Camera actuator and camera module comprising same

Abstract

A camera module, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a first housing comprising a fixed lens; a second housing coupled to the first housing; an actuator disposed in the second housing; a coil and a driving magnet for moving the actuator in an optical axis direction; a first guide magnet arranged at the actuator; and a second guide magnet disposed in the second housing and facing the first guide magnet.

Description

Camera actuator and camera module including the same

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

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

[0003] However, miniaturized camera modules present a problem: optical performance deteriorates due to decentering and tilt. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for improved reliability, including protection against ingress of contaminants into circuit elements.

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a camera actuator and camera device with improved optical performance by coupling between one housing including a lens assembly moving along an optical axis and another housing having a fixed lens.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problem, a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first housing including a fixed lens; a second housing coupled with the first housing; an actuator disposed within the second housing; a coil and a driving magnet for moving the actuator in the direction of an optical axis; a first guide magnet disposed within the actuator; and a second guide magnet disposed within the second housing and facing the first guide magnet.

[0006] A portion of the first guide magnet and a portion of the second guide magnet facing each other may have the same polarity.

[0007] The length of the first guide magnet in the optical axis direction may be shorter than the length of the second guide magnet.

[0008] The actuator may include a lens holder in which a lens is placed and a magnet holder in which the driving magnet is placed, and the driving magnet may include areas having different poles along the optical axis direction.

[0009] The first guide magnet includes a first-first guide magnet arranged adjacent to an area of ​​the driving magnet having an N pole, and a first-second guide magnet arranged adjacent to an area of ​​the driving magnet having an S pole, and the first-first guide magnet may have an N pole and the first-second guide magnet may have an S pole.

[0010] The above second guide magnet may include a second-first guide magnet arranged to face the first-first guide magnet, and a second-second guide magnet arranged to face the first-second guide magnet.

[0011] The inner surface of the second housing includes first and second guide portions spaced apart from each other and on which the second guide magnet is arranged, and the coil and the driving magnet can be arranged between the first and second guide portions.

[0012] The second guide magnet may include a second-first guide magnet and a second-second guide magnet that are arranged in the first guide portion and have different poles and are spaced apart from each other, and the second guide magnet may include a second-third guide magnet and a second-fourth guide magnet that are arranged in the second guide portion and have different poles and are spaced apart from each other.

[0013] A substrate is included that is coupled to the outer surface of the second housing, and the coil is disposed on the substrate and can be electrically connected to the substrate.

[0014] A first stopper part is arranged on a surface of the first housing facing the second housing, and a second stopper part is arranged on an inner surface of the second housing opposite to the surface where the first housing is arranged, and the maximum stroke length of the actuator may be equal to or less than the length between the first stopper part and the second stopper part in the optical axis direction.

[0015]

[0016] In order to solve the above technical problem, the camera module according to the present embodiment includes a PID controller that performs PID control operation based on an error value which is a difference between a target position and a current position of a lens and a first value which is a preset proportional gain, a second value which is an integral gain, and a third value which is a differential gain; a parameter generation unit that adjusts at least one of the proportional gain, the integral gain, and the differential gain according to a control section of the lens; and a control unit that generates a driving signal using the control value generated by the PID controller.

[0017] The above parameter generation unit can adjust at least one of the first to third values ​​in a log scale according to the error value.

[0018] The above parameter generation unit can significantly adjust at least one of the first value and the second value when the lens performs an initial movement operation.

[0019] The parameter generation unit can adjust at least one of the first value and the second value smaller after the lens reaches the target position.

[0020] The control section of the lens includes a first section in which the lens reaches the target position from the initial position and a second section in which the movement operation of the lens ends after the first section, and the parameter generation unit can significantly adjust at least one of the first value and the second value when the current position of the lens is the first section.

[0021] The above parameter generation unit can adjust at least one of the first value and the second value to be smaller when the current position of the lens is in the second section.

[0022] In order to solve the above technical problem, a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a PID controller that performs PID control operation based on an error value which is a difference between a target position and a current position of a lens and a first value which is a preset proportional gain, a second value which is an integral gain, and a third value which is a differential gain; a parameter generation unit that adjusts at least one of the proportional gain, the integral gain, and the differential gain according to the error value; and a control unit that generates a driving signal using the control value generated by the PID controller.

[0023] If the error value is greater than a preset first error value, the parameter generation unit can adjust at least one of the first value and the second value to be larger, and if the error value is smaller than the first error value, the parameter generation unit can adjust at least one of the first value and the second value to be smaller.

[0024] The above parameter generation unit can adjust at least one of the first to third values ​​in a log scale according to the error value.

[0025] According to the present embodiments, a camera actuator and camera device having improved optical performance are implemented by coupling one housing including a lens assembly moving along an optical axis and another housing having a fixed lens.

[0026] In addition, the dynamic tilt effect due to the squareness and flatness of the injection part can be minimized through an actuator having a magnetic levitation structure, and since a guide ball is not used, dents due to impact can not occur.

[0027] In addition, a camera actuator and camera device with improved reliability of elements in optical alignment can be implemented.

[0028] In addition, it is possible to implement a camera actuator and camera device with improved reliability by protecting circuit elements, etc. from the inflow of foreign substances.

[0029] In addition, a camera actuator and camera device can be implemented that further improve the flatness of the guide section by adding protrusions, etc. to the housing, thereby minimizing decentering and tilt.

[0030] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to implement a camera actuator applicable to ultra-slim, ultra-small, and high-resolution cameras.

[0031] Additionally, the lens can increase its movement speed to the target position depending on the control interval, and the control operation can be stably terminated after reaching the target position. This allows for faster magnification and focus changes than before, thereby improving optical performance.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first housing according to the present embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second housing according to the present embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second housing according to the present embodiment from another angle.

[0038] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an actuator according to the present embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a first actuator, a first coil, and a first position sensor according to the present embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second actuator, a second coil, and a second position sensor according to the present embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 10 is another cross-sectional view of a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are drawings for explaining the optical axis stroke of the actuator according to the present embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 13 is another cross-sectional view of a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 14 is a block diagram of a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 15 is a block diagram of a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0046] Figures 16 to 18 are drawings for explaining the control operation of the camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to the present embodiment is applied.

[0048] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to the present embodiment is applied.

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

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

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

[0052] Additionally, the terms used in this embodiment are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

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

[0054] Additionally, in describing the components of this embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0055] And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' to another component, it may include not only cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' directly to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

[0056] Additionally, when described as being formed or arranged "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Furthermore, when expressed as "above" or "below," the meaning may include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

[0057]

[0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first housing according to the present embodiment, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second housing according to the present embodiment, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second housing according to the present embodiment from another angle, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an actuator according to the present embodiment, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first actuator, a first coil, and a first position sensor according to the present embodiment, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second actuator, a second coil, and a second position sensor according to the present embodiment, FIG. 10 is another cross-sectional view of a camera module according to the present embodiment, FIGS. 11 and 12 are drawings for explaining an optical axis stroke of an actuator according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional view of a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0059] A camera module (1000) according to the present embodiment may include a first housing (1100), a second housing (1200), a lens unit (100), a first actuator (200), and a second actuator (300). The camera module (1000) may include a stopper (ST1, ST2), a yoke (YK), a shield can (not shown), an elastic unit (not shown), and a joining member (not shown).

[0060] A shield can (not shown) may be positioned in a region (e.g., the outermost region) of the camera module (1000) to surround the components described below. The shield can block or reduce electromagnetic waves generated from the outside. This can reduce malfunctions in the first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300).

[0061] The camera module (1000) may be a separate component from the image sensor and base member described below, or may include the same. Hereinafter, a main board or circuit board separate from the camera module (1000) is described as including the image sensor and base member.

[0062] The lens unit (101 to 104, hereinafter 100) may be positioned within a shield can (not shown). The lens unit (100) may move along the Z-axis direction or the optical axis direction. Accordingly, the AF function and the zoom function may be performed. The lens unit (100) may be positioned within the first housing (1100) and the second housing (1200). Accordingly, at least a portion of the lens unit (100) may move along the optical axis direction or the Z-axis direction within the first housing (1100) and the second housing (1200).

[0063]

[0064] The lens unit (100) may include first to third lens groups (101 to 103) and a rear optical unit (104).

[0065] The first to third lens groups (101 to 103) may include at least one lens. The first lens group (101), the second lens group (102), and the third lens group (103) may be sequentially arranged along the optical axis direction. The rear optical unit (104) may be arranged at the rear of the third lens group (103). The rear optical unit (104) may include a lens such as glass.

[0066] The first lens group (101) can be fixed by being combined with the first housing (1100). The first lens group (101) may not move along the optical axis direction. The second lens group (102) can move in the optical axis direction by being combined with the first actuator (200). Magnification adjustment can be performed by the movement of the first actuator (200) and the second lens group (102). The third lens group (103) can move in the optical axis direction by being combined with the second actuator (300). Focus adjustment or auto-focusing can be performed by the movement of the third lens group (103). However, the number of lens groups is not limited, and additional lens groups can be arranged.

[0067] The camera module (1000) may include a first housing (1100) and a second housing (1200). The first housing (1100) may be coupled with a first lens group (101). The first housing (1100) may be positioned in front of the second housing (1200). The second housing (1200) may be positioned at the rear end of the first housing (1100). The second to third lens groups (102, 103) and the rear optical unit (104) may be mounted inside the second housing (1200).

[0068] The first housing (1100) of the camera module (1000) may include a fixed lens. The second housing (1200) may be arranged parallel to the first housing (1100) along the optical axis direction or the Z-axis direction. A movable assembly that moves along the optical axis direction may be arranged in the second housing (1200), but a lens that does not move along the optical axis direction, i.e., is fixed, may be arranged in the first housing (1100). The first housing (1100) and the second housing (1200) may be coupled to each other by a coupling member (BM) arranged between the first housing (1100) and the second housing (1200).

[0069] The first housing (1100) may include a holder portion (HP) and a wing portion (WP) extending outwardly from the holder portion (HP). The wing portion (WP) may be arranged to surround a portion of the outer surface of the holder portion (HP). The holder portion (HP) and the wing portion (WP) may have an integral or separate structure. The length of the holder portion (HP) in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction may be smaller than the length of the wing portion (WP) in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0070] The holder part (HP) may include a first holder part (HP1) arranged above the wing part (WP) and a second holder part (HP2) arranged below the wing part (WP). The first holder part (HP1), the wing part (WP), and the second holder part (HP2) may be sequentially arranged along the optical axis direction. The length (LT1) of the first holder part (HP1) in the optical axis direction may be smaller than the length (LT2) of the second holder part (HP2) in the optical axis direction. By this configuration, the bonding force between the first housing (1100) and the second housing (1200) can be improved, and optical alignment can be easily performed for the tilt of the first housing (1100). Accordingly, the resolution of the camera module can be improved.

[0071] The wing portion (WP) may include one side and the other side. The one side and the other side of the wing portion (WP) may be sequentially arranged in the direction of the optical axis. The other side of the wing portion (WP) may be arranged to face the inner surface of the second housing (1200). The other side of the wing portion (WP) may be spaced apart from the second housing (1200). At least a portion of the other side of the wing portion (WP) may be spaced apart from the second housing (1200).

[0072] A first stopper portion (ST1a, ST1b) may be arranged on the wing portion (WP). A first-first stopper (ST1a) and a first-second stopper (ST1b) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis direction on the other surface of the wing portion (WP). The first-first stopper (ST1a) may be arranged to face the first magnet holder (220) of the first actuator (200). The first-second stopper (ST1b) may be arranged to face the second magnet holder (320) of the second actuator (300). The first stopper portions (ST1a, ST1b) may alleviate contact and impact with the first housing (1100) when the first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300) move in the optical axis direction.

[0073] The second housing (1200) may include a side groove adjacent to the first housing (1100). This prevents contact with the second housing (1200) even when the first housing (1100) is tilted relative to the optical axis for optical alignment. This facilitates securing a range of movement for optical axis alignment and other purposes, and improves the reliability of the camera module (1000).

[0074]

[0075] The first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300) may each be mounted on the inside of the second housing (1200). The first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300) may be referred to as a moving assembly. The first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300) may be referred to as a lens assembly. In the first actuator (200), the first magnet holder (220) in which the first guide magnet (M1) is disposed may be positioned to face the first side. In addition, in the second actuator (300), the second magnet holder (320) in which the third guide magnet (M3) is disposed may be positioned to face the second side. The first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300) may be arranged to overlap in the optical axis direction. The first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300) may be arranged to overlap in the Y-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0076] The first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300) can be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300) can move along the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) by a driving unit (driving magnet, coil). For example, an auto focus or zoom function can be performed by the movement of the first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300).

[0077] The movable assembly may be coupled to elastic members (not shown) at the top and rear ends. Accordingly, the movable assembly may be supported by the elastic members (not shown) while moving in the Z-axis direction. That is, the position of the movable assembly may be maintained in the Z-axis direction. The elastic members (not shown) may be formed of various elastic elements, such as a plate spring.

[0078] The first actuator (200) may include a first lens holder (210) that holds and combines the second lens group (102). The first lens holder (210) may be combined with the second lens group (102). In addition, the first lens holder (210) may include a first lens hole (LH1) for accommodating the second lens group (102). A second lens group (102) including at least one lens may be arranged in the first lens hole (LH1). An area in which the second lens group (102) is seated in the first actuator (200) may be located at the front end of the first actuator (200).

[0079] The first actuator (200) may include a first magnet holder (220) arranged on the outside of the first lens holder (210). A first driving magnet (401) may be arranged on the first magnet holder (220). The first magnet holder (220) may include a protrusion (221) for guiding and fixing the position of the first driving magnet (401). The protrusion (221) may be formed to protrude from the first magnet holder (220) in the Y-axis direction. The protrusion (221) may be formed to contact both sides of the first driving magnet (401). The first driving magnet (401) may have different poles formed on one magnet. The first driving magnet (401) may be formed by magnets having different poles being spaced apart from each other.

[0080] A first guide magnet (M1) may be arranged around a first driving magnet (401) in the first magnet holder (220). The first guide magnets (M1) may be arranged symmetrically in the X-axis direction around the first driving magnet (401). The first guide magnets (M1) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction. The first guide magnet (M1) may include a first-first guide magnet (M11) and a first-second guide magnet (M12) that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the upper direction of the first driving magnet (401). The first guide magnet (M1) may include a first-third guide magnet (M13) and a first-fourth guide magnet (M14) that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the lower direction of the first driving magnet (401). The first guide magnet (M1) may have the same polarity as the second guide magnet (M2) that is arranged to face each other. The first guide magnet (M1) may guide movement of the first actuator (200) in the direction of the optical axis through a repulsive force with the second guide magnet (M2).

[0081] The second actuator (300) may include a second lens holder (310) that holds and combines the third lens group (103). The second lens holder (310) may include a second lens hole (LH2) for accommodating the third lens group (103). A third lens group (103) including at least one lens may be arranged in the second lens hole (LH2). An area in which the third lens group (103) is seated in the second actuator (300) may be located at the rear end of the second actuator (300).

[0082] The second actuator (300) may include a second magnet holder (320) arranged on the outside of the second lens holder (310). A second driving magnet (501) may be arranged on the second magnet holder (320). The second magnet holder (320) may include a protrusion (321) for guiding and fixing the position of the second driving magnet (501). The protrusion (321) may be formed to protrude from the second magnet holder (320) in the Y-axis direction. The protrusion (321) may be formed to contact both sides of the second driving magnet (501). The second driving magnet (501) may have different poles formed on one magnet. The second driving magnet (501) may be formed by magnets having different poles being spaced apart from each other.

[0083] A third guide magnet (M3) may be arranged in the second magnet holder (320) with the second driving magnet (501) as the center. The third guide magnet (M3) may be arranged symmetrically in the X-axis direction with the second driving magnet (501) as the center. The third guide magnets (M3) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction. The third guide magnet (M3) may include a third-first guide magnet (M31) and a third-second guide magnet (M32) that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the upper direction of the second driving magnet (501). The third guide magnet (M3) may include a third-third guide magnet (M33) and a third-fourth guide magnet (M34) that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the lower direction of the second driving magnet (501). The third guide magnet (M3) may have the same polarity as the fourth guide magnet (M4) that is arranged to face each other. The third guide magnet (M3) may guide movement of the second actuator (300) in the direction of the optical axis through a repulsive force with the fourth guide magnet (M4).

[0084]

[0085] The second housing (1200) may have a hole formed on the side. The first coil (402) and the second coil (502) may be placed in the hole. The second housing (1200) may include a first side portion and a second side portion. The first side portion and the second side portion may be positioned corresponding to each other. The first side portion and the second side portion may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis direction.

[0086] A first coil (402) may be arranged on the first side of the second housing (1200). The first coil (402) may be arranged to face the first driving magnet (401). A first substrate (404) may be arranged on the outer surface of the first side. The first coil (402) may be electrically connected to the first substrate (404). The first coil (402) may be supplied with current or the like through the first substrate (404). A first position sensor (403) may be arranged inside the first coil (402) having a ring shape. The first position sensor (403) may be electrically connected to the first substrate (404). The first position sensor (403) can detect a change in magnetic flux of the first driving magnet (401) so that position sensing can be performed between the first driving magnet (401) and the first position sensor (403).

[0087] A second coil (502) may be arranged on the second side of the second housing (1200). The second coil (502) may be arranged to face the second driving magnet (501). A second substrate (504) may be arranged on the outer surface of the second side. The second coil (502) may be electrically connected to the second substrate (504). The second coil (502) may be supplied with current or the like through the second substrate (504). A second position sensor (503) may be arranged inside the second coil (502) having a ring shape. The second position sensor (503) may be electrically connected to the second substrate (504). The second position sensor (503) can detect a change in magnetic flux of the second driving magnet (501) so that position sensing can be performed between the second driving magnet (501) and the second position sensor (503).

[0088]

[0089] The yoke (YK) may be arranged on the outside of the second housing (1200). The yoke (YK) may be arranged on the outside of the first and second coils (402, 502). The yoke (YK) may include a first yoke (YK1) and a second yoke (YK2). The first yoke (YK1) and the second yoke (YK2) may be arranged to face each other. The first yoke (YK1) and the second yoke (YK2) may be positioned to correspond to each other based on the optical axis.

[0090] The first yoke (YK1) may be positioned adjacent to the first coil (402). The second yoke (YK2) may be positioned adjacent to the second coil (502). The first coil (402) and the second coil (502) may be positioned inside the first yoke (YK1) and the second yoke (YK2). The first yoke (YK1), the first coil (402), the second coil (502), and the second yoke (YK2) may be sequentially arranged in one direction (e.g., the second direction). The first yoke (YK1) may form an attractive force with the first driving magnet (401). The second yoke (YK2) may form an attractive force with the second driving magnet (501). Accordingly, the posture of the first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300) can be maintained.

[0091] The first yoke (YK1) and the second yoke (YK2) may have varying thicknesses in some areas. By this configuration, it is possible to suppress the magnetic force generated from the first and second drive magnets (401, 501) or the first and second coils (402, 502) from affecting other magnets and coils. The first yoke (YK1) can suppress the magnetic force generated by the first drive magnet (401) from being applied to the second drive magnet (501) and the second coil (502).

[0092] First and second guide parts (GG1a, GG1b) may be positioned on the inner surface of the first side of the second housing (1200). The first and second guide parts (GG1a, GG1b) may be arranged symmetrically above and below the side hole of the second housing (1200). The first and second guide parts (GG1a, GG1b) may face the first guide magnet (M1) of the first actuator (200). The first and second guide parts (GG1a, GG1b) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. A first driving magnet (401) and a first coil (402) may be arranged between the first guide part (GG1a) and the second guide part (GG1b).

[0093] A second guide magnet (M2) may be arranged in the first and second guide portions (GG1a, GG1b). A second-first guide magnet (M21) and a second-second guide magnet (M22) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the Z-axis direction in the first guide portion (GG1a). A second-third guide magnet (M23) and a second-fourth guide magnet (M24) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the Z-axis direction in the second guide portion (GG1b).

[0094] Third and fourth guide parts (GG2a, GG2b) may be positioned on the inner surface of the second side of the second housing (1200). The third and fourth guide parts (GG2a, GG2b) may be arranged symmetrically above and below the side hole of the second housing (1200). The third and fourth guide parts (GG2a, GG2b) may face the third guide magnet (M3) of the second actuator (300). The third and fourth guide parts (GG2a, GG2b) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. A second driving magnet (501) and a second coil (502) may be arranged between the third guide part (GG2a) and the fourth guide part (GG2b).

[0095] A fourth guide magnet (M4) may be arranged in the third and fourth guide sections (GG2a, GG2b). A fourth-first guide magnet (M41) and a fourth-second guide magnet (M42), which are spaced apart from each other along the Z-axis direction, may be arranged in the third guide section (GG2a). A fourth-third guide magnet (M43) and a fourth-fourth guide magnet (M44), which are spaced apart from each other along the Z-axis direction, may be arranged in the fourth guide section (GG2b).

[0096]

[0097] The second housing (1200) may include housing protrusions (pr: pr1 to pr4) that protrude inwardly along the optical axis direction or the Z-axis direction. The second housing (1200) may include a third side connecting the first side and the second side, and a fourth side opposite the third side.

[0098] The housing protrusion (pr) may include a first housing protrusion (pr1) and a second housing protrusion (pr2). The first housing protrusion (pr1) and the second housing protrusion (pr2) may be located on the inner surface of the third side. The first housing protrusion (pr1) and the second housing protrusion (pr2) may protrude (or extend) from the inner surface of the third side toward the fourth side or toward the first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300).

[0099] The third housing protrusion (pr3) and the fourth housing protrusion (pr4) may be located on the inner surface of the fourth side. The third housing protrusion (pr3) and the fourth housing protrusion (pr4) may protrude (or extend) from the inner surface of the fourth side toward the third side or toward the first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300).

[0100] The shape change of the guide portions (GG1a, GG1b, GG2a, GG2b) can be reduced through the housing protrusion (pr). The flatness of the adjacent guide portions (GG1a, GG1b, GG2a, GG2b) can be maintained due to the improvement in rigidity, etc. through the housing protrusion (pr). When the first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300) move within the second housing (1200), the housing protrusion (pr) can provide further improved straightness. Through this, the camera module (1000) can minimize the occurrence of decenter or tilt phenomena and provide the best optical characteristics.

[0101] The first and second housing protrusions (pr1, pr2) may be positioned between the first guide portion (GG1a) and the third guide portion (GG2a). The first and second housing protrusions (pr1, pr2) may overlap with the first guide portion (GG1a) and the third guide portion (GG2a) in the Y-axis direction. The third and fourth housing protrusions (pr3, pr4) may be positioned between the second guide portion (GG1b) and the fourth guide portion (GG2b). The third and fourth housing protrusions (pr3, pr4) may overlap with the second guide portion (GG1b) and the fourth guide portion (GG2b) in the Y-axis direction.

[0102]

[0103] The second stopper portion (ST2a, ST2b) may be arranged on the lower surface of the second housing (1200). The first housing (1100) is coupled to the upper surface of the second housing (1200), and the lower surface of the second housing (1200) may be arranged on the opposite side from the first housing (1100). The first stopper portion (ST1a, ST1b) and the second stopper portion (ST2a, ST2b) may be arranged sequentially along the optical axis direction. The first stopper portion (ST1a, ST1b) and the second stopper portion (ST2a, ST2b) may be arranged on the movement path of the first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300).

[0104] The second stopper portion (ST2a, ST2b) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis direction on the lower surface of the second housing (1200), such that the second-first stopper (ST2a) and the second-second stopper (ST2b) are arranged. The second-first stopper (ST2a) may be arranged to face the first magnet holder (220) of the first actuator (200). The second-first stopper (ST2a) may be arranged to overlap the first-first stopper (ST1a) in the optical axis direction. The second-second stopper (ST2b) may be arranged to face the second magnet holder (320) of the second actuator (300). The second-second stopper (ST2b) may be arranged to overlap the first-second stopper (ST1b) in the optical axis direction. The second stopper portion (ST2a, ST2b) can alleviate contact and impact with the second housing (1200) when the first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300) move in the optical axis direction.

[0105] The distance in the optical axis direction between the first-first stopper (ST1a) and the second-first stopper (ST2a) may be smaller than the distance in the optical axis direction between the first-second stopper (ST1b) and the second-second stopper (ST2b). This is a configuration that reflects the fact that the movable distance (stroke) of the first actuator (200) is smaller than the movable distance (stroke) of the second actuator (300).

[0106] By moving the first actuator (200), the camera actuator can perform zooming. By moving the second actuator (300), the camera actuator can perform autofocusing (AF). Reflecting this, the movement distance for zooming may be smaller than the movement distance (or stroke) for autofocusing.

[0107] For this movement distance or stroke difference, the first-first stopper (ST1a) and the first-second stopper (ST1b) may be arranged to be at least partially misaligned in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The second-first stopper (ST2a) and the second-second stopper (ST2b) may be arranged to be at least partially misaligned in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0108]

[0109] The first driving magnet (401) may be provided in the first actuator (200) by a vertical magnetization method. The N pole and the S pole of the first driving magnet (401) may both be positioned to face the first coil (402). Accordingly, the N pole and the S pole of the first driving magnet (401) may be respectively arranged to correspond to an area in which current flows in the X-axis direction or the opposite direction in the first coil (402).

[0110] When a magnetic force is applied in the opposite direction of the Y-axis from the N pole of the first driving magnet (401), and a current (DE1) flows in the opposite direction of the X-axis from the first coil (402) corresponding to the N pole, an electromagnetic force (DEM1) can act in the Z-axis direction according to the interaction of electromagnetic forces (e.g., Fleming's left-hand rule). When a magnetic force is applied in the second direction (Y-axis direction) from the S pole of the first driving magnet (401), and a current (DE1) flows in the X-axis direction from the first coil (402) corresponding to the S pole, an electromagnetic force (DEM1) can act in the Z-axis direction according to the interaction of electromagnetic forces.

[0111] Since the first coil (402) is fixed to the side of the second housing (1200), the first actuator (200) in which the first driving magnet (401) is arranged can move in the opposite direction of the Z-axis by the electromagnetic force (DEM1) according to the current direction. That is, the first driving magnet (401) can move in the opposite direction of the electromagnetic force applied to the first coil (402). In addition, the direction of the electromagnetic force can be changed depending on the current of the coil and the magnetic force of the magnet.

[0112] An electromagnetic force (DEM1) is generated between the first driving magnet (401) and the first coil (402), so that the first actuator (200) can move along the second guide magnet (M2) located on the inner surface of the second housing (1200) through the first guide magnet (M1) in the direction of the optical axis. The first guide magnet (M1) and the second guide magnet (M2) have the same polarity and can exert a repulsive force on each other.

[0113] Through this, when the first actuator (200) moves in the direction of the optical axis, tilting of the first actuator (200) can be prevented and stroke movement can be guided through the magnetic levitation effect. In addition, the second guide magnet (M2) acts as a guide rail, and the dynamic tilt effect due to the squareness and flatness during injection of the actuator can be reduced, and since a ball is not used, dents due to impact can not occur.

[0114] The length of the second guide magnet (M2) in the optical axis direction can be set according to the stroke length of the first actuator (200) in the optical axis direction. The maximum stroke length of the first actuator (200) can be the distance from the first-first stopper (ST1a) to the second-first stopper (ST2a) in the optical axis direction. The maximum stroke length of the first actuator (200) can be smaller than the distance from the first-first stopper (ST1a) to the second-first stopper (ST2a) in the optical axis direction.

[0115] When the first actuator (200) moves to the maximum in the direction of the first housing (1100) and when the first actuator (200) moves to the maximum in the direction of the lower surface of the second housing (1200), the first guide magnet (M1) can always overlap with the second guide magnet (M2) in the Y-axis direction. For example, the first-first guide magnet (M1) can always be arranged to face the second-first guide magnet (M21) even when the first actuator (200) moves to the maximum in the direction of the first housing (1100) or moves to the maximum in the direction of the lower surface of the second housing (1200).

[0116] The polarity of the second guide magnet (M2) may have the same polarity as the first driving magnet (401) in the X-axis direction. For example, the second guide magnet (M2) arranged adjacent to a magnet having an N pole among the first driving magnets (401) may have an N pole. The 2-1 guide magnet (M21) and the 2-2 guide magnet (M22) may have different polarities. The 2-1 guide magnet (M21) and the 2-3 guide magnet (M23) may have the same polarity. The 2-3 guide magnet (M23) and the 2-4 guide magnet (M24) may have different polarities. The 2-2 guide magnet (M22) and the 2-4 guide magnet (M24) may have the same polarity. Through this arrangement of the magnet polarities, magnetic interference can be minimized.

[0117]

[0118] The second driving magnet (501) may be provided in the second actuator (300) by a vertical magnetization method or the like. The N pole and the S pole of the second driving magnet (501) may both be positioned to face the second coil (502). Accordingly, the N pole and the S pole of the second driving magnet (501) may be respectively arranged to correspond to a region in which current flows in the X-axis direction or the opposite direction in the second coil (502).

[0119] When a magnetic force (DM2) is applied in the Y-axis direction from the N pole of the second driving magnet (501), and a current (DE2) flows in the X-axis direction from the second coil (502) corresponding to the N pole, an electromagnetic force (DEM2) can act in the Z-axis direction according to the interaction of electromagnetic forces (e.g., Fleming's left-hand rule). When a magnetic force is applied in the opposite direction to the Y-axis direction from the S pole of the second driving magnet (501), and a current (DE2) flows in the opposite direction to the X-axis direction from the second coil (502) corresponding to the S pole, an electromagnetic force (DEM2) can act in the Z-axis direction according to the interaction of electromagnetic forces.

[0120] Since the second coil (502) is fixed to the side of the second housing (1200), the second actuator (300) in which the second driving magnet (501) is arranged can move in the opposite direction of the Z-axis direction by the electromagnetic force (DEM2) according to the current direction. The direction of the electromagnetic force can be changed depending on the current of the coil and the magnetic force of the magnet. That is, the second driving magnet (501) can move in the opposite direction of the electromagnetic force applied to the second coil (502). In addition, the direction of the electromagnetic force can be changed depending on the current of the coil and the magnetic force of the magnet.

[0121] An electromagnetic force (DEM2) is generated between the second drive magnet (501) and the second coil (502), so that the second actuator (300) can move along the fourth guide magnet (M4) located on the inner surface of the second housing (1200) through the third guide magnet (M3) in the direction of the optical axis. The third guide magnet (M3) and the fourth guide magnet (M4) have the same polarity and can exert a repulsive force on each other.

[0122] Through this, when the second actuator (300) moves in the optical axis direction, tilting of the second actuator (300) can be prevented and stroke movement can be guided through the magnetic levitation effect. In addition, the fourth guide magnet (M4) acts as a guide rail, and the dynamic tilt effect due to the squareness and flatness during injection of the actuator can be reduced, and since a ball is not used, dents due to impact can not occur.

[0123] The length of the fourth guide magnet (M4) in the optical axis direction can be set according to the stroke length of the second actuator (300) in the optical axis direction. The maximum stroke length of the second actuator (300) can be the distance from the first-second stopper (ST1b) to the second-second stopper (ST2b) in the optical axis direction. The maximum stroke length of the second actuator (300) can be smaller than the distance from the first-second stopper (ST1b) to the second-second stopper (ST2b) in the optical axis direction.

[0124] When the second actuator (300) moves to the maximum in the direction of the first housing (1100) and when the second actuator (300) moves to the maximum in the direction of the lower surface of the second housing (1200), the third guide magnet (M3) can always overlap with the fourth guide magnet (M4) in the Y-axis direction. For example, the third-first guide magnet (M31) can always be arranged to face the fourth-first guide magnet (M41) even when the second actuator (300) moves to the maximum in the direction of the first housing (1100) or moves to the maximum in the direction of the lower surface of the second housing (1200).

[0125] The polarity of the fourth guide magnet (M4) may have the same polarity as the second drive magnet (501) in the X-axis direction. For example, the fourth guide magnet (M4) arranged adjacent to a magnet having an N pole among the second drive magnets (501) may have an N pole. The 4-1 guide magnet (M41) and the 4-2 guide magnet (M42) may have different polarities. The 4-1 guide magnet (M41) and the 4-3 guide magnet (M43) may have the same polarity. The 4-3 guide magnet (M43) and the 4-4 guide magnet (M44) may have different polarities. The 4-2 guide magnet (M42) and the 4-4 guide magnet (M44) may have the same polarity. Through this arrangement of magnet polarities, magnetic interference can be minimized.

[0126]

[0127] The first driving magnet (401) and the first coil (402) can provide driving force (F3A, F3B) to move the first actuator (200) along the optical axis direction. The first actuator (200) on which the first driving magnet (401) is mounted can move along the optical axis direction by the electromagnetic force (F3A, F3B) between the first coil (402) and the first driving magnet (401). The second lens group (102) mounted on the first actuator (200) can also move along the optical axis direction.

[0128] The second driving magnet (501) and the second coil (502) can provide driving force (F4A, F4B) to move the second actuator (300) along the optical axis direction. By the electromagnetic force (F4A, F4B) between the second coil (502) and the second driving magnet (501), the second actuator (300) on which the second driving magnet (501) is mounted can move along the optical axis direction. The third lens group (103) mounted on the second actuator (300) can also move along the optical axis direction.

[0129] The focal length or magnification of the optical system can be changed by moving the second lens group (102) and the third lens group (103). The magnification can be changed by moving the second lens group (102). In other words, zooming can be achieved. The focus can be adjusted by moving the third lens group (103). In other words, auto focusing can be achieved. With this configuration, the camera module (1000) can be a fixed zoom or a continuous zoom.

[0130]

[0131] The base portion or base member of the circuit board may be positioned between the lens portion (100) and the image sensor (IS). Components such as a filter may be fixed to the base member. The base member may be arranged to surround the image sensor. With this configuration, the image sensor is free from foreign substances, etc., thereby improving the reliability of the device. However, in some drawings below, this is omitted and described. However, the present invention may not be limited to this structure.

[0132] The camera module (1000) may be a zoom actuator and an AF (Auto Focus) actuator. For example, the camera module (1000) supports one or more lenses and may perform at least one of an auto focus function and a zoom function by moving the lenses according to a control signal from a predetermined control unit. The first actuator (200) may be a fixed zoom or a continuous zoom. The second actuator (300) may be a fixed zoom or a continuous zoom. The first actuator (200) may provide movement of the second lens group (102). The second actuator (300) may provide movement of the third lens group (103).

[0133] In addition to the first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300), at least one of a third actuator (not shown) and a guide pin (not shown) may be arranged. The above-described content may be applied to this. Accordingly, the second camera actuator may perform a high-magnification zooming function through the second driving unit. For example, the first actuator (200) and the second actuator (300) may be moving lenses that move through the second driving unit and the guide pin (not shown), and the third lens assembly (not shown) may be a fixed lens, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] For example, the third actuator (not shown) may perform the function of a focuser that focuses light on a specific location, and the first actuator (200) may perform the function of a variator that refocuses the image focused by the third actuator (not shown), which is a focuser, on another location. Meanwhile, in the first actuator (200), the distance to the subject or the image distance may change significantly, resulting in a large change in magnification, and the first actuator (200), which is a variator, may play an important role in the change in the focal length or magnification of the optical system. Meanwhile, the image focused by the first actuator (200), which is a variator, may have a slight difference depending on the location. Accordingly, the second actuator (300) may perform a position compensation function for the image focused by the variator. For example, the second actuator (300) can perform a compensator function that accurately focuses the point imaged by the first actuator (200), which is a variable, on the actual image sensor location.

[0135] The image sensor may be located inside or outside the camera module (1000). The image sensor may be located on a circuit board. The image sensor may receive light and convert the received light into an electrical signal. In addition, the image sensor may be formed of a plurality of pixels in an array form. The image sensor may be located on the optical axis.

[0136]

[0137] The camera module has a high resolution, is compact in size, and offers various shooting functions (optical zoom function (zoom-in / zoom-out), auto-focusing (AF), and optical image stabilizer (OIS)).

[0138] These photographic functions can be implemented by combining multiple lenses and directly moving the lenses. Autofocus and image stabilization functions are performed by moving or tilting multiple lens modules, each fixed to a lens holder and with its optical axis aligned, along the optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. A separate actuator is used to drive the lens modules.

[0139] When changing magnification and maintaining focus, the zoom lens and AF lens move separately, and the time it takes to reach the desired position is related to the time it takes to focus. In conventional structures, the magnification is not high, so the stroke length is relatively short, so the desired performance can be achieved with the existing PID (Proportional Integral Derivation control) control. However, as the magnification increases, the stroke length increases, and the existing PID control has the problem of not being able to secure performance.

[0140] Furthermore, when the travel distance of a ball-type actuator is small, increasing the integral gain increases the travel speed. However, when the travel distance is large, increasing the integral gain increases the risk of vibration and slows the speed. Furthermore, slowing the actuator speed can cause blurring of the focus, and the focus-maintaining function can malfunction, leading to the detection of other subjects.

[0141]

[0142] Fig. 14 is a block diagram of a camera module according to the present embodiment, Fig. 15 is a block diagram of a camera module according to the present embodiment, and Figs. 16 to 18 are drawings for explaining a control operation of a camera module according to the present embodiment.

[0143] The camera module according to the present embodiment includes a PID controller (11), a parameter generation unit (12), and a control unit (13), and may further include a driving unit (14) and a position sensor (15). If the camera module is a folded camera module, it may further include a plurality of lens groups and prisms.

[0144] In a camera module, an actuator can drive a lens (or lens module) to perform AF, OIS, or zoom functions. The actuator can drive the lens (or lens module) in the direction of the optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The magnification can be changed by adjusting the angle of view depending on the position of the zoom lens. The focus can be determined depending on the position of the AF lens.

[0145] The actuator can be driven by drive signals from the control unit (13) and the drive unit (14). The control unit (13) can generate a drive signal through a control value generated from the PID controller (11). The control unit (13) can be a driver IC. The drive signal generated from the control unit (13) can be a drive current.

[0146] The driving unit (14) is configured to move the actuator and may include a coil and a magnet. When a driving current is applied to the coil from the driving unit (14), the actuator can move by the electromagnetic interaction between the coil and the magnet.

[0147] The position sensor (15) detects the position of the lens (or lens module). The position sensor (15) can be driven by power supplied from the control unit (13). The position sensor (15) may be a Hall sensor. The position sensor (15) can detect the position of the lens (or lens module) by detecting the position of a magnet arranged in the lens module. The position information of the lens detected by the position sensor (15) can be transmitted to the control unit (13). The control unit (13) can perform feedback control to generate a driving signal again through the position information of the lens detected by the position sensor (15).

[0148] The PID controller (11) can perform a PID control operation based on an error value, which is the difference between the target position and the current position of the lens, a first value, which is a preset proportional gain (P gain), a second value, which is an integral gain (I gain), and a third value, which is a differential gain (D gain). At this time, the target position of the lens may be information received from the control unit (13), and the current position of the lens may be information on the position of the lens detected through the position sensor (15). Since the PID control operation is a matter obvious to those skilled in the art, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0149] The parameter generation unit (12) can adjust at least one of the proportional gain, the integral gain, and the differential gain according to the control section of the lens. Referring to Fig. 19, the movement operation of the lens operates according to the unit step response of the second-order system, and is performed in the form that the lens quickly reaches the target position, then an overshoot occurs, and the vibration decreases near the target position. In the PID control operation, the influence of the integral gain, the proportional gain, and the differential gain may increase in that order. In the PID control operation, the size of the integral gain may have the greatest influence on the slope oscillation.

[0150] The parameter generation unit (12) can adjust at least one of the first value and the second value to be larger when the lens is in the initial movement operation. The parameter generation unit (12) can adjust the proportional gain and the integral gain to be larger than the preset first value and the second value, respectively, when the lens is in the initial movement operation. The parameter generation unit (12) can adjust at least one of the first value and the second value to be smaller after the lens reaches the target position. The parameter generation unit (12) can adjust the proportional gain and the integral gain to be smaller than the preset first value and the second value, respectively, after the lens reaches the target position.

[0151] The control section of the lens may include a first section (A of FIG. 17) in which the lens reaches a target position from an initial position, and a second section (B of FIG. 17) in which the movement of the lens ends after the first section.

[0152] The parameter generation unit (12) can adjust at least one of the first value and the second value to be larger when the current position of the lens is in the first section. The parameter generation unit (12) can adjust the proportional gain and the integral gain to be larger than the preset first value and the second value, respectively, when the current position of the lens is in the first section. The parameter generation unit (12) can adjust at least one of the first value and the second value to be smaller when the current position of the lens is in the second section. The parameter generation unit (12) can adjust the proportional gain and the integral gain to be smaller than the preset first value and the second value, respectively, when the current position of the lens is in the second section.

[0153] According to a modified example, the parameter generation unit (12) can adjust at least one of the proportional gain, the integral gain, and the differential gain according to the error value. If the error value is greater than a first error value set in advance, the parameter generation unit (12) can adjust at least one of the first value and the second value to be large. If the error value is less than the first error value set in advance, the parameter generation unit (12) can adjust at least one of the first value and the second value to be small.

[0154] Here, the preset first error value may mean about 20 to about 30 when the error value, which is the difference between the initial position and the target position, is 100. The numbers are merely exemplary and are not particularly limited thereto.

[0155] In this way, if the proportional gain and integral gain are adjusted significantly during the initial operation of the lens or when the error value is large, the error value converges to zero faster than in the conventional control operation. On the other hand, if the proportional gain and integral gain are adjusted small after the lens reaches the target position or when the error value is small, the overshoot is reduced and the target position can be reached stably.

[0156] The range of the existing lens stroke was about 10 um to about 3000 um, but according to the present embodiment, the lens stroke range, such as that of a continuous zoom camera module, can stably satisfy the target driving speed of about 15 um / sec to about 60 um / sec even at about 10 um to about 5000 um.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 18, the parameter generation unit (12) can adjust at least one of the first value, the second value, and the third value in a log scale according to the error value. That is, the parameter generation unit (12) can adjust the gain so that the increase in the variable gain value becomes smaller as the error value increases. Alternatively, the parameter generation unit (12) can adjust the first value and the second value according to the position of the lens or the error value according to the log scale.

[0158]

[0159] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0160] As illustrated in FIG. 19, the mobile terminal (1500) of the embodiment may include a camera module (1000), a flash module (1530), and an autofocus device (1510) provided on the rear.

[0161] The camera module (1000) may include an image capturing function and an autofocus function. For example, the camera module (1000) may include an image-based autofocus function. The camera module (1000) processes still or moving image frames obtained by the image sensor in a shooting mode or a video call mode.

[0162] The processed image frame can be displayed on a predetermined display unit and stored in memory. A camera (not shown) may also be positioned on the front of the mobile terminal body. For example, the camera module (1000) may include a first camera module (1000A) and a second camera module (1000B), and the first camera module (1000A) may implement OIS along with AF or zoom functions.

[0163] The flash module (1530) may include a light-emitting element that emits light internally. The flash module (1530) may be operated by the camera operation of the mobile terminal or by the user's control.

[0164] The autofocus device (1510) may include one of the packages of surface-emitting laser elements as a light-emitting unit. The autofocus device (1510) may include an autofocus function using a laser. The autofocus device (1510) may be mainly used in conditions where the autofocus function using the image of the camera module (1000) is degraded, such as at a close range of 10 m or less or in a dark environment. The autofocus device (1510) may include a light-emitting unit including a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) semiconductor element, and a light-receiving unit that converts light energy into electrical energy, such as a photodiode.

[0165]

[0166] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied. Fig. 20 is an exterior view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle driving assistance device to which a camera module (1000) according to an embodiment is applied.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 20, the vehicle (700) of the embodiment may be equipped with wheels (13FL, 13FR) that rotate by a power source and a predetermined sensor. The sensor may be a camera sensor (2000), but is not limited thereto.

[0168] The camera (2000) may be a camera sensor to which a camera module (1000) according to an embodiment is applied. The vehicle (700) according to the embodiment can obtain image information through the camera sensor (2000) that captures a front image or a surrounding image, and can use the image information to determine a lane non-identification situation and create a virtual lane when the lane is not identified.

[0169] The camera sensor (2000) captures the front of the vehicle (700) to obtain a front image, and a processor (not shown) can analyze objects included in the front image to obtain image information. If objects such as a center divider, curb, or street tree corresponding to a lane, adjacent vehicle, traffic obstruction, or indirect road marking are captured in the image captured by the camera sensor (2000), the processor can detect these objects and include them in the image information. At this time, the processor can obtain distance information to the object detected through the camera sensor (2000) to further supplement the image information.

[0170] The image information may be information about an object captured in the image. The camera sensor (2000) may include an image sensor and an image processing module. The camera sensor (2000) may process still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD).

[0171] The image processing module can process still images or videos acquired through an image sensor, extract necessary information, and transmit the extracted information to the processor. At this time, the camera sensor (2000) may include a stereo camera to improve object measurement accuracy and secure more information, such as the distance between the vehicle (700) and the object, but is not limited thereto.

[0172]

[0173] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above-described description. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A first housing including a fixed lens; A second housing coupled with the first housing; An actuator disposed within the second housing; A coil and a driving magnet that move the actuator in the optical axis direction; A first guide magnet arranged on the above actuator; and A camera module comprising a second guide magnet disposed within the second housing and facing the first guide magnet.

2. In paragraph 1, A camera module in which a portion of the first guide magnet and a portion of the second guide magnet facing each other have the same polarity.

3. In paragraph 1, A camera module in which the length of the first guide magnet in the optical axis direction is shorter than the length of the second guide magnet.

4. In paragraph 1, The above actuator includes a lens holder in which a lens is placed and a magnet holder in which the driving magnet is placed, A camera module wherein the above driving magnet includes areas having different poles along the optical axis direction.

5. In paragraph 4, The first guide magnet includes a first-first guide magnet arranged adjacent to an area having an N pole among the driving magnets, and a first-second guide magnet arranged adjacent to an area having an S pole among the driving magnets. A camera module wherein the first-first guide magnet has a N pole and the first-second guide magnet has a S pole.

6. In paragraph 5, A camera module including a second guide magnet, the second guide magnet being positioned to face the first guide magnet, and a second guide magnet being positioned to face the first guide magnet.

7. In paragraph 1, The inner surface of the second housing includes first and second guide portions on which the second guide magnet is arranged and which are spaced apart from each other, A camera module in which the coil and the driving magnet are positioned between the first and second guide portions.

8. In paragraph 7, The above second guide magnet includes a second-first guide magnet and a second-second guide magnet which are arranged in the first guide section and are spaced apart from each other and have different poles, The above second guide magnet is a camera module including a second-third guide magnet and a second-fourth guide magnet that are arranged in the second guide section and have different poles and are spaced apart from each other.

9. In paragraph 2, Including a substrate bonded to the outer surface of the second housing, A camera module in which the coil is disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the substrate.

10. In paragraph 1, A first stopper portion is arranged on one side of the first housing facing the second housing, In the second housing, a second stopper part is arranged on the inner surface opposite to where the first housing is arranged, A camera module in which the maximum stroke length of the actuator is equal to or less than the length between the first stopper portion and the second stopper portion in the optical axis direction.

Images