Camera actuator and camera module comprising same

Abstract

An embodiment discloses a camera actuator comprising: a housing including a rail surface disposed along the optical axis direction; a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly which move in the optical axis direction in the housing; a shaft disposed on the rail surface in the optical axis direction; and a ball which is disposed between the first and second lens assemblies and the rail surface and is in contact with the shaft.

Description

Camera actuator and camera module including the same

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

[0002] A camera is a device that captures images or videos of a subject, and is installed in portable devices, drones, vehicles, etc. Camera modules may have an image stabilization (IS) function that compensates for or prevents image shaking caused by the user's movements to improve image quality, an auto focusing (AF) function that automatically adjusts the distance between the image sensor and the lens to align the focal length of the lens, and a zooming function that increases or decreases the magnification of a distant subject and captures it using a zoom lens.

[0003] A ball may be placed between the rail of the main barrel housing and the lens assembly. If the lens assembly is driven within the camera actuator, the ball allows the lens assembly to move within the camera actuator. In this case, if the rail is formed of a plastic material, it is difficult to manage warpage compared to an injection-molded product. Furthermore, the ball may move along the rail, causing the rail to deform upon impact.

[0004] The embodiment provides a camera actuator capable of reducing deformation of a rail due to ball movement during operation.

[0005] In addition, a camera actuator is provided that allows easy management of the amount of deflection compared to the injection molded rail.

[0006] Additionally, a camera actuator that can improve driving stability is provided.

[0007] The problem to be solved in the embodiment is not limited to this, and it can be said that the purpose or effect that can be understood from the solution or embodiment of the problem described below is also included.

[0008] A camera actuator according to an embodiment may include a housing including a rail surface arranged along an optical axis direction; a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly moving along the optical axis direction within the housing; a shaft arranged along the optical axis direction on the rail surface; and a ball arranged between the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly and the rail surface, the ball being in contact with the shaft.

[0009] The shaft includes a first shaft and a second shaft, and the rail surface is arranged to face a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the first shaft and the second shaft can be arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction.

[0010] The ball is in contact with the first shaft and the second shaft, and the contact points of the ball with the first shaft and the second shaft can be spaced apart in the second direction.

[0011] The housing includes a first shaft groove and a second shaft groove arranged on the rail surface, wherein the first shaft can be arranged on the first shaft groove, and the second shaft can be arranged on the second shaft groove.

[0012] The housing includes a first surface perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the first shaft groove and the second shaft groove can be arranged to partially penetrate the first surface.

[0013] The first surface includes a first hole and a second hole, and the ends of the first shaft and the second shaft can be arranged in the first hole and the second hole, respectively.

[0014] The first shaft groove and the second shaft groove can protrude in the first direction from the rail surface.

[0015] The curvature radii of the first shaft groove and the second shaft groove may be the same as the curvature radii of the first shaft and the second shaft.

[0016] The first shaft and the second shaft have a cylindrical shape with the same radius, and the distance between the centers of the first shaft and the second shaft may be 1.4 to 1.5 times the sum of the radius of the first shaft or the second shaft and the radius of the ball.

[0017] The rail surface may include a first rail surface adjacent to the first lens assembly and a second rail surface adjacent to the second lens assembly.

[0018] The housing may include a first contact surface spaced apart from the first rail surface in the second direction and a second contact surface spaced apart from the second rail surface in the second direction.

[0019] The first rail surface may be spaced apart from the second contact surface in the first direction, and the second rail surface may be spaced apart from the first contact surface in the first direction.

[0020] The rail surface is arranged to face a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the housing includes an inclined surface formed on the rail surface, and the inclined surface can be spaced apart from the shaft in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction.

[0021] The above-mentioned inclined surface can form an angle of 40˚ to 50˚ with the second direction.

[0022] The first lens assembly and the second lens assembly include a ball mounting portion arranged along the optical axis direction, and the ball mounting portion can overlap the rail surface in the first direction.

[0023] The first lens assembly may include a first ball mounting portion overlapping the first rail surface and a second ball mounting portion overlapping the first contact surface, and the second lens assembly may include a third ball mounting portion overlapping the second rail surface and a fourth ball mounting portion overlapping the second contact surface.

[0024] At least one of the first ball mounting portion and the second ball mounting portion may include two misaligned inclined surfaces, and at least one of the third ball mounting portion and the fourth ball mounting portion may include two misaligned inclined surfaces.

[0025] A camera module according to an embodiment may include: the camera actuator; an OIS actuator; a lens barrel disposed between the camera actuator and the OIS actuator; a circuit board including an image sensor; and a cover disposed on the outside of the camera actuator and the OIS actuator.

[0026] According to an embodiment, a camera actuator capable of reducing deformation of a rail due to ball movement during operation can be provided.

[0027] In addition, a camera actuator that can easily manage the amount of deflection compared to the injection molded product of the rail can be provided.

[0028] Additionally, a camera actuator capable of improving driving stability can be provided.

[0029] The various advantageous and beneficial effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described contents, and will be more easily understood in the course of explaining specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Figure 1.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a camera actuator according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view of Figure 4 cut along line BB'.

[0035] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in Figure 4.

[0036] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part K1 in Figure 6.

[0037] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a shaft according to an embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a housing according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of part K2 of Figure 9.

[0040] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a housing and shaft combined according to an embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD' of Fig. 11.

[0042] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE' of Fig. 11.

[0043] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of part K3 of Figure 13.

[0044] Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of a rail surface according to another embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing the arrangement of the first lens assembly, ball, and shaft according to an embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing the arrangement of the second lens assembly, ball, and shaft according to an embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0048] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0049] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0050] However, the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to some of the embodiments described, but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, one or more of the components between the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted for use.

[0051] In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

[0052] Additionally, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0053] In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase, and when it is described as “A and / or at least one (or more) of B, C”, it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, C.

[0054] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used.

[0055] These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the component.

[0056] And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' to another component, it may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, coupled or connected to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

[0057] Additionally, when described as being formed or arranged "above or below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Furthermore, when expressed as "above" or "below", it can include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction based on one component.

[0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 1.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a camera module (1) according to an embodiment may be composed of a cover (CV), an OIS actuator (100), a camera actuator (1000), and a circuit board (200).

[0060] The cover (CV) can cover the OIS actuator (100) and / or the camera actuator (1000). The cover (CV) can improve the bonding force between the OIS actuator (100) and the camera actuator (1000).

[0061] Furthermore, the cover (CV) may be made of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves. Accordingly, the OIS actuator (100) and the camera actuator (1000) within the cover (CV) can be easily protected.

[0062] In an embodiment, the OIS actuator (100) can change the path of light. In an embodiment, the OIS actuator (100) can change the path of light vertically through an internal optical member (e.g., a mirror or a prism). By 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 placed within the mobile terminal through the change of the path of light, thereby performing magnification, auto-focusing (AF), and OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) functions.

[0063] The OIS actuator (100) can change the optical path from the second direction to the third direction.

[0064] Additionally, the OIS actuator (100) may include a lens arranged in a predetermined barrel (not shown). For example, the lens may include a fixed focal length lens. Such a fixed focal length lens may also be referred to as a “single focal length lens” or “single lens.”

[0065] The camera actuator (1000) may be placed behind the OIS actuator (100). The camera actuator (1000) may be coupled with the OIS actuator (100). The coupling between the two may be achieved in various ways.

[0066] Additionally, the camera actuator (1000) may be a zoom actuator or an auto focus (AF) actuator. For example, the camera actuator (1000) may support one or more lenses and move the lenses according to a control signal from a predetermined control unit to perform an auto focus function or a zoom function.

[0067] The circuit board (200) may be placed at the rear end of the camera actuator (1000). The circuit board (200) may be electrically connected to the camera actuator (1000) and the OIS actuator (100). In addition, there may be a plurality of circuit boards (200).

[0068] This circuit board (200) is connected to the housing of the camera actuator (1000), and an image sensor may be provided. Furthermore, a base portion including a filter may be mounted on the circuit board (200).

[0069] The camera module according to the embodiment may be comprised of a single or multiple camera modules. For example, the multiple camera modules may include a first camera module and a second camera module. Furthermore, as described above, the camera module may be used interchangeably with terms such as "camera device," "camera device," "imaging device," "imaging module," and "imaging device."

[0070] And the first camera module may include a single or multiple actuators. For example, the first camera module may include an OIS actuator (100) and a camera actuator (1000).

[0071] And the second camera module may be placed in a predetermined housing (not shown) and may include an actuator (not shown) capable of driving a lens unit. The actuator may be a voice coil motor, a micro actuator, a silicon actuator, etc., and may be applied in various ways such as an electrostatic method, a thermal method, a bimorph method, an electrostatic force method, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, the camera actuator in this specification may be referred to as an actuator, etc. In addition, a camera module composed of a plurality of camera modules may be mounted in various electronic devices such as a mobile terminal.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 3, a camera module according to an embodiment may include an OIS actuator (100) having an OIS function and a camera actuator (1000) having a zooming function and an AF function.

[0073] Light can be incident into the camera module through an aperture area located on the upper surface of the OIS actuator (100). That is, the light is incident into the interior of the OIS actuator (100) along an optical axis direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and the light path can be changed to a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) through an optical member. Then, the light can pass through the camera actuator (1000) and be incident on an image sensor located at one end of the camera actuator (1000) (PATH).

[0074] In this specification, the bottom means one side in the first direction. And the first direction is the X-axis direction in the drawing and can be used interchangeably with the second-axis direction, etc. The second direction is the Y-axis direction in the drawing and can be used interchangeably with the first-axis direction, etc. The second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. In addition, the third direction is the Z-axis direction in the drawing and can be used interchangeably with the third-axis direction, etc. It is a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. Here, the third direction (Z-axis direction) corresponds to the direction of the optical axis, and the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction) are directions perpendicular to the optical axis. In addition, in the description of the camera actuator (1000) below, the optical axis direction corresponds to the optical path and is the third direction (Z-axis direction), and the following description will be made based on this.

[0075] And by this configuration, the camera module according to the embodiment can improve the spatial limitations of the OIS actuator and the camera actuator by changing the light path. That is, the camera module according to the embodiment can expand the light path while minimizing the thickness of the camera module in response to the change in the light path. Furthermore, it should be understood that the camera actuator can also provide a high range of magnification by controlling the focus, etc. in the expanded light path.

[0076] In addition, the camera module according to the embodiment can implement OIS by controlling the optical path through the OIS actuator, thereby minimizing the occurrence of decent or tilt phenomena and producing the best optical characteristics.

[0077] Furthermore, the camera actuator (1000) may include an optical system and a lens driving unit. For example, the camera actuator (1000) may include at least one of a first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, a third lens assembly, and a guide pin.

[0078] Additionally, the camera actuator (1000) is equipped with a coil and a magnet to perform a high-magnification zooming function.

[0079] For example, the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly may be moving lenses that move via coils, magnets, and guide pins, and the third lens assembly (not shown) may be a fixed lens, but is not limited thereto. For example, the third lens assembly may function as a focal point that focuses light at a specific location, and the second lens assembly may function as a variator that refocuses the image focused by the third lens assembly, which is a focal point, at another location. Meanwhile, in the second lens assembly, the distance to the subject or the image distance may change significantly, resulting in a large change in magnification, and the second lens assembly, which is a variator, may play an important role in the change in the focal length or magnification of the optical system. Meanwhile, the image point focused by the second lens assembly, which is a variator, may have a slight difference depending on the location. Accordingly, the first lens assembly may function to compensate for the position of the image focused by the variator. For example, the first lens assembly may function as a compensator, accurately focusing the image formed by the second lens assembly onto the actual image sensor location. For example, the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly may be driven by electromagnetic force resulting from the interaction of a coil and a magnet.

[0080] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a camera actuator according to an embodiment, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view taken along line BB' in Fig. 4.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a camera actuator (1000) according to an embodiment may include a housing (1100), a first lens assembly (1200), a second lens assembly (1300), a magnet portion (1400), a substrate (1500), a housing cover (1600), a coil portion (1700), a magnet yoke (1800), a shaft (1900), and a stopper portion (S).

[0082] The camera actuator (1000) may include a housing (1100).

[0083] The housing (1100) may constitute an outer wall of the camera actuator (1000). A housing cover (1600) may be disposed on one surface of the housing (1100). The housing (1100) may include a first lens assembly (1200), a second lens assembly (1300), a magnet unit (1400), a coil unit (1700), a magnet yoke (1800), a shaft (1900), and a stopper unit (S). The magnet unit (1400), the coil unit (1700), the magnet yoke (1800), and the shaft (1900) may be disposed on a side of the housing (1100) that is parallel to the optical axis direction. A side of the housing (1100) that is perpendicular to the optical axis direction may include an opening. A substrate (1500) may be disposed on the outside of the housing (1100).

[0084] The housing (1100) may include a plurality of sides. The housing (1100) may include first to fourth sides (S1, S2, S3, S4). The first side (S1) may be a side that is arranged parallel to the optical axis direction. The first side (S1) may be perpendicular to the second side (S2) and the fourth side (S4), and may be parallel to the third side (S3). The first side (S1) may include an opening. The second side (S2) may be a side that is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The second side (S2) may be perpendicular to the first side (S1) and the third side (S3), and may be parallel to the fourth side (S4). The third side (S3) may be a side that is arranged parallel to the optical axis direction. The third side (S3) may be perpendicular to the second side (S2) and the fourth side (S4), and parallel to the first side (S1). The fourth side (S4) may be a side that is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The fourth side (S4) may be perpendicular to the first side (S1) and the third side (S3), and parallel to the second side (S2). The housing (1100) may include an upper surface (S5). The upper surface (S5) may be perpendicular to the first to fourth side surfaces (S1, S2, S3, S4).

[0085] The camera actuator (1000) may include a first lens assembly (1200) and a second lens assembly (1300).

[0086] The first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) may be moving lenses that move using coils, magnets, and guide pins. The second lens assembly (1300) may perform a variator function to refocus the image formed by focusing light to another location. Meanwhile, in the second lens assembly (1300), the distance to the subject or the image distance may change significantly, resulting in a large change in magnification, and the second lens assembly (1300), which is a variator, may play an important role in the change in the focal length or magnification of the optical system. Meanwhile, the image point formed by the second lens assembly (1300), which is a variator, may have a slight difference depending on the location. Accordingly, the first lens assembly (1200) may perform a position compensation function for the image formed by the variator. For example, the first lens assembly (1200) may perform a compensator function that accurately focuses the image formed by the second lens assembly (1300) at the actual image sensor location. For example, the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) may be driven by electromagnetic force resulting from the interaction between a coil and a magnet.

[0087] The first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) may be disposed inside the housing (1100). The first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) may move inside the housing (1100) along the optical axis direction by the magnet portion (1400), the magnet yoke (1800), and the coil portion (1700). The first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the optical axis direction. The first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) may partially overlap with the stopper portion (S) in the optical axis direction. The first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) may partially overlap with the housing cover (1600) in the optical axis direction.

[0088] The camera actuator (1000) may include a substrate (1500).

[0089] The substrate (1500) may be placed in the housing (1100). The substrate (1500) may be placed on the outside of the housing (1100). A driver IC (not shown) and a coil unit (1700) may be placed on the substrate (1500). The driver IC and the coil unit (1700) may be placed on the inside of the substrate (1500). The substrate (1500) may fix the driver IC and the coil unit (1700). The substrate (1500) may transmit information of an optical signal from the driver IC to the coil unit (1700).

[0090] The camera actuator (1000) may include a housing cover (1600).

[0091] The housing cover (1600) may be fixedly disposed on one surface of the housing (1100). The housing cover (1600) may overlap with the housing (1100) in the optical axis direction. A first stopper portion (Sa) may be disposed on the housing cover (1600). The housing cover (1600) may increase the bonding area of ​​the OIS actuator and the camera actuator (1000) to improve the bonding strength. The housing cover (1600) may partially overlap with the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) in the optical axis direction.

[0092] The camera actuator (1000) may include a stopper portion (S).

[0093] The stopper portion (S) may be disposed inside the housing (1100). The stopper portion (S) may be disposed inside the housing (1100) to prevent the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) from colliding with the inside of the housing (1100). The stopper portion (S) may absorb impact by contacting the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300). The stopper portion (S) may include a Poron. The shape of the stopper portion (S) is not limited. For example, the stopper portion (S) may include a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0094] The stopper portion (S) may include a first stopper portion (Sa) and a second stopper portion (not shown). The first stopper portion (Sa) may be disposed on the housing cover (1600). The first stopper portion (Sa) may be disposed on one surface of the housing cover (1600) facing the inside of the housing (1100). The first stopper portion (Sa) may be disposed on the housing cover (1600) to overlap with the first lens assembly (1200) or the second lens assembly (1300). The second stopper portion (not shown) may be disposed on one surface of the inside of the housing (1100). The second stopper portion (not shown) may be disposed on one surface of the inside of the housing (1100) to overlap with the first lens assembly (1200) or the second lens assembly (1300) in the optical axis direction. The first stopper portion (Sa) and the second stopper portion can be arranged spaced apart from each other in opposite directions in the optical axis direction based on the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300).

[0095] The camera actuator (1000) may include a magnet portion (1400).

[0096] The magnet unit (1400) may be disposed on the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300). The magnet unit (1400) may be disposed on the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) to move the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300). The magnet unit (1400) may receive a magnetic force from the coil unit (1700) to move the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300). The magnet unit (1400) may be disposed in the first direction on the side surface of the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300). The magnet unit (1400) may be disposed between the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) and the coil unit (1700). The magnet portion (1400) can overlap with the coil portion (1700) in the first direction. The magnet portion (1400) can be fixed to the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) by the magnet yoke (1800). The magnet yoke (1800) is arranged between the magnet portion (1400) and the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300), so that the magnet yoke (1800) can fix the magnet portion (1400) on the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300).

[0097] The camera actuator (1000) may include a coil portion (1700).

[0098] The coil unit (1700) can be supplied with electricity to form a magnetic field to drive the lens assembly. The coil unit (1700) can be placed on the substrate (1500). The coil unit (1700) can overlap with the magnet unit (1400) in a first direction. The coil unit (1700) can overlap with the magnet unit (1400) in the first direction to move the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) in the optical axis direction.

[0099] The camera actuator (1000) may include a magnet yoke (1800).

[0100] The magnet yoke (1800) can be arranged between the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300) and the magnet portion (1400) to fix the magnet portion (1400) on the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300). The magnet yoke (1800) can be arranged in a first direction on the side surface of the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300).

[0101] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in Figure 4, and Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part K1 in Figure 6.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the camera actuator (1000) may include a ball (B).

[0103] A ball (B) is disposed between the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300) and the housing (1100) to allow the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300) to move in the optical axis direction along the inner surface of the housing (1100). The ball (B) can contact a shaft (1900) disposed on the housing (1100). The ball (B) can contact the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) to move on the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920). The contact points of the ball (B) and the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) can be spaced apart in the second direction. The ball (B) can rotate on the shaft (1900) to move the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300). The ball (B) may be placed on the ball mounting portions (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320) of the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300). The ball (B) may move along the optical axis direction on the ball mounting portions of the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300). The camera actuator (1000) may include a plurality of balls (B). The plurality of balls (B) may be placed between the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300) and the housing (1100), respectively, to enable the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300) to move.

[0104] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a shaft according to an embodiment.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, another camera actuator (1000) according to the embodiment may include a shaft (1900).

[0106] The shaft (1900) may be disposed on the housing (1100). The shaft (1900) may be disposed between the housing (1100) and the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300) to serve as a movement path for the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300). The shaft (1900) may drive the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300) by contacting the ball and allowing the ball to rotate. The shaft (1900) may be disposed along the optical axis direction on the inner surface of the housing (1100) to allow the first and second lens assemblies (1200, 1300) to move along the optical axis direction. The shaft (1900) may be disposed on the rail surface (R) of the housing (1100). The shaft (1900) may include a plurality of shafts. The shaft (1900) may include a first shaft (1910) and a second shaft (1920). The first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction on the housing (1100). The first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction and arranged in parallel. The length of the shaft (1900) in the optical axis direction may be smaller than the width of the housing (1100) in the optical axis direction. The shape of the shaft (1900) may include a cylindrical shape. When the shape of the shaft (1900) is a cylindrical shape, it is easy to manage the amount of warpage and deformation compared to an injection-molded product when forming the shaft (1900) and when operating the camera actuator, and the warpage phenomenon due to a dropping impact may be reduced.

[0107] The first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) have a cylindrical shape with the same radius, and the distance between the centers of the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) may be 1.4 to 1.5 times the sum of the radius of the first shaft (1910) or the second shaft (1920) and the radius of the ball (B). If the distance between the centers of the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) is not 1.4 to 1.5 times the sum of the radius of the first shaft (1910) or the second shaft (1920) and the radius of the ball (B), the first direction width of the camera actuator may become too wide or the ball may come into contact with the housing, causing a problem in which the ball does not move smoothly.

[0108] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a housing according to an embodiment, and Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of part K2 of Fig. 9.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the housing (1100) may include a rail surface (R) arranged along the optical axis direction.

[0110] The rail surface (R) may be one surface of the housing (1100) on which the shaft (1900) is disposed. The rail surface (R) may be disposed along the optical axis direction. The rail surface (R) may be disposed to face a first direction. The shaft (1900) may be disposed on the rail surface (R). The rail surface (R) may include a first rail surface (R1) and a second rail surface (R2). The first rail surface (R1) and the second rail surface (R2) may be disposed spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the housing (1100) along the first direction. The rail surface (R) may overlap with the ball (B) in the first direction. The rail surface (R) may overlap with the ball mounting portions (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320) in the first direction. The first rail surface (R1) may be adjacent to the first lens assembly (1200). The second rail surface (R2) may be adjacent to the second lens assembly (1300).

[0111] The housing (1100) may include a first shaft groove (H1) and a second shaft groove (H2) arranged on the rail surface (R).

[0112] A shaft (1900) may be arranged in the first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2). The first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2) may be arranged along the optical axis direction on the rail surface (R) of the housing (1100). The first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2) may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction and may be discharged. The first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2) may overlap the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) of the shaft (1900) in the first direction, respectively.

[0113] The first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2) can protrude in a first direction from the rail surface (R). The first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2) can protrude in the first direction from the rail surface (R) to secure a space in which the shaft (1900) is placed.

[0114] The housing (1100) includes a first surface (P1) perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and a first shaft groove (H1) and a second shaft groove (H2) can be arranged to partially penetrate the first surface (P1).

[0115] The first surface (P1) may be disposed on the upper surface (S5) of the housing (1100). The first surface (P1) may be disposed to protrude a certain distance from the upper surface (S5) of the housing (1100). The first surface (P1) may be a surface perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The first surface (P1) may be disposed perpendicular to the first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2). The first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2) may be disposed to partially penetrate the first surface (P1). A portion of the first surface (P1) may include a concave portion in the optical axis direction, including the first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2).

[0116] The first surface (P1) may include a first hole (h1) and a second hole (h2). The first hole (h1) and the second hole (h2) may be portions dug along a portion of the optical axis direction on the first surface (P1). The first hole (h1) and the second hole (h2) may overlap with the first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2) in the optical axis direction, respectively. The first hole (h1) and the second hole (h2) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0117] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a housing and a shaft combined according to an embodiment, Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD' of Fig. 11, Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE' of Fig. 11, and Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of part K3 of Fig. 13.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 11 to 14, the first shaft (1910) according to the embodiment may be placed on the first shaft groove (H1), and the second shaft (1920) may be placed on the second shaft groove (H2).

[0119] The first shaft (1910) may be disposed on the first shaft groove (H1). The first shaft (1910) may overlap the first shaft groove (H1) in the first direction. The first shaft (1910) may be disposed on the first shaft groove (H1) and may be fixed by protruding in the first direction on the rail surface (R). The second shaft (1920) may be disposed on the second shaft groove (H2). The second shaft (1920) may overlap the second shaft groove (H2) in the first direction. The second shaft (1920) may be fixed by protruding in the first direction on the rail surface (R). A distance in the second direction between the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) may be equal to a distance in the second direction between the centers of the first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2).

[0120] The ends of the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) can be placed in the first hole (h1) and the second hole (h2), respectively.

[0121] The ends of the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) are respectively disposed in the first hole (h1) and the second hole (h2), so that the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) can be fixed when the camera actuator is driven. The end of the first shaft (1910) can be disposed in the first hole (h1). The end of the first shaft (1910) is disposed in the first hole (h1), so that the first shaft (1910) can partially overlap with the first surface (P1) in the optical axis direction. The end of the second shaft (1920) can be disposed in the second hole (h2). The end of the second shaft (1920) is disposed in the second hole (h2), so that the second shaft (1920) can partially overlap with the first surface (P1) in the optical axis direction. The separation distance of the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) in the second direction may be the same as the separation distance of the first hole (h1) and the second hole (h2) in the second direction.

[0122] The curvature radii of the first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2) may be the same as the curvature radii of the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920).

[0123] The curvature radii of the first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2) are the same as the curvature radii of the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920), respectively, so that the first shaft (1910) and the second shaft (1920) can be positioned and fixed on the first shaft groove (H1) and the second shaft groove (H2), respectively.

[0124] The housing (1100) includes a contact surface (C), and the contact surface (C) may include a first contact surface (C1) spaced apart from the first rail surface (R1) in a second direction and a second contact surface (C2) spaced apart from the second rail surface (R2) in a second direction.

[0125] The contact surface (C) is arranged on the housing (1100) and can come into contact with the ball (B). The contact surface (C) can be arranged parallel to the rail surface (R) and spaced apart from the rail surface (R). The contact surface (C) can be arranged along the optical axis direction. The contact surface (C) can include a plane on which the ball (B) can move.

[0126] The first contact surface (C1) may be spaced apart from the first rail surface (R1) in a second direction on the same inner surface as the first rail surface (R1) of the housing (1100). The first contact surface (C1) may be arranged along the optical axis direction. The first contact surface (C1) may be arranged to face the first direction. The shaft (1900) may not be arranged on the first contact surface (C1). The first contact surface (C1) may come into contact with the ball. The first contact surface (C1) may be spaced apart from the second rail surface (R2) in the first direction.

[0127] The second contact surface (C2) may be spaced apart from the second rail surface (R2) in a second direction on the same inner surface as the second rail surface (R2) of the housing (1100). The second contact surface (C2) may be arranged along the optical axis direction. The second contact surface (C2) may be arranged to face the first direction. The shaft (1900) may not be arranged on the second contact surface (C2). The second contact surface (C2) may come into contact with the ball.

[0128] Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of a rail surface according to another embodiment.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 15, the housing (1100) includes an inclined surface (R') formed on the rail surface (R), and the inclined surface (R') can be spaced apart from the shaft (1900) in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction.

[0130] The housing (1100) may include an inclined surface (R'). The inclined surface (R') may be disposed on the rail surface (R) of the housing (1100). The inclined surface (R') may form an incline at a predetermined angle with the rail surface (R). The incline of the inclined surface (R') may be disposed toward the shaft (1900). The inclined surface (R') may be disposed along the optical axis direction. The inclined surface (R') may be disposed spaced apart from the shaft (1900) in a second direction. The inclined surface (R') may be spaced apart from the shaft (1900) in the second direction and may serve as a movement path of the ball together with the shaft (1900). The ball may move by contacting the inclined surface (R') and the shaft (1900).

[0131] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing the arrangement of a first lens assembly, a ball, and a shaft according to an embodiment, and Fig. 17 is a drawing showing the arrangement of a second lens assembly, a ball, and a shaft according to an embodiment.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 7, 16 and 17, the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) include ball mounting portions (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320) arranged along the optical axis direction, and the ball mounting portions (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320) can overlap the rail surface (R) in the first direction.

[0133] The ball mounting portions (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320) may be portions on which the ball (B) is mounted. The ball mounting portions (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320) may be a path along which the ball (B) moves when the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300) move along the optical axis direction by contacting the ball (B). The ball mounting portions (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320) may be arranged along the optical axis direction on the first lens assembly (1200) and the second lens assembly (1300). The ball mounting portions (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320) may overlap with the rail surface (R) or the contact surface (C) in the first direction. The ball mounting portion (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320) overlaps the rail surface (R) or the contact surface (C) in the first direction, thereby allowing the ball (B) to move between the ball mounting portion (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320) and the rail surface (R) or the contact surface (C).

[0134] The first lens assembly (1200) may include a first ball mounting portion (1210) overlapping the first rail surface (R1) and a second ball mounting portion (1220) overlapping the first contact surface (C1), and the second lens assembly (1300) may include a third ball mounting portion (1310) overlapping the second rail surface (R2) and a fourth ball mounting portion (1320) overlapping the second contact surface (C2).

[0135] The first lens assembly (1200) may include a first ball mounting portion (1210) and a second ball mounting portion (1220). The first ball mounting portion (1210) may overlap with the first rail surface (R1). The first ball mounting portion (1210) may overlap with the first rail surface (R1) in a first direction. A ball (B) may be disposed between the first ball mounting portion (1210) and the first rail surface (R1). The second ball mounting portion (1220) may overlap with the first contact surface (C1). The second ball mounting portion (1220) may overlap with the first contact surface (C1) in the first direction. A ball (B) may be disposed between the second ball mounting portion (1220) and the first contact surface (C1). The first ball mounting portion (1210) and the second ball mounting portion (1220) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The first ball mounting portion (1210) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the third ball mounting portion (1310) in the first direction. The second ball mounting portion (1220) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the fourth ball mounting portion (1320) in the first direction.

[0136] The second lens assembly (1300) may include a third ball mounting portion (1310) and a fourth ball mounting portion (1320). The third ball mounting portion (1310) may overlap with the second rail surface (R2). The third ball mounting portion (1310) may overlap with the second rail surface (R2) in a first direction. A ball (B) may be disposed between the third ball mounting portion (1310) and the second rail surface (R2). The fourth ball mounting portion (1320) may overlap with the second contact surface (C2). The fourth ball mounting portion (1320) may overlap with the second contact surface (C2) in a first direction. A ball (B) may be disposed between the fourth ball mounting portion (1320) and the second contact surface (C2). The third ball mounting portion (1310) and the fourth ball mounting portion (1320) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The third ball mounting portion (1310) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first ball mounting portion (1210) in the first direction. The fourth ball mounting portion (1320) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the second ball mounting portion (1220) in the first direction.

[0137] At least one of the first ball mounting portion (1210) and the second ball mounting portion (1220) may include two misaligned inclined surfaces, and at least one of the third ball mounting portion (1310) and the fourth ball mounting portion (1320) may include two misaligned inclined surfaces.

[0138] The ball mounting portions (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320) may include inclined surfaces. The ball mounting portions (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320) may include two inclined surfaces that are misaligned so that a ball (B) can be positioned between the inclined surfaces. The two inclined surfaces of the ball mounting portions (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320) may be positioned to form a certain angle. The ball (B) may be positioned between the two inclined surfaces of the ball mounting portions (1210, 1220, 1310, 1320), and the ball (B) may be positioned in contact with the two inclined surfaces. The two inclined surfaces may be positioned symmetrically with respect to the optical axis direction. At least one of the first ball mounting portion (1210) and the second ball mounting portion (1220) may include two misaligned inclined surfaces. At least one of the third ball mounting portion (1310) and the fourth ball mounting portion (1320) may include two misaligned slopes.

[0139] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 18, the mobile terminal of the embodiment may include a camera module (1), a flash module (3), and an autofocus device (2) provided on the rear.

[0141] The camera module (1) may include an image capturing function and an autofocus function. For example, the camera module (1) may include an autofocus function using an image.

[0142] The camera module (1) processes still image or video image frames obtained by the image sensor in shooting mode or video call mode.

[0143] The processed image frame can be displayed on a predetermined display unit and stored in memory. A camera (not shown) may also be placed on the front of the mobile terminal body.

[0144] For example, the camera module (1) may include a first camera module and a second camera module, and the first camera module may be capable of implementing OIS together with AF or zoom functions. In addition, the second camera module may be capable of implementing AF, zoom, and OIS functions. In this case, since the first camera module includes both the OIS actuator and the camera actuator described above, miniaturization of the camera module can be easily achieved through changing the optical path.

[0145] The flash module (3) may include a light-emitting element that emits light internally. The flash module (3) may be operated by the camera operation of the mobile terminal or by the user's control.

[0146] The autofocus device (2) may include one of the packages of surface-emitting laser elements as a light-emitting unit.

[0147] The autofocus device (2) may include an autofocus function using a laser. The autofocus device (2) may be mainly used in conditions where the autofocus function using the image of the camera module (1) is degraded, such as at a close range of 10 m or less or in a dark environment.

[0148] The autofocus device (2) may include a light emitting unit including a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) semiconductor element and a light receiving unit that converts light energy into electrical energy, such as a photodiode.

[0149] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0150] For example, FIG. 19 is an exterior view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle driving assistance device to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 19, the vehicle (700) of the embodiment may be equipped with wheels (13FL, 13FR) that rotate by a power source and a predetermined sensor. The sensor may be a camera sensor (3000), but is not limited thereto.

[0152] The camera sensor (3000) may be a camera sensor to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied. The vehicle (700) of the embodiment can obtain image information through the camera sensor (3000) that captures a forward image or a surrounding image, and can use the image information to determine a lane non-identification situation and create a virtual lane when the lane is not identified.

[0153] For example, a camera sensor (3000) can capture a front image of a vehicle (700) and a processor (not shown) can analyze an object included in the front image to obtain image information.

[0154] For example, if objects such as a center divider, curb, or street tree, which correspond to a lane, adjacent vehicle, traffic obstruction, or indirect road marking, are captured in an image captured by a camera sensor (3000), the processor can detect these objects and include them in the image information. At this time, the processor can obtain distance information from the object detected through the camera sensor (3000) to further supplement the image information.

[0155] The image information may be information about an object captured in the image. The camera sensor (3000) may include an image sensor and an image processing module.

[0156] The camera sensor (3000) can process still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD).

[0157] The image processing module can process still images or videos acquired through an image sensor, extract necessary information, and transmit the extracted information to the processor.

[0158] At this time, the camera sensor (3000) may include a stereo camera to improve the measurement accuracy of the object and to secure more information such as the distance between the vehicle (700) and the object, but is not limited thereto.

[0159] Although the above description focuses on examples, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. In addition, differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A housing including a rail surface arranged along the optical axis; A first lens assembly and a second lens assembly moving along the optical axis direction within the housing; a shaft arranged along the optical axis direction on the rail surface; and A camera actuator comprising a ball disposed between the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly and the rail surface, and in contact with the shaft.

2. In paragraph 1, The above shaft includes a first shaft and a second shaft, The above rail surface is arranged to face a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, A camera actuator in which the first shaft and the second shaft are arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

3. In paragraph 2, The above ball is in contact with the first shaft and the second shaft, A camera actuator wherein the contact points of the ball with the first shaft and the second shaft are spaced apart in the second direction.

4. In paragraph 2, The housing includes a first shaft groove and a second shaft groove arranged on the rail surface, The first shaft is disposed on the first shaft groove, The above second shaft is a camera actuator disposed on the second shaft groove.

5. In paragraph 4, The housing includes a first surface perpendicular to the optical axis direction, A camera actuator in which the first shaft groove and the second shaft groove are positioned to partially penetrate the first surface.

6. In paragraph 5, The above first side includes a first hole and a second hole, A camera actuator in which the ends of the first shaft and the second shaft are respectively disposed in the first hole and the second hole.

7. In paragraph 4, A camera actuator in which the first shaft groove and the second shaft groove protrude in the first direction from the rail surface.

8. In paragraph 4, A camera actuator wherein the radius of curvature of the first shaft groove and the second shaft groove is the same as the radius of curvature of the first shaft and the second shaft.

9. In paragraph 3, The first shaft and the second shaft have a cylindrical shape with the same radius, A camera actuator wherein the distance between the centers of the first shaft and the second shaft is 1.4 to 1.5 times the sum of the radius of the first shaft or the second shaft and the radius of the ball.

10. In paragraph 2, A camera actuator wherein the rail surface includes a first rail surface adjacent to the first lens assembly and a second rail surface adjacent to the second lens assembly.

Images