Lens driving device, camera device, and optical instrument

Abstract

The present embodiment relates to a lens driving device comprising: a base; a holder disposed in the base; a magnet disposed in the holder; a coil interacting with the magnet; a yoke wherein an attraction force is applied between the yoke and the magnet; and a ball disposed between the holder and the base in a direction in which the magnet faces the yoke, wherein the base includes a metal frame member, and the yoke is coupled to the frame member.

Description

Lens actuators, camera devices and optical instruments

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a lens driving device, a camera device, and an optical device.

[0002] Modern smartphones are equipped with cameras capable of taking high-resolution photos and videos.

[0003] In particular, recent smartphone cameras have been equipped with an autofocus function that automatically adjusts focus based on the distance from the subject. This autofocus function can be performed by moving the lens along the optical axis relative to the image sensor. Accordingly, the lens actuator may include a ball that guides the movement of a moving part on which the lens is positioned, and a magnet and yoke that contact the ball between the moving part and the fixed part.

[0004] However, in the conventional structure of fixing a yoke to a substrate and bonding the substrate to a base, there is a problem in that the substrate falls off after a reliability test due to insufficient adhesive strength between the substrate and the injection-molded base.

[0005] Additionally, there is a problem that the base is deformed during the process of applying adhesive to adhere the substrate to the base and pressing the substrate toward the base with heat.

[0006] (Patent Document 1) KR 10-2018-0007841 A

[0007] The present embodiment aims to provide a lens actuator in which a yoke and a substrate do not fall off even when a strong impact is applied from the outside, such as during a reliability test.

[0008] A lens driving device according to the present embodiment comprises: a base; a holder disposed within the base; a magnet disposed in the holder; a coil interacting with the magnet; a yoke having an attractive force with the magnet; and a ball disposed between the holder and the base in a direction in which the magnet faces the yoke, wherein the base comprises a metal frame member, and the yoke can be coupled to the frame member.

[0009] The above yoke can be joined to the above frame member by laser welding.

[0010] The frame member is inserted into the base, and the frame member includes a lower plate portion arranged perpendicular to the optical axis and a pillar portion extending in the direction of the optical axis from a corner region of the lower plate portion, the lower plate portion and the pillar portion are formed integrally, and the yoke can be coupled to the pillar portion of the frame member.

[0011] The pillar portion of the frame member includes first to fourth pillar portions formed in the first to fourth corner regions of the lower plate portion, and the yoke can be combined with the first pillar portion and the second pillar portion.

[0012] The pillar portion of the frame member may include a first portion coupled to the yoke and a second portion bent and extended from the first portion.

[0013] The yoke includes an inner surface coupled to the frame member, a substrate is disposed on the inner surface of the yoke, the coil is disposed on the inner surface of the substrate, and the substrate can be spaced apart from the frame member.

[0014] In the direction in which the magnet faces the yoke, the thickness of the portion of the frame member that is coupled to the yoke may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the substrate.

[0015] In the direction in which the magnet faces the yoke, the ball can overlap the yoke.

[0016] The lens actuator may include a substrate disposed between the yoke and the coil, and in the direction in which the magnet faces the yoke, the ball may include a first region overlapping the frame member and a second region overlapping the substrate.

[0017] The yoke includes a first region coupled to the frame member and a second region spaced apart from the frame member, and in the optical axis direction, the length of the first region of the yoke may be equal to the length of the second region of the yoke.

[0018] The yoke includes a first region coupled to the frame member and a second region spaced apart from the frame member, and in the optical axis direction, the length of the first region of the yoke is shorter than the length of the second region of the yoke, the upper end of the first region of the yoke is positioned lower than the upper end of the second region of the yoke, and the lower end of the first region of the yoke is positioned higher than the lower end of the second region of the yoke.

[0019] The yoke may include a first region coupled to the frame member and a second region spaced apart from the frame member, and the yoke may include a groove formed by recessing a central region of an outer surface of the first region.

[0020] The yoke may include a first region coupled to the frame member and a second region spaced apart from the frame member, and the yoke may include a hole formed in the first region of the yoke.

[0021] A camera device according to the present embodiment may include a printed circuit board; an image sensor disposed on the printed circuit board; the lens driving device disposed on the printed circuit board; and a lens coupled to the lens driving device.

[0022] An optical device according to the present embodiment may include a main body; the camera device disposed in the main body; and a display disposed in the main body and outputting at least one of an image and a video captured by the camera device.

[0023] Through this embodiment, the phenomenon of the yoke and substrate being detached can be prevented even when a strong impact is applied from the outside, such as during a reliability test.

[0024] In addition, since the process of applying heat to the injection-molded base is omitted compared to conventional methods, deformation of the base can be prevented.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a camera device according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera device according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a lens driving device according to the present embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a lens driving device according to the present embodiment cut parallel to the optical axis.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lens driving device according to the present embodiment, viewed from above, cut perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0030] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 5.

[0031] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a lens driving device according to the present embodiment with the cover omitted.

[0032] Figure 8 is a perspective view of Figure 7 with the yoke omitted.

[0033] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the base and related components of the lens driving device according to the present embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the base of the lens driving device according to the present embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the frame member and yoke of the lens driving device according to the present embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 12 is a side view of a lens driving device according to the present embodiment with the cover omitted.

[0037] Fig. 13 is a side view of a lens driving device according to the first modified example with the cover omitted.

[0038] Fig. 14 is a side view of a lens driving device according to a second modified example with the cover omitted.

[0039] Fig. 15 is a side view of a lens driving device according to the third modified example with the cover omitted.

[0040] Fig. 16 is a drawing for explaining auto focus driving of a lens driving device according to the present embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an optical device according to the present embodiment.

[0042] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Additionally, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0046] In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase, and when it is described as “A and / or at least one (or more) of B, C”, it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, C.

[0047] 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.

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

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

[0050] The 'optical axis direction' used below is defined as the optical axis direction of the lens and / or image sensor coupled to the lens driving device.

[0051] The 'vertical direction' used below may be a direction parallel to or the same direction as the optical axis direction. The vertical direction may correspond to the 'z-axis direction'. The 'horizontal direction' used below may be a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. That is, the horizontal direction may be a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, the horizontal direction may include the 'x-axis direction' and the 'y-axis direction'.

[0052] The 'auto focus (AF) function' used below is defined as a function that automatically focuses on a subject by adjusting the distance from the image sensor by moving the lens in the optical axis direction according to the distance of the subject so that a clear image of the subject can be obtained on the image sensor. In addition, 'closed-loop auto focus (CLAF) control' is defined as a function that detects the distance between the image sensor and the lens and provides feedback control of the position of the lens in real time to improve the accuracy of focus adjustment.

[0053] Hereinafter, either the “x-axis direction” or the “y-axis direction” may be referred to as the “first direction” and the other may be referred to as the “second direction.”

[0054]

[0055] Below, the configuration of the camera device according to the present embodiment is described with reference to the drawings.

[0056] Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view of a camera device according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera device according to the present embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a lens drive device according to the present embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a lens drive device according to the present embodiment cut parallel to an optical axis. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a lens drive device according to the present embodiment cut perpendicular to an optical axis and viewed from above. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a lens drive device according to the present embodiment with a cover omitted. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of Fig. 7 with a yoke omitted. Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a base and related components of a lens drive device according to the present embodiment. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a base of a lens drive device according to the present embodiment. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a frame member and a yoke of a lens drive device according to the present embodiment. Fig. 12 is a side view of a lens driving device according to the present embodiment with the cover omitted.

[0057] The camera device (10A) may include a lens driving device (10). The lens driving device (10) may be a voice coil motor (VCM). The lens driving device (10) may be a lens driving motor. The lens driving device (10) may be a lens driving actuator. The lens driving device (10) may include an AF module. As a variation, the lens driving device (10) may include an OIS module. The lens driving device (10) may be a device that drives a lens. As illustrated in the drawing, the lens driving device (10) may include a lens. However, the lens may be understood as a separate component from the lens driving device (10) as a component of the camera device (10A).

[0058] The camera device (10A) may include a printed circuit board (PCB) (20). The printed circuit board (20) may be a substrate or a circuit board. A lens driving device (10) may be disposed on the printed circuit board (20). The printed circuit board (20) may be electrically connected to the lens driving device (10). An image sensor (30) may be disposed on the printed circuit board (20). Various circuits, components, control units, etc. may be provided on the printed circuit board (20) to convert an image formed on the image sensor (30) into an electrical signal and transmit it to an external device.

[0059] The camera device (10A) may include an image sensor (30). The image sensor (30) may be configured to form an image by incident light passing through a lens and a filter. The image sensor (30) may be mounted on a printed circuit board (20). The image sensor (30) may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board (20). For example, the image sensor (30) may be coupled to the printed circuit board (20) using surface mounting technology (SMT). As another example, the image sensor (30) may be coupled to the printed circuit board (20) using flip chip technology. The image sensor (30) may be arranged such that its optical axis is aligned with that of the lens. That is, the optical axis of the image sensor (30) and the optical axis of the lens may be aligned. The image sensor (30) may convert light irradiated to an effective image area of ​​the image sensor (30) into an electrical signal. The image sensor (30) may be any one of a CCD (charge coupled device), a MOS (metal oxide semi-conductor), a CPD, and a CID.

[0060] The camera device (10A) may include a lens module (40). The lens module (40) may be placed on the image sensor (30). The lens module (40) may be coupled to the lens driving device (10). The lens module (40) may be coupled to the holder (210) of the lens driving device (10). The lens module (40) may be moved integrally with the holder (210). The lens module (40) may be placed movably with respect to the image sensor (30). The lens module (40) may be moved in the optical axis direction with respect to the image sensor (30).

[0061] The lens module (40) may include a lens. The lens may include a plurality of lenses. The lens module (40) may include a barrel. The plurality of lenses may be arranged within the barrel. The plurality of lenses may be coupled to the inner surface of the barrel. The plurality of lenses may be arranged in a stacked manner within the barrel.

[0062] The camera device (10A) may include a filter. The filter may block light of a specific frequency band from passing through the lens module (40) from entering the image sensor (30). The filter may be arranged parallel to the xy plane. The filter may be arranged on the base (110) of the lens driving device (10). The filter may include an infrared filter. The infrared filter may block light in the infrared region from entering the image sensor (30).

[0063] The camera device (10A) may include a control unit. The control unit may be disposed on a printed circuit board (20). The control unit may be electrically connected to a coil (320) of a lens driving device (10). The control unit may individually control the direction, intensity, amplitude, etc. of the current supplied to the coil (320). The control unit may control the lens driving device (10) to perform an autofocus function and / or a shake correction function. Furthermore, the control unit may perform autofocus feedback control and / or shake correction feedback control for the lens driving device (10).

[0064] The lens driving device (10) may include a fixed part (100). The fixed part (100) may be a part that is relatively fixed when the moving part (200) moves. The fixed part (100) may be a part that is fixed when the auto focus is driven. The fixed part (100) may correspond to the image sensor (30) side, and the moving part (200) may correspond to the lens side.

[0065] The lens actuator (10) may include a base (110). The fixing member (100) may include the base (110). The base (110) may accommodate a holder (210) therein. The base (110) may be disposed on the outside of the holder (210). The base (110) may be disposed below the holder (210). The base (110) may be coupled to a cover (130). The base (110) may be disposed within the cover (130). The base (110) may be disposed below the cover (130).

[0066] The base (110) may include a groove (111). The groove (111) may be a ball rail. A ball (400) may be placed in the groove (111). The groove (111) may be placed in the optical axis direction. The groove (111) may extend in the optical axis direction. The ball (400) may come into contact with the groove (111). The ball (400) may move along the groove (111).

[0067] The groove (111) of the base (110) may include a first groove (111a). The first groove (111a) may be a V-shaped groove. The first groove (111a) may contact the ball (400) at two points. The first groove (111a) may include a first surface and a second surface that contact the ball (400).

[0068] The groove (111) of the base (110) may include a second groove (111b). The second groove (111b) may be a trapezoidal groove. The second groove (111b) may contact the ball (400) at one point. The second groove (111b) may include a first surface that contacts the ball (400).

[0069] The ball (400) can come into contact with the holder (210) at two points. In this case, the ball (400) placed in the first groove (111a) of the base (110) can come into contact with the holder (210) at two points and the base (110) at two points, for a total of four points. Meanwhile, the ball (400) placed in the second groove (111b) of the base (110) can come into contact with the holder (210) at two points and the base (110) at one point, for a total of three points.

[0070] The base (110) may include a step portion (112). The step portion (112) may be formed at the lower end of the outer surface of the base (110). The step portion (112) may be formed by protruding the lower end of the outer surface of the base (110). A side plate (132) of the cover (130) may be placed on the step portion (112).

[0071] The base (110) may include a groove (113). The groove (113) may be positioned adjacent to the ball (400). The groove (113) may be positioned below the ball (400). The groove (113) may accommodate grease that flows down from among the grease applied to the ball (400). The groove (113) may be formed in a dam shape to accommodate the grease.

[0072] The base (110) may include a stopper (114). The stopper (114) may be formed on the upper surface of the lower plate of the base (110). The stopper (114) may limit the downward movement of the holder (210). The stopper (114) may come into contact with the holder (210) when the holder (210) moves downward. The stopper (114) may come into contact with the lower stopper of the holder (210). The stopper (114) may include a protrusion.

[0073] The base (110) may include a frame member (115). However, the frame member (115) may be understood as a separate member from the base (110). The frame member (115) may be formed of metal. The frame member (115) may be an insert member. The base (110) may be an injection-molded product. The frame member (115) may be formed by insert injection into the base (110). The frame member (115) may be in contact with the yoke (500). The frame member (115) may be coupled with the yoke (500). The frame member (115) may be inserted into the base (110).

[0074] In this embodiment, the metal frame member (115) included in the base (110) can serve to reinforce the strength of the base (110) itself and at the same time, be welded to the substrate (120) to firmly fix it. The substrate (120) can be welded to the frame member (115).

[0075] The thickness of the portion where the magnet (310) is coupled to the yoke (500) of the frame member (115) in the direction toward the yoke (500) may be the same as the thickness of the substrate (120). The thickness of the portion where the magnet (310) is coupled to the yoke (500) of the frame member (115) in the direction toward the yoke (500) may be greater than the thickness of the substrate (120). The thickness of the portion where the magnet (310) is coupled to the yoke (500) of the frame member (115) in the direction toward the yoke (500) may be the same as or greater than the thickness of the substrate (120).

[0076] The frame member (115) may include a lower plate (116). The lower plate (116) may be arranged perpendicular to the optical axis. The lower plate (116) may be arranged on the lower plate of the base (110). The lower plate (116) may be arranged on the lower surface of the base (110).

[0077] The frame member (115) may include a pillar portion (117). The pillar portion (117) may extend in the optical axis direction from a corner region of the lower plate portion (116). The pillar portion (117) may extend upward from a corner region of the lower plate portion (116). The lower plate portion (116) and the pillar portion (117) may be formed integrally.

[0078] The column portion (117) may include a plurality of column portions. The column portion (117) may include four column portions. The column portion (117) may include first to fourth column portions (117-1, 117-2, 117-3, 117-4). The column portion (117) of the frame member (115) may include first to fourth column portions (117-1, 117-2, 117-3, 117-4) formed in the first to fourth corner regions of the lower plate portion (116). The yoke (500) may be coupled to the first column portion (117-1) and the second column portion (117-2). The yoke (500) may be spaced apart from the third column portion (117-3) and the fourth column portion (117-4).

[0079] The column portion (117) may include a first portion (117a). The first portion (117a) may be coupled to the yoke (500). The column portion (117) may include a second portion (117b). The second portion (117b) may be bent and extended from the first portion (117a). When viewed from above, the first portion (117a) and the second portion (117b) may form a right angle.

[0080] The lens actuator (10) may include a substrate (120). The fixing member (100) may include the substrate (120). The substrate (120) may be spaced apart from the base (110). The substrate (120) may be placed on the yoke (500). The substrate (120) may be placed on the yoke (500). The substrate (120) may be fixed to the yoke (500). The substrate (120) may be coupled to the yoke (500). The substrate (120) may be adhered to the yoke (500). The substrate (120) may be placed between the yoke (500) and the coil (320). The substrate (120) may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The substrate (120) may supply power to the coil (320). The substrate (120) can supply power to the sensor (330). The substrate (120) can be arranged parallel to the optical axis.

[0081] Alternatively, the substrate (120) may be placed on the base (110). The substrate (120) may be placed on the base (110). The substrate (120) may be fixed to the base (110). The substrate (120) may be coupled to the base (110). The substrate (120) may be adhesively bonded to the base (110). The substrate (120) may be placed on the side plate (132) of the cover (130). The substrate (120) may be placed on the side plate (132) of the cover (130).

[0082] The substrate (120) may include a terminal (121). The terminal (121) may be disposed on an outer surface of the substrate (120). The terminal (121) may be formed at a lower end of the substrate (120). The terminal (121) may include a plurality of terminals. The terminal (121) may be coupled to a terminal (21) of a printed circuit board (20). The terminal (121) may include a terminal electrically connected to a sensor (330). The terminal (121) may include a terminal electrically connected to a coil (320).

[0083] The lens actuator (10) may include a cover (130). The fixing member (100) may include the cover (130). The cover (130) may be placed on the base (110). The cover (130) may be placed on the base (110). The cover (130) may be fixed to the base (110). The cover (130) may be coupled to the base (110). The cover (130) may be adhesively bonded to the base (110). The cover (130) may accommodate at least a portion of the base (110) therein. The cover (130) may be a shield can. The cover (130) may be formed of metal.

[0084] The cover (130) may include a top plate (131). The top plate (131) may include a hole through which light passes. The top plate (131) may include a hole formed at a position corresponding to a lens. The cover (130) may include a side plate (132). The side plate (132) may extend from the top plate (131). The side plate (132) may extend downward from an outer edge of the top plate (131). The side plate (132) may be formed in a shape bent from the top plate (131).

[0085] The side plate (132) of the cover (130) may include a plurality of side plates. The side plate (132) may include a first side plate and a second side plate positioned opposite each other, and a third side plate and a fourth side plate positioned opposite each other.

[0086] The lens driving device (10) may include a moving part (200). The moving part (200) may be a part that moves with respect to the fixed part (100). The moving part (200) may be moved by the driving part (300). The moving part (200) may be arranged to be movable with respect to the fixed part (100). The moving part (200) may move with respect to the fixed part (100) when autofocus is driven.

[0087] The lens actuator (10) may include a holder (210). The moving unit (200) may include the holder (210). The holder (210) may be placed on the base (110). The holder (210) may be placed within the base (110). The holder (210) may be movably placed on the base (110). The holder (210) may move relative to the base (110). The holder (210) may move in the optical axis direction. The holder (210) may be coupled to a lens. The holder (210) may move integrally with the lens.

[0088] The holder (210) may include a stopper (211). The stopper (211) may be formed on the upper surface of the holder (210). The stopper (211) may form the upper end of the holder (210). The stopper (211) may come into contact with the upper plate (131) of the cover (130) when the holder (210) moves upward. That is, the upward movement of the holder (210) may be restricted by the stopper (211). The stopper (211) may include a protrusion.

[0089] The holder (210) may include a cover (212). The cover (212) may be arranged to cover the ball (400). The cover (212) may prevent the ball (400) from being removed upward. The cover (212) may be arranged on the ball (400). The cover (212) may be arranged above the ball (400). The cover (212) may overlap the ball (400) in the optical axis direction.

[0090] The holder (210) may include a groove (213). The groove (213) may be a ball rail. A ball (400) may be placed in the groove (213). The groove (213) may be placed in the optical axis direction. The groove (213) may extend in the optical axis direction. The ball (400) may come into contact with the groove (213). The ball (400) may move along the groove (213).

[0091] The lens actuator (10) may include a driving unit (300). The driving unit (300) may move the moving unit (200) relative to the fixed unit (100). When power is applied to the driving unit (300), the driving unit (300) may move the moving unit (200). The driving unit (300) may include a magnet and a coil. The driving unit (300) may move the moving unit (200) through electromagnetic interaction.

[0092] The lens driving device (10) may include a magnet (310). The driving unit (300) may include a magnet (310). The magnet (310) may be placed on the holder (210). The magnet (310) may be placed on the holder (210). The magnet (310) may be fixed to the holder (210). The magnet (310) may be coupled to the holder (210). The magnet (310) may be bonded to the holder (210) with an adhesive.

[0093] The magnet (310) can be positioned corresponding to the coil (320). The magnet (310) can overlap the coil (320) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The magnet (310) can overlap the coil (320) in the x-axis direction. The magnet (310) can be positioned to face the coil (320). The magnet (310) can face the coil (320). The magnet (310) can interact with the coil (320). The magnet (310) can electromagnetically interact with the coil (320). The magnet (310) can move when current is applied to the coil (320). The magnet (310) can move integrally with the holder (210).

[0094] The magnet (310) may be a two-pole magnet. For example, the upper region of the magnet (310) may be the N pole and the lower region may be the S pole.

[0095] Alternatively, the magnet (310) may be a four-pole magnet. The magnet (310) may include a first magnet portion including a north pole and a south pole, a second magnet portion disposed on the first magnet portion and including a south pole and a north pole, and a neutral portion disposed between the first magnet portion and the second magnet portion. The magnet (310) may be disposed in the optical axis direction.

[0096] The magnet (310) may be positioned so that it interacts with the yoke (500). The ball (400) may be pressed between the holder (210) and the base (110) by the force exerted by the magnet (310) to move toward the yoke (500). Through this, the ball (400) may be maintained in close contact with the holder (210) and the base (110).

[0097] The lens driving device (10) may include a coil (320). The driving unit (300) may include the coil (320). The coil (320) may be disposed on the substrate (120). The coil (320) may be fixed to the substrate (120). The coil (320) may be coupled to the substrate (120). The coil (320) may be soldered to the substrate (120). The coil (320) may be disposed on the base (110). The coil (320) may be fixed to the base (110). The coil (320) may be disposed on the side plate (132) of the cover (130). The coil (320) can be placed on the side plate (132) of the cover (130).

[0098] The coil (320) can be arranged to face the magnet (310). The coil (320) can face the magnet (310). The coil (320) can be arranged at a position corresponding to the magnet (310). The coil (320) can overlap the magnet (310) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The coil (320) can overlap the magnet (310) in the x-axis direction. The coil (320) can move the magnet (310). The coil (320) can move the holder (210). The coil (320) can move the lens.

[0099] When current is applied to the coil (320), the magnet (310) can move. When a forward current is applied to the coil (320), the magnet (310) can move upward. When a reverse current is applied to the coil (320), the magnet (310) can move downward. However, conversely, when a reverse current is applied to the coil (320), the magnet (310) can move upward, and when a forward current is applied to the coil (320), the magnet (310) can move downward.

[0100] The lens driving device (10) may include a sensor (330). The driving unit (300) may include the sensor (330). The sensor (330) may be disposed on the substrate (120). The sensor (330) may be disposed on the substrate (120). The sensor (330) may be coupled to the substrate (120). The sensor (330) may be soldered to the substrate (120).

[0101] The sensor (330) can detect the magnet (310). The sensor (330) can detect the magnetic force of the magnet (310). The sensor (330) may be a Hall sensor. The sensor (330) can detect the position or movement of the magnet (310). Through this, the sensor (330) can detect the position or movement of the holder (210). The sensor (330) can detect the holder (210). The position of the magnet (310) detected by the sensor (330) can be used for autofocus feedback control.

[0102] The lens actuator (10) may include a guide unit. The guide unit may guide the movement of the moving unit (200) relative to the fixed unit (100). The guide unit may guide the movement of the moving unit (200) in the optical axis direction.

[0103] The lens actuator (10) may include a ball (400). The guide portion may include the ball (400). The ball (400) may be placed on the base (110). The ball (400) may be in contact with the base (110). The ball (400) may be placed in a groove (111) of the base (110). The ball (400) may be placed on the groove (111) of the base (110). The ball (400) may be in contact with the groove (111) of the base (110).

[0104] The ball (400) can be placed in the holder (210). The ball (400) can be placed on the holder (210). The ball (400) can be in contact with the holder (210). The ball (400) can be placed in the groove (213) of the holder (210). The ball (400) can be placed on the groove (213) of the holder (210). The ball (400) can be in contact with the groove (213) of the holder (210).

[0105] The ball (400) can be placed between the base (110) and the holder (210). The ball (400) can be placed between the groove (111) of the base (110) and the groove (213) of the holder (210). The ball (400) can be placed between the base (110) and the holder (210) in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The ball (400) can be placed between the holder (210) and the base (110) in a direction in which the magnet (310) faces the yoke (500).

[0106] The ball (400) can move in the direction of the optical axis. The ball (400) can move together with the holder (210) when the holder (210) moves. The ball (400) can limit the movement of the holder (210) to movement in the direction of the optical axis. The holder (210) can be limited by the ball (400) from moving in any direction other than the direction of the optical axis. The ball (400) can guide the movement of the holder (210) in the direction of the optical axis.

[0107] In the direction in which the magnet (310) faces the yoke (500), the ball (400) may overlap with the yoke (500). In the direction in which the magnet (310) faces the yoke (500), the ball (400) may include a first region overlapping with the frame member (115) and a second region overlapping with the substrate (120).

[0108] The lens actuator (10) may include a ball pressurizing member. The ball pressurizing member may pressurize the ball (400) between the fixed part (100) and the moving part (200). That is, the ball (400) may be maintained in contact with the fixed part (100) and the moving part (200) by the ball pressurizing member.

[0109] The lens actuator (10) may include a yoke (500). The ball pressurizing member may include the yoke (500). The yoke (500) may pressurize the ball (400) through attractive force with the magnet (310). The yoke (500) may exert attractive force with the magnet (310). The yoke (500) may be formed of metal. The yoke (500) may be positioned corresponding to the magnet (310). The yoke (500) may overlap the magnet (310) in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0110] The yoke (500) can be coupled to the frame member (115). The yoke (500) can be placed on the frame member (115). The yoke (500) can be fixed to the frame member (115). The yoke (500) can be joined to the frame member (115). The yoke (500) can be welded to the frame member (115). The yoke (500) can be laser welded to the frame member (115). That is, the yoke (500) can be coupled to the frame member (115) without a process of applying heat. The yoke (500) can be coupled to the pillar portion (117) of the frame member (115).

[0111] The yoke (500) may include an inner surface that is coupled to the frame member (115). A substrate (120) may be arranged on the inner surface of the yoke (500). A coil (320) may be arranged on the inner surface of the substrate (120). At this time, the substrate (120) may be spaced apart from the frame member (115). The substrate (120) may be spaced apart from the base (110).

[0112] The yoke (500) may include a first region (510). The first region (510) may be coupled to a frame member (115). The first region (510) may overlap the frame member (115) in a direction in which the magnet (310) faces the yoke (500).

[0113] The yoke (500) may include a second region (520). The second region (520) may be spaced apart from the frame member (115). The second region (520) may not be coupled to the frame member (115). The second region (520) may be positioned between the first regions (510). The second region (520) may not overlap the frame member (115) in the direction in which the magnet (310) faces the yoke (500).

[0114] In the present embodiment, in the optical axis direction, the length of the first region (510) of the yoke (500) may be equal to the length of the second region (520) of the yoke (500). The yoke (500) may be formed in a rectangular shape.

[0115] Fig. 13 is a side view of a lens driving device according to the first modified example with the cover omitted.

[0116] A lens driving device according to the first modified example may include a yoke (500a). The yoke (500a) may include a first region (510a) coupled to a frame member (115) and a second region (520a) spaced apart from the frame member (115). In the optical axis direction, the length of the first region (510a) of the yoke (500) may be shorter than the length of the second region (520a) of the yoke (500). The upper end of the first region (510a) of the yoke (500) may be positioned lower than the upper end of the second region (520a) of the yoke (500). The lower end of the first region (510a) of the yoke (500) may be positioned higher than the lower end of the second region (520a) of the yoke (500).

[0117] Fig. 14 is a side view of a lens driving device according to a second modified example with the cover omitted.

[0118] A lens actuator according to a second modified example may include a yoke (500b). The yoke (500b) may include a first region (510b) coupled to a frame member (115) and a second region (520b) spaced apart from the frame member (115). The yoke (500) may include a groove (530) formed by recessing a central region of an outer surface of the first region (510b). The first region (510b) may include a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other by the groove (530). The first portion and the second portion may have a shape that protrudes laterally from the second region (520b).

[0119] Fig. 15 is a side view of a lens driving device according to the third modified example with the cover omitted.

[0120] A lens actuator according to the third modified example may include a yoke (500c). The yoke (500c) may include a first region (510c) coupled with a frame member (115) and a second region (520c) spaced apart from the frame member (115). The yoke (500c) may include a hole (540) formed in the first region (510c) of the yoke (500). Welding between the yoke (500c) and the frame member (115) may be performed around the hole (540). In this case, a more secure connection may be maintained between the yoke (500c) and the frame member (115) due to an increase in the welding length.

[0121]

[0122] Below, the auto focus operation of the lens driving device according to the present embodiment is described with reference to the drawings.

[0123] Fig. 16 is a drawing for explaining auto focus driving of a lens driving device according to the present embodiment.

[0124] When current is applied to the coil (320), an electromagnetic field is formed around the coil (320), and the coil (320) and the magnet (310) can electromagnetically interact. At this time, since the coil (320) is fixed to the substrate (120) and the base (110), the magnet (310) can move. The magnet (310) can move together with the holder (210) and the lens (see A of FIG. 16). At this time, the ball (400) guides the movement of the holder (210) with respect to the base (110) in the optical axis direction, so the holder (210) and the lens can move in the optical axis direction (see B of FIG. 16). Through this, the lens can move in the optical axis direction with respect to the image sensor (60).

[0125] In more detail, when a forward current is applied to the coil (320), the magnet (310) can move upward in the optical axis direction due to the interaction between the coil (320) and the magnet (310). Through this, the lens can move away from the image sensor (60).

[0126] Additionally, when a reverse current is applied to the coil (320), the magnet (310) can move downward in the optical axis direction due to the interaction between the coil (320) and the magnet (310). Through this, the lens can be brought closer to the image sensor (60).

[0127] In this way, by applying a forward or reverse current to the coil (320), the image of the subject formed on the image sensor (60) can be clearly adjusted. That is, auto focus operation can be performed.

[0128] Furthermore, the sensor (330) can detect the magnetic field of the magnet (310) in real time to detect the positions of the magnet (310), the holder (210), and the lens. Feedback control can be performed to move the lens to a more accurate position through the position of the lens detected by the sensor (330). In the present embodiment, more precise autofocus operation can be performed through autofocus feedback control.

[0129]

[0130] Below, the configuration of the optical device according to the present embodiment is described with reference to the drawings.

[0131] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an optical device according to the present embodiment.

[0132] The optical device (1) may include one or more of a mobile phone, a cell phone, a portable terminal, a mobile terminal, a smart phone, a smart pad, a portable smart device, a digital camera, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), and a navigation device. The optical device (1) may include any device for taking images or photographs.

[0133] An optical device (1) may include a main body (2). The optical device (1) may include a camera device (10A). The camera device (10A) may be disposed on the main body (2). The camera device (10A) may photograph a subject. The optical device (1) may include a display. The display may be disposed on the main body (2). The display may output one or more of an image or video captured by the camera device (10A). The display may be disposed on a first surface of the main body (2). The camera device (10A) may be disposed on one or more of the first surface of the main body (2) and a second surface opposite the first surface. The camera device (10A) may have a triple camera disposed in a vertical direction of the main body (2). Alternatively, the camera device (10A) may have a triple camera disposed in a horizontal direction of the main body (2).

[0134]

[0135] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. Base; A holder placed within the above base; A magnet placed on the above holder; A coil interacting with the above magnet; The yoke on which the magnet and the force of attraction act; and The magnet comprises a ball disposed between the holder and the base in a direction facing the yoke, The above base comprises a metal frame member, The above yoke is a lens actuator that is coupled to the above frame member.

2. In paragraph 1, The above yoke is a lens actuator that is joined to the above frame member by laser welding.

3. In paragraph 1, The above frame member is inserted into the base, The above frame member includes a lower portion arranged perpendicular to the optical axis, and a pillar portion extending in the direction of the optical axis from a corner region of the lower portion, The above lower part and the above pillar part are formed integrally, The above yoke is a lens actuator that is connected to the pillar portion of the above frame member.

4. In paragraph 3, The pillar portion of the frame member includes first to fourth pillar portions formed in the first to fourth corner regions of the lower plate portion, The above yoke is a lens driving device that is connected to the first pillar and the second pillar.

5. In paragraph 3, A lens driving device comprising a first part coupled to the yoke and a second part extended by bending from the first part, wherein the pillar part of the frame member is a lens driving device.

6. In paragraph 1, The above yoke includes an inner surface that is coupled to the frame member, A substrate is placed on the inner surface of the above yoke, The coil is arranged on the inner surface of the above substrate, The above substrate is a lens actuator spaced apart from the above frame member.

7. In paragraph 6, A lens actuator in which the thickness of the portion of the frame member that is coupled to the yoke in the direction in which the magnet faces the yoke is equal to or greater than the thickness of the substrate.

8. In paragraph 1, A lens actuator in which the ball overlaps the yoke in the direction in which the magnet faces the yoke.

9. In paragraph 1, including a substrate disposed between the yoke and the coil, A lens actuator, wherein the ball has a first region overlapping the frame member and a second region overlapping the substrate, in the direction in which the magnet faces the yoke.

10. In paragraph 1, The yoke includes a first region coupled to the frame member and a second region spaced apart from the frame member, A lens driving device in which, in the optical axis direction, the length of the first region of the yoke is equal to the length of the second region of the yoke.

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