Camera module including piezoelectric actuator

Abstract

This camera module may include a piezoelectric actuator configured to move a lens or an image sensor in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. The piezoelectric actuator may include a vibrator configured to generate vibration, a moving body configured to move in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis, and a tip configured to press an elastically deformable region of the moving body and to transfer the vibration generated from the vibrator to the elastically deformable region.

Description

Camera module including piezoelectric actuator

[0001] The disclosure generally relates to a camera module, for example, a camera module including a piezoelectric actuator. The disclosure also relates to an electronic device including the camera module.

[0002] Technology is being developed to implement image stabilization to capture clear images by taking into account the minute vibrations that occur when capturing images or videos. For example, by detecting the user's hand tremors and moving the lens or image sensor, shake-free images can be captured.

[0003] The related art mentioned above is possessed or acquired during the process of deriving the present disclosure and cannot necessarily be said to be prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present disclosure.

[0004] A camera module may include a lens having an optical axis, an image sensor configured to receive light passing through the lens, and a first piezoelectric actuator configured to move the lens or the image sensor in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. The first piezoelectric actuator may include a first vibrator configured to generate vibration, a second vibrator configured to generate vibration, a first moving body including a first elastically deformable region and a second elastically deformable region, a first tip configured to pressurize the first elastically deformable region and transmit vibration generated from the first vibrator to the first elastically deformable region, and a second tip configured to pressurize the second elastically deformable region and transmit vibration generated from the second vibrator to the second elastically deformable region.

[0005] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a one-way electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an electronic device in another direction according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of the camera module of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an image sensor and a first piezoelectric actuator according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first piezoelectric actuator according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a side view of a first piezoelectric actuator according to one embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 11 is a plan view of a sensor arrangement structure of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an image sensor according to one embodiment shifting in a first direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis.

[0018] FIG. 13 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 14 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an image sensor according to one embodiment shifting in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0021] FIG. 16 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing an image sensor according to one embodiment shifting in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis and the first direction.

[0023] FIG. 18 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 17 according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 19 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 17 according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an image sensor according to one embodiment shifting in a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0026] FIG. 21 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 20 according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing an image sensor according to one embodiment rolling in a first rotational direction about an optical axis.

[0028] FIG. 23 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 22 according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 24 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 22 according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 25 is a drawing showing an image sensor according to one embodiment rolling in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction about the optical axis.

[0031] FIG. 26 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 25 according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 27 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 25 according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an image sensor and a second piezoelectric actuator according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of an image sensor and a second piezoelectric actuator according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 30 is a plan view of the fifth resonator of FIG. 28 according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 of the second piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 30 according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 32 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the second piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 28 according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 33 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the second piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 28 according to one embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 34 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the second piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 28 according to one embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 35 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the second piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 28 according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figure 36 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0042] Figure 37 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 38-38 of the camera module of FIG. 36 according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 39 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0045] Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 41 is an exploded perspective view showing the sensor arrangement structure of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0049] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0050] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a part of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0051] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., a processor (120) or a sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include a volatile memory (132) or a non-volatile memory (134).

[0052] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0053] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0054] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0055] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0056] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0057] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0058] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0059] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0060] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0061] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0062] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0063] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0064] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0065] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0066] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0067] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0068] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0069] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0070] Electronic devices according to the embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0071] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0072] The term "module" used in the embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0073] Embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the method according to the embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0075] According to embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0076] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 2, the camera module (180) may include a lens assembly (210), a flash (220), an image sensor (230), an image stabilizer (240), a memory (250) (e.g., a buffer memory), or an image signal processor (260). The lens assembly (210) may collect light emitted from a subject that is a target of image capturing. The lens assembly (210) may include one or more lenses. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include a plurality of lens assemblies (210). In this case, the camera module (180) may form, for example, a dual camera, a 360-degree camera, or a spherical camera. Some of the plurality of lens assemblies (210) may have the same lens properties (e.g., angle of view, focal length, autofocus, f-number, or optical zoom), or at least one lens assembly may have one or more lens properties that are different from the lens properties of the other lens assemblies. A lens assembly (210) may include, for example, a wide-angle lens or a telephoto lens.

[0078] The flash (220) can emit light used to enhance light emitted or reflected from a subject. According to one embodiment, the flash (220) can include one or more light-emitting diodes (e.g., red-green-blue (RGB) LED, white LED, infrared LED, or ultraviolet LED), or a xenon lamp. The image sensor (230) can acquire an image corresponding to the subject by converting light emitted or reflected from the subject and transmitted through the lens assembly (210) into an electrical signal. According to one embodiment, the image sensor (230) can include one image sensor selected from among image sensors having different properties, such as, for example, an RGB sensor, a black and white (BW) sensor, an IR sensor, or a UV sensor, a plurality of image sensors having the same property, or a plurality of image sensors having different properties. Each image sensor included in the image sensor (230) can be implemented using, for example, a CCD (charged coupled device) sensor or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor.

[0079] The image stabilizer (240) can move at least one lens or image sensor (230) included in the lens assembly (210) in a specific direction or control the operating characteristics of the image sensor (230) (e.g., adjusting the read-out timing, etc.) in response to the movement of the camera module (180) or the electronic device (101) including the same. This allows compensating for at least some of the negative effects of the movement on the captured image. In one embodiment, the image stabilizer (240) can detect such movement of the camera module (180) or the electronic device (101) by using a gyro sensor (not shown) or an acceleration sensor (not shown) disposed inside or outside the camera module (180). In one embodiment, the image stabilizer (240) can be implemented as, for example, an optical image stabilizer. The memory (250) can temporarily store at least a portion of the image acquired through the image sensor (230) for the next image processing task. For example, when image acquisition is delayed due to the shutter, or when multiple images are acquired at high speed, the acquired original image (e.g., a Bayer-patterned image or a high-resolution image) is stored in the memory (250), and a corresponding copy image (e.g., a low-resolution image) can be previewed through the display module (160). Thereafter, when a specified condition is satisfied (e.g., a user input or a system command), at least a portion of the original image stored in the memory (250) can be acquired and processed, for example, by the image signal processor (260). According to one embodiment, the memory (250) can be configured as at least a portion of the memory (130) or as a separate memory that operates independently therefrom.

[0080] The image signal processor (260) can perform one or more image processing operations on an image acquired through an image sensor (230) or an image stored in a memory (250). The one or more image processing operations may include, for example, depth map generation, 3D modeling, panorama generation, feature point extraction, image synthesis, or image compensation (e.g., noise reduction, resolution adjustment, brightness adjustment, blurring, sharpening, or softening). Additionally or alternatively, the image signal processor (260) may perform control (e.g., exposure time control, read-out timing control, etc.) on at least one of the components included in the camera module (180) (e.g., image sensor (230)). An image processed by the image signal processor (260) may be stored back in the memory (250) for further processing or provided to an external component of the camera module (180) (e.g., memory (130), display module (160), electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)). According to one embodiment, the image signal processor (260) may include at least one of the processors (120). It may be configured as a separate processor that is configured as a part of the processor (120) or operates independently of the processor (120). If the image signal processor (260) is configured as a separate processor from the processor (120), at least one image processed by the image signal processor (260) may be displayed through the display module (160) as is or after undergoing additional image processing by the processor (120).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of camera modules (180), each having different properties or functions. In this case, for example, at least one of the plurality of camera modules (180) may be a wide-angle camera, and at least another may be a telephoto camera. Similarly, at least one of the plurality of camera modules (180) may be a front camera, and at least another may be a rear camera.

[0082] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device in one direction according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view of an electronic device in another direction according to one embodiment.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an electronic device (301) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a housing (310) having a first side (310A) (e.g., a front side), a second side (310B) (e.g., a back side), and a third side (310C) (e.g., a side side) surrounding a space between the first side (310A) and the second side (310B). The first side (310A) may be formed by a first plate (311A) that is at least partially transparent. For example, the first plate (311A) may include a glass plate or a polymer plate that includes at least one coating layer. The second side (310B) may be formed by a second plate (311B) that is substantially opaque. For example, the second plate (311B) may be formed of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination thereof. The third surface (310C) may be formed by a frame (311C) that is joined to the first plate (311A) and the second plate (311B) and includes a metal and / or polymer. The second plate (311B) and the frame (311C) may be formed monolithically. The second plate (311B) and the frame (311C) may be formed of substantially the same material (e.g., aluminum).

[0084] The electronic device (301) may include an input module (350) (e.g., the input module (150) of FIG. 1). The input module (350) may be disposed on the third surface (310C). The input module (350) may include at least one key input device. For example, the key input device may include one or more mechanical actuators (e.g., buttons), one or more capacitors, and / or one or more inductors.

[0085] The electronic device (301) may include an audio output module (355) (e.g., the audio output module (155) of FIG. 1). The audio output module (355) may be disposed on the third surface (310C). The audio output module (355) may include one or more holes.

[0086] The electronic device (301) may include a display module (361) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1). The display module (361) may be disposed on the first surface (310A). The display module (361) may be visible through at least a portion of the first plate (311A). The display module (361) may have a shape substantially the same as the shape of the outer edge of the first plate (311A). The edge of the display module (361) may substantially coincide with the outer edge of the first plate (311A). The display module (361) may include a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer capable of detecting a magnetic stylus pen. The display module (361) may include a screen display area (361A) that is visually exposed and displays content through pixels. The display area (361A) may include a sensing area (361A-1). The sensing area (361A-1) may overlap with at least a portion of the display area (361A). The sensing area (361A-1) may allow transmission of an input signal related to the sensor module (376) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1 ). The sensing area (361A-1) may display content similarly to the display area (361A) that does not overlap with the sensing area (361A-1). For example, the sensing area (361A-1) may display content while the sensor module (376) is not operating. At least a portion of the camera area (361A-2) may overlap with the display area (361A). The display area (361A) may include the camera area (361A-2). The camera area (361A-2) may allow transmission of an optical signal associated with a first camera module (380A) (e.g., camera module (180) of FIG. 1 and / or camera module (180) of FIG. 2).At least a portion of the camera area (361A-2) that overlaps the screen display area (361A) may display content similarly to the screen display area (361A) that does not overlap the camera area (361A-2). For example, the camera area (361A-2) may display content while the first camera module (380A) is not operating. At least a portion of the camera area (361A-2) may overlap the screen display area (361A). The screen display area (361A) may include the camera area (361A-2). The camera area (361A-2) may allow transmission of an optical signal associated with the first camera module (380A) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1 and / or the camera module (180) of FIG. 2). The camera area (361A-2) may also be referred to as a “display hole.” The camera area (361A-2) may have a substantially circular or oval shape. In one embodiment not shown, the display module (361) may include at least one or a combination of an audio module (370), a sensor module (376), a first camera module (380A), or a light-emitting element (not shown) on the back surface (e.g., the +Z-direction surface) of the screen display area (361A). For example, the electronic device (301) may have a camera module (e.g., the first camera module (380A)) disposed on the back surface of at least one of the first surface (310A) (e.g., the front surface) or the third surface (310C) (e.g., the side surface) so as to face the first surface (310A) and / or the third surface (310C). For example, the first camera module (380A) may not be visually exposed to the screen display area (361A) and may include an under display camera (UDC), which may also be referred to as an “under panel camera.”

[0087] The electronic device (301) may include an audio module (370) (e.g., the audio module (170) of FIG. 1). The audio module (370) may be positioned on the third surface (310C). The audio module (370) may obtain sound through at least one hole.

[0088] The electronic device (301) may include a sensor module (376). The sensor module (376) may be disposed on the first surface (310A). The sensor module (376) may form a sensing area (361A-1) in at least a portion of the screen display area (361A). The sensor module (376) may receive an input signal passing through the sensing area (361A-1) and generate an electrical signal based on the received input signal. For example, the input signal may have a specified physical quantity (e.g., heat, light, temperature, sound, pressure, ultrasound). The input signal may include a signal related to a user's biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint).

[0089] The electronic device (301) may include a connection terminal (378) (e.g., connection terminal (178) of FIG. 1). The connection terminal (378) may be disposed on the third surface (310C). For example, when the electronic device (301) is viewed in one direction (e.g., in the -X direction), the connection terminal (378) may be positioned substantially in the center of the third surface (310C), and the audio output module (355) may be disposed on one side (e.g., on the right) with respect to the connection terminal (378).

[0090] The electronic device (301) may include a first camera module (380A) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1 and / or the camera module (180) of FIG. 2). The first camera module (380A) may be disposed on the first surface (310A). At least a portion of the first camera module (380A) may be disposed below the display module (361). The first camera module (380A) may receive an optical signal that passes through the camera area (361A-2).

[0091] The electronic device (301) may include a plurality of second camera modules (380B) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1 and / or the camera module (180) of FIG. 2). The plurality of second camera modules (380B) may be arranged on the second surface (310B). The plurality of second camera modules (380B) may be arranged in a first row in one direction (e.g., the Y direction) of the second plate (311B). The plurality of second camera modules (380B) may have different fields of view. For example, the plurality of second camera modules (380B) may include an ultra wide-angle camera, a wide-angle camera, and / or a tele camera.

[0092] The electronic device (301) may include an optical module (380C) (e.g., a flash (220) of FIG. 2). The optical module (380C) may be arranged in a second row substantially parallel to the first row of the plurality of second camera modules (380B) on the second surface (310B). The optical module (380C) may include one or more light-emitting diodes or xenon lamps. The optical module (380C) may include a sensor configured to detect external light. For example, the sensor may include a flicker sensor.

[0093] The electronic device (301) may include a third camera module (380D). The pixels, magnification, and / or field of view of the third camera module (380D) may be different from the pixels, magnification, and / or field of view of at least one second camera module (380B). The third camera module (380D) may be arranged in a second row substantially parallel to the first row of the plurality of second camera modules (380B) on the second surface (310B).

[0094] The electronic device (301) may include a fourth camera module (380E). The fourth camera module (380E), which may also be referred to as a "depth camera" or a "time-of-flight (ToF) camera," may be configured to measure a distance between the fourth camera module (380E) and a subject. For example, the fourth camera module (380E) may be configured to measure the distance using at least one or a combination of ultrasound, infrared, or laser. The fourth camera module (380E) may be arranged in a second row substantially parallel to the first row of the plurality of second camera modules (380B) on the second surface (310B).

[0095] Meanwhile, the embodiments disclosed in this document can be applied to electronic devices of various shapes / forms (e.g., foldable electronic devices, slideable electronic devices, rollable electronic devices, digital cameras, digital video cameras, tablets, note-shaped electronic devices, and other electronic devices) in addition to the electronic devices illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0096] In this document, terms such as "substantially," "approximately," "typically," and "about" when referring to a given parameter, property, or condition may include the extent to which a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand the given parameter, property, or condition to be satisfied with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, a particular parameter that is substantially satisfied may be satisfied at least about 90% of the time, or at least about 95% of the time, or at least 99% of the time.

[0097] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of the camera module of Fig. 5 according to one embodiment.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a camera module (400) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1 , the camera module (180) of FIG. 2 , and / or the second camera module (380B) and / or the third camera module (380D) of FIGS. 3 and 4 ) may include a camera housing (410). The camera housing (410) may be configured to accommodate one or more camera-related components. The camera housing (410) may include a base (411) configured to support the one or more camera-related components and provide electrical connections to the one or more camera-related components. For example, the base (411) may include a printed circuit board (413). The camera housing (410) may include a camera cover (412), which may also be referred to as a “shield can.” The camera cover (412) may be configured to cover the one or more camera-related components.

[0099] The camera module (400) may include a lens assembly (420) (e.g., the lens assembly (210) of FIG. 2). The lens assembly (420) may include at least one lens (421) having a defined optical axis (OA). A portion of the optical axis (OA) may be defined as a line connecting a center of curvature of a first surface of at least one lens (421) and a center of curvature of an Nth surface (N is a natural number). The lens assembly (420) may include a lens housing (422) configured to accommodate at least one lens (421). The lens housing (422) may be configured to be coupled to a camera cover (412).

[0100] The camera module (400) may include an image sensor (430) (e.g., the image sensor (230) of FIG. 2). The image sensor (430) may be configured to receive light passing through at least one lens (421).

[0101] The camera module (400) may include a reflector (440). The reflector (440) may be configured to reflect light passing through at least one lens (421) toward the image sensor (430). The reflector (440) may include an entrance surface (440A) through which light enters, an exit surface (440B) through which light exits, a first reflective surface (440C) between the entrance surface (440A) and the exit surface (440B) and configured to reflect light entering through the entrance surface (440A), and a second reflective surface (440D) opposite to the first reflective surface (440C) and between the entrance surface (440A) and the exit surface (440B) and configured to reflect light reflected by the first reflective surface (440C) toward the exit surface (440B). The optical axis (OA) can be defined as the optical path leading to the lens assembly (420), the reflector (440), and the image sensor (430).

[0102] In an embodiment not shown, the reflector (440) may comprise a substantially triangular cross-section solid having one of a first reflective surface (440C) and a second reflective surface (440D). In an embodiment not shown, the reflector (440) may comprise a mirror having at least one reflective surface.

[0103] The camera module (400) may include a first piezoelectric actuator (450). The first piezoelectric actuator (450), which may also be referred to as an “OIS piezoelectric actuator,” may be configured to move (e.g., linearly and / or roll about the optical axis (OA)) the image sensor (430) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA) (e.g., in the XY plane).

[0104] The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may include a first resonator (450A) and a second resonator (450B). The first resonator (450A), which may also be referred to as a “first OIS resonator,” may generate power in a first direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA) (e.g., in the X-axis direction). The second resonator (450B), which may also be referred to as a “second OIS resonator,” may generate power in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA) and the first direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction).

[0105] The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may include multiple pairs of resonators. For example, one pair of resonators may include a first resonator (450A) and a second resonator (450B), and the other pair of resonators may include a third resonator (450C) and a fourth resonator (450D). The third resonator (450C), which may also be referred to as a “third OIS resonator,” may generate power in a first direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA) (e.g., in the X-axis direction). The fourth resonator (450D), which may also be referred to as a “fourth resonator,” may generate power in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA) and the first direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction). The first resonator (450A) and the second resonator (450B) may be respectively positioned at opposite edges based on the first corner of the image sensor (430), and the third resonator (450C) and the fourth resonator (450D) may be respectively positioned at opposite edges based on the second corner of the image sensor (430) opposite the first corner of the image sensor (430).

[0106] The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may include a first moving body (455). The first moving body (455) may receive power from the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C) to move the image sensor (430) in a first direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction). The first moving body (455) may receive power from the second resonator (450B) and the fourth resonator (450D) to move the image sensor (430) in a second direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction).

[0107] In an embodiment not shown, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) may be configured to move the lens assembly (420) and / or the reflector (440) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA).

[0108] The camera module (400) may include a second piezoelectric actuator (460). The second piezoelectric actuator (460), which may also be referred to as an “AF piezoelectric actuator,” may be configured to move (e.g., linearly move) the image sensor (430) in a direction along the optical axis (OA) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction) in a piezoelectric manner.

[0109] The second piezoelectric actuator (460) may include a fifth resonator (461). The fifth resonator (461), which may also be referred to as an “AF resonator,” may generate power in a direction along the optical axis (OA) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction).

[0110] The second piezoelectric actuator (460) may include a second moving body (466). The second moving body (466) may receive power from the fifth resonator (461) and move the image sensor (430) in a direction along the optical axis (OA) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction).

[0111] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an image sensor and a first piezoelectric actuator according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first piezoelectric actuator according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view of a first piezoelectric actuator according to one embodiment.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the camera module (400) may include an image sensor (430), a first piezoelectric actuator (450), and a second piezoelectric actuator (460). The camera module (400) may be stacked in the following order when viewed in a direction along an optical axis (e.g., the Z-axis direction): the image sensor (430), the second piezoelectric actuator (460), and the first piezoelectric actuator (450). However, the stacking order is not limited thereto, and may vary depending on the structure of the camera module (400), the size of the first piezoelectric actuator (450), and / or the size of the second piezoelectric actuator (460).

[0113] The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may include a first resonator (450A). The first resonator (450A) may include a first vibrator (451A) configured to vibrate in a first direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA) (e.g., in the X-axis direction). The first vibrator (451A) may be operable to extend and contract in a d33 mode or longitudinal mode or a d31 mode or transverse mode. The first vibrator (451A) may include a substantially elongated shape (e.g., a rectangular parallelepiped shape). The first vibrator (451A) may be positioned in an area adjacent to a first corner between a first edge (e.g., a +Y-direction edge) and a second edge (e.g., a -X-direction edge) of a first edge (e.g., a +Y-direction edge) of the image sensor (430). The first vibrator (451A) may be oriented in a first direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA). The first vibrator (451A) may include a piezoelectric material.

[0114] The first resonator (450A) may include a first tip (452A) configured to transmit vibrations generated from the first vibrator (451A) to the first moving body (455). The first tip (452A) may be configured to pressurize a portion of the first moving body (455) (e.g., the first elastically deformable region (457A)). The first tip (452A) may remain in contact with the portion of the first moving body (455) (e.g., the first elastically deformable region (457A)). The first tip (452A) may include a metallic material.

[0115] The contact area of ​​the first tip (452A) can have a first length (e.g., X-axis dimension) that is substantially parallel to the vibration direction of the first vibrator (451A) (e.g., X-axis direction) and a first width (e.g., Y-axis dimension) that is substantially orthogonal to the vibration direction of the first vibrator (451A). The first width can be greater than the first length. For example, the contact area of ​​the first tip (452A) can have a substantially rectangular shape. The first width can be substantially equal to or greater than a maximum displacement of the first moving body (455) in the first length direction (e.g., X-axis direction).

[0116] The first tip (452A) may have a first height (e.g., a Z-axis dimension) orthogonal to the first length and the first width, respectively. The first tip (452A) may have a shape that at least partially decreases along the first height toward the contact area of ​​the first tip (452A).

[0117] The first tip (452A) may be disposed in an area adjacent to a first corner between a first edge (e.g., a +Y direction edge) and a second edge (e.g., a -X direction edge) of a first edge (e.g., a +Y direction edge) of the image sensor (430). The first tip (452A) may be in contact with the first vibrator (451A). The first tip (452A) may be disposed along a first direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA). When a vibration displacement occurs in the first vibrator (451A), the first moving body (455) may move in the first direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) by a frictional force at a contact portion between the first tip (452A) and the first moving body (455).

[0118] The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may include a second resonator (450B). The second resonator (450B) may include a second vibrator (451B) configured to generate vibration in a second direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA) and the first direction (e.g., an X-axis direction). The second vibrator (451B) may be operable to extend and contract in a d33 mode or a d31 mode. The second vibrator (451B) may include a substantially elongated shape (e.g., a rectangular parallelepiped shape). The second vibrator (451B) may be disposed in an area adjacent to a first corner between a first edge (e.g., a +Y-axis edge) and a second edge (e.g., a -X-axis edge) of a second edge (e.g., a -X-axis edge) of the image sensor (430). The second vibrator (451B) may be oriented in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA). The second vibrator (451B) may include a piezoelectric material.

[0119] The second resonator (450B) may include a second tip (452B) configured to transmit vibrations generated from the second vibrator (451B) to the first moving body (455). The second tip (452B) may be configured to pressurize a portion of the first moving body (455) (e.g., the second elastically deformable region (457B)). The second tip (452B) may remain in contact with the portion of the first moving body (455) (e.g., the second elastically deformable region (457B)). The second tip (452B) may include a metallic material.

[0120] The contact area of ​​the second tip (452B) can have a second length (e.g., a Y-axis dimension) that is substantially parallel to the vibration direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) of the second vibrator (451B) and a second width (e.g., an X-axis dimension) that is substantially orthogonal to the vibration direction of the second vibrator (451B). The second width can be greater than the second length. The second width can be substantially equal to or greater than a maximum displacement of the first moving body (455) in the second length direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction).

[0121] The second tip (452A) may have a second height (e.g., a Z-axis dimension) orthogonal to the second length and the second width, respectively. The second tip (452A) may have a shape that at least partially decreases along the second height toward the contact area of ​​the second tip (452A).

[0122] The second tip (452B) can be in contact with the second vibrator (451B). The second tip (452B) can be disposed in an area adjacent to a first corner between a first edge (e.g., a +Y direction edge) and a second edge (e.g., a -X direction edge) among the second edges (e.g., a -X direction edge) of the image sensor (430). The second tip (452B) can be disposed along a second direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA) and the first direction (e.g., an X-axis direction). When a vibration displacement occurs in the second vibrator (451B), the first moving body (455) can move in the second direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) by a frictional force at a contact portion between the second tip (452B) and the first moving body (455).

[0123] The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may include a third resonator (450C). The third resonator (450C) may include a third vibrator (451C) configured to vibrate in a first direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA). The first vibrator (451C) may be operable to extend and contract in a d33 mode or a d31 mode. The third vibrator (451C) may include a substantially elongated shape (e.g., a rectangular parallelepiped shape). The third vibrator (451C) may be disposed in an area adjacent to a second corner between a third edge (e.g., a -Y-direction edge) and a fourth edge (e.g., a +X-direction edge) of a third edge (e.g., a -Y-direction edge) of the image sensor (430). The third vibrator (451C) may be oriented in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA). The third vibrator (451C) may include a piezoelectric material.

[0124] The third resonator (450C) may include a third tip (452C) configured to transmit vibrations generated from the third vibrator (451A) to the first moving body (455). The third tip (452C) may be configured to pressurize a portion of the first moving body (455) (e.g., the third elastically deformable region (457C)). The third tip (452C) may remain in contact with the portion of the first moving body (455) (e.g., the third elastically deformable region (457C)). The third tip (452C) may include a metallic material.

[0125] The contact area of ​​the third tip (452C) can have a third length (e.g., an X-axis dimension) that is substantially parallel to the vibration direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) of the third vibrator (451C) and a third width (e.g., a Y-axis dimension) that is substantially orthogonal to the vibration direction of the third vibrator (451C). The third width can be greater than the third length. The third width can be substantially equal to or greater than a maximum displacement of the first moving body (455) in the third length direction (e.g., an X-axis direction).

[0126] The third tip (452C) may have a third height (e.g., a Z-axis dimension) orthogonal to the third length and the third width, respectively. The third tip (452C) may have a shape that at least partially tapers along the third height toward the contact area of ​​the third tip (452A).

[0127] The third tip (452C) may be disposed in an area adjacent to a second corner between a third edge (e.g., a -Y direction edge) and a fourth edge (e.g., a +X direction edge) of the third edge (e.g., a -Y direction edge) of the image sensor (430). The third tip (452C) may be in contact with the third vibrator (451C). The third tip (452C) may be disposed along a first direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA). When a vibration displacement occurs in the third vibrator (451C), the first moving body (455) may move in the first direction (e.g., an X-axis direction) by a frictional force at a contact portion between the third tip (452C) and the first moving body (455).

[0128] The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may include a fourth resonator (450D). The fourth resonator (450D) may include a fourth vibrator (451D) configured to generate vibration in a second direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA) and the first direction (e.g., an X-axis direction). The fourth vibrator (451D) may be operable to extend and contract in a d33 mode or a d31 mode. The fourth vibrator (451D) may include a substantially elongated shape (e.g., a rectangular parallelepiped shape). The fourth vibrator (451D) may be disposed in an area adjacent to a second corner between a third edge (e.g., a -Y-axis edge) and a fourth edge (e.g., a +X-axis edge) of a fourth edge (e.g., a +X-axis edge) of the image sensor (430). The fourth vibrator (451D) may be oriented in a second direction (e.g., along the Y-axis) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA). The fourth vibrator (451D) may include a piezoelectric material.

[0129] The fourth resonator (450D) may include a fourth tip (452D) configured to transmit vibrations generated from the fourth vibrator (451D) to the first moving body (455). The fourth tip (452D) may be configured to pressurize a portion of the first moving body (455) (e.g., the fourth elastically deformable region (457D)). The fourth tip (452D) may remain in contact with the portion of the first moving body (455) (e.g., the fourth elastically deformable region (457D)). The fourth tip (452D) may include a metallic material.

[0130] The contact area of ​​the fourth tip (452D) can have a fourth length (e.g., a Y-axis dimension) that is substantially parallel to the vibration direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) of the fourth vibrator (451D) and a fourth width (e.g., an X-axis dimension) that is substantially orthogonal to the vibration direction of the fourth vibrator (451D). The fourth width can be greater than the fourth length. The fourth width can be substantially equal to or greater than a maximum displacement of the first moving body (455) in the fourth length direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction).

[0131] The fourth tip (452D) may have a fourth height (e.g., a Z-axis dimension) orthogonal to the fourth length and the fourth width, respectively. The fourth tip (452A) may have a shape that at least partially tapers along the fourth height toward the contact area of ​​the fourth tip (452A).

[0132] The fourth tip (452D) can be in contact with the fourth vibrator (451D). The fourth tip (452B) can be disposed in an area adjacent to a second corner between a third edge (e.g., a -Y direction edge) and a fourth edge (e.g., a +X direction edge) among the fourth edges (e.g., a +X direction edge) of the image sensor (430). The fourth tip (452D) can be disposed along a second direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA) and the first direction (e.g., an X-axis direction). When a vibration displacement occurs in the fourth vibrator (451D), the first moving body (455) can move in the second direction (e.g., a Y-axis direction) by a frictional force at a contact portion between the fourth tip (452D) and the first moving body (455).

[0133] The first vibrator (451A), the first tip (452A), the second vibrator (451B), the second tip (452B), the third vibrator (451C), the third tip (452C), the fourth vibrator (451D), and the fourth tip (452D) may be substantially on the same plane. This may prevent the first resonator (450A), the second resonator (450B), the third resonator (450C), and the fourth resonator (450D) from interfering with each other's operations, and may reduce the size of the first piezoelectric actuator (450).

[0134] The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may include a first moving body (455). The first moving body (455) may include a first moving plate (456). The first moving plate (456) may be configured to support the second piezoelectric actuator (460) or the image sensor (430). The first moving plate (456) may include a polygonal shape (e.g., a square shape).

[0135] The first movable body (455) may include a first elastically deformable region (457A). The first elastically deformable region (457A) may be configured to elastically deform with respect to the first movable plate (456). The first elastically deformable region (457A) may include a first fixed end (F1) connected to a portion of a first edge (e.g., a +Y direction edge) of the first movable plate (456), and a first elastic arm (A1) configured to bend relative to the first fixed end (F1). The first elastic arm (A1) may be detachable from the first edge along the first edge (e.g., the +Y direction edge) of the first movable plate (456). The first elastic arm (A1) may be maintained pressed by the first tip (452A). The first elastic arm (A1) can be frictionally engaged with the first tip (452A). Contact pressure between the first tip (452A) and the first elastic arm (A1) can be established by bending of the first elastic arm (A1).

[0136] The first movable body (455) may include a second elastically deformable region (457B). The second elastically deformable region (457B) may be configured to elastically deform with respect to the first movable plate (456). The second elastically deformable region (457B) may include a second fixed end (F2) connected to a portion of a second edge (e.g., an edge in the -X direction) of the first movable plate (456), and a second elastic arm (A2) configured to bend relative to the second fixed end (F2). The second elastic arm (A2) may be detachable from the second edge (e.g., an edge in the -X direction) of the first movable plate (456) along the edge. The second elastic arm (A2) may be maintained pressed by the second tip (452B). The second elastic arm (A2) can be frictionally engaged with the second tip (452B). Contact pressure between the second tip (452B) and the second elastic arm (A2) can be established by bending of the second elastic arm (A2).

[0137] The first moving body (455) may include a third elastically deformable region (457C). The third elastically deformable region (457C) may be configured to elastically deform with respect to the first moving plate (456). The third elastically deformable region (457C) may be arranged opposite the first elastically deformable region (457A). The third elastically deformable region (457C) may include a third fixed end (F3) connected to a portion of a third edge (e.g., a -Y direction edge) of the first moving plate (456), and a third elastic arm (A3) configured to bend relative to the third fixed end (F3). The third elastic arm (A3) may be substantially parallel to the first elastic arm (A1). The third elastic arm (A3) can be separated from the third edge along the third edge (e.g., the -Y direction edge) of the first moving plate (456). The third elastic arm (A3) can be maintained pressed by the third tip (452C). The third elastic arm (A3) can be frictionally engaged with the third tip (452C). A contact pressure between the third tip (452C) and the third elastic arm (A3) can be established by bending of the third elastic arm (A3).

[0138] The first movable body (455) may include a fourth elastically deformable region (457D). The fourth elastically deformable region (457D) may be configured to elastically deform with respect to the first movable plate (456). The fourth elastically deformable region (457D) may be arranged opposite the second elastically deformable region (457B). The fourth elastically deformable region (457D) may include a fourth fixed end (F4) connected to a portion of a fourth edge (e.g., a +X direction edge) of the first movable plate (456), and a fourth elastic arm (A4) configured to bend relative to the fourth fixed end (F4). The fourth elastic arm (A4) may be substantially parallel to the second elastic arm (A2). The fourth elastic arm (A4) can be separated from the fourth edge along the fourth edge (e.g., the +X direction edge) of the first moving plate (456). The fourth elastic arm (A4) can be maintained pressed by the fourth tip (452D). The fourth elastic arm (A4) can be frictionally engaged with the fourth tip (452D). A contact pressure between the fourth tip (452D) and the fourth elastic arm (A4) can be established by bending of the fourth elastic arm (A4).

[0139] Fig. 11 is a plan view of a sensor arrangement structure of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 11, the camera module (400) may include a plurality of first sensors (473) configured to detect a position of a first moving body (455) (see FIGS. 8 to 10) moving in a direction substantially orthogonal to an optical axis (e.g., Z-axis) (e.g., XY plane direction). For example, the plurality of first sensors (473) may each include a Hall sensor. The plurality of first sensors (473) may be arranged at positions corresponding to first sensing magnets (471) arranged at corner regions of the first moving plate (456) on the printed circuit board (413).

[0141] In one embodiment, the camera module (400) may include at least three first sensors (473). At least two of the at least three first sensors (473) may detect movement of the first moving body (455) in a first direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and the remaining at least one first sensor (473) may detect movement of the first moving body (455) in a second direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) substantially orthogonal to the first direction. A processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) can determine the rotation amount of the first moving body (455) based on a difference in the positions of the first moving body (455) detected by at least two first sensors (473) that detect movement of the first moving body (455) in a first direction (e.g., a difference in the positions of the first sensing magnets (471)). The at least two first sensors (473) that detect movement of the first moving body (455) in the same direction can be spaced apart from each other. Increasing the separation distance between the at least two first sensors (473) can increase the sensitivity of detecting the rotation amount of the first moving body (455). The at least three first sensors (473) can be non-contact sensors that do not come into contact with the first moving body (455). The processor can detect the position by the difference in physical quantities (e.g., magnetic flux, light quantity, electrostatic capacitance, inductance and / or other detectable physical quantities) detected according to the distance (e.g., distance in the XY direction or distance in the Z-axis direction) between each first sensor (473) and the first moving body (455).

[0142] The camera module (400) may include a second sensor (474) configured to detect the position of a second moving body (466) (see FIGS. 5 to 7 and FIGS. 28 to 31) moving in a direction along an optical axis (e.g., Z-axis). For example, the second sensor (474) may include a Hall sensor. The second sensor (474) may be positioned at a position corresponding to a second sensing magnet (472) disposed on a carrier (467) (see FIGS. 28 to 31) on a printed circuit board (413).

[0143] Meanwhile, although the embodiments have described a plurality of first sensors (473) and second sensors (474) as sensors that detect magnetic flux (e.g., Hall sensors), the present invention is not limited thereto, and at least one of the sensors may be another type of sensor (e.g., a photodiode, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and / or a sensor capable of detecting other physical quantities).

[0144] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an image sensor according to one embodiment shifting in a first direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator (450) of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment.

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the camera module (400) may include a lens assembly (420), an image sensor (430), and a first piezoelectric actuator (450). The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may shift the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) in a first direction (e.g., -X direction) substantially orthogonal to an optical axis (e.g., Z axis) in a slip-and-stick manner by a difference in an extension vibration speed and a contraction vibration speed of the vibrator. For example, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) may be controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM).

[0146] The first resonator (450A) may be applied with an alternating voltage so as to have a first section (stick section) having a first voltage and a first length, and a second section (slip section) having a second voltage and a second length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the first voltage and the second voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the first voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the second voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), and the second length may be smaller than the first length (e.g., first length: second length = 7:3).

[0147] The second resonator (450B) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a third section having a third voltage and a third length, and a fourth section having a fourth voltage and a fourth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the third voltage and the fourth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the third voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the fourth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), and the third length and the fourth length may be substantially equal to each other (e.g., third length: fourth length = 5:5).

[0148] The third resonator (450C) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a fifth section (slip section) having a fifth voltage and a fifth length, and a sixth section (stick section) having a sixth voltage and a sixth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the fifth voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the sixth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the fifth length may be substantially the same as the second length, the sixth length may be substantially the same as the first length, and the sixth length may be greater than the fifth length (e.g., fifth length: sixth length = 3:7).

[0149] The fourth resonator (450D) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have, within one cycle of the driving waveform, a seventh section having a seventh voltage and a seventh length, and an eighth section having an eighth voltage and an eighth length, wherein the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the seventh voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the eighth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the seventh length may be substantially the same as the third length, the eighth length may be substantially the same as the fourth length, and the seventh length and the eighth length may be substantially the same as each other (e.g., seventh length: eighth length = 5:5).

[0150] Operating the resonators (e.g., the second resonator (450B) and the fourth resonator (450D)) to have substantially the same section length within one cycle of the driving waveform can reduce the driving loss of the actuator by reducing the frictional force between the remaining resonators (e.g., the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C)) and the moving body (e.g., the moving body (450) of FIGS. 5 to 7) compared to not operating them.

[0151] Switching between forward and reverse orientation of the lens assembly (420) or image sensor (430) can be accomplished by changing the ratio of the interval lengths within one cycle of the drive waveform (e.g., changing the first interval:second interval from 7:3 to 3:7 or from 3:7 to 7:3).

[0152] In an embodiment not shown, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) may operate only two resonators (e.g., the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C)) among the plurality of resonators and may not operate the remaining two resonators (e.g., the second resonator (450B) and the fourth resonator (450D)). For example, a voltage of substantially 0 V may be applied to the second resonator (450B) and the fourth resonator (450D).

[0153] FIG. 14 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 11 according to one embodiment.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 14, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) can shift the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) in a first direction (e.g., -X direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., Z axis) using a triangular drive waveform.

[0155] An AC voltage can be applied to the first resonator (450A) so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, the first resonator has a first section (stick section) having a first length and a second section (slip section) having a second length, wherein the first length can be greater than the second length (e.g., first length: second length = 7:3), and the applied voltage can transition from a first voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) in the first section to a second voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) opposite to the second sign, and transition from the second voltage to the first voltage in the second section.

[0156] The second resonator (450B) can be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a third section having a third length and a fourth section having a fourth length within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the third length and the fourth length can be substantially equal to each other (e.g., third length: fourth length = 5:5), and the applied voltage can transition from a third voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) in the third section to a fourth voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) opposite to the second sign, and transition from the fourth voltage to the third voltage in the fourth section.

[0157] The third resonator (450C) can be applied with an AC voltage so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, it has a fifth section (stick section) having a fifth length and a sixth section (slip section) having a sixth length, wherein the fifth length can be substantially the same as the first length, the sixth length can be substantially the same as the second length, and the fifth length can be greater than the sixth length (e.g., fifth length: sixth length = 7:3), and the applied voltage can transition from a fifth voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) in the fifth section to a sixth voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign, and transition from the sixth voltage to the fifth voltage in the sixth section.

[0158] The fourth resonator (450D) can be applied with an AC voltage so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, it has a seventh section having a seventh length and an eighth section having an eighth length, wherein the seventh length can be substantially equal to the third length, the eighth length can be substantially equal to the fourth length, and the seventh length and the eighth length can be substantially equal to each other (e.g., seventh length: eighth length = 5:5), and the applied voltage can transition from a seventh voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) in the seventh section to an eighth voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) opposite to the second sign, and transition from the eighth voltage to the seventh voltage in the eighth section.

[0159] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an image sensor according to one embodiment shifting in a direction opposite to the first direction. FIG. 16 is a graph illustrating a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the camera module (400) may include a lens assembly (420), an image sensor (430), and a first piezoelectric actuator (450). The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may shift the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) in a slip-and-stick manner in a direction opposite to a first direction (e.g., -X direction) substantially orthogonal to an optical axis (e.g., Z axis) by a difference in an extension vibration speed and a contraction vibration speed of the vibrator (e.g., +X direction). The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may be controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM).

[0161] The first resonator (450A) may be applied with an alternating voltage so as to have a first section (slip section) having a first voltage and a first length, and a second section (stick section) having a second voltage and a second length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the first voltage and the second voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the first voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the second voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), and the second length may be greater than the first length (e.g., first length: second length = 3:7).

[0162] The second resonator (450B) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a third section having a third voltage and a third length, and a fourth section having a fourth voltage and a fourth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the third voltage and the fourth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the third voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the fourth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), and the third length and the fourth length may be substantially equal to each other (e.g., third length: fourth length = 5:5).

[0163] The third resonator (450C) may be supplied with an AC voltage so as to have a fifth section (stick section) having a fifth voltage and a fifth length, and a sixth section (slip section) having a sixth voltage and a sixth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the fifth voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the sixth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the fifth length may be substantially the same as the second length, the sixth length may be substantially the same as the first length, and the sixth length may be smaller than the fifth length (e.g., fifth length: sixth length = 7:3).

[0164] The fourth resonator (450D) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have, within one cycle of the driving waveform, a seventh section having a seventh voltage and a seventh length, and an eighth section having an eighth voltage and an eighth length, wherein the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the seventh voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the eighth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the seventh length may be substantially the same as the third length, the eighth length may be substantially the same as the fourth length, and the seventh length and the eighth length may be substantially the same as each other (e.g., seventh length: eighth length = 5:5).

[0165] In an embodiment not shown, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) may operate only two resonators (e.g., the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C)) among the plurality of resonators and may not operate the remaining two resonators (e.g., the second resonator (450B) and the fourth resonator (450D)). For example, a voltage of substantially 0 V may be applied to the second resonator (450B) and the fourth resonator (450D).

[0166] In an embodiment not shown, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) can shift the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) in a first direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., the Z-axis) (e.g., the -X direction) or in a direction opposite thereto (e.g., the +X direction) with any suitable drive waveform.

[0167] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an image sensor according to one embodiment shifting in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis and the first direction. FIG. 18 is a graph illustrating a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator (450) of FIG. 17 according to one embodiment.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the camera module (400) may include a lens assembly (420), an image sensor (430), and a first piezoelectric actuator (450). The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may shift the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) in a slip-and-stick manner in an optical axis (e.g., Z-axis) and a second direction (e.g., +Y-direction) substantially orthogonal to a first direction (e.g., +X-direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., Z-axis) in a slip-and-stick manner by a difference in an extension vibration speed and a contraction vibration speed of the vibrator. For example, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) may be controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM).

[0169] The first resonator (450A) may be applied with an alternating voltage so as to have, within one cycle of the driving waveform, a first section having a first voltage and a first length, and a second section having a second voltage and a second length, wherein the first voltage and the second voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the first voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the second voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), and the first length and the second length may be substantially equal to each other (e.g., first length: second length = 5:5).

[0170] The second resonator (450B) may be supplied with an alternating voltage so as to have a third section (stick section) having a third voltage and a third length, and a fourth section (slip section) having a fourth voltage and a fourth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the third voltage and the fourth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the third voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the fourth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), and the fourth length may be smaller than the third length (e.g., third length: fourth length = 7:3).

[0171] The third resonator (450C) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a fifth section having a fifth voltage and a fifth length, and a sixth section having a sixth voltage and a sixth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the fifth voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the sixth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the fifth length may be substantially the same as the first length, the sixth length may be substantially the same as the second length, and the fifth length and the sixth length may be substantially the same as each other (e.g., fifth length: sixth length = 5:5).

[0172] The fourth resonator (450D) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a seventh section (slip section) having a seventh voltage and a seventh length, and an eighth section (stick section) having an eighth voltage and an eighth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the seventh voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the eighth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the seventh length may be substantially the same as the fourth length, the eighth length may be substantially the same as the third length, and the eighth length may be greater than the seventh length (e.g., the seventh length: the eighth length = 3:7).

[0173] In an embodiment not shown, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) may operate only two resonators (e.g., the second resonator (450B) and the fourth resonator (450D)) among the plurality of resonators and may not operate the remaining two resonators (e.g., the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C)). For example, a voltage of substantially 0 V may be applied to the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C).

[0174] FIG. 19 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 17 according to one embodiment.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 19, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) can shift the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) in a second direction (e.g., +Y direction) orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., Z axis) and a first direction (e.g., +X direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis using a triangular drive waveform.

[0176] For example, an AC voltage may be applied to the first resonator (450A) so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, the first resonator has a first section having a first length and a second section having a second length, wherein the second length and the second length may be substantially equal to each other (e.g., first length: second length = 5:5), and the applied voltage may transition from a first voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) in the first section to a second voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) opposite to the second sign, and transition from the second voltage to the first voltage in the second section.

[0177] The second resonator (450B) can be applied with an AC voltage so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, it has a third section (stick section) having a third length and a fourth section (slip section) having a fourth length, wherein the third length can be greater than the fourth length (e.g., third length: fourth length = 7:3), and the applied voltage can transition from a third voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) in the third section to a fourth voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign, and transition from the fourth voltage to the third voltage in the second section.

[0178] The third resonator (450C) can be applied with an AC voltage so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, it has a fifth section having a fifth length and a sixth section having a sixth length, wherein the fifth length can be substantially equal to the first length, the sixth length can be substantially equal to the second length, and the fifth length and the sixth length can be substantially equal to each other (e.g., fifth length: sixth length = 5:5), and the applied voltage can transition from a fifth voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) in the fifth section to a sixth voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) opposite to the second sign, and transition from the sixth voltage to the fifth voltage in the sixth section.

[0179] The fourth resonator (450D) can be applied with an AC voltage so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, it has a seventh section (stick section) having a seventh length, and an eighth section (slip section) having an eighth length, wherein the seventh length can be substantially the same as the third length, the eighth length can be substantially the same as the fourth length, and the seventh length can be greater than the eighth length (e.g., seventh length: eighth length = 7:3), and the applied voltage can transition from a seventh voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) in the seventh section to an eighth voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) opposite to the second sign, and transition from the eighth voltage to the seventh voltage in the eighth section.

[0180] In an embodiment not shown, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) may operate only two resonators (e.g., the second resonator (450B) and the fourth resonator (450D)) among the plurality of resonators and may not operate the remaining two resonators (e.g., the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C)). For example, a voltage of substantially 0 V may be applied to the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C).

[0181] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an image sensor according to one embodiment shifting in a direction opposite to a second direction. FIG. 21 is a graph illustrating a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 20 according to one embodiment.

[0182] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the camera module (400) may include a lens assembly (420), an image sensor (430), and a first piezoelectric actuator (450). The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may shift the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) in a slip-and-stick manner by a difference in an extension vibration speed and a contraction vibration speed of the vibrator in a direction opposite to an optical axis (e.g., the Z-axis) and a second direction (e.g., the +Y direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., the +X direction), respectively. The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may be controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM).

[0183] The first resonator (450A) can be applied with an alternating voltage so as to have a first section having a first voltage and a first length, and a second section having a second voltage and a second length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the first voltage and the second voltage can have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the first voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the second voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), and the first length and the first length can be substantially equal to each other (e.g., first length: first length = 5:5).

[0184] The second resonator (450B) may be applied with an alternating voltage so as to have a third section (slip section) having a third voltage and a third length, and a fourth section (stick section) having a fourth voltage and a fourth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the third voltage and the fourth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the third voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the fourth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), and the fourth length may be greater than the third length (e.g., third length: fourth length = 3:7).

[0185] The third resonator (450C) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a fifth section having a fifth voltage and a fifth length, and a sixth section having a sixth voltage and a sixth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the fifth voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the sixth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the fifth length may be substantially the same as the first length, the sixth length may be substantially the same as the second length, and the fifth length and the sixth length may be substantially the same as each other (e.g., fifth length: sixth length = 5:5).

[0186] The fourth resonator (450D) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a seventh section (stick section) having a seventh voltage and a seventh length, and an eighth section (slip section) having an eighth voltage and an eighth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the seventh voltage may have a first sign (e.g., positive) and the eighth voltage may have a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the seventh length may be substantially the same as the fourth length, the eighth length may be substantially the same as the third length, and the eighth length may be smaller than the seventh length (e.g., seventh length: eighth length = 7:3).

[0187] In an embodiment not shown, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) may operate only two resonators (e.g., the second resonator (450B) and the fourth resonator (450D)) among the plurality of resonators and may not operate the remaining two resonators (e.g., the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C)). For example, a voltage of substantially 0 V may be applied to the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C).

[0188] In an embodiment not shown, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) can shift the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) in a second direction (e.g., +Y direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., Z-axis) and a first direction (e.g., +X direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis or in a direction opposite thereto (e.g., -Y direction) with any suitable drive waveform.

[0189] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing an image sensor according to one embodiment rolling in a first rotational direction about an optical axis. FIG. 23 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to a first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 22 according to one embodiment.

[0190] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the camera module (400) may include a lens assembly (420), an image sensor (430), and a first piezoelectric actuator (450). The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may cause the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) to roll in a first rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 22) about an optical axis (e.g., Z-axis) in a slip-stick manner due to a difference in an extension vibration speed and a contraction vibration speed of the vibrator. For example, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) may be controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM).

[0191] The first resonator (450A) may be applied with an alternating voltage so as to have a first section (stick section) having a first voltage and a first length, and a second section (slip section) having a second voltage and a second length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the first voltage and the second voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the first voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the second voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), and the second length may be smaller than the first length (e.g., first length: second length = 7:3).

[0192] The second resonator (450B) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a third section (slip section) having a third voltage and a third length, and a fourth section (stick section) having a fourth voltage and a fourth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the third voltage and the fourth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the third voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the fourth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the third length may be substantially the same as the second length, the fourth length may be substantially the same as the first length, and the fourth length may be greater than the third length (e.g., third length: fourth length = 3:7).

[0193] The third resonator (450C) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a fifth section (stick section) having a fifth voltage and a fifth length, and a sixth section (slip section) having a sixth voltage and a sixth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the fifth voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the sixth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the fifth length may be substantially the same as the first length, the sixth length may be substantially the same as the second length, and the sixth length may be smaller than the fifth length (e.g., fifth length: sixth length = 7:3).

[0194] The fourth resonator (450D) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a seventh section (slip section) having a seventh voltage and a seventh length, and an eighth section (stick section) having an eighth voltage and an eighth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the seventh voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the eighth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the seventh length may be substantially the same as the sixth length, the eighth length may be substantially the same as the fifth length, and the eighth length may be greater than the seventh length (e.g., the seventh length: the eighth length = 3:7).

[0195] In an embodiment not shown, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) may operate only two of the plurality of resonators and the remaining two resonators may not operate. In one example, an AC voltage may be applied to the first resonator (450A) and the second resonator (450B), respectively, and a voltage of substantially 0 V may be applied to the third resonator (450C) and the fourth resonator (450D), respectively. In one example, a voltage of substantially 0 V may be applied to the first resonator (450A) and the second resonator (450B), and an AC voltage may be applied to the third resonator (450C) and the fourth resonator (450D), respectively. In one example, an AC voltage may be applied to each of the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C), and a voltage of substantially 0 V may be applied to each of the second resonator (450B) and the fourth resonator (450D). In one example, an AC voltage may be applied to each of the second resonator (450B) and the fourth resonator (450D), and a voltage of substantially 0 V may be applied to each of the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C).

[0196] FIG. 24 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 21 according to one embodiment.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 24, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) can use a triangular drive waveform to cause the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) to roll in a first rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 22) about the optical axis (e.g., Z-axis).

[0198] An AC voltage can be applied to the first resonator (450A) so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, the first section (stick section) has a first length and the second section (slip section) has a second length, wherein the first length can be greater than the second length (e.g., first length: second length = 7:3), and the applied voltage can transition from a first voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) in the first section to a second voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) opposite to the second sign, and transition from the second voltage to the first voltage in the second section.

[0199] The second resonator (450B) can be applied with an AC voltage so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, it has a third section (stick section) having a third length, and a fourth section (slip section) having a fourth length, wherein the third length can be substantially the same as the first length, the fourth length can be substantially the same as the second length, and the fourth length can be less than the third length (e.g., third length: fourth length = 7:3), and the applied voltage can transition from a third voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) in the third section to a fourth voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign, and transition from the fourth voltage to the third voltage in the fourth section.

[0200] The third resonator (450C) can be applied with an AC voltage so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, it has a fifth section (stick section) having a fifth length, and a sixth section (slip section) having a sixth length, wherein the fifth length can be substantially the same as the first length, the sixth length can be substantially the same as the second length, and the sixth length can be less than the fifth length (e.g., fifth length: sixth length = 7:3), and the applied voltage can transition from a fifth voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) in the fifth section to a sixth voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) opposite to the second sign, and transition from the sixth voltage to the fifth voltage in the sixth section.

[0201] The fourth resonator (450D) can be applied with an AC voltage so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, it has a seventh section (stick section) having a seventh length, and an eighth section (slip section) having an eighth length, wherein the seventh length can be substantially equal to the fifth length, the eighth length can be substantially equal to the sixth length, and the eighth length can be less than the seventh length (e.g., seventh length: eighth length = 7:3), and the applied voltage can transition from a seventh voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) in the seventh section to an eighth voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign, and transition from the eighth voltage to the seventh voltage in the eighth section.

[0202] In an embodiment not shown, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) can cause the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) to roll in a first rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 22) about the optical axis (e.g., Z-axis) with any suitable drive waveform.

[0203] FIG. 25 is a drawing showing an image sensor according to one embodiment rolling in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction with respect to the optical axis. FIG. 26 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator (450) of FIG. 25 according to one embodiment.

[0204] Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the camera module (400) may include a lens assembly (420), an image sensor (430), and a first piezoelectric actuator (450). The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may cause the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) to roll in a second rotational direction (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 25) about an optical axis (e.g., Z-axis) in a slip-stick manner due to a difference in an extension vibration speed and a contraction vibration speed of the vibrator. For example, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) may be controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM).

[0205] The first resonator (450A) may be applied with an alternating voltage so as to have a first section (slip section) having a first voltage and a first length, and a second section (stick section) having a second voltage and a second length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the first voltage and the second voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the first voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the second voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), and the second length may be greater than the first length (e.g., first length: second length = 3:7).

[0206] The second resonator (450B) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a third section (stick section) having a third voltage and a third length, and a fourth section (slip section) having a fourth voltage and a fourth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the third voltage and the fourth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the third voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the fourth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the third length may be substantially the same as the second length, the fourth length may be substantially the same as the first length, and the fourth length may be smaller than the third length (e.g., third length: fourth length = 7:3).

[0207] The third resonator (450C) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a fifth section (slip section) having a fifth voltage and a fifth length, and a sixth section (stick section) having a sixth voltage and a sixth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the fifth voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the sixth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the fifth length may be substantially the same as the first length, the sixth length may be substantially the same as the second length, and the sixth length may be greater than the fifth length (e.g., the fifth length: the sixth length = 3:7).

[0208] The fourth resonator (450D) may be applied with an AC voltage so as to have a seventh section (stick section) having a seventh voltage and a seventh length, and an eighth section (slip section) having an eighth voltage and an eighth length, within one cycle of the driving waveform, wherein the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage may have substantially the same magnitude and opposite potentials (e.g., the seventh voltage has a first sign (e.g., positive) and the eighth voltage has a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign), the seventh length may be substantially the same as the sixth length, the eighth length may be substantially the same as the fifth length, and the eighth length may be smaller than the seventh length (e.g., the seventh length: the eighth length = 7:3).

[0209] In an embodiment not shown, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) may operate only two of the plurality of resonators and the remaining two resonators may not operate. In one example, an AC voltage may be applied to the first resonator (450A) and the second resonator (450B), respectively, and a voltage of substantially 0 V may be applied to the third resonator (450C) and the fourth resonator (450D), respectively. In one example, a voltage of substantially 0 V may be applied to the first resonator (450A) and the second resonator (450B), and an AC voltage may be applied to the third resonator (450C) and the fourth resonator (450D), respectively. In one example, an AC voltage may be applied to each of the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C), and a voltage of substantially 0 V may be applied to each of the second resonator (450B) and the fourth resonator (450D). In one example, an AC voltage may be applied to each of the second resonator (450B) and the fourth resonator (450D), and a voltage of substantially 0 V may be applied to each of the first resonator (450A) and the third resonator (450C).

[0210] FIG. 27 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the first piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 24 according to one embodiment.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 27, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) can use a triangular drive waveform to cause the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) to roll in a second rotational direction (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 25) about the optical axis (e.g., Z-axis).

[0212] An AC voltage can be applied to the first resonator (450A) so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, the first resonator has a first section (stick section) having a first length and a second section (slip section) having a second length, wherein the first length can be greater than the second length (e.g., first length: second length = 7:3), and the applied voltage can transition from a first voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) in the first section to a second voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign, and transition from the second voltage to the first voltage in the second section.

[0213] The second resonator (450B) can be applied with an AC voltage so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, it has a third section (stick section) having a third length, and a fourth section (slip section) having a fourth length, wherein the third length can be substantially the same as the first length, the fourth length can be substantially the same as the second length, and the fourth length can be less than the third length (e.g., third length: fourth length = 7:3), and the applied voltage can transition from a third voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) in the third section to a fourth voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) opposite to the second sign, and transition from the fourth voltage to the third voltage in the fourth section.

[0214] The third resonator (450C) can be applied with an AC voltage so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, it has a fifth section (stick section) having a fifth length and a sixth section (slip section) having a sixth length, wherein the fifth length can be substantially the same as the first length, the sixth length can be substantially the same as the second length, and the sixth length can be less than the fifth length (e.g., fifth length: sixth length = 7:3), and the applied voltage can transition from a fifth voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) in the fifth section to a sixth voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the first sign, and transition from the sixth voltage to the fifth voltage in the sixth section.

[0215] The fourth resonator (450D) can be applied with an AC voltage so that, within one cycle of the driving waveform, it has a seventh section (stick section) having a seventh length, and an eighth section (slip section) having an eighth length, wherein the seventh length can be substantially equal to the fifth length, the eighth length can be substantially equal to the sixth length, and the eighth length can be less than the seventh length (e.g., seventh length: eighth length = 7:3), and the applied voltage can transition from a seventh voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) in the seventh section to an eighth voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) opposite to the second sign, and transition from the eighth voltage to the seventh voltage in the eighth section.

[0216] In an embodiment not shown, the first piezoelectric actuator (450) can cause the lens assembly (420) or the image sensor (430) to roll in a second rotational direction (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 25) about the optical axis (e.g., Z-axis) with any suitable drive waveform.

[0217] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of an image sensor and a second piezoelectric actuator (460) according to an embodiment. Fig. 29 is an exploded perspective view of an image sensor and a second piezoelectric actuator (460) according to an embodiment. Fig. 30 is a plan view of a fifth resonator (461) of Fig. 29 according to an embodiment. Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 of the second piezoelectric actuator (460) of Fig. 30 according to an embodiment. Fig. 32 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the second piezoelectric actuator (460) of Fig. 28 according to an embodiment. Fig. 33 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the second piezoelectric actuator (460) of Fig. 28 according to an embodiment.

[0218] Referring to FIGS. 28 to 33, the camera module (400) may include an image sensor (430) and a second piezoelectric actuator (460).

[0219] The second piezoelectric actuator (460) may include a fifth resonator (461). The fifth resonator (461) may be configured to generate power in a direction along the optical axis (OA) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction).

[0220] The fifth resonator (461) may include a fifth vibrator (462A) configured to generate vibration. The fifth resonator (461) may include a sixth vibrator (462B) configured to generate vibration. The fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) may generate vibration in a radial mode. The fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) may be arranged opposite to each other. The fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) may each include a piezoelectric material.

[0221] The fifth resonator (461) may include an elastic plate (463). The elastic plate (463) may include a first end (463A) that functions as a fixed end, a second end (463B) that functions as a free end, and an extension (463C) that extends between the first end (463A) and the second end (463B).

[0222] The second end (463B), which may also be referred to as a "tip", can be displaced in the direction along the optical axis (e.g., the Z-axis) by the difference in length change in the radial direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) according to the voltages applied to the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B). For example, when 180-degree phase-inverted signals are applied to the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) while a ground potential is applied to the elastic plate (463), when one of the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) extends in the radial direction, the other vibrator contracts in the radial direction, and thus the elastic plate (463) can be bent. The second end (463B) of the elastic plate (463) is in contact with the carrier (467) and can be repeatedly vibrated in the optical axis direction (e.g., Z-axis direction).

[0223] The extension portion (463C) may have a substantially annular shape. The extension portion (463C) may extend in a radial direction orthogonal to the optical axis (OA). The annular structure of the elastic plate (463) may enable uniform transmission of driving force during AF driving. The fifth vibrator (462A) may be disposed on a first surface (e.g., a +Z direction surface) of the extension portion (463C), and the sixth vibrator (462B) may be disposed on a second surface (e.g., a -Z direction surface) opposite to the first surface of the extension portion (463C).

[0224] The elastic plate (463) may include a skirt (463D) extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension direction of the extension portion (463C).

[0225] The fifth resonator (461) may include a support (464) configured to support an elastic plate (463). The support (464) may include a substantially annular shape.

[0226] The second piezoelectric actuator (460) may include a second moving body (466). The second moving body (466) may include a carrier (467) configured to carry the image sensor (430). The carrier (467) may include an elastic body (467A) configured to be pressed by a second end (463B) of an elastic plate (463). The elastic body (467A) may remain in contact with the second end (463B) of the elastic plate (463). When vibration displacement occurs from the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B), the second end (463B) of the elastic plate (463) may move the carrier (467) in a direction along the optical axis (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0227] The carrier (467) may include a first support (467B) configured to support an elastic body (467A). The first support (467B) may be disposed on a first side (e.g., a -Z direction side) of the elastic body (467A). The carrier (467) may include a second support (467C) configured to support the elastic body (467A). The second support (467C) may be coupled to the first support (467B). The second support (467C) may be disposed on a second side (e.g., a +Z direction side) of the elastic body (467A) opposite to the first side.

[0228] The second moving body (466) may include a second moving plate (468). The second moving plate (468) may be configured to support the image sensor (430). The second moving plate (468) may have a substantially polygonal shape (e.g., a square shape). The second moving plate (468) may uniformly transmit power to the image sensor (430) during AF operation.

[0229] The camera module (400) may include a second sensing magnet (472). The second sensing magnet (472) may be placed on one side (e.g., the -Z direction side) of the first support (467B).

[0230] In order for the carrier (467) to move in the optical axis direction (e.g., Z-axis direction), the extension vibration speed and the contraction vibration speed of the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) can be controlled by considering the inertia according to the own weight of the carrier (467) and the stick-slip at the contact surface between the carrier (467) and the elastic plate (463) (e.g., the contact surface between the second end (463B) and the elastic body (467A)). The extension vibration speed and the contraction vibration speed of the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) can be changed by the duty setting of the pulse width control (PWM) of the AC voltage signal applied to the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B). In a stick state where the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) move substantially simultaneously with the carrier (467) (stick section of FIGS. 32 and 33), the deformation of the second end (463B) can be performed at a reduced speed so that increased vibration is transmitted. In a slip state where the carrier (467) substantially remains at a specific position (slip section of FIGS. 32 and 33), the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) can deform relatively quickly with respect to the carrier (467), thereby causing the carrier (467) to deviate in the opposite direction from the specific position. The carrier (467) can substantially move only in the stick section where the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) deform at a relatively slow speed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 32, a ground potential may be applied to the elastic plate (463) and an AC voltage may be applied to one of the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) so as to have a stick section (positive potential) with a long section length and a slip section (negative potential) with a short section length.For example, the fifth vibrator (462A) may contract in a first radial direction (e.g., -Y direction) and the sixth vibrator (462B) may expand in a second radial direction (e.g., +Y direction) opposite to the first radial direction, thereby causing the carrier (467) to move in a first direction along the optical axis (e.g., +Z direction). Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 33, a ground potential may be applied to the elastic plate (463), and an AC voltage may be applied to either of the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) so as to have a stick section (negative potential) with a long section length and a slip section (positive potential) with a short section length. For example, the expansion of the fifth vibrator (462A) in the second radial direction (e.g., +Y direction) and the contraction of the sixth vibrator (462B) in the first radial direction opposite to the first radial direction (e.g., -Y direction) may cause the carrier (467) to move in the direction opposite to the first direction along the optical axis (e.g., +Z direction) (e.g., -Z direction).

[0231] FIG. 34 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the second piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 28 according to one embodiment. FIG. 35 is a graph showing a voltage driving waveform applied to the second piezoelectric actuator of FIG. 28 according to one embodiment.

[0232] Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, the AC voltage applied to the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) may have a triangular driving waveform.

[0233] In order to cause the carrier (467) to move in a first direction (e.g., +Z direction) along the optical axis, as illustrated in FIG. 34, an AC voltage having a first section (stick section) having a first length and a second section (slip section) having a second length can be applied to one of the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) within one cycle of the driving waveform. Here, the first length is greater than the second length, and the applied voltage can transition from a first voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) in the first section to a second voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) opposite to the second sign, and transition from the second voltage to the first voltage in the second section.

[0234] In order to cause the carrier (467) to move in a second direction (e.g., -Z direction) opposite to the first direction (e.g., +Z direction) along the optical axis, as illustrated in FIG. 35, an AC voltage having a third section (stick section) having a third length and a fourth section (slip section) having a fourth length can be applied to one of the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) within one cycle of the driving waveform. Here, the third length is greater than the fourth length, and the applied voltage can transition from a third voltage of a first sign (e.g., positive) in the third section to a fourth voltage of a second sign (e.g., negative) opposite to the second sign, and transition from the second voltage to the first voltage in the fourth section.

[0235] In an embodiment not shown, the AC voltage applied to the fifth vibrator (462A) and the sixth vibrator (462B) can have any suitable driving waveform.

[0236] Fig. 36 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment. Fig. 37 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment. Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module of Fig. 36 taken along line 38-38 according to one embodiment.

[0237] Referring to FIGS. 36 to 38, a camera module (400-1) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1, the camera module (180) of FIG. 2, the second camera module (380B) and / or the third camera module (380D) of FIGS. 3 and 4, and / or the camera module (400) of FIGS. 5 to 35) may include a camera housing (410), a lens assembly (420), an image sensor (430), a first piezoelectric actuator (450), and a second piezoelectric actuator (460). The camera housing (410) may include a base (411) and a camera cover (412). The lens assembly (420) may include at least one lens (421) having an optical axis (OA) and a lens housing (422). The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may include a first resonator (450A), a second resonator (450B), a third resonator (450C), a fourth resonator (450D), and a first moving body (455). The second piezoelectric actuator (460) may include a fifth resonator (461) and a second moving body (466).

[0238] The camera housing (410) may include an inner cover (414). The inner cover (414) may be configured to secure a vibrator (451) (e.g., the first vibrator (451A), the second vibrator (451B), the third vibrator (451C), and / or the fourth vibrator (451D) of FIGS. 5 to 35). The inner cover (414) may be positioned between the base (411) and the camera cover (412).

[0239] Fig. 39 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment. Fig. 40 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment. Fig. 41 is an exploded perspective view showing the sensor arrangement structure of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0240] Referring to FIGS. 39 to 41, a camera module (400-2) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1, the camera module (180) of FIG. 2, the second camera module (380B) and / or the third camera module (380D) of FIGS. 3 and 4, the camera module (400) of FIGS. 5 to 35, and / or the camera module (400-1) of FIGS. 36 to 38) comprises a camera housing (410), a lens assembly (420), an image sensor (430), a first piezoelectric actuator (450-2) (e.g., the first piezoelectric actuator (450) of FIGS. 5 to 35 and / or the first piezoelectric actuator (450) of FIGS. 36 to 38), a second piezoelectric actuator (460-2) (e.g., the first piezoelectric actuator (450) of FIGS. 5 to 35 and / or the first piezoelectric actuator (450) of FIGS. 36 to 38) The camera housing (410) may include a second piezoelectric actuator (460) of Fig. 35 and / or a second piezoelectric actuator (460) of Figs. 36 to 38), a plurality of first sensors (473), a second sensor (474), a plurality of first sensing magnets (471), and a second sensing magnet (472). The camera housing (410) may include a base (411), a camera cover (412), and a printed circuit board (413). The lens assembly (420) may include at least one lens (421) having an optical axis (OA) and a lens housing (422). The first piezoelectric actuator (450-2) may include a first resonator (450A) including a first vibrator (451A) and a first tip (452A), a second resonator (450B) including a second vibrator (451B) and a second tip (452B), a third resonator (450C) including a third vibrator (451C) and a third tip (452C), and a fourth resonator (450D) including a fourth vibrator (451D) and a fourth tip (452D). The second piezoelectric actuator (460-2) may include a fifth resonator (461) and a second moving body (466). The second moving body (466) may include a carrier (467).

[0241] The first piezoelectric actuator (450-2) may include a first moving body (455-2) (e.g., the first moving body (455) of FIGS. 5 to 35). The first moving body (455-2) may include a base plate (455-21) and a wall (455-22) disposed on the base plate (455-21). The wall (455-22) may extend in the circumferential direction of the base plate (455-21). The wall (455-22) may be configured to support the second moving body (466). The base plate (455-21) and the wall (455-22) may be integrally formed as one component.

[0242] The base plate (455-21) may include a first elastically deformable region (457A-2) (e.g., the first elastically deformable region (457A) of FIGS. 8 to 10), a second elastically deformable region (457B-2) (e.g., the second elastically deformable region (457B) of FIGS. 8 to 10), a third elastically deformable region (457C-2) (e.g., the first elastically deformable region (457C) of FIGS. 8 to 10), and a fourth elastically deformable region (457D-2) (e.g., the fourth elastically deformable region (457D) of FIGS. 8 to 10).

[0243] The first elastically deformable region (457A-2) may be formed as a protruding tab on one edge (e.g., the -Y-direction edge) adjacent to the first corner between two adjacent edges (e.g., the -Y-direction edge and the +X-direction edge) of the base plate (455-21), and the second elastically deformable region (457B-2) may be formed as a protruding tab on the other edge (e.g., the +X-direction edge) adjacent to the first corner.

[0244] A third elastically deformable region (457C-2) may be formed as a protruding tab on one edge (e.g., the +Y-direction edge) adjacent to a second corner opposite to the first corner and between two adjacent edges (e.g., the +Y-direction edge and the -X-direction edge) of the base plate (455-21), and a fourth elastically deformable region (457C-2) may be formed as a protruding tab on the other edge (e.g., the -X-direction edge) adjacent to the second corner.

[0245] A plurality of first sensing magnets (471) may be arranged on corner regions of the base plate (455-21). A plurality of first sensing magnets (471) may be arranged inside the wall (455-22). A second sensing magnet (472) may be arranged on one surface (e.g., the -Z direction surface) of the carrier (467).

[0246] One aspect of the disclosure may provide a camera module including a piezoelectric actuator.

[0247] A camera module (400; 400-1) may include a lens (421) having an optical axis (OA), an image sensor (430) configured to receive light passing through the lens (421), and a first piezoelectric actuator (450) configured to move the lens (421) or the image sensor (430) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA). The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may include a first vibrator (451A) configured to generate vibration, a second vibrator (451B) configured to generate vibration, a first moving body (455) including a first elastically deformable region (457A) and a second elastically deformable region (457B), a first tip (452A) configured to pressurize the first elastically deformable region (457A) and transmit vibration generated from the first vibrator (451A) to the first elastically deformable region (457A), and a second tip (452B) configured to pressurize the second elastically deformable region (457B) and transmit vibration generated from the second vibrator (451B) to the second elastically deformable region (457B).

[0248] At least one of the first vibrator (451A) and the second vibrator (451B) may be configured to be controlled in a slip-stick manner by the difference between its extension vibration speed and its contraction vibration speed.

[0249] At least one of the first vibrator (451A) and the second vibrator (451B) may be configured to be controlled to have a first section in which the at least one vibrator generates one of extensional vibration and contraction vibration within one cycle of a driving waveform, and a second section in which the at least one vibrator generates the other of extensional vibration and contraction vibration. The length of the first section and the length of the second section may be different from each other.

[0250] At least one of the first vibrator (451A) and the second vibrator (451B) may be configured to be controlled to have a first section in which the at least one vibrator generates one of extensional vibration and contraction vibration within one cycle of the driving waveform, and a second section in which the at least one vibrator generates the other of extensional vibration and contraction vibration. The length of the first section and the length of the second section may be substantially the same.

[0251] The first tip (452A) may remain in contact with the first elastically deformable region (457A). The second tip (452B) may remain in contact with the second elastically deformable region (457B).

[0252] The first tip (452A) may include a metal material. The second tip (452B) may include a metal material.

[0253] A first contact area between the first tip (452A) and the first elastically deformable region (457A) may have a first length substantially parallel to a vibration direction of the first vibrator (451A) and a first width substantially orthogonal to the vibration direction of the first vibrator (451A). A second contact area between the second tip (452B) and the second elastically deformable region (457B) may have a second length substantially parallel to a vibration direction of the second vibrator (451B) and a second width substantially orthogonal to the vibration direction of the second vibrator (451B). The first width may be greater than the first length. The second width may be greater than the second length. The first width may be substantially equal to or greater than the maximum displacement of the first moving body (455) in the vibration direction of the second vibrator (451B). The second width may be substantially equal to or greater than the maximum displacement of the first moving body (455) in the vibration direction of the first vibrator (451A).

[0254] The first width may be substantially equal to or greater than the maximum displacement of the first moving body (455) in the vibration direction of the second vibrator (451B). The second width may be substantially equal to or greater than the maximum displacement of the first moving body (455) in the vibration direction of the first vibrator (451A).

[0255] The first vibrator (451A) may be configured to operate in d33 mode or d31 mode. The second vibrator (451B) may be configured to operate in d33 mode or d31 mode.

[0256] The first moving body (455) may include a first moving plate (456). The first elastically deformable region (457A) and the second elastically deformable region (457B) may be configured to bend relative to the first moving plate (456).

[0257] The first vibrator (451A) and the first tip (452A) may be arranged along a first direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA). The second vibrator (451B) and the second tip (452B) may be arranged along a second direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis and the first direction.

[0258] The first vibrator (451A) and the first tip (452A) may be substantially on the same plane as the second vibrator (451B) and the second tip (452B).

[0259] The first moving body (455) may include a third elastically deformable region (457C) arranged opposite the first elastically deformable region (457A), and a fourth elastically deformable region (457D) arranged opposite the second elastically deformable region (457B). The first piezoelectric actuator (450) may include a third vibrator (451C) configured to generate vibration, a fourth vibrator (451D) configured to generate vibration, a third tip (452C) configured to pressurize the third elastically deformable region (457C) and transmit vibration generated from the third vibrator (451C) to the third elastically deformable region (457C), and a fourth tip (452D) configured to pressurize the fourth elastically deformable region (457D) and transmit vibration generated from the fourth vibrator (451D) to the fourth elastically deformable region (457D).

[0260] The camera module (400; 400-1) may include a second piezoelectric actuator (460) configured to move the lens (421) or the image sensor (430) in a direction along the optical axis (OA). The second piezoelectric actuator (460) may include an additional vibrator (462A, 462B) configured to generate vibrations, a second moving body (466), and a free end (463B) configured to pressurize the second moving body (466) and transmit vibrations generated from the additional vibrator (462A) to the second moving body (466).

[0261] The second piezoelectric actuator (460) may include an elastic plate (463) including the free end (463B). The elastic plate (463) may be in contact with the additional vibrator (462A, 462B).

[0262] The second moving body (466) may include an elastic body (467A) configured to be pressed by the free end (463B), and a first support body (467B) configured to support the elastic body (467A) and disposed on a first side of the elastic body (467A). The first support body (467B) may be supported by the first moving body (455).

[0263] The second moving body (466) may be configured to support the elastic body (467A) and may include a second support body (467C) disposed on a second side of the elastic body (467A) opposite to the first side.

[0264] The second piezoelectric actuator (460) may include a second moving plate (468) disposed on the second moving body (466).

[0265] The camera module (400; 400-1) may include a reflector (440) configured to reflect light passing through the lens (421) toward the image sensor (430). The reflector (440) may be placed between the lens (421) and the image sensor (430).

[0266] The above camera module (400-1) may include an inner cover (414) configured to fix the first vibrator (451A) and the second vibrator (451B).

[0267] The electronic device (301) may include the camera module (400; 400-1).

[0268] In one embodiment, precise linear motion can be generated in a confined space.

[0269] According to one embodiment, the structure of the camera module is simplified, the piezoelectric actuator and the driven part are directly coupled to obtain high driving efficiency and reduce the power required for driving.

[0270] According to one embodiment, vibrations generated from a piezoelectric actuator can be uniformly distributed to a target component, thereby maintaining or increasing image resolution.

[0271] In one embodiment, increased resolution can be achieved when adjusting focus and magnification.

[0272] In one embodiment, the size of the actuator can be reduced.

[0273] According to one embodiment, the effect of vibration on the actuator caused by a disturbance having a higher frequency than a typical vibration frequency (e.g., a hand tremor frequency) is reduced, and the above disturbance can be actively blocked.

[0274] According to one embodiment, image distortion can be reduced or prevented.

[0275] In one embodiment, the complexity of the module may be reduced and the module may be simplified since no separate guide is required.

[0276] In one embodiment, the rolling motion of a lens or image sensor can be implemented using only piezoelectric control.

[0277] The effects of the camera module according to the embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the specification.

[0278] The embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various modifications to the details of the disclosure, including those included within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, may be made. Any of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination with any of the embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A lens (421) having an optical axis (OA), An image sensor (430) configured to receive light passing through the above lens (421), and A first piezoelectric actuator (450) configured to move the lens (421) or the image sensor (430) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA). Including, The above first piezoelectric actuator (450) is A first vibrator (451A) configured to generate vibration; A second vibrator (451B) configured to generate vibration; A first moving body (455) including a first elastically deformable region (457A) and a second elastically deformable region (457B), A first tip (452A) configured to pressurize the first elastically deformable region (457A) and transmit vibration generated from the first vibrator (451A) to the first elastically deformable region (457A), and A second tip (452B) configured to pressurize the second elastically deformable region (457B) and transmit vibration generated from the second vibrator (451B) to the second elastically deformable region (457B). A camera module (400; 400-1) comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, A camera module configured such that at least one of the first vibrator (451A) and the second vibrator (451B) is controlled in a slip-stick manner by the difference between its extension vibration speed and its contraction vibration speed.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, At least one of the first vibrator (451A) and the second vibrator (451B) is configured to be controlled so that the at least one vibrator has a first section in which it generates one of extensional vibration and contraction vibration within one cycle of the driving waveform, and a second section in which the at least one vibrator generates the other of extensional vibration and contraction vibration. A camera module wherein the length of the first section and the length of the second section are different from each other.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, At least one of the first vibrator (451A) and the second vibrator (451B) is configured to be controlled so that the at least one vibrator has a first section in which it generates one of extensional vibration and contraction vibration within one cycle of the driving waveform, and a second section in which the at least one vibrator generates the other of extensional vibration and contraction vibration. A camera module wherein the length of the first section and the length of the second section are substantially the same.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A camera module wherein the first tip (452A) remains in contact with the first elastically deformable region (457A), and the second tip (452B) remains in contact with the second elastically deformable region (457B).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, A camera module wherein the first tip (452A) and the second tip (452B) each include a metal material.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, A first contact region between the first tip (452A) and the first elastically deformable region (457A) has a first length substantially parallel to the vibration direction of the first vibrator (451A) and a first width substantially orthogonal to the vibration direction of the first vibrator (451A), A second contact region between the second tip (452B) and the second elastically deformable region (457B) has a second length substantially parallel to the vibration direction of the second vibrator (451B) and a second width substantially orthogonal to the vibration direction of the second vibrator (451B). The above first width is greater than the above first length, The above second width is greater than the above second length, Preferably, the first width is substantially equal to or greater than the maximum displacement of the first moving body (455) in the first longitudinal direction, A camera module wherein the second width is substantially equal to or greater than the maximum displacement of the first moving body (455) in the second longitudinal direction.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, A camera module wherein the first vibrator (451A) and the second vibrator (451B) are configured to operate in d33 mode or d31 mode.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above first moving body (455) further includes a first moving plate (456), A camera module wherein the first elastically deformable region (457A) and the second elastically deformable region (457B) are configured to bend relative to the first moving plate (456).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, A camera module wherein the first vibrator (451A) and the first tip (452A) are arranged along a first direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (OA), and the second vibrator (451B) and the second tip (452B) are arranged along a second direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis and the first direction.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, A camera module wherein the first vibrator (451A) and the first tip (452A) are substantially on the same plane as the second vibrator (451B) and the second tip (452B).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above first moving body (455) is, a third elastically deformable region (457C) positioned opposite to the first elastically deformable region (457A), and A fourth elastically deformable region (457D) positioned opposite to the second elastically deformable region (457B) Including more, The above first piezoelectric actuator (450) is A third vibrator (451C) configured to generate vibration; A fourth vibrator (451D) configured to generate vibration; A third tip (452C) configured to pressurize the third elastically deformable region (457C) and transmit vibration generated from the third vibrator (451C) to the third elastically deformable region (457C), and A fourth tip (452D) configured to pressurize the fourth elastically deformable region (457D) and transmit vibration generated from the fourth vibrator (451D) to the fourth elastically deformable region (457D). A camera module further comprising:

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, It further includes a reflector (440) configured to reflect light passing through the lens (421) toward the image sensor (430). The above reflector (440) is a camera module positioned between the lens (421) and the image sensor (430).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, A camera module further comprising an inner cover (414) configured to fix the first vibrator (451A) and the second vibrator (451B).

15. An electronic device (101; 301) comprising a camera module (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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