Camera actuator and camera module comprising same

Abstract

An embodiment discloses a camera actuator comprising: a housing; a plurality of lens assemblies; a substrate disposed in the housing; and a first yoke and a second yoke disposed on the substrate, wherein the first yoke includes a first region and a second region disposed in a first direction, and the width of the first region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is greater than the width of the second region in the second direction.

Description

Camera actuator and camera module including the same

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

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

[0003] At this time, if the lens assembly is driven in the direction of the optical axis, a problem of insufficient driving power of the lens assembly may occur.

[0004] The present invention provides a camera actuator having increased durability and increased bonding strength between components and a camera module including the same.

[0005] Additionally, a camera actuator with increased driving force and a camera module including the same are provided.

[0006] The problem to be solved in the embodiment is not limited to this, and it can be said that the purpose or effect that can be understood from the solution or embodiment of the problem described below is also included.

[0007] A camera actuator according to an embodiment comprises a housing; a plurality of lens assemblies; a substrate disposed in the housing; and a first yoke and a second yoke disposed on the substrate, wherein the first yoke includes a first region and a second region disposed in a first direction, and a width of the first region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction may be greater than a width of the second region in the second direction.

[0008] The plurality of lens assemblies may include a first lens assembly disposed on the outside of the housing, the first region may be an region adjacent to the first lens assembly, and the second region may be an region spaced apart from the first lens assembly.

[0009] The plurality of lens assemblies may include a second lens assembly disposed at a rear end of the first lens assembly and a third lens assembly disposed at a rear end of the second lens assembly, wherein the first yoke may be adjacent to the third lens assembly and the second yoke may be adjacent to the second lens assembly.

[0010] The width in the first direction of the first region may be smaller than the width in the first direction of the second region.

[0011] The first region may include a first-1 region and a first-2 region that do not overlap with the second region in the first direction.

[0012] The above 1-1 region and the above 1-2 region can be spaced apart in the second direction.

[0013] The first yoke and the second yoke may be spaced apart in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0014] The width of the second yoke in the second direction may be greater than the width of the second region of the first yoke in the second direction.

[0015] The camera actuator according to the embodiment further includes a driving magnet arranged in the third lens assembly, and when the third lens assembly is located closest to the first lens assembly, the first region of the first yoke may not overlap the center of the driving magnet in the third direction.

[0016] The width in the second direction of the first region may be 3 mm to 4 mm.

[0017] The width in the second direction of the above-mentioned 1-1 region may be 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0018] The width in the first direction of the first region may be 4.8 mm to 5.2 mm, and the width in the first direction of the second region may be 15 mm to 17 mm.

[0019] The first yoke may include the first region and a third region spaced apart in the first direction, and the second region may be disposed between the first region and the third region.

[0020] The first region includes a 1-1 region that does not overlap with the second region in the first direction, the third region includes a 3-1 region that does not overlap with the second region in the first direction, and the 1-1 region and the 3-1 region can overlap with each other in the first direction.

[0021] The width in the first direction of the first region and the third region may be 5 mm to 6 mm, and the width in the first direction of the second region may be 10 mm to 11 mm.

[0022] The substrate may further include a drive coil disposed on the inside, and the first region of the first yoke may include a region overlapping the drive coil in the third direction and a region not overlapping the drive coil in the third direction.

[0023] According to an embodiment, a camera actuator having increased durability and increased bonding strength between components and a camera module including the same can be provided.

[0024] In addition, a camera actuator with increased driving force and a camera module including the same can be provided.

[0025] The various advantageous and beneficial effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described contents, and will be more easily understood in the course of explaining specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment;

[0027] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment;

[0028] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module cut along line AA' in Fig. 1.

[0029] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a camera actuator according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a camera actuator according to an embodiment;

[0031] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the camera actuator cut along line BB' in Fig. 4,

[0032] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a camera actuator according to an embodiment, excluding the housing;

[0033] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a housing of a camera actuator according to an embodiment;

[0034] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the substrate and yoke of the camera actuator according to the embodiment;

[0035] Figures 10 and 11 are side views of the substrate and yoke of the camera actuator according to the embodiment;

[0036] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a camera actuator according to another embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a camera actuator according to another embodiment, excluding the housing;

[0038] FIG. 14 is a side view of a substrate and yoke of a camera actuator according to another embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0040] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0041] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0042] 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.

[0043] In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

[0044] Additionally, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used.

[0047] These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the component.

[0048] And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' to another component, it may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, coupled or connected to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

[0049] Additionally, when described as being formed or arranged "above or below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Furthermore, when expressed as "above" or "below", it can include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction based on one component.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module taken along line AA' in FIG. 1.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a camera module (1000) according to an embodiment may be composed of a cover (CV), a first camera actuator (1100), a second camera actuator (1200), and a circuit board (1300). Here, the first camera actuator (1100) may be used interchangeably as a first actuator, and the second camera actuator (1200) may be used interchangeably as a second actuator.

[0052] The cover (CV) can cover the first camera actuator (1100) and the second camera actuator (1200). The coupling force between the first camera actuator (1100) and the second camera actuator (1200) can be improved by the cover (CV).

[0053] Furthermore, the cover (CV) may be made of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves. Accordingly, the first camera actuator (1100) and the second camera actuator (1200) within the cover (CV) can be easily protected.

[0054] And the first camera actuator (1100) may be an OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) actuator. For example, the first camera actuator (1100) may move an optical member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0055] The first camera actuator (1100) may include a fixed focal length lens arranged in a predetermined barrel (not shown). The fixed focal length lens may also be referred to as a “single focal length lens” or “single lens.”

[0056] The first camera actuator (1100) can change the path of light. In an embodiment, the first camera actuator (1100) can vertically change the path of light through an internal optical member (e.g., a prism or mirror). With this configuration, even if the thickness of the mobile terminal is reduced, a lens configuration larger than the thickness of the mobile terminal can be placed within the mobile terminal through the change in the path of light, thereby performing magnification, auto-focusing (AF), and optical image stabilization (OIS) functions.

[0057] However, it is not limited thereto, and the first camera actuator (1100) can change the optical path vertically or at a predetermined angle multiple times.

[0058] The second camera actuator (1200) may be positioned behind the first camera actuator (1100). The second camera actuator (1200) may be coupled to the first camera actuator (1100). The coupling between the two may be achieved in various ways.

[0059] Additionally, the second camera actuator (1200) may be a zoom actuator or an auto focus (AF) actuator. For example, the second camera actuator (1200) may support one or more lenses and move the lenses according to a control signal from a predetermined control unit to perform an auto focus function or a zoom function. In addition, one or more lenses may independently or individually move along the optical axis direction to perform AF.

[0060] The circuit board (1300) may be placed at the rear end of the second camera actuator (1200). The circuit board (1300) may be electrically connected to the second camera actuator (1200) and the first camera actuator (1100). In addition, there may be a plurality of circuit boards (1300). The circuit board (1300) may include an image sensor (IS), and the image sensor (IS) may be fixed inside the camera module (1000). In addition, the circuit board (1300) may be electrically connected to another sensor module within the terminal or a processor of the terminal. Through this, the above-described camera actuator and the camera module including the same may transmit and receive various signals within the terminal. The circuit board (1300) may include a circuit board having a wiring pattern that can be electrically connected, such as a rigid printed circuit board (Rigid PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (Flexible PCB), or a rigid flexible printed circuit board (Rigid Flexible PCB). However, the present invention is not limited to these types.

[0061] A camera module according to an embodiment may be comprised of a single or multiple camera modules. For example, the multiple camera modules may include a first camera module and a second camera module.

[0062] And the first camera module may include a single or multiple actuators. For example, the first camera module may include a first camera actuator (1100) and a second camera actuator (1200).

[0063] And the second camera module may be placed in a predetermined housing (not shown) and may include an actuator (not shown) capable of driving a lens unit. The actuator may be a voice coil motor, a micro actuator, a silicon actuator, etc., and may be applied in various ways such as an electrostatic method, a thermal method, a bimorph method, an electrostatic force method, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, the camera actuator may be referred to as an actuator or the like in the present specification. In addition, a camera module composed of a plurality of camera modules may be mounted in various electronic devices such as a mobile terminal.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, a camera module according to an embodiment may include a first camera actuator (1100) having an OIS function and a second camera actuator (1200) having a zooming function and an AF function.

[0065] Light can be incident into the camera module or the first camera actuator through an opening area located on the upper surface of the first camera actuator (1100). That is, the light is incident into the interior of the first camera actuator (1100) along an optical axis direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and the optical path can be changed to a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) through an optical member. Then, the light can pass through the second camera actuator (1200) and be incident on an image sensor (IS) located at one end of the second camera actuator (1200) (PATH).

[0066] In this specification, the bottom means one side in the first direction. And the first direction is the Z-axis direction in the drawing and can be used interchangeably with the first-axis direction, etc. The second direction is the Y-axis direction in the drawing and can be used interchangeably with the second-axis direction, etc. The second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. In addition, the third direction is the X-axis direction in the drawing and can be used interchangeably with the third-axis direction, etc. And the third direction is a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. Here, the first direction (Z-axis direction) corresponds to the optical axis direction, and the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the third direction (X-axis direction) are directions perpendicular to the optical axis and can be tilted by the first camera actuator. In addition, in the description of the first camera actuator (1100) below, the optical axis direction is the first direction (Z-axis direction), and the description below is based on this.

[0067] Additionally, in the present specification, the inner side may be a direction toward the first camera actuator in the cover (CV), and the outer side may be a direction opposite to the inner side. That is, the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator may be located inside the cover (CV), and the cover (CV) may be located outside the first camera actuator or the second camera actuator. Additionally, in the present specification, the inner side may be a direction toward the first or second camera actuator in the bracket or shield can described later, and the outer side may be a direction opposite to the inner side.

[0068] And by this configuration, the camera module according to the embodiment can improve the spatial limitations of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator by changing the light path. That is, the camera module according to the embodiment can expand the light path while minimizing the thickness of the camera module in response to the change in the light path. Furthermore, it should be understood that the second camera actuator can also provide a high range of magnification by controlling the focus, etc. in the expanded light path.

[0069] In addition, the camera module according to the embodiment can implement OIS by controlling the optical path through the first camera actuator, thereby minimizing the occurrence of decent or tilt phenomena and producing the best optical characteristics.

[0070] Furthermore, the second camera actuator (1200) may include an optical system and a lens driving unit. For example, the second camera actuator (1200) may be configured with at least one of a first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, a third lens assembly, and a guide pin. In addition, the second camera actuator (1200) may be configured with a coil and a magnet to perform a high-magnification zooming function.

[0071] For example, the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly may be moving lenses that move via coils, magnets, and guide pins, and the third lens assembly may be a fixed lens, but is not limited thereto. For example, the third lens assembly may function as a focal point that focuses light at a specific location, and the first lens assembly may function as a variator that refocuses the image focused by the third lens assembly, which is a focal point, at another location. Meanwhile, in the first lens assembly, the distance to the subject or the image distance may change significantly, resulting in a large change in magnification, and the first lens assembly, which is a variator, may play an important role in the change in the focal length or magnification of the optical system. Meanwhile, the image point focused by the first lens assembly, which is a variator, may have a slight difference depending on the location. Accordingly, the second lens assembly may function to compensate for the position of the image focused by the variator. For example, the second lens assembly may perform a compensator function that accurately focuses the point of interest formed by the first lens assembly, which is a variable lens assembly, on the actual image sensor position. For example, the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly may be driven by an electromagnetic force resulting from the interaction of a coil and a magnet. The above-described content may be applied to the lens assemblies described later. In addition, the first lens assembly to the third lens assembly may move along the optical axis direction, i.e., the third direction. In addition, the first lens assembly to the third lens assembly may move independently or dependently in the third direction.

[0072] Meanwhile, when an actuator for OIS and an actuator for AF or Zoom are arranged according to an embodiment of the present invention, magnetic interference with the magnet for AF or Zoom can be prevented when the OIS is driven. Since the first driving magnet of the first camera actuator (1100) is arranged separately from the second camera actuator (1200), magnetic interference between the first camera actuator (1100) and the second camera actuator (1200) can be prevented. In this specification, OIS can be used interchangeably with terms such as shake correction, optical image stabilization, optical image correction, and shake correction.

[0073] Hereinafter, in the description of FIGS. 4 to 14, the camera actuator may correspond to the second camera actuator in the camera module of FIGS. 1 to 3. That is, in the description of FIGS. 4 to 14 below, the camera actuator may correspond to an AF actuator.

[0074] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a camera actuator according to an embodiment, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a camera actuator according to an embodiment, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the camera actuator taken along line BB' in FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a camera actuator according to an embodiment excluding a housing, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a housing of a camera actuator according to an embodiment.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 8, the camera actuator (1200) may include a housing (1210), a first lens assembly (1220), a second lens assembly (1230), a third lens assembly (1240), a driving unit (1250), a substrate (1260), a yoke (1270), a housing cover (1280), and a stopper unit (S).

[0076] In addition, as described below, the lens group can move along the optical axis direction. And the lens group can move together along the optical axis direction by being combined with the lens assembly. At this time, the camera actuator may include a moving part that moves in the optical axis direction like the lens group, and a fixed part that is relatively fixed but does not move along the optical axis direction unlike the moving part. In the present embodiment, the moving part may include a lens assembly (e.g., a second and a third lens assemblies) and a driving magnet (a first and a second driving magnet). And the fixed part may include a housing, a substrate, a driving coil (a first and a second coil), and a Hall sensor. Furthermore, a driving magnet may be arranged on one of the moving part and the fixed part, and a driving coil may be arranged on the other. In response to this description, the moving distance of the lens assembly described below may correspond to the moving distance of the moving part.

[0077] The housing (1210) may constitute an outer wall of the camera actuator (1200). A housing cover (1280) may be disposed on one surface of the housing (1210). The housing (1210) may include a second lens assembly (1230), a third lens assembly (1240), a driving unit (1250), and a stopper unit (S). A surface of the housing (1100) perpendicular to the first direction may include an opening. A surface of the housing (1100) parallel to the first direction may include a coil groove. A first lens assembly (1220), a substrate (1260), a yoke (1270), and a housing cover (1280) may be disposed on the outside of the housing (1210). The housing cover (1280) may be disposed on the first side (S1) of the housing (1210). The housing cover (1280) can be positioned on the first side (S1) of the housing (1210) and coupled with the first lens assembly (1220). The housing cover (1280) can secure the first lens assembly (1220).

[0078] A stopper portion (S) may be arranged on the inside of the housing (1210). The stopper portion (S) may include a plurality of stoppers. The stopper portion (S) may be arranged on the second side (S2) of the housing (12100). In addition, the stopper portion (S) may be arranged on the housing cover (1280). The stopper portion (S) may be arranged at both ends of the stroke range of the lens assembly to prevent the lens assembly from colliding with the housing. The stopper portion (S) may overlap the lens assembly in the first direction.

[0079] The housing (1210) may include first to sixth sides (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6). The first side (S1) may be a side through which light is incident from the outside. A housing cover (1280) may be disposed on the first side (S1). The first side (S1) may include an opening through which light is incident. The second side (S2) is a side facing the first side (S1) and may be a side through which an image sensor is disposed. The second side (S2) may include an opening through which light can be incident on the image sensor. A stopper part (P) may be disposed on the inside of the second side (S2). The first side (S1) and the second side (S2) may be perpendicular to the first direction. A first driving coil (1251a) and a second driving coil (1251b) may be disposed on the third side (S3) and the fourth side (S4), respectively. The third side (S3) may be adjacent to the second lens assembly (1230), and the fourth side (S4) may be adjacent to the third lens assembly (1240). A substrate (1260) may be disposed on the outer side of the third side (S3) and the fourth side (S4). The third side (S3) and the fourth side (S4) may include a coil groove in which a coil is disposed. The third side (S3) and the fourth side (S4) may be perpendicular to the third direction. Rails along which the second lens assembly (1220) and the third lens assembly (1240) move may be disposed on the inner side of the third side (S3) and the fourth side (S4), respectively. A substrate (1260) may be placed on the outer side of the fifth side (S5). The fifth side (S5) may include a groove in which the substrate (1260) is placed. The fifth side (S5) and the sixth side (S6) may be perpendicular to the second direction.

[0080] The camera actuator (1200) may include a first lens assembly (1220), a second lens assembly (1230), and a third lens assembly (1240). The first lens assembly (1220), the second lens assembly (1230), and the third lens assembly (1240) may be sequentially arranged along a first direction (optical axis direction). The first lens assembly (1220), the second lens assembly (1230), and the third lens assembly (1240) may each include a lens group including at least one lens. The lens groups may each be coupled to a lens barrel of the lens assembly.

[0081] The first lens assembly (1220) may be fixed on the camera actuator (1200). That is, the first lens assembly (1220) may not move along the first direction. The first lens assembly (1220) may be coupled with the housing cover (1280). The first lens assembly (1220) may be positioned and fixed on the housing cover (1280). Epoxy may be positioned between the first lens assembly (1220) and the housing cover (1280). The first lens assembly (1220) may be coupled with a protective cover (1221). The protective cover (1221) may be positioned on the first lens assembly (1220) to protect the first lens assembly (1220).

[0082] The second lens assembly (1230) and the third lens assembly (1240) can move in a first direction within the housing (1210). The third lens assembly (1240) can be disposed at the rear end of the second lens assembly (1230). The third lens assembly (1240) can be disposed between the second lens assembly (1230) and the image sensor. The second lens assembly (1230) and the third lens assembly (1240) can move in the first direction by the driving unit (1250). The second lens assembly (1230) can receive driving force from the first driving unit, and the third lens assembly (1240) can receive driving force from the second driving unit. The second lens assembly (1230) can be coupled to the first magnet yoke (Y1) and the first driving magnet (1252a). The first magnet yoke (Y1) can fix the first driving magnet (1252a) on the second lens assembly (1230). The third lens assembly (1240) can be coupled with the second magnet yoke (Y2) and the second driving magnet (1252b). The second magnet yoke (Y2) can fix the second driving magnet (1252b) on the third lens assembly (1240). The second lens assembly (1230) and the third lens assembly (1240) can each include a driving rail facing the rail of the housing (1210). A plurality of balls can be arranged between the driving rails of the second lens assembly (1230) and the third lens assembly (1240) and the rail of the housing (1210). A first ball (B1) may be placed between the second lens assembly (1230) and the driving rail, and a second ball (B2) may be placed between the third lens assembly (1240) and the driving rail. Each of the first ball (B1) and the second ball (B2) may include a plurality of balls.

[0083] The driving unit (1250) may include a first driving unit and a second driving unit. The first driving unit may provide a driving force to move the second lens assembly (1230) along a first direction. In addition, the second driving unit may provide a driving force to move the third lens assembly (1240) along the first direction. The driving unit may include a driving coil and a driving magnet. The driving coil may be disposed on a substrate (1260), and the driving magnet may be disposed on the lens assembly. In addition, the driving unit may include a plurality of Hall sensors. The plurality of Hall sensors may be disposed on the inside or outside of the driving coil.

[0084] The first driving unit may include a first driving coil (1251a) and a first driving magnet (1252a). The first driving unit may be disposed adjacent to a third side (S3) of the housing (1210). The first driving coil (1251a) may be disposed on a first sub-substrate (1260a) of the substrate (1260). The first driving coil (1251a) may include a plurality of coils disposed in a first direction. The first driving magnet (1252a) may be disposed on a second lens assembly (1230). The first driving magnet (1252a) may be fixed on a first magnet yoke (Y1) of the second lens assembly (1230). The first driving magnet (1252a) may be disposed adjacent to the first driving coil (1251a). Additionally, the first driving unit may include a first Hall sensor (1253a). The first Hall sensor (1253a) may be placed on the inner or outer side of the first driving coil (1251a).

[0085] The second driving unit may include a second driving coil (1251b) and a second driving magnet (1252b). The second driving unit may be disposed adjacent to the fourth side (S4) of the housing (1210). The second driving coil (1251b) may be disposed on a second sub-substrate (1260b) of the substrate (1260). The second driving coil (1251b) may include a plurality of coils disposed in a first direction. The second driving magnet (1252b) may be disposed on the third lens assembly (1240). The second driving magnet (1252b) may be fixed on the second magnet yoke (Y2) of the third lens assembly (1240). The second driving magnet (1252b) may be disposed adjacent to the second driving coil (1251b). Additionally, the second driving unit may include a second Hall sensor (1253b). The second Hall sensor (1253b) may be placed on the inner or outer side of the second driving coil (1251b).

[0086] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a substrate and a yoke of a camera actuator according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are side views of a substrate and a yoke of a camera actuator according to an embodiment.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7 and 9 to 11, the camera actuator (1200) may include a substrate (1260) and a yoke (1270).

[0088] The substrate (1260) may be placed in the housing (1210). The substrate (1260) may be placed on the outside of the housing (1210). A driver IC (not shown), a drive coil (1251a, 1251b), and a hall sensor (1253a, 1253b) may be placed on the inside of the substrate (1260). The substrate (1260) may supply power required to drive the lens assembly. In addition, the substrate (1260) may transmit information of an optical signal from the driver IC to the drive coil. The substrate (1260) may be placed on the third to fifth sides (S3, S4, S5) of the housing (1210). A yoke (1270) may be placed on the outside of the substrate (1260).

[0089] The substrate (1260) may include a first sub-substrate (1261), a second sub-substrate (1262), and a third sub-substrate (123). The first sub-substrate (1261) may be disposed on a third side (S3) of the housing (1210). A first drive coil (1251a) and a first hall sensor (1253a) may be disposed on the inner side of the first sub-substrate (1261). The first sub-substrate (1261) may be adjacent to the second lens assembly (1230). The first sub-substrate (1261) may extend in a first direction. The first sub-substrate (1261) may be disposed perpendicular to the third direction. The second sub-substrate (1262) may be disposed on a fourth side (S4) of the housing (1210). A second drive coil (1251b) and a second hall sensor (1253b) may be disposed on the inner side of the second sub-substrate (1262). The second sub-substrate (1262) may be adjacent to the third lens assembly (1240). The second sub-substrate (1262) may extend in the first direction. The second sub-substrate (1262) may be disposed perpendicular to the third direction. The first sub-substrate (1261) and the second sub-substrate (1262) may be disposed in parallel and spaced apart from each other in the third direction. The third sub-substrate (123) may be disposed on the fifth side (S5) of the housing (1210). The third sub-substrate (123) may be disposed between the first sub-substrate (1261) and the second sub-substrate (1262). The third sub-substrate (123) may be a connecting substrate connecting the first sub-substrate (1261) and the second sub-substrate (1262). The third sub-substrate (123) may extend in a third direction. The third sub-substrate (123) may be arranged perpendicular to the second direction.

[0090] The yoke (1270) may be disposed on the substrate (1260). The yoke (1270) may be disposed on the outer side of the substrate (1260). The yoke (1270) and the drive coils (1251a, 1251b) may be disposed on opposite surfaces of the substrate (1260). That is, the yoke (1270) and the drive coils (1251a, 1251b) may be spaced apart in a third direction. The yoke (1270) may form an attractive force with an adjacent drive magnet to maintain the posture of the lens assembly. That is, the yoke (1270) may provide a holding force for the moving assembly. The yoke (1270) may include a first yoke (1271) and a second yoke (1272). The first yoke (1271) and the second yoke (1272) can be spaced apart in the third direction.

[0091] The first yoke (1271) may be disposed on the second sub-substrate (1262). The first yoke (1271) may be adjacent to the third lens assembly (1240). The first yoke (1271) may overlap the second drive coil (1251b) or the second drive magnet (1252b) in a third direction. The first yoke (1271) may extend in the first direction. The first yoke (1271) may be disposed perpendicular to the third direction. The first yoke (1271) may have a constant width in the first direction and the second direction.

[0092] The second yoke (1272) may be disposed on the first sub-substrate (1261). The second yoke (1272) may be adjacent to the second lens assembly (1230). The second yoke (1272) may overlap the first drive coil (1251a) or the first drive magnet (1252a) in a third direction. The second yoke (1272) may extend in the first direction. The second yoke (1272) may be disposed perpendicular to the third direction. The second yoke (1272) may have a constant width in the first direction and the second direction. The width of the second yoke (1272) in the second direction may be constant.

[0093] The first yoke (1271) may include a first region (1271a) and a second region (1271b). The first region (1271a) and the second region (1271b) may be arranged in a first direction. That is, the first region (1271a) and the second region (1271b) may be two regions arranged in the first direction of the first yoke (1271). The first region (1271a) and the second region (1271b) may be two regions having different widths in the second direction. The first region (1271a) may be arranged above the second region (1271b). The first region (1271a) may be arranged above the second region (1271b) based on the first direction. That is, the first region (1271a) may be closer to the first lens assembly (1220) than the second region (1271b) based on the first direction. The distance between the first region (1271a) and the first lens assembly (1220) may be smaller than the distance between the second region (1271b) and the first lens assembly (1220). The second lens assembly (1230) and the third lens assembly (1240) may be closer to the first region (1271a) as they move in the direction toward the first lens assembly (1220). In addition, the second lens assembly (1230) and the third lens assembly (1240) may be further away from the first region (1271a) as they move away from the first lens assembly (1220).

[0094] The first region (1271a) may include a region that partially overlaps with the second drive coil (1251a) in the third direction and a region that partially does not overlap. In addition, the first region (1271a) may partially overlap with the first lens assembly (1220) in the third direction. When the second lens assembly (1230) and the third lens assembly (1240) are moved to the position closest to the first lens assembly (1220), the first region (1271a) may partially overlap with the second lens assembly (1230) and the third lens assembly (1240) in the third direction. In addition, when the third lens assembly (1240) is moved to the position closest to the first lens assembly (1220), the first region (1271a) may not overlap with the center of the second drive magnet (1252b).

[0095] The first region (1271a) and the second region (1271b) may each have a predetermined width in the second direction. The width (w1) of the first region (1271a) in the second direction and the width (w2) of the second region (1271b) in the second direction may be different. The width (w1) of the first region (1271a) in the second direction may be greater than the width (w2) of the second region (1271b) in the second direction. Accordingly, the two side surfaces of the first region (1271a) extending in the first direction may be closer to the two side surfaces of the second sub-substrate (1262) extending in the first direction than the two side surfaces of the second region (1271b) extending in the first direction. Since the width (w1) of the first region (1271a) in the second direction is greater than the width (w2) of the second region (1271b) in the second direction, the first region (1271a) may include a region that overlaps with the second region (1271b) in the first direction and a region that does not overlap with the second region (1271b) in the first direction. The width (w1) of the first region (1271a) in the second direction may be 3 mm to 4 mm. The yoke (1270) of the camera actuator (1200) may include the first region (1271a) and the second region (1271b) having different widths in the second direction, thereby forming a step of the yoke (1270), thereby generating a restoring force that attracts the driving magnet, and securing a margin of the driving force. In addition, since the second area (1271b) is positioned apart from the first lens assembly (1220), driving power in the tele mode can be secured during the AF driving process of the camera actuator.

[0096] The first region (1271a) and the second region (1271b) may each have a predetermined width in the first direction. The width (w3) of the first region (1271a) in the first direction and the width (w4) of the second region (1271b) in the first direction may be different. The width (w3) of the first region (1271a) in the first direction may be smaller than the width (w4) of the second region (1271b) in the first direction. Accordingly, the boundary portion where the first region (1271a) and the second region (1271b) meet may be located at a location where the second drive coil (1251b) overlaps with a coil adjacent to the first lens assembly (1220) in the third direction. The width (w3) of the first region (1271a) in the first direction may be 4.8 mm to 5.2 mm. Additionally, the width (w4) of the second region (1271b) in the first direction may be 15 mm to 17 mm. By positioning the second region (1271b) with a narrow width in the second direction adjacent to the second lens assembly (1230) and the third lens assembly (1240), driving power in the tele mode can be secured during the AF driving process of the camera actuator.

[0097] The first region (1271a) may include a first-first region (1271a1) that overlaps with the second region (1271b) in the first direction, and a first-second region (1271a2) that does not overlap with the second region (1271b) in the first direction. The first-first region (1271a1) and the first-second region (1271a2) may be regions that do not overlap with the second region (1271b) in the first direction. The first-first region (1271a1) and the first-second region (1271a2) may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The first-first region (1271a1) and the first-second region (1271a2) may have a constant width in the second direction. That is, the first-first region (1271a1) and the first-second region (1271a2) may be regions corresponding to the step portions of the first region (1271a) and the second region (1271b). The widths of the first-first region (1271a1) and the first-second region (1271a2) in the second direction may each be 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. The yoke (1270) of the camera actuator (1200) may form a step of the yoke (1270) by including the first-first region (1271a1) and the first-second region (1271a2), thereby generating a restoring force that attracts the driving magnet and securing a margin of the driving force.

[0098] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a camera actuator according to another embodiment, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a camera actuator according to another embodiment without a housing, and FIG. 14 is a side view of a substrate and a yoke of a camera actuator according to another embodiment.

[0099] In the following description of the camera actuator of FIGS. 12 to 14, any content that overlaps with the description of the camera actuator of FIGS. 4 to 11 will be omitted.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the first yoke (1271) of the camera actuator (1200) may include a first region (1271a) and a third region (1271c) spaced apart in a first direction. The third region (1271c) may be a region spaced apart in the first direction from the first region (1271a). The third region (1271c) may be positioned at the bottom of the second region (1271). That is, the third region (1271c) may be a region that is most spaced apart from the first lens assembly (1220). The distance between the first region (1271a) and the first lens assembly (1220) may be smaller than the distance between the third region (1271c) and the first lens assembly (1220). The second region (1271b) may be positioned between the first region (1271a) and the third region (1271c). The first region (1271a), the second region (1271b), and the third region (1271c) may each have a predetermined width in the first direction and the second direction.

[0101] The width (w1) in the second direction of the first region (1271a) and the width (w3) in the second direction of the third region (1271c) may be greater than the width (w2) in the second direction of the second region (1271b). In addition, the width (w4) in the first direction of the first region (1271a) and the width (w6) in the first direction of the third region (1271c) may be smaller than the width (w5) in the first direction of the second region (1271b). The width (w4) in the first direction of the first region (1271a) and the width (w6) in the first direction of the third region (1271c) may each be 5 mm to 6 mm. The width (w5) in the first direction of the second region (1271b) may be 10 mm to 11 mm.

[0102] The first region (1271a) may include a first-first region (1271a1) that does not overlap with the second region (1271b) in the first direction, and the third region (1271c) may include a third-first region (1271c1) that does not overlap with the second region (1271b) in the first direction. The first-first region (1271a1) and the third-first region (1271c1) may be regions that do not overlap with the second region (1271b) in the first direction. The first-first region (1271a1) and the third-first region (1271c1) may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The first-first region (1271a1) and the third-first region (1271c1) may overlap with each other in the first direction. The first-first region (1271a1) and the third-first region (1271c1) may each have a predetermined width in the second direction. The side surfaces of the first-first region (1271a1) and the third-first region (1271c1) adjacent to the third sub-substrate (1263) may extend in the first direction from the side surface of the second region (1271b) adjacent to the third sub-substrate (1263). That is, among the two side surfaces of the first region (1271a), the second region (1271b), and the third region (1271c) extending in the first direction, the side adjacent to the third sub-substrate (1263) may form one side surface. That is, the first-first region (1271a1) and the third-first region (1271c1) may be arranged at a position spaced apart from the fifth side surface (S5) of the housing (1210) and adjacent to the sixth side surface (S6). Accordingly, the first yoke (1271) may form a T-shape. The first yoke (1271) may include a first yoke groove arranged between the first region (1271a) and the third region (1271c). The first yoke groove may be arranged at a position further away from the third sub-substrate (1263) than the second region (1271b).The yoke (1270) of the camera actuator (1200) can form a step of the yoke (1270) by including a second region (1271b) that is narrow in the second direction, thereby generating a restoring force that attracts the driving magnet and securing a margin of driving force. In addition, the second region (1271b) is arranged in the middle of the stroke range of the second lens assembly (1230) and the third lens assembly (1240), thereby securing driving force during the AF driving process of the camera actuator.

[0103] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 15, the mobile terminal of the embodiment may include a camera module (1000), a flash module (1510), and an autofocus device (1530) provided on the rear.

[0105] The camera module (1000) may include an image capturing function and an autofocus function. For example, the camera module (1000) may include an autofocus function using an image.

[0106] The camera module (1000) processes still or moving image frames obtained by the image sensor in shooting mode or video call mode.

[0107] The processed image frame can be displayed on a predetermined display unit and stored in memory. A camera (not shown) may also be placed on the front of the mobile terminal body.

[0108] For example, the camera module (1000) may include a first camera module (1000A) and a second camera module (1000B), and the first camera module may be capable of implementing OIS together with AF or zoom functions. In addition, the second camera module may be capable of implementing AF, zoom, and OIS functions. In this case, since the first camera module includes both the OIS actuator and the camera actuator described above, miniaturization of the camera module can be easily achieved through changing the optical path.

[0109] The flash module (1510) may include a light-emitting element that emits light internally. The flash module (1510) may be operated by the camera operation of the mobile terminal or by the user's control.

[0110] The autofocus device (1530) may include one of the packages of surface-emitting laser elements as the light-emitting unit.

[0111] The autofocus device (1530) may include an autofocus function using a laser. The autofocus device (1530) may be primarily used in conditions where the autofocus function using the image of the camera module (1000) is degraded, such as at close ranges of 10 m or less or in dark environments.

[0112] The autofocus device (1530) 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.

[0113] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0114] For example, FIG. 16 is an exterior view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle driving assistance device to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 16, the vehicle (700) of the embodiment may be equipped with wheels (13FL, 13FR) that rotate by a power source and a predetermined sensor. The sensor may be a camera sensor (3000), but is not limited thereto.

[0116] The camera sensor (3000) may be a camera sensor to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied. The vehicle (700) of the embodiment can obtain image information through the camera sensor (3000) that captures a forward image or a surrounding image, and can use the image information to determine a lane non-identification situation and create a virtual lane when the lane is not identified.

[0117] For example, a camera sensor (3000) can capture a front image of a vehicle (700) and a processor (not shown) can analyze an object included in the front image to obtain image information.

[0118] For example, if objects such as a center divider, curb, or street tree, which correspond to a lane, adjacent vehicle, traffic obstruction, or indirect road marking, are captured in an image captured by a camera sensor (3000), the processor can detect these objects and include them in the image information. At this time, the processor can obtain distance information from the object detected by the camera sensor (3000) to further supplement the image information.

[0119] The image information may be information about an object captured in the image. The camera sensor (3000) may include an image sensor and an image processing module.

[0120] The camera sensor (3000) can process still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD).

[0121] 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.

[0122] At this time, the camera sensor (3000) may include a stereo camera to improve the measurement accuracy of the object and to secure more information such as the distance between the vehicle (700) and the object, but is not limited thereto.

[0123] Although the above description focuses on examples, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. In addition, differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Housing; Multiple lens assemblies; a substrate placed in the housing; and Including a first yoke and a second yoke arranged on the substrate, The first yoke includes a first region and a second region arranged in a first direction, A camera actuator having a width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the first region greater than a width in the second direction of the second region.

2. In paragraph 1, The plurality of lens assemblies include a first lens assembly disposed on the outside of the housing, A camera actuator wherein the first region is an region adjacent to the first lens assembly, and the second region is an region spaced apart from the first lens assembly.

3. In paragraph 2, The plurality of lens assemblies include a second lens assembly positioned at the rear end of the first lens assembly and a third lens assembly positioned at the rear end of the second lens assembly, The first yoke is adjacent to the third lens assembly, The second yoke is a camera actuator adjacent to the second lens assembly.

4. In paragraph 1, A camera actuator having a width in the first direction of the first region smaller than a width in the first direction of the second region.

5. In paragraph 1, A camera actuator comprising a first region and a first-second region that do not overlap with the second region in the first direction.

6. In paragraph 5, The above 1-1 region and the above 1-2 region are camera actuators spaced apart in the second direction.

7. In paragraph 3, The camera actuator wherein the first yoke and the second yoke are spaced apart in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

8. In paragraph 7, A camera actuator in which the width of the second yoke in the second direction is greater than the width of the second region of the first yoke in the second direction.

9. In paragraph 7, Further comprising a driving magnet disposed in the third lens assembly; If the third lens assembly is located closest to the first lens assembly, A camera actuator in which the first region of the first yoke does not overlap the center of the driving magnet in the third direction.

10. In paragraph 1, A camera actuator having a width of 3 mm to 4 mm in the second direction of the first region.

Images