Camera actuator

Abstract

A camera actuator is disclosed. The camera actuator, according to one aspect of the present invention, may comprise a base, an AF carrier, an OIS carrier, a first driving unit including a first coil and a first magnet, a second driving unit including a second coil and a second magnet, and a suction yoke. The suction yoke may comprise a first yoke adjacent to the magnetic pole of the first magnet farthest from the second magnet, and a second yoke adjacent to the magnetic pole of the second magnet farthest from the first magnet.

Description

Camera actuator

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera actuator, and more specifically, to a camera actuator that enhances OIS driving characteristics through the arrangement structure of a suction yoke.

[0002] As hardware technology for image processing advances, user demand for video recording and other related services is steadily increasing.

[0003] Accordingly, functions such as zoom, AF (Auto Focus), and OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) are implemented in camera actuators mounted on mobile terminals (hereinafter referred to as "electronic devices") as well as independent camera devices.

[0004] One of the representative methods for implementing such AF or OIS functions is to form a driving unit by installing a magnet (or coil) on a carrier and another coil (or magnet) on a stationary body (such as a housing or another type of carrier), and then move the carrier in the direction of the optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis by generating an electromagnetic force between the coil and the magnet.

[0005] Meanwhile, in the case of a camera actuator with integrated AF and OIS functions, AF must move in the direction of the optical axis, and OIS must move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0006] To this end, a conventional camera actuator includes an AF drive unit composed of an AF coil and an AF magnet to generate a driving force in the direction of the optical axis, a first drive unit composed of a first coil and a first magnet to generate a driving force in a first direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis, and a second drive unit composed of a second coil and a second magnet to generate a driving force in a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis.

[0007] In addition, a conventional camera actuator discloses a structure in which an AF carrier and an OIS carrier are accommodated in a housing (fixed body) and stacked together in the direction of the optical axis.

[0008] At this time, a ball is interposed between each component to continuously maintain an appropriate separation distance between the components, and the rotational movement of the ball and the minimized frictional force through point contact with the ball allow each carrier to move more flexibly and accurately for implementing AF and OIS functions.

[0009] In addition, according to the embodiment, a middle guide supporting the OIS carrier is further included to control the rotation of the OIS carrier and induce linear movement in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby enabling stable OIS function implementation. Furthermore, a detection sensor is further included to accurately detect the movement of the AF carrier or OIS carrier and to control feedback correction.

[0010] Meanwhile, current mobile devices (smartphones) are seeing lens sizes increase in response to consumer needs, and multiple lenses are being applied as required; furthermore, development directions are being explored to achieve miniaturization or slimming of the device.

[0011] Accordingly, components such as AF carriers and OIS carriers must be stacked within a limited space, and development is being sought to optimize the placement of components within this limited space while simultaneously enhancing driving characteristics to ensure stable AF and OIS functions.

[0012] In particular, while the implementation of the AF function can be characterized by considering movement and control in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the implementation of the OIS function requires considering movement and control in directions perpendicular to the optical axis direction, namely the X-axis direction (first direction) and the Y-axis direction (second direction), so there were many difficulties in improving the driving characteristics.

[0013] In particular, for camera actuators that do not include a middle guide, it was more difficult to improve OIS driving characteristics because there is no middle guide to induce linear movement while controlling unnecessary rotation of the OIS carrier.

[0014] Accordingly, the drive unit was formed by separating it into multiple parts to prevent unnecessary rotational driving of the OIS carrier and to maintain linear driving while increasing driving force.

[0015] For example, a structure has been disclosed in which the coils of the first direction and / or second direction of the OIS carrier are configured as two separate coils rather than a single coil, and the magnets facing them are also configured as two separate coils. Each is equipped with a driving driver to control them, thereby increasing the driving force and driving precision.

[0016] Meanwhile, the suction yoke was positioned to generate a magnet and suction force in order to suppress unnecessary rotational drive components of the OIS carrier and enable linear movement.

[0017] In other words, by utilizing the attractive force (suction force) acting between the magnet and the suction yoke to suppress the rotational drive of the OIS carrier and increase the rotational restoring force, the OIS driving characteristics can be enhanced.

[0018] These suction yokes are typically arranged in positions and numbers corresponding to the number of magnets, but they were also configured by dividing them into multiple sections as needed. Additionally, the surface area of ​​each divided suction yoke was configured differently to increase the suction power at specific locations.

[0019] Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2023-0055899 has been disclosed as prior art showing such a plurality of divided suction yokes.

[0020] Meanwhile, in order for the attitude control and rotational drive control functions of the OIS carrier to be performed accurately, the magnet generating the force and the suction yoke need to be positioned in the correct position during assembly or molding.

[0021] In other words, when multiple magnets and suction yokes are positioned at precise locations and generate suction force according to the design settings, the attitude control of the OIS carrier and the suppression of unnecessary rotational drive can be accurately performed.

[0022] Meanwhile, the suction yoke typically has a structure that is integrated into the carrier through insert molding.

[0023] Insert molding is a process of creating a one-piece part by inserting metal or other non-plastic components into a plastic injection mold and injecting molten resin. In reality, when insert molding multiple suction yokes, it is very difficult to position all of them in their designated locations without error due to the nature of insert molding.

[0024] Consequently, the multiple suction yokes that are divided and arranged inevitably have some degree of positional error, and as this error increases, difficulties in performing the functions of attitude control and rotational restoring force of the OIS carrier inevitably arise.

[0025] In other words, there are instances where the suction yoke is not placed in its designed position but deviates from it; the reality is that such assembly errors inevitably occur during the molding and assembly process, and as multiple divided suction yokes are placed, these errors accumulate, sometimes exceeding the allowable range.

[0026] Accordingly, it was determined that unnecessary rotational drive of the OIS carrier could be accurately controlled by using a divided suction yoke in the design; however, in the actual product, there were cases where the rotational control of the OIS carrier could not be accurately implemented.

[0027] For example, when movement occurs to implement the OIS function in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, the unnecessary rotational driving characteristics of the OIS carrier according to the above description eventually sense that movement in a second direction, which does not actually occur, has also occurred and cannot be generated during linear movement in the first direction of the OIS carrier, and thus it is inevitable to command feedback control for the second direction as well as the first direction, and this inevitably leads to a decrease in the driving precision of the OIS.

[0028] In particular, the aforementioned problems were bound to be exacerbated in camera actuators that lack a middle guide to induce linear movement.

[0029] Accordingly, there is an urgent need to develop camera actuators that satisfy user requirements, achieve miniaturization and slimness, and enhance OIS driving characteristics by suppressing unnecessary rotational components.

[0030] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems by providing a camera actuator that can achieve miniaturization and slimness while enhancing OIS driving characteristics through a single suction yoke arrangement structure.

[0031] In addition, the purpose is to provide a camera actuator that is easier to manufacture than using multiple divided suction yokes and can suppress unnecessary rotational driving of the OIS carrier.

[0032] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, a camera actuator is provided.

[0034] A camera actuator may include: a base; an OIS carrier accommodated in the base and moving in a first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; a first driving unit comprising a first magnet disposed on the first direction side of the OIS carrier, having a length in the second direction and forming a boundary of stimulation, and a first coil disposed facing the first magnet; a second driving unit comprising a second magnet disposed on the second direction side of the OIS carrier, having a length in the first direction and forming a boundary of stimulation, and a second coil disposed facing the second magnet; and a suction yoke disposed having an area that overlaps with the first magnet or the second magnet in a set direction.

[0035] At this time, the suction yoke may include a first yoke having an area that overlaps with the first magnet in the direction of the setting and is located adjacent to the stimulation of the first magnet that is furthest from the second magnet; and a second yoke having an area that overlaps with the second magnet in the direction of the setting and is located adjacent to the stimulation of the second magnet that is furthest from the first magnet.

[0036] At this time, the suction yoke may be arranged to have an area that overlaps with the first magnet or the second magnet in the optical axis direction.

[0037] At this time, the suction yoke may have an area of ​​a second region located adjacent to the stimulation of the first magnet or the second magnet based on a virtual centerline that divides the length equally, such that the area of ​​the second region is larger than the area of ​​the adjacent first region.

[0038] At this time, the suction yoke may form a chamfer in the corner portion of the first region that is far from the first coil or the second coil.

[0039] At this time, the suction yoke can be formed by insert molding.

[0040] At this time, the suction yoke may include a protrusion that extends toward the first coil or the second coil side in the second region.

[0041] At this time, the suction yoke may have the same size and shape as the first yoke and the second yoke.

[0042] At this time, the first magnet may include a first-1 magnet and a first-2 magnet arranged adjacent to the first-1 magnet in a second direction. And, the second magnet may include a second-1 magnet and a second-2 magnet arranged adjacent to the second-1 magnet in a first direction.

[0043] At this time, the first yoke may be arranged to have an area that overlaps with the first-1 magnet in the optical axis direction, and the second yoke may be arranged to have an area that overlaps with the second-2 magnet in the optical axis direction.

[0044] At this time, the first yoke may have an area of ​​a second region located adjacent to the outer magnetic pole of the first-1 magnet, which is far from the first-2 magnet based on a virtual centerline dividing the length, that is larger than the area of ​​the adjacent first region.

[0045] At this time, the second yoke may be formed such that the area of ​​the second region located adjacent to the outer magnetic pole of the second-2 magnet, which is far from the second-1 magnet based on a virtual centerline dividing the length, has a larger area than the area of ​​the adjacent first region.

[0046] Meanwhile, an OIS function can be implemented in a first direction in which the first coil and the first magnet move away from each other.

[0047] At this time, the first yoke can be formed such that the bottom line furthest from the first-1 coil does not extend beyond the width direction boundary of the first-1 magnet closest to the first-1 coil.

[0048] At this time, the second yoke may be formed such that the leading edge line at a position close to the second-1 magnet does not extend beyond the boundary of the inner magnetic field of the second-2 magnet close to the second-1 magnet.

[0049] Meanwhile, an OIS function can be implemented in a second direction in which the second coil and the second magnet move away from each other.

[0050] At this time, the first yoke can be formed such that the leading edge line at a position close to the first-2 magnet does not extend beyond the boundary of the inner magnetic field of the first-1 magnet close to the first-2 magnet.

[0051] At this time, the second yoke may be formed such that the bottom line furthest from the second-2 coil does not extend beyond the width direction boundary of the second-2 magnet closest to the second-2 coil.

[0052] The suction yoke applied to the camera actuator of the present invention is in the shape of a plate having an area set by length and width, and is divided into a first area and a second area based on a virtual center line that equally divides the length, wherein a chamfer is formed at the corner where the leading line and the lower line of the first area are connected, and the upper line of the second area is extended with a protruding height to form an expanded area, so that the area of ​​the second area has a larger area than the area of ​​the first area.

[0053] Meanwhile, the camera actuator of the present invention may further include an AF carrier that is accommodated in the base and moves in the optical axis direction together with the OIS carrier.

[0054] According to the above configuration, the camera actuator according to the present invention comprises the first yoke of the first driving unit and the second yoke of the second driving unit as a single suction yoke, and through the arrangement characteristics thereof, can achieve miniaturization and slimness while having the effect of enhancing OIS driving characteristics.

[0055] In addition, by configuring the first and second yokes into a single suction yoke, it is easy to position the suction yoke in the correct position during insert molding, thereby minimizing assembly errors. Furthermore, it facilitates manufacturing and process management while suppressing unnecessary rotational movement of the OIS carrier.

[0056] In addition, the first yoke of the first driving unit is positioned adjacent to the magnetic pole of the first magnet that is furthest from the second magnet, and the second yoke of the second driving unit is positioned adjacent to the magnetic pole of the second magnet that is furthest from the first magnet, so that the first yoke and the second yoke are not affected by the other driving unit, thereby suppressing unnecessary rotational components of the OIS carrier and having the effect of enhancing OIS driving characteristics.

[0057] In addition, the first and second yokes are formed such that the area of ​​the second region located adjacent to the stimulation at a distance from a virtual centerline divided equally in length has a larger area than the area of ​​the neighboring first region, thereby increasing the suction force in the part adjacent to the stimulation, increasing the rotational restoring force of the OIS carrier, and having the effect of reducing the rotational driving component.

[0058] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description or claims of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the state excluding the shield can and lens module in a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings for explaining the AF carrier, OIS carrier, and driving unit in a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the position of a suction yoke for attitude control as viewed from the bottom of a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention according to FIG. 3.

[0063] FIGS. 6 and 7 are drawings for explaining the arrangement of the suction yoke and the linear movement and rotational driving of the OIS carrier when implementing the OIS function in a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a suction yoke for attitude control applied to a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are schematic drawings illustrating the arrangement of a suction yoke for attitude control when implementing an OIS function of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] In its best form, the present invention comprises: a base; an OIS carrier accommodated in the base and moving in a first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; a first driving unit comprising a first magnet disposed on the first directional side of the OIS carrier, having a length in the second direction and forming a boundary of stimulation, and a first coil disposed facing the first magnet; a second driving unit comprising a second magnet disposed on the second directional side of the OIS carrier, having a length in the first direction and forming a boundary of stimulation, and a second coil disposed facing the second magnet; and a suction yoke disposed having an area overlapping with the first magnet or the second magnet.

[0067] The above suction yoke is,

[0068] A first yoke having an area overlapping with the first magnet and positioned adjacent to the magnetic pole of the first magnet that is furthest from the second magnet, and

[0069] A camera actuator is provided, comprising a second yoke having an area overlapping with the second magnet and positioned adjacent to the magnetic field of the second magnet that is furthest from the first magnet.

[0070] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. To clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the description in the drawings have been omitted, and the same reference numerals have been used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0071] The words and terms used in this specification and claims are not limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention in accordance with the principles by which the inventor defines terms and concepts to best describe his invention.

[0072] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings correspond to preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; thus, various equivalents and modifications that may replace such configurations may exist at the time of filing the present invention.

[0073] In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to describe the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0074] The statement that a component is "in front," "rear," "upper," or "lower" of another component includes, unless there are special circumstances, not only being positioned "in front," "rear," "upper," or "lower" in direct contact with the other component, but also cases where another component is positioned in between. Furthermore, the statement that a component is "connected" to another component includes, unless there are special circumstances, not only being directly connected to each other, but also being indirectly connected to each other.

[0075] The terms "X-axis," "Y-axis," and "Z-axis" used in the description will be understood by referring to the coordinate system depicted in the drawing. Furthermore, while the description refers to the X-axis direction as the first direction, the Y-axis direction as the second direction, and the Z-axis direction as the third direction, this is merely an example based on a relative perspective; the first through third directions and the coordinate axes (X, Y, Z axes) are introduced only to describe the relative positions between the components and do not limit the absolute positions of each component. Additionally, the "optical axis direction" used in the following description refers to the direction in which light enters, which is identical to the "Z-axis direction," or the third direction, and will be understood by referring to the depicted coordinate system.

[0076] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, specific descriptions of related known functions or configurations are omitted to avoid obscuring the gist of the invention.

[0077]

[0078] Hereinafter, a camera actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0079] As illustrated, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10, a camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is supported and mounted on a substrate (not shown) of a mobile terminal (hereinafter referred to as an "electronic device"), such as a mobile phone or smartphone, as well as an independent camera device.

[0080] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (A) comprising a base (100) and a shield can (500), a carrier (CA) and a lens module (R) for implementing AF and / or OIS functions.

[0081] In addition to the configuration for implementing AF (Auto Focus) and OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) functions, the camera actuator (1) of the present invention may also include a lens module (R) and an iris module (not shown) that controls the amount of light (light intensity) to the lens module.

[0082] Meanwhile, the camera actuator (1) according to the present invention is illustrated as an embodiment in which AF and OIS functions are integrated together, but this is only one embodiment, and it is obvious that it can be implemented as an actuator for only the OIS function depending on the embodiment. In addition, the camera actuator (1) of the present invention may be implemented in a form including one or more lenses and image sensors such as CCD, CMOS, etc.

[0083] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, a camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing (A) largely composed of a base (100) and a shield can (500), and a carrier (CA) including an AF carrier (200) and an OIS carrier (300).

[0084] At this time, the carrier (CA) is depicted as having a structure that does not include a middle guide (not shown) that supports the linear movement of the OIS carrier (300), but it is obvious that it may have a structure that includes a middle guide (not shown) depending on the embodiment.

[0085] Meanwhile, the camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is arranged so that an OIS carrier (300) implementing an OIS function is accommodated in the internal receiving space of the base (100).

[0086] Movement of the OIS carrier (300) in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction is performed by a driving force generated by a first driving unit composed of a first magnet (M1) and a first coil (C1), and movement of the OIS carrier (300) in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction is performed by a driving force generated by a second driving unit composed of a second magnet (M2) and a second coil (C2).

[0087] According to the embodiment, the first magnet (M1) and the second magnet (M2) may be a plurality of magnets configured by division.

[0088] For example, in the city, for convenience of explanation, the first magnet (M1) is placed on the first directional side of the OIS carrier (300) and formed by dividing it into two, and the second magnet (M2) is placed on the second directional side of the OIS carrier (300) and formed by dividing it into two.

[0089] In addition, a first coil (C1) that generates driving force in a position facing the first magnet (M1) and a second coil (C2) that generates driving force in a position facing the second magnet (M2) were also formed by dividing them into two.

[0090] Meanwhile, a camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to FIG. 6, receives driving force through a first driving unit when moving (①) the OIS carrier (300) for implementing the OIS function in a first direction, and receives driving force through a second driving unit when moving (②) the OIS carrier (300) in a second direction.

[0091] However, when a driving force is applied for such movement in the first direction (①) or movement in the second direction (②), the OIS carrier (300) may generate unnecessary rotational drive (rotational movement, rotational movement, rotational component) (③).

[0092] In other words, when implementing the OIS function, the OIS carrier (300) may not be guaranteed linear movement (straight movement, straight drive) in the first or second direction, and accordingly, unnecessary rotational drive (③) may occur.

[0093] This rotational drive (③) acts as crosstalk and can affect the operation controlling the linear movement of the OIS carrier (300) and can interfere with the implementation of the OIS function.

[0094] This rotational drive (③) can rotate around a virtual rotation axis (RA, FIG. 6) parallel to the optical axis (O), and the rotation axis (RA) can be defined as a virtual axis that extends parallel to the optical axis (O) while passing through the center of a line segment connecting the center of the first magnet (M1) and the center of the second magnet (M2).

[0095] In this way, unnecessary rotational driving (③) of the OIS carrier (300) around the rotation axis (RA) can act as a factor that hinders the linear movement of the OIS carrier (300) and reduces driving precision.

[0096] Accordingly, the camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is most characterized by further including a suction yoke (600; 600a, 600b) that generates suction force corresponding to the magnets (M1, M2) of each driving part, so as to suppress unnecessary rotational driving of the OIS carrier (300) and increase rotational restoring force while enabling linear movement.

[0097] In other words, the suction yoke (600) suppresses unnecessary rotational driving of the OIS carrier (300) and allows linear movement in the first or second direction.

[0098] More specifically, the suction force generated by the first magnet (M1) and the first yoke (600a) positioned on the first drive unit side can suppress the rotational drive component (③') of the OIS carrier (300) located far from the first drive unit, and the suction force generated by the second magnet (M2) and the second yoke (600b) positioned on the second drive unit side can suppress the rotational drive component (③") of the OIS carrier (300) located far from the second drive unit.

[0099] In other words, the first yoke (600a) and the second yoke (600b) generate a strong suction force at the starting point where rotational drive can occur, thereby preventing shaking of the OIS carrier (300) and ultimately suppressing the rotational drive component at the distant location where the greatest rotational drive occurs.

[0100] In this way, the camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured to enable miniaturization and slimming of the device according to the user's needs, and to facilitate manufacturing and enhance OIS driving characteristics through an arrangement structure of a single suction yoke (600) rather than a plurality of suction yokes.

[0101] Preferably, single suction yokes (600; 600a, 600b) positioned on each drive unit side can be arranged to suppress unnecessary rotational drive components of the OIS carrier (300) without being affected by the magnet constituting the opposite drive unit, thereby enhancing OIS drive characteristics.

[0102] Additionally, single suction yokes (600) are positioned as far as possible from the opposite drive unit, and are characterized by being located adjacent to the boundary of the stimulation furthest from the opposite drive unit with respect to the magnet on the side of the positioned drive unit.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 as a specific example, a camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention places a first yoke (600a) as a single suction yoke (600) at the position furthest from the second driving unit, and places a second yoke (600b) as a single suction yoke (600) at the position furthest from the first driving unit.

[0104] At this time, the first yoke (600a) is located adjacent to the outer magnetic pole (B11') of the first magnet (M1) of the first drive unit, which is furthest from the second drive unit, and the second yoke (600b) is located adjacent to the outer magnetic pole (B22') of the second magnet (M2) of the second drive unit, which is furthest from the first drive unit.

[0105] Accordingly, the first yoke (600a) generates suction force with the first magnet (M1) without being affected by the second magnet (M2), and this suction force strongly holds the first magnet (M1) and the first yoke (600a) in place without shaking, thereby strongly suppressing the rotational drive (③') of the OIS carrier (300) located far from the first drive unit.

[0106] Additionally, the second yoke (600b) generates suction force with the second magnet (M2) without being affected by the first magnet (M1), and this suction force strongly holds the second magnet (M2) and the second yoke (600b) in place without shaking, thereby strongly suppressing the rotational drive (③") of the OIS carrier (300) located far from the second drive unit.

[0107] Meanwhile, preferably, the first yoke (600a) and the second yoke (600b) can be formed with a larger area closer to the outer stimuli (B11', B22') of the magnet so as to generate a more stable suction force.

[0108] Meanwhile, as another exemplary description, referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first yoke (600a) and the second yoke (600b) constituting the suction yoke (600; 600a, 600b) are located in a section (zone) as far as possible from the magnet of the opposite driving unit, and may have an arrangement structure in which most of the surface area faces and overlaps with the magnet of the corresponding driving unit.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 5, when mutually orthogonal axis lines are arbitrarily formed with respect to the optical axis (O) of the lens, the area can be divided into a first zone ((1)), a second zone ((2)), a third zone ((3)), and a fourth zone ((4)) in a clockwise direction starting from the upper positive direction of the X-axis.

[0110] In addition, the first driving unit (C1, M1) and the second driving unit (C2, M2) of the OIS may be positioned on a plane (XY) that is orthogonal to each other with respect to the optical axis (O), such that the first driving unit is located on the first direction side and the second driving unit is located on the second direction side.

[0111] At this time, the first yoke (600a) is positioned in the fourth zone ((4)) furthest from the second magnet (M2) of the second drive unit, but can be positioned opposite the first magnet (M1) of the first drive unit and overlapping most of its area.

[0112] At this time, the second yoke (600b) is positioned in the second zone ((2)) furthest from the first magnet (M1) of the first drive unit, but can be positioned opposite the second magnet (M2) of the second drive unit and overlapping most of its area.

[0113] In this way, the camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention arranges a single suction yoke (600) to generate suction force with the magnets (M1, M2) of each driving part within a limited space, and through the arrangement structure, it is easier to manufacture than using a plurality of divided suction yokes, while suppressing unnecessary rotational driving components of the OIS carrier to achieve sufficient OIS driving precision.

[0114]

[0115] Referring again to FIGS. 2 to 8, the camera actuator (1) of the present invention will be described in more detail as follows.

[0116] First, the housing (A) can be composed of a combination of a base (100) and a shield can (500).

[0117] The base (100) has a structure in which a carrier (CA) that moves in the direction of the optical axis (third direction) or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (first direction or second direction) is accommodated inside, and the lower part is supported on a substrate on which a camera actuator (1) is mounted.

[0118] The base (100) includes coils (C1, C2, AF / C) for AF or OIS driving and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (110) electrically connected to apply power to the coils (C1, C2, AF / C). This FPCB is electrically connected to a substrate on which a camera actuator (1) is mounted.

[0119] In addition, although not shown, an image sensor (not shown), such as a CCD (Charged-coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor), may be provided at the bottom of the base (100) in the direction of the optical axis.

[0120] The FPCB (110) includes a control circuit (drive driver) related to driving the camera actuator (1), and can supply a designated signal (e.g., power supply through the supply of a designated amount of current) to the coils (C1, C2, AF / C) for driving and generates a control signal for driving.

[0121] Since this FPCB (110) is already known, a specific description of the related known functions or configurations is omitted to avoid obscuring the gist of the invention.

[0122] Meanwhile, the shield can (500) has a structure that covers the base (100) and is coupled to the upper part of the base (100).

[0123] Such shield cans (500) can serve to protect or secure related components, including a carrier (CA) accommodated in the base (100). For this purpose, the shield cans (500) may be made of a metal material or a material having a hardness greater than a specified size (e.g., metal or reinforced plastic).

[0124] In addition, the lens module (R) is housed within the housing (A) so as to be driven together with the carrier (CA), and movement can be performed together with the optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis depending on the function implementation of the carrier (CA). The amount of light (light intensity) of this lens module (R) can be adjusted according to the driving of the iris module (not shown).

[0125] Meanwhile, the carrier (CA) may include an AF carrier (200) for implementing an AF function and an OIS carrier (300) for implementing an OIS function.

[0126] The AF carrier (200) is accommodated in an internal receiving space of the base (100) together with the OIS carrier (300) so as to be stacked in the optical axis direction, and can move in the optical axis direction as a moving body with the base (100) as a relative fixed body together with the OIS carrier (300).

[0127] Movement of the AF carrier (200) in the direction of the optical axis can be performed by a driving force generated by an AF driving unit comprising an AF coil (AF / C) provided in the base (100) and an AF magnet (AF / M) provided in the AF carrier (200) facing the AF coil (AF / C).

[0128] In FIGS. 2 to 5, the AF coil (AF / C) and AF magnet (AF / M) constituting the AF driving unit are illustrated as being composed of a single coil and magnet, but this is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that they may be composed of a plurality of coils and a plurality of corresponding magnets depending on the embodiment.

[0129] Meanwhile, a Z-stopper (400) may be included on the upper part of the carrier (CA) comprising the AF carrier (200) and the OIS carrier (300). This Z-stopper (400) serves to restrict the upward movement of the AF carrier (200) in the direction of the optical axis.

[0130] Next, the OIS carrier (300) is accommodated in the internal receiving space of the base (100), and can move as a moving body in a first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction with the AF carrier (200) as a relative fixed body.

[0131] Movement of the OIS carrier (300) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, i.e., in a first direction or a second direction, can be performed by a first driving unit including a first coil (C1) and a first magnet (M1), and a second driving unit including a second coil (C2) and a second magnet (M2).

[0132] For example, the first magnet (M1) of the first driving unit has a length in the second direction and forms a boundary of the magnetic field and is positioned on the first direction side of the OIS carrier (300), and the first coil (C1) may be provided on the first direction side of the base (100) facing the first magnet (M1).

[0133] Additionally, the second magnet (M2) of the second driving unit has a length in the first direction and forms a boundary of the magnetic field and is positioned on the second direction side of the OIS carrier (300), and the second coil (C2) may be provided on the second direction side of the base (100) facing the second magnet (M2).

[0134] According to this configuration, the OIS carrier (300) can be controlled to move in a first direction (X-axis direction) by a driving force generated by a first driving unit (see FIG. 9), and can be controlled to move in a second direction (Y-axis direction) by a driving force generated by a second driving unit (see FIG. 10).

[0135] Meanwhile, the first coil (C1) and the second coil (C2), and the first magnet (M1) and the second magnet (M2) may be configured as at least one or more. In other words, the first coil (C1) and the second coil (C2) are not limited to the number shown in the illustrated embodiment, and may be configured as one or multiple coils depending on the embodiment. Furthermore, the first magnet (M1) and the second magnet (M2) facing them may also be configured as at least one or more, or multiple as needed, depending on the embodiment.

[0136] In order to facilitate the implementation of the OIS carrier (100) function in the city and to increase control and driving force, the first coil (C1) and the second coil (C2), and the first magnet (M1) and the second magnet (M2) are configured separately.

[0137] The driving for implementing the functions of the AF carrier (200) and OIS carrier (300) involves interposing a ball (B) between a moving body and a stationary body (a configuration that is fixed relative to the moving body) so that an appropriate separation distance between the moving body and the stationary body is continuously maintained, and so that the carrier can move accurately with minimized frictional force through the rotational movement of the ball and point contact with the ball.

[0138] Since the functional implementation of the AF carrier (200) and OIS carrier (300) by a driving unit composed of magnets (M1, M2, AF / M) facing the coils (C1, C2, AF / C) can be achieved using known techniques, a specific description of the related configuration is omitted to avoid obscuring the gist of the invention.

[0139]

[0140] Meanwhile, a camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a single suction yoke (600; 600a, 600b) on each side of the first driving unit and the second driving unit so as to suppress unnecessary rotational driving of the OIS carrier (300) and increase rotational restoring force to induce linear movement according to the implementation of the OIS function.

[0141] These suction yoke (600) has an area that overlaps with the first magnet (M1) or the second magnet (M2) in the direction of the setting and can be placed on the AF carrier (200).

[0142] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the suction yoke (600) may include a first yoke (600a) that has an area overlapping with the first magnet (M1) in the direction of the setting and is located adjacent to the stimulation (B11') of the first magnet (M1) that is furthest from the second magnet (M2).

[0143] Additionally, the suction yoke (600) may include a second yoke (600b) that has an area overlapping with the second magnet (M2) in the direction of the setting and is located adjacent to the stimulation (B22') of the second magnet (M2) that is furthest from the first magnet (M1).

[0144] Preferably, the first yoke (600a) and the second yoke (600b) may have the same size and shape and may be integrated into the AF carrier (200) through insert molding.

[0145] Meanwhile, in the city, as an example, the first yoke (600a) is arranged to have a gap (d1, FIG. 7) spaced apart from the first magnet (M1) in the optical axis direction, but has an overlapping area in the optical axis direction (see FIG. 6), and the second yoke (600b) is arranged to have a gap (d2, FIG. 7) spaced apart from the second magnet (M2) in the optical axis direction, but has an overlapping area in the optical axis direction (see FIG. 6).

[0146] However, it is not limited to this, and it is obvious that it may be arranged with an overlapping area in the first direction or the second direction if it is possible to suppress the rotational driving component of the OIS carrier (300) while generating suction force with the first magnet (M1) or the second magnet (M2).

[0147] However, in an embodiment of the present invention, the OIS carrier (300) moves in a first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis via an OIS driving ball (B1) disposed on the upper surface of the AF carrier (200) with the AF carrier (200) as a fixed body, and it is preferable that the first yoke (600a) and the second yoke (600b) be arranged to have an area that overlaps with the first magnet (M1) or the second magnet (M2) in the direction of the optical axis.

[0148] Meanwhile, as described above, the suction yoke (600) applied in one embodiment of the present invention may have a single suction yoke shape rather than a shape divided into multiple parts.

[0149] At this time, the first yoke (600a) may be positioned adjacent to the outer magnetic pole (B11') of the first magnet (M1) of the first drive unit that is furthest from the second drive unit, and the second yoke (600b) may be positioned adjacent to the outer magnetic pole (B22') of the second magnet (M2) of the second drive unit that is furthest from the first drive unit.

[0150] Preferably, the first yoke (600a) and the second yoke (600b) can be formed with a larger area closer to the outer stimuli (B11', B22') of the magnet.

[0151] In other words, referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the suction yoke (600) can be formed such that a second region (620, FIG. 8) located adjacent to the stimulation of the first magnet (M1) or the second magnet (M2) based on a virtual center line (L, FIG. 8) that divides the length equally has a larger area than the area of ​​the adjacent first region (610, FIG. 8).

[0152] Additionally, the suction yoke (600) formed a chamfer (611) at the corner of the first region (610) that is far from the first coil (C1) or the second coil (C2) at the position where it is placed.

[0153] With the formation of such a chamfer (611), the area of ​​the suction yoke (600) becomes larger on the side closer to the coil (C1, C2) than on the optical axis (O), and accordingly, the suction yoke can have the effect of suppressing the rotational drive of the OIS carrier (300) more significantly without being affected by the magnet of the opposite drive unit.

[0154] And, the suction yoke (600) may have a protrusion (622, FIG. 8) that extends outward toward the first coil (C1) or the second coil (C2) in the second region (620).

[0155] These protrusions (622) serve to verify whether the suction yoke (600) is properly positioned while insert molding it into the AF carrier (200), and also allow the second region (620, FIG. 8), which is located adjacent to the stimulation of the first magnet (M1) or the second magnet (M2), to be made wider so that the suction force can be generated more strongly.

[0156]

[0157] Meanwhile, referring again to 8, the suction yoke (600) applied to the camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0158] The suction yoke (600) applied in the present invention is not composed of a plurality of divided parts, but is a single-shaped suction yoke, and may be a rectangular plate shape having a set length (a) and width (b).

[0159] At this time, the suction yoke (600) can be divided into a first region (610) and a second region (620) based on a virtual centerline (L) that divides the length (a) equally.

[0160] At this time, the suction yoke (600) can form a chamfer (611) in the first area (610) of the corner portion where the leading line (601) and the lower line (604) are connected.

[0161] And, the suction yoke (600) may have a height (bh) that protrudes upward from the upper line (603) of the second region (620) and may further form an extended protruding area (623).

[0162] Accordingly, the first region (610) has a height equal to the width (b), and the second region (620) has a height (h) which is the sum of the width (b) and the protrusion height (bh). Accordingly, the suction yoke (600) can be formed such that the area of ​​the second region (620) is larger than the area of ​​the adjacent first region (610) based on a virtual centerline (L) that divides the length (a) equally.

[0163] And, the widened area (623) in the second area (620) may include a protrusion (622) that protrudes outward from the outer line (201) of the AF carrier (200) and is exposed when insert molding is performed on the AF carrier (200).

[0164] Meanwhile, the second region (620) can be formed to have a wider area as it extends toward the rear line (602) while forming the upper line (603) and the chamfer (621).

[0165]

[0166] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are schematic drawings illustrating the arrangement of a suction yoke for attitude control when implementing an OIS function of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] Referring again to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 together with FIG. 6, the arrangement structure of the suction yoke (600) when implementing the OIS function of the camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0168] As described, the first magnet (M1) constituting the first driving unit may include a first-1 magnet (M1-1) and a first-2 magnet (M1-2) arranged adjacent to the first-1 magnet (M1-1) in a second direction.

[0169] At this time, the 1-1 magnet (M1-1) and the 1-2 magnet (M1-2) may be arranged to have different polarities.

[0170] At this time, the first-1 magnet (M1-1) is arranged with an inner stimulus (B11) close to the first-2 magnet (M1-2) and an outer stimulus (B11') far from the first-2 magnet (M1-2), having a length in the second direction.

[0171] And, the first-2 magnet (M1-2) has an inner stimulus (B12) close to the first-1 magnet (M1-1) and an outer stimulus (B12') far from the first-1 magnet (M1-1), and is arranged with a length in the second direction.

[0172] Meanwhile, the second magnet (M2) constituting the second drive unit may include a second-1 magnet (M2-1) and a second-2 magnet (M2-2) arranged adjacent to the second-1 magnet (M2-1) in a first direction.

[0173] At this time, the 2-1 magnet (M2-1) and the 2-2 magnet (M2-2) may be arranged to have different polarities.

[0174] At this time, the 2-1 magnet (M2-1) has an inner stimulus (B21) close to the 2-2 magnet (M2-2) and an outer stimulus (B21') far from the 2-2 magnet (M2-2), and is arranged with a length in the first direction.

[0175] And, the 2-2 magnet (M2-2) has an inner stimulus (B22) close to the 2-1 magnet (M2-1) and an outer stimulus (B22') far from the 2-1 magnet (M2-1), and is arranged with a length in the first direction.

[0176] Meanwhile, the first yoke (600a) may be positioned to have an area that overlaps in the optical axis direction with the first-1 magnet (M1-1) that is furthest from the second drive unit.

[0177] At this time, the first yoke (600a) can be formed such that the second region (620, FIG. 8), which is located adjacent to the outer magnetic pole (B11') of the first-1 magnet (M1-1) that is far from the first-2 magnet (M1-2) based on a virtual centerline (L) that divides the length (a, FIG. 8), has a larger area than the area of ​​the adjacent first region (610, FIG. 8).

[0178] And, the second yoke (600b) can be positioned to have an area that overlaps in the optical axis direction with the second-2 magnet (M2-2) that is furthest from the first drive unit.

[0179] At this time, the second yoke (600b) can be formed such that the second region (620, FIG. 8), which is located adjacent to the outer magnetic field (B22') of the second-second magnet (M2-2) that is far from the second-first magnet (M2-1) based on the virtual center line (L) that divides the length (a, FIG. 8), has a larger area than the area of ​​the adjacent first region (610, FIG. 8).

[0180]

[0181] Meanwhile, in a camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 9, when implementing the OIS function, the OIS carrier (300) moves in a first direction (①).

[0182] At this time, when implementing the OIS function in the first direction in which the first coil (C1) and the first magnet (M1) move away from each other as in (b) of FIG. 9, it is preferable that the first yoke (600a) be positioned so that the bottom line (604, FIG. 8) furthest from the first-1 coil (C1-1) does not extend beyond the width direction boundary of the first-1 magnet (M1-1) that is close to the first-1 coil (C1-1).

[0183] In other words, the first yoke (600a) has a placement structure that does not extend beyond the boundary of the stimulation of the first-1 magnet (M1-1), which allows for the generation of suction force by always forming an overlapping area between the first yoke (600a) and the first-1 magnet (M1-1).

[0184] At this time, it is preferable that the second yoke (600b) be formed such that the leading line (601, FIG. 8) located near the second-1 magnet (M2-1) does not extend beyond the boundary of the inner magnetic field (B22, FIG. 8) of the second-2 magnet (M2-2) located near the second-1 magnet (M2-1).

[0185] In other words, the second yoke (600b) has a placement structure that does not extend beyond the boundary of the stimulation of the second-2 magnet (M2-2), which allows the second yoke (600b) to generate suction power stably by not being affected by the second-2 magnet (M2-1) when it is magnetized to generate suction power.

[0186]

[0187] Meanwhile, in a camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 10, when implementing the OIS function, the OIS carrier (300) moves in a second direction (②).

[0188] At this time, when implementing the OIS function in the second direction in which the second coil (C2) and the second magnet (M2) move away from each other as in (a) of FIG. 10, it is preferable that the first yoke (600a) is formed such that the leading line (601, FIG. 8) located close to the first-1 magnet (M1-1) does not go beyond the boundary of the inner magnetic pole (B11, FIG. 8) of the first-1 magnet (M1-1) located close to the first-2 magnet (M1-2).

[0189] In other words, the first yoke (600a) has an arrangement structure that does not extend beyond the boundary of the stimulation of the first-1 magnet (M1-1), which allows the first yoke (600a) to generate suction power stably by not being affected by the first-2 magnet (M1-2) when it is magnetized and generates suction power.

[0190] At this time, it is preferable that the second yoke (600b) be positioned so that the bottom line (604, FIG. 8) furthest from the second-2 coil (C2-2) does not extend beyond the width direction boundary of the second-2 magnet (M2-2) closest to the second-2 coil (C2-2).

[0191] In other words, the second yoke (600b) has a placement structure that does not extend beyond the boundary of stimulation of the second-2 magnet (M2-2), which allows for the generation of suction force by always forming an overlapping area between the second yoke (600b) and the second-2 magnet (M2-2).

[0192]

[0193] As described above, a camera actuator (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can achieve miniaturization and slimness while enhancing OIS driving characteristics by configuring the first yoke (600a) of the first driving unit and the second yoke (600b) of the second driving unit into a single suction yoke through the arrangement characteristics.

[0194] In addition, by configuring the first yoke (600a) and the second yoke (600b) as a single suction yoke, it is easy to position the suction yoke (600) in the correct position during insert molding, thereby minimizing assembly errors, making manufacturing and process management easier, and suppressing unnecessary rotational driving of the OIS carrier.

[0195] Additionally, the first yoke (600a) of the first drive unit is positioned adjacent to the magnetic pole (B11') of the first magnet (M1) that is furthest from the second magnet (M2), and the second yoke (600b) of the second drive unit is positioned adjacent to the magnetic pole (B22') of the second magnet (M2) that is furthest from the first magnet (M1), so that the first yoke (600a) and the second yoke (600b) can suppress unnecessary rotational drive components of the OIS carrier (300) and enhance OIS drive characteristics without being affected by the other drive unit.

[0196] Additionally, the first yoke (600a) and the second yoke (600b) are formed such that the area of ​​the second region (620), which is located adjacent to the stimulation (B11', B22') at a distance from the virtual centerline (L) that divides the length (a) equally, is larger than the area of ​​the adjacent first region (610), thereby increasing the suction force in the part adjacent to the stimulation (B11', B22'), increasing the rotational restoring force of the OIS carrier (300), and reducing the rotational driving component.

[0197] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the spirit of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments presented in this specification. Those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention may easily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components, and such are also to be considered to fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. Bass; An OIS carrier accommodated in the above base and moving in a first direction or a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; A first driving unit comprising a first magnet disposed on the first directional side of the OIS carrier, having a length in the second direction and forming a boundary of stimulation, and a first coil disposed facing the first magnet; A second driving unit comprising a second magnet disposed on the second directional side of the OIS carrier, having a length in the first direction and forming a boundary of stimulation, and a second coil disposed facing the second magnet; and, A suction yoke disposed having an area overlapping with the first magnet or the second magnet; comprising The above suction yoke is, A first yoke having an area overlapping with the first magnet and positioned adjacent to the magnetic pole of the first magnet that is furthest from the second magnet, and A camera actuator comprising a second yoke having an area overlapping with the second magnet and positioned adjacent to the magnetic pole of the second magnet, which is furthest from the first magnet.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above suction yoke is, A camera actuator arranged to have an area overlapping with the first magnet or the second magnet in the optical axis direction.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above suction yoke is, A camera actuator having a second region located adjacent to the magnetic pole of the first magnet or the second magnet based on a virtual centerline that divides the length equally, wherein the second region has a larger area than the adjacent first region.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above suction yoke is, A camera actuator having a corner portion of the first region, which is far from the first coil or the second coil, formed as a chamfer.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above suction yoke is a camera actuator that is inserted molded.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above suction yoke is, A camera actuator comprising a protrusion extending toward the first coil or the second coil in the second region.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above suction yoke is, A camera actuator in which the first yoke and the second yoke have the same size and shape.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first magnet is, It includes a first-1 magnet and a first-2 magnet arranged adjacent to the first-1 magnet in a second direction, and The above second magnet is, A camera actuator comprising a second-1 magnet and a second-2 magnet arranged adjacent to the second-1 magnet in a first direction.

9. In Paragraph 8, The first yoke is arranged to have an area that overlaps with the first-1 magnet in the optical axis direction, and The above second yoke is a camera actuator arranged to have an area that overlaps with the above second-2 magnet in the optical axis direction.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above-mentioned first yoke is, Based on a virtual centerline dividing the length, the area of ​​the second region located adjacent to the outer magnetic pole of the first-1 magnet, which is far from the first-2 magnet, has a larger area than the area of ​​the adjacent first region. The above second yoke is, A camera actuator formed such that the area of ​​a second region located adjacent to the outer magnetic pole of the second-2 magnet, which is far from the second-1 magnet based on a virtual centerline dividing the length, has a larger area than the area of ​​an adjacent first region.

11. In Paragraph 10, When implementing the OIS function in a first direction in which the first coil and the first magnet move away from each other, The above-mentioned first yoke is, The bottom line furthest from the above-mentioned first-1 coil is formed so as not to extend beyond the width direction boundary of the above-mentioned first-1 magnet closest to the above-mentioned first-1 coil, and The above second yoke is, A camera actuator formed such that the leading edge line at a position close to the 2-1 magnet does not extend beyond the boundary of the inner magnetic field of the 2-2 magnet close to the 2-1 magnet.

12. In Paragraph 10, When implementing the OIS function in the second direction in which the second coil and the second magnet move away from each other, The above-mentioned first yoke is, The leading edge line at a position close to the first-2 magnet is formed so as not to extend beyond the boundary of the inner magnetic field of the first-1 magnet close to the first-2 magnet, and The above second yoke is, A camera actuator formed such that the bottom line furthest from the above-mentioned second-2 coil does not extend beyond the width direction boundary of the above-mentioned second-2 magnet close to the above-mentioned second-2 coil.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above suction yoke is, A plate shape having an area defined by length and width, The above length is divided into a first region and a second region based on a virtual centerline that divides the length equally, A chamfer is formed at the corner where the leading line and the lower line of the first region are connected, and The upper line of the above second region extends with a protruding height to form an expanded area, A camera actuator formed such that the area of ​​the second region is larger than the area of ​​the first region.

14. In Paragraph 1, A camera actuator comprising an AF carrier that is accommodated in the base and moves in the optical axis direction together with the OIS carrier.

Images