axial directions perpendicular to the optical axis relative to the carrier; a first magnet disposed on one side of the holder; and a first yoke disposed on the lower surface of the carrier and exerting an attractive force on the first magnet in the direction of the optical axis; wherein the gap between the bottom surface of the housing and the first yoke is narrower than the gap between the bottom surface of the housing and the lower surface of the carrier. Claim 14 A camera module according to claim 13, further comprising: a first-2 magnet disposed on the other side meeting one side of the holder; and a first-2 yoke disposed on the lower surface of the carrier and exerting an attractive force in the optical axis direction toward the first-2 magnet. Claim 15 In paragraph 13, the camera module, wherein the first magnet comprises regions of different polarities along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Claim 16 A camera module according to claim 15, wherein the first yoke is composed of a plurality of first yokes, and the plurality of first yokes are each arranged to face a region having a different polarity of the first magnet in the direction of the optical axis.

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