Lens driving device, and camera device and optical instrument comprising same

Abstract

An embodiment comprises: a housing; a bobbin disposed in the housing; a circuit board disposed in the housing; a magnet disposed on the bobbin; a yoke disposed in the housing so as to face the magnet, and disposed between the circuit board and the magnet; a coil electrically connected to the circuit board; and a ball member disposed between the bobbin and the housing.

Description

Lens driving device, and camera device and optical device including the same

[0001] The embodiment relates to a lens driving device and a camera device and optical device including the same.

[0002] Since it is difficult to apply the voice coil motor (VCM) technology used in conventional camera modules to ultra-small, low-power camera modules, active research has been conducted in this regard.

[0003] Demand and production of electronic products such as smartphones and camera-equipped mobile phones are increasing. Mobile phone cameras are trending toward higher resolution and miniaturization, and consequently, actuators are also becoming smaller, larger, and more multifunctional. To achieve higher resolution mobile phone cameras, improved camera performance and additional features such as autofocus, shutter shake reduction, and zooming are required.

[0004] The embodiment provides a lens driving device capable of securing sufficient manpower or holding force to stably support a bobbin, and a camera device and optical device including the same.

[0005] A lens driving device according to an embodiment includes a housing; a bobbin disposed within the housing; a circuit board disposed in the housing; a magnet disposed on the bobbin; a yoke disposed in the housing opposite the magnet and disposed between the circuit board and the magnet; a coil electrically connected to the circuit board; and a ball member disposed between the bobbin and the housing.

[0006] The above coil may be placed between the magnet and the yoke.

[0007] The magnet may be disposed on a first side of the bobbin, the yoke and the circuit board may be disposed on a first side of the housing opposite the first side of the bobbin, and the ball member may be disposed between the first side of the bobbin and the first side of the housing.

[0008] The magnet may be positioned closer to the yoke than the circuit board. The yoke may include an opening, and the circuit board may face the magnet through the opening of the yoke. When the bobbin is moved in the direction of the optical axis, at least a portion of the magnet may overlap the opening of the yoke in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis.

[0009] The lens driving device may include a position sensor facing the magnet and electrically connected to the circuit board, and the yoke may include an opening exposing the position sensor.

[0010] The coil may be disposed on a first surface of the yoke, and the first surface of the yoke may be a surface facing the magnet. The coil may include a hole, and the position sensor may be disposed within the hole of the coil. The opening of the yoke may overlap the hole of the coil.

[0011] The lens driving device includes a position sensor facing the magnet and electrically connected to the circuit board, the yoke includes an opening exposing a portion of a first surface of the circuit board facing the magnet, and the position sensor can be disposed on the portion of the circuit board exposed from the opening of the yoke.

[0012] The circuit board may include a protrusion protruding from the portion of the circuit board and positioned within the opening of the yoke, and the position sensor may be positioned on the protrusion.

[0013] In an embodiment, a yoke is placed between the circuit board and the magnet, and the distance between the yoke and the magnet can be reduced, thereby securing sufficient manpower or holding force to stably support the bobbin.

[0014] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a lens driving device according to an embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the lens driving device of Fig. 1 excluding the cover member.

[0016] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the circuit board, yoke, position sensor, coil, and magnet of Figure 1.

[0017] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of the circuit board, yoke, position sensor, coil, and magnet of FIG. 1.

[0018] Figure 4b illustrates a circuit board according to another embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5a is an example of an electrical connection between a coil and a circuit board.

[0020] Figure 5b is another embodiment of the electrical connection between the coil and the circuit board.

[0021] Figure 5c is another embodiment of the electrical connection between the coil and the circuit board.

[0022] Fig. 6 is a plan view of a lens driving device according to another embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a camera device according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an optical device according to an embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 9 shows a configuration diagram of the optical device illustrated in Fig. 8.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0027] However, the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to some of the embodiments described, but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, one or more of the components between the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted for use.

[0028] In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

[0029] In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated in the phrase, and when it is described as "A and / or at least one (or more) of B, C," it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C.

[0030] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0031] And, when it is described that a component is 'connected', 'joined' or 'connected' to another component, it can include not only cases where the component is directly connected, joined or connected to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'joined' or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component. Also, when it is described that it is formed or arranged "above or below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Also, when it is expressed as "above" or "below", it can include the meaning of the downward direction as well as the upward direction based on one component.

[0032] Hereinafter, the lens driving device may be replaced with a lens moving device, a VCM (Voice Coil Motor), an actuator, or a lens moving unit, and the term "coil" may be replaced with a coil unit. The term "magnet" may be replaced with a magnet unit. In addition, in the following description, the term "terminal" may be replaced with a pad, an electrode, a conductive layer, or a bonding portion.

[0033] For convenience of explanation, the lens driving device according to the embodiment is described using a Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z), but may be described using another coordinate system, and the embodiment is not limited thereto. In each drawing, the x-axis and the y-axis may mean a direction perpendicular to the z-axis, which is the optical axis direction. The z-axis direction may be expressed as any one of the first to third directions, the x-axis direction may be expressed as another one of the first to third directions, and the y-axis direction may be expressed as the remaining one of the first to third directions. In addition, the optical axis direction may be expressed as the z-axis direction. The optical axis direction may be the direction of the optical axis or a direction parallel to the optical axis. The optical axis (OA) may be the optical axis of the lens barrel or the optical axis of the lens mounted on the lens barrel. Or, for example, the optical axis (OA) may be an axis that is perpendicular to the imaging area of ​​the image sensor and passes through the center of the imaging area.

[0034] 'Auto-focusing' refers to automatically focusing an image of a subject on the image sensor surface. The lens driving device according to the embodiment can perform an auto-focusing operation by moving an optical module comprising at least one lens in a first direction.

[0035] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a lens driving device (100) according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the lens driving device (100) of FIG. 1 excluding the cover member (300), and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a circuit board (190), a yoke (80), a position sensor (170), a coil (120), and a magnet (130) of FIG. 1.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the lens driving device (100) may include a bobbin (110), a housing (140), a ball member (310), a circuit board (190), a coil (120), and a yoke (80). In addition, the lens driving device (100) may further include a magnet (130) corresponding to the coil (120). In addition, the lens driving device (100) may further include a position sensor (170) for AF feedback driving. In addition, the lens driving device (100) may further include a cover member (300) for accommodating the housing (140).

[0037] The bobbin (110) may be placed within the housing (140). The bobbin (110) may be placed within the cover member (300). A lens or lens barrel may be mounted or coupled to the bobbin (110). The bobbin (110) may include an opening (101) for mounting or coupling the lens or lens barrel. For example, the opening (101) may be a through hole.

[0038] The bobbin (110) can be moved in the optical axis (OA) direction or in a first direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The bobbin (110) may also be referred to as a “lens holder” or a “lens carrier.”

[0039] The bobbin (110) may include a plurality of sides (11A to 11D). For example, the first side (11A) and the second side (11B) of the bobbin (110) may be positioned opposite each other with respect to the optical axis (OA) or the opening (101). For example, the third side (11C) and the fourth side (11D) of the bobbin (110) may be positioned between the first side (11A) and the second side (11B), and may be positioned opposite each other with respect to the optical axis (OA) or the opening (101).

[0040] The bobbin (110) may include a mounting portion (110A) for placing or settling the magnet (130). The mounting portion (110A) may be formed or placed on any one of the plurality of side portions (11A to 11D) (e.g., 11A). For example, the mounting portion (110A) may be a groove that is recessed from the outer surface of a side portion (e.g., 11A) of the bobbin (110).

[0041] The bobbin (110) may include at least one protrusion (31) of the housing (140) and at least one escape portion (115) to avoid spatial interference. The escape portion (115) may be expressed as a groove or an escape groove. For example, the escape portion (115) may be arranged at at least one of the sides (11A to 11D) of the bobbin (110). The escape portion (115) of the bobbin (110) may, together with the protrusion (31; 31A to 31D) of the housing (140), serve to prevent the bobbin (110) from rotating beyond a preset range. For example, the protrusion (31) of the housing (140) may be arranged at at least one of the corners of the housing (140) and / or at least one of the sides (12A to 12D) of the housing (140).

[0042] The protrusion (31) may also be expressed by terms such as “rotation restraint,” “stopper,” “jaw-stopper,” “shock-absorbing portion,” or “buffer.” The protrusion (31) can restrain or prevent the bobbin (110) from rotating beyond the intended extent due to external impact, can alleviate the impact of the bobbin (110) and the housing (140) due to external impact, can reduce the generation of foreign substances or particles caused by impact or collision, and can prevent deformation or damage of the bobbin (110) or / and the housing (140). In addition, the protrusion (31) may also function as a stopper in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0043] The bobbin (110) may include at least one groove (117) for arranging or receiving the ball member (310). The groove (117) may be alternatively expressed as a “receiving groove” or a “guide groove”. At least a portion of the ball member (310) may be in contact with the groove (117). For example, the groove (117) may be formed on a first side (11A) of the bobbin (110). For example, the groove (117) may be formed on an outer surface of the first side (11A) of the bobbin (110). For example, the groove (117) may include a first groove (117A) and a second groove (117B) that are spaced apart from each other. For example, the groove (117) may be formed to extend in the optical axis direction. For example, when viewed from above, the shape of the groove (117) may be a triangle, but in other embodiments, it may be a polygon (e.g., a square or a pentagon, etc.). Or, for example, the groove (117) may be a 'V' or 'U' shape.

[0044] The housing (140) may include a groove (116) corresponding to or opposite to a groove (117) of the bobbin (110). For example, the groove (116) may be formed on a first side (12A) of the housing (140). For example, the groove (116) may be formed on an inner surface of the first side (12A) of the housing (140). The description of the shape of the groove (117) of the bobbin (110) may be applied or analogized to the groove (116) of the housing (140). For example, the groove (116) may include a first groove (116A) corresponding to or opposite a first groove (117A) of the bobbin (110) and a second groove (116B) corresponding to or opposite a second groove (117B) of the bobbin (110).

[0045] At least a portion of the ball member (310) may be disposed within a groove (117) of the bobbin (110) and may be in contact with the groove (117) of the bobbin (110). For example, the number of contact points between at least a portion of the ball member (310) and the groove (117) of the bobbin (110) may be one or more. In addition, at least another portion of the ball member (310) may be disposed within a groove (116) of the housing (140) and may be in contact with the groove (116) of the housing (140). For example, the number of contact points between at least a portion of the ball member (310) and the groove (116) of the housing (140) may be one or more.

[0046] In other embodiments, at least one of the groove (117) of the bobbin (110) and the groove (116) of the housing (140) may be omitted.

[0047] The magnet (130) can be placed on the bobbin (110). The magnet (130) can be coupled to the bobbin (110). The magnet (130) can be placed on the first side (11A) of the bobbin (110). The magnet (130) can be placed within the mounting portion (110A) of the bobbin (110). The magnet (130) can be placed to correspond to, face, or overlap the coil (120) in the second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0048] The magnet (130) may be a two-pole magnet having one N pole and one S pole. In another embodiment, the magnet (130) may be a four-pole magnet having two N poles and two S poles. For example, the surface of the magnet (130) facing the coil (120) may include the N pole and the S pole. In another embodiment, the first surface of the magnet (130) facing the coil (120) may be one of the N pole and the S pole, and the second surface of the magnet (130), which is opposite the first surface of the magnet (130), may be the other of the N pole and the S pole. In another embodiment, the magnet (130) may be a magnetic material.

[0049] The housing (140) may be disposed within the cover member (300). The housing (140) may accommodate at least a portion of the AF moving unit so that the AF moving unit may move in the direction of the optical axis. The housing (140) may support the coil (120), the circuit board (190), and the yoke (136). The housing (140) may also be expressed as a “base” or a “frame.”

[0050] For example, the AF moving unit may include a bobbin (110) and a configuration coupled to the bobbin (110). For example, the AF moving unit may include a bobbin (110) and a magnet (130). Alternatively, the AF moving unit may include a lens module (400) coupled or mounted to the bobbin (110).

[0051] The housing (140) may include an opening (201) for receiving the bobbin (110). The opening (201) may be a hole, a hollow, a cavity, or a through hole. The housing (140) may include a plurality of sides (12A to 12D). The housing (140) may include a corner or corner portion positioned between two adjacent sides.

[0052] The housing (140) may include a first side (12A) corresponding to the first side (11A) of the bobbin (110), a second side (12B) corresponding to the second side (11B) of the bobbin (110), a third side (12C) corresponding to the third side (11C) of the bobbin (110), and a fourth side (12D) corresponding to the fourth side (11D) of the bobbin (110). The first side (12A) of the housing (140) and the second side (12B) of the housing (140) may be positioned opposite each other, and the third side (12C) and the fourth side (12D) of the housing (140) may be positioned between the first side (12A) and the second side (12D) and may be positioned opposite each other. The first to fourth side portions (12A to 12D) of the housing (140) may correspond to, face, or overlap with the side plates of the cover member (300).

[0053] The housing (140) may include a mounting portion (141) for positioning or mounting the yoke (80). The mounting portion (141) may be positioned on the first side (12A) of the housing (140). For example, the mounting portion (141) may be a groove that is recessed from the outer surface of the first side (12A) of the housing (140). In other embodiments, the mounting portion (141) may be omitted.

[0054] The housing (140) may include an opening (106) disposed in the first side (12A). The opening (106) may be a hole or a through-hole penetrating the first side (12A) of the housing (140). At least a portion of the coil (120) may be disposed within the hole (106) of the housing (140). In other embodiments, the opening (106) may be a groove. In still other embodiments, the opening (106) may be omitted.

[0055] The coil (120) may be disposed in the housing (140). The coil (120) may be electrically connected to the circuit board (190). In another embodiment, the coil (120) may be coupled to or fixed to the housing (140). The coil (120) may correspond to, face, or overlap the magnet (130) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction or in a second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). For example, the coil (120) may be disposed in the first side (12A) of the housing (140). Alternatively, for example, the coil (120) may be disposed between the first side (11A) of the bobbin (110) and the first side plate of the cover member (300). For example, the coil (120) may be an AF (Auto Focus) driving coil that electromagnetically interacts with the magnet (130).

[0056] A driving signal (e.g., a driving current or a driving voltage) may be supplied or applied to the coil (120) to generate an electromagnetic force by interaction with the magnet (130). The driving signal applied to the coil (120) may be a direct current signal. In another embodiment, the driving signal applied to the coil (120) may be an alternating current signal. In yet another embodiment, the driving signal applied to the coil (120) may include a direct current signal and an alternating current signal.

[0057] The AF moving part (e.g., bobbin (110)) can move in the first direction or the optical axis direction by the electromagnetic force caused by the interaction between the coil (120) and the magnet (130). For example, the bobbin (110) can move upward (+Z-axis direction) or downward (-Z-axis direction). The intensity and / or direction of the electromagnetic force caused by the interaction between the coil (120) and the magnet (130) can be adjusted by controlling the intensity and / or polarity (e.g., the direction in which current flows) of the driving signal applied to the coil (120). The movement of the AF moving part in the first direction can be adjusted, and thereby the auto-focusing function can be performed.

[0058] The coil (120) may have a closed loop shape. For example, the coil (120) may include a ring shape having a hole (20A). For example, the coil (120) may be in the form of a coil ring wound or wound clockwise or counterclockwise around an axis perpendicular to the optical axis. In this case, the axis perpendicular to the optical axis may be parallel to the direction from the first side (11A) of the bobbin (110) toward the second side (11B).

[0059] The coil (120) may be coupled to or mounted on a circuit board (190). For example, the coil (120) may be electrically connected to the circuit board (190) by solder or a conductive adhesive. The circuit board (190) may include pads (29A, 29B) that are electrically connected to the coil (120) by solder or a conductive adhesive.

[0060] The coil (120) may be placed on the yoke (80). The coil (120) may be coupled to or attached to the yoke (80). For example, the coil (120) may be placed on a first surface (80A) of the yoke (80). For example, the coil (120) may be coupled to or attached to the first surface of the yoke (80). The first surface of the yoke (80) may be a surface facing the coil (120). Or, for example, the first surface of the yoke (80) may be a surface facing the first side (11A) of the bobbin (110). For example, at least a portion of the coil (120) may be placed between the yoke (80) and the magnet (130).

[0061] When the AF is driven, high heat may be generated in the coil (120) to which power is applied. The high heat generated from the coil (120) may melt the solder between the coil (120) and the circuit board (190), which may cause the coil (120) to detach or be separated from the board. In addition, the heat may cause the position sensor (170) to malfunction or deteriorate the performance of the position sensor (170). The yoke (80) may be made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity. In an embodiment, the yoke (80) may be in direct contact with the coil (120) and may easily release the heat generated from the coil (120), thereby preventing the coil (120) from detaching or being separated from the circuit board (190) due to the high heat of the coil (120) and preventing the performance of the position sensor (170) from being deteriorated.

[0062] The yoke (80) can be placed in the housing (140). The yoke (80) can be coupled with the housing (140). The yoke (80) can be placed on the first side (12A) of the housing (140). The yoke (80) can be coupled with the first side (12A) of the housing (140). For example, the yoke (80) can be placed on the mounting portion (141) of the housing (140).

[0063] The yoke (80) may be placed in the housing (140) to correspond to the magnet (130). For example, the yoke (130) may face or overlap the magnet (130) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction or in a second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0064] The yoke (80) may be placed between the circuit board (190) and the magnet (130). For example, the yoke (80) may be placed between the circuit board (190) and the coil (120). The yoke (80) may be in contact with the coil (120). The yoke (80) may have a plate shape.

[0065] The yoke (80) may be made of a material that is attracted to a magnet. For example, the yoke (80) may be a magnetic material. For example, the yoke (80) may be made of a metal material that is attracted to a magnet. Or, for example, the yoke (80) may be made of a magnetic metal material. Or, for example, the yoke (80) may be a magnet.

[0066] For example, the length (L1) of the yoke (80) in the optical axis direction may be greater than the length (L2) of the magnet (130) in the optical axis direction (L1>L2). This allows sufficient attractive force to be secured between the magnet (130) and the yoke (80) as the magnet (130) moves in the optical axis direction. In addition, the length (L1) of the yoke (80) in the optical axis direction may be greater than or equal to the length (L3) of the circuit board (190) in the optical axis direction. In addition, the length (L1) of the yoke (80) in the optical axis direction may be greater than the length (L4) of the coil ring of the coil (120) in the optical axis direction. In other embodiments, L1 < L2. In other embodiments, L3 > L1.

[0067] An attractive force (F1) may act between the yoke (130) and the magnet (130). A magnetic circuit may be formed between the yoke (80) and the magnet (130). An attractive force (F1) may act between the yoke (80) and the magnet (130) in a second direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction) or in a direction from the first side (11A) of the bobbin (110) toward the first side (12A) of the housing (140).

[0068] Since the yoke (80) is placed in the housing (140), which is a fixed part, the AF moving part (e.g., bobbin (110)) can be pulled toward the housing (140) where the yoke (130) is located by the attractive force (F1) acting between the yoke (80) and the magnet (130). The attractive force (F1) acting between the yoke (80) and the magnet (130) can also be expressed as a “holding force” or “holding force”. The yoke (80) can also be expressed as a “magnet”, a “magnetic body”, a “holding magnetic body”, or a “holding magnet”.

[0069] The ball member (310) can be pressed by the bobbin (110) and the housing (140) by the attractive force (F1) resulting from the interaction between the yoke (80) and the magnet (130). The yoke (80) and the magnet (130) can be a “pressure unit” or a “pressure member.” When the bobbin (110) moves in the optical axis direction by the pressurization unit, contact can be maintained between the bobbin (110) and the ball member (310), and between the housing (140) and the ball member (310), and the bobbin (110) can be stably supported.

[0070] A circuit board (190) may be placed in a housing (140). The circuit board (190) may be coupled with the housing (140). The circuit board (190) may be placed on a first side (12A) of the housing (140). The circuit board (190) may be coupled with the first side (12A) of the housing (140). The circuit board (190) may be placed on a yoke (80). The circuit board (190) may be placed on a second surface of the yoke (80). The second surface of the yoke (80) may be an opposite surface of the first surface of the yoke (80). At least a portion of the circuit board (190) may be coupled with the second surface of the yoke (80) or attached to the second surface of the yoke (80). The circuit board (190) may be positioned outside the yoke (80) with respect to the optical axis. For example, the optical axis (OA) may be positioned closer to the yoke (80) than the circuit board (190). Additionally, the magnet (130) may be positioned closer to the yoke (80) than the circuit board (190).

[0071] The first side of the circuit board (190) may be coupled to the second side of the yoke (80) or attached to the second side of the yoke (80). The first side of the circuit board (190) may be the side facing the yoke (80) or the coil (120).

[0072] The circuit board (190) may include a first pad (29A) electrically connected to one end of the coil (120) and a second pad (29B) electrically connected to the other end of the coil (120). For example, the first and second pads (29A, 29B) may be arranged on a first surface of the circuit board (190).

[0073] The circuit board (190) may include a plurality of terminals (9-1 to 9-n, n being a natural number greater than 1) for electrically connecting with an external device or apparatus. For example, the plurality of terminals (9-1 to 9-n) may be arranged on a second surface of the circuit board (190). The second surface of the circuit board (190) may be an opposite surface of the first surface of the circuit board (190). For example, the circuit board (190) may be a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). For example, the plurality of terminals (9-1 to 9-n) may be arranged in a row at the bottom of the second surface of the circuit board (190). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the circuit board (190) includes six terminals (9-1 to 9-n, n=6), but the number of terminals is not limited thereto. The circuit board (190) may include circuit patterns or wires for electrically connecting the position sensor (170) (or coil (120)) and terminals (9-1 to 9-n).

[0074] The position sensor (170) may be disposed in the housing (140). The position sensor (170) may be disposed on a first side (12A) of the housing (140). The position sensor (170) may be electrically connected to a circuit board (190). The position sensor (170) may be electrically connected to the circuit board (190) by solder or a conductive adhesive. The first position sensor (170) may be disposed on the circuit board (190) or mounted on the circuit board (190). For example, the first position sensor (170) may be disposed on a first surface of the circuit board (190).

[0075] For example, the position sensor (170) may be placed inside a circuit board (190) disposed on the first side (12A) of the housing (140). Here, the inside of the circuit board (190) may be the center of the housing (140) with respect to the circuit board (190).

[0076] For example, the position sensor (170) can be placed within the hole (20A) of the coil (120).

[0077] The yoke (80) may include an opening (81). For example, the opening (81) may be a hollow or through hole penetrating the yoke (80). The circuit board (190) may face or be opposed to the magnet (130) through the opening (81) of the yoke (80). The opening (81) may expose at least a portion of the position sensor (170). In another embodiment, the opening (81) may be a relief groove or a relief portion. The opening (81) may overlap with the hole (20A) of the coil (120). The opening (81) of the yoke (80) may expose at least a portion (90A) of the circuit board (190). The opening (81) of the yoke (80) may expose at least a portion (90A) of a first surface of the circuit board (190). The position sensor (170) may be placed on at least a portion (90A) of the circuit board (190).

[0078] When the bobbin (110) moves in the optical axis direction or the first direction, at least a part of the magnet (130) can overlap with the opening (81) of the yoke (80) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0079] The position sensor (170) may not overlap with the coil (120) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The position sensor (170) may be positioned within the hole (106) of the housing (140). Additionally, the position sensor (170) may not overlap with the yoke (80) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. In another embodiment, the position sensor (170) may be positioned outside the hole (20A) of the coil (120).

[0080] The position sensor (170) may correspond to or face the magnet (130) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis or in a second direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction). At least a portion of the position sensor (170) may overlap the magnet (130) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis or in a second direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction).

[0081] The position sensor (170) can detect the displacement or position of the bobbin (110) in the optical axis direction. The position sensor (170) can detect the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet (130) placed on the bobbin (110) according to the movement of the bobbin (110). The position sensor (170) can detect the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet (130) and output an output signal (e.g., an output voltage). For example, the control unit of the camera device (200) or the control unit (780) of the optical device (200A) can detect or detect the displacement of the bobbin (110) in the optical axis direction using the output signal of the position sensor (170).

[0082] The position sensor (170) may be implemented as a Hall sensor alone. In this case, the position sensor (170) may include two input terminals to which a driving signal or power is provided and two output terminals for outputting an output voltage. In addition, the circuit board (190) may be electrically connected to the two input terminals of the position sensor (170) and may include first and second terminals (e.g., 9-1, 9-2) that provide power or a driving signal to the two input terminals. In addition, the circuit board (190) may be electrically connected to the two output terminals of the position sensor (170) and may include third and fourth terminals (e.g., 9-3, 9-4) that receive an output signal of the position sensor (170) from the two output terminals. And the circuit board (190) may include fifth and sixth terminals (e.g., 9-5, 9-6) that are electrically connected to the coil (120) and supply a driving signal to the coil (120). For example, the fifth terminal (9-5) may be electrically connected to the first pad (29A) of the circuit board (190), and the sixth terminal (9-6) may be electrically connected to the second pad (29B) of the circuit board.

[0083] In another embodiment, the position sensor (170) may be implemented in the form of a driver IC including a Hall sensor. The driver IC type position sensor (170) may also include a temperature sensing element. The driver IC type position sensor (170) may include first to fourth terminals for transmitting and receiving data with the outside using data communication using a protocol, for example, I2C communication, and fifth and sixth terminals for providing a driving signal to the coil (120). The first and second terminals of the driver IC type position sensor (170) may be for receiving a power signal, the third terminal of the driver IC type position sensor (170) may be for transmitting and receiving a clock signal, and the fourth terminal may be for transmitting and receiving a data signal. At this time, the circuit board (190) may include first to fourth terminals (e.g., 9-1 to 9-4) that are electrically connected to the first to fourth terminals of the position sensor (170). In addition, the fifth and sixth terminals of the position sensor (170) may be electrically connected to the coil (120) through the circuit board (190), and a driving signal may be supplied to the coil (120) through the fifth and sixth terminals of the position sensor (170). For example, the fifth and sixth terminals of the position sensor (170) may be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the first and second pads (29A, 29B) of the circuit board (190).

[0084] The ball member (310) may be placed between the bobbin (110) and the housing (140). The ball member (310) may be expressed as a “rolling member”, a “sliding member”, a “ball”, or a “ball bearing”.

[0085] The ball member (310) can be in contact with the bobbin (110) and the housing (140), and can perform a rolling motion or a sliding motion between the bobbin (110) and the housing (140). The ball member (310) can support the movement of the bobbin (110) in the optical axis direction. When the bobbin (110) is moved in the optical axis direction, the ball member (310) can reduce friction between the bobbin (110) and the housing (140). By the rolling motion or sliding motion of the ball member (310), the bobbin (110) can be moved in a sliding manner in the optical axis direction by coming into contact with the ball member (310).

[0086] For example, the ball member (310) may be made of, but is not limited to, a metal material, plastic, or resin material. The ball member (310) may have a circular shape and may have a diameter sufficient to support movement of the bobbin (110) in the optical axis direction.

[0087] The ball member (310) may be disposed between the first side (11A) of the bobbin (110) and the first side (12A) of the housing (140). In addition, the ball member (310) may include at least one ball member. For example, the ball member (310) may include two or more ball members (310A, 310B). For example, the ball member (310) may include a first ball member (310A) and a second ball member (310B). For example, the magnet (130) may be positioned between the first ball member (310A) and the second ball member (310B). The first ball member (310A) may be disposed between the first groove (117A) of the bobbin (110) and the first groove (116A) of the housing (140). The second ball member (310B) may be positioned between the second groove (117B) of the bobbin (110) and the second groove (116B) of the housing (140). For example, each of the ball members (310A, 310B) may include a plurality of balls (B1 to B3, B4 to B6). In this case, the number of balls may be two or more.

[0088] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the yoke (80) is placed in the housing (140) and the magnet (130) is placed in the bobbin (110), but in other embodiments, the yoke (80) may be placed in the first side (11A) of the bobbin (110) and the magnet (130) may be placed in the first side (12B) of the housing (140).

[0089] The cover member (300) can accommodate the housing (140). The cover member (300) can be in the shape of a box with an open bottom and including an upper plate (301) and a side plate (302). The side plate (302) of the cover member (300) can extend downward from the upper plate (301) of the cover member (300). The shape of the upper plate (301) of the cover member (300) can be a polygon, for example, a square or an octagon, and the cover member (300) can have an opening (303) in the upper plate (301) for exposing a lens or a lens module (400) to external light.

[0090] Fig. 4a is a cross-sectional view of the circuit board (190), yoke (80), position sensor (170), coil (120), and magnet (130) of Fig. 1. In a comparative example, the yoke (80) may be placed on the rear of the circuit board (190) or on the second surface of the circuit board (190).

[0091] Referring to FIG. 4a, the yoke (80) may be disposed between the circuit board (190) and the magnet (130). In addition, the yoke (80) may be disposed on the first surface of the circuit board (190). The distance (D1) between the yoke (80) and the magnet (130) may be smaller than the distance (D4) between the circuit board (180) and the magnet (130). Compared to the comparative example, the distance (D1) between the yoke (80) and the magnet (130) may be reduced, and thus, the attractive force (F1) between the yoke (80) and the magnet (130) may be increased.

[0092] FIG. 4B illustrates a circuit board (190A) according to another embodiment. The circuit board (190A) of FIG. 4B may be a modified example of the circuit board (190) of FIG. 4A. Referring to FIG. 4B, the circuit board (190A) may include a protrusion (191) positioned within the opening (81) of the yoke (80). At least a portion of the protrusion (191) may be positioned within the opening (81) of the yoke (90).

[0093] The protrusion (191) may protrude from the first surface of the circuit board (190). The position sensor (170) may be placed on the protrusion (191) of the circuit board (190A). The protrusion (191) may face or overlap with the hole (20A) of the coil (120).

[0094] The distance (D3) between the position sensor (170) and the magnet (130) due to the protrusion (191) may be smaller than the distance (D2) between the position sensor (170) and the magnet (130) of FIG. 4a (D3 <D2). 위치 센서(170)와 마그네트(130)의 이격 거리(D2)가 감소할 수 있고, 이로 인하여 위치 센서(170)의 출력을 증가시킬 수 있고, 위치 센서(170)의 센싱 감도를 향상시킬 수 있고, AF 구동의 신뢰성을 향상시킬 수 있다.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 4B, the position sensor (170) may be disposed on the first surface (191A) of the protrusion (191). The first surface (191A) of the protrusion (191) may be a surface facing the magnet (130). The first surface (191A) of the protrusion (191) may protrude from the first surface (80A) of the yoke (80) toward the magnet (130). For example, the magnet (130) may be positioned closer to the first surface (191A) of the protrusion (191) than to the first surface (80A) of the yoke (80). The distance between the first surface (191A) of the protrusion (191) and the magnet (130) may be smaller than the distance between the first surface (80A) of the yoke (80) and the magnet (130). At least a portion of the protrusion (191) may be positioned within the hole (20A) of the coil (120). In another embodiment, the first surface (191A) of the protrusion (191) may not protrude from the first surface (80A) of the yoke (80).

[0096] Figure 5a is an example of an electrical connection between a coil (120) and a circuit board (190).

[0097] Referring to FIG. 5A, the first and second pads (29A, 29B) of the circuit board (190) may be positioned outside the hole (20A) of the coil (120). One end of the coil (120) may be electrically connected to the first pad (29A) by solder or a conductive adhesive, and the other end of the coil (120) may be electrically connected to the second pad (29B). The first and second pads (29A, 29B) of FIG. 5A may be positioned outside the edge of the yoke (80).

[0098] Fig. 5b is another embodiment of the electrical connection between the coil (120) and the circuit board (190).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 5b, the first and second pads (29A, 29B) of the circuit board (190) may be positioned inside the hole (20A) of the coil (120). One end of the coil (120) may be electrically connected to the first pad (29A) by solder or a conductive adhesive, and the other end of the coil (120) may be electrically connected to the second pad (29B). The first and second pads (29A, 29B) of FIG. 5b may be positioned inside the opening (81) of the yoke (80).

[0100] Figure 5c is another embodiment of the electrical connection between the coil (120) and the circuit board (190).

[0101] Referring to FIG. 5c, at least a portion of the coil (120) may be electrically connected to the circuit board (190) by passing through the opening (13) formed in the yoke (80). For example, at least a portion of the coil (120) may be electrically connected to the pads (29A, 29B) of the circuit board (190) by passing through the opening (13) formed in the yoke (80).

[0102] The yoke (80) may include a first opening (13A) exposing a first pad (29A) of a circuit board (190) and a second opening (13B) exposing a second pad (29A) of the circuit board (190). Each of the first and second openings (13A, 13B) may be a through hole. One end of the coil (120) may pass through the first opening (13A) of the yoke (80) and be electrically connected to the first pad (29A) of the circuit board (190), and the other end of the coil (120) may pass through the second opening (13b) of the yoke (80) and be electrically connected to the second pad (29B) of the circuit board (190).

[0103] The force required to pressurize the ball member decreases as the distance between the magnet and the yoke increases. In an embodiment, by placing the yoke (80) between the circuit board (190) and the magnet (130), the distance between the yoke (80) and the magnet (130) can be reduced, thereby securing sufficient force or holding force to stably support the bobbin.

[0104] Fig. 6 is a plan view of a lens driving device (100-1) according to another embodiment. In Fig. 6, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 2 indicate the same configuration, and the description of the same configuration is omitted or simplified.

[0105] In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the magnet (130) serves both as a holding force and as an AF drive, but in the lens driving device (100-1) of Fig. 6, the magnet (130) serves only as a holding force, and a separate magnet (230) may serve as an AF drive. In addition, the coil (120-1) may be arranged to face the magnet (230).

[0106] Referring to FIG. 6, the magnet (230) may be placed on the bobbin (110) spaced apart from the magnet (130). For example, the magnet (230) may include a magnet unit (230A) placed on the third side (11C) of the bobbin (110) and a magnet unit (230B) placed on the fourth side (11D) of the bobbin (110).

[0107] The coil (120-1) may include a first coil unit (120A) corresponding to or opposite the first magnet unit (230A) and a second coil unit (120B) corresponding to or opposite the second magnet unit (230B). The bobbin (110) may be moved in the optical axis direction by an electromagnetic force resulting from the interaction between the magnet (230) and the coil (120-1).

[0108] In another embodiment, either the first magnet unit (230A) or the second magnet unit (230B) may be omitted, or either the first coil unit (120A) or the second coil unit (120B) may be omitted.

[0109] The coil (120-1) may be placed in the housing (140). For example, the first coil unit (120A) may be placed on the third side (12C) of the housing (140), and the second coil unit (120A) may be placed on the fourth side (12D) of the housing (140). The housing (140) may include a first mounting portion (107A) on which the first coil unit (120A) may be placed or mounted, and a second mounting portion (107B) on which the second coil unit (120B) may be placed or mounted. The first and second mounting portions (107A, 107B) may be in the form of a hole, a through hole, or a groove.

[0110] The coil (120-1) may be placed on the circuit board (190-1). The coil (120-1) may be electrically connected to the circuit board (190-1). The circuit board (190-1) may be placed on at least one of the first to fourth side portions (121A to 12D) of the housing (140).

[0111] For example, the circuit board (190-1) may include a first substrate (192A) disposed on a first side (12A) of the housing (140), a second substrate (192B) disposed on a third side (12C) of the housing (140), and a third substrate (192C) disposed on a fourth side (12D) of the housing (140). The description of the circuit board (190) of FIG. 2 may be applied to or analogized to the first substrate (192A) of FIG. 6. The first coil unit (120A) may be disposed on the second substrate (192B) and may be electrically connected to the second substrate (192B). The second coil unit (120B) may be disposed on the third substrate (192C) and may be electrically connected to the third substrate (192C). For example, the first coil unit (120A) and the second coil unit (120B) may be electrically connected to each other. For example, the first coil unit (120A) and the second coil unit (120B) may be connected in series, and one driving signal may be applied to the first and second coil units (120A, 120B) that are connected in series. In another embodiment, the first coil unit (120A) and the second coil unit (120B) may not be connected, and separate, independent driving signals may be supplied to each of the first coil unit (120A) and the second coil unit (120B).

[0112] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the position sensor (170) is disposed on the first substrate (192A) to correspond to or face the magnet (130), but in other embodiments, the position sensor (170) may be disposed on at least one of the second and third substrates (192B, 192C) to correspond to or face at least one of the first and second magnet units (230A, 230B). In this case, the position sensor (170) may be disposed in a hole or hollow portion of at least one of the first and second coil units (120A, 120B). The position sensor (170) may detect the strength of the magnetic field of at least one of the first and second magnet units (230A, 230B) and output an output signal.

[0113] Meanwhile, the lens driving device according to the above-described embodiment can be used in various fields, for example, in camera devices or optical devices.

[0114] For example, the lens driving device (100) according to the embodiment may be included in an optical instrument that forms an image of an object in space by using the characteristics of light such as reflection, refraction, absorption, interference, and diffraction, and aims to increase the visual acuity of the eye, or to record and reproduce an image by a lens, or to optically measure, propagate or transmit an image, etc. For example, the optical device according to the embodiment may be a mobile phone, a cell phone, a smart phone, a portable smart device, a digital camera, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), a navigation system, etc., but is not limited thereto, and any device for taking a video or a photo may be used.

[0115] Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of a camera device (200) according to an embodiment.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 7, the camera device (200) may include a lens module (400), a lens driving device (100), and an image sensor (810). The camera device (200) may further include a circuit board (800).

[0117] Although not shown in FIG. 7, the camera device (200) may further include a “base” positioned between the housing (140) and the circuit board (800). The base may be bonded, attached, or fixed to the upper surface of the circuit board (800) by an adhesive member (not shown).

[0118] Additionally, the camera device (200) may further include a filter positioned between the lens module (400) and the image sensor (810). For example, the filter may be positioned or mounted on the base. In other embodiments, the filter may be positioned on the lower portion of the housing (140) or may be coupled with the lower portion of the housing (140).

[0119] The lens module (400) may include a lens and / or a lens barrel. The lens module (400) may be mounted on a bobbin (110) of the lens driving device (100) or coupled with the bobbin (110). For example, the lens module (400) may include one or more lenses and a lens barrel that accommodates one or more lenses. The lens module (400) may be coupled to the lens driving device (100) and may move together with the lens driving device (100). Light passing through the lens module (400) may pass through a filter and be irradiated to the image sensor (810).

[0120] The filter may serve to block light of a specific frequency band passing through the lens barrel (400) from entering the image sensor (810). For example, the filter may be an infrared blocking filter, but is not limited thereto.

[0121] The circuit board (800) may be placed at the bottom of the lens driving device (100). The circuit board (800) may be electrically connected to the circuit board (190, 190-1) of the lens driving device (100).

[0122]

[0123] *The image sensor (810) may be placed or mounted on the circuit board (800). The image sensor (810) may receive an image included in light incident through the lens driving device (100) and convert the received image into an electrical signal.

[0124] The circuit board (800) may include terminals (801) electrically connected to terminals (9-1 to 9-n) of the circuit board (190) of the lens driving device (100). For example, a driving signal to be supplied to the coil (120), a driving signal (or power signal) supplied to the position sensor (170), or a clock signal and a data signal for the position sensor (170) may be transmitted to the terminals (801) of the circuit board (800) and the terminals (9-1 to 9-n) of the circuit board (190) of the lens driving device (100). In addition, an output signal of the position sensor (170) may be transmitted from the terminals (9-1 to 9-n) of the circuit board (190) of the lens driving device (100) to the terminals (801) of the circuit board (800).

[0125] The image sensor (810) can be positioned so that its optical axis is aligned with that of the lens module (400). Through this, the image sensor (810) can obtain light passing through the lens module (400). The image sensor (810) can output the irradiated light as an image. The image sensor (810) can be, for example, a CCD (charge coupled device), a MOS (metal oxide semiconductor), a CPD, and a CID. However, the type of the image sensor is not limited thereto. The filter and the image sensor (810) can be spaced apart from each other so as to face each other in the first direction.

[0126] Although not shown in FIG. 7, the camera device (200) may include a control unit arranged on a circuit board (800). The control unit may be in the form of a driver IC.

[0127] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an optical device (200A) according to an embodiment, and FIG. 9 shows a configuration diagram of the optical device (200A) shown in FIG. 8.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the optical device (200A) may include a body (850), a wireless communication unit (710), an A / V input unit (720), a sensing unit (740), an input / output unit (750), a memory unit (760), an interface unit (770), a control unit (780), and a power supply unit (790).

[0129] The body (850) is in the form of a bar, but is not limited thereto, and may have various structures such as a slide type, folder type, swing type, or swirl type in which two or more sub-bodies are connected to enable relative movement.

[0130] The body (850) may include a case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) that forms the exterior. For example, the body (850) may be divided into a front case (851) and a rear case (852). Various electronic components of the terminal may be built into the space formed between the front case (851) and the rear case (852).

[0131] The wireless communication unit (710) may be configured to include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the terminal (200A) and a wireless communication system or between the terminal (200A) and a network in which the terminal (200A) is located. For example, the wireless communication unit (710) may be configured to include a broadcast reception module (711), a mobile communication module (712), a wireless Internet module (713), a short-range communication module (714), and a location information module (715).

[0132] The A / V (Audio / Video) input unit (720) is for inputting audio signals or video signals and may include a camera (721) and a microphone (722), etc.

[0133] The camera (721) may include a camera device (200) according to an embodiment.

[0134] The sensing unit (740) can detect the current state of the terminal (200A), such as the open / close state of the terminal (200A), the position of the terminal (200A), the presence or absence of user contact, the orientation of the terminal (200A), and the acceleration / deceleration of the terminal (200A), and generate a sensing signal to control the operation of the terminal (200A). For example, if the terminal (200A) is in the form of a slide phone, it can sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, it is responsible for sensing functions related to whether power is supplied to the power supply unit (790), whether the interface unit (770) is connected to an external device, etc.

[0135] The input / output unit (750) is for generating input or output related to visual, auditory, or tactile senses. The input / output unit (750) can generate input data for controlling the operation of the terminal (200A) and can also display information processed in the terminal (200A).

[0136] The input / output unit (750) may include a key pad unit (730), a display module (751), an audio output module (752), and a touch screen panel (753). The key pad unit (730) may generate input data through key pad input.

[0137] The display module (751) may include a plurality of pixels whose colors change according to an electrical signal. For example, the display module (751) may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, and a 3D display.

[0138] The audio output module (752) can output audio data received from the wireless communication unit (710) in a call signal reception mode, call mode, recording mode, voice recognition mode, or broadcast reception mode, or can output audio data stored in the memory unit (760).

[0139] The touch screen panel (753) can convert a change in electrostatic capacity caused by a user's touch on a specific area of ​​the touch screen into an electrical input signal.

[0140] The memory unit (760) may store programs for processing and controlling the control unit (780), and may temporarily store input / output data (e.g., phone book, messages, audio, still images, photographs, videos, etc.). For example, the memory unit (760) may store images captured by the camera (721), such as photographs or videos.

[0141] The interface unit (770) serves as a passage connecting to an external device connected to the terminal (200A). The interface unit (770) receives data from the external device, supplies power and transmits it to each component inside the terminal (200A), or allows data inside the terminal (200A) to be transmitted to the external device. For example, the interface unit (770) may include a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module, an audio I / O (Input / Output) port, a video I / O (Input / Output) port, and an earphone port.

[0142] The control unit (controller, 780) can control the overall operation of the terminal (200A). For example, the control unit (780) can perform related control and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, etc.

[0143] The control unit (780) may be equipped with a multimedia module (781) for multimedia playback. The multimedia module (781) may be implemented within the control unit (780) or may be implemented separately from the control unit (780).

[0144] The control unit (780) can perform pattern recognition processing to recognize handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively.

[0145] The power supply unit (790) can supply power required for the operation of each component by receiving external power or internal power under the control of the control unit (780).

[0146] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the embodiments above are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to just one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment can be combined or modified in other embodiments by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Therefore, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0147] The embodiment can be used in a lens driving device, a camera device, and an optical device that can secure sufficient manpower or holding force to stably support a bobbin.

Claims

1. Housing; A bobbin disposed within the housing; A circuit board disposed in the above housing; A magnet placed on the above bobbin; A yoke disposed in the housing opposite the magnet and disposed between the circuit board and the magnet; a coil electrically connected to the circuit board; and A lens driving device including a ball member disposed between the bobbin and the housing.

2. In paragraph 1, A lens driving device in which the coil is positioned between the magnet and the yoke.

3. In paragraph 1, The above magnet is arranged on the first side of the bobbin, The yoke and the circuit board are arranged on the first side of the housing opposite the first side of the bobbin, A lens driving device in which the ball member is disposed between the first side of the bobbin and the first side of the housing.

4. In paragraph 1, A lens driving device wherein the magnet is positioned closer to the yoke than to the circuit board.

5. In paragraph 1, The above yoke includes an opening, The above circuit board is a lens driving device facing the magnet through the above opening of the yoke.

6. In paragraph 5, A lens driving device in which at least a portion of the magnet overlaps the opening of the yoke in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction when the bobbin is moved in the optical axis direction.

7. In paragraph 1, A position sensor is included that faces the magnet and is electrically connected to the circuit board, The above yoke is a lens driving device including an opening exposing the position sensor.

8. In paragraph 1, The above coil is arranged on the first surface of the yoke, A lens driving device in which the first surface of the above yoke is a surface facing the magnet.

9. In paragraph 7, The above coil includes a hole, The above position sensor is a lens driving device arranged within the hole of the above coil.

10. In paragraph 9, A lens driving device in which the opening of the yoke overlaps the hole of the coil.

Images