Camera module comprising stopper and electronic device comprising same
The camera module design with orthogonal and axial carriers, magnets, and a stopper mechanism addresses focus and stabilization challenges, enhancing image capture quality.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/KR2025/099744
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-07-19
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing camera modules face challenges in efficiently adjusting focus and implementing image stabilization due to limitations in lens or image sensor movement mechanisms.
A camera module design incorporating a first and second carrier with orthogonal and axial movement, magnets, and a stopper mechanism to guide and stabilize lens or image sensor movement, enhancing focus adjustment and image stabilization.
The solution provides improved focus control and image stabilization, ensuring clearer and more stable image capture.
Smart Images

Figure KR2025099744_04122025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Camera module including a stopper and electronic device including the same
[0001] The disclosure generally relates to a camera module, for example, a camera module including a stopper. The disclosure also relates to an electronic device including a camera module.
[0002] Technologies are being developed to adjust the focus of a lens or implement image stabilization by moving the lens or image sensor in a specific direction.
[0003] The related art mentioned above is possessed or acquired in the process of deriving the present disclosure and cannot necessarily be said to be prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present disclosure.
[0004] A camera module may include a lens having an optical axis. The camera module may include a first carrier configured to carry the lens or the image sensor in directions substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. The camera module may include a second carrier configured to carry the lens or the image sensor in a direction along the optical axis. The camera module may include a first magnet disposed on the first carrier in a first direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. The camera module may include a second magnet disposed on the first carrier in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis and different from the first direction. The camera module may include a stopper disposed on the second carrier. The stopper may include a cover area that at least partially covers the second carrier. The stopper may include an open area connected to the cover area and overlapping with at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet.
[0005] A camera module may include a lens having an optical axis. The camera module may include an image sensor. The camera module may include a first carrier configured to carry the lens or the image sensor in directions substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. The camera module may include a second carrier configured to carry the lens or the image sensor in a direction along the optical axis. The camera module may include a first magnet disposed on the first carrier in a first direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. The camera module may include a second magnet disposed on the first carrier in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis and different from the first direction. The camera module may include at least one ball configured to guide the first carrier relative to the second carrier in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. The second carrier may include a first metal portion configured to support the at least one ball. The second carrier may include a second metal portion that attracts at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet. The first metal portion and the second metal portion may at least partially overlap each other when viewed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis.
[0006] The electronic device may include the camera module.
[0007] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a one-way electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an electronic device in another direction according to one embodiment.
[0012] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0013] Figure 6 is a plan view of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0014] Figure 7 is a side view of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0015] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a camera module with the camera cover omitted according to one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of the camera module of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of the camera module of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment.
[0019] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a first carrier according to one embodiment.
[0020] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a second carrier according to one embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a side view schematically illustrating the arrangement of balls between a first carrier and a second carrier according to one embodiment.
[0022] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a carrier of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a carrier of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a base frame of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0026] Figure 19 is a plan view of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of the camera module of FIG. 19 according to one embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0030] Figure 23 is a plan view of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of the camera module of FIG. 23 according to one embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module of FIG. 23 according to one embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of part E of the camera module of FIG. 24 according to one embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).
[0036] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.
[0037] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a part of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.
[0038] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., a processor (120) or a sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include a volatile memory (132) or a non-volatile memory (134).
[0039] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).
[0040] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).
[0041] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.
[0042] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.
[0043] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).
[0044] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.
[0045] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.
[0046] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).
[0047] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.
[0048] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.
[0049] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).
[0050] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.
[0051] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).
[0052] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.
[0053] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).
[0054] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.
[0055] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).
[0056] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.
[0057] Electronic devices according to the embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.
[0058] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.
[0059] The term "module" used in the embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
[0060] Embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.
[0061] According to one embodiment, the method according to the embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.
[0062] According to embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.
[0063] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, the camera module (180) may include a lens assembly (210), a flash (220), an image sensor (230), an image stabilizer (240), a memory (250) (e.g., a buffer memory), or an image signal processor (260). The lens assembly (210) may collect light emitted from a subject that is a target of image capturing. The lens assembly (210) may include one or more lenses. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include a plurality of lens assemblies (210). In this case, the camera module (180) may form, for example, a dual camera, a 360-degree camera, or a spherical camera. Some of the plurality of lens assemblies (210) may have the same lens properties (e.g., angle of view, focal length, autofocus, f-number, or optical zoom), or at least one lens assembly may have one or more lens properties that are different from the lens properties of the other lens assemblies. A lens assembly (210) may include, for example, a wide-angle lens or a telephoto lens.
[0065] The flash (220) can emit light used to enhance light emitted or reflected from a subject. According to one embodiment, the flash (220) can include one or more light-emitting diodes (e.g., red-green-blue (RGB) LED, white LED, infrared LED, or ultraviolet LED), or a xenon lamp. The image sensor (230) can acquire an image corresponding to the subject by converting light emitted or reflected from the subject and transmitted through the lens assembly (210) into an electrical signal. According to one embodiment, the image sensor (230) can include one image sensor selected from among image sensors having different properties, such as an RGB sensor, a black and white (BW) sensor, an IR sensor, or a UV sensor, a plurality of image sensors having the same property, or a plurality of image sensors having different properties. Each image sensor included in the image sensor (230) can be implemented using, for example, a CCD (charged coupled device) sensor or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor.
[0066] The image stabilizer (240) can move at least one lens or image sensor (230) included in the lens assembly (210) in a specific direction or control the operating characteristics of the image sensor (230) (e.g., adjusting the read-out timing, etc.) in response to the movement of the camera module (180) or the electronic device (101) including the same. This allows compensating for at least some of the negative effects of the movement on the captured image. In one embodiment, the image stabilizer (240) can detect such movement of the camera module (180) or the electronic device (101) by using a gyro sensor (not shown) or an acceleration sensor (not shown) disposed inside or outside the camera module (180). In one embodiment, the image stabilizer (240) can be implemented as, for example, an optical image stabilizer. The memory (250) can temporarily store at least a portion of the image acquired through the image sensor (230) for the next image processing task. For example, when image acquisition is delayed due to the shutter, or when multiple images are acquired at high speed, the acquired original image (e.g., a Bayer-patterned image or a high-resolution image) is stored in the memory (250), and a corresponding copy image (e.g., a low-resolution image) can be previewed through the display module (160). Thereafter, when a specified condition is satisfied (e.g., a user input or a system command), at least a portion of the original image stored in the memory (250) can be acquired and processed, for example, by the image signal processor (260). According to one embodiment, the memory (250) can be configured as at least a portion of the memory (130) or as a separate memory that operates independently therefrom.
[0067] The image signal processor (260) can perform one or more image processing operations on an image acquired through an image sensor (230) or an image stored in a memory (250). The one or more image processing operations may include, for example, depth map generation, 3D modeling, panorama generation, feature point extraction, image synthesis, or image compensation (e.g., noise reduction, resolution adjustment, brightness adjustment, blurring, sharpening, or softening). Additionally or alternatively, the image signal processor (260) may perform control (e.g., exposure time control, read-out timing control, etc.) on at least one of the components included in the camera module (180) (e.g., image sensor (230)). An image processed by the image signal processor (260) may be stored back in the memory (250) for further processing or provided to an external component of the camera module (180) (e.g., memory (130), display module (160), electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)). According to one embodiment, the image signal processor (260) may include at least one of the processors (120). It may be configured as a separate processor that is configured as a part of the processor (120) or operates independently of the processor (120). If the image signal processor (260) is configured as a separate processor from the processor (120), at least one image processed by the image signal processor (260) may be displayed through the display module (160) as is or after undergoing additional image processing by the processor (120).
[0068] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of camera modules (180), each having different properties or functions. In this case, for example, at least one of the plurality of camera modules (180) may be a wide-angle camera, and at least another may be a telephoto camera. Similarly, at least one of the plurality of camera modules (180) may be a front camera, and at least another may be a rear camera.
[0069] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device in one direction according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view of an electronic device in another direction according to one embodiment.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , an electronic device (301) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 and / or the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2 ) may include a housing (310) having a first side (310A) (e.g., a front side), a second side (310B) (e.g., a back side), and a third side (310C) (e.g., a side side) surrounding a space between the first side (310A) and the second side (310B). The first side (310A) may be formed by a first plate (311A) that is at least partially transparent. For example, the first plate (311A) may include a glass plate or a polymer plate that includes at least one coating layer. The second side (310B) may be formed by a second plate (311B) that is substantially opaque. For example, the second plate (311B) may be formed of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination thereof. The third surface (310C) may be formed by a frame (311C) that is joined to the first plate (311A) and the second plate (311B) and includes a metal and / or polymer. The second plate (311B) and the frame (311C) may be formed monolithically. The second plate (311B) and the frame (311C) may be formed of substantially the same material (e.g., aluminum).
[0071] The electronic device (301) may include an input module (350) (e.g., the input module (150) of FIG. 1). The input module (350) may be disposed on the third surface (310C). The input module (350) may include at least one key input device. For example, the key input device may include one or more mechanical actuators (e.g., buttons), one or more capacitors, and / or one or more inductors.
[0072] The electronic device (301) may include an audio output module (355) (e.g., the audio output module (155) of FIG. 1). The audio output module (355) may be disposed on the third surface (310C). The audio output module (355) may include one or more holes.
[0073] The electronic device (301) may include a display module (361) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1). The display module (361) may be disposed on the first surface (310A). The display module (361) may be visible through at least a portion of the first plate (311A). The display module (361) may have a shape substantially the same as the shape of the outer edge of the first plate (311A). The edge of the display module (361) may substantially coincide with the outer edge of the first plate (311A). The display module (361) may include a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer capable of detecting a magnetic stylus pen. The display module (361) may include a screen display area (361A) that is visually exposed and displays content through pixels. The display area (361A) may include a sensing area (361A-1). The sensing area (361A-1) may overlap with at least a portion of the display area (361A). The sensing area (361A-1) may allow transmission of an input signal related to the sensor module (376) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1 ). The sensing area (361A-1) may display content similarly to the display area (361A) that does not overlap with the sensing area (361A-1). For example, the sensing area (361A-1) may display content while the sensor module (376) is not operating. At least a portion of the camera area (361A-2) may overlap with the display area (361A). The display area (361A) may include the camera area (361A-2). The camera area (361A-2) may allow transmission of an optical signal associated with a first camera module (380A) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1 and / or the camera module (180) of FIG. 2). The camera area (361A-2) may also be referred to as a “display hole.”The camera area (361A-2) may have a substantially circular or oval shape. In one embodiment not shown, the display module (361) may include at least one or a combination of an audio module (370), a sensor module (376), a first camera module (380A), or a light-emitting element (not shown) on the back surface (e.g., the +Z-direction surface) of the screen display area (361A). For example, the electronic device (301) may have a camera module (e.g., the first camera module (380A)) disposed on the back surface of at least one of the first surface (310A) (e.g., the front surface) or the third surface (310C) (e.g., the side surface) so as to face the first surface (310A) and / or the third surface (310C). For example, the first camera module (380A) may not be visually exposed to the screen display area (361A) and may include an under display camera (UDC), which may also be referred to as an “under panel camera.”
[0074] The electronic device (301) may include an audio module (370) (e.g., the audio module (170) of FIG. 1). The audio module (370) may be positioned on the third surface (310C). The audio module (370) may obtain sound through at least one hole.
[0075] The electronic device (301) may include a sensor module (376). The sensor module (376) may be disposed on the first surface (310A). The sensor module (376) may form a sensing area (361A-1) in at least a portion of the screen display area (361A). The sensor module (376) may receive an input signal passing through the sensing area (361A-1) and generate an electrical signal based on the received input signal. For example, the input signal may have a specified physical quantity (e.g., heat, light, temperature, sound, pressure, ultrasound). The input signal may include a signal related to a user's biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint).
[0076] The electronic device (301) may include a connection terminal (378) (e.g., the connection terminal (178) of FIG. 1). The connection terminal (378) may be positioned on the third surface (310C). For example, when the electronic device (301) is viewed in one direction (e.g., the +X direction), the connection terminal (378) may be positioned substantially in the center of the third surface (310C), and the audio output module (355) may be positioned on one side (e.g., the right) with respect to the connection terminal (378).
[0077] The electronic device (301) may include a first camera module (380A) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1 and / or the camera module (180) of FIG. 2). The first camera module (380A) may be disposed on the first surface (310A). At least a portion of the first camera module (380A) may be disposed below the display module (361). The first camera module (380A) may receive an optical signal that passes through the camera area (361A-2).
[0078] The electronic device (301) may include a plurality of second camera modules (380B) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1 and / or the camera module (180) of FIG. 2). The plurality of second camera modules (380B) may be arranged on the second surface (310B). The plurality of second camera modules (380B) may be arranged in a first row in one direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the second plate (311B). The plurality of second camera modules (380B) may have different fields of view. For example, the plurality of second camera modules (380B) may include an ultra wide-angle camera, a wide-angle camera, and / or a tele camera.
[0079] The electronic device (301) may include an optical module (380C) (e.g., a flash (220) of FIG. 2). The optical module (380C) may be arranged in a second row substantially parallel to the first row of the plurality of second camera modules (380B) on the second surface (310B). The optical module (380C) may include one or more light-emitting diodes or xenon lamps. The optical module (380C) may include a sensor configured to detect external light. For example, the sensor may include a flicker sensor.
[0080] The electronic device (301) may include a third camera module (380D). The pixels, magnification, and / or field of view of the third camera module (380D) may be different from the pixels, magnification, and / or field of view of at least one second camera module (380B). The third camera module (380D) may be arranged in a second row substantially parallel to the first row of the plurality of second camera modules (380B) on the second surface (310B).
[0081] The electronic device (301) may include a fourth camera module (380E). The fourth camera module (380E), which may also be referred to as a "depth camera" or a "time-of-flight (ToF) camera," may be configured to measure a distance between the fourth camera module (380E) and a subject. For example, the fourth camera module (380E) may be configured to measure the distance using at least one or a combination of ultrasound, infrared, or laser. The fourth camera module (380E) may be arranged in a second row substantially parallel to the first row of the plurality of second camera modules (380B) on the second surface (310B).
[0082] Meanwhile, the embodiments disclosed in this document can be applied to electronic devices of various shapes / forms (e.g., foldable electronic devices, slideable electronic devices, rollable electronic devices, digital cameras, digital video cameras, tablets, note-shaped electronic devices, and other electronic devices) in addition to the electronic devices illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0083] In this document, terms such as "substantially," "approximately," "typically," and "about" when referring to a given parameter, property, or condition may include the extent to which a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand the given parameter, property, or condition to be satisfied with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, a particular parameter that is substantially satisfied may be satisfied at least 90% of the time, at least 95% of the time, or at least 99% of the time.
[0084] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a camera module according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a side view of a camera module according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a camera module with a camera cover omitted according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of the camera module of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment.
[0085] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10 , a camera module (400) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1 , the camera module (180) of FIG. 2 , and / or the second camera module (380B) of FIGS. 3 and 4 ) may include a lens assembly (410) (e.g., the lens assembly (210) of FIG. 2 ). The lens assembly (410) may include at least one lens (411) having a defined optical axis (A). A portion of the optical axis (A) may be defined by a line connecting a center of curvature of a first surface and a center of curvature of an Nth surface (N is a natural number) of at least one lens (411). The lens assembly (410) may include a lens housing (412) configured to accommodate at least one lens (411). The lens housing (412) may also be referred to as a “lens barrel.”
[0086] The camera module (400) may include a camera housing (420). The camera housing (420) may be configured to accommodate one or more camera-related components.
[0087] The camera housing (420) may include a base frame (421). The base frame (421) may include a bottom portion (421A) and a plurality of side walls (421B, 421C, 421D, 421E) connected (e.g., seamlessly and integrally) to the bottom portion (421A). For example, the base frame (421) may include a first side wall (421B) (e.g., a +Y-direction side wall), a second side wall (421C) opposite the first side wall (421B) (e.g., a -Y-direction side wall), a third side wall (421D) (e.g., a +X-direction side wall) located between the first side wall (421B) and the second side wall (421C), and a fourth side wall (421E) (e.g., a -X-direction side wall) located between the first side wall (421B) and the second side wall (421C) and opposite the third side wall (421D).
[0088] The bottom portion (421A) may include a first center hole (421I). For example, the first center hole (421I) may have a substantially rectangular shape. However, the shape of the first center hole (421I) is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and may have any suitable shape that does not substantially obstruct light passing through the lens (411).
[0089] The first side wall (421B) may include a first hole (421F). The first hole (421F) may be open in a direction away from the bottom portion (421A) (e.g., in the +Z direction). The second side wall (421C) may include a completely closed surface. The second side wall (421C) may not include any holes. The third side wall (421D) may include a second hole (421G). The second hole (421G) may be defined within the third side wall (421D). The fourth side wall (421E) may include a third hole (421H). The third hole (421H) may be open in a direction away from the bottom portion (421A) (e.g., in the +Z direction).
[0090] The camera housing (420) may include a cover frame (422). The cover frame (422) may be referred to as a “shield can.” The cover frame (422) may include a top portion (422A), a plurality of cover walls (422B) connected (e.g., seamlessly and integrally) to the top portion (422A), and a second center hole (422C) disposed in the top portion (422A). The lens housing (412) may at least partially pass through the second center hole (422C).
[0091] Although not shown, the camera module (400) may include an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (230) of FIG. 2), and a printed circuit board on which the image sensor is disposed and which transmits electrical signals converted by the image sensor to other components (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1 and / or the image signal processor (260) of FIG. 2).
[0092] The camera module (400) may include a first actuator (440) configured to move or rotate about the optical axis (A) at least one lens (411) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the XY plane direction) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). The first actuator (440) may be referred to as an “optical image stabilizing (OIS) actuator.”
[0093] The first actuator (440) may include a first carrier (441) configured to carry the lens housing (412). The first carrier (441) may be referred to as an “OIS carrier.” The first carrier (441) may include a first carrier face (441A) (e.g., a +Z-direction carrier face or a first upper carrier face), a second carrier face (441B) opposite the first carrier face (441A) (e.g., a -Z-direction carrier face or a first lower carrier face), at least one first inner carrier face (441C) between the first carrier face (441A) and the second carrier face (441B), and a plurality of first outer carrier faces (441D) between the first carrier face (441A) and the second carrier face (441B) and opposite the at least one first inner carrier face (441C). The first carrier (441) may include a plurality of first recesses (441E) formed on some of the first outer carrier faces (441D) among the plurality of first outer carrier faces (441D) (e.g., the +Y-direction first outer carrier face (441D) and the -X-direction first outer carrier face (441D)). The first carrier (441) may include a third center hole (441F) passing through the first carrier face (441A) and the second carrier face (441B). The lens housing (412) may pass through the third center hole (441F). The third center hole (441F) may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the lens housing (412) (e.g., circular).
[0094] The first actuator (440) may include a first magnet (442A) and a second magnet (442B). The first magnet (442A) and the second magnet (442B) may be referred to as a “first OIS magnet” and a “second OIS magnet,” respectively. The first magnet (442A) may be disposed in any one of a plurality of first recesses (441E) (e.g., a first recess (441E) formed in the +Y-direction first outer carrier face (441D). The second magnet (442B) may be placed in another first recess (441E) among the plurality of first recesses (441E) (e.g., the first recess (441E) formed on the -X direction first outer carrier face (441D).
[0095] At least one of the first magnet (442A) and the second magnet (442B) may have three or more polarizations (442AA, 442AB, 442AC). For example, the first magnet (442A) may include a first polarization (442AA) (e.g., an N pole) at the center of the first magnet (442A), a second polarization (442AB) (e.g., an S pole) at a first side (e.g., a +X-direction side) of the first polarization (442AA), and a third polarization (442AC) (e.g., an S pole) at a second side (e.g., a -X-direction side) opposite to the first side of the first polarization (442AA). The length (e.g., X-direction dimension) of the first polarization (442AA) can be substantially equal to or greater than the length (e.g., X-direction dimension) of the second polarization (442AB). The length (e.g., X-direction dimension) of the first polarization (442AA) can be substantially equal to or greater than the length (e.g., X-direction dimension) of the third polarization (442AC). Since a dense magnetic field is formed between the three or more polarizations (442AA, 442AB, 442AC), leakage flux from the camera module (400) can be reduced. In one embodiment, at least one magnet (442A, 442B) can have three polarizations. This can reduce leakage flux without increasing the size of the camera module (400) and achieve desired performance of the camera module (400). In an embodiment not shown, the first magnet (442A) may have two polarizations, and the second magnet (442B) may have three or more polarizations. In an embodiment not shown, both the first magnet (442A) and the second magnet (442B) may have three or more polarizations.
[0096] The first actuator (440) may include a plurality of first coils (443A) configured to electromagnetically couple with a first magnet (442A). The first coils (443A) may be referred to as “first OIS coils.” When current flows through the plurality of first coils (443A), a driving force may be generated in the first magnet (442A) in a direction (e.g., Y direction) between the first magnet (442A) and the plurality of first coils (443A).
[0097] A plurality of first coils (443A) may be arranged in a first hole (421F). The first hole (421F) open in a direction away from the bottom portion (421A) (e.g., in the +Z direction) may accommodate a plurality of first coils (443A) of increased size. This may increase the driving force generated in the first magnet (442A).
[0098] The plurality of first coils (443A) may include a primary coil (443AA) facing a first polarization (442AA) of a first magnet (442A), a secondary coil (443AB) disposed on a first side (e.g., a +X-direction side) of the primary coil (443AA) and facing a second polarization (442AB) of the first magnet (442A), and a tertiary coil (443AC) disposed on a second side (e.g., a -X-direction side) opposite to the first side of the primary coil (443AA) and facing a third polarization (442AC) of the first magnet (442A). A horizontal width (e.g., an X-direction dimension) of the primary coil (443AA) may be substantially equal to or greater than a horizontal width (e.g., an X-direction dimension) of the secondary coil (443AB). The horizontal width of the primary coil (443AA) may be substantially equal to or greater than the horizontal width (e.g., X-axis dimension) of the tertiary coil (443AC). The primary coil (443AA), the secondary coil (443AB), and the tertiary coil (443AC) may have substantially the same vertical width (e.g., Z-axis dimension).
[0099] The first actuator (440) may include a plurality of second coils (443B) configured to electromagnetically couple with a second magnet (442B). Each of the second coils (443B) may be referred to as a “second OIS coil.” When current flows through the plurality of second coils (443B), a driving force may be generated in the second magnet (442B) in a direction (e.g., in the X direction) between the second magnet (442B) and the plurality of second coils (443B). The plurality of second coils (443B) may respectively face the polarizations of the second magnet (442B).
[0100] A plurality of second coils (443B) may be arranged in the third hole (421H). The third hole (421H), which is open in a direction away from the bottom portion (421A) (e.g., in the +Z direction), may accommodate a plurality of second coils (443B) of increased size. This may increase the driving force generated in the second magnet (442B).
[0101] The first actuator (440) may include a first sensor (444A) configured to detect a magnetic flux density of a first magnet (442A), and a plurality of second sensors (444B) configured to detect a magnetic flux density of a second magnet (442B). The first sensor (444A) and the second sensors (444B) may be referred to as a “first OIS sensor” and a “second OIS sensor,” respectively. For example, the first sensor (444A) and the plurality of second sensors (444B) may each include at least one of a Hall sensor or a tunnel magneto-resistance sensor. The first sensor (444A) may be disposed inside the primary coil (443AA). Each second sensor (444B) may be placed inside each second coil (443B).
[0102] In an embodiment not shown, the first actuator (440) may include a first magnet (442A) having two polarizations, two first coils (443A) facing each polarization and each having the same size as the second coil (443B), and a single first sensor (444A) to which both first coils (443A) are connected. The first sensor (444A) may be disposed inside the first coil (443A) of either of the two first coils (443A).
[0103] The first actuator (440) may include a first back yoke (445A) configured to attract a first magnet (442A). The first back yoke (445A) may be positioned between one of the first recesses (441E) (e.g., the first recess (441E) formed in the +Y-direction first outer carrier face (441D)) and the first magnet (442A). The first actuator (440) may include a second back yoke (445B) configured to attract a second magnet (442B). A second back yoke (445B) may be positioned between another first recess (441E) (e.g., a first recess (441E) formed in the -X direction first outer carrier face (441D)) and a second magnet (442B).
[0104] The camera module (400) may include a second actuator (450) configured to move at least one lens (411) in a direction along the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). The second actuator (450) may be referred to as an “auto focus (AF) actuator.”
[0105] The second actuator (450) may include a second carrier (451) configured to carry the first carrier (441). In an unillustrated embodiment where the camera module (400) does not include the first actuator (440), the second carrier (451) may be configured to carry the lens housing (412). The second carrier (451) may be referred to as an “AF carrier.” The second carrier (451) may include a base (451A). The base (451A) may include a third carrier face (451AA) (e.g., a +Z-direction base face or a second upper carrier face) and a fourth carrier face (451AB) opposite the third carrier face (451AA) (e.g., a -Z-direction carrier face or a second lower carrier face). The second carrier (451) may include a plurality of carrier walls (451B) connected to the base (451A). The plurality of carrier walls (451B) may be arranged at corner regions of the base (451A) and at least one edge (e.g., a +X-direction edge) of the base (451A). Among the plurality of carrier walls (451B), the carrier wall (451B) facing the first hole (421F) and the carrier wall (451B) facing the third hole (421H) may have at least a partially open area. Among the plurality of carrier walls (451B), the carrier wall (451B) facing the second hole (421G) may have an entirely closed surface. The carrier wall (451B) facing the second hole (421G) may include a second recess (451C) formed on an outer surface of the carrier wall (451B). The second carrier (451) may include a fourth center hole (451D) passing through the base (451A).
[0106] The second actuator (450) may include a third magnet (452). The third magnet (452) may be referred to as an “AF magnet.” The third magnet (452) may be positioned in the second recess (451C). The third magnet (452) may have multiple (e.g., two) polarizations arranged along the optical axis (A).
[0107] The second actuator (450) may include a third coil (453) configured to electromagnetically couple with a third magnet (452). The third coil (453) may be referred to as an “AF coil.” When current flows through the third coil (453), a driving force may be generated in the third magnet (452) in a direction along the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the Z direction). The third coil (453) may be disposed in the second hole (421G).
[0108] The second actuator (450) may include a third sensor (454) configured to detect the magnetic flux density of the third magnet (452). For example, the third sensor (454) may include a Hall sensor or a tunnel magnetoresistive sensor. The third sensor (454) may be referred to as an “AF sensor.” The third sensor (454) may be disposed outside the third coil (453) and in the second hole (421G).
[0109] The second actuator (450) may include a third back yoke (455) configured to attract a third magnet (452). The third back yoke (455) may be positioned between the second recess (451C) and the third magnet (452).
[0110] The second actuator (450) may include a third yoke (456) configured to attract a third magnet (452). The third yoke (456) may reduce shaking (e.g., tilting) in a direction different from the direction along the optical axis (A) when the second carrier (451) is driven in a direction along the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the Z direction). The third yoke (456) may be disposed on a third side wall (421D) outside the third coil (453).
[0111] The second actuator (450) may include a metal piece (457). The metal piece (457) may be positioned at any suitable location to shift the center of attraction of the attraction force acting between the third magnet (452) and the third yoke (456) inside the third coil (453).
[0112] The camera module (400) may include a plurality of first balls (B1) configured to guide the first carrier (441) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the XY plane direction) relative to the second carrier (451). The plurality of first balls (B1) may be arranged between the first carrier (441) and the second carrier (451).
[0113] The camera module (400) may include a plurality of second balls (B2) configured to guide a second carrier (451) in a direction (e.g., Z direction) along the optical axis (A) with respect to the base frame (421). The plurality of second balls (B2) may be arranged between the base frame (421) and the second carrier (451).
[0114] The camera module (400) may include a stopper (460) configured to reduce or prevent the first carrier (441) from being dislodged from the second carrier (451). The stopper (460) may be referred to as a “Z-stopper.” The stopper (460) may reduce or prevent a plurality of first balls (B1) disposed between the first carrier (441) and the second carrier (451) from being dislodged from their positions when the first carrier (441) is dislodged by a certain distance along the optical axis (A). The stopper (460) may be disposed on the second carrier (451).
[0115] The stopper (460) may include a cover area (461) that at least partially covers the first carrier (441). The cover area (461) may include a first extension portion (461A) extending along a third side wall (421D) over the first carrier face (441A), a second extension portion (461B) that is disposed opposite the first extension portion (461A) and extends along a fourth side wall (421E) over the first carrier face (441A), and a third extension portion (461C) that is connected to the first extension portion (461A) and the second extension portion (461B) and extends along the second side wall (421C) over the first carrier face (441A). The cover area (461) may not include a portion that is connected to the first extension portion (461A) and the second extension portion (461B) and extends along the first side wall (421B) over the first carrier surface (441A). The first extension portion (461A), the second extension portion (461B), and the third extension portion (461C) may define a stopper hole (463). The lens housing (412) may at least partially pass through the stopper hole (463).
[0116] The stopper (460) may include an open area (462) that opens at least a portion of the first carrier (441) (e.g., at least a portion of the first carrier face (441A) along the first side wall (421B)) in a direction along the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). The open area (462) may at least partially overlap the first magnet (442A) in the direction along the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). The open area (462) may overlap the entire area of the first magnet (442A) when viewed in the direction along the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). To increase the driving force of the first actuator (440), the first magnet (442A) may extend into the open area (462). The first magnet (442A) may include an overlapping portion (OV) that at least partially overlaps the cover area (461) when viewed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the XY plane direction). In order to maintain or reduce the height of the camera module (400), the first magnet (442A) may not extend beyond the stopper (460) in a direction along the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction).
[0117] The stopper (460) may include a plurality of engaging portions (464) that connect the cover area (461) and the second carrier (451). For example, the plurality of engaging portions (464) may each include a hook. The stopper (460) and the second carrier (451) may move integrally in a direction along the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). The plurality of engaging portions (464) may be arranged at corner regions of the cover area (461) (e.g., an end region of the first extension portion (461A), an end region of the second extension portion (461B), a connection region of the first extension portion (461A) and the third extension portion (461C), and a connection region of the second extension portion (461B) and the third extension portion (461C)).
[0118] The stopper (460) may include a plurality of dampers (465) configured to reduce an impact applied to the first carrier (441) and / or the second carrier (451) in a direction along the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction) when the second carrier (451) collides with the cover frame (422). The plurality of dampers (465) may contact one surface (e.g., the -Z-direction surface) of the top portion (422A) of the cover frame (422) and reduce an impact applied to the second carrier (451). The plurality of dampers (465) may contact a first carrier surface (441A) when the first carrier (441) collides with the stopper (460) and reduce an impact applied to the first carrier (441). A plurality of dampers (465) may be arranged at corner regions of the cover region (461) (e.g., an end region of the first extension portion (461A), an end region of the second extension portion (461B), a connection region of the first extension portion (461A) and the third extension portion (461C), and a connection region of the second extension portion (461B) and the third extension portion (461C)). The plurality of dampers (465) may at least partially penetrate the cover region (461).
[0119] The camera module (400) may include a flexible printed circuit board (470). The flexible printed circuit board (470) may include a first substrate area (470A) facing a third side wall (421D), a second substrate area (470B) positioned opposite the first substrate area (470A) and facing a fourth side wall (421E), and a third substrate area (470C) connecting the first substrate area (470A) and the second substrate area (470B) and facing the first side wall (421B). A third coil (453) and a third sensor (454) may be disposed in the first substrate area (470A) and electrically connected to the first substrate area (470A). A plurality of second coils (443B) and a plurality of second sensors (444B) may be disposed in a second substrate area (470B) and electrically connected to the second substrate area (470B). A plurality of first coils (443A) and a first sensor (444A) may be disposed in a third substrate area (470C) and electrically connected to the third substrate area (470C).
[0120] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of the camera module of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first carrier according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second carrier according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is a side view schematically illustrating the arrangement of balls between the first carrier and the second carrier according to one embodiment.
[0121] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, the camera module (400) may include a first carrier (441), a first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (442A) of FIGS. 5 to 10), a second magnet (442B), a first back yoke (445A), a second back yoke (445B), a second carrier (451) including a base (451A) and a plurality of carrier walls (451B), a third back yoke (455), and a plurality of first balls (B1).
[0122] The second carrier (451) may include a plurality of first metal parts (M1) configured to contact a plurality of first balls (B1), respectively, and to support the plurality of first balls (B1), respectively. The plurality of first metal parts (M1) may be respectively arranged at corner regions of the second carrier (451). The plurality of first metal parts (M1) may include a non-magnetic material. For example, the non-magnetic material may include 300 series stainless steel. The plurality of first metal parts (M1) may be integrally formed with the second carrier (451) by insert injection. The plurality of first metal parts (M1) may increase the rigidity of the second carrier (451).
[0123] The second carrier (451) may include a plurality of second metal parts (M2) configured to attract a first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (442A) of FIGS. 5 to 10) and a second magnet (442B), respectively. The plurality of second metal parts (M2) may include a first yoke (M21) configured to attract the first magnet, and a second yoke (M22) configured to attract the second magnet (442B). The first yoke (M21) and the second yoke (M22) may reduce shaking (e.g., tilting) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., the XY plane direction) when the first carrier (441) is driven in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., the optical axis (A) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The first yoke (M21) and the second yoke (M22) may include a magnetic material. For example, the magnetic material may include 400 series stainless steel. The first yoke (M21) and the second yoke (M22) may be integrally formed with the second carrier (451) through insert injection.
[0124] The first yoke (M21) may include a plurality of first segments (M211, M212, M213). The plurality of first segments (M211, M212, M213) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along one edge (e.g., the +Y direction edge) of the base (451A). A plurality of first segments (M211, M212, M213) are configured to apply an attractive force to a first polarization of a first magnet (e.g., a first polarization (442AA) of FIGS. 5 to 10), a first pattern (M211) arranged on a first side (e.g., a +X-direction side) of the first pattern (M211) and configured to apply an attractive force to a second polarization of the first magnet (e.g., a second polarization (442AB) of FIGS. 5 to 10), and a third pattern (M212) arranged on a second side (e.g., a -X-direction side) opposite to the first side of the first pattern (M211) and configured to apply an attractive force to a third polarization of the first magnet (e.g., a third polarization (442AC) of FIGS. 5 to 10). It may include a pattern (M213).
[0125] The second yoke (M22) may include a plurality of second segments (M221, M222). The plurality of second segments (M221, M222) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the other edge (e.g., the -X-direction edge) of the base (451A). The plurality of second segments (M221, M222) may include a fourth pattern (M221) configured to apply an attractive force to one polarization of the second magnet (442B), and a fifth pattern (M222) configured to apply an attractive force to the other polarization of the second magnet (442B).
[0126] The first metal portion (M1) and the second metal portion (M2) may at least partially overlap when viewed in a direction (e.g., in the XY plane direction) substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., the optical axis (A) of FIGS. 5 to 10). This may maintain or reduce the thickness (e.g., the dimension in the Z-axis direction) of the camera module (400).
[0127] The first carrier (441) may include a plurality of third metal parts (M3) configured to contact a plurality of first balls (B1) and support the plurality of first balls (B1), respectively. Each first ball (B1) may be disposed between a respective first metal part (M1) and a respective third metal part (M3). The plurality of third metal parts (M3) may be disposed inside the first carrier (441) and at corner regions of the first carrier (441). The plurality of third metal parts (M3) may include a non-magnetic material. For example, the non-magnetic material may include 300 series stainless steel. The plurality of third metal parts (M3) may be integrally formed with the first carrier (441) by insert injection. The plurality of third metal parts (M3) may increase the rigidity of the first carrier (441).
[0128] The first distance (H1) between the first metal portion (M1) and the third metal portion (M3) may be smaller than the second distance (H2) between the second metal portion (M2) and the third metal portion (M3). In an embodiment not shown, the first distance (H1) between the first metal portion (M1) and the third metal portion (M3) may be substantially equal to or smaller than the second distance (H2) between the second metal portion (M2) and the third metal portion (M3).
[0129] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 15, a camera module (400-1) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1, the camera module (180) of FIG. 2, the second camera module (380B) of FIGS. 3 and 4, and / or the camera module (400) of FIGS. 5 to 14) may include a lens assembly (410), a camera housing (420), a first actuator (440-1) (e.g., the first actuator (440) of FIGS. 5 to 10), a second actuator (450), and a stopper (460). A first actuator (440-1) may include a first carrier (441), a first magnet (442A), a second magnet (442B), a single first coil (443A), a plurality of second coils (443B), a first sensor (444A), and a plurality of second sensors (444B). The first magnet (442A) may include a first polarization (442AA), a second polarization (442AB), and a third polarization (442AC).
[0131] The first coil (443A) may face the first polarization (442AA). The first coil (443A) may not face the second polarization (442AB) and the third polarization (442AC). This can reduce the leakage flux of the first magnet (442A) without increasing the size of the first coil (443A) and secure the driving force applied to the first magnet (442A).
[0132] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a carrier of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0133] Referring to FIG. 16, a camera module (400-2) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1, the camera module (180) of FIG. 2, the second camera module (380B) of FIGS. 3 and 4, the camera module (400) of FIGS. 5 to 14, and / or the camera module (400-1) of FIG. 15) may include a second carrier (451-2) (e.g., the second carrier (451) of FIGS. 5 to 14). The second carrier (451-2) may include a base (451A) and a plurality of carrier walls (451B). The second carrier (451-2) may include a single first metal portion (M1-2) (e.g., the first metal portion (M1) of FIGS. 11 to 14) and a plurality of second metal portions (M2).
[0134] The first metal portion (M1-2) may extend along the entire edges and entire corner regions of the base (451A). The plurality of second metal portions (M2) may include a first yoke (M21) and a second yoke (M22). The first metal portion (M1-2) and the plurality of second metal portions (M2) may be integrally formed through a physical bond (e.g., welding). In an embodiment not shown, the plurality of second metal portions (M2) may be close to the first metal portion (M1-2) but separate from the first metal portion (M1-2).
[0135] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a carrier of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0136] Referring to FIG. 17, a camera module (400-3) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1, the camera module (180) of FIG. 2, the second camera module (380B) of FIGS. 3 and 4, the camera module (400) of FIGS. 5 to 14, the camera module (400-1) of FIG. 15, and / or the camera module (400-2) of FIG. 16) may include a second carrier (451-3) (e.g., the second carrier (451) of FIGS. 5 to 14). The second carrier (451-3) may include a base (451A) and a plurality of carrier walls (451B). The second carrier (451-3) may include a plurality of first metal parts (M1-3) (e.g., the first metal part (M1) of FIGS. 11 to 14) and a plurality of second metal parts (M2).
[0137] The plurality of first metal portions (M1-3) may include a primary segment (M1-31) extending from a first corner region of the base (451A) (e.g., a corner region between a +Y-direction edge and a +X-direction edge of the base (451A)) to a second corner region (e.g., a corner region between a -Y-direction edge and a -X-direction edge of the base (451A)) opposite to the first corner region along the edges of the base (e.g., a +X-direction edge and a -Y-direction edge), and a secondary segment (M1-32) disposed at a third corner region between the first corner region and the second corner region of the base (451A) (e.g., a corner region between a +Y-direction edge and a -X-direction edge of the base (451A)).
[0138] The plurality of second metal parts (M2) may include a first yoke (M21) and a second yoke (M22). The first yoke (M21) may be disposed at an edge (e.g., a +Y-direction edge) between a first corner region and a third corner region between the primary segment (M1-31) and the secondary segment (M1-32). The second yoke (M22) may be disposed at an edge (e.g., a -X-direction edge) between the second corner region and the third corner region between the primary segment (M1-31) and the secondary segment (M1-32).
[0139] A plurality of first metal parts (M1-3) and a plurality of second metal parts (M2) may be arranged spaced apart from each other without being physically connected to each other.
[0140] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a base frame of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0141] Referring to FIG. 18, a camera module (400-4) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1, the camera module (180) of FIG. 2, the second camera module (380B) of FIGS. 3 and 4, the camera module (400) of FIGS. 5 to 14, the camera module (400-1) of FIG. 15, the camera module (400-2) of FIG. 16, and / or the camera module (400-3) of FIG. 17) may include a camera housing (420-4) (e.g., the camera housing (420) of FIGS. 5 to 10 and / or the camera housing (420) of FIG. 15). The camera housing (420-4) may include a base frame (421-4) (e.g., the base frame (421) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The base frame (421-4) may include a bottom portion (421A) (e.g., the bottom portion (421A) of FIGS. 5 to 10), a first side wall (421B), a second side wall (421C), a third side wall (421D), a fourth side wall (421E), a first hole (421F), a second hole (421G), a third hole (421H), and a first center hole (421I).
[0142] The camera module (400-4) may include a reinforcing frame (DC) coupled to a bottom portion (421A). To reduce unwanted light reflection from an inner side surface of the reinforcing frame (DC) to the image sensor within the camera module (400-4), the bottom portion (421A) of the base frame (421-4) may cover the inner side surface of the reinforcing frame (DC). The reinforcing frame (DC) may include a first material (e.g., a metal material) having a first reflectivity, and at least a portion of the bottom portion (421A) of the base frame (421-4) covering the inner side surface of the reinforcing frame (DC) may include a second material (e.g., a plastic material) different from the first material having a second reflectivity lower than the first reflectivity. A structure requiring dimensional precision, such as a guide boss on which a flexible printed circuit board is placed and / or a ball guide on which balls are placed, is formed of a base frame (421-4), and the rigidity of the base frame (421-4) can be increased by a reinforcing frame (DC).
[0143] Fig. 19 is a plan view of a camera module according to one embodiment. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of the camera module of Fig. 19 according to one embodiment.
[0144] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, a camera module (400-5) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1, the camera module (180) of FIG. 2, the second camera module (380B) of FIGS. 3 and 4, the camera module (400) of FIGS. 5 to 14, the camera module (400-1) of FIG. 15, the camera module (400-2) of FIG. 16, the camera module (400-3) of FIG. 17, and / or the camera module (400-4) of FIG. 18) comprises a lens assembly (410), a camera housing (420-5) (e.g., the camera housing (420) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the camera housing (420) of FIG. 15, and / or the camera housing (420-4) of FIG. 18), a first actuator (440-5) (e.g., the first actuator (440-5) of FIGS. 5 to 10) It may include an actuator (440) and / or a first actuator (440-1) of FIG. 15), and a second actuator (450).
[0145] The camera housing (420-5) may include a base frame (421) and a cover frame (422-5) (e.g., the cover frame (422) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The cover frame (422-5) may include a top portion (422A), a plurality of cover walls (422B), and a second center hole (422C). The cover frame (422-5) may include a plurality of protruding portions (422D-5) that protrude inwardly from the top portion (422A). The plurality of protruding portions (422D-5) may be respectively positioned at corner regions positioned between inner edges of the top portion (422A) that define the second center hole (422C).
[0146] The first actuator (440-5) may include a first carrier (441-5) (e.g., the first carrier (441) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the first carrier (441) of FIGS. 11 to 14, and / or the first carrier (441) of FIG. 15). The first carrier (441-5) may include a plurality of pockets (P) recessed in a direction along the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). The second actuator (450) may include a second carrier (451).
[0147] The camera module (400-5) may not include a stopper (e.g., a stopper (460) of FIGS. 5 to 10) that prevents the first carrier (441-5) and / or the second carrier (451) from being detached when an external impact is applied to the camera module (400-5).
[0148] The camera module (400-5) may include a plurality of elastic bodies (480-5). The plurality of elastic bodies (480-5) may be configured to elastically support the first carrier (441-5) when the second carrier (451) moves in a direction along the optical axis (A) (e.g., the Z-axis direction). For example, the plurality of elastic bodies (480-5) may include an elastomeric material. The plurality of elastic bodies (480-5) may be respectively disposed in the plurality of protruding portions (422D-5). The plurality of elastic bodies (480-5) may be respectively disposed in the plurality of pockets (P) with an operating gap between them and the first carrier (441-5). The operating gap may include a first margin (e.g., a horizontal margin) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A) of the first carrier (441-5) (e.g., an XY plane direction), and a second margin (e.g., a vertical margin) in a direction along the optical axis (A) of the second carrier (451) (e.g., a Z-axis direction).
[0149] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0150] Referring to FIG. 21, a camera module (400-6) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1, the camera module (180) of FIG. 2, the second camera module (380B) of FIGS. 3 and 4, the camera module (400) of FIGS. 5 to 14, the camera module (400-1) of FIG. 15, the camera module (400-2) of FIG. 16, the camera module (400-3) of FIG. 17, the camera module (400-4) of FIG. 18, and / or the camera module (400-5) of FIGS. 19 and 20) comprises a lens assembly (410), a camera housing (420), a first actuator (440-6) (e.g., the first actuator (440) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the first actuator (440-1) of FIG. 15, and / or the first actuator (440-1) of FIG. 19 and FIG. The camera module (400-6) may include a first actuator (440-5), a second actuator (450), and a stopper (460). The first actuator (440-6) may include a first carrier (441), a first magnet (442A-6) (e.g., the first magnet (442A) of FIGS. 5 to 10), a second magnet (442B), a first coil (443A), a plurality of second coils (443B), a first sensor (444A), and a plurality of second sensors (444B). If the camera module (400-6) is not affected by a leakage flux such as a digitizer, the first magnet (442A-6) may include a single polarization.
[0151] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.
[0152] Referring to FIG. 22, a camera module (400-7) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1, the camera module (180) of FIG. 2, the second camera module (380B) of FIGS. 3 and 4, the camera module (400) of FIGS. 5 to 14, the camera module (400-1) of FIG. 15, the camera module (400-2) of FIG. 16, the camera module (400-3) of FIG. 17, the camera module (400-4) of FIG. 18, the camera module (400-5) of FIGS. 19 and 20, and / or the camera module (400-6) of FIG. 21) comprises a lens assembly (410), a camera housing (420), a first actuator (440-7) (e.g., the first actuator (440) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the first actuator (440) of FIG. 15 The actuator (440-1), the first actuator (440-5) of FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, and / or the first actuator (440-6) of FIG. 21), the second actuator (450), and the stopper (460) may be included. The first actuator (440-7) may include a first carrier (441), a first magnet (442A-7), a second magnet (442B-7), a single first coil (443A), a single second coil (443B), a single first sensor (444A), and a single second sensor (444B). If the camera module (400-7) is not affected by leakage flux such as a digitizer, the first magnet (442A) and the second magnet (442B) may have a single polarization.
[0153] Fig. 23 is a plan view of a camera module according to one embodiment. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of the camera module of Fig. 23 according to one embodiment. Fig. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module of Fig. 23 according to one embodiment. Fig. 26 is an enlarged view of part E of the camera module of Fig. 24 according to one embodiment.
[0154] Referring to FIGS. 23 to 26, a camera module (500) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1, the camera module (180) of FIG. 2, the second camera module (380B) of FIGS. 3 and 4, the camera module (400) of FIGS. 5 to 14, the camera module (400-1) of FIG. 15, the camera module (400-2) of FIG. 16, the camera module (400-3) of FIG. 17, the camera module (400-4) of FIG. 18, the camera module (400-5) of FIGS. 19 and 20, the camera module (400-6) of FIG. 21, and / or the camera module (400-7) of FIG. 22) may include a lens assembly (510). A lens assembly (510) may include a plurality of lenses (511) (e.g., lens (411) of FIGS. 5 to 10) and a lens housing (512) (e.g., lens housing (412) of FIGS. 5 to 10). A portion of the optical axis (A) may be defined by at least one lens (511).
[0155] The camera module (500) may include a camera housing (520) (e.g., the camera housing (420) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the camera housing (420) of FIG. 15, the camera housing (420-4) of FIG. 18, the camera housing (420-5) of FIGS. 19 and 20, the camera housing (420) of FIG. 21, and / or the camera housing (420) of FIG. 22).
[0156] The camera housing (520) may include a base frame (521) (e.g., the base frame (421) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the base frame (421-4) of FIG. 18, and / or the base frame (421) of FIGS. 19 and 20). The base frame (521) may include a first side wall (521B) (e.g., the first side wall (421B) of FIGS. 5 to 10 or a +Y-direction side wall), a second side wall (521C) (e.g., the second side wall (421C) of FIGS. 5 to 10 or a -Y-direction side wall), a third side wall (521D) (e.g., the third side wall (421D) of FIGS. 5 to 10 or a +X-direction side wall), and a fourth side wall (521E) (e.g., the fourth side wall (421E) of FIGS. 5 to 10 or a -X-direction side wall).
[0157] The first side wall (521B) may include a first hole (521F) (e.g., the first hole (421F) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The first hole (521F) may be open in a direction (e.g., in the -Z-axis direction) away from the lens (511) and toward the image sensor (530) (e.g., the image sensor (230) of FIG. 2). The second side wall (521C) may include a completely closed surface. The second side wall (521C) may not include any holes. The third side wall (521D) may include a second hole (521G) (e.g., the second hole (421G) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The second hole (521G) may be defined within the third side wall (521D). The fourth side wall (521E) may include a third hole (521H) (e.g., the third hole (421H) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The third hole (521H) may be defined within the fourth side wall (521E).
[0158] The length (e.g., Y-axis direction dimension) of the third side wall (521D) and the length (e.g., Y-axis direction dimension) of the fourth side wall (521E) may be greater than the length (e.g., X-axis direction dimension) of the first side wall (521B) or the length (e.g., X-axis direction dimension) of the second side wall (521C), respectively.
[0159] The camera housing (520) may include a first cover frame (522) (e.g., the cover frame (422) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The first cover frame (522) may include a bottom portion (522A) and a plurality of first cover walls (522B) (e.g., the cover walls (422B) of FIGS. 5 to 10) connected (e.g., seamlessly and integrally) to the bottom portion (522A). The bottom portion (522A) may not include any holes. The first cover frame (522) may surround a base frame (521). The plurality of first cover walls (522B) may face a first side wall (521B), a second side wall (521C), a third side wall (521D), and a fourth side wall (521E), respectively.
[0160] The camera housing (520) may include a second cover frame (523). The second cover frame (523) may include a top portion (523A), a plurality of holders (523B) arranged on an inner surface (e.g., a -Z-direction surface) of the top portion (523A) and arranged substantially parallel to each other, and a center hole (523C) (e.g., the second center hole (422C) of FIGS. 5 to 10) arranged in the top portion (523A). The top portion (523A) and the plurality of holders (523B) may include a mask configured to substantially block light. The top portion (523A) may be sized to prevent light from outside the camera module (500) from entering a defined space within the camera module (500). The top portion (523A) may be arranged opposite the bottom portion (522A) with respect to the base frame (521).
[0161] The camera module (500) may include an image sensor (530) (e.g., the image sensor (230) of FIG. 2). The image sensor (530) may be placed on the bottom portion (522A).
[0162] The camera module (500) may include a reflector (535) configured to reflect light passing through a plurality of lenses (511) toward an image sensor (530). For example, the reflector (535) may include a prism, a mirror, or any optical system suitable for light modulation. The reflector (535) may include an incident surface (536) onto which light passing through a plurality of lenses (511) is incident, an exit surface (537) onto which light incident into the interior of the reflector (535) through the incident surface (536) is emitted to the outside of the reflector (535), a first reflective surface (538) configured to reflect light incident into the interior of the reflector (535) through the incident surface (536) toward the incident surface (536), the exit surface (537), or the second reflective surface (539), and a second reflective surface (539) configured to reflect light reflected by the incident surface (536), the exit surface (537), and / or the first reflective surface (538) toward the exit surface (537). Light that escapes outside the reflector (535) through the exit surface (537) may travel toward the image sensor (530). An optical axis (A) can be defined between a plurality of lenses (511), a reflector (535) and an image sensor (530).
[0163] The camera module (500) may include an OIS actuator (540) (e.g., the first actuator (440) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the first actuator (440-1) of FIG. 15, the first actuator (440-5) of FIGS. 19 and 20, the first actuator (440-6) of FIG. 21, and / or the first actuator (440-7) of FIG. 22). The OIS actuator (540) may be configured to move the image sensor (530) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A) (e.g., in the XY plane direction).
[0164] The OIS actuator (540) may include an OIS carrier (541) (e.g., the first carrier (441) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the first carrier (441) of FIGS. 11 to 14, the first carrier (441) of FIG. 15, the first carrier (441-5) of FIGS. 19 and 20, the first carrier (441) of FIG. 21, and / or the first carrier (441) of FIG. 22). The OIS carrier (541) may include a second carrier base (541A), a first OIS carrier side wall (541B) connected to the second carrier base (541A) (e.g., a +Y-direction carrier side wall), a second OIS carrier side wall (541C) connected to the second carrier base (541A) (e.g., a +X-direction carrier side wall), and a third OIS carrier side wall (541D) connected to the second carrier base (541A) and opposite the second OIS carrier side wall (541C) (e.g., a -X-direction carrier side wall). The first OIS carrier side wall (541B) may be between the second OIS carrier side wall (541C) and the third OIS carrier side wall (541D).
[0165] The OIS actuator (540) may include a first OIS magnet (542A) (e.g., the first magnet (442A) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the first magnet (442A) of FIG. 15, the first magnet (442A-6) of FIG. 21, and / or the first magnet (442A-7) of FIG. 22). The first OIS magnet (542A) may be disposed in a recess formed on an outer surface (e.g., a +Y-direction surface) of the first OIS carrier side wall (541B).
[0166] The OIS actuator (540) may include a second OIS magnet (542B) (e.g., the second magnet (442B) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the second magnet (442B) of FIGS. 11 to 14, the second magnet (442B) of FIG. 15, the second magnet (442B-6) of FIG. 21, and / or the second magnet (442B-7) of FIG. 22). The second magnet (542B) may be disposed in a recess formed in an outer surface (e.g., the -X-direction surface) of the third OIS carrier side wall (541D).
[0167] The OIS actuator (540) may include a plurality of first OIS coils (543A) (e.g., the first coil (443A) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the first coil (443A) of FIG. 15, the first coil (443A) of FIG. 21, and / or the first coil (443A) of FIG. 22). The plurality of first OIS coils (543A) may be arranged in the first hole (521F).
[0168] The OIS actuator (540) may include a plurality of second OIS coils (543B) (e.g., the second coil (443B) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the second coil (443B) of FIG. 15, the second coil (443B) of FIG. 21, and / or the second coil (443B) of FIG. 22). The plurality of second OIS coils (543B) may be arranged in the third hole (521H).
[0169] The camera module (500) may include an AF actuator (550) (e.g., the second actuator (450) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the second actuator (450) of FIG. 15, the second actuator (450) of FIGS. 19 and 20, the second actuator (450) of FIG. 21, and / or the second actuator (450) of FIG. 22). The AF actuator (550) may be configured to move the image sensor (530) in one direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction) along the optical axis (A).
[0170] The AF actuator (550) may include an AF carrier (551) (e.g., the second carrier (451) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the second carrier (451) of FIGS. 11 to 14, the second carrier (451-2) of FIG. 16, the second carrier (451-3) of FIG. 17, and / or the second carrier (451) of FIGS. 19 and 20). The AF carrier (551) may be configured to transport the image sensor (530) in a direction along a portion of the optical axis (A) (e.g., the Z-axis direction or the third direction). The AF carrier (551) may include an AF carrier base (551A), a first AF carrier side wall (551B) (e.g., a +Y-direction carrier side wall) connected to the AF carrier base (551A), a second AF carrier side wall (551C) (e.g., a -Y-direction carrier side wall) connected to the AF carrier base (551A) and opposite to the first AF carrier side wall (551B), and a third AF carrier side wall (551D) (e.g., a +X-direction carrier side wall) connected to the AF carrier base (551A) and located between the first AF carrier side wall (551B) and the second AF carrier side wall (551C).
[0171] The AF carrier (551) may be positioned inside the OIS carrier (541). The first OIS carrier side wall (541B) may be positioned in an open area of the first AF carrier side wall (551B). The third AF carrier side wall (551D) may be positioned inside the second OIS carrier side wall (541C).
[0172] The AF carrier (551) may include a plurality of first metal parts (M1) (e.g., the first metal parts (M1) of FIGS. 5 to 10 , the first metal parts (M1) of FIGS. 11 to 14 , the first metal parts (M1-2) of FIG. 16 , and / or the first metal parts (M1-3) of FIG. 17 ). The plurality of first metal parts (M1) may be respectively arranged at corner regions of the AF carrier (551). The AF carrier (551) may include a plurality of second metal parts (M2) (e.g., the second metal parts (M2) of FIGS. 5 to 10 , the second metal parts (M2) of FIGS. 11 to 14 , the second metal parts (M2) of FIG. 16 , and / or the second metal parts (M2) of FIG. 17 ). A plurality of second metal parts (M2) may be respectively arranged at corner regions of the AF carrier (551) adjacent to a plurality of first metal parts (M1). The plurality of first metal parts (M1) and the plurality of second metal parts (M2) may at least partially overlap each other when viewed in a direction (e.g., an XY plane direction) substantially orthogonal to one direction (e.g., a Z-axis direction).
[0173] The AF actuator (550) may include an AF magnet (552) (e.g., the third magnet (452) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The AF magnet (552) may be positioned in a recess on an outer surface (e.g., the +X-direction surface) of the third AF carrier side wall (551D).
[0174] The AF actuator (550) may include an AF coil (553) (e.g., the third coil (453) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The AF coil (553) may be placed in the second hole (521G).
[0175] The camera module (500) may include a first guide (G1) configured to guide the OIS carrier (541) relative to the AF carrier (551) in a direction (e.g., an XY plane direction) substantially orthogonal to one direction (e.g., a Z-axis direction). The first guide (G1) may include a plurality of first grooves (G11). The plurality of first grooves (G11) may include substantially hemispherical grooves. The plurality of first grooves (G11) may be arranged at corner regions of the second carrier base (541A). Although not shown, the first guide (G1) may include a plurality of second grooves, each of which is arranged at corner regions of an inner surface (e.g., a -Z-direction surface) of the AF carrier base (551A). The plurality of second grooves may face the plurality of first grooves (G11), respectively. The first guide (G1) may include a plurality of first balls (B1) configured to be in cloud contact with a corresponding first groove (G11) and a corresponding second groove, respectively.
[0176] The camera module (500) may include a second guide (G2) configured to guide the AF carrier (551) relative to the base frame (521) in one direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). The second guide (G2) may include a third groove (G21) and a fourth groove (G22). The third groove (G21) and the fourth groove (G22) may be arranged on both sides of the second hole (521G). The third groove (G21) and the fourth groove (G22) may be arranged on an inner surface (e.g., a -X-direction surface) of the third side wall (521D). The third groove (G21) and the fourth groove (G22) may extend along a height (e.g., a Z-axis dimension) of the third side wall (521D). The second guide (G2) may include a fifth groove (G23) and a sixth groove (G24). The fifth groove (G23) and the sixth groove (G24) may be respectively arranged at opposite corner regions of an outer surface (e.g., a +X-direction surface) of the third AF carrier side wall (551D). The fifth groove (G23) and the sixth groove (G24) may extend along the height (e.g., a Z-axis dimension) of the third AF carrier side wall (551D). The fifth groove (G23) may face the third groove (G21), and the sixth groove (G24) may face the fourth groove (G22). The third groove (G21), the fourth groove (G22), the fifth groove (G23) and the sixth groove (G24) may each include a V-shaped groove. The second guide (G2) may include a plurality of second balls (B2) configured to be in rolling contact with the third groove (G21) and the fifth groove (G23), and at least one third ball (B3) configured to be in rolling contact with the fourth groove (G22) and the sixth groove (G24).
[0177] The camera module (500) may include a stopper (560) (e.g., the stopper (460) of FIGS. 5 to 10, the stopper (460) of FIG. 15, the stopper (460) of FIG. 21, and / or the stopper (460) of FIG. 22). The stopper (560) may include a cover area (561) (e.g., the cover area (461) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The cover area (561) may include a first extension portion (561A) extending along the third AF carrier side wall (551D) between the AF carrier (551) and the first cover frame (522) (e.g., the first extension portion (461A) of FIGS. 5 to 10), a second extension portion (561B) disposed opposite the first extension portion (561A) and extending between the first AF carrier side wall (551B) and the second AF carrier side wall (551C) (e.g., the second extension portion (461B) of FIGS. 5 to 10), and a third extension portion (561C) connecting the first extension portion (561A) and the second extension portion (561B) and extending along the second AF carrier side wall (551C). The stopper (560) may include an open area (562) (e.g., the open area (462) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The stopper (560) may include a stopper hole (563) (e.g., the stopper hole (463) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The stopper (560) may include a plurality of engaging portions (564) (e.g., the engaging portions (464) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The first OIS magnet (542A) may include an overlapping portion (OV) (e.g., the overlapping portion (OV) of FIGS. 5 to 10) that at least partially overlaps the cover area (561) when viewed in a direction (e.g., the XY plane direction) substantially orthogonal to one direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).
[0178] The camera module (500) may include a flexible printed circuit board (570) (e.g., the flexible printed circuit board (470) of FIGS. 5 to 10). The flexible printed circuit board (570) may include a first substrate region (570A) (e.g., the first substrate region (470A) of FIGS. 5 to 10 or a +X-direction side substrate region), a second substrate region (570B) (e.g., the second substrate region (470B) of FIGS. 5 to 10 or a -X-direction side substrate region), a third substrate region (570C) (e.g., the third substrate region (470C) of FIGS. 5 to 10 or a +Y-direction side substrate region), a fourth substrate region (570D) (e.g., a -Y-direction side substrate region) connecting the first substrate region (570A) and the third substrate region (570C), and a base substrate region (570E) on which an image sensor (530) is arranged and connected to the fourth substrate region (570D).
[0179] One aspect of the disclosure can provide a camera module with a reduced size. The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.
[0180] The camera module (400; 500) may include a lens (411; 511) having an optical axis (A). The camera module (400; 500) may include an image sensor (230; 530). The camera module (400; 500) may include a first carrier (441; 541) configured to transport the lens (411) or the image sensor (230; 530) in directions substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A). The camera module (400; 500) may include a second carrier (451; 551) configured to transport the lens (411) or the image sensor (230; 530) in a direction along the optical axis (A). The camera module (400; 500) may include a first magnet (442A; 542A) disposed on the first carrier (441; 541) in a first direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A). The camera module (400; 500) may include a second magnet (442B; 542B) disposed on the first carrier (441; 541) in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A) and different from the first direction. The camera module (400; 500) may include a stopper (460; 560) disposed on the second carrier (451; 551). The stopper (460; 560) may include a cover area (461; 561) that at least partially covers the second carrier (451; 551). The stopper (460; 560) may include an open area (462; 562) that is connected to the cover area (461; 561) and overlaps with at least one of the first magnet (442A; 542A) or the second magnet (442B; 542B).
[0181] The above open area (462) can overlap the entire area of at least one magnet (442A; 442B) when viewed in the direction along the optical axis (A).
[0182] The at least one magnet (442A; 442B) may at least partially overlap the cover area (461) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (A).
[0183] The camera module (400) may include at least one ball (B1) configured to guide the first carrier (441) relative to the second carrier (451) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A). The second carrier (451) may include a first metal part (M1) configured to support the at least one ball (B1). The second carrier (451) may include a second metal part (M2) configured to adsorb the at least one magnet (442A; 442B). The first metal part (M1) and the second metal part (M2) may at least partially overlap each other when viewed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A).
[0184] The first metal portion (M1) may include a non-magnetic material. The second metal portion (M2) may include a magnetic material.
[0185] The camera module (400) may include at least one first coil (443A) facing the first magnet (442A). The camera module (400) may include at least one second coil (443B) facing the second magnet (442B). The camera module (400) may include a base frame (421) configured to accommodate the first carrier (441) and the second carrier (451). The base frame (421) may include a bottom portion (421A). The base frame (421) may include a plurality of side walls (421B, 421C, 421D, 421E) connected to the bottom portion (421A). The base frame (421) may include a first hole (421F) in one side wall (421B) among the plurality of side walls (421B, 421C, 421D, 421E) and at least partially accommodating the first coil (443A). The base frame (421) may include a second hole (421H) in another side wall (421E) among the plurality of side walls (421B, 421C, 421D, 421E) and at least partially accommodating the second coil (443B). At least one of the first hole (421F) and the second hole (421H) may be open in a direction along the optical axis (A).
[0186] The above at least one magnet (442A, 442B) may include three or more polarizations (442AA, 442AB, 442AC).
[0187] Among the three or more polarizations (442AA, 442AB, 442AC), the length of the first polarization (442AA) may be greater than the lengths of the remaining polarizations (442AB, 442AC).
[0188] The above camera module (400) may include three or more first coils (443A, 443AA, 443AB, 443AC) corresponding to the three or more polarizations (442AA, 442AB, 442AC), respectively.
[0189] Among the three or more polarizations (442AA, 442AB, 442AC), the size of the first coil (443AA) corresponding to the first polarization (442AA) may be larger than the sizes of the remaining first coils (443AB, 443AC).
[0190] The above camera module (400) may include at least one sensor (444A) arranged on the first coil (443A) and configured to detect a magnetic field of at least one magnet (442A, 442B).
[0191] The above camera module (400) may include a single coil (443A) corresponding to the first polarization (442AA) among the three or more polarizations (442AA, 442AB, 442AC).
[0192] The above first metal portion (M1-2) and the above second metal portion (M2) can be physically connected to each other.
[0193] The first metal portion (M1-3) and the second metal portion (M2) may be spaced apart from each other.
[0194] The camera module (400-4) may include a base frame (421-4) configured to accommodate the first carrier (441) and the second carrier (451), and a reinforcing frame (DC) coupled to the base frame (421-4). The base frame (421-4) may include a bottom portion (421A) covering an inner side surface of the reinforcing frame (DC). The reinforcing frame (DC) may include a first material having a first reflectivity. At least a portion of the bottom portion (421A) covering the inner side surface of the reinforcing frame (DC) may include a second material having a second reflectivity lower than the first reflectivity.
[0195] At least one of the magnets (442A-6; 442A-7, 442B-7) may have a single polarization.
[0196] The above camera module (500) may include a reflector (535) configured to reflect light passing through the lens (511) to the image sensor (530).
[0197] The electronic device (101; 301) may include a camera module (400; 400-1; 400-2; 400-3; 400-4; 400-5; 400-6; 400-7; 500).
[0198] The camera module (400; 500) may include a lens (411; 511) having an optical axis (A). The camera module (400; 500) may include an image sensor (230; 530). The camera module (400; 500) may include a first carrier (441; 541) configured to carry the lens (411; 511) or the image sensor (230; 530) in directions substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A). The camera module (400; 500) may include a second carrier (451; 551) configured to carry the lens (411; 511) or the image sensor (230; 530) in a direction along the optical axis (A). The camera module (400; 500) may include a first magnet (442A; 542A) disposed on the first carrier (441; 541) in a first direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A). The camera module (400; 500) may include a second magnet (442B; 542B) disposed on the first carrier (441; 541) in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A) and different from the first direction. The camera module (400; 500) may include at least one ball (B1) configured to guide the first carrier (441; 541) relative to the second carrier (451; 551) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A). The second carrier (451; 551) may include a first metal portion (M1) configured to support the at least one ball (B1). The second carrier (451; 551) may include a second metal portion (M2) that attracts at least one magnet among the first magnet (442A; 542A) or the second magnet (442B; 542B). The first metal portion (M1) and the second metal portion (M2) may at least partially overlap each other when viewed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A).
[0199] The camera module (400-5) may include a cover frame (422-5) configured to cover the first carrier (441-5) and the second carrier (451-5). The camera module (400-5) may include an elastic body (480-5) arranged on the cover frame (422-5) and configured to elastically support the first carrier (441-5) when the second carrier (451-5) moves in a direction along the optical axis (A).
[0200] The above first carrier (441-5) may include a pocket (P) that at least partially accommodates the elastic body (480-5).
[0201] According to one embodiment, the desired driving force of the actuator can be secured without increasing the size of the camera module. According to one embodiment, the magnetic flux leaking from the camera module can be reduced, thereby reducing the influence on other camera modules or other components (e.g., a digitizer) adjacent to the camera module. The effects of the camera module according to the embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the specification.
[0202] The embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various modifications to the details of the disclosure, including those included within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, may be made. Any of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination with any of the embodiments described herein.
Claims
1. A lens (411; 511) having an optical axis (A), Image sensor (230; 530), A first carrier (441; 541) configured to carry the lens (411) or the image sensor (230; 530) in directions substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A), A second carrier (451; 551) configured to transport the lens (411) or the image sensor (230; 530) in a direction along the optical axis (A); A first magnet (442A; 542A) arranged on the first carrier (441; 541) in a first direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A), A second magnet (442B; 542B) disposed on the first carrier (441; 541) in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A) and different from the first direction, and As a stopper (460; 560) placed on the second carrier (451; 551), the stopper (460; 560) is a cover area (461; 561) at least partially covering the second carrier (451; 551), and The stopper (460; 560) includes an open area (462; 562) connected to the cover area (461; 561) and overlapping with at least one of the first magnet (442A; 542A) or the second magnet (442B; 542B). Camera module (400; 500) including.
2. In paragraph 1, A camera module in which the open area (462) overlaps the entire area of at least one magnet (442A; 442B) when viewed in the direction along the optical axis (A).
3. In paragraph 1, A camera module wherein at least one magnet (442A; 442B) at least partially overlaps the cover area (461) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (A).
4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, further comprising at least one ball (B1) configured to guide the first carrier (441) relative to the second carrier (451) in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis (A); The above second carrier (451) is, A first metal part (M1) configured to support at least one ball (B1), and A second metal portion (M2) configured to attract at least one magnet (442A; 442B), The first metal portion (M1) and the second metal portion (M2) at least partially overlap each other when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis (A), Preferably, the first metal portion (M1) includes a non-magnetic material, and the second metal portion (M2) includes a magnetic material, Preferably, the camera module (400; 500) A cover frame (422-5) configured to cover the first carrier (441-5) and the second carrier (451-5), and It further includes an elastic body (480-5) arranged on the cover frame (422-5) and configured to elastically support the first carrier (441-5) when the second carrier (451-5) moves in the direction along the optical axis (A). Preferably, the first carrier (441-5) includes a pocket (P) that at least partially accommodates the elastic body (480-5), Preferably, the first metal part (M1-2) and the second metal part (M2) are physically connected to each other, or the first metal part (M1-3) and the second metal part (M2) are spaced apart from each other.
5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, At least one first coil (443A) facing the first magnet (442A), At least one second coil (443B) facing the second magnet (442B), and Further comprising a base frame (421) configured to accommodate the first carrier (441) and the second carrier (451), The above base frame (421) is Bottom part (421A), A plurality of side walls (421B, 421C, 421D, 421E) connected to the above floor portion (421A), a first hole (421F) in one of the plurality of side walls (421B, 421C, 421D, 421E) and at least partially accommodating the first coil (443A); and A second hole (421H) is included in another side wall (421E) among the plurality of side walls (421B, 421C, 421D, 421E) and at least partially accommodates the second coil (443B), A camera module in which at least one of the first hole (421F) and the second hole (421H) is open in a direction along the optical axis (A).
6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, At least one of the magnets (442A, 442B) includes three or more polarizations (442AA, 442AB, 442AC), Preferably, the length of the first polarization (442AA) among the three or more polarizations (442AA, 442AB, 442AC) is greater than the lengths of the remaining polarizations (442AB, 442AC). Preferably, the camera module (400) further includes three or more first coils (443A, 443AA, 443AB, 443AC) corresponding to the three or more polarizations (442AA, 442AB, 442AC), Preferably, the size of the first coil (443AA) corresponding to the first polarization (442AA) among the three or more polarizations (442AA, 442AB, 442AC) is larger than the sizes of the remaining first coils (443AB, 443AC). Preferably, the camera module (400) further includes at least one sensor (444A) arranged on the first coil (443A) and configured to detect the magnetic field of the at least one magnet (442A, 442B), Preferably, the camera module (400) further includes a single coil (443A) corresponding to the first polarization (442AA) among the three or more polarizations (442AA, 442AB, 442AC).
7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, A base frame (421-4) configured to accommodate the first carrier (441) and the second carrier (451), and Further comprising a reinforcing frame (DC) coupled to the above base frame (421-4), The above base frame (421-4) includes a bottom portion (421A) that covers the inner side surface of the above reinforcing frame (DC), A camera module in which the reinforcing frame (DC) includes a first material having a first reflectivity, and at least a portion of the bottom portion (421A) covering the inner side surface of the reinforcing frame (DC) includes a second material having a second reflectivity lower than the first reflectivity.
8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, A camera module wherein at least one of the magnets (442A-6; 442A-7, 442B-7) comprises a single polarization.
9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, A camera module further comprising a reflector (535) configured to reflect light passing through the lens (511) to the image sensor (530).
10. An electronic device (101; 301) comprising a camera module (400; 400-1; 400-2; 400-3; 400-4; 400-5; 400-6; 400-7; 500) of any one of claims 1 to 9.
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