Actuator for camera, and camera module

Abstract

An actuator for a camera, in an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a substrate; a housing disposed on the substrate; a carrier which has, therein, a through hole to which a lens holder is coupled, and which is disposed in the housing; and a driving unit for moving the carrier in the optical axis direction, wherein the driving unit includes: a first coil and a second coil disposed on the substrate and spaced apart in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction; a first magnet facing the first coil in the optical axis direction; and a second magnet facing the second coil in the optical axis direction.

Description

Actuators and camera modules for cameras

[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to an actuator for a camera and a camera.

[0002] Recently, camera modules have been adopted in mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops. Furthermore, camera modules are equipped with actuators with focus adjustment and shake compensation functions to produce high-resolution images. For example, the lens module can be moved along the optical axis to adjust focus, or the lens module can be moved perpendicular to the optical axis to compensate for shake.

[0003] For actuators, a lens module is placed within a carrier, and the focus is adjusted by moving the carrier and lens module together along the optical axis. Furthermore, shake is compensated by moving the lens module within the carrier in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0004] The actuator described above changes the relative positions of the shake correction magnet and the shake correction coil when the lens module moves along the optical axis during focus adjustment. When the relative positions of the shake correction magnet and the shake correction coil change, there is a problem in that it is difficult to precisely control the driving force of the shake correction magnet and the shake correction coil.

[0005] An embodiment of the invention provides an actuator and a camera module for a camera having a plurality of driving units arranged in the direction of the optical axis in different areas. An embodiment of the invention provides an actuator and a camera module for a camera having a holding magnet and a yoke arranged in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and a plurality of driving units arranged in the direction of the optical axis in different areas. An embodiment of the invention provides an actuator and a camera module for a camera having a carrier having a curved outer surface on one side, and magnets and coils arranged in the direction of the optical axis at each of the corner areas on the opposite side of the curved surface. An embodiment of the invention provides a compact actuator and a camera module for a camera.

[0006] An actuator for a camera according to an embodiment comprises: a substrate; a housing disposed on the substrate; a carrier disposed within the housing, the carrier having a through hole in which a lens holder is coupled; and a driving unit for moving the carrier in an optical axis direction, wherein the driving unit comprises a first coil and a second coil disposed on the substrate and spaced apart in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; a first magnet facing the first coil in the optical axis direction; and a second magnet facing the second coil in the optical axis direction.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the invention, the carrier has a first side portion convex in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction, a second side portion opposite the first side portion, and third and fourth side portions bent from both ends of the second side portion, and the housing may include a base portion arranged at the bottom of the carrier, and a guide portion arranged on the outside of the carrier.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first magnet may be disposed in a first corner region between the second side portion and the third side portion of the carrier, and the second magnet may be disposed in a second corner region between the second side portion and the fourth side portion of the carrier. According to an embodiment of the invention, the base portion of the housing may include a first hole in which the first coil is disposed, and a second hole in which the second coil is disposed. Among the inner surfaces of the first hole and the second hole, a region adjacent to the optical axis may have a curvature that the through hole of the housing has.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, a ball member is provided in a guide groove between the housing and the carrier, the ball member includes a first ball member overlapping the first magnet in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a second ball member overlapping the second magnet in the second direction, and each of the first and second ball members may have a plurality of balls arranged in the direction of the optical axis. The first and second coils are provided on the substrate and are electrically connected to the substrate, and the substrate includes an extension portion that is bent toward the outside of the housing and has a plurality of pads, and the housing may include a concave substrate receiving portion for receiving the substrate thereunder and a concave sub receiving portion for receiving the extension portion.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, a holding magnet and a yoke may be disposed between the first ball member and the second ball member. The holding magnet may include first and second holding magnets coupled to the outside of the carrier in the direction of the optical axis, and the yoke may be coupled to the inside of the housing and may have an area that is at least twice as large as the area of ​​the holding magnet and may be disposed to face the first and second holding magnets. According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second coils may be driven individually. The holding magnet may be disposed between the first and second magnets. The first and second coils, the first and second magnets, the holding magnet, and the yoke may be disposed in an area between a straight line in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the carrier and one side of the carrier, and an outer area of ​​an inner through hole of the carrier.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention, it may include a third coil disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the first coil in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a 43rd coil disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the second coil in the second direction; a third magnet facing the third coil in the direction of the optical axis; and a fourth magnet facing the fourth coil in the direction of the optical axis.

[0012] A camera module according to an embodiment of the invention comprises: a carrier having a through hole therein; a housing having a base portion at a lower portion of the carrier and a guide portion at an outer portion; a plurality of driving units each having a magnet and a coil and moving the carrier in an optical axis direction in different areas; a plurality of ball members disposed between an inner surface of the guide portion of the housing and an outer surface of the carrier and disposed on an outer side of each of the magnets of the plurality of driving units; a holding magnet disposed between the plurality of ball members; And a yoke facing the holding magnet, wherein the plurality of driving units, the plurality of ball members, the holding magnet, and the yoke are arranged in an outer region of the through hole of the carrier, and an region between a straight line in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the carrier and an outer side surface of the guide portion of the housing, and the plurality of driving units include first and second driving units spaced apart in the first direction, and the first driving unit includes a first coil disposed on the substrate, and a first magnet disposed on the carrier and facing the first coil in the optical axis direction, and the second driving unit includes a second coil disposed on the substrate, and a second magnet disposed on the carrier and facing the second coil in the optical axis direction.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, the holding magnet is coupled to an outer surface of the carrier, and the yoke is coupled to an inner side of a guide portion of the housing. The carrier has a first side portion convex in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, a second side portion opposite the first side portion, and third and fourth side portions bent from both ends of the second side portion, and the first magnet is disposed in a first corner region between the second side portion and the third side portion of the carrier, and the second magnet is disposed in a second corner region between the second side portion and the fourth side portion of the carrier. The base portion of the housing includes a first hole in which the first coil is disposed, and a second hole in which the second coil is disposed, and an area of ​​the inner surfaces of the first hole and the second hole adjacent to the optical axis has a curvature that a through hole of the housing has. The substrate is bent toward the outside of the housing and includes an extension portion having a plurality of pads, and the housing includes a concave substrate receiving portion for receiving the substrate therein, and a concave sub-receiving portion for receiving the extension portion.

[0014] The embodiment can provide a compact camera actuator size. Specifically, the invention can reduce the thickness of the base by arranging the magnet and coil of the driving unit that moves the carrier in the optical axis direction, thereby eliminating the coil arrangement space on the base corresponding to the horizontal direction of the carrier. In addition, the size of the magnet and coil of the driving unit can be reduced. In addition, by arranging the driving unit on both sides of the carrier, tilt control of the carrier can be enabled. In addition, by embedding the magnet of the driving unit on both sides of the carrier, the balance of the carrier can be easily adjusted.

[0015] An embodiment of the invention can arrange the coil and substrate on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis on the outer base of the carrier, thereby minimizing exposure of the substrate. In addition, a pad portion bent from the substrate can be arranged on one or both sides of the outer base of the carrier, thereby facilitating connection with an external substrate.

[0016] A camera module according to an embodiment can prevent or minimize lens decentering or tilting during autofocus (AF) operation, thereby achieving improved image quality and resolution.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a partially assembled perspective view of the camera module and actuator of Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module and actuator of Figure 2.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the assembly of the actuator of Fig. 2.

[0021] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the AA side of the actuator of Fig. 4.

[0022] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the BB side of the actuator of Fig. 4.

[0023] Fig. 7 is a drawing viewed from the outside of the carrier of the actuator of Fig. 4.

[0024] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the actuator of Fig. 4, showing the magnet of the driving part, the outer holding magnet, and the ball.

[0025] Fig. 9 is a side cross-sectional view showing the magnet and outer ball of the driving part of the actuator of Fig. 4.

[0026] Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the coil of the driving unit in the actuator of Fig. 4.

[0027] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the base of Figure 4.

[0028] Fig. 12 is a rear perspective view of the actuator of Fig. 4.

[0029] Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of the carrier of Figure 4.

[0030] Fig. 14 is another example of the actuator of Fig. 4.

[0031] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0032] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied.

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. 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 one or more of the components between the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention can be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person having 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, can be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the related technology.

[0034] In addition, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for the purpose of describing the embodiments and is 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. In addition, when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and are not limited by the nature, order, or sequence of the components. In addition, when it is described that a component is “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, it may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, coupled, or connected to the other component, but also cases where the component is “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” due to another component between the component and the other component.

[0035] Additionally, when it is 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 it is expressed as "above" or "below", it can include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction based on one component.

[0036] In addition, before describing the embodiments of the invention, the first direction may refer to the X-axis direction illustrated in the drawing, and the second and third directions may refer to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the first direction. For example, the second direction may refer to the Y-axis direction illustrated in the drawing, which is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. In addition, the third direction may refer to the Z-axis direction illustrated in the drawing, and the third direction may be a direction orthogonal to the first and second directions. In addition, the Z-axis direction, which is the third direction illustrated in the drawing, may refer to the optic axis direction or a direction parallel thereto.

[0037]

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 is a partially assembled perspective view of the camera module and actuator of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module and actuator of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a combined perspective view of the actuator of FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA side of the actuator of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB side of the actuator of FIG. 4.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a camera module (1) according to an embodiment of the invention includes a housing (100), a carrier (300), a cover (400), and a lens holder (500). The camera module (1) is mounted on a portable electronic device or a mobile body, and the portable electronic device may include a portable electronic device such as a portable communication terminal, a smart phone, or a tablet PC. In addition, the mobile body is a configuration including a movable electronic device, and may include a vehicle, a ship, or a drone.

[0040] The lens holder (500) includes a lens module or a lens barrel, and may include one or more lenses therein. The lens holder (500) may include a plurality of lenses (not shown) arranged in the optical axis direction therein. The lens holder (500) moves in the optical axis direction (Z) together with the carrier (300), and may adjust the focus formed on an image sensor (not shown). The image sensor is disposed at the lower portion of the housing (100), and may be aligned with the center of the lens and the optical axis.

[0041] The cover (400) is arranged on the outer circumference and upper portion of the housing (100), and has a through hole (401) therein, into which the lens holder (500) can be inserted. The housing (100) can be coupled to the inner side and lower portion of the cover (400), and can have a through hole (101) therein. The through hole (101) is arranged on the inner side of the through hole (401) of the cover (400), and the lens holder (500) can be coupled thereto. The cover (400) can be formed of a metal material or a shielding material.

[0042] The housing (100) can be coupled to the lower part and the outer part of the carrier (300). The housing (100) has a base part (110) and a guide part (120). The base part (110) supports the lower part of the carrier (300), and the guide part (120) can be arranged on the outer part of the carrier (300) along the outer shape of the carrier (300). The housing (100) can be provided with an injection-moldable resin, and can guide the flow of the carrier (300), for example, can guide the movement of the carrier (300) in the optical axis direction.

[0043] The carrier (300) has a through hole (301) therein, is coupled with the lens holder (500), and can be raised or lowered in the direction of the optical axis. The carrier (300) can be provided with an injection-molded resin. The through holes (101, 301, 401) can have a cylindrical shape so that a cylindrical lens holder (500) can be inserted therein. The lower end of the carrier (300) is disposed on a step portion (19) arranged around the base portion (110) of the housing (100), and can be disposed on the inside of the guide portion (120). The carrier (300) and the housing (100) may include a first side portion (S1) protruding to one side in a second direction (X) orthogonal to the optical axis direction (Z), a second side portion (S2) opposite the first side portion (S1), and third and fourth side portions (S3, S4) bent from both ends of the second side portion (S2). The first side portion (S1) and the second side portion (S2) may be arranged on both sides in the second direction (Y), and the third and fourth side portions (S3, S4) may be arranged on both sides in the first direction (X). The first side portion (S1) may have a convex curved shape in the second direction (Y) orthogonal to the optical axis, and the second side portion (S2) may have a plane in the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z). The third and fourth side portions (S3, S4) may have planes in the second direction (Y) and the third direction (Z), and may be connected to the first side portion (S1) of the curved shape. The carrier (300) and the second side portion (S2) of the housing (100) may have different upper heights, for example, the upper end of the second side portion (S2) of the housing (100) may be positioned lower than the upper end of the second side portion (S2) of the carrier (300).

[0044]

[0045] The actuator (2) may include the carrier (300) and the housing (100). The actuator (2) may include a substrate (150). The housing (100) is a fixed member that does not move in the optical axis direction (Z) when focusing, and guides movement of the carrier (300) in the optical axis direction (Z). The actuator (2) may have driving units (210, 220) at corner regions of the carrier (300) and the housing (100). For example, the actuator (2) may include a first driving unit (210) at a first corner region between a second side portion (S2) and a third side portion (S3), and a second driving unit (220) at a second corner region between the second side portion (S2) and the fourth side portion (S4). That is, the first driving unit (210) may be placed in the first corner area, and the second driving unit (220) may be placed in the second corner area. The first driving unit (210) and the second driving unit (220) may be spaced apart in the first direction (X).

[0046] The first driving unit (210) includes a first magnet (211) and a first coil (212), and the first magnet (211) and the first coil (212) are arranged in the optical axis direction (Z) and can face each other. The first magnet (211) can be coupled within the body portion (311) of the carrier (300) or can be disposed on the substrate (150). The first coil (212) can be disposed in an area facing the first magnet (211), for example, can be disposed on the substrate (150) or can be disposed within the body portion (311). Preferably, the first magnet (211) is disposed within the carrier (300), i.e., in the first corner area, and the first coil (212) can be disposed on the upper side of the substrate (150) and below the lower surface of the first corner area. The body part (311) of the carrier (300) is placed on the outside of the through hole (301), and may be an area including the first and second corner areas.

[0047] The second driving unit (220) includes a second magnet (221) and a second coil (222), and the second magnet (221) and the second coil (222) are arranged in the optical axis direction (Z) and can face each other. The second magnet (221) can be coupled within the body portion (311) of the carrier (300) or can be disposed on the substrate (150). The second coil (222) can be disposed in an area facing the second magnet (221), for example, can be disposed on the substrate (150) or can be disposed within the body portion (311). Preferably, the second magnet (221) is disposed within the carrier (300), i.e., in the second corner area, and the second coil (222) can be disposed on the upper side of the substrate (150) and below the lower surface of the second corner area.

[0048] The first and second magnets (211, 221) may be provided as unipolar magnets, with the lower side being the S pole and the upper side being the N pole. Conversely, the first and second magnets (211, 221) may have the lower side being the N pole and the upper side being the S pole. As another example, each of the first and second magnets (211, 221) may be provided as bipolar magnets.

[0049] The minimum gap between the first and second coils (212, 222) may be smaller than the diameter of the through hole (301) of the lens holder (500) or the carrier (300). Accordingly, the size of the camera module (1) can be reduced.

[0050]

[0051] The actuator (2) may include ball members (215, 225). The ball members (215, 225) include a first ball member (215) disposed in an area adjacent to the first driving unit (210), and a second ball member (225) disposed in an area adjacent to the second driving unit (220). The first ball member (215) rolls in the optical axis direction to support movement of the carrier (300) when the carrier (300) is moved in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction relative to the housing (100) by the first driving unit (210). The second ball member (225) rolls in the optical axis direction to support movement of the carrier (300) when the carrier (300) is moved in the optical axis (Z-axis) direction relative to the housing (100) by the second driving unit (220). The first and second driving units (210) and the second driving unit (220) can be driven simultaneously or separately through power control supplied to the first and second coils (212, 222).

[0052] The first ball member (215) may have a plurality of balls arranged in the direction of the optical axis, and may have the same diameter or at least one ball may have a different diameter. For example, when balls with different diameters are arranged, one or more balls with a smaller diameter may be arranged between balls with a larger diameter. The second ball member (225) may have a plurality of balls arranged in the direction of the optical axis, and may have the same diameter or at least one ball with a different diameter. For example, when balls with different diameters are arranged, one or more balls with a smaller diameter may be arranged between balls with a larger diameter. In addition, the holding magnets (231, 232) and the yoke (233) may overlap the first and second ball members (215, 225) in a first direction (X) that is orthogonal to the optical axis direction (Z).

[0053] The magnetization method of each of the first and second magnets (211, 221) may be a method in which different poles are magnetized in the vertical direction. For example, the S poles of each of the first and second magnets (211, 221) may be arranged to face the first and second coils (212, 222). Accordingly, when current is supplied to the first and second coils (212, 222), an electromagnetic force may be applied according to Fleming's left-hand rule. At this time, since the first and second coils (212, 222) are fixed in the first and second driving units (210, 220), the carrier (300) and the lens holder (500) on which the first and second magnets (211, 221) are arranged may move toward the object side or the sensor side in the direction of the optical axis by the electromagnetic force according to the current direction. In addition, the ball member (215, 225) can guide the movement of the carrier (300). Accordingly, the camera module can prevent or minimize the occurrence of decentering or tilting of the lens during auto-focusing (AF) operation. Accordingly, the embodiment of the invention can improve the alignment characteristics between the lenses, thereby preventing changes in the angle of view or occurrence of focus deviation, and thus can have improved image quality and resolution.

[0054]

[0055] The housing (100) includes a first guide groove (21) on the inner surface (S12) and a second guide groove (22) on the other side, and the first and second guide grooves (21, 22) may have a triangular or polygonal shape in the cross-sectional side shape and may be formed to have a long length in the optical axis direction (Z).

[0056] The carrier (300) includes a third guide groove (31) on the outer surface (S11) and a fourth guide groove (32) on the other side, and the third and fourth guide grooves (31, 32) may have a triangular or polygonal cross-sectional shape and may be formed to have a long length in the optical axis direction (Z). The outer surface (S11) of the carrier (300) may be an outer wall (311A) of the body portion (311). The first and third guide grooves (21, 31) face each other, and the first ball member (215) may be coupled between the first and third guide grooves (21, 31). The second and fourth guide grooves (22, 32) face each other, and the second ball member (225) may be coupled between the second and fourth guide grooves (22, 32). Here, the side (S11, S12) on which the first to fourth guide grooves (21, 22, 31, 32) are arranged may be the first side portion (S1) of the housing (100) and carrier (300).

[0057]

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, on the outer surface (S11) of the carrier (300), upper protrusions (31A, 32A) are arranged on the upper ends of the third guide groove (31) and the fourth guide groove (32), and the upper protrusions (31A, 32A) can protrude so as to overlap with the first and second ball members (215, 225) in the optical axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 5, 10, and 11, on the outer surface (S11) of the housing (100), lower protrusions (21A, 22A) are arranged on the lower ends of the first guide groove (21) and the second guide groove (22), and the lower protrusions (21A, 22A) can protrude so as to overlap with the first and second ball members (215, 225) in the optical axis direction. Accordingly, the upper protrusions (31A, 32A) can prevent the first and second ball members (215, 225) from being dislodged upward, and the lower protrusions (21A, 22A) can prevent the first and second ball members (215, 225) from being dislodged downward. Here, in the guide portion (120) of the housing (100), the first and second guide grooves (21, 22) corresponding to the upper protrusions (31A, 32A) extend to the upper end of the guide portion (120) and can provide an accommodation space for the upper protrusions (31A, 32A). In the outer side surface (S11) of the carrier (300), the third and fourth guide grooves (31, 32) corresponding to the lower protrusions (21A, 22A) extend to the lower end and can provide an accommodation space for the lower protrusions (21A, 22A).

[0059] The first and second ball members (215, 225) and the third and fourth guide grooves (31, 32) may be arranged in areas adjacent to both side walls on both sides of the outer side surface (S11) of the body portion (311) of the carrier (300). The first and second ball members (215, 225) may be arranged to overlap in the first direction (X). The spacing in the first direction (X) between the centers of the first and second coils (212, 222) may be the same as the spacing in the first direction (X) between the centers of the first and second ball members (215, 225).

[0060] Some of the balls of the first ball member (215) overlap with the first magnet (211) in the second direction (Y). Some of the balls of the second ball member (225) overlap with the second magnet (221) in the second direction (Y). The first ball member (215) may be arranged so as not to overlap with the first coil (212) in the second direction (Y). The second ball member (225) may be arranged so as not to overlap with the second coil (222) in the second direction (Y).

[0061]

[0062] On the outer side surface (S11) of the body portion (311) of the carrier (300), a holding magnet (231, 232) may be placed in the area between the third guide groove (31) and the fourth guide groove (32). The holding magnet (231, 232) may include a first holding magnet (231) and a second holding magnet (232). The first holding magnet (231) and the second holding magnet (232) may be placed in the optical axis direction (Z), and for example, the first holding magnet (231) may be placed on the upper side of the second holding magnet (232).

[0063] The first holding magnet (231) is a single-pole magnet in which the S pole and the N pole are magnetized in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the second holding magnet (232) is a single-pole magnet in which the N pole and the S pole are magnetized in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. If the outer side of the first holding magnet (231) is the S pole, the inner side is the N pole, and the outer side of the second holding magnet (232) may be the N pole and the inner side may be the S pole. Conversely, if the outer side of the first holding magnet (231) is the N pole and the inner side is the S pole, the outer side of the second holding magnet (232) may be the S pole and the inner side may be the N pole. The inner and outer sides of the first and second holding magnets (231, 232) may exert an attractive force on each other.

[0064] The second holding magnet (232) may not overlap with the first and second magnets (211, 221) in the first direction (X), or the inner electrode of the second holding magnet (232) may overlap with the first and second magnets (211, 221) in the first direction (X). The holding magnet (231, 232) may be provided as a unipolar or bipolar magnet. A neutral region may be formed in the area between the first and second holding magnets (231, 232).

[0065] The first and second driving units (210, 220) can move the carrier (300) disposed inside the housing (100) in the optical axis direction (Z). The camera module (1) can perform an autofocus (AF) function to align the focal length by automatically adjusting the gap between the lens of the lens holder (500) in the carrier (300) and the image sensor by controlling the driving unit (210, 220). In addition, the camera module (1) can perform a zooming function of zooming up or zooming out by increasing or decreasing the magnification of a distant subject through a zoom lens by controlling the driving unit (210, 220). Here, since the yoke (233) facing the holding magnet (231, 232) is arranged on the outside of the housing (100), the area of ​​the yoke (233) can be further increased, thereby increasing driving stability. In addition, the occurrence of left / right deviation in the direction of the optical axis can be suppressed by the first and second driving units (210, 220). In addition, since the ball members (215, 225) are arranged in the outer guide grooves (21, 22, 31, 32), dimensional measurement and tolerance management can be convenient, and assembly of the ball members (215, 225) can be convenient. In addition, by combining the driving units (210, 220) in the direction of the optical axis, the assembling efficiency can be improved, and the occurrence of tilt of the movable carrier (300) can be suppressed. Accordingly, the performance deterioration of the camera module (1) can be prevented.

[0066]

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 3, 6 to 11, the holding magnets (231, 232) can exert an attractive force on the outer yoke (233). The holding magnets (231, 232) and the yoke (233) can overlap in a second direction (Y) that is perpendicular to the optical axis direction (Z). The holding magnets (231, 232) and the yoke (233) can face each other in the second direction (Y). Since a separate coil is not arranged in the area between the holding magnets (231, 232) and the yoke (233), the gap between the holding magnets (231, 232) and the yoke (233) can be reduced, and a space for installing a separate coil in the inner area of ​​the housing and a separate coil need not be installed. Since the gap between the holding magnet (231, 232) and the yoke (233) is reduced, the size of the holding magnet (231, 232) and the yoke (233) can be reduced.

[0068] The length of the yoke (233) in the first direction (X) may be 70% or more of the gap between the first and second ball members (215, 225), and the length of the yoke (233) in the third direction (Z) may be greater than the length of the holding magnet (231, 232) in the third direction (Z) and less than the length of the outer surface (S11) of the carrier (300). The area of ​​the yoke (233) may be provided to be at least twice as large as the entire outer surface area of ​​the holding magnet (231, 232). A coupling groove (33) is arranged on the outer surface (S11) of the carrier (300), and the second holding magnet (232) and the first holding magnet (231) may be coupled along the coupling groove (33). Here, since the holding magnets (231, 232) are arranged on the outside of the carrier (300), it is possible to prevent the thickness of the outer wall of the guide portion (120) of the housing (100) from increasing due to the installation space of the holding magnet. As another example, the holding magnets may be arranged on the outer wall of the guide portion (120) of the housing (100), and the yoke may be arranged on the outer surface (S11) of the carrier (300) so as to face the holding magnets.

[0069] The coils (212, 222) and magnets (211, 221) of the first and second driving units (210, 220), the holding magnets (231, 232), and the yoke (233) may be arranged between a straight line in the first direction (X) perpendicular to the optical axis of the carrier (300) and the second side surface (S2) of the housing (100), and in the outer region of the through hole (101) of the housing (100).

[0070]

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 13, the carrier (300) is provided with a plurality of lower spacers (324, 325) on the lower periphery, and the lower spacers (324, 325) can separate the carrier (300) from the inner bottom of the housing (200). Among the lower spacers (324, 325), the spacer (324) that overlaps the holding magnets (231, 232) in the optical axis direction is arranged in the area between the first and second coils (212, 222), and can correspond to the hall sensor (155) and the sensor hole (15). The hall sensor (155) is arranged on the substrate (150), overlaps the holding magnets (231, 232) or the spacers (324) of the carrier (300) in the optical axis direction, and is a detection sensor for position alignment of the carrier (300).

[0072] The upper surface of the carrier (300) is provided with a plurality of upper spacers (321, 322), and the upper spacers (321, 322) can be spaced apart from the cover (400). In order to guide movement of the carrier (300) in the optical axis direction, the uppermost part of the carrier (300) can be positioned lower than the uppermost part of the guide part (120) of the housing (100).

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first coil (212) disposed on one side of the substrate (150) is exposed through the first hole (H1) disposed in the base portion (110) of the housing (100) and can face the first magnet (211). The second coil (222) disposed on the other side of the substrate (150) is exposed through the second hole (H1) disposed in the base portion (110) of the housing (100) and can face the second magnet (221). The inner surfaces (R1, R2) of the first hole (H1) and the second hole (H2) may have an area having a curvature of the through hole (101) of the housing (100) or an area having a curvature of the diameter of the through hole (101). The inner surfaces (R1, R2) of the first hole (H1) and the second hole (H2) may be surfaces adjacent to the optical axis.

[0074]

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 and 12, the lower portion of the base portion (110) of the housing (100) is provided with a concave substrate receiving portion (113), and the substrate (150) is coupled to the substrate receiving portion (113). The lower surface of the substrate (150) may be received at a higher position than the lower surface of the housing (110). The substrate receiving portion (113) and the substrate (150) may be arranged on the outer side of the through hole (301) of the carrier (300) and the outer side of the through hole (101) of the housing (100). The extension portion (151) of the substrate (150) may be bent so as to be exposed on the third side portion (S3) of the guide portion (110) of the housing (100). The extension portion (151) may be arranged in the optical axis direction and may be provided with a plurality of pads (153). The above plurality of pads (153) can be electrically connected to the main board of the camera module. The board (150) can overlap the housing (100) and the carrier (100) in the optical axis direction (Z).

[0076] The third side portion (S3) of the base portion (110) of the housing (100) is provided with a sub-accommodation portion (112) for accommodating the extension portion (151) of the substrate (150), and the area of ​​the sub-accommodation portion (112) in which the pad (153) is arranged among the areas of the extension portion (151) may be larger than the area of ​​the area where the pad (153) is not arranged. To this end, the extension protrusion (113A) of the base portion (110) may have the area of ​​the pad (153) arranged on the outside, and may extend from the lower end of the base portion (110) toward the substrate (150) or toward the outer surface of the housing (100). As another example, the extension portion (151) of the substrate (150) may be bent so as to be exposed on the third and fourth side portions (S3, S4) of the guide portion (110) of the housing (100), and may each have a plurality of pads. In this case, the first and second driving portions may be driven individually.

[0077]

[0078] As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 8, the driving unit includes first to fourth driving units, and the first and second driving units of the first to fourth driving units refer to the above-described embodiment, the third driving unit (210A) may be arranged in a third corner area between the first side portion (S1) and the third side portion (S3) on the inside of the housing (100) and the carrier (300), and the fourth driving unit (220A) may be arranged in a fourth corner area between the first side portion (S1) and the fourth side portion (S4). The first side portion (S1) of the carrier (300) may have a curved shape.

[0079] The third driving unit (210A) has a third magnet (213) and a third coil (214) facing each other in the optical axis direction, and the fourth driving unit (220A) has a fourth magnet (223) and a third coil (224) facing each other in the optical axis direction. The third and fourth coils (214, 224) may be disposed on the substrate (150), and the third and fourth magnets (213, 223) may be disposed inside the carrier (300). The first to fourth driving units (210, 220, 210A, 220A) may be driven simultaneously, in groups of two, or individually, and may move the carrier (300) in the optical axis direction.

[0080]

[0081] In an embodiment of the invention, the magnets (211, 221) and coils (212, 222) of the driving units (210, 220) for moving the carrier (300) in the direction of the optical axis are arranged to overlap in the direction of the optical axis, and a plurality of driving units (210, 220) can be spaced apart from each other in different areas, that is, in a first direction (X) orthogonal to the optical axis. In addition, the holding magnets (231, 232) and the yoke (233) can be overlapped in a second direction (Y) orthogonal to the optical axis. Accordingly, the holding position of the carrier (300) can be adjusted, and movement in the direction of the optical axis can be easily implemented.

[0082] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied. As illustrated in Fig. 15, the mobile terminal (1500) of the embodiment may include a camera module (1000), a flash module (1530), and an autofocus device (1510) provided on the rear. The camera module (1000) may include an image capturing function and an autofocus function. For example, the camera module (1000) may include an autofocus function using an image. The camera module (1000) processes image frames of still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor in a shooting mode or a video call mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on a predetermined display unit and stored in a memory. A camera (not shown) may also be arranged on the front of the mobile terminal body. For example, the camera module (1000) may include the camera modules disclosed in the embodiment, for example, may include a first camera module (1000A) and a second camera module (1000B), and OIS may be implemented together with AF or zoom function by the first camera module (1000A).

[0083] The flash module (1530) may include a light-emitting element that emits light therein. The flash module (1530) may be operated by the camera operation of the mobile terminal or by the control of the user. The auto-focus device (1510) may include one of the packages of surface-emitting laser elements as a light-emitting unit. The auto-focus device (1510) may include an auto-focus function using a laser. The auto-focus device (1510) may be mainly used in conditions where the auto-focus function using the image of the camera module (1000) is degraded, for example, in a close range of 10 m or less or in a dark environment. The auto-focus device (1510) may include a light-emitting unit including a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) semiconductor element, and a light-receiving unit that converts light energy into electrical energy, such as a photodiode.

[0084]

[0085] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a camera module according to an embodiment is applied, and is an exterior view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle driving assistance device to which a camera module is applied.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 16, the vehicle (700) of the embodiment may be equipped with wheels (13FL, 13RL) that rotate by a power source and a predetermined sensor. The sensor may be a camera sensor (2000), but is not limited thereto. The camera sensor (2000) may be a camera sensor to which a camera module (1) according to the embodiment is applied. The vehicle (700) of the embodiment may obtain image information through the camera sensor (2000) that captures a front image or a surrounding image, and may determine a lane non-identification situation using the image information and generate a virtual lane when the lane is not identified. For example, the camera sensor (2000) may capture the front of the vehicle (700) to obtain a front image, and a processor (not shown) may analyze an object included in the front image to obtain image information. For example, if objects such as a center divider, curb, or street tree, which correspond to a lane, adjacent vehicle, traffic obstruction, or indirect road marking, are captured in an image captured by a camera sensor (2000), the processor can detect these objects and include them in the image information. At this time, the processor can obtain distance information to the object detected through the camera sensor (2000) to further supplement the image information. The image information may be information about the object captured in the image. The camera sensor (2000) may include an image sensor and an image processing module.

[0087] The camera sensor (2000) can process still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD). The image processing module can process still images or moving images obtained through the image sensor, extract necessary information, and transmit the extracted information to the processor. At this time, the camera sensor (2000) may include a stereo camera to improve the measurement accuracy of an object and secure more information such as the distance between the vehicle (700) and the object, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] Although the above description focuses on examples, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. In addition, differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Substrate; A housing disposed on the above substrate; A carrier having a through hole into which a lens holder is coupled, and disposed within the housing; and It includes a driving unit that moves the carrier in the optical axis direction, The above driving part, A first coil and a second coil arranged on the substrate and spaced apart in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; A first magnet facing the first coil in the optical axis direction; and An actuator for a camera, comprising a second magnet facing the second coil in the optical axis direction.

2. In paragraph 1, The carrier has a first side portion convex in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction, a second side portion opposite to the first side portion, and third and fourth side portions bent from both ends of the second side portion, An actuator for a camera, wherein the housing includes a base portion disposed at the lower portion of the carrier and a guide portion disposed at the outer side of the carrier.

3. In paragraph 2, The first magnet is arranged in a first corner area between the second side portion and the third side portion of the carrier, An actuator for a camera, wherein the second magnet is arranged in a second corner area between the second side portion and the fourth side portion of the carrier.

4. In paragraph 2 or 3, An actuator for a camera, wherein the base portion of the housing includes a first hole in which the first coil is placed, and a second hole in which the second coil is placed.

5. In paragraph 4, An actuator for a camera, wherein an area adjacent to the optical axis among the inner surfaces of the first hole and the second hole has a curvature that the through hole of the housing has.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, It includes a ball member arranged in a guide groove between the housing and the carrier, The ball member includes a first ball member overlapping the first magnet in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a second ball member overlapping the second magnet in the second direction, An actuator for a camera, wherein each of the first and second ball members has a plurality of balls arranged in the direction of the optical axis.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The first and second coils are arranged on the substrate and electrically connected to the substrate, The substrate is bent toward the outside of the housing and includes an extension having a plurality of pads, An actuator for a camera, wherein the housing includes a concave substrate receiving portion for receiving the substrate therein and a concave sub-receiving portion for receiving the extension portion.

8. In paragraph 7, An actuator for a camera, comprising a holding magnet and a yoke disposed between the first ball member and the second ball member.

9. In paragraph 8, The above holding magnet includes first and second holding magnets coupled in the optical axis direction on the outside of the carrier, The above yoke is coupled to the inside of the housing and has an area that is at least twice as large as the area of ​​the holding magnet and is positioned to face the first and second holding magnets. An actuator for a camera, wherein the first and second coils are driven individually.

10. In paragraph 8, An actuator for a camera, wherein the holding magnet is positioned between the first and second magnets.

11. In paragraph 8, An actuator for a camera, wherein the first and second coils, the first and second magnets, the holding magnet, and the yoke are arranged in an area between a straight line in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the carrier and one side of the carrier, and in an outer area of ​​an inner through hole of the carrier.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, A third coil disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the first coil in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; A 43rd coil disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the second coil in the second direction; a third magnet facing the third coil in the optical axis direction; and An actuator for a camera, comprising a fourth magnet facing the fourth coil in the optical axis direction.

13. A carrier having a through hole inside; A housing having a base portion at the bottom of the carrier and a guide portion at the outside; A plurality of driving units each having a magnet and a coil, which move the carrier in the optical axis direction in different areas; A plurality of ball members arranged between the inner surface of the guide portion of the housing and the outer surface of the carrier and arranged on the outer side of each of the magnets of the plurality of driving units; A holding magnet disposed between the plurality of ball members; and Includes a yoke facing the above holding magnet, The plurality of driving parts, the plurality of ball members, the holding magnet and the yoke are arranged in an outer region of the through hole of the carrier and an region between a straight line in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the carrier and the outer side surface of the guide part of the housing. The above plurality of driving units include first and second driving units spaced apart in the first direction, The first driving unit includes a first coil arranged on the substrate, and a first magnet arranged on the carrier and facing the first coil in the optical axis direction, A camera module, wherein the second driving unit includes a second coil disposed on the substrate, and a second magnet disposed on the carrier and facing the second coil in the optical axis direction.

14. In paragraph 13, The above holding magnet is coupled to the outer surface of the carrier, The above yoke is coupled to the inside of the guide portion of the above housing, The carrier has a first side portion convex in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, a second side portion opposite to the first side portion, and third and fourth side portions bent from both ends of the second side portion, The first magnet is arranged in a first corner area between the second side portion and the third side portion of the carrier, A camera module wherein the second magnet is disposed in a second corner area between the second side portion and the fourth side portion of the carrier.

15. In paragraph 14, The base portion of the housing includes a first hole in which the first coil is placed, and a second hole in which the second coil is placed. Among the inner surfaces of the first hole and the second hole, the area adjacent to the optical axis has a curvature that the through hole of the housing has, The substrate is bent toward the outside of the housing and includes an extension having a plurality of pads, A camera module, wherein the housing includes a concave substrate receiving portion for receiving the substrate therein, and a concave sub-receiving portion for receiving the extension portion.

Images